Greater than genetics

Lifestyle factors have a greater impact than genetics, which account for about one third of the problems associated with aging (Johns Hopkins, 1998). According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Letter Health After 50, there are significant factors, which increase longevity, prevent or delay disabling illness, and improve the quality of life. They are:

Exercise. This by itself is the most important factor. Physical activity aids cardiovascular and respiratory functions, slows the loss of muscular strength, increases bone mass, aids digestion and bowel functions, promotes sound sleep, and prevents depression.

Nutrition. This area encompasses a healthy diet, use of supplements, and drinking plenty of water. The experts advocate a low fat diet with a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, and 2 to 4 servings of low-fat dairy products each day. A multivitamin is recommended to fill in gaps from the diet, as well as 6 to 8 glasses of water or clear fluids to promote optimal organ function.

Not smoking. Cessation of smoking reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, some cancers, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Avoidance of excessive alcohol. Limiting alcohol to one glass of wine or spirits per day reduces the risk of liver disease and certain cancers. However, the older you get, the more cautious you should be, even about drinking small amounts.

Stress reduction. Reduction of stress and anxiety helps to strengthen the immune system and decreases susceptibility to disease.

Cultivating satisfying relationships. Social interaction and support have been found to reduce stress, help cognitive functioning, and prevent depression.

Challenging the mind. Learning new skills and regular mental activity promote healthy mental functioning.

Avoid the effect of aging

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also states that healthy lifestyles are more influential than genetics to avoid the deterioration associated with aging (CDC, 2007). The CDC recommends that people be "physically active, eat a healthy diet, do not use tobacco, and practice other healthy behaviors" to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They emphasize that "physical activity is the key to healthy aging."

Benefits documented

Since the benefits of a physically active lifestyle are so well documented and so important, a number of highly regarded health and aging organizations have collaborated on a report entitled the National Blueprint: Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults Aged 50 and Older (CDC, 2001).

Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke

Not everyone gets all of these warning signs. Sometimes, these signs can go away and return.

·         Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

·         Sudden confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding speech.

·         Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

·         Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.

·         Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

·         Blurred or double vision, drowsiness, and nausea or vomiting.

·         Every minute counts, even if the symptoms seem to disappear! Treatments are most effective if given within one hour of when the stroke begins.

Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps. Read and Learn! Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. *Ask the individual to SMILE.

2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny out today) If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions.

They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE, you could save their lives.

If you have these signs, call 911 right away!

Know the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense -- the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

·         Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.   

·         Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.   

·         Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.  

·         Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness 

·         If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help.

Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.

How a woman's heart attack might differ from a man's:

Typical for both Sexes:

• pain, pressure, squeezing or stabbing pain in the chest

• pain radiating to shoulder, back or arm

• pounding heart, change in rhythm

• difficulty breathing

• heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

• dizziness

More typical for woman only:

• pressure or discomfort without chest pain

• sudden onset of weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, body aches or overall feeling of illness

• unusual feeling or mild discomfort in the back, chest, arm, neck, throat or jaw without chest pain

• impending sense of doom or unexplained anxiety

Live Longer If You Eat These 14 Foods?

They're ordinary items that are probably in your refrigerator or kitchen pantry right now: beans, blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin, soy, spinach, green or black tea, tomatoes, turkey, walnuts, wild salmon, and yogurt.

But these may not be ordinary foods at all. They may be so special, they've earned the title "super foods." That's the word from Steven G. Pratt, author of "Super Foods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life." His premise is that these vitamin-packed goodies have superpowers when it comes to keeping us healthy, improving our well-being, and helping us to live longer provided we do our part by eating them regularly, reports The Rocky Mountain News.

Here are the 14 "super foods" and the superpowers they bestow that are outlined in "Super Foods Rx":

THINGS WE LEARN:

I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing  "Silent Night"
Age 6

I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either
Age 7

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back
Age 9

I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again
Age 12

I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up
Age 14

I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me
Age 15

I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice
Age 24

I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures
Age 26

I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there
Age 29

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it
Age 30

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it
Age 42

I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a little note
Age 44

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others.
Age 46

I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
Age 47

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
Age 48

I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours
Age 49

I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone
Age 50

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights
Age 52

I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills
Age 52

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die
Age 53

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life
Age 58

I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage
Age 61

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance
Age 62

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands You need to be able to throw something back
Age 64

I've learned that if you pursue happiness,  it will elude you But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you
Age 65

I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision
Age 66

I've learned that everyone can use a prayer
Age 72

I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles And to tell the truth, I've seen several
Age 75

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one
Age 82

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back
Age 85

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn
Age 92

I've learned that you should pass this on to someone you care about Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.......

