Category Archives: Aging

Back-to-Basics Boomer Training

Posted on May 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three ‘Beyond Boomers’ (seniors 65 years and older) fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. In 2010, direct medical costs of falls totaled over $28 billion. By urging Baby Boomers to get back to the basics of proper walking and posture, this problem can be prevented.

The Classic “Old Man’s Walk”

If you’ve ever noticed how many seniors walk, their heads are jetted forward, shoulders are rounded, eyes pointed down, and they’re bent forward at the waist. Walking this way shifts their center of gravity forward making them doubly prone to toppling over. Worse yet, they walk flat-footed (rather than walk heel to toe), so they never shift their weight from one leg to the other. ‘Shuffling’ the feet in this way diminishes balance and lower leg strength.   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Fitness, Men's Health, Women's Health

Tagged , , , , ,

Managing Man-opause

Posted on December 14, 2011 | Leave a comment

As men age, they gradually lose androgen, or testosterone, the hormone that makes men ‘men’. Hormone changes are a natural part of aging, but men and women experience these changes differently.

For women, when ovulation ends, their hormone production plummets over a relatively short period of time. Unlike this dramatic reproductive hormone plunge that women experience during menopause, sex hormone changes in men occur gradually over many years.    Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Longevity, Men's Health

Tagged , , , ,

Aid for Age-Related Blindness | The Health Reporter Minute

Posted on October 12, 2011 | Leave a comment

There’s new hope for people with impaired vision from age-related macular degeneration. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts a compact segment of health news in The Health Reporter Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0009H

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, ARMD, Longevity, Men's Health, Technology, Women's Health

Tagged , , ,

Curing Your Acrylics – Is It Safe?

Posted on April 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

TV segment #0005H

UVA rays from nail dryers may cause cancer

Artificial nails have become increasingly popular and according to the U.S. Census Bureau figures, revenue for nail salons amounted to $1.6 billion in 2005. If you’re hooked on augmenting your natural nails, the next time you head off to the salon, you might want to bring along some sunscreen.

A University of Texas study published in the 2009 Archives of Dermatology found that two women who frequently used UV nail dryers developed skin cancer on the backs of their hands. These two healthy middle-aged women with no personalor family history of skin cancer developed non-melanoma (basal or squamous cell):   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Cancer, Skin Care, Women's Health

Tagged , , , , , ,

New Risk Factors for Memory Loss

Posted on April 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

High cholesterol can lead to dementia.

A new study revealed that high cholesterol and high blood pressure are not only risk factors for heart disease, but for early memory loss as well.  Cardiovascular risk and cognitive function were tested in nearly 5,000 men and women over age 55.

The researchers studied participants for 10 years and found those with a ten percent higher risk of cardiovascular problems also scored poorly on cognitive tests.  The tests measured reasoning, memory, fluency, and vocabulary and the results were then compared to their Framingham risk score.   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Heart Health, Longevity, Screening Tests

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

ER’s for Boomers

Posted on April 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

Senior emergency centers are more private and have a specially trained staff

There’s a new trend popping up in hospital emergency rooms — a special area zoned just for seniors. Unlike the chaotic environment of modern ER’s that are more equipped to handle gunshot wounds, car accidents and other crises, these senior emergency centers are calmer and more nurturing.

Nurses and doctors receive special training in geriatrics and are more aware of senior issues. They not only treat the acute problem, but are trained to uncover underlying problems — everything from depression or dementia to a home that’s full of tripping hazards.   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Health Care, Men's Health, Women's Health

Tagged , , , , , ,

When the Going Gets Tough

Posted on March 25, 2011 | Leave a comment

Constipation relief is more about fitness than fiber

Constipation is not a subject that many of us like to talk about. But let’s face it, everyone gets constipated at one time or another and it can be pretty painful, uncomfortable, and frustrating. Here are some ways to help keep you moving!

