This eZine (No. 34)

Fitness:	Combating the Effects of a Desk Job
Nutrition:	Toxin in Your Drink
Supplements:	Healthy Skin Needs the Nutrition of Vitamins and Minerals
Anti-Aging:	Stress, Immune System and Age
Power Mind:	Choose Your Friends Carefully
Sexuality:	10 Things Sex Over 60 Can Teach Us About Sex Under 40

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Combating the Effects of a Desk Job

by Ainsley Laing MSc

As you might already recognize from my previous articles, I am a crusader for correcting muscle imbalances.  Muscle imbalances occur in all of us through daily activities and movements.  In this article, I would like to discuss the types of imbalances that occur in people who sit for long periods of time, say in a computer related job or taxi driver.

If you are reading this now, you are probably in a sitting position (unless you are in a Starbucks at one of the standing internet stations, and also having a coffee YUM).  Focus on your body position.  What muscles do you feel are shorter and which are longer (contracted vs stretched)?  Basically, the muscles of the front of your body are shorter and the back side are longer. If you are using your mouse or typing, your shoulders and neck are rounded a bit forward.

Ok, so the muscles of your chest, abdomen and hip flexors (connect top of legs to torso in front) are tighter, and your butt and back (especially upper back) are looser.  Over time, this position weakens the muscles of the back, butt and back of the upper leg and leaves the body with over tight hip flexors (putting stress on the low back) and tight chest muscles (pulling shoulders forward). A rounded spine is not good either!  

“That’s ok”, you say. “I go to the gym and do strength training”….great!!! BUT I think you can see where I am going with this…

If you are sitting at a computer or driving a car (or any other sitting activity) for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to emphasize working out the backside of your body a bit more than the front.  In other words, build the muscles of your lower, middle and upper back, the gluteal muscles (derrière) and the back of your upper leg.  Stretch a bit more those musles of the front like the quadriceps (front of the upper leg), hip flexors (front of the pelvic bones) and pectorals (chest). 

To illustrate this further, stand up from your desk and arch your back.  Drop your head back and let your arms fall down and back.  Basically, this is the opposite position from sitting.  How does that feel?  I bet your back and shoulders say AAAHHH, good.  In this position, the muscles of your back side are shortened and the front ones are lengthened. 

In yoga, there are many poses that involve arching the back.  Even the ancient masters knew about stretching and building opposing muscle groups to achieve “body balance”!

Taking this idea one step further…. In the gym or in your regular exercise routine, strengthen the muscles of your back, derrière and back of upper leg and you will see and feel the difference in your posture, with less back, shoulder and neck aches from your job.

For advice on which exercises build these muscle groups, talk to your trainer or check out the many books on the subject.

About the Author:
Ainsley Laing, MSc. has been a Fitness Trainer for 25 years and writes exclusively Body for Mind  eZine. She holds certifications in Group Exercise, Sports Nutrition and Person Fitness Training. Click here to read other articles by Ainsley.

Sources:
“The Weak Point Workout” by Scott Hudson.  http://www.mensfitness.com/fitness/100

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Toxin In Your Drink 

By: Elizabeth Gilley
 
 
People are always reminded to refrain from consuming too much sodas and softdrinks because they contain lots of sugar and can cause tooth decay. But never because they contain benzene. Benzene is a byproduct and chemical present in the atmosphere where there is presence of concentrated chemical pollutants. Benzene presence in softdrinks had been confirmed by a team of doctors in a research facility in Australia. This now posed a new barrage of health and medical concerns and debates.

A spokesperson from the FSANZ (Australia's food board) confirmed benzene presence of the said substance and proceeded to outline and allay the health and medical fears the results posed. According to the FSANZ, benzene is formed when the ascorbic acid in the beverage reacts with the food additives used for the soda. However, the resulting benzene is very low and at negligible amounts. The agency also eliminated the risk of poisoning and health problems that could be caused by benzene presence. FSANZ asserted that a person would have to consume over 20 liters of softdrink to reach the amount taken in from polluted air. But they also emphasized that benzene, in any form, is undesirable in food and drinks. The agency also assured the public that they are indeed working with softdrink manufacturers to further reduce the amount of possible benzene formation.

