Staying Young

Staying Young

      I see people who are old by 30 and people who are young in their upper 80's. We have so many interesting concepts of age, and aging in our society, a society that reveres youth and beauty. Many people go to extremes to stay looking young. What actually equates to beauty, if you think about it, is health. People who radiate health are attractive, at any age. When people look unhealthy, it is not attractive. 

     One of my 'youngest' elderly patients was one of my first appointments after opening a former practice on the Oregon Coast. He was in his 80's and complaining of occasional aches and pains. "Do you exercise regularly?" I ask. "Oh yes," he replied, " I do a little something every day." "And what do you do?" I inquired, prepared to have the discussion about how walking to the mailbox and back didn't count. "Oh" he responded, "If I'm not out surfing, I climb Neakanie Mountain."  
      Another one of my "youngest" older patients shared her formula for youth. "Some time ago, someone told me, get out and walk your dog everyday......even if you don't have one."
      A good diet, and the ability to assimilate food is essential to health. But what aids digestion, increases blood flow, which increases the nutrients organs and tissues receive, is exercise. The people that live the longest, healthiest, lives and are mentally and physically vital the longest, are the most physically active. 
     So, make time for exercise in your life everyday, get out and walk your dog, even if you don't have one.


                                                           Health & Happiness,
                                                                Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
                                                                       534 Washington St.  Ashland, OR  97520
                                                                                        For Appointments Call:   541-646-0134