Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

Slow Time and Live Longer.

Baby boomers including President Bush, former President Clinton, Donald Trump, Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Buffett, and more are turning 60 in 2006. Gail Sheehy, the author of Passages, which 30 years ago delineated the stages of adult life, talks about life beginning at 60. A recent poll of 1000 Americans brought the prediction that 43% of us believe we will live to at least 85, and 10% of us believe we will live to 95 and beyond, and that by 2025, 80 year olds will have the same activity level that 40 year olds enjoy today.

The secret? Most experts believe it is regular exercise. Hippocrates apparently got it right 2400 years ago when he said "That which is used develops; that which is not wastes away." To put it more bluntly, Helen Hayes added "Resting is rusting". And, the prestigious Harvard Men's Health Watch agrees.

Endurance training, flexibility training, and balance exercises may not be the fountain of youth, but they can keep your body as young as possible for as long as possible. You can reverse age related declines in aerobic power as well as improve cardiovascular function, keep heart muscles supple, arteries flexible, lower resting heart rates, and boost the heart's ability to deliver oxygen-rich blood to body tissues. All of this - drug-free, and, the only equipment you really need is a good pair of walking shoes and 30 minutes a day of brisk walking.

Regular exercise also improves your moods and your sleep and can counter anxiety and depression, improve reflex time, and help stave off age-related memory loss.

No, we may not be able to beat the clock but we certainly can make life style changes that will slow its tick. The keys are to start slowly and exercise regularly. There are some precautions: if you are over 40 and/or have any medical problems, get a check up before you begin an exercise routine; eat, drink, and dress appropriately; exercise safely; listen to your body - learn the warning signals of heart disease and don't ignore unusual chest pressure or shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, indigestion, or aches and pains that may signify illness or injury.

Experts agree that exercise is important and they also add some other suggestions to help us age well: avoid all forms of tobacco; eat properly; sleep comfortably and well; consider simple supplements; drink responsibly if you drink alcohol; keep your mind active and stimulated; build strong social networks; and get regular medical care.

Maybe we can all be like the old Timex commercial - "take a licking and keep on ticking".

Please keep the phone calls and emails coming to 1.800.346.1850 or customerservice@medslant.com. I love hearing from you.

We at MedSlant wish all of you and your families a very Healthy, Happy, and Peaceful New Year.



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