The 10 Myths Of A Boomers Health - Part II

Last ezine, two weeks ago, we went over the first 3 myths of a Boomers Health. Just as a review for you here is a review:
Myth # 1: I don’t have time to work out at this point in my life. I‘ll get back on track after I retire. Baloney. Do it now.

Myth # 2: Eating healthy is just too much work: That excuse just won’t cut it, as mentioned earlier.

Myth # 3: Everyone gains weight as they age. Wrong again. That’s simply an excuse and you know it.

So, let’s move along to:

Myth # 4: Sun is good for you. You can’t get too much Vitamin D. But then there is skin cancer. One out of 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their life time. Melanoma, the most serious and dangerous form of skin cancer has tripled in the US between 1980 and 2003 according to the American Cancer Society. Too much sun may look good, you think, but it also makes you wrinkly. Is it worth the trade off to you?
Keep in mind, there is no healthy tan. If you are tan, you have damaged your skin. Remember those days when many of you would put iodine in baby oil and just bake? They are over, but you may be paying the price for that now. So, what to do?
• Always, always wear sunscreen, especially on your face. Many women’s make up products now contain sunscreen. Read the labels.
• If your hair is thinning or you are bald, where a hat whenever you are outside. Even if it’s just to mow the lawn. If you have lots of hair, at least wear a visor to protect your face.
• There are now clothes available that contain sunscreen. Check out L.L. Bean or Eddie Bauer
• Do not be in the sun between the hours of 10:00 and 2:00.

Myth #5: I work better under stress. I accomplish more. This is why I am so successful. This may be true for the short term, acute stress. But long term, chronic stress can kill you. You underestimate how constant stress affects you. People under continual stress get sick more and create stress in the environment around them. This is true for your workplace as well as for your family. Not only can it make you miserable to be around, but it can kill you.
Here are some very simple ways of handing stress:
• Learn to say NO.
• Learn to prioritize and set limits for yourself.
• Take control of your life. Not others, yours.
• Yoga, tai chi and meditation and other practices boost health, improve circulation and reduce tension.
• Simple deep breathing 3-5 minutes twice each day will lower your stress, your blood pressure and your heart rate.

Myth #6: Flossing everyday is overkill. It’s only important after you eat things like corn on the cob. Very wrong! Regular daily flossing can add 5 years to your life. Have your teeth cleaned once or better yet, twice each year. Problems with not only your teeth, but your gums and mouth can cause pain, infection, trouble eating and sleeping as well as other health problems. So, smile and show those pearly whites by performing two simple acts each day, brush and floss. Pretty simple stuff!