Sunday, November 30, 2008

Six Tips For Anti Aging

Let me first start off by saying that the term “anti aging” is a misnomer of sorts. The grim fact is that we will all age and eventually die. Not one of us is immortal. The good news is that we can prolong our lives and avoid disease by making a conscious effort to take care of ourselves. Prevention is key when it comes to anti-aging. Many people are still looking for that perfect cream or pill that will make them look younger.

The fact is that it’s most important to take care of what’s on the inside before you will see external results. What you put into your body is a reflection of what you see on the outside. The path to healthy aging (or anti-aging) takes dedication and a conscious effort. Nobody is perfect – we all have our vices – those things that we just love and feel must be included in our lives, be it lying out in the sun, drinking that morning cup of coffee, or the occasional sweet indulgence.

The key is moderation. Don’t deprive yourself of that which you love because you will only be likely to over-do it next time you are tempted. Think about the things you put into your body every day:
the things you eat and drink, the stress you put upon yourself, the exercises you do, the exposure you give your skin to harmful UV rays and cigarette smoke, and the time you take to let yourself relax.

By making a conscious effort to cut down and possibly eliminate those things that are dragging our health into the gutter, we will live happier, healthier, more youthful and productive lives. You can start small and work your way up to a healthier lifestyle. When you start seeing the benefits of your efforts, you will be more motivated to stick with your plan and implement more healthy changes.

Here are some basics to look at.You may already be doing some or even all of these things – if so; you are on the right track! If not – congratulations for making a conscious effort to start living a healthier life. Remember, start small with one or two items a month and keep adding more as you go:

1) Drink water. Many people don’t realize that they actually drink more calories than they eat. Soft drinks and juices can pack on the pounds and make you feel sluggish. On the contrary, water will make you feel more energized and can also suppress your appetite between meals. If you are trying to loose weight or increase energy then water is your friend. Your skin will thank you, too.

2) If you smoke – quit. Be hard on yourself about this one. We all know that smoking is linked to cancer and a host of other health problems. You must win this battle or all of your other efforts will be in vain.

3) Exercise at least 20 minutes every day. Even if you have to get up at 5 a.m. to take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Fit it into your schedule somewhere. You will find that you have more energy and your body will begin to show the effects of your efforts. The key is to stick with it even when you don’t feel like it – the results don’t come for free.

4) Eat more veggies. Vegetables (and fruits) are a wonderful source of age-fighting antioxidants. To get the best health benefits, eat a range of colors. Get your greens, reds, yellows, and purples every day. Some good choices are spinach, tomatoes, carrots, and blueberries. Not only will you be getting your antioxidants, but you will also be adding more fiber to your diet.

5) Limit your time in the sun. Always use SPF 15 or higher when you know you will be out in the sun. Damage from the sun will cause your skin to look older, faster. If you really enjoy that “bronze” look, try a self tanner. You will get the look of a tan without the harmful UV exposure.

6) Take time for yourself. The world can be a stressful place. Stress that is built up in your body can cause you to age quicker. Take time to meditate, read a book, or get a massage at lease once a week, if not more.

These six tips for anti-aging may seem simple, but if you actually implement them into your lifestyle, you will see positive changes in your health, mood and looks. Your body will thank you in many ways and you will be able to live a more youthful, more active life well into “old age”.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Get To Know Your Skin's Anatomy

Skin has 3 layers - the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.

1. Epidermis: The epidermis is located on the Outer Layer of Skin and can be visibly seen on the surface. The epidermis is the thinnest of the layers but also is ironically the main barrier of protection for the entire body. The epidermis is the thinnest on the eyelids at .05 mm and the thickest on the palms and soles at 1.5 mm. The thickness of the epidermis varies for different types of skin. The epidermis also contains the pigment melanin that gives skin its color.

There are 5 delicate layers of cells that make up the entire epidermis. From bottom (most internal) to top (most external) the layers are named:

stratum basal

stratum spinosum

stratum granulosum

stratum licidum

stratum corneum

Approximately every twenty-seven days new skin is regenerated through skin cell turnover. The bottom layer, known as stratum corneum, is where new skin cells originate. As cells are created they crowd and are pushed upward into the next higher layer. As the cells move into the higher layers, they flatten and eventually die. As old, dead skin cells reach the outer surface, they slough off replaced by the upward moving cells below them.

2. Dermis: The Middle Layer underneath supporting the epidermis is known as the dermis. The dermis is a complex matrix of hair follicles, blood vessels, and sebaceous (oil) glands.

The dermis contains elastic fibers known as elastin and protein fibers called collagen, and fibroblasts "glue like" cells that synthesize collagen and elastin together to form skin's elasticity, support, and suppleness.

Elastin, like the word elastic is the protein that works with collagen in the dermis, giving skin vital snap or spring allowing it to main firm structure. Elastin diminishes in our skin over time causing skin to loosen and sag.

The dermis layer is also responsible for wrinkles. Collagen, the fountain of youth is the most abundant protein making up 75% of skin. Overtime, environmental factors and aging deplete the body's ability to produce collagen.

3. Subcutaneous Tissue: Subcutaneous tissueis the layer of fat and connective tissue containing larger blood vessels and nerves. This layer works to regulate the temperature of the skin itself and the body. The thickness of this layer varies throughout the body and from person to person.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Why Qi-Gong Is A Natural Anti-Aging Tool

Qi gong is one of the most powerful tools for staying young and nourishing longevity. How does it work?

Builds Internal Strength and Suppleness

Unlike other forms of traditional western exercise, qi gong trains the energy of the body to invigorate internal organs to promote balanced health and prolong youthful appearance.

