Your calculated health span is
71.9 years. Below, please find the
reasoning behind the questions, which you
answered that made your score less than it
should be: |
|
Healthspan Calculator: Feedback and
Reasoning
A: PERSONAL
1. What is your gender:
As a guy, you have your work cut out for you.
Women have about a ten-year advantage over men. To
catch up, you need to be extra-diligent about
healthy habits.
Facts: Women have a head start in the
longevity marathon. Many scientists speculate that
estrogen plays a role. After menopause (average age
51 years), this advantage seems to diminish. Another
theory holds that chronic iron deficiency (due to
menstruation) gives a woman her advantage. Iron is
critical to our cells' ability to produce
age-accelerating free radicals that also predispose
to heart disease, stroke and cancer.
3. What is your marital status:
New England Centenarian Study data suggests that
in the case of men, being married provides a
survival advantage.
Facts: Interestingly, New England
Centenarian Study data suggests that marriage or
having a partner in your life has different effects
upon your life expectancy depending upon whether you
are a man or woman. An unusual proportion of the
female centenarians never married (about 15%).
Perhaps personality features that lead to
perseverance, independence, and assertiveness
provide a survival advantage. Such women may also be
particularly good at managing stress. On the other
hand, nearly 100% of the male centenarians are
married or were only recently widowed.
4. Close distance to family members:
Excellent, having family or friends who are like
family to you can be an important feature of your
ability to manage stress well and is probably a life
expectancy extender.
Facts: Extended family cohesiveness and
frequent contact is a notable feature of centenarian
families. Researchers have noted that people who do
not belong to cohesive families have fewer coping
resources and increased levels of social and
psychological stress. Psychological stress is
associated with heart disease, various cancers and
increased mortality risk.
5 (a and b). Stress Level/ Coping with
stress
Excellent! Managing your stress in such a way
that it doesn't eat away at you, and in your case
actually acts as a motivator is tremendous. Your
ability to manage stress effectively will
substantially improve your life expectancy and
increase the number of healthy years ahead of you.
Facts: Centenarians shed emotional stress
exceptionally well. Their stress-shedding
personalities and the familial support, which they
receive and contribute to are important
stress-reducing mechanisms. Refer to the Mind Body
Institute for more information [http://www.mindbody.harvard.edu]
6b. Sleep
It is terrific that you are getting adequate and
quality sleep. Adequate sleep is also a sign of good
health.
Facts: Not getting enough sleep or
experiencing ineffective sleep is common. There are
many causes of sleep-related disorders and not
getting enough effective sleep. There are also
numerous good approaches and treatments to reverse
these problems. Unfortunately, there are ineffective
and even harmful ways of attempting to cure sleep
problems. Two helpful sites are the Stanford
University Center for the Center of Excellence for
the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders [http://www.med.stanford.edu/school/psychiatry/coe/]
and sleepnet.com [http://www.sleepnet.com/].
B. Lifestyle Habits/ Environment
1. Air quality
Ahhh. Take a deep breath of that clean fresh air!
It is wonderful and life expectancy-enhancing that
you live in a smog-free environment.
Facts: Numerous air pollutants are potent
causes of cancer and contain oxidants, which
accelerate aging.
2. Seat belt usage
The majority of lethal car accidents occur within
5 miles of the driver's home. Many people don't put
their seat belts on because they assume nothing will
happen if it's just a short drive. The statistics
clearly tell a different story. Many lethal
accidents, including those that involve deployed air
bags, would not be lethal if the person had been
wearing their seat belts.
Facts: Wearing a seatbelt, even in the
presence of an airbag, dramatically increases your
chances of minimizing injury or surviving a serious
car accident.
3. Coffee
Whatever your reason for not drinking coffee, it
definitely has you on the right track. Don't start
because it is much harder to stop the habit once you
pick it up.
Facts: Excessive coffee can be a sign of
increased stress. Stress can lead to a hormonal
imbalance, which can physically stress and age
numerous organs. In addition, coffee predisposes the
stomach to chronic inflammation of the stomach and
ulcers. Such chronic inflammation leads to release
of substances that raise the risk of heart disease.
