Growing research suggests that adopting healthy habits can significantly alter the course of aging even if you’re older than middle age. Many of the same benefits as people who have been active all their lives, according to a recent Swedish study of over 2,000 men. “The older you are, the more important lifestyle choices become,” says Robert Palmer, M.D., clinical director of geriatric medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
As more people live into their 80s, 90s, and beyond, researchers are asking what it takes not just to survive but to thrive. In the Journal of Gerontology explored the secrets of successful aging by following 2,432 older men and women for a decade. Those who aged with little disability tended to have a moderate-to-high income. Their lifestyle choices also helped set them apart. They didn’t smoke, drank in moderation, maintained a positive outlook, and reported less stress.
Your brain needs a workout just as much as your arms and legs. Education and an active work life when younger can help ward off dementia later building a cognitive so that small losses in function are not as noticeable. A recent study found that while career success in midlife boosted, so did staying motivated, working hard and being dependable. A 2009 study in 2009 of 500 men and women 75 and older, and published in the Journal of Neurology found that they could delay cognitive decline by participating in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, writing, doing puzzles and participating in group discussions, and playing games or music.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
THE BEST WAY TO RELAX MUSCLES
According to Consumer Reports on Health, March, 2010 the answer is not a muscle-relaxant pill. Recent analysis showed those drugs are relatively ineffective and potentially dangerous. Michael Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith, for example, both reportedly abused the muscle-relaxant carisoprodol (Soma and generic), in a combination with other drugs, before they died. Most muscle-relaxants can cause sedation, which increases the risk of car crashes, falls and other accidents.
Instead, people with tight muscles generally opt for safer, more effective treatments. Spasms stemming from back or neck pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, or other forms of musculo-skeletal pain often respond to heating pads or hands-on therapies such as massage or spinal manipulation. For lower-back pain, Consumer Reports National Research Center survey of more than 14,000 people published in 2009, chiropractic was the most effective treatment. Other research suggests that acupuncture, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga may help some people. If the non-drug measures do not work for you (Tylenol and generic) works as well as muscle relaxants. Avoid carisoprodol, because it may be more likely than other muscle-relaxants to lead to addiction and abuse. More free reports at ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Instead, people with tight muscles generally opt for safer, more effective treatments. Spasms stemming from back or neck pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, or other forms of musculo-skeletal pain often respond to heating pads or hands-on therapies such as massage or spinal manipulation. For lower-back pain, Consumer Reports National Research Center survey of more than 14,000 people published in 2009, chiropractic was the most effective treatment. Other research suggests that acupuncture, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga may help some people. If the non-drug measures do not work for you (Tylenol and generic) works as well as muscle relaxants. Avoid carisoprodol, because it may be more likely than other muscle-relaxants to lead to addiction and abuse. More free reports at ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
HEALTH TIPS
CLEAN THE AIR WITH PLANTS:
Researchers from Georgia and South Korea took 28 plants and put them in jars with pollutants from building and cleaning products, fragrances, paints, and tobacco. After six hours, all the plants improved the air somewhat. The top four were the asparagus fern, the English ivy, the purple waffle plant, and the variegated wax plant.
BETTER BODY IMAGE, WITHOUT WEIGHT LOSS:
Men and women who start exercising are happier about their bodies even when they don’t lose weight, according to a study published in the September 2009 issue of the Journal of Health Psychology. Improved body image depended more on how often people exercised than on how long or hard they worked out, according to researchers at the University of Florida.
EAT SLOWLY, FEEL FULL:
European researchers had 17 men eat the same amount of ice cream in either 5 minutes or 30 minutes, then took blood measurements every 30 minutes for 3 ½ hours. The study, published in the January 2010 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, found that the 30-minute snackers had higher concentrations of several hormones that help make people feel full.
Researchers from Georgia and South Korea took 28 plants and put them in jars with pollutants from building and cleaning products, fragrances, paints, and tobacco. After six hours, all the plants improved the air somewhat. The top four were the asparagus fern, the English ivy, the purple waffle plant, and the variegated wax plant.
BETTER BODY IMAGE, WITHOUT WEIGHT LOSS:
Men and women who start exercising are happier about their bodies even when they don’t lose weight, according to a study published in the September 2009 issue of the Journal of Health Psychology. Improved body image depended more on how often people exercised than on how long or hard they worked out, according to researchers at the University of Florida.
EAT SLOWLY, FEEL FULL:
European researchers had 17 men eat the same amount of ice cream in either 5 minutes or 30 minutes, then took blood measurements every 30 minutes for 3 ½ hours. The study, published in the January 2010 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, found that the 30-minute snackers had higher concentrations of several hormones that help make people feel full.
