The Brain and HEALTHY AGING

Brain structures involved in dealing with stress and fear. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Growing older and learning from your mistakes is a clear sign that our brain is improving. The brain will improve as we learn. In return, it helps us to live a better life. We live longer and learn new skills that help us to develop a healthier way of living. 

Our brain has learned a lot from our younger days. All those skills you accomplished made the brain stay healthy. Remember practice makes perfect and as we grow older the more practice we get. The more we learn the quality of talking grows and improves even more. We need to learn how to manage stress too because stress will damage the circuit in your brain.

As you grow you, become wiser. The challenges and opportunities along with making a decision were all improving the brain. Be positive on life and ready for new challenges.

The brain works by increasing knowledge and it builds the connecting elements in the brain that make us function well. You’re never too old to learn something new.

As you grow older, keep your connection with your family and friends. The more we stay in contact with our family and friends we are keeping our mental sharpness working. You can learn from them and it will help to maintain your mental sharpness each day that goes by.

Your diet is very important to keep the brain healthy, as we grow older. Eat as many colorful fruits and leafy vegetables as you can. Vegetables are known to help your brain to perform and become better. If vegetables can help prevent cancer, it has to be good for the brain as well.

Fruits and vegetable are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals along with being low in fat and calories.  Antioxidants have proven to benefit us since it contains Vitamins known to reduce death or damaged cells. Eat those blueberries the color is known to improve short-term memory.

Very few doctors disapprove of taking multivitamins and herb supplements.  As we get older, our diets change by eating less just is careful and make sure that your dosage isn’t going to react to your medications.  Vitamins are good to take to replace what you don’t get in your diet but first consult with your physician to make sure you're taking what you need.

Stress busters: 

Stress can take over our lives making it harmful to your bodies and brain as well. There isn’t any way a person can relieve all stress but we can decide what can be eliminated and concentrate on what you can do to relieve the rest by bringing pleasure to yourself.  It is very important that you don’t let stress take over your life. Stress causes depression easier as we grow older.

The brain releases stress hormones to help to use manage some stress but if too many hormones are released it can damage the nerve cells. Depression can set in if the hormones are released too much and fast.

Relieve those stressful elements that cause you misery: 

Relieving stress isn’t easy for anyone. You have to forget about the things you have no control over and fix the ones you do. Try taking a walk or do some kind of activity to relax that brain not stress it. Putting some fun into your life and make yourself happy again.

Sometimes it takes a while to make changes in your life, as we grow older to fit your health and needs. Changes are hard to do and it sometimes becomes a challenge but in the end, it will relieve stress and improve the brain by giving it a new learning experience.

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HEALTHY AGING and a Good Nights Sleep

Photo  by Felice Rusconi 

Healthy Aging is getting a good nights sleep

As we grow older, we need to stay active to keep our bodies and system in shape. The older a person gets the less our bodies want to function so keeping it in shape is very important for all of us, even the younger people.

Sleeping is very important to all of us as we are aging. Aging brings on a different sleep pattern and we need to learn how to control it so when it is time to sleep we sleep well. It is normal as we age that it becomes harder to get a good nights sleep and feel rested when we wake up. Sleeping is as important as our diet and activities.  

Did you know that it is hard for a woman to sleep more so than men in their aging years?  Women have more tendencies to feel stressed out more and they sometimes are just too busy to get themselves into an exercising routine. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, it will reduce your alertness during the day because you’re tired. Long periods of sleepless nights can cause high blood pressure and aren’t good for the heart either.

There are many reasons why some people can’t achieve a restful nights sleep. Sometimes you might sleep but it is a light sleep and we need to have a deep restful REM sleep. Sometimes you may awaken during the night from pain perhaps caused by arthritis. Sometimes you may experience heartburn, which causes you to get less sleep. Snoring or feeling depressed sometimes can also cause you to lose sleep. You may have a stressful day followed by a lack of sleep. Muscles spasms can also cause a person to lose sleep. 