Ageless

THE DIFFERENCE 40 YEARS MAKES- submitted by more than one Class of '67'er

1967:  LONG HAIR
2007:  LONGING FOR HAIR

1967:  THE PERFECT HIGH
2007:  THE PERFECT HIGH YIELD MUTUAL FUND

1967:  KEG
2007:  EKG

1967:  ACID ROCK
2007:  ACID REFLUX

1967:  MOVING TO CALIFORNIA BECAUSE IT'S COOL
2007:  MOVING TO CALIFORNIA BECAUSE IT'S WARM

1967:  GROWING POT
2007:  GROWING POT BELLY

1967:  TRYING TO LOOK LIKE MARLON BRANDO OR LIZ TAYLOR
2007:  TRYING NOT TO LOOK LIKE MARLON BRANDO OR LIZ TAYLOR

1967:  SEEDS AND STEMS
2007:  ROUGHAGE

1967:  KILLER WEED
2007:  WEED KILLER

1967:  HOPING FOR A BMW
2007:  HOPING FOR A BM

1967:  THE GRATEFUL DEAD
2007:  DR. KEVORKIAN

1967:  GOING TO A NEW, HIP JOINT
2007:  GETTING A NEW HIP JOINT

1967:  ROLLING STONES
2007:  KIDNEY STONES

1967:  BEING CALLED INTO THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
2007:  CALLING THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

1967:  SCREW THE SYSTEM
2067:  UPGRADE THE SYSTEM

1967:  PARENTS BEGGING YOU TO GET A HAIRCUT
2007:  CHILDREN BEGGING YOU TO GET THEIR HEADS SHAVED

1967:  PASSING THE DRIVER'S TEST
2007:  PASSING THE VISION TEST

1967:  WHATEVER
2007:  DEPENDS

My Favorite Things.....Sent by Peggi Mitten:

There are recent rumors that Julie Andrews did a concert for AARP.  Ms. Andrews sang a favorite from the Sound of Music, "Favorite Things". There were a few changes to the words, to fit in with the AARP theme.
Here are the new words to this tune: 

 

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillac's and cataracts and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bath robes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinning,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning,
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache,
when the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

That person is a success who..

Bessie Anderson Stanley (original version often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson)

That person is a success who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent people
and the love of children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who leaves the world better than he found it,
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
who looked for the best in others
and gave the best that he had.

Some Sound Advice:

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN... In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

Things I've Learned:

Julia Child

Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health.

The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they're right if you love to be with them all the time

You need to enjoy the good things in life, but you need not overindulge.

Rodney Dangerfield

God is bigger than people think.

You can't take rejection personally. You have to say, "Well, that dumbass just didn't know any better."

Conrad Doebler-Football player-KC Chiefs

My father gave me a piece of advice: He said, "Never buy anything that eats while you sleep."

I was raised Catholic in a small town. I guess I believe in a supreme being. But if there is a supreme being, he'll judge you on whether you were a good person or a bad person, not on how many times you went to church. If there's compassion in your heart, there's a placed for you in heaven.

If it flies, floats, or fucks, rent it.

Kirk Douglas-Actor

Give your children lots of rope. Allow them to make their own mistakes. Don't give them too much advice. Each child is different; you have to respect that. It's a crapshoot: You roll the dice, and you see what happens.

Maybe when you die, you come before a big, bearded man on a big throne, and you say, "Is this heaven?" And he says, "Heaven? You just came from there."

Faye Dunnaway-Actress

The minute you start believing your own success, you're on the road to ruin.

Bonnie Parker was the first role, the one that was closest to me in many ways. She was just this small-town southern girl, coming out of nowhere, hungry and wanting to get ahead, wanting to do something meaningful, wanting to succeed. She had a kind of poetry in her soul. She's a part of me to this day.

You can't take responsibility for everything. You can't have that kind of control. At some point, it's all out of our hands.

Al Green-Singer and Preacher

 I didn't have a mother; I had a mama. I measure other women by the stature of my mama.

You'll find that there's somebody along the way who will give you a ride wherever you want to go.

The greatest thing that ever happened to me, to Al Green, the little boy from Arkansas, was that amidst all the doubts and speculation, I found peace.

Andy Grove-Founder of Intel

Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. Only the paranoid survive.

It's not enough to make time for your children. There are certain stages in their lives when you have to give them the time when they want it. You can't run your family like a company. It doesn't work.

Evel Knievel

I regret it when I’m in some small country and see that they’ve taken the worst of our culture rather than the best.

Haley Joel Osment-Child Actor

Some girls paid more attention to me after the movie. Some talk to me more

There's always going to be another part

I've never seen dead people.

Richard Petty-NASCAR Driver

Luck is where opportunity meets preparation or preparation meets opportunity.

Let your kids be individuals. Whatever they want to do, try to back.

When my grandson Adam died, I was more than upset. You say, Okay, my father done this, I done it, Kyle done it, and then Adam was doing it and he gets killed. I set down one night thinking about all this stuff, and I was reading the paper at the same time, and I said, You know, part of this is my own fault. If I hadn't encouraged him . . . And then I saw two different articles: Fourteen-year-old got killed in a boating accident on a Sunday afternoon, playing around. Another kid, seventeen years old, drowned playing around in the lake. And I said, Okay, that's it. See what I mean? It wouldn't have made any difference. To Adam, it was playing. A nineteen-year-old kid in a race car, having a big time. He died enjoying what he was doing.

Don Rickles

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