10/20/00

Subject: (GH) Health & Longevity Mysteries of Aging
Reply to: gentry@alternativedr.com

In this week's Health & Longevity newsletter:
*Mysteries of Aging
*Reader feedback on motivation
*Dr. May answers readers questions

Death, taxes, aging---all pretty much guarantees in life. People work with their accountants to reduce their taxes, but what can they do to reduce the effects of aging? I wanted to bring to your attention some interesting research.

Two recent animal studies offer a possible explanation of how reducing calories may enhance human health and extend life.

A study from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) shows that a 30% reduction in calories in a monkey's diet leads to elevation in good levels of cholesterol (HDL2B) with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. The full report can be viewed at
http://www.alternativedr.com/newsletter/nih.html .

A New York Times article recently touted the benefits of calorically restricted diets with a possible 30-40% life extension. The scientists thought this possible not only through eating 30% less, but perhaps through a pill or gene manipulation. The article is here at
http://nytimes.com/2000/09/22/science/22AGIN.html

The NY Times also ran a report saying that aging may result from the brain's hormonal signals. All very interesting...
http://nytimes.com/2000/10/10/science/10AGIN.html

Note: The NY Times may require you to register before reading their articles. It's free.

So, I ask the readers, what do you do to reduce the effects of aging? And is it working? mailto:gentry@alternativedr.com .

Are your health disorders (such as thyroid or weight problems) caused or complicated by one or more nutritional deficiencies? Click here to find out how to analyze your nutritional health http://www.fredacare.com/d/s116t

Reader's Feedback on Motivation

From Debi in DC,
My work offers me access to a gym at no cost - so to keep motivated - I consider it income I am losing if I don't take advantage of its use. In addition, nothing is more motivating than taking a break from work to go do something for yourself.

From Lisa,
I've always enjoyed group activities. I take lots of spinning classes because they're the most challenging cardio workout I've found. The way I trick myself when I'm having trouble, maybe not feeling quite up to par, is to look around the room. It's all it takes. Everyone is at a different fitness level. I'm sure there are others in the class having a rough time. Knowing that we're in there side-by-side cheering each other on makes all the difference in the world.

From Ann,
Staying motivated for exercise is USUALLY easy because exercising has so many pros: it gives you much more energy and generally makes you a better person, both mentally and physically. I was in a car accident about five years ago and had a severe brain injury. I've recovered pretty well, but I must admit: I am and always will be handicapped. The handicap isn't severe. My main physical problem is lack of balance. But I can get around. Many people, including doctors, see my recovery as miraculous. I believe a lot of it has to do with exercise. Exercise and family & friends. Exercise not only boosts your physical capabilities, it cleans your mind. Something may be bugging me so bad and all I do is exercise (usually something cardio when it's not that big a deal, but cardio and weights when I'm going nuts) and it's hard for me to remember what was bugging me so bad by the time I'm through.

There are some times when exercising is about the last thing I want to do. What I do is look at the big picture. If I don't feel like it because I'm too tired, I convince myself that a LIGHTER workout (ie. shorter time, less strenuous) isn't that big a deal, and I'll feel better by the time I'm through. And I USUALLY do.

Dr. Lloyd May, MD Answers Readers Questions

We've posted all of Dr. May's answers as well as past Issues of Health & Longevity on our Website at http://www.alternativedr.com/newsletter/index.html

Stumped by medical terms? Check out AlternativeDr.com's Glossary of Medical Terms at http://www.alternativedr.com/glossary/HerbalEGlossaryAB.jsp

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We look forward to hearing from you!

Have a great weekend!

Gentry Holbert
Dr. Lloyd A. May, MD
gentry@alternativedr.com