How you can reduce the problems that cause you to lose sleep: 

Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can cause us to lose sleep. Try not to drink liquids before going to bed, and stop smoking.  Smoking not only harmful to your body but it can cause you to lose sleep. Excessive noise in the house, the TV or radio in the bedroom and snoring are some more reasons that can keep us from sleeping. Don’t try to go to bed and watch TV or listen to the radio; this will only keep you awake longer. You can learn to enjoy exercises to reduce muscles spasms and/or arthritic symptoms. You can also reduce eating unhealthy foods that cause heartburn, or drinking caffeine-based substances before you go to bed to improve your sleeping pattern.

Do you have a pet that sleeps with you?  Even though you think they are giving you comfort it could cause you to lose that precious sleep you need. You may not realize it but every time your pet moves, maybe snore; you can hear this while sleeping. Maybe you might have to get your pet a bed and let him sleep on the floor next to you. If you have allergies, your pet may be the cause, which can make you lose sleep as well. 

Napping is not good if you take one during the day for more than 25 minutes. I realize that maybe your not getting enough sleep during the night and you get tired in the afternoon. However, when you lie down during the day and sleep for a long time when it is time to go to bed, you’ve had just enough sleep that you’re not as tired.

Before you lie down to rest, you should also consider drinking a warm glass of milk. Studies have shown that warm milk helps a person to relax. 

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Socializing to Continue HEALTHY AGING

It is always a good thing to have friends, which you can socialize with. There are so many good things about being around people. It is difficult living alone without someone there to lend you an ear when needed. Unfortunately, we live in a world filled with consuming souls, which rarely take the time to share and listen to others. Still, you can find someone in the billions of people in the world who will listen. When you are alone you, feel lonely. At this time your body and mind endure unwarranted stress from lack of socialization. Experts tell us all the time to get out and enjoy life since withering away, locked behind the walls of your home will affect your health.

What problems can non-socializing cause?

Non-socialization can affect your mind and body. Usually, a person who refuses to socialize will sit around dawdling in self-pity. The mind starts to stress out, which leads to depression. While you may enjoy being alone away from stressful relationships, you need balance since sometimes you need company. You need to be active so you stay healthy you need to socialize with people like you need the sunshine. Without socialism, you will feel tired and sick all the time.

Why is socializing well for me?

Socializing is good for you since it gets you out to meet other people. As well, you keep active, which great for building and strengthening the bones, joints and muscles. Studies were conducted with proven results stating that those who stay active can live to healthy aging.

What can I do to meet more people?

There are many ways to meet people. You can visit your local stores and meet new people. Taking a walk is a great way to say hi to passers-by. You never know you might find a friend for life.  Maybe you would like to go to a local church. The church is a great way to meet people. Perhaps you can get involved with church groups and join in group activities. Give your time to a local shelter for people in need that would be a wonderful way to meet people. Maybe at your place of place of employment, you can become familiar with one of your fellow workers. Getting out to enjoy the world is a great way to live a healthy aging life. If you just sit home, you are waiting for something to happen. You are missing all the things the world has to offer you.

When you sit home, alone your health will slowly fade away. At what time your health diminishes you will feel sickly. You have to get out and enjoy life this way you will stay healthier and enjoy life to the fullest. Staying active will make you happy and you will have more of a healthier life.

One thing you want to keep in mind, as you age your bodily functions starts to change. You will notice these changes.

One of the first things that start to decline is the musculoskeletal system. This system is designed to give you strength and energy. When this system starts to degenerate, you have less time to spend in the world. To keep the system healthy one must exercise, eat right and socialize.

When you socialize, activities will follow. As you see socialism provides you a means to carry forward in life without weakening the musculoskeletal system, more than aging alone will cause it to degenerate.

You have options. On this note, take action now to live your healthy aging life with success following your every path.

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Lifestyles in HEALTHY AGING

Do you sweat the small stuff? Do you find stress has increased in your life due to depressive episodes? Are you searching for a new lifestyle, yet find it difficult to relax and find answers? We have many options in the world, which gives us the convenience of having fun while selecting a better lifestyle. When changing your lifestyle you’ll probably have to make decisions that will be hard, yet you can do it if you think about yourself and not others.

Aging for most of us is not something we are looking forward to. Life can go on for many years. In view of the fact, we all need to learn how to relax and take care of ourselves so we can see a brighter future.

We all need to make our life simple. Keeping it simple will help reduce stress. Sometimes we have to give up our long-year running homes where our children were raised. As one ages the stress of preserving, our home increases. Money usually becomes a big issue, which causes stress. The maintenance and taxes alone are very stressful for someone that is living on social security these days.