Tea, and especially green tea, on the other hand,
has been noted for its significant antioxidant
content, and tea drinkers in general appear to be
healthier.
4. Tea
Try to give tea a chance. You may find that it
grows on you. Regular tea consumption is a healthy
habit that may actually be life extending. The
antioxidants in tea may decrease your risk of heart
disease and cancer.
Facts: Tea contains a powerful class of
antioxidants known as polyphenols. It is
controversial whether green tea has more
bioavailable polyphenols than black tea. Either way
however, you can't go wrong.
5b. Smoking/ Tobacco exposure
Facts: Cigarette smoke contains toxins,
which directly damage DNA and subsequently cause
cancer. Cigarettes are the biggest direct source of
nitro amines humans are exposed to. These substances
along with other constituents of cigarette smoke are
potent oxidants and carcinogens that lead to
accelerated aging, and diseases associated with
aging. Each day, nearly 5,000 adolescents (aged
11-17) smoke their first cigarette. Almost two
million teens annually, and approximately one-third
of those that become smokers will eventually die of
smoking-related illnesses. Helpful internet sites:
Quitnet [http://www.quitnet.org/qn_main.jtml]
and the American Lung Association [http://www.lungusa.org/]
5c. Second hand smoke
Avoiding second hand smoke is a very important
habit. Because second hand smoke is even more toxic
than the filtered smoke that smokers inhale, it
takes less of a "dose" or exposure to be toxic to
your lungs and your body in general. Thus, keep
avoiding the secondhand smoke as you have been
doing.
Facts: Second hand smoke is more toxic
than what the smoker gets because it is unfiltered.
Such exposure is clearly a substantial cause of
cancer, heart disease, asthma and other lung
diseases.
6. Alcohol consumption per week/day
A moderate amount of alcohol consumption as you
have indicated is healthy for you and probably
reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and
stroke.
Facts: Excessive alcohol is a toxin, which
damages the liver and the mitochondria within most
cells of the body. This leads to acceleration of
aging and increased susceptibility to many diseases
associated with aging. Moderate alcohol consumption
has been associated with decreased heart disease
risk. This may be one explanation for the "French
paradox", in which the French are known for their
love of high saturated fat foods, and yet their
heart disease risks may be lower (except in the case
of those who smoke cigarettes), perhaps because of
the higher consumption of wine in that country.
Refer to alcoholics Anonymous [http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/].
7. Aspirin
Perhaps you cannot tolerate an aspirin a day
because it hurts your stomach or you have a
propensity for bleeding. On the other hand, if you
really don't have a reason to not take an aspirin a
day, consider taking one daily.
Facts: 81 mg of Aspirin per day has been
noted to significantly decrease heart disease risk.
This benefit may be due to the anti-blood clotting
effects of aspirin. Chronic inflammation may also
play a role in heart disease (see 11, below) and
therefore, aspirin's effect on inflammation may also
be helpful. For more information go to: American
Heart Association's findings [http://www.americanheart.org/]
8. Sun exposure & Sunscreen
You are doing an poor job of protecting yourself
from the sun and therefore from accelerated aging of
your skin as well as from deadly skin cancers such
as melanoma. But you could do better. The payoff
could be big! Especially when you are not as
diligent as you should be in protecting your skin,
you should have a regular skin (dermatology) check
up and perform a monthly self-examination of your
skin.
Facts: The association between sun
exposure and accelerated skin aging are clear. The
ultraviolet rays in sunlight directly damages DNA.
More sun means more wrinkles sooner. It also means a
higher risk of deadly skin cancer. Excessive sun
exposure may also have toxic consequences for the
body in general. For guidance on a self-exam, see
skincheck.com [http://skincheck.com/]
9. Sexuality & Drugs
You are exercising good judgment.
