Yevgeniy Chazov, a renowned Soviet and Russian cardiologist, lived to 92 without major illness, attributing his longevity to emotional and spiritual well-being rather than medical interventions. He believed that health begins in the soul, emphasizing peace, forgiveness, honesty, and purpose as essential for a healthy heart.
One of his most notable pieces of advice was to remove the television from the home. Chazov argued that constant exposure to anxiety, violence, and negative news silently poisons the nervous system. He stated, “The television transmits anxiety. Drop by drop, it poisons the mood,” and warned that “sadness kills faster than disease.”
Chazov’s philosophy extended to practical life lessons:
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Forgive and Move Forward: He believed holding grudges was a form of self-inflicted illness, advocating for forgiveness to maintain inner peace.
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Live with Purpose: Chazov taught that having a sincere reason to rise each morning—be it to help, create, or love—sustains both heart and mind.
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Avoid Emotional Overload: He emphasized that silent stress, such as unspoken worries, is more destructive than open conflict, advising individuals to recognize and release burdens.
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Eat with Moderation, Not Guilt: Chazov enjoyed simple foods like tea with sugar and bread with sausages but avoided excess and never obsessed over food.
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Distance Yourself from Negativity: He recommended protecting one’s peace by avoiding toxic people, conversations, and routines that drain energy.
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Guard Your Nervous System: Chazov observed that nearly half of people live with mild depression without naming it, suggesting that cultivating optimism, purpose, and spiritual calm is the antidote.
His advice was not a medical prescription but a human truth: to live well is to live gently—to turn down the noise, forgive what hurts, and let the heart breathe. Sometimes, the first step toward health is as simple as turning off the television and turning life back on.