How to decide:

Do you plan to stay in the same area you live in now? Do you prefer to live in a better climate? The questions demand an answer before mortgaging your home. If you plan to move to a better climate to live healthier, consider the climate. Many of us suffer from allergies, hay fever, or other ailments due to climate changes. If you plan to live healthier and reduce, your risks of upper respiratory conditions then consider your options before making a decision to move. You want to consider your budget as well. If you are living a fixed-income, consider the low-cost housing projects.

In your community, you may find housing projects for seniors. If you want to cut back your expenses without moving to another climate, consider these options. You will find housing for seniors however in other areas in the event you choose to move. Many housing projects for the seniors will provide you with links. The links are for your convenience, which includes free meals, cheap transportation and so on. At the buildings, you will likely meet new friends, which makes life more purposeful and fulfilling.  Once you’ve decided where you are going to relocate it takes the burden off your mind.

 Don’t get me wrong there will always be some stress in your life that you will not have control of.  Now that you’ve made one of the biggest decision about where you going to live, start thinking about enjoying life. Join an exercise group or get some neighbors to join you for a walk. Walk on sunny days so your body gets natural vitamin D from the sun rays. The vitamins will help keep your bones strong. Exercising helps keep us fit and is a good way to meet new people while having fun.

Don’t forget to watch your diet and make sure you're getting enough vitamins to keep yourself healthy.  If not sure what vitamins you need and how much consult you physician he can help you make a plan or send you to a dietician to help you with it.  Sometimes as we grow older, we don’t eat as much, so supplement vitamins are needed. Your family healthcare provider can help you with this too. The world is filled with various lifestyles, so make your life your own by staying healthy and avoid sweating the small stuff. Making sound decisions is a great start to living free, which promotes healthy aging.

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Controlling Disease in HEALTHY AGING

Photo  by Hernan Piñera 

Once you have learned that you have an illness like cancer or heart disease, it can be hard on you mentally and emotionally. At this time, you want to take control of your disease. When you feel like giving up, you only allow the disease to take control of your life. Remember you have people who care about you, and when you give up you give up on them too.

How you can help you live through healthy aging:

The first thing you have to do is to accept the fact that you are sick. This can be hard for you but if you are mentally able, you have to do this. Once you accepted it is easier to move ahead and take the next step. Acceptance will help you to better understand your disease. Remember, you are not the disease the illnesses is something that is reducing your abilities to function healthily in life. Still, you can function healthily by taking necessary actions.

You can get the information off the Internet if you would like to learn more about your condition. Learning will help you by allowing you to understand your disease. In fact, learning will help you to find interventions, preventions, and perhaps cures for your disease. You can talk to your doctor as well. Learn what you can from your family doctor. Once you have accepted what you have and have learned about it then you can move on to the next step. Which is to, to live your life to the fullest? Do what you can do while you can, go see places that you would not normally.

How will my disease affect me emotionally and mentally?

It depends on the disease, but most illnesses we can safely tell you causes depression. You may feel like being alone. At times, you will endure mood swings and not feel like having anyone near you. You may feel hopeless.

How would I get a second opinion?

Getting a second opinion is always important if you’ve been diagnosed with any disease. You can start with talking to your family doctor and see what he/she may think. Although a second opinion is good for you to have if you are not feeling comfortable, you want to continue seeking advice. It is in your best interest to find a qualified doctor to give you a second opinion. Sadly, you may have to visit a few doctors to find one that makes you feel comfortable.

What can I do to help myself?

We all have the power to help ourselves. We can take action by eating right. We can improve health by taking vitamins and supplements intended to help fight disease and make you stronger. You want to socialize and avoid isolating you. Be social and don’t stay in your room crying to yourself. Doctors persistently ask their patients to express their feelings. Expressing your feelings is helping you to fight for healthy aging.

Make sure you make all your family doctors appointments. You want to stay on your toes when dealing with a disease. Visiting your doctor regularly will help you stay in control. When you feel blue, walk. If not outside maybe, you can walk around your house. Walking will help you to stay strong.

