There is a fountain of youth - ...Benefits available for elderly By Sheila Cluff, Contributor In a recent medical project, it was determined that regular exercise offers a proven way to reduce the signs of ageing. It might be said that exercise is actually the Fountain of Youth and depending on how you "drink" from it, or should I say exercise, you can definitely reap benefits. According to Dr. Barbara Drinkwater, "An average woman in her 50s who exercises is about equal in heart and lung function to a sedentary woman in her 30s or even 20s." This was established in Dr. Drinkwater's research study. Exercise won't cure disease, however, but it will lower the risk for obesity, hypertension and diabetes, all of which boost the odds of heart attack which is fast becoming the number one killer of women in industrialised nations. If you need a few more statistics to get you to exercise, consider that there are no significant cardiovascular effects of ageing until age 50 for active women. And active women's percentage of body fat remained stable over the years, while the sedentary woman edged up from average of 28 per cent to 35 percent body fat. Excess body fat raises the risk of coronary disease. Want to have your fill from the fitness fountain of youth? Here's what you can do: 1. Exercise often - Make your goal to exercise aerobically four times a week. You can exercise more, but use a less vigorous programme on the off days, such as alternating running with brisk walking or swimming. 2. Plan exercise as part of your regular lifestyle, especially when you vacation and travel. Book hotels, cruises, vacation resorts at locations, which have bona fide workout rooms. 3. Dress for your sport - Do not attempt to wear tennis shoes to run, or running shoes for tennis. Likewise, dress the way you see athletes in your programme dress - they do know how to win. 4. Make a conscious effort to increase the fibre in your diet. I recommend both miller's bran and a water-soluble fibre such as oat bran in a healthy menu. 5. Have a complete check up and stress test, if your physician recommends it. Be sure to have a thorough blood evaluation especially with a cholesterol rating. Even medical labs make mistakes, so if you feel your tests are off, have them repeated. Take your medical professional's advice. 6. Get serious about your body but pamper it - Know that pain is an early warning sign that something is wrong, not that you're supposed to work harder. Should you suffer a sports injury, contact your doctor and take it easy for a few days. 7. Right food - While eating all fresh foods might be out of the question, select food that's low in fat, sugar, salt and white flour and you will be healthier for it. Share this Fountain of Youth information, take it to heart and stay fit for life. Sheila Cluff/WorldWide Media
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