Doctor Supplies - The Essential Hospital Gown

I am a concerned patient and friend. As you read you'll find that I have come to understand what kind of doctor supplies need to be implemented in family practices. Now, I have to admit. This comes by way of an embarrassing story a 'friend of mine' had whilst I was with her visiting the doctor. To keep her name safe, we'll just call her . . . Bertha. (Yes, she was large). She was there for a procedure which I was not allowed (nor did I want to witness) inside of the medical clinic.

Part of the examination required her to disrobe. Suggestion number one to stock in the supplies for doctors: Gowns that protect dignity. The reason for this is because while she was having preliminary examinations, her back was toward the door. A nurse decided to enter (yes, she did knock but did not wait for a response) and there she was: Exposed for all the world to see in the lobby. Mortified, she left the doctor's office, hoping that a modest gown was part of the doctor supplies.

She told me this story, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Her plea I echo to medical physicians everywhere: One, don't put patients by the doors, and two, find a modest hospital gown as part of your doctor supplies.

Any good doctor comes prepared. Doctor supplies are hardly quantitative and can seem overwhelming to remember. Now, I'm not talking about the doctor office supplies, or the sundry items found in medical clinics. Just those items to protect vulnerable patients.

Why do we need modest hospital gowns as part of the essential doctor supply closets? Well, do you think that my friend 'Bertha' is going to back to that clinic? Not likely, nor is she going to seek medical treatment without PTSD flashbacks. Any physician would gladly have repeat clientele, so long as their experience was made, well, less embarrassing.

Longevity and Aging - Healthy Weight Matters

Longevity and Aging - Healthy Weight Matters
By Lisa A Mason

Although today people are living much longer than they used to, there is still a lot of talk about longevity and anti-aging. Most people don't want to grow old - or at least, they don't want to grow old too fast.

When it comes to longevity, it seems that everyone is trying to crack the code to extended youth and a longer, healthier life but one thing that consistently shows true as related is weight. People who are overweight seem to live shorter lives. The more overweight you are, the shorter your average lifespan may become.

Excess weight and obesity also seems to contribute to physical signs of aging and can make you appear older than you really are. So this leads us to the conclusion that maintaining a healthy weight can keep us young and help us live longer.

It's a good thought but one that has to be taken in full context. While maintaining a healthy, slender weight is good for longevity, it's not helpful if you use unhealthy means to get there.

For example, eating disorders, abuse of diet pills, smoking and other dangerous and unhealthy methods used to keep you think will ultimately cause more problems, just like being overweight would have caused. It can lead to cancers, heart disease and other problems, ultimately shortening your life span.

Therefore, staying thin really only helps you live a longer life when you do it the right way through a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise. These steps toward a longer, healthier life will also work as a natural anti-aging technique as it will keep you looking and feeling young as well.

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of eBooks and thousands of website pages and related content. She has also authored her own books and works as a consultant to other writers, Internet marketers and Internet businesses.

Lisa Mason, Professional wordsmith for hire: gamer, wife, mother, entrepreneur, published poet, co-owner of game guides company (http://www.liti4.com), public speaker and Internet business consultant. You can learn more or follow Lisa's blog from her website: http://www.freelancewriter4hire.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason
http://EzineArticles.com/?Longevity-and-Aging---Healthy-Weight-Matters&id=2346836

How to Find a Doctor Who Accepts Medicare Or Medicaid

Finding a doctor who accepts Medicare or Medicaid is not hard to find but you need to call around and check who accepts it. Because of restrictions some doctors do not accept it anymore. It is crucial that you have a physician that will accept your insurance or it may cost you a lot of money when making a visit.

First you want to make a list of doctors in your area so that you know where to start. You want to call and mark down only the doctors who accept Medicare or Medicaid. Once you have the list narrowed down then you can start the interview process. You must feel comfortable with the doctor you choose.

Next you want to visit the remaining doctors on your list to see if they will be good for you. You are in control when it comes to finding a doctor so make sure that you interview them and do not be scared to ask a lot of questions. There needs to be a relationship built between them and you and taking to them is the best way to see if you like them or not.