Monday, June 14, 2010
MANUFACTURING A DISEASE TO PROVIDE A CURE
The moderator of the science program on CBC Radio called Quirks and Quarks brings the latest in science and is broadcast every Saturday immediately after the noon news. Its host, Bob McDonald was absent this week to receive two prodigious awards for his diligence for his research in the field of Science. Listen for a repeat of the Saturday noon radio broadcast every Monday evening at ll:30 pm. In his absence this week Alison Molluk hosted the program for him. It explained how 50 million Americans as well as uncounted millions of Canadians were prescribed a newly minted disease known as Depression. Double blind tests for Depression were conducted with mixed results.
“Any kind of suffering is a target for creating a drug for pharmaceuticals to offer doctors to prescribe for a possible chemical cure for an imbalance in the system,” says Dr. Greenberg who has written a book on the subject called: Manufacturing Depression, A Secret History of a Modern Disease.
Through time immemorial people have felt anxiety, proven by the fact that students study before writing examinations as I noted in my blog dated June l2, 2010, called “Worried sick.” According to this medical doctor, millions of people have become addicted to this prescription for Depression that has become habit forming for many with great difficulties overcoming it.
The details are so well set forth in the repeat of this program and other science programs hosted by Bob McDonald Monday evening at ll:30 pm.
Set your alarm to be sure you don’t miss it. Another well documented science presentation by this host is presented every Saturday noon from CBC radio.
“Any kind of suffering is a target for creating a drug for pharmaceuticals to offer doctors to prescribe for a possible chemical cure for an imbalance in the system,” says Dr. Greenberg who has written a book on the subject called: Manufacturing Depression, A Secret History of a Modern Disease.
Through time immemorial people have felt anxiety, proven by the fact that students study before writing examinations as I noted in my blog dated June l2, 2010, called “Worried sick.” According to this medical doctor, millions of people have become addicted to this prescription for Depression that has become habit forming for many with great difficulties overcoming it.
The details are so well set forth in the repeat of this program and other science programs hosted by Bob McDonald Monday evening at ll:30 pm.
Set your alarm to be sure you don’t miss it. Another well documented science presentation by this host is presented every Saturday noon from CBC radio.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
WORRIED SICK
Anxiety is the most common form of mental illness. Everyone worries sometimes, and there’s certainly a lot to fret about these days, but how do you differentiate mental, even healthy fears from those that are irrational or destructive?
In small doses, “worry and anxiety are adaptive,” says Michael First, M.D., Columbia University’s college of Physicians and Surgeons. “Nobody would study for a test if it weren’t for anxiety. But when it goes from something that motivates you to something that interferes with your life so you can’t concentrate or make you avoid social situations – that’s when you might need help. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for anxiety. No solution works for everyone and often requires trial and error, and more than a little patience.
The psychology sections of bookstores are filled with titles like “From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life, and, yes, “Overcoming Anxiety for Dummies.”
Anxiety often triggers depression, and it appears to increase the risk of other health problems like asthma, chronic pain, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, overactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke and even death.
The best-studied method is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. The specifics often vary depending on the type of anxiety. For example, people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder can benefit from exposure therapy, in which they repeatedly encounter the situations or objects they most fear in order to become desensitized to them. Group training in problem-solving skills, relaxation and sleep hygiene can help. Finding a therapist through a friend or relative or a recommendation from their doctor had better outcomes than those who picked someone from the phone book or health plan’s provider list.
In small doses, “worry and anxiety are adaptive,” says Michael First, M.D., Columbia University’s college of Physicians and Surgeons. “Nobody would study for a test if it weren’t for anxiety. But when it goes from something that motivates you to something that interferes with your life so you can’t concentrate or make you avoid social situations – that’s when you might need help. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for anxiety. No solution works for everyone and often requires trial and error, and more than a little patience.
The psychology sections of bookstores are filled with titles like “From Panic to Power: Proven Techniques to Calm Your Anxieties, Conquer Your Fears, and Put You in Control of Your Life, and, yes, “Overcoming Anxiety for Dummies.”
Anxiety often triggers depression, and it appears to increase the risk of other health problems like asthma, chronic pain, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, overactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke and even death.
The best-studied method is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. The specifics often vary depending on the type of anxiety. For example, people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder can benefit from exposure therapy, in which they repeatedly encounter the situations or objects they most fear in order to become desensitized to them. Group training in problem-solving skills, relaxation and sleep hygiene can help. Finding a therapist through a friend or relative or a recommendation from their doctor had better outcomes than those who picked someone from the phone book or health plan’s provider list.
Monday, June 7, 2010
A FUTURE VISIT TO THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE
“I see you have brought your list of symptoms as requested,” said the doctor as he looked over the patient’s sheet of lined paper. “I think the CLC treatment will fix you up nicely,” he added as he pressed a few buttons and returned the page to his patient, together with Page 2 that gave the diagnosis and listed his instructions for treatment.
