How to Live Healthy and Happy at 100 Years Old?
How to live healthy and happy at 100 years old?
By Dr. Mary Starr Carter
When you have a debilitating disease like Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue syndrome you can only think about how you are going to make it through the day let alone another 10, 20, or 30 years. It can become very overwhelming but whether you are in okay health or have a serious illness there are some simple things we can do everyday.
Every morning at 5:30am you can find Gordon out walking. He walks 3-4 miles at an 18 min mile pace. He lives in and maintains his own home. Gordon eats small meals, lots of fruit, not a lot of red meat, and he takes nutritional supplements like NingXia Red. He enjoys his afternoon nap, reads about the latest in health and nutrition, still drives and enjoys traveling all over the country to see his family. Gordon says he plans on living healthy and happy another 10 years.
When you drive by Shirley's home you will know what her passion is gardening. She has some of the most beautiful small gardens in town. You can find outside caring for her garden most days. Her other passion is dancing and she can dance most 40 year olds pants off. She prepares her meals, eats small portions and lots of veggies. She is an excellent cook, drives her own car, crochets, reads lot of cookbooks and experiments in the kitchen every week.
Vita "Vitamin" as she is known to her family and friends is like a little energizer bunny even at 87 years old. She doesn't drink any coffee or tea, takes no medications but does take her nutrition juice NingXia Red every day. She walks so fast that her 30 year old grandchildren have a hard time keeping up. She reads 1-2 books a week. She is an excellent cook preparing food 5-6 days of the week and going out with friends 1-2 times a week.
So what can we learn about living to 100 years old from these 3 very healthy 90 year olds?
- Daily Exercise and Movement: the longest living cultures all over the world have this same factor in common Daily Physical Activity. Even if you have Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue you can find ways to move your body even if it is just for circulation purposes. Machines like the Chi machine shake your body while you are lying down. You can burn calories, move lymph and toxins and help maintain your health all while taking a nap.
- Eat regularly and small portions. Did you know that over eating not only makes you gain weight but it also congests the liver? A congested liver can lead to high cholesterol, blood pressure and host of other ailments.
- Read: Keep the mind active. Scientifically proven that the more you read, do thinking games like Sudoku and even math problems help maintain cognitive function longer.
* less TV. Watching TV for hours a day takes less mental energy than sleeping. In my opinion clients who watch a lot of TV have worse health than those that don't.
- Supplement your diet: After the age of 30 our digestive enzymes begin to reduce. By the time we are 80 digestions can be slow and hindered. I have worked with many geriatric clients that were malnourished even though they ate a "healthy diet". Nutrition like NingXia Red which is a liquid juice can make a significant improvement on a geriatric client's health. I have seen it even do remarkable things for young children including autistic and ADD children.
- Relax and Have fun: Having something to look forward to is important at any age but especially when you single, widowed, or have lost many of your friends as these three have. Planning a trip, a garden, having a job or person you help is very very important to your mental happiness. Your mental happiness is very important to your longevity.
So this is what I have learned from these three amazing individuals…… How to stay YOUNG and HAVE FUN!
What Did You Think?
Let Us Know Your Thoughts
Post Your Comments Below
Dr. Mary Starr Carter has worked with thousands of clients from terminally ill and chronic diseases to those who are healthy and want vibrant health. She has counseled hundreds of families who had given up hope find simple safe solutions. Known as the Total Wellness Doc she looks at all aspects of health to help someone overcome disease. She specializes in difficult cases like Fibromyalgia, Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes and Chronic pain.
We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.
Protected: Bible and Ancient Secrets for Depression
The Middle Miles of your Health Recovery of Health Program
The Middle Miles of your Health Recovery of Health Program
By Dr. Mary Starr Carter
Remember when you start a new exercise program or a diet plan how you are so excited in the beginning. You are motivated, committed and you feel like nothing is going to stop you. The same thing happens for many of our clients when they start a Wellness Coaching. Once we find some answers and make some changes most everyone will FEEL BETTER. And then time goes by and they are still feeling 30-60% better than before but then they hit what I like to call the MIDDLE MILES.
The Middle Miles can be found in Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Recovery, any type of Rehab, Exercise Programs, and Diet Plans. They are this period of time when the newness and excitement goes away, boredom and weariness might set in, and we can easily lose our focus and fall off track. It is a time for Fibromyalgia Recovery where you can have forgotten how you could barely walk up the stairs without having to take a nap afterwards and now that you have some energy you are frustrated you don't have more. You may even feel like you are going backwards because you are not getting well fast enough. In the Middle Miles of a Diet or Exercise Plan you may get bored or something happens that throws you off track. Things like you sprain an ankle, or your mother in law comes to visit for a month and these are your excuses to not exercise or not eat according to your plan. But I am here to tell you …. the MIDDLE MILES can be the FUN and FABULOUS. Here are 5 tips to stay on Track with your health.