1. Get some exercise. Your intestines are muscles too. When you work out, you’re doing more than just toning your muscles and strengthening your heart. Bowel movements occur when the muscles of your intestinal tract contract. When exercising aerobically, your heart and breathing rates increase which help your intestinal muscles contract. Well-toned intestinal muscles contract well and are able to move food through the tract efficiently and naturally.   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Cancer, Fitness, Longevity

Tagged , , , , , ,

Eating for Healthy Eyes

Posted on March 9, 2011 | Leave a comment
[TV segment #0007 
Producer: Karen Owoc   Director of Photography: Michael Davich


March is “Save Your Vision Month”.  The eyes age just like the skin and are at risk for chronic diseases. Approximately 43 million Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts, the leading causes of vision loss and blindness.  Here’s a quick overview of the key nutrients that help preserve your vision.  See also Are Carrots Good for Cataracts?.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Antioxidants, ARMD, Food, Longevity

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Omega Muffins

Posted on March 6, 2011 | Leave a comment

Walnuts are rich in healthy essential fats.

Omega-3  and omega-6 fatty acids are essential fats that your body can’t make on its own and can only get from the food you eat. So here’s one way to slip some healthy fat into your  diet.

It’s currently recommended that you consume 7-11 grams of omega-3 fatty acids each week. They’re crucial for brain function and there’s strong evidence they reduce your risk for heart disease. These fats are also great for your skin! (See Eating for Healthy Skin – Part 2.)   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in "FIT FOOD" Recipes, - Appetizers & Snacks, - Breakfasts, Aging, Antioxidants, Food, Heart Healthy, Save Money

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Medical Write-off Rules Worth Knowing

Posted on March 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

It pays to know what expenses are deductible.

With tax season now here, accountants are saying that many people think they don’t have enough medical bills to get them over the 7.5% deduction hurdle. To enjoy the maximum write-off, these experts advise that you know exactly what qualifies as a medical expense deduction.

For example, did you know that your mileage, parking fees and tolls for trips to the doctor, dentist and pharmacy are deductible? As are TV and telephone adapters for the hearing impaired? And that the cost of meals at a hospital are deductible if you’re there to get medical care?   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Health Care, Healthy Home, Men's Health, Women's Health

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Potential Cure for Baldness?

Posted on February 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

Stress linked to graying and hair loss.

U.S. researchers made an unexpected discovery that seems to restore and prevent hair loss. The experimental study injected a compound called astressin-B into mice to block a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing factor or CRF.  CRF is a stress-related hormone that’s linked to depigmentation (graying) and hair loss. Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Hair

Tagged , , , ,

Eating for Healthy Skin – Part 2

Posted on February 21, 2011 | 1 Comment

[TV segment #0006 
Producer: Karen Owoc   Director of Photography: Michael Davich 


Expanded transcript from video…Wouldn’t it be nice if you could wake up every morning with smooth, radiant skin?  Well, before you rush off to your local beauty store, think about picking up some skin-friendly nutrients at your local grocery store.

In our last segment, we took a look at the foods that provide the key vitamins you need for healthy skin.  Today, we’re going to focus on the minerals and essential fats that’ll help your skin function and look its best.   Continue reading →

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Aging, Antioxidants, Food, Longevity, Skin Care

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Heart Attack Warnings for Women

Posted on February 18, 2011 | 2 Comments

February is American Heart Awareness Month

Heart disease is the number one killer among women in America over the age of twenty….that’s one death every minute.  And according to a new oxford study, a woman who has a mother who had a stroke has a higher risk of having a heart attack as well as a stroke.

Men have traditional risk factors – such as high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes – but women seem to have a sex-specific family history tied to their risk of having a heart attack.  Using reliable tools to predict heart attack risk is critical because women are more likely to die from a heart attack than men.

If you’re a woman, you should know…  Continue reading →

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Aging, Heart Health, Longevity, Women's Health

Tagged , , , ,

Eating for Healthy Skin

Posted on February 7, 2011 | 3 Comments
[TV segment #0005
Producer: Karen Owoc   Director of Photography: Michael Davich

Expanded transcript from video… You may have heard the saying, “Great skin begins from within.”  Well, it really is true.  The skin is the largest organ of the human body and has to work hard to perform all its functions and still look its best.  Your skin regulates your body temperature and provides protection, absorption, secretion and sensation.

