How to Stop Being So Tired All the Time - by Ann Stewart October 22, 2007
Posted by sfaf in Senior Health.add a comment
So many people are complaining about being tired. It seems to be the malaise of our time. Do you find you just don’t have the same get up and go as you used to? Somewhere along the way, you have come to rely more and more on caffeine to keep you going. No matter how much you sleep, you still wake up tired, right? Join the gang; you’re not alone.
The reasons have become obvious. First of all, the food supply has become depleted of the nutrients it once had. The addition of junk foods, bad oils, starches and preservatives to your diet have clogged up your arteries and made you sluggish. Lastly, but probably most importantly, stress has contributed greatly to the deterioration of your health.
The big question now is what to do about it. Taking multi vitamins is good. So is the addition of antioxidants to your daily diet. The medical profession all too often treats fatigue with antidepressants as it is most often accompanied by listlessness and a lack of zest for life. But none of the above has alleviated your situation, has it? Medication may give you a rosier outlook and an artificially induced sense of peace. But beware of the repercussions in your inward parts! Besides, you’re still tired!
When your body is not feeling its best, it typically lacks vitamins, minerals and/or enzymes. Any form of chronic fatigue may be due to a number of reasons, including medical. Medical research has uncovered one vital element that plays a pivotal role in keeping your energy level up. And that is vitamin B12. This vitamin is processed and stored in the liver of animals. Even people who eat lots of liver, fish, and dairy products may not be getting adequate vitamin B12 in their diet. Vegans and vegetarians may thus be even more affected by the depletion of this crucial vitamin. When it was first discovered in 1948 that lack of B12 caused pernicious anemia, patients were treated with raw liver on a daily basis! Thankfully, eventually a synthetic version was developed. However, that was difficult to digest. The reason is that vitamin B12 requires very specific conditions to be properly digested.
Although it is absorbed in the small intestine, B12 must interact with the bacteria in your intestines for several hours before it is finally absorbed into your liver. Deficiency of B12 is mainly due to the inability of the intestine to absorb the vitamin. As you age or begin to rely on antacids, your stomach produces less gastric acid, or what is known in medical terminology as Intrinsic Factor. Without it B12 cannot be released from its protein. Due to this oral tablets, although they proliferate on the market, are totally ineffective.
Other factors that affect malabsorption of B12 are the aging process, overeating, fast eating without sufficient chewing, and mixing sugars and/or starches with your protein. Antacids, antibiotics, laxatives, antihistamines and stress are major contributors as well.
Over the years patients with serious vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms have been treated with intravenous B12 shots. Although this has shown some improvement in the condition, much of the B12 is eliminated in the urine. Also, these shots are painful, inconvenient and expensive.
Subsequent research has revealed that folic acid and vitamin B6 work hand in hand with B12. All three combined produce better results than any one of them separately. Taken simultaneously, it has been proven for instance to keep cognitive functions intact among seniors. (Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University) You may be thinking what relationship this has to being tired? Well, fatigue usually affects your brain as well - at any age. When you are really tired, you don’t really feel like solving major problems, do you? You’d much rather close your eyes and let the world go away, right?
The good news for you and me is that, thanks to Dr. Alfred Libby, there now is a solution to being tired all the time! He has developed and patented a sublingual B12, B6 and folic acid tablet, which is placed under the tongue, thus dissolving directly into the blood stream! The beneficial effects are speedy!
What’s even more miraculous is that B12 plays a vital role in the production of brain transmitters such as the “feel good” substances of dopamine and serotonin! What a bonus!! Now you can regain your energy and reclaim your zest for life, naturally and without side effects!
Enjoy your life! Prosper and Be in Health! Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Disclaimer
All information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease and should not be used as a substitute for your own physician’s advice.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any dietary, nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplements. Youth Makeover does not warrant and shall have no liability for the information that is provided on this web site relating to recommendations pertaining to supplements for any and all health purposes described herein. Furthermore, Youth Makeover does not endorse or assume responsibility for any product, brand, method, treatment, information, or services named in informational articles posted on this web site in any way.
About the Author
Don’t Be Tired! http://linkbrander.com/go/53051 Ann Stewart, author, inspirational writer and wellness coach, shares tips on how to fight off disease and feel your best in her weekly newsletter, Youth Makeover here: http://youthmakeover.com
Running Is Good For Seniors by S.E. Odom October 17, 2007
Posted by sfaf in Senior Health.1 comment so far
Running for your health seems obvious for most people; there is little to invest in the way of equipment; it can be done alone or in a group and meets a variety of physical fitness levels.