For example, in the Chinese medicine system, the spleen is said to rule the muscles of the body. Certain qi gong movements stimulate the spleen organ and its associated energy pathways. Thus, when one performs qi gong movements that target the spleen, the muscles become more youthful, supple and free of wrinkles (especially in the case of the muscles of the face).

As an example, I am often mistaken for a woman in my early thirties despite being in my mid forties.

Also, since qi gong involves deep breath work, greater levels of oxygen enter the bloodstream to help rejuvenate the internal organs on a cellular level.

Last, on an energetic level, it is said that our essential energy or jing is responsible for youthfulness and housed in the organs of the kidneys.

Qi gong movements nourish the energy of kidneys. Thus, many qi gong masters have strong kidneys and often appear untouched by time.

Creates Youthful Brain Cells

Researchers at the University of California at Irvine discovered that when qi is emitted by qi gong masters, a greater perfusion of blood occurred within the brain.

Greater perfusion of blood nourishes the brain cells to help prevent dementia and other cognitive and mental conditions associated with aging. Thus, performing qi gong can help keep the brain and mind young and vibrant.

Prevents Conditions that Prematurely Age the Body

Qi gong also promotes greater states of relaxation. As a result, heath conditions that are influenced by stress such as premature graying, high blood pressure, and certain types of immunity imbalances, occur less in individuals practicing qi gong.

Manages and Resolves Conditions that Age the Body

Qi gong circle walking is especially effective as a healing tool for people who have cancer which plays a large role in cellular break down and premature aging. At Stanford University, Dr Arnold Tayam, head instructor of the qi gong program, uses a special form of qi gong circle walking to help promote greater states of relaxation and rejuvenation to help facilitate greater healing with cancer patients.

Nourishes the Spirit and the Body

Qi Gong facilitates a connection with a higher power through meditation and movement.

David Felton, MD, a renowned immunologist who conducted research at the University of California, found that the immunity system is strengthened by spiritual practices.

Therefore, qi gong, as a spiritual practice, can play a role in helping the immunity system stay balanced to prevent conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis often associated with aging although juvenile forms can also occur.

Creates Youthful Bones

Qi gong nourishes the bones in two ways. By strengthening the internal organ of the kidneys, said to rule the bones in the Chinese medicine system, bones tend to heal faster and have greater protection against degeneration and osteoporosis.

As an example, a 74 years old client who performs qi gong everyday, was able to have her cast removed two weeks ahead of schedule following ankle surgery because her bones mended more rapidly than a similar patient who was half her age but not performing qi gong.

In summary, qi gong can promote greater states of youthfulness and longevity by nourishing the internal organs, muscular and bone systems, and by promoting greater mental and spiritual balance.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

A Chinese Prescription To Prolong Aging

Delay aging means prolonging your productive life. It also means keeping you healthy as long as possible so that you are able to enjoy a better life. Everyone knows that we are swimming against the current of aging and natural death. In this process, we should try to prevent the symptoms of old age from appearing earlier or from becoming debilitating.

Aging can be a depressing experience if you think about withering away in a helpless situation. Therefore, the goal to combat aging is to maintain your health strong enough so that you can take care of yourself and perform what you are capable of doing as you move on.

Nature of aging:

• Aging and health deterioration goes hand in hand.
• In normal circumstances, your body stops growing around 20, followed by a so-called prime or plateau period lasting until 40.
• Most young people don't worry about aging. Why should they?
• When you reach 40 or later, and begin to feel some downhill symptoms, suddenly you'll appreciate the meaning of aging.
• Aging occurs gradually from 40 to 50, which may not be noticeable. Then it may occur in a step function, enough to make you nervous.
• There are of course some exceptions to the above description.
• The general rule is that if you care about maintaining good health even when you are young, the downhill symptoms will occur later rather than sooner.
• Health maintenance should be cultivated as a habit or lifestyle.
• Prevention should be taken more seriously.

Examples of downhill symptoms:

• Decrease in physical endurance, especially in sports activities.
• Energy depletion, more rest to replenish energy.
• Slower response time.
• Memory not as good as before.
• Joint pains more frequent and intense.
• Weight gain due to metabolic change.
• Menopause in females.
• Less fertile and less sexual desire.
• Countless others more serious and scary.

Do not fantasize about miracle herbs that can bring back the fountain of youth. The movies and some businessmen say those herbs exist. The Chinese Emperors had been looking for them all the time. The Emperors were the most spoiled bunch. Many of them died young because they did not take care of their health. They ordered the eunuchs to find the miracle herbs. The smart eunuchs would run away because they knew they could never find them. The less smart ones returned with some fake things, only to face execution because they could not deliver.

During the Three-Kingdoms period in China, the legendary herbalist Hua Tuo ïW was executed circa 205 A.D. by Cao Cao uI for refusing to devote full-time to curing Cao's chronic headaches. The fact that Hua Tuo was executed late in his professional life in his 90's shows that he had found a way to delay aging.

The Chinese approach to delay aging emphasizes strengthening and prevention by adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating the right kind of food, and using medicinal herbs as a supplement. The herbs aim to enhance overall body functions, with special attention paid to weaker organs. A stronger body is the best defense against disease and aging. The following herbs are recommended for health enhancement:

1) Strengthen overall Ren Shen ºÃ Dang Shen èà Bai Zhu }. Fu Ling Ó Gan Cao I

2) Strengthen blood Chuan Xiong ÝŽ Dang Gui vx Di Huang 0à Chi Shao d

3) Enhance Qi circulation Huang Qi à Sang Ji Sheng QÄ Suo Yang –}

4) Reduce excess heat Huang Qin é A total of 13 herbs are used.