You may benefit from participating with a support group of some sort. We all need support; yet having someone that understands your disease makes better friendship. At meetings, you can vent your emotions. What a wonderful way to follow doctors orders, thus expressing your emotions. You also want to consider friends who will allow you to express your emotions.

If you don’t want to go out and be around your friends then why not get a pet as a friend they can help you through this as well they will walk with you and play with you and be your best friend through all of this.

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How Keeping Medical Records Promote HEALTHY AGING

Photo  by jurvetson 

Most people wander through life taking notes from observing others, yet they fail to take notes to save their health as they age. Medical records are kept by doctors for years, and these men and women do this to keep track of your health. If the doctor cares enough to take care of your health, why shouldn’t you?

How to keep records:

You will need a journal. In the journal, you want to record dates, time, place, etc of your hospital stay. If possible jot down the diagnostics and doctors who served you, write their names in the journal.

You want to record your family’s medical history. Jot down each person in your family tree and name the diagnose. For instance, if your family has a history of diabetes, jot it down. On pen and paper, jot down any information that will help your doctor monitor your health and make an accurate diagnosis in the event illness occurs. Do not rely on your memory. In time, you may not have memory, since your family may have a history of Alzheimer’s disease. When you use medical records, keeping them on paper, make copies. Put the copies in safe hands, someone you can rely on, as you grow older to give the copies to you in the event you lose your copies. Put all your copies in a safe area.

You want to keep records of vaccine shots or immunizations. You want to keep records of lab visits, results, conditions, and treatments you obtained. The records should be updated annually. For instance, if in 2000, you were diagnosed with a disease that caused your liver to shrink, but the disease was curable, write it down. The next year if you notice in similar symptoms, record the new information in your journal. You want to give copies to your doctor as needed.

Once you write your medical journal you can move to research illnesses you might have had at one time. For instance, if in your history you had a repetition visit of colds, learn more about the upper respiratory system. If you had other illnesses throughout your life, take time to study these illnesses. Understanding the illness moves to acceptance, which moves you to prevention?

Prevention is the keyword you want to focus on when it comes to your health. As you age, your body’s functions start to decline its actions, which puts you at high risk of disease. Using your records you want to study illnesses, you may have had throughout your lifetime. In addition, use your records to study genetic disease. For instance, if you have a family history of diabetes, research the subject. Take notes on diagnostics, treatments, cures, and so on.

If you follow this friendly advice, as you start to age you will have advantages. For instance, in the future, if you are diagnosed with diabetes you would know. The first thing you will note is symptoms. You would know that the symptoms include prolonged hunger feelings, fatigue, dizziness, etc.

You would take notes on symptoms that emerge when you feel sick and immediately contact your family doctor. You are at the doctor’s office now taking lab tests and so forth to find out what is wrong with your body. Once you leave the doctor’s office with your results you will feel relaxed, since you know that catching diabetes at an early stage gives a doctor the opportunity to slow or cure the mother of all living diseases. This silent tormentor is a notorious killer that everyone should understand. To learn more about healthy aging, seek more information online, at your doctor, or visit your local library.

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The Stressful Actions behind HEALTHY AGING

Photo  by legends2k 

Learning to manage stress can help you feel better about you since you will feel healthier. Stress can be a bad thing, yet you have the power to control stress. If you let stress control you, it will affect your health. You will likely feel sick all the time, or feel like there is no hope in your world even if there is hope. For this reason, you want to learn how to take control.

How can I take control of stress?

The first thing you need to do is to take a long look. Is your situation so demanding that it stresses you?  Get a view on life and decide if you want the positive or negative things offered to you. Figure out how stress will affect your health to see if it is worth hanging onto the negative. Next, ask do you eat right and do you get enough rest? How’s your diet? Is it a healthy diet or is it a junk food diet?

How do people learn to deal with stress?

People learn to deal with stress all the time. It will take time, yet if you want it bad enough you will do it. You have to learn how to cope with the stress before you can deal with it. However, if you do this it will make it easier for you and you will stay healthy. Therefore, the answer to your question is to learn new coping skills.

How can stress affect my health?