If you are a senior and thinking of adding running to your lifestyle or you are simply interested in the possible health benefits or cautions, please take the time to review some of these tips for senior runners.
ARE YOU IN CONDITION TO RUN?
You are wise to consider running for your health - it has both mental and physical benefits. However, before starting to run you should speak with your doctor about your overall physical condition and whether there are special precautions to be taken.
Brittle bones, lack of agility, loss of balance, weight and diseases such as diabetes are all conditions that require attention when starting a running routine.
If you have diabetes you may need to invest in special footwear and socks to prevent sores on your feet. If balance, because of age or weight, is an issue you may wish to start slow and stick to areas that are level and less busy than sidewalks or streets.
WHERE WILL YOU RUN?
Are you looking for company on your run? Or are you more interested in the fresh air and local scenery? There are many options for senior runners and others whether they want to run together or alone.
School and community running tracks are a safe choice for senior runners because of the level and cushioned running surface.
Some communities have groups that plan runs through local parks or even your favorite mall. The mall is a great choice for walks or jogs during inclement weather, particularly early in the day before most shoppers are in the stores. As an added bonus you can fit in a little window shopping as you go!
SHOULD YOU HIRE A TRAINER?
Depending on your experience and physical condition you may well consider a consultation with a trainer at the local gym or community center. After assessing your mobility and fitness a trainer can recommend a running plan as well as where to find proper running shoes and additional equipment, such as heart rate monitors.
You should also consider getting a transportable radio or music player to take on your runs for distraction as well as one of the most important items for runners: a water bottle.
No matter what your age or fitness level you must stay hydrated, stretch before and after, warm up and cool down with a minute of walking, take a snack, dress appropriately for the weather and protect yourself from the sun.
Stick to areas you know and avoid hard surfaces such as sidewalks and unstable areas like graveled paths. With proper care and preparation running can relieve stress, enhance physical fitness and improve your self image!
About the Author
The Samadhi Group Inc is dedicated to conscious and abundant living. Stop by TheSamadhiGroup.com today for your complimentary Scent of Samadhi sample.
Self-Help Books Instead Of Pills - by David Lakins September 27, 2007
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According to the US National Committee for Quality Health Assurance, more than 11 million Americans (about 1 in 20) have major depression. Interestingly, only about half of these are still taking medication six months after being diagnosed. If these wonder drugs are so great, why do so many people stop taking them? Could it be that they are not getting the results they want or people are getting fed up with the unwanted side effects?
As no single antidepressant has been shown to be any more effective than any other, the choice of which drug to prescribe is often based on their different side effects! These often include weight gain, headaches, nausea, stomach pain, loss of libido - and the list goes on.
All forms of depression affect a person’s thoughts, actions and physical health, and this is a condition that is experienced by an ever growing number in our society.
Fortunately, today, more and more people are turning to other (healthier and less expensive) options to overcome depression (& other debilitating conditions), including relaxation methods, exercise, enjoying music, reading inspiring books, doing their own research to find out what works for them, counselling, and natural medicine.
The habit of taking pills to make oneself feel better - to have more energy, to relax, and to experience a general feeling of well being - is now a widely accepted, daily habit/ ritual in many Western countries. The downside is that the underlying condition or reason behind the need or desire for drugs does not change or get better as a result of taking pill, and of course all the unwanted side effects. However, there are alternatives, and the good news is that these options come without negative side effects, and are not habit forming!
The Physical Side
While it is true that conditions in our physical bodies sometimes need prescription drugs, (or natural alternatives) to counteract the effects of imbalance which lead to high levels of stress, organic weaknesses, painful muscles, and even disease, it is also true that there is much that we can do to help ourselves and our bodies feel and work better. Much of this is related to the way we think, the daily choices we make, and the emotions that we regularly experience.
Mental & Emotional Health
As humans it is natural to desire the good things life has to offer: vibrant health, energy, good communication with others, a great job, financial abundance, the home, the car, wonderful vacations, and of course the ideal relationship. However it is difficult to be successful and reach our goals when our mind and emotions are out of balance; when we don’t have clear goals, or a system in place to reach those goals once we clarify them.
