Religion & Family Ties
Catapult You to 100

Posted November 13th, 2008 By: Ahalya

Is there really a connection between religion and health; between going to church and enjoying a longer than average life; between spending Sunday at home and celebrating your 101st birthday with your great-grandchildren?

Several studies seem to indicate this is so. Here is what the jury has found so far:

Time Well Spent

What most studies have found is that people belonging to all faiths across the globe, spend lots of time socializing with like-minded people, helping the community, and carrying out rituals that mostly emphasize a healthy, austere kind of life.

Support

Although it may seem like an endless chore sometimes, spending time with family members results in a stronger support system to rely on should you ever need help. Just knowing support is there relieves unnecessary stress. Plus, older family members tend to insist on balanced meals and eating on time, thus improving the health of the younger ones at home.

Shouldering Responsibilities

Studies show that marriage improves the health of most men. This is because the emphasis on cooking meals at home gets stronger. And having a partner to take care of chores around the house reduces stress.

However, the modern day story is changing a little. Working women, single or married, tend to skip cooking meals sometimes, opting for ready-to-eat foods. Working women also need partners who are willing to share responsibilities such as cooking and cleaning.

Hope As An Antidepressant

Those who are spiritual or practice religion have an abiding faith in love and divine justice. This hope for goodness is enough to function as a powerful antidepressant. The body feels less stress, thus reducing chances of high blood pressure, various heart diseases and even cancer. In fact, some researchers have found that very few senior citizens who regularly attend religious gatherings suffer from cognitive decline, an essential feature of Alzheimer’s disease.

Discipline Your Mind

Meditation makes you happy. Not just because you spend some quality time calming yourself, but because the act of meditating disciplines the amygdala (the area in the brain that is activated in fearful situations). The amygdala plays an important role in motivation and emotional behavior. Regular meditation can help you keep your temper in check, ensure that you do not get flustered too easily and thus include self-control in its list of life-long benefits.

Being Involved, Being Important

Studies have found that having faith is associated with a constructive outlook. This includes taking part in community efforts, maintaining relationships with others of the same community, and having a more positive attitude about life.

Editor’s Comment

I’m not suggesting you go out and join your local church, synagogue, mosque, or temple if you don’t already belong to one. If that works for you at this time, fine.

Religion is about belief in the Supreme Creator and a life beyond this mortal body. How you choose to acknowledge that has nothing to do with a building or belonging to a group. The scriptures of every major religion in the world are available to read and study without depending on someone else to interpret them and interject their own prejudices.

Of course religion & family ties alone will not bring you longevity, but they go a long way to improving the quality of life.

Photo credit: mudpig

Posted in Lifestyle, Mental Fitness | No Comments »

Body Clock Missing a Stroke?

Posted October 2nd, 2008 By: admin

Keeping Time

Why you should repair your body clock

All ye who work on night shifts pay heed. And all those who have been binging on high-calorie food on weekends, here’s a word of caution: when your body clock is out of whack, expect some serious trouble.

About time

The biological marvel that is the circadian rhythm regulates the body’s temperature and pressure according to the time of day – this means we feel alert after a good rest and feel tired and sleepy towards the end of the day or after a huge meal. The 24-hour circadian cycle is deeply ingrained in our body and is in charge of switching on and off various biological functions, such as oxygen requirements, waking up, being active, feeling hungry, hormone production and even feeling sleepy.

Alarm bells

Those who consistently defy this rhythm and set their own pace of waking, sleeping, eating at irregular intervals or drinking a lot of alcohol, eventually experience problems with their body’s functions. Studies show that a faulty body clock stops correctly regulating your hunger and metabolic rate, which increases your chances of obesity and diabetes. Other studies prove that alcoholics tend to suffer from poor sleep, depression, low immunity and disrupted neuroendocrine functions, because the alcohol interferes with those physiologic functions that depend on the circadian rhythm.

On time

One of the latest branches of medicine is called chronotherapy, which uses cues from the body’s own clock to treat illnesses and get into shape. So there are best times for taking medicines, exercising, studying, trying for a baby (sperm production is highest in the morning), eating, cleaning the house and even taking a bath. One study has found that the clock can be shifted an hour back or forward after exposure to bright pulses of light.

