Here's some boring but solid advice. And remember, 100% is foolish. Eat some junk food now and then. Overeat once in awhile. Have some fun. (but never smoke). And don't believe anything that sounds nutty. If it sounds nutty, it probably is nutty.
maineman
If you smoke, quit
Smoking accelerates the aging process and puts people at risk of heart disease, emphysema and a long list of cancers, including lung cancer.Slim down
A recent study suggests the nation's obesity problem could derail much of the past century's progress in extending life. Obesity can trigger heart disease, diabetes and other life-threatening conditions. "Getting rid of the fat may be the most potent way to slow down the aging process," says Thomas Perls, director of the New England Centenarian Study.
Work your body
Scientists already have identified a therapy that keeps the body running at top capacity throughout life: exercise. "It's the closest thing we have to a Fountain of Youth," says Jay Olshansky of the University of Illinois in Chicago. Regular physical activity wards off heart disease, diabetes and maybe Alzheimer's. It also seems to reverse some aspects of aging. For example, lifting weights can help boost muscle mass, which declines as people get older.
Load up on fruits and vegetables
There's no proof yet, but many experts believe a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect people from a laundry list of age-related diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain powerful anti-oxidants that help neutralize damaging molecules called free radicals that are thought to play a role in the aging process.
Avoid junk food
That includes white bread, white rice, soda, chips, pastries and cakes. Instead, experts such as Luigi Fontana of Washington University in St. Louis recommend foods that are packed with nutrients, such as whole-grain bread, brown rice, fish and nuts such as almonds or pecans.
Stay connected
Studies show a connection between social isolation and depression and other diseases, says Christine Himes Fordyce at the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle. People who volunteer, join social groups or just maintain their ties with friends and family seem to live longer, she says.
Don't sweat the small stuff
People who live a long time often seem to have good coping skills, Perls says. They'll turn to prayer, meditation, or even humor to help get them through a stressful situation. Many studies have linked stress to a damaged immune system and killer conditions such as heart disease.
A few simple ideas...
Started by
maineman
, Feb 27 2006 08:43 PM
3 replies to this topic
#1
Posted 27 February 2006 - 08:43 PM
#2
Posted 28 February 2006 - 11:47 PM
Too Simple.
It'll never catch on.
Have you ever read Dr. Dean Edell's first book, Eat, Drink & Be Merry (HarperCollins, 1999)?
It is one of the only health books that tells readers to listen up, get the facts, stop obsessing, and enjoy life, for goodness sake. It's full of medical facts that you can spout to amaze your friends, provocative concepts that will shake you into questioning some of your best-loved opinions, and, of course, Edell's personal story.
His ideas sound very similar to your recommendations.
It'll never catch on.
Have you ever read Dr. Dean Edell's first book, Eat, Drink & Be Merry (HarperCollins, 1999)?
It is one of the only health books that tells readers to listen up, get the facts, stop obsessing, and enjoy life, for goodness sake. It's full of medical facts that you can spout to amaze your friends, provocative concepts that will shake you into questioning some of your best-loved opinions, and, of course, Edell's personal story.
His ideas sound very similar to your recommendations.
Edited by Rogerdodger, 28 February 2006 - 11:48 PM.
"Nature's Failure to Function in a 'Predictable Way'... 500 years ago?"
BIGGEST SCIENCE SCANDAL EVER...Official records systematically 'adjusted'.
BIGGEST SCIENCE SCANDAL EVER...Official records systematically 'adjusted'.
#3
Posted 01 March 2006 - 02:09 PM
Years ago, a little old lady was asked:
If you had your life to live over, what would you do differently?
Her classic reply:
"I'd eat less beans and more ice cream."
If you had your life to live over, what would you do differently?
Her classic reply:
"I'd eat less beans and more ice cream."
"Nature's Failure to Function in a 'Predictable Way'... 500 years ago?"
BIGGEST SCIENCE SCANDAL EVER...Official records systematically 'adjusted'.
BIGGEST SCIENCE SCANDAL EVER...Official records systematically 'adjusted'.
#4
Posted 01 March 2006 - 06:50 PM
Too Simple.
It'll never catch on.
Have you ever read Dr. Dean Edell's first book, Eat, Drink & Be Merry (HarperCollins, 1999)?
I have not read it, but I will. Sounds interesting. Thanks.
mm