When a doctor accepts Medicare or Medicaid they may have to wait longer to get paid so more doctors are reluctant to accept it. You can find ones that will but it is up to you to spend the time to search out a physician that will take your coverage and one that you feel will do a good job when you are sick.

Finally it is important to remember that finding a doctor is not hard but you need to search around and not choose the first one you find that accepts Medicare or Medicaid. Also you need to be comfortable with the doctor you select and the best way to do that is to interview them until you find the best one for your needs.

Get Free: Medical Medicare Doctor

How to: Find a Doctor

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Doctors and the Medical Profession

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Burbank

Adult Diapers

Let's face it. As we grow older and our bodies start to change (again) we can't help but address the issue of incontinence. Incontinence is basically the inability to 'hold it' until you get to the bathroom. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid the embarrassing occasions when you just weren't able to make it to the bathroom. Of the most popular methods is wearing adult diapers.

Adult diapers provide for maneuverability and an extra guard against accidents which is very appealing to seniors. Independence is something longed for and sought after with aging citizens and is one of the main selling points of adult diapers. No senior citizen wants to stay at home all day afraid of an outside accident, and so adult diapers offer a viable solution to a very embarrassing situation.

Adult diapers come in multiple sizes, types, and of course prices. For a good adult diaper, prices can easily range about $12.00 each. Most reusable adult diapers can't even stand up to their promises by lasting as long as they say, of course resulting in a higher cost for adult diapers in the long run. Aside from medications, adult diapers can really hurt a senior's budget in the high cost of their incontinence supplies. Usually adult diapers are bought in packs of 12 easily running over $120.00.

Almost more importantly, can you just imagine how embarrassing it is to purchase incontinence supplies? The next time you are at the store, try to take notice of the adult incontinence supplies and where they are located. They are usually located by the pharmacy right next to the feminine hygiene and Trojan condoms. Surrounded by to 'issues with the younger generations' The one thing slightly less embarrassing then an accident with incontinence is the fact that elderly people must buy them in the midst of younger people who just don't understand. To compound the issue, the wrappers are not all the discreet. With flashy colors and large fonts, it quickly becomes apparent to other shoppers that yes the folks have incontinence problems.

To declare incontinence issues just seems to compound the problem that incontinence poses. Luckily, there are websites that offer adult diapers and other incontinence supplies for not only cheaper than retail, but it makes incontinence problems more impersonal and less embarrassing.

What Are My Incontinence Options?

It is not just the elderly that need to deal with incontinence. Mothers after giving birth, men with prostate surgery, pre-adolescents with bed wetting issues, and the disabled, all can at some time or another have to deal with the issues of incontinence.

There are many different types of incontinence supplies. First, and probably most well known is the adult diaper. Adult diapers are pretty self explanatory. They are adult sized diapers with different leakage control surfaces depending on your gender and type of incontinence. Adult diapers can be worn by anyone with incontinence, and remain one of the more popular methods.

Another type of incontinence product is the fitted brief. Fitted briefs are worn by the more mobile of the groups and are generally worn closer to the body, and are thinner. Although more movable and discreet then the adult diaper, fitted briefs usually run about 50% more expensive then their adult diaper counterparts.

For others with less severe incontinence issues, and with their accidents happening primarily at night, the bed pad offers the greatest protection, and are among the best sellers of incontinence products. Bed pads are placed underneath a person while they sleep. On one side they have a super-absorbent layer and on the other side a waterproof barrier to protect the mattress. For mild incontinence bed pads are a durable alternative to wearing a sometimes-uncomfortable diaper.

Bed pads also come in different absorbent capabilities. Sometimes the measurements can be a little tricky, so a good way to remember is that CCs are how many ounces too 100. (800cc = 8oz, 900cc = 9oz, etc)

Of course, the higher the absorbency capabilities, the higher the price, however, it can be argued that using bed pads retains a certain level of dignity.

