AGING IS A CHOICE Part 5 – Overcoming Obstacles
For this latest installment in our series about managing the aging process, we’ll flip the script and discuss some of the major obstacles we face in our journey to preserve our health and quality of life. We’ll also discuss some ways to overcome them. In earlier posts, we briefly touched on a few of these topics, but it’s worth further exploration as these are critical issues that show up just about every day of our lives. Let’s look at them from the perspective of prevention. Over time, if we don’t consistently take steps to address these pitfalls of modern life, they can accelerate aging and hasten our demise. So, let’s dive in and see if we can find ways to deal with these obstacles to youthful aging.
OBESITY
Many of us eat too much, and much of what we eat has little-to-no nutrition, lots of pesticides, preservatives, and laboratory-enhanced flavors that keep us coming back for more.
We need to be mindful about what and how much we eat. Studies show that the human body does not require nearly as much food as we consume in our modern, consumer culture. Now, here’s the eyeopener, and wake-up call. Over seventy percent of Americans are either overweight or obese. Coincidently, the average lifespan of Americans has decreased in recent years.
As an American who has traveled the world and worked at major food corporations, I can unabashedly state that no other country comes close to the USA in portion sizes. We like big plates filled with lots of food. Unfortunately, Americans eat a lot, and not very well.
As we age our bodies do not need as much food. However, when we are accustomed to large portion sizes, over time all this food expands our waistlines, stresses our hearts, and can eventually kill us before our time.
What to do? Be mindful about what and how much you consume. If you can manage your food choices and intake, you can manage anything. Want to defy aging? Pay better attention to what you eat and keep the portion sizes moderate.
DEHYDRATION
Water is critical for our existence and good health. It makes up most of our body and in particular, our heart and brains. It helps eliminate waste, keeps us cool, and regulates our body fluids, and lubricates our joints and tissues. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, but sadly we don’t get enough. Throughout the day we’re constantly tapping our internal supply of water. We use water when we breathe, urinate, perspire, and as we transform food and beverages into energy. That said, studies show that more than 80% of Americans suffer from dehydration. And unfortunately, dehydration hastens the aging process. Bottom line, we need water to survive, but we’re simply not drinking enough water to offset the amount we use.
How much is enough? There are many points of view concerning how much water we need each day. The adage has been to drink eight glasses per day, but experts are now factoring in weight, lifestyle, and even climate to help determine the right amount for your daily water intake.
According to the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASE) suggests 125 ounces for men and 91 for women. Others suggest consuming half of your body weight in pounds to ounces of water, which is a bit less than the NASE’s recommendation. You can also check your urine color. If it is anything but clear, you need to boost your water intake.
You get the picture. Water is life and you’re probably not getting enough to live your best and longest life. My advice? Drink up, my friends. Your body will thank you.
STRESS
There is a reason for the old saying, “stress kills”. It’s no surprise considering the number one cause of death is heart disease. Do the math. Our chaotic, confusing, and often confounding collective culture has driven the stress levels for modern mankind through the roof with no end in sight. Work, responsibilities, relationships, finances, holidays, and even play come with their own levels of stress. And if you fail to get a handle on this critical issue, you will pay a price in your health, happiness, and longevity.
So, what can you do to manage and avoid the constant barrage of stress we’re confronted with seemingly all day, every day? Here is one core idea to consider helping you keep a lid on that cauldron of stress bubbling inside your consciousness throughout the day.
The first few minutes after awakening is the most important part of the day. Start each day doing something peaceful, mindful, and reflective. This can include meditation, prayer, gratitude, affirmations, working out, or a walk in nature. You’ll quickly discover that beginning each day this way instead of immediately grabbing your phone, checking your email, or turning on the news will help ground you and allow you to focus more clearly on the things you want to accomplish throughout the day.
It also sets a more relaxed and positive tone for your perspectives and actions. You’ll find that making better choices throughout the day becomes easier when you start with a positive mindset each morning. Sure, you will still be confronted with random challenges and behaviors that dial up the stress barometer, that will require you to make mindful choices on the fly. But, if you begin each day with a grounded, mindful perspective, you’ll be in a much better position to face those daily demons and fears, and win.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS
What do radiation, 5G, fluoride, chemtrails, pesticides, etc. have in common? They are all man-made and your exposure to them need to be monitored. Of course, all these “tools” were developed to help make our lives easier, but when you are over-exposed to any of these and other human-generated “advances”, they can take a toll. Who pays the price when the “experts” find out that there is a need for safety measures to counter the fallout from these “advances”? You, of course.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from overexposure to these technologies, processes, and products? Start by conducting your own research. For example, recently, experts are now divided on the benefits and possible dangers of fluoride. Does it really prevent cavities? Is there a reason that some consider it poisonous? Do your research and decide which toothpaste is right for you.
What is the reason behind not allowing massive electrical power and 5G towers to be constructed close to schools? Why are there chemtrails crisscrossing our skies?
If you take the time to do your own research, beyond what we are being told as the consensus and collective position, you’ll be in a better position to make the kind of decisions that promote your health and longevity. So maybe, you don’t rent the apartment adjacent to the local power lines. And so, it goes. Every decision comes with a responsibility to yourself. Doing your own research is a best practice for personal health and well-being.
These are just a few recommendations to help put you in position to make the right choices and lead your best life… in quality and years. Don’t simply follow the collective behaviors and perspectives. Take a step back, go inside, and do your own research before making decisions that impact your health. Although at first it takes a little effort, you’ll quickly notice that making the right choices will improve how you feel and the quality of your life. Make aging a personal choice, your choice, every day.