Drink one cup (8 oz) of herb tea a day, preferably in the morning to allow for dissipation of excess heat generated by the strengthening herbs. You don't need the herb tea for consecutive days. Drinking 10 to 20 cups of herb tea within a month will suffice normally.

This is just one formula with countless variations depending on:

* How accurate the herbalist can pinpoint your weak organs.

* How weak is your body initially.

* How does your body respond to the herbs.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Secrets To Live To Your 100th Birthday

I can't remember having met anyone who lived to their 100th birthday, although I know it happens. My wife and I joke that we're going to live to 102 and 100 and die together, after both receiving our 100th birthday gifts from our kids. What are our odds and how do we make it there?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, today, more than 70,000 Americans are 100 years old, and that number will grow dramatically during the next century. Unless I'm off on my math, that's about 1 in every 5,000 Americans. So the American centenarian is a rare, but a growing part of the population.

Because our goal is to age this well, I've done a little research on centenarians who've made it their 100th birthday. My wife and I have decided against holding their secrets to ourselves, because we'll want some folks our age to hold a dance with for our 100th birthday party. So, without further adieu, we reveal the fountain of youth.

Don't Drink or Smoke
The "New England Centenarian Study" by Thomas Perls M.D., M.P.H. examines people age 100 and above in order to help everyone else learn how to age well. Most important is to avoid smoking, eat well, and exercise. As Mormons, this part didn't bother us too bad, but we have some friends who might drop out of the centenarian race just for their favorite unhealthy habits. "Who wants to go to your party without smoking and drinking anyway?" They'd probably say.

Dr. Perls has created a calculator on www.livingto100.com that estimates your life expectancy. I took the test and it told me I'm only going to make it to 90 years. Dang it. Here's what I'm going to have to fix:

1. Move my exercise from 3 to 6 times per week (will give me 5 years).

2. Start going to the Doctor for checkups (will give me 2 years).

3. Reduce my stress level and the hours I work every week (3 years).

Those changes will get me there, but I wonder about number three. Some sage centenarians have hinted otherwise.

No Retirement
Richard Bird, an attorney in Utah, says, "My feeling is that people who stop working die...this (coming daily to the office) keeps me interested, it keeps me alive, and that's why I continue to do it." (see Deseret Morning News, April 13, 2007). I tend to agree with Bird, the thought of retirement sounds boring and unfulfilled. I'm going to keep on working and serving until I receive my 100th birthday gift.

NPR tells the story of the 100 year old on Wallstreet, Irving Kahn. He rang the New York Stock Exchange bell on his hundredth birthday and still serves as chairman of an investment management firm. I think he'd side with Richard Bird and with me, rather than with Dr. Perls.

Cold-showers

My last piece of advice, by far the most humorous, comes from Edward Rondthaler, who writes a weekly column for his local newspaper, walks a half-mile every morning and drives himself on errands around his hometown of Croton-on-Hudson, New York (CNN, November 16, 2005). Rondthaler recounts, "When my brother in 1918 came home from the army, he said, 'Ed, whenever you take a hot shower, end it with an ice cold one and count to 100.' When your older brother tells you to do something, you do it...I've learned to count pretty fast. It gets you out of the tub quickly."

There you have it folks, the secrets to attending our dance party and joining us in opening our 100th birthday gift. Don't smoke or drink, keep working and living and take cold showers. We hope to see you there.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Tips To Live A Longer Life

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of Longer Life is certainly no exception.

We all like to receive those compliments where someone thinks we are a good few years younger then we actually are! Here are a few simple tips you can apply to your thinking that will change the way you look at age.

1. Throw out nonessential numbers.

This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them!

2. Keep only cheerful friends.

I'm sure you have spent time with someone and walked away feeling so heavy and burdened. These people age you! They seem to always have problems and issues that they need to talk on and on about! They will pull you down. I'm not saying you do not see them, but just limit the time you spend with them and focus on the friendships that uplift you.

3. Keep learning.

Try and learn and new skill every year. It may be to learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Longer Life. But don't be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

Life today is so quick, it can be difficult to appreciate the simple everyday things. Take a good look around your house, friends and family and appreciate all the good things that are in your world.

5. Laugh often, long and loud.

If life and responsibilities have been getting you down and you feel burdened, go see a comedian and laugh and laugh! You will feel so much better afterwards!

6. The tears happen.

Life is not always easy and it is not always lovely. But, remember that the only person, who is with you your entire life, is yourself. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Cherish your health.

If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

8. Don't take guilt trips.

It can be so easy to ponder on what life could have bee if only.... don't do this. You will end up spiraling down and down! If you are not happy with life, set a few goals to change the things you need to change. Focus on the future, not the past.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

What Are The Causes of Age Spots

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of anti aging is certainly no exception.

Dark spots on the skin typically appear once people get older, and are usually flat dark spots that come out on skin that has been exposed to the sun. Age spots usually show up first on the back of the hands or the lower arms, then they may appear on the chest, neck, and face. The more the skin has been exposed to the sun, the more likely the risks of getting these spots. Age spots are also sometimes called liver spots or sun spots. Pigment creating cells inside the skin are triggered to make more pigment by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. They are normally not cancerous, but they may lead to skin cancer sometime later in life.

