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Vascular Aging: What Your Doctor Knows About Vascular Disorders

Author — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:16:06 +0000

Vascular aging is something that we all have to deal with as we grow older. Although some people are fortunate not to really have problems with vascular aging, a lot of people suffer from various diseases due to vascular aging. If you are one of those people who have family history of vascular diseases, you may have inherited these diseases from your ancestors to be very careful with your health as you grow older.

Common Vascular Diseases That Are Associated with Vascular Aging

Venous disease is one of the common problems associated with vascular aging. Actually, vascular aging is not the only reason why people suffer from this type of disease. Both the young and the old are prone to this disease. Why happens when you have venous disease? Venous disease is caused by inflammation or blockage in the veins especially around your legs. This condition can lead to difficulty in walking, pain, swelling and even leg ulcers. Although this type of disease is not exact serious, if not treated properly, this type of disease can lead to complications.

Another vascular disorder that is often linked with vascular aging is renal artery disease. This disease is caused by a blockage in the renal arteries. Unlike the venous disease that is not really serious, renal artery disease can be quite fatal. When the arteries around the renal area are blocked, kidney functions may be impaired which can lead to further complications like high blood pressure.

Aside from renal artery disease, another serious disorder that can be linked to vascular aging is abdominal aortic aneurysm. Note that the aorta is the largest blood vessel of the body. When this blood vessel is weakened, it can burst and kill the person. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and right treatment, abdominal aortic aneurysm can be cured.

Who Are At Risk For Vascular Disorders?

According to experts, most people develop vascular diseases later in life. People who are already in their 50s and older are more prone to vascular disorders compared to those people who are still in their 40s. Note that vascular aging in a risk factor here. People who are suffering from diabetes mellitus and heart disease are at risk of suffering from vascular disorders. Moreover, people who smoke are more prone to this type of disease compared to those who do not smoke. In fact, studies show that smoking is the number risk factor when it comes to vascular disorders.

How to Prevent Premature Aging

Author — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:09:03 +0000

Today people in the United States are living to a far older age and are more aware of living a lifestyle that will automatically prevent aging than were their parents or grandparents. Great efforts are made by the manufactures of these age blocking products to target this 100 billion dollar market and to get their fair share of money spent on anti-aging products.

Power of the Mind

You are who you want to be and you feel how you want to feel. Is the glass half empty or half full? Having a positive attitude about life in general can automatically have the daily effect of drinking from the fountain of youth.

Internal stress can build up inside and greatly increase the amount of aging chemicals in your body. When in doubt, give someone the benefit of the doubt, and enjoy how much younger it makes you feel. Standing up and giving your seat to an older person on a bus or light rail will also prevent premature aging.

Balanced Diet

The person today, who is trying to prevent premature aging by controlling their diet, has many more choices than their grandparents did. Shall you become a vegetarian or a vegan? Shall you only eat organic food? The list goes on and on.

Being overweight in this country is the biggest contributor to diabetes and heart disease that kill hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. People who are in good physical condition also tend to be more positive people who age more slowly as a result.

Good Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep allows your body to re-charge itself while using a very small amount of energy reducing the effects of premature aging. The less energy your body uses, the slower it ages. An afternoon nap on your lunchtime at work will reduce stress levels and also slow down the aging process. The more you sleep the younger you feel.

Physical Exercise

Getting a good physical workout every day and making sure that you sweat a lot will help you sleep better and have a positive attitude about everything in your life. The boost of energy you receive will benefit both your business and personal life immensely and will help reduce the effects of premature aging.

Cigarettes and Alcohol

These two bad habits contribute to premature aging on a daily basis and many times are the most difficult habits to break. Also, if you drink and smoke you have less energy and drive to complete your daily workout. It is indeed a vicious circle.

The National Institute on Aging: What They Can do for You

Author — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:08:00 +0000

The National Institute on Aging is part of the NIH and is basically involved in a scientific approach to understand the aging process and to discover ways to keep people healthy and leading active lives when they become senior citizens. The congress gave power to the National Institute on Aging in 1974 to take the leadership in research, training, distributing information regarding health issues for seniors as well as other programs that pertain to the aging process. They have also been designated as the primary Federal government organization regarding research for Alzheimer’s disease.

Research

The goal of the National Institute on Aging is to finds ways to improve the health of older citizens. They try to achieve their goal by being involved in pertinent research and supporting others in research on the topic of aging. They research the aging process in general and also diseases that effect older citizens as well as specific problems and needs of older citizens. They are very involved in training skilled research scientist of all ages. They keep up with the newest technology and resources which will allow them to improve their research capabilities.

They are involved in distributing information and communicating with people and groups regarding the latest information about the aging process. They are constantly providing the updates on the lasted news and information. The National Institute on Aging is involved in age research by way of intramural as well as extramural programs. The extramural program provides funding for age related research and training at universities, various medical centers, numerous hospitals as well as numerous private and public programs across the country.

