Heathy 365 News - Bad Habits That Shorten Life

 

Healthy 365 News  Issue # 30 - Dec. 27, 2011 Receive daily tips from Dr. W                             For Appointments Call 281 395-7770  Update From Dr. Weaver Holiday Wishes Readers, These past few days have been a time to put work aside and spend time with family and friends.  That can be one of the privileges of our life experience and one that I am sure we all look forward to experiencing for as long as possible. As the New Year approaches, the tradition of making resolutions is a practice for some; however I have never personally made it a practice of doing so. But I think this is a good time to pause and consider if there is something that you might want to consider changing to help you to be around and enjoy more holidays with family and friends. Today's health tip is about "Bad Habits That Shorten Life". If any of these are of concern to you, then let your conscious be your guide. If they apply to any of your loved ones, then maybe you can encourage them to make changes for the better. To your health,   Dr. W Health Tip of the Week Bad Habits that Shorten Life None of us wants to get older, but it is going to happen whether we like it or not. The important thing is that we have long, enjoyable lives, and there are things we can do to insure this happens. However, here are a lot of bad habits people can pick up that will do a lot to shorten their life spans. Luckily, even bad habits can be broken, and the effects can actually be reversed, at least to a certain extent. Here are a few of the things that make us old before our time, and can even shorten our life spans: Smoking - This is one of the worst things a person can do to their bodies. Smoking not only causes cancer, increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, but it also can go a long way in making a person look older. Many people who are lifelong smokers have skin that is extremely wrinkled, and often, they also have dark circles beneath their eyes. If you are a smoker, you really should try to quit. Once you quit smoking, you have less risk of many health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Alcohol - It is fine to indulge in a few drinks once in a while, and there are some studies that show individuals who consume alcohol on a modest basis live longer than those who don't drink at all. In fact, as long as you do not go overboard, it can be kind of therapeutic. But, if you drink to excess, it can definitely shorten your life span, and make you look much older. People who drink heavily often have sallow looking skin, not to mention red, swollen noses. Alcohol can also lead to a number of health problems, including liver issues, gastrointestinal bleeding, and brain impairment. Inactivity - We all need to have a certain amount of exercise, and the less exercise we get, the less healthy we are. When we don't get enough exercise, our muscles and joints will not work properly. Many people who do not exercise find that they really pay for it when they are older. Some studies have shown that being a couch potato is a higher risk factor for heart disease than smoking a pack of cigarettes per day. When you exercise regularly, you can expect to have healthy joints and muscles for many years to come plus improved heart and lung function. Poor Diet - It is really important to try and follow a healthy, balanced diet, at least most of the time. We need to have certain nutrients in order to be healthy, and when we are not eating foods that have these nutrients, our bodies are not getting what they need. On the other hand, being overweight and obesity have reached epidemic levels in this country of over 60% and now effecting up to 30% of children.  Because of the excessive weight, for the first time, our younger generation might face a life expectancy that is lower than their parents. Eating healthy and maintaining an ideal body weight can add years to a person's life, and when you are eating right, you are going to feel a lot better too. Failure to Get Regular Physical Check Ups - Statistically it has been shown that undergoing screening exams for disorders such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and a number of other medical diseases can lead to early detection and treatment with potentially better outcomes.  While no one really wants to get any of these diseases, if they do occur, then the earlier they are dealt with, then the better.  However, fear as well as lack of access to healthcare can be major reasons that you might face when it comes to being able to deal with these types of ailments in the best way possible. These are just a few basic health tips that given proper attention can make a major difference in your life.  The choices are up to you. Read Dr. Weaver's Latest Blog Posts Rosacea Laser Treatment- Stop the Redness, Bumps and Irritation Happiness and Your Health- The Number One Key to A Quality Life and Longevity Diabetes and Your Skin- 5 Tips You Should Know to Take Care of Diabetic Skin Problems Skin Rejuvenation Tips- 7 Ways to Improve Your Skin After the Summer Sun

Restore Your Health and Energy In Spite of Your Age 

There is a saying that youth is wasted upon the young.  Ongoing research into the areas of health, wellness, and anti-aging might one day lead to a change in this statement so that perpetual youthful energy and vibrancy is still a possibility at any age.

While this might sound a little bit far fetched, it is becoming more and more of a possibility as each day goes by.  But, to tap into this realm of existence requires discipline, focused activity, with a specific purpose and target in mind.  So, I would like to ask you a question.

Is age starting to catch up with you?  Do you have less energy or vitality than you had when you were 5, 10, or 20 years younger?  Well if so, you don't have to feel like the Lone Ranger. 

As we age our body starts to not operate as well as it once did.  There are a lot of reasons for this.  Research into the aging process shows that metabolic changes take place within all of the cells of the body and a particular decrease is noticed in structures called "mitochondria" which are the energy reservoirs.  Muscle cells contain the highest concentration of mitochondria, especially cardiac muscle which is found in the heart.  While it is inevitable that these changes will take place, there are two things in particular you can do to make things better: follow a healthy diet or eating plan and exercise.

We'll start with exercise.  I know that most of us don't really always enjoy exercise; however there are fun ways that you can do it.  You can always grab an MP3 player and load up your favorite music or even an audio book and go for a walk.  It doesn't have to be a long walk in the beginning.  Just a walk around the block might be all you can do.  That's better than nothing though.

Perhaps for exercise you can find something that you like to do for fun.  For example, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise out there, working almost all parts of your body.  Simply getting out and playing a game can start you out with some exercise that is more enjoyable.  Get out and shoot some hoops with your kids or nephews or nieces.  Whatever you choose to do, try to get out and do it frequently and build a habit of doing some form of exercise.  Thirty minutes of exercise three days per week can have a big impact on your energy level as well as improve sleep habits, and how your body processes the food you eat.

When it comes to diet and eating healthy, there are lots of things to consider there as well.  Allergies are one of the biggest such as gluten sensitivity and lactose intolerance; the other consideration is whether or not you have a disease of some sort such as diabetes or high blood pressure.  If either of these is true, you need a little consultation before you make too many radical decisions in your eating habits.  This can be in the form of some good research online, or from your physician or a registered dietitian.

There are many foods out there which promote health and wellness.  For example, garlic has been known for centuries to have healing qualities.  Seek out vitamins that are high in fiber, vitamins and protein.  Beans, beans the musical fruit should be redone to read "beans, beans, the magical fruit."  Of course they're not really magical, but they offer great benefits nutritionally in the form of vitamins, protein and fiber.  Beans are definitely a food that you should add to your diet if you're not already.

Stay away from fried food and foods with a lot of fat.  These will clog up your arteries as well as excessive calories that can increase weight.  This, in turn, makes your body work harder to pump blood and will affect your stamina and cardiovascular health in general.  Sure you can eat these things, but like most things, do so in moderation or just occasionally.  Make sure to mix in some fresh fruits like a banana or blueberries with your breakfast.

The two areas of healthy diet and exercise are always a good place to start when it comes to health and wellness.  Used in combination with natural supplements, meditation, healthy relationships, and activities that fulfill your life purpose, diet and exercise will do almost everything you want.   

Do this regularly for at least 30 days and you will be sure to notice an increase in energy as your body becomes healthier. When so inspired, continue this as part of your plan for lifelong health and abundant energy.

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