Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Once we hit a certain age, somethings seem to be inevitable, such as wrinkles, gray hair and bifocals. Search as we might, so far there are no single theory as to why aging occurs.

Researchers tell us there are many factors which interact and influence one another. this would include cellular wear and tear, DNA damage, hormone changes, immune system changes and free radicals. It is so complex and therefore it’s highly unlikely that one pill or procedure can slow the process. The research in continuing and they are studying antioxidants, hormone replacement, calorie-restricted diets as well as other anti-aging therapies.

Until more information becomes available, your best bet for a long and healthy life is a focus on lifestyle strategies.

Here are some tips for aging well:

• Eat Well: A healthy diet can help you live longer and better. Pay attention and eat foods with lots of nutrients in them. Eat more raw such as fruits and vegetables. Take supplements to assure your body is getting the nutrients it needs daily.
• Stay Active: Aim for 30 minutes or more of exercise at least 5 days per week. There are many benefits such as weight control, improved blood circulation, increased muscle mass, greater flexibility, more endurance and improved balance.
• Watch the Sun: You need some sun for the production of Vitamin D. However, sun exposure is responsible for much of the skin damage associated with aging and is a risk factor for skin cancer. Use wisdom where the sun is concerned.
• Limit Alcohol: More than one drink per day for women can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, some cancers as well as liver an pancreatic diseases. Alcohol weakens your immune system, affects your cognitive abilities and increases your risk of falling.
• Avoid Tobacco: Smoking is linked to various cancers as well as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and lung disease. And, I recently did a blog on hair loss caused from smoking. So, if you can’t quit for health’s sake, quit for vanities sake.
• Stay Social and Keep Learning: Having strong ties to family and friends can buffer or reduce some health-related effects of aging and stress. Take classes, get a hobby, read and do other mind-challenging activities which will help you better maintain your memory.
• Drink Water: Many people are clinically dehydrated. Your brain cells are 80% water which needs to be replenished daily. There are documented cases of people exhibiting symptoms of dementia which subsided after they re-hydrated with proper amounts of water. Water also plumbs up the skin and makes you look healthy and less wrinkled. Plus it just makes everything in your system work better. Make water your friend.

We may have to become older but we don’t have to look and feel older! With some common sense strategies, we can age well.