It's Never Too Late

by Nancy Fernandez Mills

Have you quit smoking and begun to eat more low fat foods? Everyone knows that those two things, along with exercise, are the best ways to prevent many diseases and live longer.

But lots of us over 50 get discouraged. We worry that if we haven't been making daily trips to the gym or if we haven't learned to love our veggies, it might be too late. But the experts assure us it's not too late...and the changes we need to make are not really that big a deal!

The Wall Street Journal did a summary of some recent research that Boomers can "take to heart." The following simple steps will help your body and mind and potentially add years to your life:

1. Eat your spinach! Green, leafy vegetables help prevent age-related diseases and help maintain cognitive function.

2. Boost your intake of vitamins B12 and D. Include fish, eggs, milk and fortified cereal in your diet to get B12. Consider taking a vitamin supplement to make sure you get enough vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and muscle strength.

3. Floss your teeth! This isn't just about a nice smile. There's a link between
peridontal disease and stroke or heart problems. So get your teeth cleaned regularly and treat any indications of gum disease, which can cause increased levels of inflammation in the blood.

4. Analyse your sleep. Sleep apnea becomes more common in the 50's and has been linked to high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. Snoring is annoying but this is really serious!

5. Cuddle up with your spouse or partner and stay in touch with your friends! Strong relationships, an active sex life and a lively social network are great antidotes to other losses of the 50's like the death of parents, empty nests and retirement.

A few other things...walk the dog (briskly), lift weights, check your skin for changes, see your doctor for symptoms of depression and keep learning new things. It might sound like a lot but what have you got to lose?

My favorite health tip: eat a small bit of dark chocolate when you get a craving. It's good for you!

For more information on how to lower your health risks and feel younger, visit www.realage.com. I took their "Real Age" test and get their email tips for lowering my "real age." It's kind of cool and a good reminder of how the little thing can add up!