Oh Crap, I'm A Baby Boomer!

Diet Related Chronic Diseases

Last week my post  "Obesity And The Dietary Guidelines For Americans 2010", I spoke of Diet Related Chronic Diseases and listed 2 of the 5 that are most prevalent.   I also expressed how important it is that we as Americans become educated in regards to detrimental eating behaviors in order that we take the responsibility as individuals to enhance our Nations health and the health of future generations

American Home's And Insufficiency

The nutritional recommendations for  individuals by the Dietary Guidelines additionally understands that currently almost 15 % of American homes are actually not to be able to obtain sufficient food  to satisfy their particular requirements basically because of limited finances. This nutritional guidance will help them increase the dietary and nutritional content for the necessary foods even with their financial  resource difficulties.  A number of other's do not really eat  the ideal  amount  of specified nutrients, despite the fact that they've sufficient means to achieve a  healthy diet and lifestyle. The dietary information and guidelines might help these individuals select a  balanced and  nutritionally healthy and acceptable diet program by following The Dietary Guidelines For Americans 2010.

Consequently because  of  the changes in the way the majority of us eat as well as the way we live, numerous chronic diseases are actually progressively affecting Americans so adversely that "Diet-related chronic disease, including obesity, is a defining public health issue of our time."  says Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs.  Certainly, diet-related chronic diseases  including obesity,  diabetes, coronary disease, cancer, and osteoporosis, are the most prevalent illnesses which have increased over the past years and the major cause of death in America as well as other countries.  These chronic disease have additionally  caused a great financial  toll on our society and the communities in which we live.

Chronic Diseases Are Preventable

Below you will find the list of the final 3 chronic diseases that have placed the heaviest toll on  American lives and the  society in which we live.  Please take the time to read the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 as it could help save your life or the life of a loved one, and at the very least, the Guidelines have been designed to give you recommendations that will assist  in developing  healthier alternatives as it relates to diet, nutrition and physical exercise.  Diet plus a lifestyle of inactivity, plays a major role in chronic diseases and  although most chronic diseases are long- term, they are preventable.  Making improvements in terms of diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of these chronic diseases.  It is a choice and it is all up to you to make necessary changes that will have a determining factor on the quality of your health as well as the health of your children.  Here are the final 3 of the most detrimental chronic diseases.

The Heavy Toll Of Diet- Related Diseases

Diabetes
• Nearly 24 million people—almost 11 percent of the population—ages 20 years and older have diabetes. The vast majority of cases are type 2 diabetes, which is heavily influenced by diet and physical activity.
• About 78 million Americans—35 percent of the U.S. adult population ages 20 years or older—have pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes (also called impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose) means that blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes.

Cancer
• Almost one in two men and women—approximately-41 percent of the population—will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.
• Dietary factors are associated with risk of some types of cancer, including breast (post-menopausal), endometrial, colon, kidney, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus.

Osteoporosis
• One out of every two women and one in four men ages 50 years and older will have an 20 osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
• About 85 to 90 percent of adult bone mass is acquired by the age of 18 in girls and the age of 20 in boys. Adequate nutrition and regular participation in physical activity are important factors in achieving and maintaining optimal bone mass

The new guidelines stress the need for the consumption of a nutrient-dense diet, as well as  sustaining an ideal calorie intake and exercising regularly.  These recommendations and guidelines have  been created in order to help promote wellness and health, prevent long-term and chronic diseases and debilitating and serious health issues along with minimizing the threat of the current obesity epidemic.

We Can Stop THe Obesity Epidemic

We can stop the obesity epidemic as well as take the necessary measures to prevent those chronic diseases which are caused by poor eating habits and inactivity. We as Americans can become a healthier Nation again. but starts with each of us being more aware, seeking out the knowledge and taking action.  If we do not, obesity and chronic diseases will continue to take a devastating  toll on our lives, as well as our children's lives and the generations to come.

