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The most recent research released provided interesting results. Quite interesting.

Of all of the countries in the world — all of them — where do you think the United States ranks with respect to the increase in human longevity? That is, in which countries are people living longer. (This came out pre-virus.)

It might be significant to point out that both individually and in the aggregate, the U.S. ranks first by a healthy margin in money spent on health care. Then, it might not.

You see, as a country we rank 45th overall in life extension.

Of utmost significance, experts say the primary cause of this less than stellar ranking is, in a word — diet.

That’s right, diet. What we eat. How it’s prepared and seasoned. (Think animal fat, fried, fast foods.) And … individual amounts. How much, that is.

Just look at us, folks. Overweight or obese is almost standard. Especially is this so in places such as where we live. In rural areas. In the South. Not an opinion. A fact.

Let’s not just say “diet” and leave it at that. It is estimated that 68 percent of adults are overweight and 34 percent are obese.

“An ideal heart-healthy diet as defined by the American Heart Association entails that saturated and trans-fat should be limited to less than seven percent and one percent of your daily calories, respectively … Additionally, physical activity can help control weight and improve cardiovascular health. It is recommended to exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week.” (Rony L. Shammas, MD, FACC, FASE, FSCAI, Vidant Medical Center)

Smoking? We don’t even need to go there. We all know that it is a strong risk factor for heart attack, stroke and cancer.

Then, we could cite grim warnings about cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, of course. But most of us have long known about all of this. Some are in denial, and some are going to do what they want to do, all information and warnings be damned. And that includes those now who also don’t “respect” the coronavirus.

A good friend of mine would often say that “You can’t save people from themselves.”

And that, friends, is the way it is.