Top 5 Signs
Your Clock’s Going Cuckoo

1. Sleeping all the time or not sleeping at all

2. Depression that is related to the weather; such as feeling low during winter

3. Hallucinations, exhaustion or paranoia due to lack of sleep

4. Putting on weight despite eating healthy foods and exercising regularly

5. Waking up feeling tired with stiff joints and muscles

Winding up

One way of getting your clock right is to get plenty of sunlight. This will aid the production of melatonin, a powerful anti-aging hormone that is manufactured by the pineal gland and helps set the body’s internal clock. The biorhythms are set by light cues - therefore melatonin is produced each evening after sunset and before dawn. Melatonin also affects the body’s reproductive functions, metabolic rate, hunger and other bodily processes. Little wonder then that it is prescribed as a supplement to those suffering from sleep disorders due to long night shifts.

Setting your clock right

1. Set a fixed time for waking, sleeping, and eating. Start with a good breakfast followed by a light lunch and dinner to regulate your weight. The body converts food into heat and energy in the morning, but in the evening, food is stored as fat.

2. Don’t binge on high calorie foods for two or more days in a row. This disrupts the clock by slowing down the stomach and in turn affects your metabolism, leading to obesity or diabetes.

3. Get at least half an hour of early daylight to give your body clock the necessary light cues to regulate your body temperature, energy levels, etc

4. Your threshold of pain is higher in the afternoon, so if you need to do some really heavy work or visit the doctor for a shot - after your lunch break is a good time.

5. Your heart, blood vessels, lungs, ovaries, muscles, liver, and kidneys have their own clock and achieve their peak performance at certain times in the day. So if you have problems staying alert when you should, or a tendency to put on weight, eat when your stomach will function at its best.

6. Those who have to cope with jet lag or shift work should gradually shift the time of eating and resting to their normal routine

Photo credit:col_adamson

Tags: body clock, chronotherapy, circadian rhythm
Posted in Lifestyle, Medical, Mental Fitness | No Comments »

Pet Your Way to
a Longer, Happier Life

Posted September 29th, 2008 By: admin

Reams of research, testimonials, and case studies can’t all be wrong. The company of a pet can elevate your mood, lower your blood pressure, compel you to exercise, give you an active social life, and drive away the blues — all signs of a healthy lifestyle.

Top 7 Reasons Why Pets Are Sometimes Better Than Your Doctor

• Regular exercise

  Exercise is the number one reason why people with pets tend to have healthier lives than those who don’t have pets. A dog takes walks very seriously, so you can’t skip this routine. And you benefit because of the regular exercise.

• Love and responsibilities:

  Some people take better care of themselves when they are responsible for the care of someone else. Having a pet is like having a child to look after. So pet owners tend to be more aware of the importance of diet & exercise and be more alert for signs of illness.

  And what better stress-buster could you find than a non-judgmental, affectionate, and comforting pet that welcomes you home.

• Boost your immune system

  A roll in the grass and a jog is good for both your dog and you. The fresh air and the rush of exercise benefits the immune system gives you a boost in energy.

• Laughing it off

  Pets are very entertaining, and by watching their antics and talking about them, pets encourage us to look at the lighter side of life. And of course, laughing it off is another proven stress buster.

• Getting over trauma

  In old-age homes, orphanages, hospitals and rehabilitation centers, therapy dogs and other pets are used to supplement post-trauma care. Their presence is found to be soothing, comforting and leads to a faster healing process. Studies have found that post-operative care is more successful for those with pets.

• It’s all in the head

  Pet owners feel healthy. They report high energy levels, a more laid back lifestyle, and a greater appreciation of the important things in life.

• Fighting the blues

  After retirement, pets provide the impetus to people to get out and have an active social life. Visiting the park, going shopping, and pet sitting with friends are all effective in banishing depression and loneliness. A sense of security develops over time, with people depending on their pets to anchor them through emotional upheavals.