Mark Twain's view on Aging

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."
~Mark Twain

I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw this. but really, it is true. A very central theme of this blog was not just healthy bodies, but healthy minds. I think if we convince ourselves that age doesn't matter, then we will not be preoccupied with its effects. Perhaps, then, if we 'ignore' in a sense, our aging effects, then do they really exist? If they don't matter to us and if they are completely ignored, then we can eventually convince ourselves that we are not as old as we really are. Age is a state of mind.

If we don't mind, it doesn't matter. Well done Mr. Twain.

You Need Strength As You Grow Older

A common misconception is that as we get older it is normal to 'slow down' reduce physical activity and to 'take it easy'. But this has now been proven to be the absolute worst thing we can do. If you want to remain physically and mentally strong for however long your life is you have to 'work' at it. It is not something that just happens on its own.

After our mid 20's unless we keep our muscles strong with strength training exercise we lose muscle tissue at the rate of one half pound per year until age 50, then this rate doubles. As the muscles weaken the bones they are attached to weaken as well. Movement becomes more difficult so people don't, hastening the downward spiral and accelerating the decline of overall health.

Many people have lost as much as half of the muscle tissue that they had at age 30 by the time they are 70 years old. This loss of muscle tissue is so critical to daily living it can mean a person becomes more and more disabled until they eventually cannot manage the tasks of daily living. No wonder they cannot even get up from a chair unassisted.

The loss of muscle tissue leads to a drop in metabolism (the body's engine) which can mean an increase in body fat as calories previously necessary to perform the activities of daily living now end up as stored fat. This explain the so called 'middle aged spread' and the reason why people often become heavier and larger as they get older.

The average person over 30 years adds about 10 -15 pounds of weight in fat each decade. Combined with the loss of muscle tissue people enter their senior year with too little muscle and too much body fat. The 'composition' of their body has changed to unfavorable proportions which leads to an increased disease risk along with even less desire and ability to remain physically active.

Most adults are aware of the body fat gain but unaware of the muscle tissue loss. They then 'diet' to lose weight which further reduces their muscle tissue because at least 30 percent of the weight lost through dieting is muscle tissue. Losing further muscle tissue leads to an even lower metabolic rate (the rate the body burns fuel) so even more excess calories are stored as fat which further accelerates this negative cycle.

Rather than trying to 'diet' off this body fat consider the opposite - burn it off with proper exercise. This also has the benefits of making you stronger so you can better perform everyday tasks and activities. By starting a strength training program you will rebuild lost muscle and boost your body's engine so you can get a whole lot more out of life and living.

Do not be misled into believing that any old type of activity will give you these benefits. Low intensity activities like walking or gardening are great as part of an active lifestyle but can never ever replace a proper exercise program if your goal is a strong, lean, healthy body.

If you get a fitness professional to help you get started you will receive the benefits of your exercise program quickly and in just a few short months you will see how your life can be transformed. You will not be afraid of growing older as you know your strength and fitness will make this process much more enjoyable.

Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body, regaining lost vitality and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "I've Found the Fountain of Youth - Let Me Show You Too!" Fountain of Youth

If you are looking to lose weight permanently go to Fitness Weight Loss for the solution and a free ebook.

Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger. In her nearly 30 years of fitness and bodybuilding competition experience she has helped thousands of people start their journey towards being strong, fit and youthful at any age.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Hansen

Are You Doing Enough Activity to Keep Your Health?

Are You Doing Enough Activity to Keep Your Health?
By Carolyn Hansen

When people grow older and if they have been inactive or sedentary over the year's five serious things happen to them. Their muscles shrivel and become weaker, bone mass dwindles, oxygen capacity declines (transfer of oxygen to the bodies cells) and the fat on their body increases (even if the scales stay the same).

These changes nibble away at their quality of life and get worse creating more negative changes that add on as each year passes. Health is pushed into a downward spiral and it becomes harder just to do the everyday tasks and activities. Ones energy level is siphoned away as well leaving lack of motivation and desire to remain active so ones world becomes much smaller.

One of the biggest changes along with the loss of muscle mass and strength the entire body and its systems become weaker including the immune system. This is mainly because of the protein that keeps this system strong is stored in the muscles. When muscle tissue is lost these stores dwindle as well.