Stress can affect you in many ways.  Stress can make you feel sick more than normal. Stress can make it difficult for you to make decisions since it affects your concentration.  Your normal sleeping patterns can be affected by stress. Some people experience balance eating habits. Some people will eat more than normal and others will not eat at all. You might develop high blood pressure. You could also be affected to the point of living with heart disease. Stress causes anxiety and depression. Stress can affect your overall mental and physical character. You need to learn how to control stress before it takes over you and controls you. You cannot just jump in and take control, however, since it takes time to learn how to control stress. Still, the effort you put forth is the gain you get back.

How do I find the ways to control my stress?

You have many options. To learn how you can control stress, consider who you are and what you want from life. You can write down things that stress you the most. Keep in mind some things in life you have no control. For instance, you have children who will cause you stress. Perhaps you have a job, and sometimes it causes you stress. As you age, sometimes as a parent you feel helpless, since you have no control over your adult children. Remember, these children have rights to make their own choices, which may affect you, but you have no control. Let it go. Do not spend your time worrying or yelling at the children, since they are grown and will do what they please, just as you did in your youthful years. Work on you, not anyone else, since it is the key to finding ways to control your stress.

Learn how to say no and mean it. 

This is a great way to reduce stress. Do not be afraid of hurting someone’s feelings. If they cannot handle no, then the person likely feels rejection and needs help for self. Setting limits mean you have to do what has to be done first for you before someone.

Learning to manage your stress is not going to be easy but it can be done with some work and willpower.

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The Heart and HEALTHY AGING

As we grow older we, experience higher risks of heart disease, cholesterol increase, weaken joints, muscles, and so on. Most people who experience illnesses often feel frustrated and experience feelings of despair. People who suffer illnesses or tragedies unfortunately set themselves up, saying, “It can’t happen to me.” It can happen to any of us, which is why we should take the steps in our youth to prevent illnesses and tragedies. 

Many of us fail to take the steps in our youth. It hinders us to a large degree, yet we have options regardless of what we endure. 

According to experts in aging and heart disease is rising higher these days than ever. The aging progression alone slowly builds up through impulsive changes of the body and mind. The maturity phase carries on starting at childhood as the person works through puberty, teenage and so on. At this time the body and minds start to decline. As the person reaches mid-age or moves into advanced aging, the person starts to decline its natural physical functions. 

Aging alone starts as we are born and carries throughout our life. Through the process, the body has positive reflections on our bodily components and development, yet as we age negative effects take fold, which includes the declining phase. 

According to experts in medicine, no one can determine when our body becomes aged. At one time people 65 and older were considered the aged, yet today people are working further on than 65 years of age. In short, people are working in the 70s, 80s and even 90 years of age today, which returned a different view of the aged. 

Still, millions of American citizens are falling victim to heart disease, strokes, etc. What can they do? 

How to relieve emotional strikes after a heart attack: 

If you’ve experienced a heart attack, likely you feel frustrated, hopeless, etc. The emotions are common after any illnesses, yet you must take steps to control these negative emotions since it only causes stress on your body. The stress will wear you down and perhaps lead to another heart attack. Let’s stop it now. After illnesses, including heart attack learn to focus on the day, instead of yesterday and tomorrow. You only have control of each day you live. Instead of sweating weeks ahead, try doing something you enjoy. Walking is a great way to reduce the risks of heart attacks. You can also visit friends or family members that make you feel good about you. 

Support is essential. If you have support, you will have friends and family members who will open their minds to your feelings. You should never allow your feelings to linger in your own mind without expressing what you feel. Express your feelings to people you trust. Take time to listen to them and let these people know what you need. For instance, if you just need a friendly ear, then let them know. Holding back emotions leads to soaring complications. 

If you can find support groups in your area that is experiencing the same thing as you, then join the team. The support will help you to share information with people who understand what you are going through. It is frustrating to express feelings with people who have not experienced similar illnesses or experiences as you. Try to find someone that you can relate to and speak your feelings. 

Exercise: 

Exercise is the leading element we have offered to us in life that helps to reduce any disease, emotional reactions and so on. When you sit around feeling anxious, depressed, or despaired, you are working toward worse health conditions. Reverse your actions and take the steps to live longer by exercising each day. 