A word of caution

Caring for a pet is no less difficult or expensive than caring for a child. So this is not for the busy sales executive or those who are out of town for most of the year. You have to set aside time and space to bring home a pet. Once you do be prepared to invest some time training your pet and making it feel happy and loved.

That said, there’s no doubt that pets can sniff out the livelier, healthier side of you.

Photo credit:CJ Sorg

Tags: antiaging, dogs, pets
Posted in Exercise, Lifestyle | No Comments »

5 Ways to Combat Stress

Posted June 2nd, 2008 By: Yorick Pinto

Are you getting agitated at the slightest bit of provocation? Do you suffer from road rage? Is your mind in a state of chaos? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then do not despair. Because you are not alone…

In a 2006 Stress Survey by the American Psychological Association, 46 percent of respondents are troubled about the levels of stress they face in their lives.

We can attribute the rise in stress levels to factors such as the rapid pace at which we live our lives. Today instances of burnout are becoming increasingly common, especially among younger professionals. An example of burnout is when a person who was previously highly committed to a job, loses all interest as well as motivation.

Why Is Stress Harmful For You?

Stress tends to suppress the disease fighting functions of white blood cells weakening your immune system. Although stress increases the rate of your metabolism, the essential nutrients required by your body are not absorbed. As a result, your intestinal tract is often affected. In extreme cases, you could even sweat blood.

Thus, although high levels of stress may not kill you instantly, it will likely reduce your lifespan and may prevent you from enjoying a high standard of living. So what to do about it? Here are 5 tips that you can use to reduce stress from your lifestyle and live a longer and happier life.

5 Ideas You Can Start Using Today To Combat Stress

1. Get Sufficient Sleep

Most people require anywhere from six to eight hours of sleep. But this differs from person to person. To find out how much sleep is required by your body in order to receive sufficient rest, try out this technique for a week…

Sleep without an alarm and sleep for as long as your body requires. You could use earplugs and blinkers to ensure that you are not disturbed. In the morning, you can make a note of how many hours you were asleep. Do this activity for seven days.

Take an average of the number of hours you slept on the 5th, 6th and 7th day. This is the number of hours your body requires for receiving adequate rest and for reducing stress. If you receive sufficient sleep you will feel revitalized and energetic throughout the day.

2. Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is one of the most simple and easy techniques that can be followed for stress reduction. This activity can be performed whether you are at home, at work or traveling.

Here is a breathing technique that you can follow

1. Sit or stand with a good posture.
2. Breathe through your nose.
3. Inhale, filling first the lower part of your lungs then the middle part, then the upper part.
4. Hold your breath for a few seconds.
5. Exhale slowly. Relax your abdomen and chest.

3. Physical Exercises

Some people like physical activities such as trekking or hiking while others may prefer dancing or brisk walking. The key is to choose a physical activity that you enjoy doing. Any type of exercise is good to reduce stress and it is even more effective if you exercise regularly. Stress tends to build up over a period of time and the best way to reduce is to do so gradually. So remember, the next time you feel stressed out, hit the gym or just take a walk. This is one of the basic steps of any stress reduction program.

Physical exercise has a dual benefit for your body. First of all it helps you stay in shape and thus helps you look good as well as younger. Secondly, when you perform a physical activity, your body releases endorphins. These chemical substances have no harmful side effects on your body. Instead, they make you feel good.

4. Maintain a Stress Free Environment

Lots of noise and clutter increases your stress levels. So a good way to reduce stress is to ensure that your work place as well as your home is free of loud noises and clutter. You can start off by getting rid of unwanted documents, papers and other litter that occupy your desk.

You can also ensure that you are prepared for work the previous night itself by keeping essential items like your house and car keys, wallet and vital documents at a particular place. A little bit of discipline and organization on a regular basis will go a long way in reducing stress in the long run.

5. Reward Yourself

At the end of a stressful day, there is no better way to unwind than to treat yourself to a long relaxing hot bath or a steam massage. Irrespective of your choice, do make it a practice to treat yourself to an activity that you enjoy doing. And during that time do not worry about work or household chores or anything else. Instead you must solely focus on enjoying yourself.