Biology of Aging

Biology of Aging is one of the extramural programs supported by the National Institute on Aging. They fund research activities as well as training to improve and extend the health span of citizens by increasing the knowledge of the biological factors that are involved in the process of aging. The Behavioral and Social Research organization is involved in providing funding and support to research projects and training regarding the aging process on individuals as well as on a society level.

The Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology provides funding and support for research projects on health and disease issues for older citizens as well as research regarding aging during the life span of people. The website of the National Institute on Aging has a wide variety of information concerning the aging process and about the various program they support. They also have in formation on their website regarding finding opportunities for research and training.

Memory Loss and Aging: How the Brain Changes as we Age

Author — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:07:06 +0000

According to studies, our brain age like the rest of our body. By the age of 20, we begin to lose a few brain cells. However, memory loss and aging should not really be of much concern to most of us at this point. We must understand that memory loss and aging is a long slow process.

For most people memory loss and aging do not even go together. A lot of people who are already in their 60s and 70s have very good memory. On the other hand, there are a lot of young people who are still in their early twenties who are already experiencing memory loss. Yes, memory loss is more common among the elderly than the young but that does not really mean that memory loss and aging goes together all the time.

What Causes Memory Loss?

There are a number of reasons why people lose their memory. According to experts, memory loss may be triggered by certain types of diseases such as depression and dementia. Among the elderly, severe memory loss is often linked to Alzheimer’s disease which affects the brain.

Another possible cause of memory loss is head injury and stroke. Severe head trauma can affect the brains and may lead to temporary or even permanent memory loss. It is not uncommon for people who suffer severe head injuries to have temporary complete amnesia. Fortunately, most people who suffer amnesia after an accident eventually regain their memory.

People who abuse drugs and alcohol often suffer from memory loss. According to experts, drug abuse can have severe effects on the brain. Prolonged use of prohibited drugs could lead to severe brain damage in some people. Younger people are more prone to severe brain damage from the use of prohibited drugs. On the other hand, alcoholism can lead to early deterioration of the human brain. Studies show that alcoholics are more likely to suffer from severe memory loss as they age compared to people who are only moderate drinkers.

When Can You Say That Your Memory Problems Are Serious?

Memory loss and aging happens gradually. It is normal for us to forget names and faces every now and then. However, when you start to forget what you have done just a few minutes ago or if you tend to forget your regular routines, you better get some help. Severe memory loss can be a sign of dementia or other types of diseases that affect your brain functions.

Medical Aging Services: Caring for Your Elderly Parents

Author — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:06:35 +0000

It is not always easy to care for our aging parents at home. Yes, we all want to be with our parents during their twilight years but there are times when circumstances would simply not permit us. When our elderly parents reached the point where they will need special medical attention, we need to step back and let a good medical aging service provider take the responsibility of caring for our elderly parents.

No, you are not being disloyal or anything to your parents if you let a medical aging service provider take care of their needs. You must understand that medical aging services providers know more about taking care of elderly people that you do. These service providers have trained personnel who can respond to your parent’s medical needs efficiently.

Moreover, these service providers have people who can concentrate solely on taking care of your parents while you attend to other things like going to work or taking care of your own family. Always remember that you have a life of your own and you need to move on even when your parents are already gone. Besides, if you are married and have kids of your own, you need to take care of your family as well. There is really no point of robbing the little ones with what precious time you can give them.

When Should You Hire a Medical Aging Service Provider?

If one or both of your parents is ill will some long-term degenerative ailment that makes it impossible for him or her to be alone for more than two hours at a time, it is time for you to consider hiring the services of a medical aging service provider. Note that unless you are a medical professional yourself and you have all the time in the world to be with your parents, you will have a hard time coping with the task of caring for your parents at this point.

However, just because you have hired the services of a medical aging service provider that does not mean that you will relinquish all the responsibilities of taking care of your parents to the medical aging service provider. Note that the medical aging service provider cannot replace the kind of love and care that you can give to your elderly parents so you need to be with them as much as possible. If you opt to put your parents in a medical aging facility, visit them regularly and let them know that you love them.

Human Aging: The Science

Author — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:05:15 +0000

A lot of people who are approaching their senior years or are in their senior years are searching for products that can slow down the process of human aging. Numerous scientists in the filed of aging are concerned that the makers of these products are making statements about the benefits of their products that are not based on quality scientific research and they are misleading the public.

of the scientists that are highly knowledgeable about human aging have worked together to create a paper that provides information regarding the best current scientific information on the subject of aging. Three of the participants that helped produce the paper have produced a shorter report named No Truth to the Fountain of Youth.