Despite the assurance of the FSANZ, a toxic specialist, Kathy Hughes expressed disappointment over the response of the FSANZ. According to her, it does not matter whether the benzene concentration is negligible or not, but the fact that it is in there and it is significant enough to be detected, should alert health and medical professionals. It is also imperative that consumption of softdrinks found with benzene should be stopped or else limited to adults since benzene can stunt the growth of the mental and physical faculties of children. She also stressed the significance of the surprising result of the combination of two relatively harmless substances: additives and ascorbic acid. She asserted that if two harmless and common substances used in food preparation resulted in a toxin, there could be much worse amounts in products that used the substances in higher concentrations. She called on to the FSANZ to reinforce more stringent measures not only on the finished products, but also on the substances used to make them. This is important to detect and stop possible toxin formation.

Lastly, perhaps it is better to limit intake of processed foods and beverages to ensure that less chemicals enter and pollute the body systems. Food safety should be a top priority for consumers and manufacturers alike. It is also wise to act on anything that raise health and medical problems immediately to avoid further complications.

About the Author:
For more valuable information on health and medical, please visit http://www.healthlistings.com

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Healthy Skin Needs The Nutrition Of Vitamins And Minerals 

By Holly Dodd
 
 
We all want to look our best. Healthy skin makes us look younger and makes us feel more beautiful. In addition to the cosmetic benefits of healthy skin there are other health benefits to consider. Our skin was designed to be a protective barrier to keep bacteria, viruses and other contaminants from entering the body. Eating healthy is a great start to keeping your skin healthy but adding vitamins and mineral supplements act as insurance.

Free-radical damage occurs in skin just like every other part of our bodies. Anti-oxidant vitamins, like vitamin A, C and E are essential in warding off this damage. One of the types of free radical damage is the

Anti-oxidant vitamins, like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are important to healthy skin because it is these vitamins that share in the responsibility of controlling the damage that free radicals, byproducts of energy production within the body and of environmental contaminants, produce. Collagen and elastin, which are fibers that support the skin, are damaged by these free radicals. As these are this damage occurs, wrinkles and a lack of that youthful elasticity begin to take place. Vitamin C is essential in the production of collagen, making it necessary to the look of the skin and its function. Recent studies have even found that the combination of Vitamins C and E can be used to help repair sun-damaged skin.

Small deficiencies of vitamin A can affect skins health and beauty. In addition to its anti-oxidant properties, vitamin A helps eliminate dryness and flakiness to the skin. This dryness makes lines and wrinkles in skin even more apparent than skin that is hydrated.

Vitamin A’s main use though is as a topical treatment for the reduction of lines and wrinkles and it’s been found effective against severe acne. Recent studies have found skin treatments that include the combination of Vitamin A and C can in some cases reverse the damage caused by aging and the sun.

Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to cracking, bleeding and even skin legions. These legions can be dangerous because they can allow bacteria, viruses and other contaminants to enter the body through the skin. Even a little shortage of Vitamin B can leave skin looking scaly and badly textured. Creams made with vitamin B have been found to hydrated skin cells, leaving firmer, healthier looking skin.

If you’re plagued by dark circles under your eyes, vitamin K has been found to help. Some studies claim that creams made up of both Vitamin K and Vitamin A are more effective than those made with Vitamin K, but research is still being done on this combination.

The minerals Selenium, Copper and Zinc have also been found to improve the look and health of skin. Selenium can be used as a topical treatment or a dietary supplement in an effort to prevent skin cancer. While Zinc, copper and the addition of vitamin C work together to keep skin healthy and firm by forming elastin.

Used correctly by following standard guidelines, vitamins and minerals can be a great way to keep skin looking young and healthy. The key is to recognize that these are powerful substances and care should be taken to use the proper dosage. Not following guidelines could result in effects that can result in serious side effects. Used correctly though, vitamins and minerals can be a welcome addition to your beauty regime.

About the Author:
Holly Dodd has been researching and writing about many consumer concerns such as skin care. She maintains a number of websites such as www.buckstopper.com to share

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Stress, Immune System and Age 

By N Singh

As ageing is associated with immunological changes, the effects of stress and age are interlinked where a deregulation of the immune function can have a significant impact on physical health. On the other hand stess can both enhance and increase the effects of aging, with older adults often showing greater immunological impairment to stress than younger adults. Therefore a good immune response is essential to our good health. In the same way immunological alterations and disturbances can influence the progression and severity of a variety of disorders and diseases, including stress related disorders. 