Age spots may grow with maturity, and frequently appear after lengthy exposure to the sun. They are much more frequent in people who freckle and who are sensitive to the sun. Although age spots aren't a guarantee, those who have been regularly exposed to too much sun have a a good deal higher danger of getting skin cancer.

I trust that what you've read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

These age spots usually vary in both shape and size. Most appear unraised and round with asymmetric borders and, as previously noted, are commonly found on sun-exposed skin like the upper back, shoulders, face, neck, forearms, and the top of the hands.

The most effective treatment for the prevention of age spots is to prevent unprotected exposure to the sun by always applying sunblock when going outdoors. If it is already too late for this remedy, there are some other treatments or procedures that may help lessen the consequences of over exposure. One popular alternative is the use of skin lighteners or skin bleaching agents. Many of these may be bought in a nonprescription form and could gradually lighten up age spots over several weeks or months. These creams, however, are usually not the most effective method. Some, depending on the ingredients, may cause side effects such as redness, drying, and peeling, and they can be very costly.

A different option would be to use chemical peels to get rid of the discolorations; they can also remove wrinkles and fine lines in the same treatment. Outer layer peels are completed very quickly and provide fast recovery time. Deeper skin peels are often much more effective, but they need a lengthier recovery time. Superficial chemical peels are normally rather safe, but they can be pricey because of the large number of routines involved before finding good results.

Now that wasn't hard at all, was it? And you've earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert's word on anti aging.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Wrinkle Free Skin

So what is skin care really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about skin care--info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

If you have any intentions of maintaining healthy, wrinkle-free skin, you need to reform your body from the inside out. A good start is refraining from drinking caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and soda. Caffeine, an addictive substance contained in numerous beverages, removes moisture from your skin. When your skin is dry, it is much more prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles. Since caffeine also acts as a diuretic, it also encourages more frequent urinations. These urinations contribute to the depletion of moisture within your skin. Although you can re-moisturize your skin using moisturizing lotions, we recommend tackling the problem from its source.

Now that we've covered those aspects of skin care, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

Those of you who are serious about maintaining excellent skin should drink plenty of water, fruit juices (unprocessed) and coconut milk. These beverages will keep your skin moisturized and will thus leave it less prone to developing wrinkles and fine lines. Since these drinks also aid in keeping many of your organs healthy, your skin will look better than ever before. As many of us know, numerous internal problems are reflected in our skin.

We encourage everyone to start dumping their caffeine beverages in lieu of healthier and less problematic drinks. The numerous problems which stem from caffeine consumption are endless and are not worth the hassle. If you are concerned about dumping caffeine all at once, we recommend gradually reducing consumption until you are no longer dependent. At that point, you can substitute your caffeinated drinks with healthier alternatives.

Knowing enough about skin care to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about skin care, you should have nothing to worry about.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Anti-Aging Fear of Aging

The fear of aging affects every individual at one point or another. Aging is change to your body and mind through the course of one person's lifespan. Most people have a negative perception of aging to the point it creates extreme anxiety in their lives and devalues the quality of their life. As one grows fear of aging may mean the loss of beauty, the loss of teeth, wrinkles, and the loss of bodily organs.

This is a transformation of the physical realm of reality of which society heavily focuses. Indeed, society helps to feed this anxiety toward aging. As we age society seems t0 desire us less and less and contributes to the fear of aging. We are no longer useful in the labor force. We are no longer attractive. We are hidden from society by being put into homes so the rest of us don't have to be reminded that one day we will be in this very position and in fact it is inevitable.

Making the Process More Enjoyable

Consequently we feel powerless to this undesirable process. The fashion, cosmetic and plastic surgery industries are having a hay day over our anxieties and fear of aging. In fact, they feed our fears because after all it is in their economic interest to keep us fearing and buying their products and services in this vain believe that we will somehow avoid impending death.

However, there is more than one way to look at aging. In fact, the word has many negative connotations that come along with it. According to Buddha, in order to avoid suffering and pain we must detach from our physical reality and perceive it only as a temporary illusion. By doing so we release ourselves from fear and suffering. We decide to live in the moment and be grateful for good or bad and this includes the deterioration of the body.

In addition, our preoccupation with the loss of our youth prevents us from welcoming the changes and mystery the journey ahead presents. However, one can make a radical shift towards embracing the gifts of aging. There are other ways to deal with aging in order to create a positive, wonderful learning process.

As we grow older it is important we cultivate our relationships even more. We need to keep in contact with someone close through thick and thin and subsequently our relationships will be based on deeper factors rather than just the way someone looks.

Become aware of your spirit and develop spirituality when through prayer, meditation, or Yoga. We all need to feel the inner sense of our innate divinity.Lastly, make a difference in your world by doing something for people who need your help. All over the world, love and help is needed and by helping the animals, people or the earth we can tap into our inner power and let our true beauty shine at any age rather than focusing on the fear of aging.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Stress Relates To Skin Aging

By now most of us know that stress isn't good for us and that it can affect us in many different ways. But did you know that stress affects how our skin ages? Didn't know? Then it's about time you did! It just might be what has you looking rather "blah" these days.

Have you ever wondered why no matter how well you take care of your skin it seems to have a dull appearance? Or perhaps you find yourself suffering from excessive oil or skin that's really dry? There is a good chance that these problems can be caused by stress.

People react differently to stress but when we get to the physiological level our bodies all respond the same. That's because stress increases the production of adrenaline as well as the release of it into the bloodstream. Adrenaline is what gives you that "rush" or energy in stressful times. It speeds up your heartbeat, your breathing, and your metabolic rate. You've likely heard it referred as "fight of flight response."