Life Span

In the past century numerous public health campaigns, improvements in the field of medicine as well as improvements in the living environments of humans has significantly increased the life span of human beings. People are living longer lives in developed countries in the world which has been primarily attributed to human knowledge. Scientists believe that we can expect more advancement in the quality of lives of older people as well as extend the life span of people due to advancements made in biomedical sciences, and improvements in public health.

Scientists area concerned with people in the health care field and age related businesses that are providing services and products that are not based in scientific facts. They are providing products and services that do not slow down human aging. Some of the lifestyle changes people are making in order to slow down the process of aging can have a negative influence on their lives.

Geriatric Medicines

Geriatric medicines are very useful for helping seniors that are coping with human aging. Advances in medications for age related health problems have been successful at preventing death and for improving the health of seniors and allowing some of them to continue with their active lifestyles. The advancement in medications that deal with problems associated with human aging can help with the problems of aging but they cannot slow down the process of aging. However, there is still more research to be done and knowledge to be gathered in order to deal better with problems associated with human aging.

Antioxidants have become popular for people who are trying to slow down the human aging process since some people have claimed that supplements containing antioxidants have been positively influencing the aging process. However, most scientists believe that antioxidants can lower the chances of acquiring age related diseases including cancer, heart disease, cataracts as well as macular degeneration however there is very little scientific information which proves that antioxidants are effective at slowing down the aging process. It’s important to look for quality scientific evidence when looking for information regarding human aging.

Healthy Aging: Live Right, Live Longer

Author — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:04:40 +0000

Many of us never really think about the health consequences of our lifestyle. When we are young, it is so easy to believe that we can live forever and do whatever we want. Unfortunately, all those unhealthy practices that we have when we were younger take a toll on our health and we move into the later years of our lives.

For many people, healthy aging is quite difficult to achieve simply because they have not really cared for their bodies while they were younger. Fortunately, healthy aging is not exacting that elusive. Even if you are already in your forties or fifties, you can still turn the tables around and start living a healthy life. Always remember that healthy aging is very important. If you want to live long and healthy after retirement, do not take things for granted.

Starting Down the Path Toward Healthy Aging

The best way to ensure healthy aging is to invest in your health as early as possible. If you have been abusing your health for the past years, now is the right time to cut back on your healthy habits. The first thing to go would be that cigarette on your hand. No, there is no compromise when it comes to smoking. You have to stop that habit before it stops you.

Studies show that people who has been smoking heavily in the past is more likely to suffer from lung cancer as they grow older. What is more alarming about smoking is that it does not only affect the smoker. A lot of people who do not smoke die of lung cancer each year. Why is that? Secondary smoking or being exposed to cigarette smokes from people around you can weaken your lungs and cause lung cancer.

Another thing that you need to change now to attain healthy aging is your diet. If you are one of those people who have been living on fast foods, rethink your priorities. Yes, fast foods are convenient and they cost less but fast foods do not give you the right nutrients to keep your body healthy and strong.

Note that fast foods are loaded with fats and carbohydrates. If you eat too much fats and carbohydrates, you expose yourself to health risk like diabetes, obesity, hypertension and others. If you are really keen on the idea of healthy aging, forget about fast foods. Fast foods are not your ticket to healthy aging. Instead of eating fast foods, eat more whole grains. You should also eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Genetic Treatments to Slow Aging

Author — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:04:01 +0000

One of the most dynamic aspects of genetic research is the quest to create genetic treatments to slow ageing. The definitive goal in the engineering of genetic treatments to slow aging is to understand ageing in human beings. Much of the studies for human genetics are not only conducted on human beings but also on replica organisms such as the fly, worm, rodents and yeast to find genetic variations that affect ageing.
According to Geneticists, at birth human beings are endowed with 30,000 active genes. As we age these genes slowly become inactive resulting in a slowing down of bodily functions such as a reduced immunity, slower metabolism, loss of energy and weakened eyesight.
Genetic treatments to slow aging experiments have been conducted that can live six times their usual span. Geneticists claim they may have tapped into one of the most fundamental factors that which controls the rate at which people age.
The genetic treatments to slow aging tests were conducted on single-celled organisms, forcing them into as geneticists claim an “extreme survival mode”. Rather than growing quickly and showing signs of ageing the organisms became pliant to damage and were better able to repair the genetic defects that build up with age, often leading to cancer in later life.
Scientists believe that drastically cutting calories triggers a switch in an organism’s behavior to a state of starvation and subsequently growth and ageing are put on hold at the expense of reproductive ability until more food is available. Scientists are now trying to copy the effect by manipulating the gene pool in the hope of developing anti-ageing treatments that work without having to cut food intake.
According to the study, genetic treatments to slow aging experiments with animals are likely to continue for the next decade before tests in humans will begin. If the same genetic apparatus exist in humans, researches believe it could lead to drugs that suppress ageing, particularly after people have had families. In addition, scientists at Stanford have claim that they can reverse the ageing of skin in mice, making it look at act like new.
Researches claim that the genome has amazing plasticity and when you understand the logic of the cells it may be possible to reprogram them to reverse the ageing process. However, researches go further to say that their discoveries do not translate directly to humans.
Last year in the United States, youth crazed human beings spent five point eight billion dollars on skincare products. This demonstrates that they are not afraid of taking risks to find the ultimate genetic treatment to slow aging down even if it has been clinically or scientifically unproven.