Also stressful experiences very early in life can alter the responsiveness of the nervous system and immune system. It is possible that prenatal or early life stress may increase the likelihood of altered immune responses to stress in late life. One such alteration to the immune system includes a decrease in the ability of white blood cells (immune cells) to carry out their key functions. One great example is temporary stress as seen in students during “examination stress”. This has been seen to slow down wound healing. Children of mothers who are routinely stressed during their pregnancy show decrease in immune function compared to children of undisturbed pregnancies. Similarly young children who experience abuse or neglect show abnormal cortisol levels indicative of a dysregulated stress response. Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in glucose metabolism, blood pressure regulation, maintenance of insulin release, suppression of inflammatory responses. Cortisol is elevated following several stress disorders. Several stressful experiences can cause in areas of the brain involved in memory an “imprinting” during fetal development and early life can alter the responsiveness of the endocrine, immune, and central nervous systems for many years. An understanding of such interlinked effects of stress and age is important to understand and to determine the mechanisms involved, so that we can develop effective interventions in early and late life.

About the Author:
N. Singh, PhD. is the editor of http://www.eStressHelp.com Mental Stress has an enormous impact on physical health hence the saying “a healthy mind is a healthy body”. The influence of Stress on all aspects of health has increasingly become an issue for all of us. This website contains articles and resources on stress and depression.

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Choose Your Friends Carefully

My mother was right . . .

by Barbara Morris

 My mother always reminded her kids that people judge you by the company you keep. The admonition was directed primarily at my brother who tended to prefer the company of neighborhood rowdies – the kids who ran around with their shirt tail hanging out, their knickers not pulled up, their hair uncombed, and used inappropriate language like “gosh” and “gee whiz.” (Yes, yes, I know. But that was back in the Dark Ages.)
She was right – people do judge you by the people you associate with. But in our contemporary culture that’s all but devoid of standards of behavior, few people are concerned about the judgment of others. However, if you are at midlife, and you want to retain youthful characteristics and vibrant good health, the company you keep is very important for a reason that is rarely discussed.

And that reason is this: What we perceive as “oldness” is not just the result of the aging process. We develop “old” thinking and behaviors from observation and emulation of “old” or “older” people we associate with most frequently. They could be family members, close friends, neighbors, or co-workers. And let’s not forget the influence of media icons and archaic conventional wisdom and consensus thinking. “Oldness” is insidious and viral– it’s contagious. You really have to watch what you allow into your head and adopt as your own.

“Oldness” thinking and behavior is often handed down in families. Middle aged daughters in a close relationship with their mothers often begin to look, behave, and dress like their mothers.

Does someone in your family insist on being waited on and catered to not because of an infirmity but because “I’ve done for others all of my life, and now it’s time for others to do for me”? Grandma did it, so you do it, too. Maybe that’s the way it's supposed to be. We should take care of our elders. But when elders are perfectly capable of caring for themselves? I think not. It’s unkind and unwise to encourage dependence. If entitlement or other negative behavior causes unhappiness in your family, you don’t have to adopt it or pass it on. It can stop with you.

Aside from family life, one of the best places to catch the oldness virus is in retirement communities or any living situation where you are in contact primarily with people your own age. (This statement is made with all due respect to those living in a retirement community, who love it, and wouldn't live any place else.)

Retirement communities, for the most part, are absolutely beautiful. They are quiet, well maintained and many offer amenities that can keep you going nonstop: Trips, classes, social and sports events, state of the art exercise equipment, music, arts, crafts, tennis, swimming, theater -- you name it. What more could you want if you are over 50? After all, don’t you deserve it? Sure you do, but be prepared to make a huge tradeoff.

What you should want, and must want, if you are determined to Put Old on Hold is regular association with people of ALL ages and circumstances. If you are healthy and choose to buy into a retirement community marketed to people “over 50” bear in mind you will be living among old people for a very long time. (If you enter an assisted living community because you must, that’s an entirely different situation and doesn’t apply to this discussion.)

The life span has increased by 27 years in the past century. Those bonus years represent a long time to be cooped up with people whose favorite topics of conversation, sooner or later, will be about aches, pains, which neighbor is in the hospital or who died last week, and which widower is up for grabs, and what his favorite casserole is. (Competing for available men in retirement communities can be fierce, but that’s another story.) There can be a concentrated amount of worry and woe which is stressful, and stress accelerates aging.