Not all stress is bad but it needs to be balanced. It's important that you practice techniques that allow you to relax. Yoga is an excellent example of a stress reducing technique. If you don't learn how to balance your stress it will age not only your skin but your organs too.

Let's look at how uncontrolled stress can affect our skin.

1.Stress creates the production of adrenaline, which takes blood away from the skin, sending it to the muscles to give them increased strength to handle an emergency. When you have stress over a long time that release of adrenaline is ongoing and eventually it will leave your skin looking sallow and pale.

2.Intense emotion can cause your skin to break out. It can be excitement, frustration, or anger. That's because it stimulates the release of certain enzymes and hormones, which then send signals that cause the sebum to become overproduced, blocking the pores, and next thing you know you have zits.

3.When you have chronic stress your muscles tend to become stiff and tense, which causes the blood flow to the skin to become obstructed, hindering the removal of the waste from the tissue, causing your skin to look aged.

4.When you are stressed the rejuvenation of your skin is hampered. When this occurs dead layers of skin are not sloughed away as quickly leaving room for new skin. That means before you know it you are looking years older than you really are.

5.When you are under chronic stress you produce more cortisol, which causes the body's natural defenses to become weakened. That leaves your skin very vulnerable to pollutants in the environment. That means your skin will take on a pale tone with a grey tint making you look older.

Now that you know the effect stress has on causing your skin to age, you will want to learn techniques to deal with your stress so that you can keep your skin looking, healthy, younger, and more beautiful. Learn to handle stress, take care of yourself, and your whole body, including your skin will look younger as a result.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Anti Aging Tips For Your Forties

How long are you going to live? Of course, no-one has the answer, but you may have more control over your longevity than you think. The choices you make every day can significantly influence the length of your life.You're probably wondering how you can make the most of your life and keep the aging process at bay. Well, in order to live a healthy, robust, and vibrant life, here are some anti aging fitness tips that will keep your body and mind feeling young:

Tip #1 - Strength Training - One great tip that will help you stay young is to start strength training. Sure, there are other forms of exercise that are great as well; however, keeping muscle mass even as you age is crucial. Believe it or not, after you get into your mid forties you will begin to lose about ¼ pound of muscle every year and fat comes in its place. However, if you do the right strength training exercises you can keep from losing this muscle and you can even work on regaining muscle mass. Just lifting weights for about 30 minutes a few times a week can provide great benefits. You'll sleep and think better, your bones will be stronger, you'll have more endurance, and you'll have less chance of developing diabetes.

Tip #2 - Start Walking - When it comes to anti aging fitness, you don't need to start exercising hours a day; in fact, here is a very simple exercise that is so great for people who want to avoid aging. Walking is a great form of exercise that is low impact and it can also help to increase the flexibility of the walls of your arteries as well. Just going out on a nice walk five days a week for about 30 minutes is enough. This type of exercise can help reduce your risk of developing diabetes, depression, dementia, cancers, and even aging of the skin.

Tip #3 - Eat Healthy - Another important tip to remember if you want to keep young and fit is to eat healthy. Your diet should consist of plenty of fruits and vegetables daily as well as whole grains to help you get the vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that you need. You should also make sure that you drink plenty of water. Only about 30-35% of your calories per day should come from fats. Plenty of protein should be part of your diet and you should work to make sure that most of the carbohydrates in your diet are complex ones, such as wild rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat bread.

So, even though you may be getting older in years, each of these anti aging fitness tips can help you look and feel younger than your actual age. Keep a great attitude about life, incorporate these tips, and you'll begin to reap the benefits.

Antioxidants And Anti-Aging Remedies

Anti aging treatments come in various forms, some of the most common are anti aging skin care products, anti aging therapies such as chelation and for some surgery.

One crucial part of the anti aging equation is lifestyle, how we treat and what we put into our bodies. Getting this right can make a significant difference at any age. However the sooner you start good nutritional habits and looking after yourself physically the more youth and vitality you will have as you age.

Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress. Briefly Antioxidants are the protective force against free radicals. If we have insufficient anti-oxidants in our diet or an excess of free radical generators then we suffer oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a key link to heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

A healthy, nutritious diet can make people feel and look younger, here are some tips for using Antioxidants in your diet as an anti aging treatment. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Plants produce anti oxidants for their own defense but they also happen to protect us. Shop by color, intensity is the key, e.g. dark leaf greens. Anti oxidants work better together, so take a variety rather than large doses of one.

Lycopene is a proven cancer fighter found in tomatoes, watermelon and red paw-paw, eat plenty. Kale is the best antioxidant vegetable with the highest levels of lutein of any food. Exellent eye nutrition. Berries top the chart as antioxidant super foods, and are high on the list of antiaging treatments.

The ultimate antioxidant defense food being dried goji berries. They also contain several times the vitamin C than citrus and have the highest level of cartenoids of any plant. Rooibos Tea is a rich source of antioxidants not compromised by caffeine. Note that milk added to tea negates the antioxidant benefits. Red Wine - While red wine is nicer, red grape juice is better medicine, and although red wine is good for you the bad news is that, after more than one glass the alcohol content negates the benefits.

Many people enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail and although drinking in moderation is not an anti aging treatment it should not be a problem for those worried about the aging process. Moderation is the key. When drinking alcohol - Milk Thistle is the best antioxidant herb for liver support.