Fear of Aging: It Doesn’t Have to be Like That!

Author — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:03:15 +0000

The fear of aging affects every individual at one point or another. Ageing is change to your body and mind through the course of one person’s lifespan. Most people have a negative perception of ageing to the point it creates extreme anxiety in their lives and devalues the quality of their life. As one grows fear of aging may mean the loss of beauty, the loss of teeth, wrinkles, and the loss of bodily organs.

This is a transformation of the physical realm of reality of which society heavily focuses. Indeed, society helps to feed this anxiety toward ageing. As we age society seems t0 desire us less and less and contributes to the fear of aging. We are no longer useful in the labor force. We are no longer attractive. We are hidden from society by being put into homes so the rest of us don’t have to be reminded that one day we will be in this very position and in fact it is inevitable.

Making the Process More Enjoyable

Consequently we feel powerless to this undesirable process. The fashion, cosmetic and plastic surgery industries are having a hay day over our anxieties and fear of aging. In fact, they feed our fears because after all it is in their economic interest to keep us fearing and buying their products and services in this vain believe that we will somehow avoid impending death.

However, there is more than one way to look at ageing. In fact, the word has many negative connotations that come along with it. According to Buddha, in order to avoid suffering and pain we must detach from our physical reality and perceive it only as a temporary illusion. By doing so we release ourselves from fear and suffering. We decide to live in the moment and be grateful for good or bad and this includes the deterioration of the body.

In addition, our preoccupation with the loss of our youth prevents us from welcoming the changes and mystery the journey ahead presents. However, one can make a radical shift towards embracing the gifts of aging. There are other ways to deal with ageing in order to create a positive, wonderful learning process.

As we grow older it is important we cultivate our relationships even more. We need to keep in contact with someone close through thick and thin and subsequently our relationships will be based on deeper factors rather than just the way someone looks.

Become aware of your spirit and develop spirituality when through prayer, meditation, or Yoga. We all need to feel the inner sense of our innate divinity.Lastly, make a difference in your world by doing something for people who need your help. All over the world, love and help is needed and by helping the animals, people or the earth we can tap into our inner power and let our true beauty shine at any age rather than focusing on the fear of aging.

The Effects of Aging and How to Counteract Them

Author — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:01:24 +0000

It’s no secret that the older we get the more our bodies break down and need a little extra tender loving care. Finding out the effects of aging is the first step in learning how to remain physiologically young even when our chronological age begins to advance.

It is true that age is just a number, as you can remain young and vibrant throughout your life if you take good care of yourself and take proper precautionary steps. All the things your mother told you and that seem like plain common sense are really the things that you should be doing to maintain good health.

Internal Aging

The obvious signs of aging are wrinkles and lines that start to appear where once your skin was smooth and taut. However much more serious effects of aging are taking place on the inside of your body. One of the tell tale effects of aging is a loss of strength. Your loss of strength manifests itself in small ways that you may not notice or take too seriously.

Suddenly you can’t open that jar or you find yourself getting tired when you try and do the same things you always do. These are signs that the body is slowing down on the inside. One of the effects of aging is a loss of muscle tone. Your muscles shrink the older you get and the number of muscle fibers as well as the size of those fibers begins to lessen and shrink.

Your bones also suffer the effects of aging, mineral content in your bones decrease and your bones become less dense and you are more susceptible to factures and breaks as a result. The loss of bone mass, another sign of aging, also known, as osteoporosis is usually associated with women but it can happen in both men and women.

Exercise is the Way to Go

Exercise is the best way to counteract the effects of aging. A lifestyle that does not include exercise will contribute to loss of muscle mass and increase lethargy. Exercising regularly and including weight training and light resistance into your daily exercise routine is a good way to prevent muscle loss as well as heart disease, high blood pressure and some types of cancer. You don’t have to be running marathons to combat the effects of aging.

Simply exercising moderately for about 30 minutes everyday can make a huge difference to your health. Incorporate exercise into your daily life rather than set aside a specific time to exercise. Break the 30 minutes up into three ten-minute walks whether to the grocery store or some time in the garden. Swimming and cycling are also good exercises that don’t put pressure on the joints while giving you a good cardiovascular workout.