Staying Fabulous At 50

November 4th, 2010 | Posted by Ettore in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

yoga11While it is true that our bodies always require maintenance and general upkeep, when proceeding towards certain milestones it behooves us to pay closer and more specific attention to our health. Such is especially true at the age of 50. This is by no means meant to suggest that 50 should be thought of in terms of the stereotypical misnomer of “old.” Quite to the contrary, 50 should be thought of as more of a precursor and opportunity.
At the age of 50 most Americans are not necessarily in the “danger zone.” However, preventive measures and assessment of one’s health can help abate possible problems that may arise before they ever do. Let’s face it, health at 50 is very important and it is important to pay attention to certain tips that may help you live, not only a longer, but a higher quality, life. Here are a few health tips for both the sexes to help ensure that your health and wellness stay at their pinnacle performance.
MEN
Daily Steps to Good Health
Ø Stay “Smoke-Free”
Ø Physical Activity is key (Try to start slow and work up to at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.)
Ø Maintain a healthy diet (Focus on fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, whole grains, and fat free milks.)
Ø Stay at a healthy weight (Here, it’s all about calorie balance.)
Ø Alcohol Consumption in moderation (It has been proven that a glass of wine a day can be healthy. However, as with all things, moderation and regulation are key as even too much of a good thing can be bad.)
Preventive Measures
Ø Aspirin (Taking Aspirin regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.)
Ø Immunizations (Get your flu shot every year! It does more than just fight the flu.)
Screening: What And When
Ø Abdominal Aortic AneurysmàIf between the ages of 65-75
Ø Colorectal CanceràAt anytime, this test is important so it should not be shirked
Ø DepressionàIf you go for a period of about 2 weeks feeling down or experience lack of enthusiasm or drive in that time
Ø DiabetesàIf you have high blood pressure you should get screened for diabetes
Ø High CholesterolàGet your blood pressure checked every two years but for reference purposes high blood pressure is right around 140/90 or higher.
Ø HIVàFor anything short of celibacy (and maybe even then) regular testing to ensure that you do not have HIV will ensure your physical health and quell any anxiety that the unknown may bring to your mind.
Ø ObesityàYou can calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index) and see if you are at your target healthy weight by using a BMI calculator found online, or you can simply ask your doctor.
Ø STD testingàAgain, if your are sexually active, getting regular testing ensures your health and the health of others are accounted for and protected at all times
WOMEN
For you ladies the process and suggestions remain the same as for the gentlemen in most respects, except for a few minor additions in the following categories.
Preventive Drugs
Ø Breast Cancer Drugs (If breast cancer has appeared in your immediate family seek a physicians advice on whether or not such drugs may be in your best interests to take.)
Ø Estrogen Use For Menopause (Hormone Replacement Therapy.)
Preventive Screening
Ø Breast Cancer (Have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.)
Ø Cervical Cancer (A Pap smear every 1 to 3 years is recommended.)
Ø Osteoprosis (To combat bone thinning, have a bone density test doen at age 65. Further testing in subsequent intervals of every 2 years may be required.)

It is important to take care of your health and by following these guidelines, and other suggestions found on such websites as that of “The Agency For Healthcare Research And Quality” you can lead a happier and more energetic life. Take care of your mind. Take care of your body. Take care of your life, and be fabulous at 50.

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Winter S.A.D.ness: The Real Story Behind The Cold Weather Blues

November 1st, 2010 | Posted by Anthony in Uncategorized - (1 Comments)

The Healing Power Of The SunFor millions of Americans each year, the winter months usher in a season of melancholia and depression that lasts winter-long. Depression rates during the winter season are staggering and for this cold quarter of the year Americans experience a veritable epidemic of sadness. The average person looking to avoid pathologizing this occurrence may chalk it up to being lonely during the holidays. Others think of it just as the dreariness of the cold bringing them down. However, studies have shown that this state of depression during the winter months has less to do with simply “feeling down” and more to do with an actual medical condition.
The official diagnosis of this condition is called, appropriately enough, “S.A.D.,” or “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Dr. Keith Ablow, the Fox News Psychiatrist, has stated, SAD is an under-diagnosed condition that is responsible for a tremendous amount of psychological distress, but also a big price-tag in terms of decreased productivity of folks who think they’re just ‘down,’ but are really fighting a real psychiatric disorder. People who have always ‘hated’ the holidays or who ‘can’t stand’ February should start to wonder whether that’s them speaking or an illness speaking for them.”
And the astonishing, although completely logical, explanation for this condition has nothing to do with the cold at all. Indulge, if you will, the notion that, in some respects, human beings are like plants. Here, the relevant correlation for the purposes of parsing out the cause of S.A.D. is that humans, like plants, thrive on sunlight. During the winter months it is not the pervading sense of cold that causes the sense of depression, but the lack of sunlight.
To that end, Dr. Ablow has treated various patients suffering from S.A.D. without the use of a pill or any other medication. The prescription is…Sunlight! Dr. Ablow has prescribed the use of special high intensity lights that you can put on your desk at home or work and use to simply absorb the rejuvenating rays that the lamp emits. These lights are widely available, from companies such as LiteBook and Northern Light Technologies.
However, for those who may possess a sensitivity to light that makes the use of this novel treatment impractical, there is still hope. There are medications available that may be prescribed by a doctor to combat depression. And, for an organic supplement to these prescription drugs, Vitamin D has also been recognized in certain medical circles as helping combat feelings of depression.
Your health and well-being are among the most vital aspects of your life to foster and nourish. If you or someone you know suffers from S.A.D. this treatment may prove to be a crucial aid in helping to combat the effects of seasonal depression. It may be worth trying this winter season. We can all stand to shine a little light on our lives from time to time.

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