It is essential to de-stress yourself from time to time. Rewarding yourself occasionally is an excellent way to relax as well as reduce your stress. Remember stressed spelled backwards is desserts.

Do you have any personal stress relieving tips to share?

Photo credit: BrittneyBush

Posted in Lifestyle | 1 Comment »

5 Ways To Combat Aging

Posted May 28th, 2008 By: Yorick Pinto

Hope You Can Cut a Cake with a 100 Candles on it One Day!

1. Drink a lot of water

The benefits of drinking water cannot be understated. It is used by the body to flush out toxins and other waste products. Water also is one of the best tools for weight loss, besides assisting in clearing your skin.

Drinking a good amount of water could lower your risks of a heart attack. A six-year study published in the May 1, 2002 American Journal of Epidemiology found that those who drink more than 5 glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses.

The important question to bear in mind is how much water should one consume? The amount would be different for different people, depending on factors such as the body weight, physical activity, health of the person, etc. However, you should avoid drinking water only when you are thirsty, instead you should make a routine – drink a glass of water first thing in the morning, another glass with each meal, one between meals and before, during and after a workout. Thus you should ensure that you do not feel thirsty.

(To get a quick and easy formula that tells you how much water your body needs, subscribe to the “7 Essential Secrets to Longevity” above.)

2. Have an anti-oxidant rich diet

It is a well known fact that the aging process is directly influenced by the food you eat. Hence you should consume a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, squash, berries, apricots, and pink grapefruit, as they are rich in anti oxidizing agents. The anti oxidizing agents or antioxidants as they are commonly referred to, protect the cells of our bodies from the damage caused by free radicals. This in effect means they slow down the aging process of the body and thus help you live a long, healthy life.

Also you must ensure that you get sufficient doses of Vitamin C & Vitamin E as these two are important anti-oxidants. The common sources of Vitamin C are citrus fruits such as oranges and lime, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes. Whereas nuts & seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil contain Vitamin E.

3. Ensure that you exercise regularly

Exercise will not only help you lose weight and stay in shape, but it also helps in slowing down the aging process. If you exercise regularly, a number of ailments associated with aging can be reduced. These include insomnia, back and joint pain, flexibility, stress related disorders, weight-gain, etc. Also exercise has the added advantage of making you feel more energetic, preventing the incidence of high blood pressure, increasing blood flow to your skin, reducing stress and increasing your metabolism rate.

Another aspect of exercise – especially during the aging process – is that it helps you be more independent and increases your self-esteem, thus reducing the phobias/fears normally associated with aging.

4. Reduce stress

You would be familiar with stress and its harmful effects on the human body. However, you must remember that not all stress is bad! To a certain extent, stress is needed by the body to perform its day-to-day functions.

The problem arises when the stress level increases and the body is affected by its harmful effects. Hence in order to minimize the damage done to the body by excess stress, it is necessary to keep it in check. There are many ways by which this can be done such as deep breathing, listening to soothing music, meditation, yoga, etc.

Another way to alleviate stress is to learn the art of time management in your daily life. This will help you allocate some time for yourself on a daily basis, which can be used for practicing meditation or any other technique to reduce stress.

5. Sufficient sleep

The lack of sufficient sleep not only makes you age faster but also makes you look older.

When you do not get enough sleep, you feel tired and find it difficult to concentrate. Also you tend to be irritable and grumpy, as a result you may not be able to perform your tasks efficiently. The best way to avoid all the problems caused by lack of sufficient sleep would be to ensure that you get a good night’s rest.

The main problem is how many hours of sleep does an individual require? This figure differs from person-to-person and generally reduces as one grows older. A good way to check if you are receiving adequate sleep is to see if you feel refreshed when you wake up in the morning and you do not feel sleepy during the day. If not, chances are you are not getting sufficient sleep. In such a scenario, it is essential to sleep for some more time and see if the drowsiness reduces.

Posted in Exercise, Food & Diet, Lifestyle | 4 Comments »