If the immune system becomes weakened the likelihood of disease increases which could put ones life at risk. We used to think our disease risk increased because of the aging process but now we know it is not because of that but simply the lack of proper exercise. Nasty diseases are epidemic in our world and include the 'big three' heart disease, cancer and diabetes which are expected to kill 88 million people in the next decade.

These killers are called 'lifestyle' diseases as they are caused by how you live. For example living a life without enough muscle building and toning exercise to get and remain healthy. These awful diseases are preventable; you do not need to get them.

You cannot stop the ticking clock as we all grow older each day but you can fight back and slow to a very large extent the undesirable changes in your body. The loss of muscle tissue at the rate of one half pound every year can be halted with a proper exercise program mostly made up of strength training exercise.

Just 2-3 sessions per week are all that is needed but it is important that your program is set up correctly by a fitness professional and you perform it correctly. Strength training can reverse or prevent the five fundamental changes that happen if we are not doing what we need to keep our muscles and bones strong and resilient.

We seem to have forgotten our human bodies are meant to be active - very active. This movement stimulates the hormones that tell our body to repair, replace and renew our cells as they wear out. Without the stimulation of muscle movement the body is set into 'shutdown' mode and on a path of decay.

Strength training exercise is necessary for everyone as there is no longer enough physical 'work' in our daily lives to keep us healthy and strong. It will help you keep your oxygen capacity, keep away surplus body fat and keep your muscles and bones in good health.

Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body, regaining lost vitality and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "I've Found the Fountain of Youth - Let Me Show You Too!" Health Related Exercise

If you are looking to lose weight permanently go to Fitness Weight Loss for the solution and a free ebook.

Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger. In her nearly 30 years of fitness and bodybuilding competition experience she has helped thousands of people start their journey towards being strong, fit and youthful at any age.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Hansen

Whoah! What did they say?!

Recently on Fox News, on talking on health reform, it was described as 'a subtle form of euthanasia'. What do you think? Did Barack Obama really say that health reform will kill you? It is important to voice the concerns of the elderly, to make our voice heard. If you were to ask me, I would NEVER want to wait weeks, or MONTHS for health care. Once the government takes over the health care system, lines will be miles long, health care quality will go down, and elderly care especially will hurt. Many times, when the elderly need to have medical procedures done, they are more immediate than, say, something more benign. Medical care for the elderly is more than just taking a pain killer. Geriatrics is a form of care that needs to have more focus than a lot of the health care that is readily available to others. This blog has viewers from all around the world. Some, with nationalized health care. Why is it that many patients from those countries come to the United States for health care? It is simply because it is the best in the world. Don't fix what isn't broken. We do not need the quality of our elderly health to go down because a minority thinks so. I once had a medical procedure done in the country of Cyprus. It was a disaster. I was in a wreck and split my leg open pretty badly. When I went to the hospital, the doctor told me I couldn't have any anesthesia. She told me it would 'ruin my liver.' Needless to say I had a gaping 2 inch deep wound that was scrubbed by steel wool without any pain killer. She stitched me up, gave me no painkillers, and sent me away. No instruction on care, nothing. They wouldn't take my stitches out so I went to another doctor that yanked them all out. (I came home bleeding). I remember thinking, "I miss my American hospitals." In other countries, hospitals are places people go to die, not to get treatment. Hello America, we're on our way.

Another Victor Hugo Aging Quote!

Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.
- Victor Hugo

I just thought this was funny. In fact, if you look at the poll it asks: 'When did you start feeling old?' I love how most people have said 'Never'. That shows more of a state of mind then a physical dilapidation. When I was younger, I thought 30 was old. I'm considering putting up another poll, but I would also like to see your comments on this issue. But what do you feel is 'old age now'? Not when did you start feeling old, but what is your idea of 'old'? Again, if you are to ask my opinion old is when you stop learning, and when you stagnate. Effort can always be made, an improvement can always be achieved, a new hobby or task can always be learned, and you can always continue to have great, great experiences. The more experiences you have is not a mark of old age, but more of a scorecard. The more you enjoy the better you are. That's how I keep score, and that's how I like to live my life. Every time a hardship comes along I don't think of it as something to fret, but a lesson to be learned.

