Keep Yourself Young

A friend of mine has a car that is 20 years old. It is safe and functions very well, even with almost 300,000 miles on it. Why is it in such great shape compared to other cars of exactly the same year? He took and takes care of it. Also, it has good genetics, so to speak. (It’s a Mercedes). Our bodies are similar. Some of us have good genetics. Some of us not so good. Either way, we all have work to do to take care of our body.

How? Many of us did not invest in our “body and health account” and as we age we began to have ailments. Is it too late, you may wonder, to be preventative? NO, as long as you are alive, even the smallest steps towards health and wellness count. This article is geared to answer the general question of “What can I do to have a healthier body and mind as I continue to age? ”

First, get a complete physical with a blood and urine workup. Many diseases can be avoided IF a person has the current information of the state of health of their body. And then compare, over time, under medical supervision, changes in these findings. Depending on your age and sex, other tests include regular pap and breast exams, thermograms, mammograms, EBT, dexascan, PSA and prostate checks, and colonoscopy.

Go over the results in detail with a physician. Give specific details of previous medical history, both personal and family. Ask questions if you need clarification of specific results. Keep records of your blood pressure, height and weight. Know your blood type, fasting cholesterol, and glucose.

Examine in detail your diet, lifestyles, and daily habits. If you are uncertain about the details of your life keep a monthly log and then examine. This includes sleep, food and drink, elimination, all over the counter supplements, prescription medications, exercise program, and weight changes.
QUIT SMOKING, chewing tobacco and taking recreational drugs. Aging is going to happen, like paying taxes and dying. However, these habits not only hasten the process, they can cause disease and decrease the quality of life along the way.

There are a number of supplements that are protective and may be part of a preventative program. These include antioxidants: vitamin C, selenium, zinc, B vitamins, including folic acid. Others are calcium and magnesium, and essential fatty acids.

We have all heard the expression “ Use it or Lose it”. Yes, if we do not use our muscles, we lose them. Resistance training or weight lifting and maintaining lean body mass is one of the key indicators of a healthy aging body. Exercise is important.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food”, is another expression we all have heard. And yet so few of us embrace and practice this philosophy. Water, fruits, vegetable, grains, nuts and seeds, quality proteins (free range, non-GMO, hormone free) must be the priority of our diets. There are so many benefits from these types of foods, such as vitamins, phytonutrients, and fiber just to name a few.

Taking care of injuries and symptoms as they arise before they become chronic disorders most often are excellent short as well long term investments into your overall health.

And lastly and certainly not least, the mind-body connection. Filling our lives with love and joy. Doing what we love with passion, loving and being loved in return nurtures our soul, spirit, and our body.

On average, the life expectancy age continues to rise. As we live longer, let us choose to also live healthier. THIS should be part of our legacy, an example to and for each other, and our children.

If you would like a consultation regarding this or any other health matter, please call (541) 383-3424 today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you.