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This one came across my email the other day. It’s so good that I’ve printed it up for all the exam rooms.

Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.

~Edward STanley: Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Enough said. Now, get out there and go for a walk.

Seems like over the years I’ve heard about very low calorie diets extending ones life spans. Well it appears there is a gene involved in this, and studies have started with the goals of being able to produce new medications that will delay the onset of age-related diseases such as Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.

It will be a while in coming…so don’t hold your breath. IN the meantime, if you are inclided to increase your longevity with very low calorie diets, you can find more information about the research being done at the National Institutes of Health

Nearly every day, I am asked my opinion on a variety of nutritional supplements. It can be something to help them stop smoking, lower their cholesterol or lose weight. Often it will be about the various “menopausal products” that are on the market.  One of the things I frequently tell people is that whatever they buy, make sure it comes from a reputable company. Unfortunately, there are not really only standards when it comes to supplements. Or so I thought.

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Aspirin, which has been recommended by many studies over the years to reduce the risk of heart disease, is now recommended for women who are older and prone to cardiovascular disease.

This latest recommendations comes from researchers at the Nurses Health Study. Started in 1976, the NHS has been one of the longest and most significant studies to date on several aspects of women’s health.

Recent data shows that middle aged and older women who took aspirin had a 25% lower risk of death compared to those who never took it. This included a 38% decrease risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 12% lower risk of death from cancer.

Of course, aspirin (like everything else) is not without side effects, so make sure you speak with your health care provider to see if this is something for you.

 

Many, many women (not to mention children and men) need to lose weight in order to live a healthier life. Water is such a remarkable thing, but seldom do we give it the credit that it deserves. Did you know that over 66% of your body weight is nothing but water? It’s amazing!

Here are 4 tips on how to incorporate more water into your day to help facilitate your weight loss goals.

1. Drink plenty of water. Our body needs a lot of water so give in to water. Water is not just way to flush out toxin but if you have more water in your body you will generally feel healthier and fitter. This it self will discourage any tendency to gorge. The best thing about water is that is has no calories at all.
2. Start your day with a glass of water. As soon as you wake up, gulp down a glass of cool water. It’s a wonderful way to start you day and you only need a lesser quantity of your breakfast drink after that. A glass of water lets out all your digestive juices and sort of lubricates the insides of your body. You may have your morning cup of tea but have it after a glass of water. It is good for you.
3. Drink a glass of water before you start the meal. Water naturally needs some space so that you feel fuller without actually having to stuff yourself.
4. Have another glass of water while you are having the meal. Again this is another way of making yourself full so that you can actually rise from the table eating less but feeling full just the same. Instead of drinking it one gulp, take sips after each morsel. It will help the food to settle faster so that you get that feeling that you are full faster.

For more weight loss tips visit Weight Loss Information

Just a FYI - if you notice we are down for a moment or two, it’s because the OlderWiser Women sites are all moving to a new server.  So stay tuned!

Flu season is upon us and at the time of this writing, activity is widespread in parts of the Southeastern US. [You did get a flu shot didn’t you?] Well here some tips you can take to protect yourself from getting ill, and protect others if you get ill.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water (wash for no less than 30 seconds to kill germs).
• Stay home when sick.
• Keep a distance between yourself and others (a sneeze can spray up to three feet!).
• Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers handy (they kill more germs than hand washing).
• Keep fingers and hands away from mouth, eyes and nose (most illnesses come from touching contaminated items).
• Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Even better than a tissue – Do It In Your Sleeve!
• Reduce stress. Stress can make your body less able to fight infections.
• Listen to your body and get enough rest.
• Eat a balanced diet that includes at least five servings of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes every day to boost your immune system.
• Teach children to not share food and drink with friends.

Remember: Follow these prevention measures and the common cold will no longer be common. 80% of healthy people don’t get influenza.

Didn’t get a flu shot? Well… if you do get the flu, antiviral drugs must be started 48 hours from the time symptoms first appear, so you’ll need to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

It’s the first of the year and many people are working on quitting smoking. Here is a surprise resource that my patients alerted me to…Philip Morris!

They have developed a program called Quit Assist. I would imagine is may have to do with damage control…but if it helps you quit…who cares?

You’ll find other resources listed at OlderWiserWomen Quit Smoking Resources

Wal-mart started it, and several other companies will be following. According to the following information from Wal-Mart, almost all plans can use the $4.00 medicaitons. I’d check with your local pharmacy and perhaps your health plan - especially if you are in a closed system such as Kaiser or Group Health.

Anyway…here is the list for you to see if you could benefit and lower your medicaiton costs.

Generic Drug List from Wal-Mart

This Friday, December 1st is once again World AIDS Awareness Day. What has this got to do with aging women? Lots! You too are affected - and in growing numbers. You can read more here –> Older Women & HIV.

One company is doing something to donate money. Yes, it’s a pharmaceutical company, but they are donating money none-the-less. Go to Unite to Light and light a candle. The company will donate $1.00 for each candle that is lit. Go on…light a candle.