Related articles

• The 2010 Dietary Guidelines: What's Changed? (fyiliving.com)
• Dietary Guidelines for a Fresh Start (foodfromthegarden.wordpress.com)
• Eat Healthy and Enjoy Life (thistimethisspace.com)

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Azar Colter

azar.colter1@gmail.com

Skype:azar.colter

Tagged with: Baby Boomer Life Style • Health • Nutrition • Obesity • United States Department of Agriculture • Weight Loss

Filed under: Chronic Disease • Exercise • Gluttony • Obesity • Weight Loss

Weight Loss Success!  Glenda's Story

A few months ago, I read a story about a woman who had achieved something so incredible, I could not help but to read her story over and over again.  Each time I read it, my profound admiration for her and her phenomenal weight loss success as well as her journey, grew and grew.  If you look in the dictionary for the word "Success", Glenda's picture should be there.  This is a story about a woman who weighed  340 pounds.  She had not been able to tie her own shoes or even see her own feet in over 15 years… but she lost 197 pounds!  She says in her unbelievable story

"I was trapped in a body weighing in over 340 pounds and was ashamed of the fact that I had not been able to reach my feet for 15 years. I felt that God did not give me bones and joints to carry that amount of weight as a person 5'5" with a small frame.  My lifelong relationship with food, lifestyle choices and decisions dealing with life, heartache and disappointment brought me to where I was in January of 2008".

I wanted to put this story on my blog when I first read it, but because of computer problems, I never had a chance to bookmark it. Yesterday morning, I was reading an article "Dare to Walk 20 Minutes A Day" on the LiveSTRONG site and there she was…Glenda, holding up a pair of sweat pants that were three sizes larger than her tiny frame, which she once wore with no room to spare.  Now I could go on and on about this amazing weight loss story, but I will let you read it for yourself….and be inspired!

(Click on Inspiration And Motivation tab above to read this incredible story!)

Tagged with: Gluttony • Inspiration • Motivation • Obesity • Physical exercise • Weight Loss

Filed under: Gluttony • Obesity • success • Weight Loss

 Obesity And The Dietary Guidelines For Americans

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released in January of this year.  The United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Health and Human Services offered up a number of brand new dietary and nutritional suggestions and recommendations, together with the objective of fighting the increasing weight and obesity crisis as well as equipping  Americans with the data and facts they need to live  healthier and stronger lifestyles on a day to day basis.

Although I have not read the Guidelines in it's entirety, there are a few items that I would like to share with you as I believe they are so very important in educating and combating the obesity epidemic as well as decreasing chronic diseases which are related to our diet choices.

In the introduction of the Guidelines, it was stated that the ultimate objective of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is to improve and enhance our Nations health and the health of future generations through assisting and promoting healthy and balanced eating habits, along with physical activity and exercise.  They have published these guidelines and options so that hopefully, most of our detrimental behaviors  will change and their suggestions and recommendations will become a foundation for not only reducing our obesity problem but, prevention of chronic diseases.  It is their hope that the guidelines will become the standard for every man, woman and child.

Inadequate diet as well as lack of exercise and physical inactivity happen to be the most crucial issues contributing to the crisis and epidemic associated with being overweight and obese in this nation.  The most current and latest facts reveal that 72% of adult men plus 64% of adult women are generally overweight or obese. About 1/3 of adults are sadly obese.  Also, even for those who do not have a weight problem, bad eating habits along with the absence of physical activity have been linked to Type 2 Diabetes, Osteoporosis and some types of Cancer.  

A number of racial as well as some ethnic groups are generally disproportionately affected by the high rates of unhealthy weight, obesity and connected chronic diseases.  Poor eating habits and   inadequate individual health and fitness programs have placed the focus on improved nutrition, diet, and physical activity options ever more critical.  These type of associations also provide vital opportunity to decrease health and wellness disparities through diet and nutrition, as well as physical activity modifications which have been  the major causes of morbidity and the death rate.

The Heavy Toll Of Diet – Related Chronic Disease

Below is an excerpt of the very powerful speech delivered by Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs.  If your are really concerned about your health and welfare and the health and welfare of your children along with the generations to come, …..please read. 

Cardiovascular Disease
• 81.1 million Americans—37 percent of the 13 population—have cardiovascular disease.  Major risk factors include high levels of blood cholesterol and other lipids, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), metabolic syndrome, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, and tobacco use.
• 16 percent of the U.S. adult population has high 14 total blood cholesterol.