Also hydrate, take B vitamins and Vitamin C, eat and avoid sweet mixers. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol. Chocolate, good news here for an antiaging remedy, dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa is amongst the worlds most powerful antioxidants. Again milk added as in milk chocolate negates the benefits. Devices that ionize and alkalize water also offer a remarkably inexpensive source of antioxidants. I.e. alkaline water scavenges active oxygen compounds including free radicals - it bonds with active oxygen to prevent oxidization. Exercise is the best of anti ageing treatments it expands clogged up blood vessels to help remove waste through perspiration.

Vigorous walking is great, try for at least four times a week of a minimum of thirty minutes, and don't be afraid to do more! Eliminate stress, this is a topic on its own but important. See our blog for more on this. Many people fail get enough sleep. A good nights sleep will help slow or reverse the aging process. Try to get at least eight hours every night. Most of these anti aging treatments require a modest amount of discipline, remember good habits slow the Aging process.

Friday, November 14, 2008

5 Tips To Help Avoid Premature Aging

Aging is an ongoing process. It takes place so quietly that we cannot even pursue and then suddenly the symptoms become prominent. Almost all the organs in human body, including skin, undergo aging. The effects of aging are irreversible after a certain age and individuals are bound to accept it. But Premature Aging is never welcome.

Most people know that aging will come to attack them some day, but what they do not know is that they can prevent premature aging and delay natural aging by taking few simple skincare courses. Let's learn five basic skin care treatments that help you look younger for long, if not forever!

Avoid harmful elements:

Protect your skin from harmful elements as much as possible. Lots of compounds and elements found in the nature are harsh to our skin. To avoid direct or indirect contact with such harmful substances you need to identify them first. Once you know what are not good for your health, you can take better precautions to avoid them.

Ultraviolet radiation, soaps and shampoos with much alkalinity, chlorine, excessive makeup etc. often enhance skin aging. You should be careful while dealing with products which may expose your skin to such harmful elements. Skin that has been protected from harsh agents responses positively to any skincare or anti-aging treatment.

Routine treatments:

Human body is similar like a machine. It also needs routine treatments and care. By performing some basic and easy skincare treatments you can keep your skin lively. Right facial skin care helps you delay natural aging and prevent premature aging of skin.

Cleansing, toning, moisturizing and anti-scaling treatments are the basic techniques need to be performed on a regular basis. Some skin experts and dermatologists suggest doing these routine treatments once or twice every day. Some professionals advise toning only for individuals with oily skin. You can consult an expert to know what type of routine treatment is good for your skin.

Specific treatments for your skin type:

Your skin may need some special treatments for its wellbeing. Different people have different skin types, hence it is important to identify the nature of your skin. Even your routine skin care may depend on your skin type. So take a skin type identification test or visit a skin specialist to know what type of skin you have. Once you know whether your skin is normal, oily, dry or combination, you can choose better facial skin care for yourself.

Treatments suitable for your age:

Skincare changes with age. Human body undergoes various physical changes with age. Though basic skin chemistry remains same, but hormonal changes, changes in metabolic rate, skin cell regeneration rate etc. should be considered while selecting your skin care. That is why the facial products you used in your twenties may not be useful in your thirties!

Special treatments for t-zone and eye area:

Specific zones on your face may have some particular features. Most people report the t-zone i.e., forehead, temples of forehead and nose to become more oily than other parts of the face. Again the skin around eyes is more sensitive to dryness and easily catches wrinkles. So it is always good to ask your skin specialist whether different areas on your face need special care.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Anti Aging Skin Care

It is a common fact that people or women in particular are always looking for the miracle cure against anti aging. It's no wonder that cosmetic companies are spending vast sums of money no only researching, but releasing large amounts of heavily priced so called miracle cures to the ever so eager public hell bent on looking young for as long as possible.

Anti aging skin care products can be traced as far back as Cleopatra and many other very famous women through out the ages. The sad fact is, that all of us will grow old and that goes for our skin as well of course. As of today, nothing on the market, despite wild and wonderful claims, can make us look young forever.

However there is one product that stands out from the crowd and usually does not require you to spend your entire week's wage to purchase. Discover sunscreen Sunscreen is so common nowadays that most people would not even consider it as an integral part of an anti aging skin care regime.

Ask any dermatologist and they will tell you that sun block is not only important but is in fact one of the best ways to maintain the skin looking young, beautiful and glowing. The sun is our skin's biggest enemy and prolonged exposure to sunlight mainly in the middle of the day can not only dry the skin but can also cause permanent damage to it.

Using sunscreen can, not only protect our defenseless skin against damaging sun rays but it will also ensure that the skin does not dry up. Staying out of the sun during the day and only doing things at night could be an option but not really a practical one. Being humans, we do need some exposure to sun light to get our daily dose of vitamin D.

Further more, completely staying out of the sun can result in some diseases or conditions that can be quite dangerous. How sunscreen works As an anti aging skin care product, sunscreen works by shielding our skin from damaging rays but lets in only the good benefits that we receive from direct exposure to the sun. The hours between 10.00 am to 3.00 pm are usually most dangerous to our skin.

This is the time that the sun is most likely to be at its peak. One of the main reasons hat people do not use sunscreen is that some of them are quite greasy and sting the eyes. With so many on the market today, you will easily find one that will solve both these problems with the added bonus of offering you complete protection against the sun's damaging rays.

As a wonderful anti aging skin care product, the main ingredients present in sunscreen can also be found in skin care items such as powders, whitening creams and many others. It needs to be said however that using sunscreen as an anti aging skin care product if you are a heavy smoker or if you consume large amounts of alcohol regularly, will have not effect at all.