Taking Back Control
“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” –Walter Bagehot
The first step in gaining control of one’s life, one’s health - physical, mental and emotional - and one’s destiny is a very simple one… to make the decision to do just that! The good news is that you don’t have to do this on your own; others have trodden the same path, faced the same (or similar) challenges and triumphed; reaching goals they previously thought were only pipe dreams, and living the life they thought was only possible for others- who were more privileged, clever or got the right breaks. And many of these individuals then chose to share the methods they found worked best for them, to inspire and genuinely assist others to achieve a much higher level of happiness and success in their lives - on every level.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” –Henry David Thoreau
One such person is Genevieve Dawid: international consultant and mentor - to both individuals and blue chip corporations. To achieve the wonderful success that she now enjoys today though, Genevieve first had to overcome far more obstacles than the average person - born with feet both the wrong way round, orphaned at birth, dyslexic (difficulties in correctly reading and interpreting written words) and dyspraxic (severe difficulty performing tasks requiring fine motor skills such as drawing or writing) and diabetic - to name just a few of her challenges.
With a wonderful support system from her adoptive parents, and a true indomitable spirit and inborn highly positive approach to life and all it threw at her, instead of giving up, or resorting to drugs (by far the easier option!) with great persistence, Genevieve overcame her many challenges. Later on she also experienced harassment from some senior executives in response to her dyslexia when working as a consultant in London, the deaths of several close family members, including her own triplets, and the severe depression that followed, which she described “like being down the darkest of holes.” In spite of all this, she always “knew” there was light at the end of the tunnel…
Instead of throwing in the towel she continued to look to the future, learned how to think differently about things, and developed a unique blueprint for going beyond daily obstacles, and most importantly, attracting everything that she wanted to have in life –boldly following her dreams.
Now she has the luxury lifestyle she previously only dreamed about; including the man, the car, the houses, the vacations…!
If you have a desire for change, but feel you need some direction and inspiration –from someone who is not only highly successful and happy, but truly empathises with your situation; someone who can point you in the right direction and provide tried and tested methods for achieving the lifestyle you really want–I invite you to have a look at ‘The Achiever’s Journey,’at www.theachieversjourney.com
About the Author
Genevieve Dawid is a respected the author of the self help book The Achievers Journey and writes about her own experiences of living with dyslexia.
Choosing a Dog for Seniors - by Sandy Oberreuter September 6, 2007
Posted by sfaf in General, Senior Recreation.1 comment so far
Dogs are company and good companions for seniors who live alone or even senior couples. A dog gives them someone to love and lavish attention on. You should consider size and temperament of the dog breed when choosing a dog for yourself or someone else. Also, remember that each dog or puppy will have his own personality and traits. Visit a breeder that has the dog breed you want and check out the puppies or dogs and play with them. Smaller toy dogs are usually a good choice. Most of them are lap dogs and don’t require a lot of exercise, can live in an apartment or even a RV quite comfortably. So here are some dogs good with seniors to consider:
Miniature Schnauzer
There are two sizes: miniature and standard. They enjoy being around people and are very affectionate. They like companionship and are eager to please. They do require a brief walk and regular grooming.
Shih Tzu
There are two sizes: miniature and standard. They enjoy being around people and are very affectionate. They like companionship and are eager to please. They do require a brief walk and regular grooming.
Chihuahua
This toy breed is well suited for seniors. They bond with their owner and are very protective of them. They were bred to be a companion. They require lots of attention but they are quick intelligent and loyal. They do make a good guard dog.
Yorkshire Terrier
This cute toy dog is a lovable and lively companion. He is highly energetic, clever, fearless and a lap dog. They get along quite well with the exercise they get indoors. They do need daily brushing, however.
Poodle
This dog loves to be pampered and loves the company of people. They are happy, highly intelligent and very trainable. A good choice for seniors.
BOSTON TERRIER This small and friendly dog is mellow and protective. This would make seniors feel secure and safe. They are playful and affectionate which makes them also a good choice for familes as they like to be part of the family.
Pomeranians
The Pom is considered a toy dog but he is fearless. He makes a courageous companion just right for seniors. They are intelligent, happy, even-tempered and have acute hearing. They do enjoy being pampered and are highly trainable.
SCOTTISH TERRIER He is a small short-legged dog with a jaunty attitude. He is loving and gentle with people. They are alert, loyal, curious and a sensitive dog. He does need daily exercise.
