Own Your Health

by Fleckenstein, Alexa, M.D.; Weisman, Roanne

• ISBN13: 9780757304934
• ISBN10: 0757304931
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-04-04
• Publisher: Hci

Summary

You Can Be Healthy and Strong to 100! Each day more and more seniors are busting the myth that it's all downhill after sixty; in fact, these people are proving that you can be vitally healthy and mentally sharp into your nineties and beyond. While great health is something we all want to enjoy for ourselves and those we love, it's even more important these days as insurance companies increase premiums and doctors decrease the time they spend with each patient. Own Your Health gives you the knowledge you need with reliable medical treatments from top doctors in the fields of conventional and alternative medicine. With tips, checklists and stories from caregivers and patients, you'll discover the most effective ways to prevent and treat: Arthritis - Pain Diabetes - Eye Problems High Blood Pressure - Gout - Alzheimer's Disease - Osteoporosis - Parkinson's Disease Stroke Heart Disease Respiratory Problems Incontinence Colds and Flu and More. With Own Your Health, you have all of the vital information you need about your health at your fingertips.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Roanne Weisman
Introduction	xiii
What Can We Learn from People Who Live to Be 100?	1	(12)
``Don't Fence Me In'': A Portrait of Jinny
Examine Your Attitudes	13	(6)
Keeping the Mind Alive---While Having Fun! A Portrait of Danny
The Courage to Change	19	(10)
Affirming Life with Creativity: A Portrait of Lillian
Letting Go of Bad Stress	29	(6)
Meditation: Ancient History, Modern Benefits
The Power of Forgiveness	35	(6)
Seize the Joy	41	(6)
Look Good, Feel Good	47	(10)
Nourish Your Body	57	(24)
Painless Weight Loss	81	(8)
Why Exercise?	89	(8)
The Cold Is Good for You!	97	(4)
Breathing	101	(6)
Living with a Disability: A Portrait of Elinor
Herbs and Pharmaceuticals	107	(14)
Living the Good Life: A Portrait of Henrietta
Ailments You Might Face and What to Do About Them	121	(62)
Aches and Pains
Alzheimer's Disease
Arthritis
Cellulite
Chronic Bronchitis, COPD, Respiratory Disease
Chronic Pain
Colds and Flu
Constipation
Depression
Diabetes
Dizziness, Frequent Falls, Loss of Balance, Vertigo
Eye Problems
Fatigue, Daytime Sleepiness, Chronic Weakness
Gout
Hair Loss
Heartburn, GERD, Reflux, Dyspepsia, Stomach Pain, Gastritis
Heart Disease
Hemorrhoids
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Hot Flashes and Other Menopausal Symptoms
Impotence, Loss of Desire and Missing Orgasms (in Women)
Incontinence, Urinary (Women)
Insomnia
Liver Spots
Memory Loss
Osteoporosis
Overweight, Obesity
Pain
Parkinson's Disease
Prostate Ailments
Smoking (Quitting)
Stress
Stroke
Thyroid Disease
Ulcers (Skin), Pressure Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Vaginal Dryness and Itching After Menopause
Varicose Veins
Wrinkles
Resources	183	(7)
Notes	190

Excerpts

What Can We Learn from People Who Live to Be 100? You and I are mere youngsters compared to the more than 100 people in New England who have passed their 100th birthdays and are participating in the New England Centenarian Study (NECS), a joint project of Boston Medical Center and the Harvard Medical School, founded and directed by geriatrics expert Thomas T. Perls, M.D., M.P.H. The study, which started in 1994, is the first comprehensive investigation of the world's oldest people. While the research does seem to indicate a link between genetics and longevity, lifestyle also plays an important role in both the quality of life and the quantity of years. As one expert has said, 'It's not just your genes; it's what you do with them.' In presenting the findings of their research, Perls and colleague Margery Hutter Silver, M.D., make it clear that even if you don't have the 'extreme age' gene, it is possible to live a full, long, healthy life by following the examples of those who have done just that. 'We look at aging as an opportunity rather than a curse,' says Perls. In their book, Living to 100, Lessons in Living to Your Maximum Potential at Any Age, Perls and Silver describe several centenarians who have reached extreme old age in good health, exploding the myth that aging has to be associated with disease and deterioration. What do all centenarians have in common? Well, for starters, they don't set out to become that old; they just live one day at a time and enjoy it. The following section lists what else they share. Best Ways to Live a Long, Healthy Life: Do What Centenarians Do According to the New England Centenarian Study, people who have passed their 100th birthdays may have the genes to help them, but they also have lifestyles that are remarkably similar: Healthy centenarians stay connected with others of all age groups and involved in their communities. They keep physically active with regular, daily exercise. They bake and cook for family gatherings, go to the office and play golf. One woman, 101 years old, has a habit of reading while riding a stationary bicycle. They continue to use their brains throughout their lives. Many experts recommend learning new skills as a way to keep the brain functioning. Try a new language! They have learned how to handle stress and the many losses that happen on the way to 100. They use humor to cope with difficult times. 'He who laughs, lasts,' says Perls. They find meaning in some kind of spiritual practice and seem to take a lively interest and joy in everything around them. I would add to this list that the extremely old people whom I have met in my practice are self-sufficient they remain living independently as long as possible, they adapt well to challenges, they have good sleep habits, regular bowel movements, and prefer outdoor activities and fresh air. Centenarians focus on living each day as it comes instead of on living a long time. Being old is not

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Excerpted from Healthy To 100: Aging with Vigor and Grace by Alexa Fleckenstein, Roanne Weisman
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.