To do its job, you need several essential vitamins, minerals and fats.  In this segment, we’ll zero in on the vitamins and teach you the ABC’s and E’s of good skin nutrition.   Continue reading →

→ 3 Comments

Posted in Aging, Antioxidants, Food, Skin Care

Tagged , , , ,

How to Stay Healthy and Hydrated

Posted on August 3, 2010 | 2 Comments
[TV segment #0003   Producer: Karen Owoc

 

With so many beverages to choose from to stay hydrated, check out some of the good and the not-so-good choices.

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Aging, Chemical Additives, Heart Health

Tagged , , , ,

Raw Vegetables – Are They Healthier?

Posted on July 20, 2010 | Leave a comment
[TV segment #0002   Producer: Karen Owoc

With the advent of the raw food culture, is it healthier to eat your vegetables raw rather than cooked?  Take a look… 
Expanded transcript… I’m often asked if it’s healthier to eat vegetables raw.  Some people think cooking destroys valuable enzymes, vitamins and minerals.  But cooking has a purpose. It breaks down the insoluble fiber which softens the vegetables so they’re edible.  And as it turns out, raw vegetables are not always healthier than cooked.  Here’s why….   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Antioxidants, Cancer, Food

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Meat Diet and Early Puberty

Posted on June 26, 2010 | Leave a comment

A diet high in meat may cause early puberty in girls according to new research.  It found that 14 per cent more seven-year-old girls started their periods by age twelve when they ate over twelve servings of meat per week versus four.

One hundred years ago, girls began puberty at age 14 (and boys at age 16).  Girls who start their periods early face a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancers and heart disease. Although further studies are needed in other populations, evidence suggests it’s healthiest to consume less meat.  Researchers agree that something is affecting our children, whether it’s chemicals, hormones or inactivity.   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Cancer, Children's Health & Safety, Food

Tagged , , , , , ,

Men’s Health Awareness Month

Posted on June 24, 2010 | Leave a comment

If you aren’t already aware, June is Men’s Health and Cancer Awareness Month.  It was designated in 1994 to encourage early detection and treatment of disease.  Routine health screenings and diagnostic tests can save the lives of both men and boys.  In the U.S., over five million men have been diagnosed with some form of cancer.  Prostate, colon, lung, and skin cancers most often affect men.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more men die from cancer, heart disease, injuries, stroke and diabetes than women.  However, they are half as likely to go to the doctor for annual exams and preventive care.   Recommended screening tests (previous blog entry):  How to Stay Healthy if You’re a Man.

Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Cancer, Health Care, Men's Health, Screening Tests

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Are Carrots Good for Cataracts?

Posted on August 23, 2009 | 1 Comment

Q:  Do carrots really help your eyesight?  Both my wife and I have had cataract surgery.  Is there anything that we can eat to help protect our vision? ~ V.O., Bath, OH

Carrots contain eye-healthy compounds

Carrots contain eye-healthy compounds

A: Carrots contain lutein (LOO-teen) and zeaxanthin (zee-uh-ZAN-thin) which are nutrients that may protect the eyes.  Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophylls that belong to the carotenoid family of organic pigments.  Xanthophylls are found naturally in plants and give fruits and vegetables their pretty colors.  They are found in the flesh of the fruit and vegetable as well as in the leaves.

Cataracts and ARMD

Lutein and zeaxanthin are yellow-orange-red pigments that accumulate in the lens of the human eye and the central part of the retina (macula) and filter harmful components of sunlight. In ongoing research studies, both lutein and zeaxanthin have been found to help protect against eye diseases, such as cataracts (caused by oxidative stress and solar damage to the lens of the eye).  Some studies have shown these nutrients actually lowered the need for cataract surgery by up to 20% with up to a 40% reduction in the risk for age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).   ARMD is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.   Continue reading →

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Aging, Antioxidants, ARMD, Food, Men's Health, Supplements, Women's Health

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

How to Prevent Aging: Part 2 (Skin Changes)

Posted on August 7, 2009 | Leave a comment

To continue with how the body system changes, the following is an overview on what happens to your skin as you age.