Let us all know! What age do you consider old? And why?

Great Gift Ideas for Seniors!

You know? Sometimes I'd just wish that the world was tailored to the elderly and the aged. It was, but now we've aged. I took the time to find some items that senior citizens would find useful around the house. They are tailored to your senior comfort and convenience! Feel free to browse and find what you need! I made sure I found the most useful items for the best value on your dollar! Or pound, or shekel, or whatever currency you use.

Play cards? Poor feet? Hard time seeing the phone? Need a good read? Golden Anniversary? Browse below and enjoy! Come back for more deals on great products for seniors! Also, request other senior gifts by commenting on this post and I'll do what I can to find your senior gifts at a great price.

Enjoy!

Inspirational Story

I just came across this inspirational story about aging and a healthy attitude toward aging and longevity. Please, Please enjoy. Always know that age and experience are gifts!

"Old age, I decided, is a gift.

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body - the wrinkles, the baggy eyes and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read until 4:00 am and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50s & 60s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten and I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say "no" and mean it. I can say "yes" and mean it. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day."

I would like to take a moment and talk about a remarkable woman. Nola Ochs is not your ordinary 97 year old. Two years ago Nola Ochs became the oldest person ever to graduate college. She was able to graduate with a degree in History from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. History. How Ironic. Of course, it's easy for someone who witnessed first hand a lot of what her specialty was! What an inspiration to senior citizens everywhere. In watching some videos that she is in you can tell that she is just as spry as ever. Her energy and enthusiasm for learning has never waned. In fact, when asked what she was going to do after she graduated, she simply stated that she would like to seek employment on a cruise ship of all places. On a cruise ship to be a professional story teller. There is no doubt that being young in mind turns to being young at heart and body. Aging is a natural process but it can be slowed.
Ms. Ochs is one to stop counting birthdays. And why should we? The less we keep track of the more we can trick our minds and bodies to what are real age is! I can't help but notice that the most well aged people are those that can laugh, view the positive, compliment others, serve others, and walk with perpetual smiles. Life is too precious to waste away with excuses. Something is always better than nothing. I love this story of healthy aging in mind and spirit. Nola Ochs is truly an inspiration to us all. Let's all commit to try something new, learn a new skill, read a new book, try something outrageous. I remember when I was younger I remember smiling all day when my grandmother rode on the roller coaster with me in Salt Lake City, Utah. She didn't watch all of us have all the fun, she joined in and made it fun for all of us.
Let us know what you've been learning, doing, or changing in order to make a positive change for the better. We'd love to hear it and inspire others who share your same vision.
Hope to hear from you all soon!

Submit Your Story

The Health in Aging: Issues and Answers Blog would like to announce a new feature that will begin at the end of this month. Each month an inspiring story will be featured in a blog post as submitted from our readers. Many times in the news we hear of 90-year-old+ people graduating college, staving off intruders, and other things people think difficult and nearly impossible to do.

We want to hear your story! Submit one today and it could be featured in the Health in Aging: Issues and Answers! Inspire others with your story.

Submit to: walruspie@gmail.com with the subject line: Health in Aging: Issues and answers story submission.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Stay healthy and aged!

Confucius says:

Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.
- Confucius

Live it up!

Let's be honest here. Senior discounts? Boy Scout help, someone else does the yard work? Experience and influence?

Live it up! Of course there is a little bout of incontinence, slowing of the body, but the mind can still be as quick and as sharp which can slow those things. You got it good and you should know it. Let all those whippersnappers do all the work, pay all the money, and stress out over every little thing. You got grandkids' birthdays to worry about-- and what a small worry it is. Sit back, relax, go have some summer fun and eat at an expensive restaurant cheaply!


By the way, if you like that man's hat you can find 2 similar ones on the links below!! Enjoy and tell them they owe you!

Can Gaming Slow Mental Decline in the Elderly?