Facts: Viruses such as HIV and others,
which are transmitted by risky behavior not only
cause AIDS but also various cancers including
lymphoma. These viruses change DNA and probably
also, as a result, influence aging as well. For more
information, go to: Centers for Disease Control and
Advocates for Youth and Prevention Online
10. Flossing
You need to floss your teeth. There are benefits
that go far beyond better breath, but don't
underestimate the benefits of good breath! Diligent
and regular flossing means keeping your teeth and
very possibly reducing your risk of heart attack.
Facts: Recent scientific evidence reveals
that chronic gum disease leads to the release of
inflammatory, toxic substances and certain bacteria
into the blood stream which potentiate plaque
formation in arteries and ultimately lead to heart
disease. This process probably also increases the
risk of stroke and accelerated aging. For more
information, go to: American Dental Association's
findings [http://www.ada.org/].
C. Nutrition & Exercise
1. Preserved meats & fast food
Fast food, generally fried foods and hamburgers,
are high in calories and saturated fats. These will
make you gain weight and they increase your risk for
heart disease, stroke and perhaps cancer. Another
potential risk factor for cancer is preserved meats.
Facts: Fast food, generally fried foods
and hamburgers, are high in calories and saturated
fats. These will make you gain weight and they
increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and
perhaps cancer. Some studies suggest that 90% of all
human cancers are environmentally induced, 30-40% of
these by diet. Preserved and cured meats (bacon,
sausage, lunch meats, etc.) are the largest source
of nitrites in our diet. Nitrites lead to the
formation in our bodies of nitrosoamines, which are
important environmental oxidants and probable
carcinogens. For instance, there is a suggestive
association between nitrosamines and stomach cancer.
2. Fish, poultry, Meat preparation
Good, you are being careful with your grilling
and barbecuing by not exposing your food to
extremely high temperatures. Such high temperatures
can alter proteins to produce carcinogens known as
heterocyclic amines. On the other hand, be careful
to cook enough foods such as poultry and hamburger
so that harmful bacteria such as E coli and
Salmonella are killed.
Facts: Broiling (high heat) can change
proteins and amino acids into substances called
heterocyclic amines, which are potent mutagens or
substances, which can alter your DNA.
3. Calcium Intake
Continue to do your best to insure that you are
getting plenty of calcium from your diet and if
needed, from a vitamin or calcium supplement. The
recommended calcium intake is generally about 1,000
- 1,500 mg per day. In addition, be sure that you
have enough vitamin D in your diet (fortified in
milk, often added to calcium supplements, made by
our bodies with 15-20 minutes of exposure to the
sun}.
Facts: Adequate calcium intake in later
life can slow the bone loss associated with aging.
In addition to dairy products, calcium-fortified
juices, breads and cereals are also excellent
sources, as are calcium supplements like TUMS and
over the counter calcium supplements. Vitamin D is
necessary for the body to absorb the calcium we get
in our diets. Milk is fortified with vitamin D and
our bodies also make it when our skin is exposed to
15 to 20 minutes a day of sunlight. People who
rarely go outside are prone to vitamin D deficiency.
Large quantities of salty foods and meat can
significantly increase the amount of calcium lost in
the urine. Adequate calcium intake may not prevent
the accelerated bone loss in women during and for
several years after menopause, caused by estrogen
deficiency. Some foods high in calcium also contain
oxalic acid, which interferes with calcium
absorption. Spinach is such a food.
4b. Snacks
Good job… some of the snacks you are eating are
at least healthy. Be careful that you don't eat too
much though, leading to weight gain. Be mindful of
the number of calories in the foods you eat and try
to not go above a healthy number of calories per
day.
Watch out! Snacks are a common cause of excess
calories that lead to being overweight or even
obese. Add on top of that the poor nutritional value
of the snacks that you are eating and you could
really be doing yourself some harm. Do your best to
change this habit. At least change the type of
snacks you eat. Try fruit, vegetables like carrot
sticks, popcorn, healthy fruit drinks etc. Even with
some of these healthy foods, such as fruits and
fruit drinks, you can take in significant calories
so be aware of not only what you are eating but how
much.