1) Give Yourself Grace. I understand that you may need to see the Chiropractor every week or eat certain foods at specific times of day, or exercise a certain routine every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, but life will happen expect it too. And when you can't do those things Give yourself some Grace. Be lenient with yourself and don't beat yourself up. Just shake the dust from your shoes and move on. No one is perfect and you won't be either.
2) Make it FUN. Although things like Colon Cleansing, Yeast Free Diets, or P90X programs may not sound fun your attitude and some simple planning could make them fun. If you like to cook pick up some new cookbooks for Yeast Free eating or your eating plan and go to town. Invite friends to join you or be your team mate on your health program. If you are cleansing and in the bathroom alot set up your favorite show reruns on your smart phone, or book on tape.
3) The Middle Miles need REWARDS. Some of us are motivated by the Challenge and Prize, others by the Fun and Friends, others by the Good they feel. Whatever your motivation decide what REWARDS you will get in the Middle miles and stick too it. For example, some clients who are on restrictive eating programs will make sure they have a massage of Raindrop Technique planned for their Middle miles every week or every couple of weeks. Some clients allow themselves 1 FREE meal a week or 1 FREE day a month. A FREE day is a day where they can eat whatever they want with NO GUILT. It could be a pedicure or the purchase of a book you have wanted to read. For us mommies it could be a 5 hours of Solitude, or a Day at the SPA. Just Remember Rewards need planning.
4) Use Aromatherapy: Studies show that the sense of smell has a direct connection to our emotional center. This means when you smell certain smells they can make you happy. So oils like Peace and Calming or Joy oil can be used as a perfume so you smell a feel great throughout the day. Or Peppermint could be diffused in the kitchen if you are on a diet. Peppermint has been scientifically proven to tell your brain your full.
5) Expect Success: Sometimes when I consult with a chronically ill client, someone who has been sick for many years or months and has tried everything they have an attitude that “this is not going to work”. I have to deny clients consulting because I know if they think in their minds this is not going to work then it is not going to work for them. So no matter how many times you have tried other weight loss programs, or exercise classes, or supplements to get out of pain DON'T GIVE UP, and DON'T EXPECT FAILURE.
So remember plan for the middle miles. No that you are going to lapse but when you do have Grace and get back up. Have specific Rewards that will help you Stay on Track. Make it Fun to be in the Middle miles and use things like Aromatherapy. And lastly expect and have an attitude of Success.
What Did You Think?
Let Us Know Your Thoughts
Post Your Comments Below
Dr. Mary Starr Carter has worked with thousands of clients from terminally ill and chronic diseases to those who are healthy and want vibrant health. She has counseled hundreds of families who had given up hope find simple safe solutions. Known as the Total Wellness Doc she looks at all aspects of health to help someone overcome disease. She specializes in difficult cases like Fibromyalgia, Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes and Chronic pain.
We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.
Have you been mis-diagnosed?
Have you been mis-diagnosed?
By Dr. Mary Starr Carter
For the past 5 years at least a minimum of 2 times a week I consult with new clients who I soon learn were mis-diagnosed. Being misdiagnosed can lead to frustration, pain, and worse disability.
Here are a few examples of clients who were misdiagnosed:
55 year old female with incontinence was told she needed bladder surgery. Surgery failed…. it wasn't until they realized her estrogen was so low that it was causing weakness in the bladder.
60 year old female spent 25 years on over 12 medications resulting in pain, constant respiratory issues, and a 50lb weight gain. The side effects of her medications were causing high blood pressure, weight gain, fatigue, respiratory issues, and blood sugar issues. After 1 year of recovery she is off all but 1 medication, has released 15lbs, has more energy and is way happier.
34 year old man with painful boils was misdiagnosed with skin issues and spent thousands on medications and specialists, including skin grafting surgery. After 1- $200 Wellness Coaching session the core problem leading to the skin issues was discovered.
But the most common mis-diagnosis I see in practice has to do with the Thyroid. More than 20 million Americans suffer from either an overactive or an underactive thyroid gland. As many as half the cases of thyroid disease in the United States go undiagnosed. So many times our clients have seen the doctor and the tests that the doctor orders come back with normal results. The clients have obvious symptoms of under active or overactive thyroid function but yet are mis-diagnosed as having levels in the normal range. Like Debbie who is obese not because she eats too much or doesn't exercise, she is obese because her thyroid, which regulates her metabolism, is not functioning properly.
