The American Heart Association (AHA) has identified seven simple steps people can take to reduce their risk of heart disease. But new evidence suggests that the AHA's "Life's Simple 7" may wind up benefiting much more than patients' hearts. {C}

For those in midlife, lifestyle choices made now may have a major impact on living long and staying independent later in life.

Sitting may feel nice, especially after a long day. Too much of it, however, isn't doing your heart health any favors.

Pumping iron to stay strong may keep your heart pumping, too. Healthy lifestyle practices may prevent the majority of heart attacks in younger women.

Keep on moving — or start, if you haven't already. Even a little exercise may keep your blood pressure and blood sugar at normal levels.

Having weight loss surgery can improve obese patients' health, but it isn't a fix-all for health problems tied to being obese. Exercise may improve these patients' overall health even more and lower their risk for diabetes.