| Issue Date: June 10, 2001
Be The Best You Can Be
Right now
A sure-fire, head-to-toe list to drive your body parts to excellence.
Skin.
The prob. Elasticity goes. Wrinkles, blotches, spots, skin cancer.
Fixable factors. Sun, tobacco.
Action. Always use sunscreen (at least SPF 15) on all exposed areas. Use moisturizers with vitamin E, aloe. Tell dermatologist if moles or freckles get very dark or shiny, or if they grow. Stop smoking!
Go to top
Hair.
The prob. By 30, 25% are balding; by 60, almost 70% are bald or have balding pattern. Blame genetics. Fever, stress cause temporary loss.
Action. Rogaine, other drugs have good results in 10% of cases. Hair plugs have improved. Or be fashionable: Shave it all off.
Go to top
Brain.
The prob. Memory starts fading by 30.
Fixable factors. Stress, nutrition.
Action. Meditate. Reduce overload. Multivitamin daily, plus 1,000mg vitamin C, 50mg lipoic acid, 500 IU vitamin E, 30mg coenzyme Q-10. Eat fish, fruit, veggies; drink tea. Best memory device: Write things down.
Go to top
Hearing.
The prob. By 45, 25% have losses, especially high frequencies.
Fixable factors. Wax, prevention.
Action. Use over-the-counter ear wash. Always have ear plugs handy: Any noise that requires you to raise your voice to be heard is potentially damaging.
Go to top
Eyesight.
The prob. Fine print tough to read; may not be noticed till age 40.
Fixable factors. Environment.
Action. Computer users: bigger fonts, sit back from screen, give eyes a break every 15 minutes. Good lighting inside, sunglasses outside. See eye doctor.
Go to top
Teeth.
The prob. Gum disease linked to heart disease.
Fixable factors. Decay, receding gums.
Action. Daily: Gently brush twice, floss once. Use a soft toothbrush. Twice a year: checkup, cleaning.
Go to top
Breath.
The prob. 25% have bad breath.
Fixable factors. Bacteria cause 90% of halitosis.
Action. Brush tongue, especially in back; if you gag, use a tongue scraper. Alcohol-free mouthwash, sugar-free mints. Still stinky? See a doctor; you may be ill.
Go to top
Wild hair.
The prob. Hair poking from ears, nose.
Action. Use clippers. For hairy backs, permanent laser removal, about $1,000.
Go to top
Stamina/energy.
The prob. Life passes you by.
Fixable factors. Diet, exercise, sleep.
Action. Aerobic exercise (running, walking). Strength training. 2 cups of caffeinated coffee a day, tops: More may hurt sleep.
Go to top
Reproduction.
The prob. Infertility (uncommon).
Fixable factors. Underwear.
Action. Wear boxers, not briefs, to help sperm production. Get checkup.
Go to top
Arthritis/joints.
The prob. Aches, pains.
Fixable factors. Exercise.
Action. Low-impact walking, cycling, swimming. Ask doctor for exercises to strengthen joints. Over-the-counter creams, pain relievers. Try glucosamine, chondroitin supplements.
Go to top
Good sex/libido.
The prob. Over age 40, half have some impotence.
Fixable factors. Illness, relationship, stress, alcohol.
Action. Rule out high blood pressure, diabetes. Max of 2 drinks daily. Prescription medicines help; most others won't. Consider counseling.
Go to top
Jock itch/athletes foot.
The prob. Embarrassing itch.
Fixable factors. Fungus.
Action. Drugstore remedies (Lamisil, Tinactin). Dry fanatically after showers. Apply baby powder. Wear light socks, open shoes.
Go to top
Muscles.
The prob. Muscle mass peaks at age 24; 10% is lost by 50; 40% by 80. Weakness leads to injury.
Fixable factors. Inactivity.
Action. At least twice a week, do 2 sets (15 repetitions per set) of these 10 exercises: chest press, biceps curl, seated row, triceps extension, quadriceps extension, leg press, hamstring curl, hip flexor (knee up), ab crunch, spinal extension. Do slow, deliberate reps.
|