Hypertension
• 74.5 million Americans—34 percent of U.S. 15 adults—have hypertension.
• Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.
• Dietary factors that increase blood pressure include excessive sodium and insufficient potassium intake, overweight and obesity, and excess alcohol consumption.
• 36 percent of American adults have prehypertension—blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the hypertension range.

Next week, three more chronic diseases  caused primarily by poor eating habits and inactivity.

Related articles

• New Federal Dietary Guidelines will Increase Obesity and Chronic Disease (liberationwellnessblog.com)
• Supplement use increases, but a healthy diet is the key (mayoclinic.com)
• Calorie Balance – Make it Happen (foodfromthegarden.wordpress.com)
• The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-PolicyDocument.htm

Tagged with: Baby Boomer Life Style • Boomer Weight Loss • Gluttony • Obesity • Physical exercise • United States Department of Agriculture • United States Department of Health and Human Services • Weight Loss

Filed under: Obesity • Weight Loss

Gluttony In America

Gluttony is defined by the dictionary as excessive eating and drinking".  However, metaphorically speaking, just about anything one does excessively is gluttonous.  Gluttony is all about excess, and in America, we  know all too well about  excess.  It was documented just 2 years ago, the typical American ingested over 200 pounds of meat annually, and that equates to more than 1/2 pound of some type of meat, each and every  day, 365 days a year. 

Food consumption habits have harmed our overall health and wellness but even more disturbing, our deplorable eating habits have drastically affected the health  of our kids for far too many years.  As  the majority of you  may already know, the obesity crisis is the #1 health topic these days due to the fact that obesity in America continues to grow out of control. Two out of every three adults are both overweight or obese. However, the worse part is, one out of every three youngsters fall into the same category, either severely overweight or obese.

What Have We Been Teaching Our Children?

We have actually been teaching our children the exact same detrimental eating habits and in the end, it is going to be our children who will truly suffer and  become sicker than we are already, they don't deserve it.  Here is another alarming fact for you to chew on. Over the past 40 years, obesity rates in America have escalated by 659%.  Can you wrap your head around that fact.?  It is almost incomprehensible

Super Sized And Sick

As a nation we are living in a fast food, microwave generation.  Americans eat so much more away from home today than at anytime in our country's history and it just gets worse.  Most restaurant food is far  less healthy for us compared to what we eat at home (sometimes).  On top of that, the portion sizes in most restaurants are gigantic and, for a few pennies more, your already humongous sized meals can be "Super Sized.   We have evolved into a nation of "Sick, Super Sized" people.

Economic Backlash

But gluttony is not just about the excessive, overwhelmingly massive amounts of food  we as Americans consume on a daily basis.  The economic backlash of obesity  is devastating. The high financial cost of obesity in America is at an  all time high.  Alarmingly, research shows that in America alone, obesity related illnesses claim over 850 lives a day and over 300,000 lives each year.  More than half our nation's population are well over their recommended weight  and qualify as obese.  Pediatric diabetes is fast approaching epidemic rates.  Do you know that the The United States spent $75.1 billion last year on medical expenses, such as drugs, doctor visits and hospitalizations, related to obesity according to a study published in the journal of Obesity Research. So what is the core cause?

Gluttony Is A Sin

America is a nation of gluttonous people and not only is it shameful, gluttony is a deadly sin, just like envy, greed, anger, sloth, etc.   Way back in the day, the early Christian monk Evagrius created a list which included "8 impure thoughts" but his list was later revised under Pope Gregory I to the "7 deadly sins".  During that era, a sin was only a "deadly sin" if it was in direct opposition  to one's love of God.  For instance, during those days, if you ate more than you needed, it was an excusable sin.  It only became "deadly when you so over indulged and ate so much just for the pleasure of eating, that it turned the individual away from spiritual instruction.  Back then, it you were considered  gluttonous. you were stoned to death.