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Hormones and All that Good Stuff in HEALTHY AGING

Photo  by LlGC ~ NLW

Stomach weight is associated with making the arteries age. Your arteries supply blood throughout your whole system and if these become blocked it can cause many problems for you. Obesity can lead to a heart attack, memory loss, the skin will wrinkle and strokes can occur too, which is all caused by the blocked arteries. Your diet plays an important role in helping to keep these arteries clear. You need to include a certain amount of goods fats in your diet if nothing else eating nuts for a snack.  

Keeping the mind busy and enjoying activity helps the brain and it will help prevent depression, anxiety, and stress. Everyone seems to get these three things as we age because we slow down and don’t get out enough. It is very important to be with people and get that exercise to keep your mind from thinking and worrying so much. 

Watch your diet keeping it under control and enjoy many activities. You’ll feel and look better as you age. We can consider all these aspects, yet to find a clear vision of what healthy aging means to you, we have to consider hormones. 

The glands produce several hormones, including the Human Growth Hormone. (HgH) Science shows the body produces enough but it doesn’t release all of it as we age. The low levels of human growth hormone cause wrinkling of skin, reduction of energy and sexual performance. Gray hair is incurred from hormonal deficiencies. The hormone will also cause increases in body fats and puts you at the risk of heart disease. You will lose muscle mass from deficient HgH, which can lead to shrinking of bodily organs. 

Studies were conducted that shown results from 26 men. These men were between the ages 61 and early 80s. The studies have shown that the supplement of Human Growth Hormone slowed the aging process 10-20 years total. After giving HgH, these men showed improvements, which enhanced muscle strength. The skin tone was enhanced as well as the memory. The overall of aging has not been stopped but important signs of maturity are improved.

Vitamin A is known to help the eyes but in recent studies, it was discovered that it also helps release the human growth hormone. Just remember when buying supplements in a health food store the labels are not always accurate. 

When taking any hormone replacement supplements make sure that you consult with your doctor, only he or she knows what is best for you. Since supplements, Vitamins, or replacement therapies may include side effects, you want your doctor's advice first before administering these remedies. 

Women rely on estrogen to maintain healthy bones. Women need these hormones to reduce the risks of shrinking in bone density. Women will often experience symptoms that form into osteoporosis when estrogen is deficient. Estrogen will often slow as a woman ages, and usually, after menopause, the woman’s lipid levels drop. 

This can cause high cholesterol also, since LDL increases. In addition, lipid levels when increased can lead to blocked arteries, or coronary blood vessel/artery disease. After a woman goes through menopause she, starts to age for the reason that the ovaries begin to slow the production of progesterone and estrogen. These major hormones control menstrual cycles, which stop at this point. 

Men rely on testosterone to maintain their youth. This hormone controls a male’s sex drive, facial hair growth and so on. We all have our hormones that perform many actions, yet in some instances, we need replacement, especially as we grow old. Sometimes replacing the hormones will slow the aging process, thus promoting healthy aging. 

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Replacing Hormones for HEALTHY AGING

The Eyes of Age - Photo  by Anne Worner 

Aging can affect all of us by changing our hormone levels. As we age the level of a hormone that is formed by, our glands decline. Our glands produce the hormones and release them through the bloodstreams. As we grow older, hormone production slows. To correct the slowness sometimes hormone replacement is essential. Before you jump the gun, however, searching for a replacement take note that medical experts discovered that men who seek hormone replacement therapy should consider carefully. The replacement therapy is behind, or part of the cause of prostate cancer. You want to check with your doctor always before taking any non-prescribed supplements, therapy treatments, etc.

Our body produces two major hormones that are very important. We start to lose these necessary elements as aging progresses. Our body relies on estrogen and testosterone to keep our metabolism, sex reproduction functions and so forth healthy.

Testosterone is not only important for the men but women too.  Men need a higher-level of testosterone. The hormones are what promote facial hair, larger muscles, and deeper voices. Testosterone is what makes the men seem younger and helps them to perform sexually since it is their drive. As it lowers in men, they lose their sex drive. On the other hand, too much testosterone in our bodies can induce side effects, such as heart disease and enlarge the prostate glands. For this purpose, you want to consult with your doctor before taking replacement hormone therapy.