To combat the effect these highly dangerous substances have on your skin, you will need to find some other drastic solution to your problem first before considering anti aging skin care.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Vitamins Promoting Healthy Aging

People do not realize what vitamins can do for them. Vitamins are great for those who need them. On the other hand, if you have sufficient vitamins, then you will not need regimens of vitamins. Building vitamins in your system, which has too much already, or sufficient nutrients can cause harm. Vitamins will make you look younger and feel younger as well as make you feel good about yourself, providing you need regimens suited for your system.

How do I learn what vitamins are good for me?
We get natural vitamins in the foods we eat. Some times, you do not get the right amount so you have to take vitamins, which come in many ways. You can get them in a pill form, liquid, powder, etc. If the vitamins you choose do not work for you, your doctor can give you a shot. You can get almost all the vitamins you may need at local drug stores. You will find vitamins at supermarkets, department stores and so on. If you cannot determine which vitamins are right for you, check with your doctor. He may have some recommendations. In fact, you should visit your family doctor first and ask him/her, which vitamins may be suitable for your body type.

How vitamins help you:
Taking vitamins will help you to relieve stress. Vitamins will help control your weight, and help keep you from getting sick with the common cold and the flu. There are many vitamins to help you out. You can check out at your local pharmacy many different kinds. You pharmacist is your best friend as well as your doctor. He/she may be able to help you find out which vitamins are best suited for your body type.

What kinds of vitamins should I consider and for what purpose?
You have a wide array of vitamins to choose from, including B1, B12, B6, E, D, K, A, and so on. B1 is designed to help your heart function in order. The vitamin will assist your central nervous system as well, helping you to have a better attitude in life. B1 will give you energy, since it is known to swap blood sugar, transferring it to energy. B1 promotes a healthy mucous membrane, and will promote the muscular and cardio functions.

How to decide if you need vitamins:
Some things that you may feel if you are low on vitamins are fatigue. You may feel muscle tenderness, or experience insomnia. Insomnia can benefit from Melatonin supplements. You can get natural vitamins from corn breads, nuts, oatmeal, cereal, wheat and so on. Eat plenty of veggies and fruits also to get the vitamins you need.

If you have colds, you can benefit from Vitamin C. If you are searching for anti-aging vitamins consider E, since According to experts, Vitamin E is responsible for preserving oxygen in the blood, reduce more than 40% of the oxygen amount the heart needs as well. Vitamin E also has been linked to influential anti-coagulants. Some experts believe the vitamin will slow blood clotting by dilating the blood vessels. If you searching for the vitamin to help you stay young and healthy, then Vitamin E that contains 200 units is for you.

According to German experts Wolf and Luczak Vitamin E is a stabilizer for youth and strong blood. If this is true, then dying cells will be replaced quickly by new cells. Dying cells is responsible for many diseases, including cancer, AIDS, HIV, leukemia and so on. In fact, T-Cells that deteriorate is responsible for AIDS, certain types of cancers, herpes simplex, and so on.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Vitamin E and Healthy Aging

Did you know that at least 200 UI daily of vitamin E can help fight various diseases? Studies found that alpha tocopherol, or Vitamin E has proven to fight particular diseases. Studies show that Vitamin E may help with oxygen preserving and potentially offers cure for various disease. Taking 200 IU daily may trim down up to 40% or more of oxygen preserves, which controls bodily organs and the heart. The vitamin seems to have a “anti-coagulant” that has proven to support the overall bodily functions. Vitamin E was discovered to reduce blood clotting and can help prevent heart disease.

The vitamin is said to assist with dilating flowing blood vessels. This means the heart will receive the blood flow it deserves to stay healthy. Vitamin E has also been linked to an anti-aging solution. Many doctors believe that this helpful vitamin will stabilize a person’s overall development or maturity. In fact, German doctors called Vitamin E the fountain of youth. In extensive studies, vitamin E was found to promote blood flow. According to the findings, Vitamin E when present is an resister to aging.

Vitamin E is linked to promoting hemoglobin. Since aging has an unknown affect on blood cells and bone marrow, doctors believe that Vitamin E’s support to hemoglobin is a potential solution to solving disease related to hemoglobin. Our hemoglobin structure detains oxygen for an extended time, which means that oxygen will flow smoothly. Vitamin E has been linked to reduced risks of disease, since it is said that oxygen will stay within the cavities of hemoglobin at a lengthier time. This means that the person will live a healthy, youthful life.

Sometimes as we grow older, the blood that forms in our system slows. Vitamin E works to allow blood to flow smoothly. In view of the facts, doctors found that this vitamin may reduce the risks of anemia. Vitamin E was discovered to perhaps purify the blood, which allows it to flow smooth throughout the body. As we grow older, our body experiences many changes, which prompts aging plaques. These plaques when build will cause wrinkling, sagging, crowfeet, and other aging signs. Vitamin E works to maintain metabolism by potentially keeping away fatty acids, which are saturated. (Learn more about hydrocarbons and peroxides, which are aging toxins)

At what time saturated fats join with Vitamin E to slow aging. We need a degree of fatty acids, yet when the acids build it creates elements that promote aging. Vitamin E has shown signs of controlling the blood fats, keeping the fats at bay. Blood fat is also linked to aging. Therefore, we can see that vitamin E has much to offer. Yet, some experts argue that Vitamin E has side-effects that could cause harm; many other experts uphold the ability of support that Vitamin E offers.

Vitamin E has also shown signs of reducing ailments of the muscles. The healthy regimen of vitamin E daily according to experts can reduce arthritic symptoms. According to experts, arthritis and its sister components may link to rapid aging.