Today, we not only turn a blind eye towards celebrities,  politicians and preachers  who publicly exhibit gluttonous behavior, but even worse, we applaud and embrace them.  So when we become obese or incur too many speeding tickets, or gamble away our lives savings putting our families in jeopardy or get caught in adultery, destroying the family,or beat our spouses or allow our children to eat what they want, when they want And always "Super Size" their meals……it has become simply… "The American Way".  Shame on us and sadly, shame on me.   

Why I'm Ranting

Why am I ranting? Because I'm fat, borderline obese and I'm pissed!   I recently started my own weight loss program and never having the need for a scale before, I just went out and bought one. (I promise I will tell you how much it says I weigh, but just keep in mind, like my friend Kris told me, scales are evil and they lie..smile).

During my research on how to correct my own weight gain, I have  come to truly understand the profound implications of what it  really means when I hear and read the word "obese".   So if you are overweight (like me) or even obese, or worse, you child is, I hope this video will help to motivate you into action…. Oh yeah, 216 lbs!  Oh Crap!

Azar Colter

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• My Experience with the American Idol! (http://craigsturm.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/my-experience-with-the-american-idol/)
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Tagged with: Gluttony • Obesity • Weight Loss

Filed under: Gluttony • Obesity • Weight Loss

Resveratrol, the plant extract and potent anti-inflammatory previously shown to extend the survival of lower animal life, seems to reduce inflammation in humans as well. A reduction in blood vessel inflammation can help prevent development of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Some people are familiar with resveratrol as a supplement used to fight aging. Thus far, however, the only scientific studies to demonstrate this benefit have occurred using yeast, worms, fruit flies, fish, and mice. Prolonged life has been attributed to resveratrol’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In the new study, which was conducted at the University of Buffalo, Paresh Dandona, MD, PhD, distinguished professor of medicine and senior author of the study, noted that no data exist on the impact of resveratrol on oxidative and inflammatory stress in people. Resveratrol is also believed to have a role in insulin resistance, which is related to oxidative stress.

Therefore, the researchers “decided to determine if the compound reduces the level of oxidative and inflammatory stress in humans.” This was the first prospective trial of resveratrol in humans conducted by endocrinologists at the University.

The study involved 20 volunteers randomized into two groups: 10 people received 40 mg resveratrol once daily for six weeks, and 10 received placebo. Researchers collected fasting blood samples at baseline and at weeks 1, 3, and 6.

The blood samples collected from volunteers who took resveratrol showed that the phytonutrient suppressed the generation of free radicals, which cause oxidative stress and release factors that promote inflammation, which in turn damage the lining of blood vessels.

The samples from those who took resveratrol also revealed suppression of other compounds that interfere with insulin action, resulting in an increased risk of developing diabetes. Blood samples from the subjects who took placebo, however, did not show any changes in pro-inflammatory factors.

Resveratrol is produced naturally by several plants, including red grape skins, red wine, peanuts, blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries. It is also extracted from Japanese knotweed and used as a nutritional supplement.

In addition to studies on resveratrol and aging, other research has suggested the phytonutrient may provide other benefits. One study, for example, found that resveratrol improved symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, while another indicated it may help prevent blindness.

The results of this latest study, while promising, did not eliminate the possibility that another element in the extract, besides resveratrol, was responsible for reducing inflammation, since the scientists used a product that was only 20 percent resveratrol. However, Dandona noted they intend to conduct further studies using purer formulations of resveratrol.

Author:  Deborah Mitchell, (EmaxHealth.com)

Related articles

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Tagged with: Anti-Inflammatory • Baby Boomer Life Style • Cardiovascular diseases • Diabetes • Health • how to speed up metabolism • Oxidative Stress

Filed under: Anti-aging • Baby Boomer Life Style • Resveratrol • Resveratrol and Diabetes • Resveratrol Heart Health • Weight Loss • Wellness

Oh Crap! I'm Fat! – Can Resveratrol Help?