“Normal Aging”

Skin

Skin loses its 'snug' fit and wrinkles with age

Skin loses its 'snug fit' and wrinkles with age

The skin is the largest organ of the body and one of the most revealing places where aging occurs.  Over time, your skin may lose its original ‘snug fit’ and begin to wrinkle and sag due to the following age-related changes:

  • Collagen cells break down.  Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue that provides strength to the skin – as well as to blood vessels, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bone.
  • Muscles beneath the skin atrophy (diminish and shrink).
  • Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss.
  • Subcutaneous cushion of fat diminishes.  As a result:

Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Longevity, Men's Health, Women's Health

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

How to Prevent Aging: Part 1 (Body Changes)

Posted on August 2, 2009 | Leave a comment

“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” ~ Leroy “Satchel” Paige

Today’s post is the first of a series on “How to Prevent Aging”.  By having an understanding of the physiological changes, the causes, and effects on the rate of aging, you can adjust the way you live, work, and play and prevent or delay the onset of diseases that are disproportionately associated with aging.

*    *    *

Chronic diseases and disability were once synonymous with old age, but after over fifty years of research by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), you can prevent or at least control certain diseases, often through the way you live.

Individuals age overall at immensely different rates, and age-related changes in cells, organs, and tissues differ greatly as well.  Organs in one individual may age faster than those in another.  For example, your bone strength may diminish more rapidly as compared to your spouse whose heart function may decline faster.  This suggests that the rate of aging is affected by:

  • Genes
  • Lifestyle
  • Disease

“Normal aging” varies considerably and its rate can be affected by behavioral factors in your control, such as healthy eating and physical activity.  Age in years does not necessarily correlate with physiological age.   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Longevity, Men's Health, Women's Health

Tagged , , , , , ,

‘Daily Detox and Health Beverage’ – Is It Really?

Posted on July 21, 2009 | Leave a comment

Q: “Resurrect Daily Detox and Health Beverage” - Is it really as healthy as it claims to be? ~ M.N., South Lake Tahoe, CA

Resurrect ElixirA: The makers of this beverage, Healthy Innovations, Inc., assert their:

“…elixir is becoming a part of the daily diet for the health conscious individual.  Formulated with 22 vitamins, aminos, electrolytes, and herbs, our unique blend of ingredients help to detoxify your body and energize your soul.”

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Caramel Color, Sucralose, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

Nutrition Facts: 5 calories – 0 g Sugar – 2 g carbohydrates - 30 mg caffeine per 12 oz can – 60 mg Vitamin C

This beverage is basically a glorified soda containing artificial sugar (sucralose) and flavors.  What is most concerning is the fact that it contains sodium benzoate and vitamin C.  Refer to post How to Prevent Cancer and Aging (Sodium Benzoate) for more details.   Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Cancer, Chemical Additives, Food

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Can Enzyme Supplements Prevent Gray Hair?

Posted on June 28, 2009 | Leave a comment

Q: Regarding your post on How to Prevent Gray Hair, can an individual augment the level of enzymes to generate pigmentation with pills or injections? ~ D.E., Santa Fe, NM

A: Thousands of enzymes are manufactured by the cells in all living matter with each having a specific purpose.  All chemical reactions in the body (i.e. breaking down or synthesizing compounds) are regulated by enzymes and you could not live without them.

From Body to Bottle

supplementsDue to the “more is better” mentality, there are many enzyme products and advertisements in the marketplace.  However, there is not enough clinical evidence that would support swallowing or injecting enzyme supplements to keep you healthy as well as prevent gray hair (in particular, the enzymes catalase to break down hydrogen peroxide and tyrosinase to produce melanin).

Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Aging, Hair, Supplements

Tagged , , , , ,

How to Prevent Aging and Cancer (Synthetic Fragrances)

Posted on June 27, 2009 | 1 Comment

Q:  I am really sensitive to perfume and fragranced body products (especially soaps and lotions).  I get a rash and I cough when I spray on perfume or am near someone wearing heavy cologne.  What’s in them that is so irritating? ~ K.A., Huntington Beach, CA

Artificial fragrances are common allergens and irritants

Artificial fragrances are common allergens and irritants

A: Artificial fragrances are synthetically-derived substances used solely to impart an odor.  They are a common offender of adverse allergic reactions.

