Red Hot Mamas In Charge of Change.
By: Red Hot Mamas
Published: January 11, 2024
“Each of us has a fire in our heart for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and to keep it lit”.
– Mary Lou Retton
Dear Red Hot Mamas,
Some women seem to dread growing older with every birthday. And it is especially more difficult when those birthdays end in zero. Can any of you relate to that? I certainly can. But being the optimist that I am, I try to always keep in my mind that the second part of my life may be better than the first part, but it may take some work to achieve that. Certainly, life shouldn’t have to come to a screeching halt just because we hit a different age marker.
There are many references to finding the “fountain of youth” that exist today as well as in folklore. But I sincerely question, can the fountain of youth be attainable? Is there an elixir for immortality? The answer to these questions might just be composed of many components. Those main components should address ways that we could prevent and cure age-related diseases.
It certainly is not by taking remedies, potions, and concoctions that we see marketed as promoting longevity and everlasting life. Yes, there is fascination and allure, and some people are inspired to try these elixirs because they seek eternal youth. Keep in mind that these products often lack clinical trials that have evaluated their safety and efficacy. However, there have been scientific breakthroughs that offer new possibilities of extending healthy lifespan and combating age-related disease. But with any of these options that offer hope, it is important to remember that there is not a one-size fits all solution and it’s necessary to discuss with your clinician what is fact and fiction if you consider taking any of these products.
So, what can you do to promote good health and longevity? Here are 10 things to consider:
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular exercise can ward of the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. It also lowers the risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Eat a healthy diet – choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein such as fish. And limit foods that are high in saturated fats and salt.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Get ample sleep.
- Manage stress.
- Stay mentally active-engage your brain. Read, take classes, or even learn an instrument.
- Be social. Social interaction wards off depression.
- Schedule regular checkups with your clinician and dentist. And discuss with them specific ways to improve your health which should include updating your immunizations.
- Follow your clinician’s advice to manage chronic diseases such as hypertension and high cholesterol to keep things under control.
- Share your needs and concerns with your partner.
In closing, also try to keep a positive mind set. People who think positively live longer. And remember as those birthdays creep up, that you can increase the length of your life and lower your disease risk by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Good Health to You All,
Karen Giblin
