We Will All Be There Some Day

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to treat many elderly people in my office. Sure, some are cranky and miserable, but so are some young patients. Most are filled with life and wants more than needs, and they are a lot of fun.

To be honest with you though, 20 years ago when I first began my practice, treating the elderly was very tough for me. I thought to myself, "Is this how I am going to end up? Am I going to be sick, cranky and in pain?"

I soon found my answer in an 82 year-old woman. Her skin was sagging and it looked like she had one foot in Heaven's door. She was receiving treatment for neck pain. She was very quiet. I thought she was either sleeping or in deep thought. And then as if she were awakened from her sleep she said, "Doctor, can I tell you a dirty joke?" To humor her I said, "Sure", thinking to myself, "How dirty can this be and why is she whispering?" Well, let me tell you, she told this joke with the most colorful language. It was a great joke and I laughed my you-know-what off.

She then said to me, "You know, doctor, although I am old and it looks like I have one foot in the door to Heaven (started to get worried as I thought she might have been reading my mind), I am not dead yet."

I couldn't wait for her to return for her next visit. She always had great stories and jokes to tell. She treated with me for a few months and I learned a lot from her. I think that at times I got more out of our sessions than she did.

So here was my paradigm shift. Ever since then I love treating the elderly. And when I have a patient over the age of 75, I always ask what they consider to be the secret to longevity.

The common denominator, the commonalities with those living a robust elderly life, is not smoking, daily exercise, the consumption of fruits and vegetables more than meat, and moderate alcohol use. In fact, recently researchers from the University of Cambridge statistically analyzed studies of about 20,000 relatively healthy subjects aged 45-79. The study concludes that you can add about 14 years to your life by embracing four life style habits:

1. Don't smoke.
2. Get regular physical activity.
3. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation.

And I would add one more:

5. Use your mind every day. Do puzzles, work on the computer, get a hobby, write a letter, play cards, etc.

And the real key to longevity is to have parents who lived for a long time. Sometimes it's just in the genes.

Here is my action tip for the week.

If you know some elderly individuals, take them out to lunch, pay them a visit, and most of all listen to them.

Take care and I hope you will embrace this lifestyle and live a life worthy of living.

To Your Health, Wealth & Happiness!

Dr. Michael J. Kaye
Knowledge, Action, Results

Two Vitamins that Stand Out

James Meschino, D.C. wrote the following in the Dynamic Chiropractic (a trade journal for chiropractors)…

A recent article by Drs. A.S. Plant and G. Tisman published in Nutrition and Cancer, highlights the emerging evidence that links suboptimal nutritional status of vitamin B-12 and Vitamin D with increased risk of cancer.

Previous studies have shown that low serum levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) are associated with a higher frequency of at least 17 different malignancies, including breast, colon, and prostate, ovarian and other cancers

Vitamin B-12 deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Many consumers are confused about taking vitamins from not knowing which kind to take, what types to take and in what amounts. Sometimes if you go to a nutrition store and ask about vitamins you often purchase more than you need.

Many factors must be considered when purchasing vitamins such as whether you are male/female, old/young, current health status, genetic predisposition, your job, your lifestyle and your health goals.

Don’t fall for the latest cure-all. If you are going to spend your hard-earned money then spend it wisely and completely research your specific vitamin needs.

If you have any questions you can always e-mail me at micahel@frompaintopersonalgain.com

The Cost of Procrastination

Procrastination is the act delaying (putting off) the activities that one needs to do to complete a job or task.

Most people feel it is just a small quirk that they have. And most feel,"Well, if I don't get it done, I'll just do it tomorrow."

Here's a great question. How much money does procrastination cost you?

If most people realize that procrastination cost money they would stop procrastinating.

Everyone understands that if they procrastinate on a certain task required of them to perform as per their boss they could lose their job, therefore lose money.

If you procrastinate with respect to the maintenance of your vehicle (monthly oil changes, tire pressure, transmission checks, etc.) you might end up having costly mechanical problems.

If you procrastinate and pay your bills late, your credit score will become compromised and hence will decrease your ability to get loans.

Last and most important, if you procrastinate about your health you will lose money by paying co-pays, co-insurance, higher monthly insurance premiums, experience increased pain; and lost time from work due to sick days.

If you are sick and out of shape it compromises your ability to become wealthy.

So the next time you think procrastination is just "one of your little quirks" just think how much money you could possibly lose if you do procrastinate.

Happy Hour

Ah! The weekend is finally here.

Do you remember the times when Friday would come around and you would head out to Happy Hour at the local club/bar?

You would drink and be merry. You didn't even think twice about eating fried food such as taquitos, fried and breaded mushrooms, fried mozzarella sticks or the infamous chicken wings. And then you would wash it all down with an alcoholic beverage.

Well, you can still enjoy your Happy Hour without the fried food and multiple alcoholic drinks.

With respect to food, stick to the vegetable sticks and only use a little dressing. Switch your drink to club soda and cranberry juice. If you do have an alcoholic drink, only have one. If you want to order something off the bar menu stay away from deep fried foods and heavy cheeses (nachos and chips). Pretzels are better than nuts and chips.

Happy Hour is about the company, the atmosphere and the celebration of the end of the week!

Enjoy yourself and revel in the good times.

And don't drink and drive.

Don't forget to make a toast to your Health & Happiness.