About The Author
Sandy Oberreuter has a web site on small dog breeds but also on the most popular dogs that include dogs good with children and seniors, finding the best vets and breeders and much more. Visit http://www.small-dogbreeds
Anti Aging Herbs For Longevity - by David Cowley August 29, 2007
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As the Baby Boomer generation is growing older they are getting more and more concerned with staying young. Herbal supplements are becoming very popular with this group of Americans. The Chinese have been researching the benefits of natural cures for the aging process for centuries.
Scientists are applying modern methods to determine the precise effect of these plants have on the anti-aging process. Many of the effects that have been confirmed by modern science have already been studied and popularized in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Jiaogulan.
Jiaogulan is a Chinese herb also called the Longevity Herb and in Japan it is called Amachazuru and it is used to increase the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the body. Researchers use the SOD levels in studies as a reliable indicator of long life. SOD is one of the body’s most important antioxidants. Human studies have showed that SOD levels can returned to youthful levels after taking Jiaogulan for only one month.
Reishi mushroom.
The Reishi mushroom has been uses by the Chinese and Japanese and is also known as the “Elixir Of Immortality”. It may have the ability to promote long life and improve the healing ability of the human body. It is believed to lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, has anti-tumor properties, improves liver functions, improves oxygen utilization, and inhibits histamine release.
Shilajit.
Shilajit is found in the Himalayan mountains and has been used by the local residents for centuries. It is not unusually for the people living in that region to live to be over 100 years of age. Shilajit has been used for increasing physical strength, anti-aging, increased sex drive, injury healing, enhances mental function and the immune system.
Foti.
Foti also called He Shou Wu in China is legendary in its ability to lengthen life. Modern studies have show that Foti has toe ability to lower serum cholesterol, prevent premature gray hair, promote red blood cell growth, and to increase longevity on a cellular level. This herb raises the level of the naturally occurring antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the body.
The human body can becomes accustomed to taking herbs over time, and the effects will become less and less beneficial. It is necessary that your body is able to adjust to being without the herb for the effects to be noted when you start taking them again. I recommend that you take herbs for 4 weeks and then abstain for 1 week.
If you just feel that taking vitamins, supplements or herbs to fight the aging process would be beneficial to you then you should always consult with a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
About The Author
David Cowley has created numerous articles on Anti Aging. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Anti Aging and how to treat it. Visit Aging Treatment
Positive outlook is best anti-aging remedy - by Sharon Bell August 29, 2007
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Who doesn’t want to postpone their grey days? Most people talk about getting old as if it were some sort of disease or the end of the road as soon as your first grey hair arrives. The reality is, whether we like it or not we will reach old age.
So how do you stay young despite old age? What you need is a positive, youthful attitude and the determination to make the most out of life in spite of your age. After all, age is just a number.
Positive thinking can be a big boost to your success and enjoyment at any time of your life and it can be applied to any part of your life - not to mention that it’s also the best anti-aging remedy.
Many people wander the earth believing they the lack the strength and power to achieve their goals. This negative mechanism holds them down. You can gain motivation and live healthier, by simply telling yourself “I can do it.” If you put your mind to it, you can do what you want to do.
Take control of your thoughts, actions and behavior by building the power of the mind. If you don’t put your mind to it and you decide that you don’t want to become active, you will only live a life filled with shortcomings. Negative thoughts will defeat the purpose of getting your thoughts in control. Do it now and not later to avoid a negative reflection. Take note of procrastination which leads to laziness. Laziness leads to weak muscles and joints which gradually build up to health problems.
A positive outlook to your own longevity can play a key part in living to a ripe old age. Then, within that remaining life, use the same positive approach on all you are trying to achieve to make your life much more fulfilling and happy. And if you decide to start a new business at 50, let that same positive attitude ensure your business success. Aging is not a sickness, it is a new era to be enjoyed.
A positive attitude will give you a jumpstart to a healthier life. Keep on pushing. Don’t stop once you get started. Instead go until you reach your goal. When times get hard and you don’t think you can go on just remember nothing is impossible. This will always keep your head up and mind open. It’s not about what you can’t do but focus on things that you have the power to change.
Our ultimate goal is look young and feel energetic as much as possible. Aging cannot be stopped but it can be delayed by following a healthy outlook and lifestyle. Products like Rejuvinol can complement your positive outlook in life. Look young with the Rejuvinol age reversal technology and feel young by thinking positive. Check out www.rejuvinol.com for more information.
About The Author
Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com.
