Anti Ageing Environment

Are you under the assumption that pollution is a modern day problem?  Think again.  In ancient times, the Greeks AND the Romans spewed huge amounts of toxins into the air extracting silver from lead. The stench of an abandoned canal in Washington, D.C. clogged with animal carcasses and human waste was so bad it permeated the White House.

More than 70,000 chemical compounds were developed during the second half of the twentieth century.  Many are credited with causing cancer in laboratory animals.  So, does this affect the risk of developing cancer, heart disease or stroke beyond age 60?  You better believe it does and while there are varied opinions, there are researchers who believe that as much as 25% of all cancers could be prevented if Americans reduces exposure to smog, pesticides, second hand smoke and other hazards that we breathe, drink, eat and absorb into our bodies.  While there are many factors that cause cancer, heart disease and stroke that we have no control over such as heredity, our environment is something we can do something about.

For most people the likelihood of developing inherited forms of cancer are about as likely as being struck by lightning and winning the lottery on the same day.  But if your family does seem prone to a particular disease, it may be worth taking some precautions. If you have a parent who died of a heart attack or a sibling who died of stroke at a young age that is something to share with your doctor as well as make some lifestyle changes like exercising, eating properly and not smoking.

Genetic testing is now available, but at a very high cost.  Unless there is dramatic evidence that points to potentially serious genetic predispositions in your family tree, you're much better off taking normal precautions by living healthy.

Your environment and disease - We all carry a degree of toxins in our cells.  Take DDT for example.  The use was banned in 1972 after research indicated the suspicion it contributed to breast cancer.  But, traces of DDT remains in the foods we eat and the water we drink for more than 50 years, we all have trace amounts in bodies.

Trace amounts probably will not cause you harm, however, 30 chemicals have been proven to cause cancer in humans while another 400 have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and are suspected of causing human tumors.

• Pollution increases the risk of heart attack.
• Breast cancer rates appear to be higher in industrial areas.
• Certain cancers are more common among farmers who use
• Pesticides.
• Radon is linked to lung cancer. 
• The damage created by these hazards increase as we age.  The body gradually loses the ability to rid itself of toxins that can damage your lungs, kidneys, liver and other major organs.

Exercise - We all know it.  Exercise is good for you but, if you are over 60, breeze on by the advertising that touts 'buns of steel.'  Recent research indicates that moderate exercise will give you as much protection from disease as the extensive exercise regimens touted by those much younger than you.

Experts now tell us to use a two-part exercise program that includes aerobic exercise like walking or bicycling to condition your heart plus strength training exercises such as calisthenics and low-intensity weight lifting to build muscle and cut fat.  To begin you should only exercise two or three times a week but should work toward at least five times a week.

Easing into a routine like this gradually should be your goal.  By age 60 almost everyone has some degree of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, joint irritation or lack of flexibility.   Exercising lightly will not aggravate these conditions, but will actually help them. Exercise will also keep your heart young, drive down high blood pressure, build up good cholesterol, improve balance, enhance sex life, increase mental acuity, elevate mood, control diabetes, decrease cancer risk, strengthen bones, ease joint pain and much, much more.

Get started properly.  Get a physical so you know that your body's systems can handle additional physical stress. Warm up for at least 10 to 15 minutes using slow-walking, stretches or light calisthenics.  As you get older you body need to ease into exercise gradually because your system is down about one third and takes longer to warm up and cool down. Exercising more than 30 minutes at a time will help you lose weight if you do it three to five times a week and follow a proper diet. But if you don't need to lose weight, three 10 minute sessions each day will be beneficial for protection against disease.
Schedule a regular workout time.  Dress for comfort.  Have plenty of water along so as not to dehydrate.

Half of your exercise routine should include aerobics and the best aerobic exercise is walking, especially if you are over 60.  Start out by timing yourself and gradually increasing the distance over time.  Keep your pace constant, slow down on hills and track the temperature.  If it's hot or humid your workout will seem harder.  As you become more comfortable with your routine, try some variation like shortening steps, trying weights or swing your arms as you walk.