It is an interesting idea, but I am a firm believer. I have recently witnessed two of my own family members in advanced age play on the Wii system by Nintendo. Let me talk about the Wii for a little bit. First off, it is WONDERFUL. It is an intuitive gaming system that allows young and old to play, and even compete, together. It is fun, catchy, and even boasts games that challenge you to exercise for a higher score! Other video game systems, with million of controller buttons and violent game play are not as cognitively stimulating on the Wii. Games such as Wii fit, Wii play, Wii Sports are great for family get-togethers and friendly competition. I recently saw my own grandmother (who was avidly against all games and gaming systems) playing Wii with my 3-year-old nephew. We all gather around and cheered them both on.

In the end it was a great family experience that brought us closer together, and an excuse to come see each other again! Now-a-days get-togethers are spent laughing and socializing while we all edit our Mii (a personified icon that you can create yourself to look like anyone you know!) and go to the bowling alley without ever leaving our house.

I found the best online deal for the hot selling Wii system, games, and controllers here: Enjoy them for a lifetime!




Many times we see video games altering the mind. We see the studies, the aftermath, the news reports that all blame video games for influencing their behavior. Up until now, behavior can be influenced for the good. We can harness the things video games do to us! Improvements in activity, cognition, and motor skills can now be enjoyed by the elderly and the young alike. Time magazine has an excellent article on this very issue!

Can Gaming Slow Mental Decline in the Elderly?

It's an interesting concept, but one I firmly, firmly hold.

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see Wii systems in every nursing home as a therapudic activity. Probably multiple systems!

What is your favorite Wii experience? What Wii game do you like to play? What Wii game would you like to recommend? Let us know!

A Controversy?! Read On!

Here is a great article that discusses two sides of a longevity issue. Can aging be slowed by God? Is meat responsible for accelerated aging? Read this article From the Los Angeles Times and tell us what you think

"Aging: You can hurry it, but you can't slow it

Aging (at least for now). But you can work to live to your potential age.

By Marnell Jameson
July 13, 2009

Nothing in gerontology comes close to fulfilling the promise of a dramatically extended life span -- despite bold claims to the contrary.

"I have little doubt that gerontologists will eventually find a way to avoid, or more likely, delay, the unpleasantries of extended life," says S. Jay Olshansky, author of "The Quest for Immortality: Science at the Frontiers of Aging." But they're not there yet.

For now, what researchers are finding is that, although we can certainly accelerate the aging process, we can't stop it.

People don't like to accept that our life spans are generally preset by genetics. "The only control we have over our life span is to shorten it," says Olshansky, an epidemiology professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health. We do this by being sedentary, smoking, gaining weight and abusing drugs.

Olshansky adds: "If we do everything right, the best we can do is live out our potential with as little age-related disease and disability as possible."

In the United States today the average life span for women is 80 and for men it's 75. Of the planet's current 6.5 billion inhabitants, no more than 25 people are older than 110. Jeanne Calment of Arles, France, who died in 1997 at age 122 1/2 , set the record for the greatest documented age reached by any human.

Researchers who study centenarians (people who live to 100) and super centenarians (those who live beyond 110) appreciate how rare it is to attain that age. They also understand how ridiculous it is to claim that people alive today can expect to live to age 125, which is what some longevity proponents claim is achievable.

"Saying that is inconceivably irresponsible," says Tom Perls, a geriatrician and director of the New England Centenarian Study. That said, he does believe we can borrow from the successes, if not the genes, of people who've lived to be 100. "I wouldn't be devoting my life to studying centenarians if I didn't think something would come of it."

There isn't a cure for aging because it isn't a disease, says Laurence Rubenstein, geriatrician at UCLA Medical Center. "It's a natural and complex process that involves every system in the body." That individuals age unevenly at vastly different rates suggests that genes, lifestyle and disease can all affect the rate of aging.

Our risk of dying increases as we get older because more can go wrong, says Olshanksy, citing what those in the field call increased competitive risks. "If you do an autopsy on an 85-year-old who died of a stroke, you will find five other things that person was about to die from."

While research continues to look at ways to help people live longer and healthier, Perls is looking at populations that seem to do that better than most.

The Seventh-day Adventists are such a group: They live to an average age of 88, or about 10 years longer than other people in the country. They don't smoke. They tend to be lean and fit and get regular exercise. They eat a largely vegetarian diet and spend a lot of time involved with family and religion, which scientists think helps them manage stress.

