Staying Young In The 21st Century
Posted by myideas1 on August 23rd, 2008
Genetically, a person who comes from a family where most have lived to old age is also likely to enjoy longevity. This genetic heritage can also determine the aspects of good health such as a healthy heart, healthy brain, good circulation, good eyesight and hearing.
Even people who do not come from a heritage of longevity can live to old age if they look after themselves and avoid the risk factors that cause poor physical and mental health, thus accelerating the aging process. Following a healthy diet, regular exercise, drinking in moderation, cutting out smoking, and following safe practices can all help to increase potential life span.
As we age, there are certain processes which cannot be avoided. This is particularly so of cell aging. As our body cells age, we are more likely to contract certain conditions because of the decline in strength and resistance to infection. Our bodies also begin to show signs of ‘wear and tear’. The skin loses its elasticity, thus resulting in the wrinkling we associate with old age.
As our body’s cells wear out, they are replaced by a process of cell division. The only cells which don’t replicate are those in the brain which cease to divide after birth.
It has been a philosophy that if you look after your body, particularly your body cells, then anti-aging should be smooth sailing. How? By nutrition - a balanced diet with associated exercise. The right and optimum balance of antioxidants and minerals daily is a great start.
Anti-aging health shouldn’t be something you decide is a good idea when it’s too late. Your body cells are constantly bombarded by those little attack armies called free radicals and if left unchecked, without the daily optimum replenishment of antioxidants and minerals, over time, they will kick-start a degeneration process that more often than not, can’t be reversed.
The good news is that this process usually occurs over an extended period of time. Antioxidants, like little body commandos, will seek out these free radicals and neutralize them. But, you need to keep them coming on a daily basis.
Healthy body cells means you are one step ahead of the anti-aging health game. So set the pace, and make sure you don’t slip back and become another aging statistic.
Contributing Writer: Dr. Nedra Dodds - a top anti-aging physician in metro Atlanta, and president of Opulence Aesthetic Medicine. For newspaper, radio or television interviews, contact People You Need to Know at atlanta.mecca@gmail.com.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I agree wholeheartedly! Along with great skincare, I make sure I have a healthy diet full of anti-aging foods (fruits and veggies). It really does make a difference.
August 24th, 2008 at 4:00 am
George Bush wants everyone to worry a lot and age quickly; its good for business and makes money.
August 24th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Almost everyone is worried about getting old. But the best medicine for staying young is to never stress, and try to adapt to a healthy lifestyle - eat vegetarian and get enough sleep!
Leet
August 24th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I sometimes wonder how much anti-aging we’d have to do if we simply didn’t engage in pro-aging in the first place. I’m talking about sun exposure, air pollution, chlorinated water, ingesting chemicals in processed foods, etc.
Meanwhile, we defend ourselves as best we can from our toxic society.
Oh, I’m in your sidebar! My turn to almost cry!
August 24th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I agree that we should not wait until it’s almost too late to worry about aging and our health. This why I am committing to exercise and a balanced diet for life.
August 24th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Heidi: Skin care is one of the safe practices that we must keep in mind - beware of the dangers of the sun, and be gentle when cleaning it. You’re on the right track for sure.
Shea: Stress will definitely accelerate signs of aging. When you’re stressed, your entire physiology changes.
Leet: In our society, many people worry about aging from time to time. You’re RIGHT!
Carol: Yeah. I sometimes wonder how different I’d look if I didn’t indulge in certain unhealthy eating practices in my younger years. Don’t even mention inhaling second-hand cigarette smoke and other types of air pollution. Good point.
August 24th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Cendrine: Taking care of our health does take commitment. It’s not a one shot deal, then it’s over. Since we must eat every day, we must say “NO” every day to unhealthy practices and foods which will not lend themselves to a healthy body. As for exercise, it’s best to find something you like to do…otherwise the commitment will seldom be there. Sounds like you’re holding things together!
Thanks for your comment.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I’m really enjoying Dr. Dodds. She always has a good word for beautifying from the inside out. That’s the only way to do it!
August 25th, 2008 at 12:21 am
I notice that Asians sometimes look younger than non-Asians if compared with those at the same age. Maybe it has something to do with the environment? Here in Malaysia, the weather is hot and humid, whereas in countries like the USA it’s drier. Dry weather causes the skin to wrinkle faster as the skin needs water. So I guess people in the USA will need to use products like moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:09 am
Shelia: I agree - from the inside out. As Dr. Dodds said in her interview…beauty has to begin inside first; they don’t look for outer corrections for inner problems.
Foongpc: Moisturizing is definitely a MUST!
August 25th, 2008 at 7:02 am
I like Leet’s suggestion, never sweat the small stuff. It helps tremendously.
But eating right and exercising helps too.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I agree with Leet…