Published On: Fri, Aug 31st, 2012

OLEDA TALKS….Living & Looking Younger Longer…. it’s mostly in our hands!! (PART 2)

By: Oleda Baker

Part 1 of This Column Discussed How Everyone Has The Choice Of Living and Looking Younger All Their Lives.

 Part 2 Now Reveals Some of What I Do Specifically to Achieve Those Goals as I’ve Now Turned 78 this past August 12.

 Remember, it depends a great deal on attitude and stick-to-it-iveness.  More people are living to a healthy 100 years today than ever before and enjoying the journey.

Genes are important, but they’re not everything.  In fact, studies show that the aging process is mainly due to our lifestyle and environment (70%), and how we take care of ourselves.

Just let me repeat:  IT WON’T HAPPEN IF YOU JUST SIT AROUND THINKING ABOUT IT!

Now Here Are Some Specifics About My Lifestyle

–I get medical check-ups regularly.  But if I sense something changing in my body, I don’t wait,  I want to know why, so I have it checked by my trusted doctor.  I live by the cliché: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  I usually don’t like clichés, but when it comes to my body, it’s much better to prevent a health issue from developing early than to try to “cure” it later.

–Prevention also includes daily maintenance.  Overall attention is a must for the face, body, hair, nails, and teeth.  For example:  I clean my teeth thoroughly twice a day to prevent gum disease.  If you don’t brush thoroughly and floss, or use a water pic, your gums will eventually recede, then bleed. Next, bacteria wedges between your teeth and gums – your gums become diseased. This can lead to more health problems, not to mention a huge dental bill and the time and pain it takes to fix it.  It’s unbelievable how many people in their 40’s have lost many of their teeth.  I can hear someone say “mine is due to Heredity”.  I say it’s very likely caused by the same bad habits your parents had. Most gum disease is preventable especially if you have good oral habits and you visit a dentistry office at least twice a year. Fortunately, people who have lost some of their teeth can replace them with dental bridges or dental crown implants.

–I have had a Flu shot every year for the last 38 years.  Why?  I want to do everything I can to prevent the Flu, because I believe, once contracted, it weakens the body and affects overall health for a long time. If you’re one of those people who are reluctant to take a Flu shot….talk to your doctor about it and see what he/she says.

–Whenever I feel my favorite jeans getting a bit tight, I reduce my intake of calories.  At age 78 I’m still 122 Lbs. (5’ 8”). (No you don’t have to be this slim to be healthy!)  Excess weight and obesity are primary reasons many people develop major illnesses, especially heart disease, liver and kidney problems, joint pain and even cancer.   What is more difficult than losing weight is to develop a dreaded disease and have to deal with that!!

–My diet is rich in fruits and vegetables. I don’t eat much red meat and eat smaller portions in general.  Yes, I snack at times but, again, the amount is small and it’s usually something healthy for me. I’m big on water and absolutely do not drink soda pop. Eating less shrinks your stomach and soon you will not need or want to eat “more.”

–I attribute my general good health, flexibility, energy and bone density at my age to my nutritional habits and keeping my weight down.  I believe in taking a good multi-vitamin supplement and have taken Vitamin B-Complex and Aloe Vera Concentrate religiously for years. A recent test showed my bone density to be that of 18- year-old.   I’m on Hormone Therapy for women and have been for years — prescribed and monitored by my trusted gynecologist. This is not for everyone – check with a doctor who is truly up on the subject and THEN see if it is right for YOUR body.

–If exercise was as much fun as eating we would all be in very good shape!  It may not be fun for some of us, but it certainly is important for a long, healthy life span. If you are not into it, a fast walk for 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a week will help.  Start at your normal speed, and then build up to as fast as is comfortable. Do not run or jog as your bones and joints will pay the price for it a little later in life.

–It is important to get your proper sleep.  Seven or 8 hours produces the best results. Your body heals while you sleep.

–Keep your mind sharp and agile.  The only way to do this is to use it, keep it “exercised.” Try new things, and have fun doing it.  Only eleven years ago, I started using a computer. Today, I know how much I don’t know, but it sure helps keep my brain stimulated.  And it’s a godsend when researching my books and writing columns like this.

–Happy people are generally healthier and live longer.  It’s important to feel good about yourself, to have a sense of purpose in work, even volunteer work, or a hobby. I love running my company even at 78. Also oil painting and fly-fishing.

–Looking good at any age helps us feel good. There is so much we can do to retain youthful skin.  The sun, poor diet and cigarette smoking are the skin’s worst enemies.  Maintain a personal daily skin routine by providing as much moisture to it as possible, both day and night. One of the best treatments available for skin rejuvenation is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid cream or lotion that you can apply at home.

–We have the power to have young, healthy looking hair all our lives.  Nutrition, scalp massage and a good conditioner that brings shine and life to the hair will keep it growing faster and looking more youthful.  I do not intend to let my hair age just because I’ve had another birthday!

My mission is to demonstrate that, if I can look and feel years younger than my age, I can help you in your belief that you can, and will, do it too.  I urge you to start now, no matter how young or old you are.

The human body is a wondrous thing.  It responds…it’s never too late to start.  You can help repair every cell in your body through proper nutrition.  Bone cells take about a year, but all other cells will respond in less time…some cells (soft tissue) start in just a couple months.

We have the power to undo damage and repair our body if we keep in mind that our cells can be only as healthy as the nutrition we feed them.  Do you remember the cliché, “You are what you eat?”  Forgive me for using another one, but it’s so true!

Until next time,

Love, Oleda

Biography: Oleda Baker, now 77, began her career as a high fashion model with the prestigious Wilhelmina Model Agency, in New York City. She is the author of ten books on beauty, health and anti-aging and one novel Reluctant Goddess. She is founder and CEO of Oleda and Company, Inc., her 40-year-old anti-aging products company for skin, hair, diet, energy, nutritional supplement products as well as special makeup. www.oleda.com .oleda@oleda.com Oleda is a visionary artist.  Her oil paintings exhibited in museums and galleries around the country.  www.oledaart.com.

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