Estrogen is the other major hormone that our bodies need to keep up with life in general.  Women take estrogen to counteract menopause by taking a supplement direct by their doctor. Taking estrogen can also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, Alzheimer's. Estrogen therapy reduces our risks, yet side effects can lead to uterus or breast cancer. Some women experience blood clotting while others may not. In addition, some women have endured heart attacks and strokes after taking estrogen therapy units. Like all other supplements or treatments over-the-counter, one must consult with their physician before taking the treatments. Discuss the good and bad points of taking replacement therapies, such as estrogen and testosterone.

Do you have a hard time sleeping at night?

Maybe you’re lacking the Melatonin hormone. The lack of melatonin is known to interrupt sleeping patterns as we age. Our glands produce Melatonin and it slows down, as we grow older. A study shows that while we are sleeping during the hours of 8PM and 5AM, is when this hormone is produced the most. By taking Melatonin supplements, it can help in the reduction of breast cancer and help to reverse aging along with improving our sleep. The side effects may include drowsiness. Melatonin can cause the blood vessels to constrict as well. It depends if your body has sufficient or deficient amounts. Again, talk with your doctor first. Melatonin according to few can cause heart conditions. Melatonin is dangerous to those diagnosed with high blood pressure. Like most things, it is very important to consult your physician before taking this supplement.

Discussing the aspects of healthy aging:

We have various aspects of the body to consider when discussing healthy aging. Our body produces hormones, cell bodies, neurons, and so on. When our bodily functions are interrupted, it affects the body and mind as a whole and determines how fast we will age. Still, you must consider that environmental factors, doctors, medications, smoking, using alcohol excessively and so forth plays a part in our aging process. In fact, we have to review normal aging versus abnormal aging when considering healthy aging.

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HEALTHY AGING Starts with Stress Reduction

People are often unaware of what stress can do to their body and mind. Stress is bad for the heart. Stress will give you headaches, or make you feel depressed. Stress can do many harmful things to your body and mind, yet in some instances stress is good. Balancing stress is the key to living healthier. 

If you live with unhealthy stress, you will need to take action to reduce the volume. You have many options to relieve stress. 

Effects of stress on the body. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Where does stress come from?

Stress develops from many different things. For instance, bills can cause you stress. Not paying your bills on time due to lack of funds can cause stress. Not having a job or kids can stress you out to the max. In addition, bad relationships can wear on your nerves. 

What can you do to get some relief from stress?

Some of the things that may help you to find relief from stress include reading a good book. Wrap yourself up in a warm blanket or cool area depending on the weather and enjoy a good book. Writing is one of the top keys that help you to reduce stress. When you are overloaded with stress, write down your feelings, emotions, thoughts and so on. Writing is a great exercise, put it to good use. Avoid overdoing it, so that you learn to enjoy writing rather than feeling frustrated at the thought of writing. 

You could also enjoy a nice hot, bubble bath. Add some candles around the tub, soak and enjoy. There are many ways that people can find relief from stress; you have to decide on the best way for you to find that relief. Go with whatever works best for you. 

If you cant find a way to do it on your own perhaps you can visit your family doctor, a counselor, friend or family member that will guide you to reducing your stress. Support is a great tool. Build up a support group that helps you live healthier, rather than wearing you down. 

What does stress do to my body?

Stress will do a lot to your body if you let it. It will control your emotions, thoughts, actions, behaviors, bodily functions and so on. If you allow stress to control you, it will bring you down to nothing, making you feel worthless. Stress can do a lot of damage to your body as well as your mind.

What can I do so I am not so stressed?

Stress can be reduced by minimizing bad habits. Try paying your bills on time if possible. If you cannot pay your bills on time due to insufficient funds, pay enough to avoid shut-off notices. You may want to setup a budget so that you spend wisely. Help is only a phone call away as well. Pick up your phone book, talk to people in your area, etc, since you just may find money available to help those with low-income pay bills. 

Another good way to avoid stress is to stay away from those who drag you down. If you have friends or family members feeding you negativity, let them go and find positive friends instead. Sometimes tough love is our way of saying, “I’ve had enough.” 

In addition, you can learn to eat healthy, exercise and put away those things that wear on your health. For instance, if you smoke, drink excessively, use drugs, etc, you are wearing heavily on your nerves. Put these things behind you if possible; otherwise seek help to put these things behind you. You have many options; check your resources to learn what is available to you. 

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