Young people, as irritating as they often can be, can also be wonderful to be around. They tend to be open, patient, kind, understanding and tolerant. For me, one of the joys of working is the opportunity to interact with young people. On more than one occasion their presence has helped me lighten up on impatience and crankiness. You can’t pay for that kind of therapy!

Exposure to young people is absolutely essential if you want to keep your head on straight, stay current with what’s happening, and broaden your worldview. You may not approve of what you see and hear but it does help you cope with reality – something that older people often have a hard time dealing with.

Deliberately put yourself where young people are. Take or teach classes at the local community college. Join organizations that do not segregate by age, i.e. seniors-only or boomers-only groups. Volunteer to mentor teens who could benefit from your wisdom and experience.

Yes, my mother was right. People do judge you by the company you keep, and she did appreciate the company of young people. While in the hospital for the last time, my brother came into her room and was aghast that sprawled across the foot of her bed was a handsome young man from the room next to hers, and they were laughing, having a good old time.

I can’t account for what went on that precipitated the laughter, but she sure did appreciate that young guy, and he undoubtedly benefited from her company as well. Better that she had the young guy for company than the old geezer down the hall who was constantly and loudly complaining about the food and his constipation.

Indeed, if and when you have a choice, choose your friends and associates carefully as you age. They can and do affect how you age and the quality of your life.
 
About the Author:
Barbara Morris is a speaker, author, and working pharmacist—who campaigns to overturn traditional thinking about “aging gracefully” in our society. A 76-year-old powerhouse, Barbara promotes controlling the aging process by Putting Old on Hold. www.putoldonhold.com

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"Put Old on Hold" Meets "Anti-Aging Fitness Program"

By Ainsley Laing and Dov Oshri

Barbara Morris’s Put Old on Hold is what we are all waiting for.  It excels in the single most important aspect that most information overloaded anti-aging books, decorated by well known doctors, fail. To really Put Old on Hold you need to change your mindset!

Put Old on Hold is a out of the box new philosophy which will lead you to the journey of your life.  Barbara revolutionizes the way 99% of the people feel about growing old  and shows how you can “be in charge of your life as long as you choose”. 

Barbara Morris walks her talk. At 76, she is as energetic, enthusiastic and creative as many of us wished we were in our thirties.  In Put Old on Hold, Barbara arms us with practical knowledge and useful tips on how to achieve Super Health for your brain and body now and 20+ years from now.  

Put Old on Hold disputes the traditional concept of retirement that leads to physical, mental and emotional aging.  Barbara offers new ways to really live our “second life” with power and vitality that will keep us much younger than our chronological age. 

We feel that most exciting topic of Put Old on Hold is how to change our attitude paradigm and stop the “Seven Deadly Sins of Negative Self Talk”.  Ainsley was quite shocked that at age 47 she was self-talking herself old!

Barbara, we applaud your book. We follow your journey and recommend it to anyone that wants to Put Old on Hold.  Bravo for Barbara!

You are the first in the world to have the chance to get the digital version of "Put Old on Hold, which has never been sold as an ebook, along with the Anti-Aging Fitness Program in a one time offer of only 300 copies.

The price of Anti-Aging Fitness is regularly $97.00 but now offered at the promotion price of $67.00 including the mentoring program.

Put Old on Hold is sold for $18.45 on Barbara's website.

We now offer the 2 programs, for immediate download in PDF version, for only $67.00. The original selling price of this combined package is $115.45! This amazing discount is only for the first 300 orders. So, be sure you are the one to get the 2 programs that complement each other so well at such a great price.

Click here to order now "Put Old on Hold" and "Change Your Body and Be Admired".

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Ten Things Sex Over 60 Can Teach You About Sex Under 40

by Susan Dunn, MA
 
Got your attention? Everyone’s favorite subject.

I’ll begin by stating again a myth that dies hard: That people over 50 [substitute your own age] aren’t having sex. Part of this is that we just don’t want to think of our parents as actually doing it, no matter how old they are, no matter how old we are.

Guess what? Your parents are doing it. So are your grandparents. If they’re a healthy couple, that is, who enjoy each other and are still enjoying life.

Sex over 60 is sublime. Sex under 60 is also sublime. In this article let’s look at the things that make sex over 60 sublime, in a humorous way, because some of the things that startle, amuse, and slightly embarrass you about your Granny are some of the things that can make sex under 40 sublime.