Facts: Nutrition experts vary on the
benefits of snacking. Some say that 6 small meals a
day is better than three big meals. Others indicate
the opposite. You should choose a dietary habit that
works best for you with the goal of not being
overweight. Certainly if you do snack, be sure they
are healthy snacks. Most sweets have little if any
nutritional value and in the end, because they are
so calorie rich from fats, they will certainly
predispose you to being overweight or even heavier.
Switch from those unhealthy snacks to healthy ones.
Then, consider if the snacks are helping you
maintain a lean body mass or not.
5. Meat
You are eating way too much meat. Those who eat
meat as often as you do are more at risk of heart
disease and stroke than those who eat it less often.
You are also missing out on alternatives to meat
that actually can protect you from these and other
diseases. For example, polyphenols present in
certain vegetables and fruits, and the omega-3 fatty
acids in fish that help lower LDL cholesterol and
raise HDL cholesterol contribute to a more healthy
cardiovascular system.
Facts: Weighing meat against vegetables
and fish or skinless poultry, meat definitely loses
out when it comes to your health. The American Heart
Association recommends a diet that minimizes meat in
the diet and emphasizes these alternatives.
Vegetarian dishes, in addition to being an
alterative to meat, also have antioxidants that
protect the heart and brain. Fish contains omega-3
fatty acids, which help a person raise their good
cholesterol (HDL) and lower their bad cholesterol
(LDL) thus decreasing their risk for heart attack
and stroke.
6. Desserts
Avoid those checkout lines at the grocery store
that sell candy bars! You are eating too many sweets
and/or candy bars. By staying away from these foods
that have little in the way of nutritional value and
yet significantly increase propensity for obesity
and therefore heart attack, stroke, cancer and
diabetes, anyone will make great gains in their life
expectancy and the proportion of their lives spent
in good health.
Facts: Most deserts and certainly candy
bars are high in saturated fats and calories. Both
are terrible for you predisposing for weight gain,
heart disease, stroke and diabetes. By helping you
become obese, they increase your risk of various
cancers.
7. Carbohydrate consumption
Facts: Not only are the number of calories
you eat important, but the type of calories are
important as well. Grains, pastas, fruits, and
starchy vegetables like potatoes are the most common
carbohydrate foods. Simple carbohydrates like white
bread, potatoes (especially French fries), pasta,
white rice and sugar as well, cause the body to
produce insulin in response to elevated levels of
glucose in the blood. The insulin in turn induces
the storage, instead of burning, of fat. Other foods
like fats, protein, and more complex carbohydrates
like whole grain foods and fiber are less prone to
turn on the production of insulin.
The glycemic index of food is a ranking of foods
based on their immediate effect on blood glucose
(blood sugar) levels and thus the production of
insuln. Carbohydrate foods that breakdown quickly
during digestion have the highest glycemic indexes
causing blood sugar and insulin to rise fast and
high. Carbohydrates that breakdown slowly, releasing
glucose gradually into the blood stream, have low
glycemic indexes. The lower the glycemic index, the
less likely that food is going to contribute to the
production of fat. There are numerous books and
websites that provide the glycemic indices for foods
and drinks. However the general food groups noted
above are a good start in your education.
9. Calorie consumption
Cutting down on the amount you eat is one of the
most important interventions you can do have a
dramatic impact on your health. For many people,
eating too much is the main reason they are
overweight. For other's, it is more difficult than
just not eating so much and a consultation with a
diet expert may be warranted. Be conscientious about
how much you eat. Become a calorie counter. Don't
eat till you are full. Stop before you get there.