How to Feel Young Even If You’re a Senior - by Matthew Roberts August 28, 2007
Posted by sfaf in General.add a comment
The age of gray hair need not cast a dark cloud of insecurities and negative feelings over you. Whether you’re of the junior, middle, or senior age group, aging can be handled gracefully with ease. A lot can be done before reaching senior age (or even when you’re already there) to make you feel younger. Here’s what you can and must do:
* Determine what you want to be. Do you want to be youthful despite years that keep piling up, or would you settle and concede that aging results to physical and mental decline in activities? To many people, reaching senior age is their excuse for limitations in physical activities, lapses in mental concentration, and emotional disturbances. I bet you’ve heard someone saying, “You’ll have to excuse my parents. They are already old and you know how old people are. They are extremely sensitive and easily get upset emotionally.”
Being emotionally sensitive is a sign of insecurity and resistance - a sign that seniors hate being seniors. When you dislike a situation you’re in, especially a situation when there are no other choices, you start to become irritable. Everything you come across with seems to be unacceptable. So how can you, if you’re a senior, turn your thoughts to accept what you are? It’s simple. Change the way you think towards seniority. First, you must accept the fact that old age is an inevitable part of life. Actually, you’re lucky you’ve reached this age. Some people die young. Being alive at this age is considered a gift of life. With age comes wisdom. Let wisdom dominate your thoughts over poor concentration and dull memory. The world loves a person full of wisdom and wit.
* Unbelievably, some people look better physically during the senior age than during the younger years. It doesn’t mean that these people looked ugly when they were still young. However, aging somehow works to favor some people. The way they think and act have a lot to do with how they look. They seem to ripen in the right places under the best conditions. You can be sure that this has a lot to do with their eating habits, physical activities, and more importantly, their mental and emotional attitudes.
* Make laughter a part of your life. Have you ever met a person who hates laughter or humor? If you have, is his name Mr. Grouch? Seriously (or is it humorously), laughter is exhilarating. It activates hormones on your body that promotes a healthy physical and emotional you. Medical science has proven this. You can’t deny the benefits you get when you laugh, even when you are physically ill or emotionally disturbed. Have you ever experienced laughing on something so funny, until your eyes got teary? Tears may be salty, but tears of joy taste sweet.
* Tell people how old they look and they begin to feel old. However, tell people how young they look despite their age, and they will begin to feel energetic. People feel what they are told to feel.
The point is clear: Drop the years and pick up the energy.
About The Author
Matthew Roberts (the author of this article) has set you up with a special gift on his website.
In an exclusive personal interview he uncovered the secret success strategies of multi-millionaire John Di Lemme. For your FREE 18 minute extract of this interview, head on over to http://www.InspirationToAchieve.com
Live Longer With These 10 Ten Antioxidant Fruit & Vegetables by Jean Sutherland August 27, 2007
Posted by sfaf in Senior Health.1 comment so far
Avocado - One of the best fruits for riding the body of very destructive fat found in other foods. Containing glutathione this is a must have fruit for keeping cells healthy, high in antioxidants it is one of the best of the best. While fighting bad fat it is also high in good fat monounsaturated. Also has large levels of blood vessel protection. potassium
Garlic - It’s a herbal wonder worker. One if it’s most important uses in the anti-aging process is its ability to help manage high cholesterol. It has powerful antioxidants that protect the body from “free radicals”.
Berries - Blueberries have the highest level of antioxidants, also known as anthocyanins, than any other food. It has long been know that blueberries along with cranberries will help ward off urinary tract infections. One study has shown that elderly people who eat strawberries has the lowest rate of cancer. Rich in Vitamin C these are the best fruit for youth protection.
Broccoli - The best vegetable overall is broccoli. Filled with free radical fighters, beta carotene, vitamin C, indoles, querectin, glutathione and lutein it is the richest food sources of the metal chromium. Chromium protects against out of control insulin and blood sugar. For women it flushes the body of estrogen that can be cancer causing. Studies have shown that broccoli eaters have less lung and colon cancer and more important it protects against cardiovascular disease.
Cabbage - This is a cruciferous vegetable with very potent antioxidants. Studies have shown that cabbage seems to help defer stomach and breast cancer. The antioxidants in cabbage speed up the disposal of harmful estrogen. To achieve the best benefit eat raw cabbage.
