Stars of the 70s and 80s who radically changed their lifestyle for the sake of health

When you receive an unexpected medical diagnosis, you may need to overhaul your daily habits as part of your long-term treatment. In fact, making lifestyle changes can help better manage an existing chronic condition. (Payment Health and wellness trends that are everywhere in 2026.) “Many disease processes are affected by your lifestyle,” explains Dr. Blake Arthurs, adding that many health care providers suggest that patients with medical conditions make beneficial lifestyle modifications (via Henry Ford’s health).

A 2023 condition In Nutrients notes that prioritizing nutrient-dense eating, regular fitness, and adequate sleep can reduce the effects and incidence of metabolic diseases and some types of cancer. Meanwhile, a 2020 study in Gamma Researchers evaluated data from 116,043 adults to investigate a possible link between low nicotine use, exercise routine, limited alcohol intake and a diagnosis of a chronic condition such as diabetes. The results showed that people who followed healthier lifestyles were able to live disease-free for a longer period. But changing your behavior isn’t always easy, especially if you’re forced to rethink your entire world. Then it is useful to hear about the inspiring stories of others who have succeeded in making radical changes.

1972 Academy Award-winning actor Jeff Bridges was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2020, requiring a year-long battle to achieve remission. He also contracted Covid-19, which he described as more difficult than cancer. Bridges said AARP That he only used his musical talents to “jam” his way through the experience. In addition, in A procession In his article, he discusses engaging in stress-relieving exercises daily to stay in the “good groove.”

Here are other stars from the ’70s and ’80s who made changes for their lasting well-being.

Patti LaBelle’s legendary voice seemed to be everywhere after her 1974 hit, Lady Marmalade. However, LaBelle’s rise to fame and fandom did not prevent her from being diagnosed with diabetes in the 1990s. As she pointed out Washington Detective In 2023, she initially lived in denial. However, she turned herself around and “made a conscious choice to prioritize her health and change her way of life.”

The good news is that LaBelle loved to cook, so she used her culinary skills to rework her diet. Its results changed the course of her career. Today, LaBelle is as well known as a cookbook author and cooking show host as she is for her songs. (And you can take a hint from LaBelle’s transformation by checking out Foods you should eat to lower high blood sugar levels.)

When actress Drew Barrymore screamed when she saw an alien in the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” she cemented her place as part of the next generation of Hollywood stars. What the general public did not know is that Barrymore suffered from addiction from a young age. As she said The GuardianHer mother sent her to rehab when she was still a teenager. (It is worth noting that rehabilitation is not the only way to treat alcohol addiction; there are other ways Effective medications to treat alcohol addiction also.)

Barrymore continued the battle for several decades before deciding to stop eating in 2019. When she was a guest on CBS Morning In 2021, Barrymore admitted that alcohol “did not serve her and her life.” Barrymore has reportedly focused her attention on being more mindful and is seeking alternative therapies, including yoga and acupuncture, as part of her overall lifestyle changes.

If you or someone you know needs help with addiction problems, help is available. Visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website Or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

In the late 1980s, Christina Applegate received immediate recognition for her comedic talents as Bundy’s cheerful daughter Kelly in Married… with Children. This television series launched her career, which followed a steady path of projects throughout her adulthood. However, while filming Dead to Me in 2021, she experienced balance issues and uncomfortable nerve tingles (via ABC News). A doctor confirmed that her symptoms were the result of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, progressive, incurable disease that affects the autoimmune system. Applegate confirmed the diagnosis in A tweetPointing out that “the road was difficult.”

To combat this, Applegate tries to reduce her social interactions to avoid overstimulation, which can worsen the severity of her MS symptoms (via today). “I like to keep it as calm and quiet as possible,” she said. Vanity gallery In 2023.

“Star Wars” fans know George Lucas as the director behind their favorite out-of-this-world franchise. However, before he shot to fame in the 1970s for his hit sci-fi film, he received a diagnosis that forced him to reshape his life.

When Lucas was a young adult, he was told he had diabetes. Knowing that the disease could be life-threatening (his grandfather died of diabetes, RadarOnline reports), he set about managing his blood sugar levels. Although he has not revealed the exact strategies behind his success, the fact that he has been alive with the condition for nearly 60 years is nothing short of remarkable. like Diabetes UK “He set a great example for millions of diabetics” by showing that it is possible to keep the disease under control for decades, Lucas says.

The 1980s brought Tom Hanks to fame with hit films like “Splash” and “Big.” In fact, he was so committed to his craft that he was willing to change his body to fit the role. However, he admitted in 2013 that he wished he had not taken such liberties with his diet and exercise because he believed the decision led to him developing diabetes. As he explained, “You eat a lot of bad food and don’t get any exercise when you’re heavy” (trans Welcome! magazine). Indeed, 2022 Editorial In Diabetics supports the idea that yo-yo dieting can increase someone’s likelihood of developing diabetes.

After his diagnosis, Hanks revamped his lifestyle. according to Diabetes in AustraliaHanks follows a strict regimen of exercising for an hour every day and watching what he eats very carefully, as he jokingly suggests, his diet is boring.