MILWAUKEE - The fountain of youth is more accessible than you may think. There are simple things you can do to add years to your life. Just ask Rich Mathis.

The 61-year-old was diagnosed with kidney disease five years ago. That, along with diet and no exercise, made him a physical and emotional wreck. But after adopting a health conscious lifestyle, Rich says he has added years to his life. Dietitian Kelly Welsh showed Rich the "fantastic five". The group includes salmon, red wine, garlic, dark chocolate, and fruits and vegetables.

Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. This helps lower blood pressure and keeps cholesterol down. Omega 3's help remove cholesterol plaque from arteries; boosts brain cell production; slows cancer growth; lowers blood pressure; helps to prevent heart disease and various autoimmune diseases; lessens severity of menstrual cramps; and making hair shiny and skin soft. The recommended intake is 4 ounces, four times a week to get the protected benefits.

And then there's red wine. Scientists believe antioxidants called flavonoids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in three ways: By reducing production of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also know as the "bad" cholesterol); By boosting high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol); and by reducing blood clotting. The recommended amount is about three ounces per day.

Garlic is another recommended food. It reduces the risk of heart disease, fights infection and boosts immunity. And, as if that weren't enough, the data is strong for the prevention of cancers of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum.

Dark Chocolate makes the top five list too. It provides heart protecting benefits such as keeping the blood pressure down, lowering bad cholesterol and keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay. And dark chocolate contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant.

Finally, Welsh recommends lots of fruits and vegetables. People who eat generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

And of course, there's exercise. Dr. Mark Niedfeldt, from Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin says most of us do not get enough. The number one activity Niedfeldt suggests is walking, even if it's only a couple of blocks a day.

It's all advice Mathis took to heart... and he says that helped him get his kidney disease under control... and helped him add years to his life.