DAY 110 - Wrinkling While Twinkling

I’ve thought just a bit
‘bout the tone of my skin
and the gradual increase of wrinkling

But I’ve thought a lot more
‘bout what’s happ’ning inside
why it is that my eyes are still twinkling

They each have a place
right up front on my face
me, I value one more, what’s your inkling?

DAY 89 - "I’m JUST Getting Older"

Grandson Zion & Dr. Young

One reason I bring this up, is because this phrase is dangerous; not JUST for the person who says it, but for the culture that believes it. Another is that I feel pain watching others suffering. And finally, selfishly, I know that the health of our society and our views about health, effect each and every one of us.

As explanation of, or comment on their arthritis, failing memory, fifth prescription medication, diminished sense of hearing, need for stronger reading glasses, or lack of energy, many Americans say, “I’m just getting older.” Part of that, of course, is correct; we are getting older. The “just” is the problem. It converts the meaning of this simple sentence from the truth that chronologically we are older with each increment of time; to the falsehood that the common ills of later years, are caused solely by aging.

For those that may not be aware, it is known and established that improvements can be made in arthritis, memory, need for medications, sight and energy through simple exercises and lifestyle changes; without turning the clock back.

The fact of the matter is that how we live, majorly influences how we age.

Instead of focusing on getting older, we JUST need to ask ourselves:
“When did I last take a walk?”
“Have I had my vitamin D levels tested?”
“When did I last eat a salad?”
“Am I taking my vitamins regularly?”
“When was the last time I truly felt relaxed?”

Living healthfully isn’t as easy as getting old, but it is JUST what we need.

DAY 74 - We Are All Headed Somewhere

We are all headed somewhere. The question is; are we headed toward a nursing home, or out to the street for a 40 minute walk?

DAY 58 - Age is a State of Mind ... Oh Really?

It is said that “Age is a state of mind.” And I suppose this adage could be true, ... if one doesn’t have a body. But, given that most have both, this saying holds no water, and even carries harmful meaning.

The phrase implies that attitude comes directly from the brain, and suggests that ones attitude controls and determines whether one feels young or old. This is simply wrong. Attitude comes from the body, the brain, and the environment. It is probably primarily induced and influenced most by ones state of health, and how one feels physically. Let us also not forget, that the mind is a part of the body.

A potential danger of a culture believing that feeling old is nothing more than a state of mind, is that those who feel old, are easily blamed for having a bad attitude.

Another danger is that “state of mind” is a red herring distracting our already distracted cultural attention from the dominant factor that regulates whether we feel young or old; that factor is health. When stiff, or sick, or tired, those of us over 30 are apt to say we feel old. Conversely, when pain-free, flexible, and energetic, we tell everyone that we feel like 18 again.

The adage that really tells the story is, “You are only as old as you feel.” That is, when your knees ache, you feel old. Keep in mind that attitude is not the most common cause of knee pain; poor health is.

To summarize; while attitude is important, your body is the main player that determines whether you feel young or old. So; exercise regularly; eat real, healthy food; cultivate close, loving relationships; and you’ll have a better chance of staying forever young.

DAY 52 - When I Am Old

when I am old
I want to be
my child-self
without diapers

loving
innocent
curious
smiling
wanting to help
flexible
dancing
singing
listening
learning

would life be joyful
without these ...
when I am old?

DAY 47 – Got Knee Pain? - Part I

Are you taking fish oil supplements? Have you had your low back adjusted by your chiropractor? Are you doing yoga?

If it is important to you to save your knees, and maintain your ability to walk, read on and learn what most people don’t know about getting rid of knee pain. (Knee replacements will be covered later.)

Knee pain, as with most conditions, is divided into two classifications, acute and chronic, which are based on how long ago the pain began, how it began, and its intensity.  Chronic conditions are those that continue or recur over an extended period, often come on gradually, or may be the result of an incompletely healed injury. Acute conditions are those that begin or worsen suddenly, and are often caused by injury, infection, allergy, or abrupt change in a chronic degenerative process like arthritis. This article is primarily about chronic and acute non-injury induced knee pain.

First, let’s deal with the arthritis confusion, recognizing that knee pain invariably includes, or is, an arthritic condition. During my practice career (began 1983), I have interviewed and treated many patients suffering with chronic knee pain. I routinely ask patients what they believe to be the cause of their pain. Overwhelmingly, their response has been “arthritis.” At that point, I ask if the patient knows what arthritis is. Most know nothing. They erroneously believe that “it just happens”, that it is inevitable following injury to a joint, or that it is a result of aging. Even young people with chronic knee pain will answer that getting old causes arthritis. For some of these patients, my questions create a beginning for consideration of their condition relative to its causes and to the approaches that can be used to restore the health of their knees.

-to be continued tomorrow-

DAY 37 - You’re Not Getting Old…You’re Getting Sick

Why do most people fall apart as they age? Why do so many seniors require multiple drugs to prop themselves up? Is it the ticking of the clock?

If you believe that your state of health is primarily determined by the lapsed time since your birth, BEWARE!!!

Not only is it logical, and obvious, but it is supported by scientific evidence that poor health is most strongly associated with not taking care of oneself. (This is not a statement of blame; unless we are all to blame. Who among us couldn’t do a better job?)

Americans don’t get enough sleep, don’t exercise, don’t meditate, don’t stretch, don’t eat greens, do eat lots of sugar, don’t eat a varied diet, don’t know that they are allergic to foods that they eat, don’t have adequate loving relationships, and live in fear of a god, themselves, their parents, their spouse, their kids, their boss, and their neighbor.

After a few years, that kind of life could wear a body down.

While poor self-care is dangerous; the real danger is believing, or wanting to believe that the clock causes our failing health.

The good news, for those who awaken to the truth, is that while time can not be stopped, turned back, nor remedied, poor self-care is easily set on track with things as simple and accessible as a spinach salad, a half hour of yoga, or a clear expression of love to another.

It’s all good news when we realize that the keys to staying healthy as we age, are right in our own pockets!!!