There are also several helpful websites on the
internet that are dedicated to helping people lose
weight and then maintain a healthy weight. See:
ShapeUp America!
http://www.shapeup.org/
Facts: Obesity is associated with
inefficient energy production and an increased
production of oxygen radicals within cells,
therefore leading to increased risk of various
cancers, heart disease and accelerated aging. It may
also lead to diabetes. For more information, go to:
ShapeUp America! and NIH: Nutrition and Obesity
10. Vitamin E
Keep taking that vitamin E. For know it appears
to be the best antioxidant available with good
clinical trials indicating that it is helpful in
decreasing the risk of heart disease and certain
cancers and stroke. It may help in delaying the
onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Facts: Vitamin E is thus far the best
scientifically proven antioxidant available either
in the diet or as a dietary supplement. It has been
shown in epidemiological studies to delay or retard
the progression of Alzheimer's disease, heart
disease, and stroke. It also boosts the immune
system. Selenium appears to have dramatic effects in
reducing the risk for certain cancers. For more
information, go to: National Cancer Institute [http://www.nci.nih.gov/].
For information about quality of vitamins and
minerals: The United States Pharmacopeia Convention
[http://www.usp.org/]
13. Exercise and physical activity
Good job! It is great you are making the time to
get that exercise in at least three times a week.
Don't forget to be balanced in how much aerobic
exercise you do versus strength training. Both are
very important. Also, if you are doing a lot of high
impact workouts, gauge how much wear and tear you
are putting on your weight-bearing joints so that
you don't set yourself up for premature
osteoarthritis.
Facts: Exercise leads to more efficient
energy production by your cells and less oxygen
radical formation (which speeds up aging and
increases your risk for heart disease, stroke and
cancer). Muscle is a tremendously efficient burner
of fat and maintaining muscle mass has many
benefits. Therefore, strength training is important.
Depending upon how much one weighs, we generally
lose a third of a pound of muscle every year after
age 30, which is replaced by fat. Muscle loss can be
completely reversed no matter what your age, by
regular strengthening exercises.
D. Medical Check-up
1. Bowel movement
Having a bowel movement at least once every two
days may be at least associated with decreased risk
of colon cancer.
Facts: Keeping gut transit time under 20
hours seems to decrease the incidence of colon
cancer, probably by decreasing the contact time
between the gut lining and cancer-potentiating
substances in the diet. These substances influence
DNA damage and repair and therefore probably also
influence the rate of aging as well. Epidemiological
studies in humans and animal studies suggest that
increasing dietary fiber will reduce the risk of
certain cancers perhaps by increasing the frequency
of bowel movements. On the other hand, recent
reports indicate that the association may not be as
clear as once believed. In addition to increased
transit time and therefore less contact between
carcinogens and the bowel wall, perhaps other
factors that increase transit time such as regular
exercise might be the real reason for decreased
cancer risk.
2. Male: Self- examinations for cancer
Self-examination is critical in detecting this
cancer before it is too late. What's the big deal to
check yourself while you are in the shower? In about
90% of cases, men have a painless or an
uncomfortable lump on a testicle, or they may notice
testicular enlargement or swelling. Men with
testicular cancer often report a sensation of
heaviness or aching in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
Facts: Most testicular cancers occur
between the ages of 15 and 40. But, this cancer can
affect males of any age, including infants and
elderly men. Self-examination is critical in
detecting this cancer before it is too late. In
about 90% of cases, men have a painless or an
uncomfortable lump on a testicle, or they may notice
testicular enlargement or swelling. Men with
testicular cancer often report a sensation of
heaviness or aching in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
For more information, go to the American Cancer
Society's Testicular Cancer resource Center:
http://www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo/load_cont.asp?st=ds&ct=41&language=english
3. Cholesterol & Triglyceride level
HDL
Not knowing what your HDL level should be
considered a risk factor for heart disease and
stroke. It means you are not availing yourself of
some key information to decrease your risk for these
diseases.
Facts: HDL cholesterol is known as the
"good" cholesterol because a high level of HDL
cholesterol appears to protect against heart attack.
Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry
cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the
liver, where it is processed, dumped in the
intestine and then passed from the body. Some
experts believe that excess cholesterol is removed
from atherosclerotic plaque by HDL, thus slowing the
build-up. However, low HDL cholesterol levels (lower
than 35 mg/dL) may result in a greater risk for
heart disease and stroke. For more information about
cholesterol, other risk factors and treatment, go to
the American Heart Association's website at:
http://www.americanheart.org/
LDL
We know you are interested in your health and
future well-being because you are taking this
questionnaire. Now you need to take the next steps
that include diligent screening. Get your
cardiovascular disease risk factors, including your
LDL cholesterol level, checked.
Facts: A high level (higher than 130
mg/dL) of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL
cholesterol, reflects an increased risk of heart
attack and stroke. That's why LDL cholesterol is
often called "bad" cholesterol. When too much LDL
cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can lead to
the formation of plaque in the blood vessels that
feed the heart and the brain. When enough of this
blockage occurs, a heart attack or stroke can occur.
To learn more about risk factors you can modify, go
to the American Heart Association's website at:
http://www.americanheart.org/catalog/Health_catpage12.html
Triglycerides
Knowing your risk for cardiovascular disease and
stroke is important if you are going to positively
impact your health span. Some of these factors that
increase your risk could be high even if you think
you have a healthy diet and you exercise regularly.
Thus, you need to see your health professional and
get your blood tested.
Facts: Triglycerides are the form in which
fat exists in meats, cheese, fish, nuts, vegetable
oils, and the greasy layer on the surface of soup
stocks or in a pan in which bacon has been fried. A
recent Danish study found that men with the highest
levels of triglycerides were more than twice as
likely to have a heart attack when compared to those
with the lowest triglyceride levels. In a healthy
person, triglycerides and other fatty substances are
normally moved into the liver and into storage cells
to provide energy for later use. People with less
than 200 milligrams of triglycerides per deciliter
(mg/dL) of blood are considered to have normal
triglyceride levels. However, the Danish study
indicated that levels even as low as 145 mg/dL could
indicate increased risk. Between 200 and 400 mg/dL
is borderline high; between 400 and 1,000 mg/dL is a
high triglyceride level; and greater than 1,000
mg/dL is considered very high triglycerides. For
more information about triglycerides go to the
American Heart Association's Website at:
http://www.americanheart.org/
4. Blood pressure
a. Systolic
A systolic of 130 to 139 is borderline elevated.
You and your health professional need to keep on eye
on this. Try to get your pressure down with weight
loss if you are overweight, a healthy diet, stress
management and exercise. If your pressure continues
to increase, you may need to bring it down with
medication.
Facts: Blood pressure results from two
forces. The first force is created as your heart
pumps blood into the arteries and through the
circulatory system and this is the systolic
pressure. The second is created as the arteries
resist the blood flow and this is the diastolic
pressure. A systolic blood pressure greater than 140
is considered high, meaning that the person is at
increased risk for heart attack and stroke. The risk
climbs thereafter in proportion to the pressure.
b. Diastolic
You have a normal diastolic blood pressure.
Exercise, stress management and, if you are
overweight, getting your weight down will probably
lower it… the closer to the 70-80 range the better.
Facts: Blood pressure results from two
forces. The first force is created as your heart
pumps blood into the arteries and through the
circulatory system and this is the systolic
pressure. The second is created as the arteries
resist the blood flow and this is the diastolic
pressure. A systolic blood pressure greater than 140
is considered high, meaning that the person is at
increased risk for heart attack and stroke. The risk
climbs thereafter in proportion to the pressure.
5. Diabetes/ Blood Sugar Level
Like high blood pressure, a person can have
diabetes for a long time and not know it, thus it is
very important that children and adults are
regularly screened. Get your blood sugar checked at
least every three years and watch for some of the
more common symptoms of diabetes including excessive
and persistent thirst, voiding large amounts of
urine frequently with normal amounts of fluid
intake, unexplained weight loss.