In a study by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, fragrances were the number one cause of allergic and irritant reactions to cosmetics.  (Preservatives were the second most common cause of cosmetic allergies.)

Does This Smell Good To You?

Fragrance manufacturers are exempt from disclosing ingredients

Fragrance manufacturers may use any raw material in fragrance formulas

Pre-market approval of fragrance materials is NOT required.  With the exception of color additives and nine prohibited ingredients, fragrance manufacturers may use any raw material in a fragrance formula and are exempt from disclosing the chemicals on their label.

Fragrance ingredients need only be listed on the label as “fragrance” thereby limiting the FDA’s surveillance and actual authority over the fragrance industry.

Fragrance Free or Unscented…..Are They Really?

Fragrance freeThere are no official government definitions for “fragrance free”, “unscented”, or “natural fragrance”. In short, manufacturers can formulate their own interpretation of such label claims.

Commercial “fragrance free” or “unscented” products are rare and may only mean they have no discernible scent. Companies may add a masking fragrance to a product to conceal the odor of its raw ingredients without adding a discernible odor to it.   Continue reading →

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Aging, Cancer, Longevity

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

How to Prevent Gray Hair

Posted on June 25, 2009 | 1 Comment

Q:  Why does hair turn gray?  Is there any way to slow down this part of the aging process? ~ K.P., Richfield, OH

A: Hair is initially white (no pigment) and gets its natural color from a type of pigment called melanin.  Melanin begins forming (melanogenesis) in utero and is produced by specialized pigment cells called melanocytes.

These cells are located at the opening of the skin’s surface where the hair grows.  When a hair is being formed, melanocytes inject pigment into epithelial cells within the hair follicle (a sac from which the hair grows).

Blonde, Brunette and Somewhere In-Between

Hair has only two types of pigments – dark (eumelanin) and light (phaeomelanin) – but they create a wide range of colors.  Your natural hair color is determined by the amount of and blending of melanin in the middle layer of the hair shaft (cortex).

Gray Hair

Pigment cells die and hair loses color

Pigment cells die and hair loses color

White hair has no pigment.  Gray hair has a reduced amount of pigment.  The mixture of pigmented hair and white hair produces the perception of “gray hair”.

Hair loses color and starts to gray when pigment cells die and levels of enzymes decrease.  The chances of your hair color turning gray increase 10-20% every decade after your 30th birthday.   Continue reading →

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Aging, Hair, Longevity

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

How to Prevent Aging and Cancer (Sodium Benzoate)

Posted on June 15, 2009 | 2 Comments

Benzoates are widely used preservatives

Benzoates are widely used preservatives and linked to aging and cancer

Sodium benzoate (also known as E211) is a chemical preservative used to help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus in acidic products. It is linked to aging and cancer and is widely used in foods, beverages, cosmetic, dental care products, and pharmaceuticals that contain:

  • Vinegar (salad dressings, pickled foods)
  • Carbonic acid (carbonated drinks)
  • Citric acid (jams, fruit juices, cough syrups, baby wipes, liquid hand soaps)
  • Alcohol (alcohol-based mouthwash)
  • Other high acids (soy sauce, Chinese food sauces)

Sodium benzoate is used in some sodas

Sodium benzoate is used in some sodas

Manufactured from Crude Oil

This crystalline powder is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and is produced by reacting sodium hydroxide (lye) with benzoic acid.  Benzoic acid is commercially manufactured by reacting toluene with oxygen.  Toluene, also known as methylbenzene or phenylmethane, is related to benzene (a carcinogenic substance). Toluene is found in crude oil and used to make gasoline.

Due to the unpleasant aftertaste of sodium benzoate and not so much for toxicity, sodium benzoate concentration is limited by the FDA in the U.S. and should not exceed 0.1% by weight.  Potassium benzoate, the potassium salt of benzoic acid, is an alternative preservative to sodium benzoate.  When lower sodium content is required, potassium benzoate is used in place of sodium benzoate.   Continue reading →

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Aging, Cancer, Chemical Additives, Food, Longevity

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,