When I got on the scale last month, I could not believe what my eyes were telling me. Oh My Gosh, I had gained a whopping 20 pounds in 6 months!.   Boy was I pissed!  I aked myself, "How Did This Happen?"  I began to think about it and I remembered a few months ago, I was having trouble zipping my pants. I thought, nothing to worry about,  I'll just cut down on my food intake, back off the sweets for a while and everything will be ok..that method had always worked before. But then a month later, I started feeling this stuff on my back when I would lean back in my chair and no matter how I watched what I ate, the stuff continued to grow.  Oh crap, it was FAT!

I have never  been fat in my life and didn't intend to start now.  So first, I had to find out why I was gaining all this weight.  Although, I may not have been eating as healthy as I should, I have never been a heavy or a binge eater.  Yet over the last six months, I had gained close to 20 pounds! and so I was determined to find out why.  I got online and started doing some research.  My conclusion boiled down to, I needed to boost my metabolism.   As we get older, our metabolism slows down to almost a snails pace so that  body fat is not being broken down as quickly as it used to. (I should have listened to to my friend Linda when she told me about Resveratrol last year).

During my  research however, I received some information that I was not expecting.  Not only did I  get some needed insight on the possibilties of my weight gain but I also read how being overweight and obesity relates to aging and other diseses.  As I researched further I found Resveratrol  Dr. David Sinclair.

Dr. David Sinclair  is a biochemist at the Harvard Medical School and along with Dr. Christoph Westphal,  started a company by the name of Sirtris. Sirtris has since been  purchased by GlaxoSmithKline for $720 million in 2008.  But for a number of years, they have involved themselves on focused  study regarding the genetic components of aging.  Dr. Sinclair was convinced that some naturally produced compounds would be able to activate certain  genes in humans.  After testing over a thousand different compounds he finally found one that worked; resveratrol and this rest is history.  I'd like to share what I've learned.

Resveratrol And The Muscadine Grape

The Muscadine Grape is now referred to as a superfruit, yet contrary to popular belief, not every superfruit comes from exotic far off and remote locations. This extraordinary grape actually grows in North Carolina and Georgia and it is what makes Resveratrol one of the greatest medical advancements since antibiotics. Researchers have discovered that both skin and seed possess astounding health properties. Additionally, Muscadine Grapes produce an additional chromosome compared to other grapes which is the reason it is so remarkable. While Resveratrol can be found in just about all red grapes the Muscadine grape possesses more than 6 times the amount of Resveratrol present in red grapes.

What Are The Benefits of Resveratrol?

Resveratrol has numerous health benefits, most of which can be attributed to its antioxidant properties. Resveratrol and resveratrol supplements can provide protection against the cellular damage, caused by the free radicals. This in turn, can help to slow down the process of aging.  As a strong antioxidant, resveratrol can prevent a number of serious ailments including, heart and cardiovascular diseases. Some of the many benefits are listed below

• Shown to prolong the lifespan of mice and other animals*
• Mimics calorie restriction to provide longevity/anti-aging potential*
• Helps promote healthy heart and cardiovascular function*
• May Increase Mitochondria Levels and Cellular Energy*
• Boosts Immune System*
• Anti-Inflammatory Support*
• Increases Muscle Tone*
• Maximum Antioxidant Protection*
• Loose Weight And Burn Fat

The Media And Why You Should Be Cautious

However, let me caution you, today people seeking to supplement their diet with Resveratol and even Acai or other high profile supplements must be extremely cautious.  It is possible for companies to create generic duplicates of supplements like Resveratrol, and Acai. They knowingly scam those who have read of the amazing benefits of both of these products.  As A matter of fact, the majority of Acai powders that are being sold online and off, are not legitimate and have very low nutrients and antioxidant effects.  Even worse, so called " free trial" Resveratrol  offers liter the  Internet- and these are just  rip-offs that could possibly cost you over $90 a month!  Click here to read more about  Resveratrol Scams

Will Resveratrol Help?

Will Resveratrol help me boost my metabolism and loose weight and reduce the possibility of the life threatening adverse health conditions listed above? I don't know, but I'm convinced that it can't hurt and I'm going to try it. I also realize that I can not depend on this supplement all by itself, no matter how the professionals and the media are calling it the best thing since antibiotics.  My health is my responsibility and it is going to take a change in my eating habits as well as me implementing some type of exercise regime and, it is going to take time.