Facts: Diabetes occurs because a person's
body does not make enough insulin and/or because the
cells and tissues in their body are relatively
resistant to the insulin they produce (and so the
insulin is less effective). As a result, diabetics
can have large amounts of glucose in their
circulation. By far and away, the more common form
of diabetes is Adult Onset Diabetes and this is
often associated with obesity. This form is often
well controlled (meaning the blood glucose level is
kept normal) with weight loss, diet and/or oral
medication. Sometimes insulin injections are
necessary. The other form of diabetes is called
juvenile diabetes, which more often occurs in
children and requires insulin injections. Good
control has been shown to decrease risk of heart and
kidney disease and diabetic eye problems, all
unfortunate problems associated with diabetes. Like
high blood pressure, a person can have diabetes for
a long time and not know it, thus it is very
important that children and adults are regularly
screened for it. The good news is that people are
leaving long, productive and basically otherwise
normal lives given the excellent treatments
available. Watch for some of the more common
symptoms of diabetes including excessive and
persistent thirst, voiding large amounts of urine
frequently with normal amounts of fluid intake,
unexplained weight loss. Take a diabetes risk test:
American Diabetes Association:
http://www.diabetes.org/ada/risktest.asp
6. Last medical check-up
Regular checkups are so important. The frequency
of checkups depends on your age and what if any
medical or other clinically relevant problems you
might have. Generally, anyone age 40 or older should
be having annual checkups. Please set up an
appointment for a checkup as soon as possible. A
conscientious program of screening and prevention
are key to living into old age in good health.
E. FAMILY HISTORY
2. Diabetes in Family
You are lucky to not have diabetes running in
your family. Now do a good job of taking advantage
of those genes and don't do things that could
predispose you to the disease nonetheless, such as
being obese.
Facts: Diabetes causes excessive exposure
to glucose and therefore debilitating cross-linking
of proteins. This results in age-related problems
such as cataracts, impaired nerve function, eye
disease, heart disease and other vascular problems.
Take a diabetes risk test: American Diabetes
Association:
http://www.diabetes.org/ada/risktest.asp
3. Cancer in Family
Your family history is warning you to be extra
diligent about screening for various cancers and to
do what you can to prevent it. Speak with your
health care provider about what you can do to screen
for cancer and catch it before it catches you.
4. How old and how healthy are/were your
parents?
Mother:
Because your mother died before age 80, there is
a concern that health problems can occur prematurely
in your family. This is information to take
advantage of. Be extra diligent about prevention and
screening.
b. Father
It is great that your dad is healthy. Given that
he is less than 80, it is still a bit hard to
predict his longevity and therefore form some idea
of the longevity in your family.
Facts: Genetics plays a significant role
in the ability to achieve extreme old age. If both
sides of your family contract diseases associated
with aging significantly before average life
expectancy, then it behooves you to do all you can
to maximize your health status. If you have
significant extreme longevity in your family, this
will help significantly in your own ability to
achieve old age in good health.
5. In terms of longevity in your family,
did any of your grandparents, or siblings of your
parents live beyond the age of 94 years?
You may well have someone in your family who is
currently alive at 100 years old or older. If this
is the case, please go to:
www.bumc.bu.edu/centenarian. The New England
Centenarian Study studies centenarians and their
families from around the world and because
centenarians are so rare, your assistance would be
so greatly apprecrated.
Take the Quiz Again
Relevant Links:
The Alliance for Aging
Research
The Paul Beeson Physician
Faculty
Scholars in Aging Research Program
The New England Centenarian Study
Shape-Up America!
American Heart
Association
American Lung
Association
PBS's Stealing Time
"This important and timely book should be
required reading for those who wish to live
longer and do so with enhanced health and
well-being."--Herbert
Benson, M.D., Harvard University, author of
The Relaxation Response and
Timeless Healing
"Based on their extensive personal
research on the lives of many centenarians,
Dr. Perls and Dr. Silver replace much of the
mythology about these unique humans with a
credible analysis of the facts leading to
their longevity. For those who aspire to
live for one hundred healthy years and want
a well-written book to tell them how, this
is the place to start."--Leonard
Hayflick, Ph.D., University of California,
San Francisco, author of How and Why We
Age
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ABOUT THE BOOK AND AUTHORS
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