“Please note that it is important to consume all of these salad foods daily, preferably organic, fresh, and from your own garden if possible. Your Provincial Health Guide will explain the details on the meaning of the acronym CLC.
CELERY will give you a good source of dietary fiber, calcium, manganese, magnesium, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B2, and B6.
LETTUCE, especially the green leafy kind, is a good source of dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. It contains Vitamins A, C, K, B1, B2, B6 and folate, iron, potassium and manganese. Together with cabbage as well, helps the system in the production of leucocytes in the blood, or their element of activity.
CARROTS contain large amounts of Vitamins A, K, C, B1, B3, B6, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, among others, and is a good source of dietary fiber.
“You will find all the details on each of these nutritional items listed in alphabetical order in the Provincial Health Guide. This will help your thought processes that encourage the cells of the body to put all of these nourishing foods into action. Thoughts are very important. A silent “Thank you,” to your wonderful body cells as they work together in this way,” our future doctor added. We do not need to wait for some future time to make good health possible and implement the CLC treatment immediately, make it a daily habit, and avoid future pandemics.
“Please note that it is important to consume all of these salad foods daily, preferably organic, fresh, and from your own garden if possible. Your Provincial Health Guide will explain the details on the meaning of the acronym CLC.
CELERY will give you a good source of dietary fiber, calcium, manganese, magnesium, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B2, and B6.
LETTUCE, especially the green leafy kind, is a good source of dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. It contains Vitamins A, C, K, B1, B2, B6 and folate, iron, potassium and manganese. Together with cabbage as well, helps the system in the production of leucocytes in the blood, or their element of activity.
CARROTS contain large amounts of Vitamins A, K, C, B1, B3, B6, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, among others, and is a good source of dietary fiber.
“You will find all the details on each of these nutritional items listed in alphabetical order in the Provincial Health Guide. This will help your thought processes that encourage the cells of the body to put all of these nourishing foods into action. Thoughts are very important. A silent “Thank you,” to your wonderful body cells as they work together in this way,” our future doctor added. We do not need to wait for some future time to make good health possible and implement the CLC treatment immediately, make it a daily habit, and avoid future pandemics.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
THANKS FOR OUR ANGELS
Our thanks for God’s angels, given us for our friends,
For protection and guidance, until life shall end,
For the privilege of being a part of Earth’s life,
As we honour our planet, live in peace without strife.
We’re one with this planet, its rivers and falls,
That start with a dewdrop, we’re part of it all.
The beauty of flowers, the grandeur of trees,
For breathing and living, so Earth life can be.
With kindness to all life, and truth always near,
Taking only that needed, brings calm with no fears.
Our thanks for each friendship, their hearts filled with love,
As designed through the ages, Heaven’s plan from above.
For protection and guidance, until life shall end,
For the privilege of being a part of Earth’s life,
As we honour our planet, live in peace without strife.
We’re one with this planet, its rivers and falls,
That start with a dewdrop, we’re part of it all.
The beauty of flowers, the grandeur of trees,
For breathing and living, so Earth life can be.
With kindness to all life, and truth always near,
Taking only that needed, brings calm with no fears.
Our thanks for each friendship, their hearts filled with love,
As designed through the ages, Heaven’s plan from above.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
WELCOME RAINS HAVE ARRIVED
It’s almost a week since posting a blog so I better get busy or I’ll get an e-mail, usually from a relative that says something like: “What’s up?, no posting for almost a week.” Last time that happened I had a good excuse, the arrival of a new great-granddaughter on May 21st, all six pounds and ten ounces of sweetness and love. Not that I had much to do with it, but one set of grandparents from U.S. arrived for a month to welcome her. They drove to town from their hideaway near Kelowna each day to visit her and my son stopped by to tune up a few things in my condo like replacing light bulbs and ailing widow blinds.
June is often a rainy month for the Okanagan Valley and true to form it’s bringing the much needed rains, even a bit of snow on the nearby Silver Star Ski Hill. So far the rains have arrived mostly during the night, and will protect the forests and hopefully avoid the fires like we had last year.
Diana Beresford-Kroeger, a botanist and agricultural researcher, lecturer and scientist in the field of classical botany and medical biochemistry wrote ARBORETUM AMERICA, A Philosophy of the Forest, published 2004, 2005 and 2006. Photographs are by Christian H. Kroeger. This wonderful husband and wife team have presented nearly two hundred pages in printed word and pictures that virtually dance from its pages. The Acknowledgment page adds, “Without the continuing support of my husband and his editorial skills this book would never have seen the light of day.”
The news gets even better. A new book about America’s Arboretum is in some bookstores and will no doubt soon be available locally. I do not have one yet but if you mention the author’s name at the store or at your local library they will soon have it available. Since all plant life helps with our own personal breathing apparatus it is a good cause to be aware of and do our part to protect us all.