. 

 Related Articles:

• Resveratrol Facts
• ResForum.org-Resveratrol:Seperating Fact From Fiction (free eBook download)
• Resveratrol: The Benefits No Longer A Secret
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 For more information on the outstanding benefits of 99% pure Trans-Resveratrol and whole food Muscadine Grapes which posses some of the highest antioxident levels available, enter you information under the featured video at the top of this page.

Tagged with: Antioxidant • Cardiovascular diseases • fast weight loss • Free Radicals • how to speed up metabolism

Filed under: Anti-aging • Exercise • I'm Fat • Muscadine Grapes • ResGrape • Resveratrol • Resveratrol and Diabetes • Resveratrol and Life Extension • Resveratrol Heart Health • Weight Loss

Self-Improvement Quotes – Tools Of Success

A year ago in January I began my personal journey to become a successful and prosperous internet marketer.  What I did not realize at the time however was that in desiring to achieve my aspirations of economic and time freedom that I would also obtain something far more priceless... my own personal development and a profound belief in myself.  I was not anticipating this change, I just wanted to make money online and quit my job.  But I'm so greatful  that my focus was re-directed. 

If I wanted success and prosperity in  my life, something had to change.  I needed to believe that I could become a better person and gain confidence.  I  wanted to take risks and overcome my fear of failure.  All of the limitations I had placed on myself  as well as the negative feelings and thoughts which had plagued me all of my life had to be replaced. I had dwelled in  despair and hopelessness for so long, I needed to move on to a better place.  My past had been such a mess.  Filled with bad relationships, drug addiction, estrangement from my family and friends and failure after failure.  I was sick of me, sick of failing, sick of sorry, unhealthy relationships.  As the saying goes "I was sick and tired of being sick and tired"  And then in February, I listened again to an audio (click link to listen) by Earl Nightingale called "The Secret" that I had first been introduced to in the latter part of 2009.  He said "Success is the Progressive Realization Of A Worthy Ideal."  I listened to that tape over and over for almost 2 weeks…the light came on.

I began  seeking  self-improvement and personal development leaders who had achieved success in their lives.  Their messages, stories and quotes empowered me to discover a strength within I never thought possible.  I gave myself permission to trust the fact that I possessed an ability to finally remove  barriers that had kept me from being the person that God had intended me to be.  I began to listen to inspirational and motivation messages. Not only did I  read quotes almost daily, but I  started affirming things I wanted in my life.  Creating wealth on-line no longer was my #1 priority,  I wanted my life to be changed in every area so that one day, not only would I no longer be in bondage to my past, but I desired to share my life with those who had had the same struggles which I  encountered both online and off… that became  my passion.

As my personal development continued, I dug deeper in exploring personal development quotes and  how others had achieved  success in their lives…  I wanted what they had.  The process of transformation has not been an easy one, I still have a ways to go.  Some habits and thoughts are hard to let go of, but as Maya Angelou's very moving and inspired poem declares  (click link to listen) "Still I Rise". I rise daily to a new level of understanding concerning where I was, how I got there and where I'm going.

Quotes have impacted my life and my desire for self improvement will never stop.  I am God's work in progress and today I believe in myself and know without a shadow of a doubt that "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me."  Today, I believe in me and so can you!

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Please Click On Play

Azar Colter

Tagged with: Earl Nightingale • God • Maya Angelou • Personal Development • Self-help • The Secret (book)

Filed under: Baby Boomer Life Style • Inspiration • Motivation • personal development • quotes • self improvement

You can manage your stress and slow  the aging process.   Significant life changes as well as  simple everyday unresloved "stuff"  play a big part in rapidly ageing you before your time.  For instance, your boss is breathing down your neck for the report that was due yesterday or the traffic is bumper to bumper and road rage seems to come out of nowhere or the list of bills is larger than your  monthly income, or your spouse of 25 years just told you they want a divorce.  All of those issues and more can help accelerate you looking older, particulary if you you do not employ  stress management techniques.