Carrots - Our mothers were right. Beta carotene derived from carrots, its main antioxidant, is a full of potential for fighting aging and other diseases. A medium carrot full of beta carotene has been shown to cut the risk of lung cancer in half, even among people who used to smoke. Low levels of beta carotene in your system can lead to heart attacks, different kinds of cancer and are more likely to die or be disabled by strokes. It’s long been known for its protection from eye diseases that come with aging. The orange pigment in carrots boosts immune systems. A cup of carrot juice contains a whopping 24 milligrams of beta carotene.
Fruits With Citrus - Oranges are the complete all in one fighter of anti cancer inhibitors that include carotenoids, flavonoids and Vitamin C. Grapefruit fiber reduces cholesterol dramatically and has been shown to reverse the aging disease of artherosclerosis. High in gluthionite fights off free radical damage to cells that cause aging.
Grapes - Grapes have over twenty known antioxidants that fend off oxygen free radical attacks that protect us from disease and aging. The largest amounts of antioxidants are in the seeds and the skin. The more color in the skin the greater the antioxidant properties. Red and purple grapes are the most powerful. Antioxidants from grapes inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol and cause blood vessels to relax.
Raisins - Also know as dried grapes actually have higher concentrations of anti-aging components, more so than grapes. Raisins have three times more antioxidants than a glass of white wine but only 1/2 of the antioxidants found in a glass of red wine.
Onions - Like garlic onions also have many anti-aging properties. They are full of anti-oxidants that help prevent cancer, most notable stomach cancer. They thin the blood, discouraging clots, and raise the levels of quercetin, inhibit enzymes that fight cancer, have anti-inflammatory properties, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Quercetin lowers bad LDL cholesterol from becoming toxic and clogging arteries.
Spinach - Chock full of anti-oxidants it’s easy to understand why studies show that it wards off a wide variety of free radical diseases such as heart disease, cancer strokes, high blood pressure muscular degeneration, cataracts as well as psychiatric problems. Lutein an anti-oxidant that’s as strong as beta carotene is also a proponent of spinach. Consuming large amounts of spinach reduces the risk of macular degeneration which is a potential cause of blindness in the elderly. Eating 1/2 cup of spinach a day may slash lung cancer odds in half. Rich in folic acid, spinach is a brain and artery protector.
Tomatoes - Tomatoes are one of the richest and most reliable source of Iycopene, a remarkable anti-oxidant. It is a more adapt antioxidant for killing specific free radicals. More effective than beta carotene. New research show that Iycopene preserves physical and mental functioning among seniors. High blood levels of Iycopene are shown to reduce risk of pancreatic and cervical cancer. Cancer causing nitrosamines are suppressed by tomatoes. The only other vegetable that contains large has high amounts of Iycopene is watermelon. Cooking does not lower Iycopene levels at all. This means that even tomato sauces are also anti-aging.
Author:
Jean Sutherland is a columnist often writing about natural ways to boost your immune system. She also runs the poplar blog for seniors at http://www.alternativemedicinenew.org
About The Author
Jean Sutherland is a columnist often writing about natural ways to boost your immune system. She also runs the poplar blog for seniors at http://www.alternativemedicinenew.org
Essential Vitamins and Supplements for Seniors - by Boone Swann August 27, 2007
Posted by sfaf in Senior Health.add a comment
When the body starts to age, it naturally becomes less efficient at processing and using the available nutrients. Because of this and a variety of other reasons, seniors are far more prone to developing illnesses as they age. As you take more medication to battle these new illnesses, the body has a harder time breaking down and dealing with the lack of nutrients.
Many seniors live alone these days and find it hard to prepare good, nutritionally-balanced meals, and because they also have a difficult time getting regular exercise, they are more prone to having to deal with vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Many studies have shown that a lot of seniors are considered to be undernourished and on the verge of being unhealthy.
Aging bodies lose the ability to properly manage and re-supply the required amounts of vitamins and nutrients, resulting in health problems ranging from circulatory issues to mental conditions. Sometimes, the medicines they take for these conditions also affect their appetite, resulting in a vicious cycle of vitamin and nutrient deficiency. Many seniors can benefit from a proper vitamin and nutrient regimen that can supplement what their aging bodies are missing. To fit their health needs, seniors require a different blend of nutrients and vitamins than people with younger bodies and minds. For this reason, specially-blended formulations of multivitamins have been created for seniors and their specific nutritional needs.
It’s important that seniors do their research before taking any form of multivitamin or supplements, beginning with talking to their doctor about possible side effects of a particular supplement. Interactivity with medications they’re already taking may need to be addressed as well. There have been many studies linking medical problems associated with aging, to improper nutrition in seniors. This is one of the reasons that age-specific multivitamins were developed.