1.Your Mom arrives at your house and you’re having a discussion over breakfast cereal, and she says, “Monica, I hope you’re letting Harry make love to you with the lights on. Men like that, you know.”

Put the blush away. She’s talking, and that’s what makes for good sex. Older folks don’t mince words. Get comfortable with anatomy, natural processes, and needs, and talk about them openly. Talking about what “embarrasses” you could be exactly what could save or enrich your marriage.

And be open-minded. Some men like to make love with the lights on, some don’t. Some women like to make love with the lights on, some don’t. How will you know if you don’t ask? How will you know if you don't try it?

2. Granny comes to see your new baby boy and says, “That young man’s got a mighty fine-looking p****, Elberta.”

Those cute little phrases I won’t go into are fine for bonding, but they take something away in the long run. Call your body parts by their real names. This will both empower you, and demystify sex, and that’s a great combination.

3. You’re appalled, yet jealous, at your mother-in-law’s lifestyle.

Since her husband died 5 years ago, she’s been living in a resort retirement community. She plays tennis and golf with her boyfriend, spends lazy afternoons by the pool, and they take long cruises. She looks 10 years younger, has a glow, and your husband says he’s never seen her happier. When they come to visit you, they’re always hugging and holding hands. You walk around a corner and catch them kissing!

You MUST make time to approach this leisurely lifestyle with your partner. You must create a space for what comes naturally to occur, and in the midst of crying babies, promotions and downsizings, leaky faucets, dirty dishes, creeping kudzu, and dog-poop scooping, remember your dating days when you spent hours just gazing into each other’s eyes and touching.

3. Your Grandpa comes over and says to you, “Son, you leave that pretty little filly alone like this and she’s gonna jump the fence and go lookin’. When’s the last time you [wink wink nudge nudge].”

The words may make you squirm. The message may too, because it’s not about denial. What’s going on has been labeled, the consequences outlined, and the solution presented. It works. Try it. Your own style, words, and timing, of course, with knowledge of your wife, not his or anyone else’s.

4. Your Mom says, “Jen, when I walk in here I can cut the tension in the air. There’s something you and Nick aren’t dealing with.”

If you deal with what comes up when it comes up, there won’t be tension in the air. Time and experience teach us to read other people’s emotions, take the temperature in the air, and become more empathic, which makes for great relationships. You can jumpstart this process by studying Emotional Intelligence with a certified EQ coach.

5. Dinner’s over and your parents are leaving. Your father, a man of few words says, “Anne, your mom and I are coming over next weekend to take care of kids while you and Anthony get away. No arguments.”

Make this time. Money is not the crucial component. Put the kids down for Saturday naps and have your own getaway. If there is money, hire a sitter and go to a hotel for a weekend – somewhere with that resort community atmosphere that’s letting your mother-in-law have so much fun.

6. Aunt Grace is over and she’s talking about her health again.

Staying on top of your physical health is important. Dysfunction and displeasure can have a physical component. Start with a physical checkup if your desire or capacity has faltered.

7. Mimi’s sitting on the patio with you. “I just read the other day,” she says …

Read, study, stay abreast of what’s new. There’s so much on the Internet that’s easy access.

8. “The secret to a good marriage?” your Uncle Ben is saying, " is ...."

Unless you want a room-mate who does your laundry [mows the lawn], get your marriage and sexual relationship out of the realm of “mysterious and mystical.”

9. Try telling someone you can’t stand garlic in your mashed potatoes without using the words “mashed potatoes,” “garlic,” and “can’t stand.”

If you have trouble getting started on communicating there are wonderful relationship, marriage and sex coaches, counselors, and therapists ready to help! It’s worth it.

10. Take it up a notch.

When your six-year-old daughter doesn’t like the way you comb her hair, she screams, fidgets, pulls away, cries, pushes you away, runs to her room and slams the door shut, says it makes her head hurt, and learns to tell when it’s coming and disappears at these times.

You connect the dots.

Sex. It does a body good. Deal with it like grown ups do! Talk!

About the Author:
Susan provides coaching, distance learning, and ebooks around emotional intelligence for your continued personal and professional development. She trains and certifies EQ coaches. Get in this field, dubbed “white hot” by the press, now, before it’s crowded, and offer your clients something of exceptional value. Start tomorrow, no residence requirement. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free ezine.
  

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For your health,

Dov Oshri

Your Age Fighter

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