The experts say that stress places a toll on your body and to make issues even worse, several studies suggest that persistent stress  can cause irreparable brain damage, memory loss, early dementia as well as a rapid rise in the brain proteins which is linked to Alzheimer's

So how can you  manage your stress and slow down the aging process.  There are excellent books and audio tapes that will facilitate in the process of helping you learn about stress as well as offering information on stress management solutions. Here are a few tips;

Excerise

Exercising is really a huge stress reliever and also a great anti-aging weapon.  Exercise can generate endorphins that will allow you to feel better and make the world seem alright again.  Plus it does amazing things for your skin.  Going for a brisk walk or perhaps working out.  These activities not only enable you to step away from your current troubling issues, but they help clear your mind so that you are able to identify some positive alternatives and are less likely to feel so overwhelmed.

Laughter

In Proverbs 17:22, it says
"A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones"   Laughter is also responsible for producing that wonderful chemical in our brain called endorphins.  Endorphins foster a sense of relaxation and well-being and actually dull the perception of pain
 Put a comedy into the DVD player.  You know, one of those that make you laugh so hard and loud, tears run down you face. Old "I Love Lucy" episodes are one of my favorites. Your family or the neighbors might think your crazy.. or they just might join you.  Laughter is contagious!

Pamper Yourself

Make it a routine to pamper yourself by doing what makes you feel good as often as possible. Get dressed up and go out for a night on the town, (even if it's your  nearest bowling alley). Take an unscheduled vacation over the weekend.  Don't have a lot of money? Save for a month (maybe don't eat out as much) and go to a nice hotel. Do it up, eat at the hotel restaurant, and pick one where there is live music so you can dance a little.  When was the last time you "cut a rug"  (only boomers would know that one). Order room service, leave you clothes on the floor. Pretend it's back in the day and have outrageous sex which can be a real stress buster! And don't tell a soul where you are so you won't have to answer the telephone.  Oh yeah, don't make up the bed when you leave…Smile

Talk To Someone

Sometimes, it takes a lot of courage to eradicate long-term stress, and it may mean making significant changes in your life to learn how to cope.  The fact of the matter is, unless you get on top of your stress management, it will not only make you look years older than you are and enhance the signs of aging, it will make you sick and cause harmful ramifications to every area of your body. Heart disease, stroke and even death have been caused by unresolved stress
This may mean getting a deeper level of help.  You may have to consider joining an outside support  group or iyou may consider  talking  to someone,  whether it is your pastor, a mediator, close friend, counselor, attorney, or financial advisor, just do it!.  I have found that during times of extreme stress, reading the Psalms has given me comfort, clarity and emotional strength.  Identify what is causing your major stress and deal with it, Your ageing will slow down to a snails pace.

Age well and live a long and joyous life!

Related articles

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Azar Colter

Tagged with: Alzheimer's disease • Health • Physical exercise • Psalms • Stress • Stress Management • The Aging Process

Filed under: Baby Boomer Life Style • Exercise • Stress • The Aging Process • Wellness

Weight Loss After 50

What’s so hard about losing weight after 50? From the commercials and ads you’ve on TV and in magazines, it looks like it ought to be easy enough. Just take this wonder pill and you’re trim practically overnight.

You probably already know – getting rid of that extra weight isn’t that easy! If it really was, you’d be slim already, right?

But there is good news — it is possible to lose weight after you’re 50 (or even 60). You just need a different strategy. Your body is adjusting and re-adjusting to aging, and weight loss probably won’t happen quickly (sorry).

The Menopause Factor and Weight Loss

What can you do about it? Weight loss after (and during, for that matter) menopause is harder now than it was at any other time during your life. Maybe you could lose 10 pounds fairly easily, now three pounds seems like an impossible goal.

Realize that your hormones are working against you; you therefore need to take charge of your diet and cut out foods that spell trouble for you.

Simple sugars, like the infamous whites (white rice, white bread, etc.) are known trigger foods. But did you know that some fruits can be a problem too, because of the fructose content? You still need fruits as part of a healthy diet; just choose fruits higher in fiber.

Here’s one you’ve heard before, but it’s still true — don’t skip meals. It spells trouble when your blood sugar falters, as it makes you more likely to snack.