June is often a rainy month for the Okanagan Valley and true to form it’s bringing the much needed rains, even a bit of snow on the nearby Silver Star Ski Hill. So far the rains have arrived mostly during the night, and will protect the forests and hopefully avoid the fires like we had last year.
Diana Beresford-Kroeger, a botanist and agricultural researcher, lecturer and scientist in the field of classical botany and medical biochemistry wrote ARBORETUM AMERICA, A Philosophy of the Forest, published 2004, 2005 and 2006. Photographs are by Christian H. Kroeger. This wonderful husband and wife team have presented nearly two hundred pages in printed word and pictures that virtually dance from its pages. The Acknowledgment page adds, “Without the continuing support of my husband and his editorial skills this book would never have seen the light of day.”
The news gets even better. A new book about America’s Arboretum is in some bookstores and will no doubt soon be available locally. I do not have one yet but if you mention the author’s name at the store or at your local library they will soon have it available. Since all plant life helps with our own personal breathing apparatus it is a good cause to be aware of and do our part to protect us all.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
WHAT SHOULD A MOTHER DO?
A more appropriate question might be, “What should a son do about his mother who will be 87 next month and she can be recalcitrant at times?”
My son hadn’t been up to Canada for a year and noticed this time that my gait was a little unsteady at times but I think I’m doing fine living alone in my condo. He pictures me having a fall and creating a problem when least able to face it. Knees can create problems for some seniors but mine are fine and everything else seems to be okay including both knees and hips which can be problematic even for the young sometimes. When I was walking downtown a lady I knew years ago called out my name. She identified herself and said she didn’t blame me for not recognizing her because she was having health problems and was now quite lame. She added that she had wrecked her knees because of her barrel racing hobby years ago.
Each day my son and his wife drive to town. His wife renews social contacts with friends and helps their son and his wife when needed. A new granddaughter arrived for them on Victoria Day weekend and of course that gives me another great-grandchild to enjoy as well. My grandson and his wife are wonderful parents and the baby’s Mom has chosen to stay home and care for them. The parents bring the four of them to visit me at least once a month and I write a story called the “Grandkid’s Gazette” that follows their progress until they can keep their own journals.
My son took me to all the nearby retirement homes in the area and we both agreed on one that would be suitable for my future needs. But I said “Not yet.” He e-mails my best friend in Alberta who is the same age as him and the next day brings a print-out of it for me to read that says “To help my Mother be more comfortable with this change I am hoping you may be able to help me with that. Do you have any ideas? Our son Luke, who lives here says he will help her with the move. Finances will not be a concern as I will assist with payments if she has any difficulties with that.” My best friend e-mails back that she and her husband will be coming here in a few weeks and will be helpful. My son reminds me that I have helped some of our nieces and nephews with tuition for university when needed and now it is my turn to receive his help when needed. I gave up my driver’s license a few years ago and with my little cart am able to carry my groceries up this steep hill. I will listen to any advice anyone cares to offer.
My son hadn’t been up to Canada for a year and noticed this time that my gait was a little unsteady at times but I think I’m doing fine living alone in my condo. He pictures me having a fall and creating a problem when least able to face it. Knees can create problems for some seniors but mine are fine and everything else seems to be okay including both knees and hips which can be problematic even for the young sometimes. When I was walking downtown a lady I knew years ago called out my name. She identified herself and said she didn’t blame me for not recognizing her because she was having health problems and was now quite lame. She added that she had wrecked her knees because of her barrel racing hobby years ago.
Each day my son and his wife drive to town. His wife renews social contacts with friends and helps their son and his wife when needed. A new granddaughter arrived for them on Victoria Day weekend and of course that gives me another great-grandchild to enjoy as well. My grandson and his wife are wonderful parents and the baby’s Mom has chosen to stay home and care for them. The parents bring the four of them to visit me at least once a month and I write a story called the “Grandkid’s Gazette” that follows their progress until they can keep their own journals.
My son took me to all the nearby retirement homes in the area and we both agreed on one that would be suitable for my future needs. But I said “Not yet.” He e-mails my best friend in Alberta who is the same age as him and the next day brings a print-out of it for me to read that says “To help my Mother be more comfortable with this change I am hoping you may be able to help me with that. Do you have any ideas? Our son Luke, who lives here says he will help her with the move. Finances will not be a concern as I will assist with payments if she has any difficulties with that.” My best friend e-mails back that she and her husband will be coming here in a few weeks and will be helpful. My son reminds me that I have helped some of our nieces and nephews with tuition for university when needed and now it is my turn to receive his help when needed. I gave up my driver’s license a few years ago and with my little cart am able to carry my groceries up this steep hill. I will listen to any advice anyone cares to offer.
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