"If everyone in our country adopted those behaviors, the payoff would be huge," said Perls, an associate professor of geriatrics at Boston University Medical Center. He would add one more piece of advice to the list:

'Avoid anti-aging quacks like the plague.'"

Hmm. Should we all convert to Seventh Day Adventism? How can we slow aging? Is there such thing as 'anty aging' Is it achievable? Or just 'Slower aging?'

Comment and tell us what you think!

How to Grow Up, by Victor Hugo

When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age. - Victor Hugo

I love this quote. There is something dignified about experience and age. Aging gracefully is inundated with smiles, humor, energy, and optimism. Golden years are called such because of the brilliant sheen that has come from humble malleability. Never corroded and eternally valuable.

Smaller Meals, Longer life; Longer life, Wider Smiles

We have all heard that reducing our intake of calories is a good idea to reduce obesity. A lower weight indefinitely means we're more healthy. We have energy, stamina, regular blood pressure, less depression, the list goes on and on.

According to Health magazine, a fascinating new 20-year study is suggesting that reducing calories by 30 percent increases longevity. The study was done by using rhesus monkeys which share many characteristics with another primate cousin, the human.

Obviously this can be taken to the extreme. If our total calorie intake is reduced so much that we barely take any calories in, then we've pushed it too far. The recommendation is to cut your calorie count by 30%.

For all of us non-calorie counters, this could be a little bit more difficult to measure. What I am going to start doing is reducing the total food I eat by 30%. I figure that's a good measure to reducing calorie count at nearly the same ratio. At any rate, it is going to promote a healthier physique, higher energy, some weight loss, and ultimately, longevity and anti aging.

I think that everyone who reads this should make a goal, stick to it, and share with us your progress in your efforts to increase your longevity by cutting calorie counts. I know it may seem that life gets in the way, and that it may be difficult at times--but one step forward is a step in the right direction.

If you would like to read more about the Health Magazine study, it can be found on the CNN website here. I especially find their methodology interesting. Gradually reducing the calorie intake on the variables.

Let's keep heading in the right direction! And remember, most of all, stay positive!

Take This and Call Me In a Thousand Mornings

I'm not going to endorse it, but to me it seems like a good idea. According to a new study, a pill to extend life is in the works. As it stands now there is a drug that when administered to mice extends their life span.

Wouldn't that be nice? Some people might argue that prolonging life should only be done through diet and exercise staying positive and laughing. I am in that boat. However, it also seems to make sense that taking a pill to extend life could ultimately be a good idea . . . sometimes.

The person who has hardly any quality of life would be hard pressed to even sticking around a little longer. Youth is not dependent on birthdays. Youth is a state of mind and body. A pill to supplement an already healthy lifestyle is ideal. It means we can enjoy a good quality of life longer than without it. Let's be honest here, living longer, but unhealthy can raise the cost of medicare and medicaid, and other insurance.

Aging in a healthy way, with exercise and wellness habits allows us to be happier longer, love more, and influence the next generations. After all, the elderly have worked too hard not to leave the earth in good hands.

So, a pill to prolong life? The magical anti aging pill of the future? Is is a good idea? A bad idea? Ethical? Practical? Would you want an anti aging pill to supplement healthy living and activity? Should there be another solution? Who should take the anti aging pill? Who shouldn't? Should we even prolong life? What would this anti aging pill have to do to make it worth your while?

What are your thoughts on this topic?

Read more on the anti aging pill here

A Welcome

Aging is a fact of life. It is natural, and everyone does it! The more we live the older we get. Seems obvious enough. There comes a point when aging stops. It's when our health no longer exists. Seems that health is the determining factor in how much one can age.

It should be a priority, in everyone's life, to slow this process. The more we can live, the more we can love, care, influence, inspire, instruct, and count blessings.

This blog is to prepare every person to make every second count, in order to count more seconds.

Feel free to browse, comment, and discuss as you feel. Supporting this blog is supporting life and happiness for you and those whom you love every day.