Vitamin E has shown to reduce leg cramps. In fact, studies were conducted by qualifying doctors who tested their patients. The patients complained of leg cramp, which doctors recommended Vitamin E. During this particular study the patient who ceased Vitamin E reported cramping in the legs. The patient was asked to start up the vitamin once more and when he returned to visit his doctor, the leg cramps ceased. The studies were conducted at the California or American Colleges of Physician. To learn more about vitamin E and what it can do for you, research your topic to find your purpose.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Things to do to Live Healthy while Aging


Aging is a natural process we all will face someday. As we age our bodies starts to decline producing natural resources that we all need. As the body declines, aging symptoms develop including wrinkles, crowfeet, weight gain, weight loss, cellulite, and so on. To reduce the aging symptoms we must take steps to maintain our health.

The do not list:
Don’t exercise before going to bed. Exercise will get you all pumped up and your heart rate goes up, you’ll get yourself going and then you won’t be able to relax. Exercise routines are best done in the morning, since it boosts your energy. When you wake up, work out before you continue your day since you will find it much easier. On the other hand, some people prefer to workout in the afternoon. If this is you, the afternoon is good as well, since it will boost the energy wasted from the earlier part of your day. Don’t overdo it rather work out at your own pace. Do what your body says you can do. You can work out in the evening, only work out an hour or two before you go to bed. You will increase energy, yet by the time you resume for the night you will feel relaxed.

What keeps you awake?
Snoring is something that can keep you awake at night. Sometimes snoring occurs from obesity or sleep disorder and so on. If you have a snoring problem, perhaps visiting your doctor will help you find the answers to your problem. Loosing weight by exercising can give you the activity you need for those bones as well as sleeping and sometimes loosing weight isn’t bad for us either. Your partner may snore as well, which keeps you awake at night. If your partner snores ask him/her to visit, the doctor to find out if a medical condition exists. It’s better to know now, rather than wait until it is too late.

Depression and stress can keep us from getting a restful night of sleep. Try practicing yoga. Yoga will help you develop meditation skills. The skills you acquire will help you to relax. Yoga workouts reduce ugly depressive symptoms, which includes stress. Aromatherapy and listening to music will also help to relax you and lessen that depression and stress.

If you don’t seem to be having any luck with whatever you try and your still waking up in the morning feeling like you haven’t had any sleep forever consult you physician. Talk to your doctor to see if he has any ideas that can help you live healthy. Perhaps your doctor can provide you with healthy sleeping remedies that allow you to sleep peacefully.

Eating healthy:
Eating healthy is another great way to live a healthy aging life. When you eat the proper food groups daily, you are building your body by providing it with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it requires to live healthy. As you grow older however, your body will need more of one thing than it will another. Ask your doctor about a diet suitable to help you grow healthy as you age.

Vitamins and herbs are a great way to increase your health and reduce risks of disease. If your body gets the proper vitamins it needs, your body will work to live longer. You have a wide selection of vitamins available to you, yet you should learn about the two groups before taking regimens. Look up the water and fat-soluble. Herbs will provide you a health kit that assists you with healthy aging as well.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

The Work Environment in Healthy Aging

Healthy aging is sometimes risky during your working days. As a younger person you go where the money is at; then later you are sorry you worked there.

Aging is hard to think about when you are in your younger years. Money is the only thing on our minds and sometimes that isn’t good. Sometimes we have to take what is available to take care of our family and at the same time, we could be putting ourselves in danger later on.

We all have had to work in places that were not good for your health but we have to make a living to keep a roof over our heads. Some work places are not good to be in because of chemicals, dust, and smoke.

Working in a wood shop making furniture isn’t good for the lungs and can cause lung disease. Some machines require glue to put the parts together. Glue is something else, that you can get fumes from into your lungs. Eventually you may get too much sawdust or glue fumes into your lungs causing cancer or asthma.

Working in the coalmines is another bad place to work. Coal Miners working as a lifetime worker is always at risk. The black coal dust gets into the lungs just like dust from the furniture and it can cause severe lung diseases. It is known that men have died from working so many years in the coalmines.

The sawmill industry is the number one dangerous job for anyone to work in. Working in a sawmill during the winter, which is the peak of the season can cause the men to get sick from the cold, respiratory problems can accrue from the cold weather. Trees fall and men are stuck under them sometimes causing death to them and/or many injuries. As we age, our bones weaken and brittle and when a tree falls on someone in there 50’s that isn’t a good thing.

Fishermen working in the fish industry have a hard and dangerous job to do too. Aging doesn’t stop and these men are out in the middle of the river somewhere and the storms hit sometimes turning the ship over. The work is heavy and dangerous; could cause them back injuries; they could drown. Still, you are in nature so the job doesn’t put you at risk as some other types of jobs.

Truck drivers have a dangerous job being on the road all the time with a schedule to meet in order to make the big money. Truckers will drive and drive with lack of sleep endangering themselves and others too. Truckers on the road in the 60’s are at risk, since it isn’t good for their health to be out on the road all the time. Their health will drop due to the fact they eat many fast foods, and lack of sleep.

As the aging process advances on us, we all need to think about what we are breathing into our lungs or doing to our bodies. The diets we get at the work place are not usually well balanced like they should be.

Pushing ourselves to make money is harmful to our bodies and mind. The mind necessitates sleep in order to function properly the next day and the body needs the right diet and sleep to keep from breaking down and causing a number of diseases and illness. Without the proper diet and exercise, our bones will become brittle and weak causing fractures later on in life. Consider your workplace now so that you can live a healthy aging life.