Vitamin D is just as important to aging bodies and minds as it is for younger people. The body needs this vitamin to allow it to properly absorb and use calcium, which is even more important in seniors who may have trouble with aging bones. Vitamin D is very important to help keep bones flexible and healthy, and to ward off the onset of osteoporosis. Many seniors don’t get the required amounts of calcium in their diets and are at risk of bone and teeth medical conditions.
Vitamin K is a very important element to aid in blood clotting in the body. It has also been linked to preventing what is arguably the most dreaded disease in seniors - Alzheimer’s. Many medical conditions are the direct result of improper diet in seniors, so whatever you can do to help your body stave off the advent of aging and aging illnesses, the better off you’ll be. Nutritional supplements are available for seniors in capsule or liquid form (for those who have trouble taking pills). The important thing is to start taking a senior formulation multivitamin as soon as you feel the need to do so. There are many discount and no-name brand formulations of senior multivitamins out there. Check with your doctor or pharmacist as to the one that’s best for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Visit Tricori.com: online pharmacy, online drug store, health solutions
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Gardening For Senior Citizens By: John Sanderson August 20, 2007
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| Are you in a wheelchair, and long to dig in the dirt and create flowering beauty and grow far more zucchini than you can give away? Or are your knees just starting to age and even though you’ve loved gardening all your life, you’re having more trouble getting up and down and are afraid you’ll have to give up gardening altogether? Did you botch the last pruning of your roses because of the worsening arthritis in your hands?Welcome to the world of the physically challenged gardener.
Don’t despair. Adapt! There’s plenty of help out there in the form of advice, tools, raised flower beds and other specialized equipment. Problem: “The ground is just too far down there!” Think about doing your gardening while sitting on a chair, instead of on the ground, squatting or bending over. The most obvious solution is to build raised flower beds and scatter containers throughout your garden area. Buy cheap plastic outdoor chairs and place one beside each mini-garden so you don’t have to drag or carry when it’s time to weed. You can just sit down and enjoy the feel of moist earth beneath your fingers and breathe in the heavenly smell of freshly applied fish emulsion. If you hang a cup holder on the edge of your container, you can even have the luxury of tea or coffee with your weeds. Maybe the fish emulsion should wait. Don’t think about what you’ve lost now that you can’t crawl around weeding the perennial border; teach your grandchild or a neighborhood kid the joy to be found doing that task … you’ve just discovered a new adventure in gardening. The good news is that you may find whole different special areas of your yard where you can stick a mini-garden. Get creative. Put a beautiful container near your front door and plant wonderfully scented flowers to greet your guests … or perhaps a nice cherry tomato plant they can steal from on their way to ring your doorbell. Put a waist high herb garden right outside your kitchen door and add an area in it for your favorite cut flowers. When you’re deciding where to locate the raised bed or container, be sure to remember physically demanding practicalities like dragging a heavy hose to water it. Think and plan a low energy solution for what you’ll do with the compost material. Problem: “My painful hands don’t have the strength for …” You can get tools which extend your arms to reach the ground level flower bed from a sitting position. Several manufacturers make specially tools with light weight handles designed to keep the wrist and hand in a stress-free position and to provide a firmer grip. Small, light rakes, hoes, etc. like this can work wonders. Think ratchet pruner, rachet lopping shears … let the laws of physics give your hands a hand. You’ll be amazed when you look at the tools available. Pull difficult weeds by stepping on a lever. Problem: “I get so tired so quickly.” Hey, the weeds didn’t grow all at once; you don’t have to pull them all at once. Pace yourself. Find ways to make gardening something you do while you sit and drink a cup of tea and listen to the birds, rather than a work chore you slave away at for a full afternoon. Pull one weed from the scented garden near your front door on your way out and another weed on the way in. Plant parsley in your kitchen door herb garden while your toast is toasting and the coffee is dripping. Buy and plant 3 packs of flowers instead of a whole flat. Take a nice aerobic walk around your yard, stopping at a different container for 5 minutes “conversation” with your plants on each cycle, then go back inside and plop on the recliner. You’ll be amazed at how much gets done in these mini-work sessions. Your heart will love you, too. Remember, one of the nice things about flowers is they don’t have anything to prove. We can all learn a lesson from them. This article provided courtesy of http://www.floral-shopper.com>http://www.floral-shopper.com |