Bones that are frailer bones, muscle loses mass and you metabolism goes south; and there are still issues. For example, you may have stress bladder problem and your body loses flexibility as well.
Losing Weight After 50 Tips

It seems like you’ve got the deck stacked against you, doesn’t it? Is there anything you can do to help with losing weight after 50?

If you’re eating a balanced diet, exercise is the next most important thing you can do. Without it, your bones will continue to become frailer and your muscles continue to weaken. This weakening, and accompanying loss of mass, means it will be even harder to lose weight!

You don’t need to worry about walking miles or heavy cardio routines; in fact they may hurt more than help at first. Even if you should have mobility problems, you most likely can still work with hand weights, wrist weights and/or resistance bands. These help to re-build muscle mass, and therefore increase your metabolism.

Yes, it’s possible to lose weight after 50, and you can do it. It’s just a matter of taking it one day at a time, and know that with every pound you lose, you’re increasing your health!

Author:  Robert Fowler is President of Retirement Media Inc.

Article Source:  Boomer Places.com

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By Azar Colter

Tagged with: Boomer Weight Loss • Fitness • Health • Personal Development

Filed under: Exercise • Fitness • The Ageing Process • Weight Loss

Boomers Creating A New America – Who Would Have Guessed

When we Baby Boomers were charming new relatives with toothless smiles and sweet gurgles, no one would have thought that, as a group,we would create social changes that would actually create a new America.

Groups of demographers have had a field day creating virtual groups based on year of birth, careers, financial position and any other trait they can think of that would put all Baby Boomers in tidy pigeon holes. Well, that didn't work!  We have redefined the term "Old Age"

The first thing we  did was crowd schools, beginning in elementary school and continuing right through college. Our very existence forced schools to add resources and teachers to accommodate the overload. Additionally, we were not the normal students that were mental clones of our parents. We had our own beliefs and acted upon them.

We were too young to march with the civil rights activists, but the Vietnam War did not escape us. At least 30 percent of us served in Vietnam and the rest protested in the streets, passed out leaflets, wrote articles for the newspapers and posted in forums. We were a strong force for change on college campuses.  We formed definite political attitudes that did not resemble the attitude of our parents and as a group, believed that the American Military had to be strong in order to protect this country from our enemies.  We held solid opinions about family values, gender identification, social values, sexuality and family solidarity. Because of  our generation, traditional parenthood and family values changed.  Retirement evolved into something far more elusive to accommodate the changing and failing economy.

Our financial status depended on when we became old enough to pursue a career or take a job. Those of us born early, 1946 to 1955, had the benefit of a robust job market and an emerging economy to choose from. Those born between 1956 and 1964 had a different, less stable job market ahead of them, which encouraged moving to other locations and making career alterations.

1 in 5 Americans are now boomers and our disposable income is a whopping $2 trillion dollars. We  are creative, resilient and tough. We love to travel, buy gadgets and in general, are much better educated and have a better quality of health than the generation before  us. The American dream for us is no longer to retire, (with the assurance of Social Security), sit on the porch in our rocking chairs and  in bed by 8 pm simply waiting for the "Sweet By And By".  However, because we are living longer, our financial situation does have challenges and is far more complex 

 Health issues are a considerable concern  because  we want to live as long as we can and practice preventive  measures now more than any time in history. On the positive side, they are likely to live longer than their parents and be healthier, but aging bodies do need additional care.   I'm so glad that there is now so much information on the internet so that we can keep abreast of the latest health technology, which I will be sharing from time to time.

 Thousands of us  will leave the workforce in large numbers as we retire and dramatically decrease the workforce  This week, the oldest baby boomers will be turning 65, and 10,000 more will cross that threshold every day for the next 19 years.  That equates to about 69 million people who will turn 65 by 2030.. The birth rate decreased after our generation which means less workers to fill the vacancies left by the retirees.

We Baby Boomers started creating a new America shortly after their birth and now we are changing America once again as we retire. Who would have guessed?

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  Who Would Have Guessed!

Tagged with: Baby Boom Generation • Baby boomer • Baby Boomer Life Style

Filed under: Baby Boomer Life Style