Recently a television health expert was discussing
topic, “How to stay young looking” for post-50 set. It was pretty much standard ‘take good care of your skin, eat right and exercise’ list until last item. He stated, “Take your drugs every day. One of best ways to look younger is to stay healthy”. Wait a minute! When did use of prescription drugs become a mainstay of a healthy lifestyle in this country? Now, no doubt about it, drug industry is big business. All those prime time TV ads are marketed to specific audiences. Just watch evening news and nearly all national ads are for drugs or medical equipment and services. Between drug companies and media, they would have us believing that poor health is normal, natural state of human condition. But is this really what we should expect?
One ‘side effect’ of our so-called ‘healthy, modern’ lifestyle is that all these drugs, devices and services come with a hefty price tag to users. A recent study published in American Medical Association journal showed that 95,000 people die from use of PROPERLY prescribed drugs each year in United States alone. Thousands more are sickened by adverse reactions to medications. That is right, folks, facts show that very drugs your doctor prescribes to alleviate your symptoms of illness can do you serious, permanent harm.
What about financial cost? Recent statistics indicate that one of largest groups now filing bankruptcy are people WITH medical insurance but unable to pay medical bills and other associated costs of illness that insurance doesn’t cover. Is that what we should expect from our ‘golden years’- to give our gold to health care industry just to eke out a few more months or years of existence while suffering effects of debilitating diseases? Is this what you picture for yourself in future? Are you suffering now?
The experts agree there are certain basic things we can do to stay healthier as we age. Most of this you’ve probably heard before, yet keep in mind, these suggestions only work if you put them to use in your life.
First, proper hydration is essential. Our bodies are 90% water and 8-10 8 oz. glasses are needed every day just to maintain proper fluid balance in body for cell function.
Regular exercise is another vital part of healthy aging. 20 minutes of aerobic exercise- perhaps just taking a walk-three days a week alternating with moderate weight lifting is a good routine nearly every one can follow. Research shows that following a weight lifting program can improve both strength and agility, no matter what your age. Of course, check with your doctor first before starting any new exercise program and take time to learn proper technique for both safety’s sake and maximum benefit from your efforts. Be sure to take one day off each week to allow your body time to rest and recuperate.
Get sufficient sleep. Time spent asleep is grossly undervalued in our society. It is during sleep cycle that body repairs and rejuvenates itself.
A proper diet of balanced protein and complex carbohydrates with small amounts of essential fats promotes both physical health and mental alertness. Remember, what you fuel your body with directly impacts your performance level in a big way. Avoid processed foods, artificial colors, flavorings, sweeteners and preservatives. Eat foods as close to their natural state as possible. Stop thinking of fast food drive up window as your ‘friend’.