There are many reasons why the thyroid will not function properly. On Tuesday August 23rd we will review some of those reasons. But first let's talk about how you could be misdiagnosed.
-
The proper tests were not ordered
-
The doctor is using older values of norm.
-
They are looking for disease you are experiencing dysfunction
-
The body is compensating.
-
You are not in failure yet.
-
Medication side effects
-
Stress
-
Everyone is not the same.
-
Foods
All of these things could potentially be hiding the problem. With the thyroid, just like many other organs, dysfunction can go undetected before disease happens. Often times if we can catch a client in the dysfunctional stage total correction is possible. If we wait until it is diseased we may only be able to reduce symptoms by 30-60%.
If you are struggling with fatigue, weight gain, inability to release weight no matter what you do, depression, anxiety, always cold, lack of motivation, insomnia, allergies, or moodiness then you may want to join us Saturday July 30th at 12 noon EST when we review the Total Wellness an approach to identify and determine thyroid dysfunction and a simple protocol to get back on track with your TOTAL WELLNESS.
What Did You Think?
Let Us Know Your Thoughts
Post Your Comments Below
Dr. Mary Starr Carter has worked with thousands of clients from terminally ill and chronic diseases to those who are healthy and want vibrant health. She has counseled hundreds of families who had given up hope find simple safe solutions. Known as the Total Wellness Doc she looks at all aspects of health to help someone overcome disease. She specializes in difficult cases like Fibromyalgia, Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes and Chronic pain.
We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.
Part II in our Total Health Support Systems: The Home and Family Support System
Stressful times require extra help. Whether it is a health crisis or extra work at your job both can cause stress on the family. Instead of turning to junk food and a messy house think outside the box.
Whether you have small kids or are single everyone should have ….
Tool #2 A Home and Family Support System
This Tool works best if it is set up before you need it. I know it will be more of a challenge to do this when you live away from friends and family but I encourage you to begin looking now. I promise you being prepared will help the stress an illness can put on a family.
This system is based about Cleaning, Cooking, Childcare, Sick person Care, and Transportation. Again your Resource List will be helpful in setting this system up.
Tip #1) Recruit elderly relatives, friends or neighbors. There are many older retired individuals who are feeling alone and useless, yet they still can be helpful to so many if given the chance. Find a family member who loves to cook, or run errands, or watch your children. This not only will help you but can help them too.
Tip #2) Recruit out of town friends and family to be a part of your Phone Call Check in Support System. Sadly in my town just 2 months ago a young single mom and her baby were found dead in their apartment because of lack of check in support. The mom died of a hereditary illness and since no one was checking up on them the 4 month old baby died too of neglect. How awful huh?! One simple phone call could have avoided that.
Tip #3) Teenager or College Student Support System. Set up a local teenage neighbor looking to earn a few extra bucks and would be happy to come over do the dishes, clean up the kitchen, or help prepare meals. For those of you who are really busy and need help this is great because it gives you extra time with your kids and you won't be too exhausted if you have to do work after the kids go to sleep.
I have used this support system for years and it is helpful. Be sure to set clear expectations, wages and performance standards. Using their cellphone and texting every other minute is not appropriate while working for you. Maintaining a positive and pleasant attitude. And the list goes on. Be sure that they also understand that if they do not meet these standards you will terminate their arrangement. (Don't forget to discuss this with the parents too. )
As you can tell I have learned through the years. Treat them well, honor them as adults, pay them well for work done well.
Tip #4) Look for local stay at home mommies who may want some extra cash. Having a mommy you trust pick up your kids, or cook double dinners, one for their home and one for yours, do some lite cleaning and the list goes on. It depends on your needs and theirs.
If you are thinking you can't afford that right now I want you to re-think that statement because you are forgetting that your energy is VALUABLE. Remember your time and energy are worth something. Spending $10 extra a week to have a meal made for you, a night of no dishes, extra family time, and less stress can be more valuable to you then you think.
Tip #5) Transportation: When a Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue client is so weak they can't drive themselves to Doctor appointments or even to the store then the burden usually falls on the spouse. This can cause many sick days to be eaten up or even time without pay if the spouse is working. So go through your Resource list and see who could help with transportation. Again be sure to honor them with gratitude and gas money. Many giving people refuse an exchange and it is okay to receive but if you have to use them multiple times find a way to honor them. Sometimes a simple thank you card is sufficient.
Tip #6) Childcare Sick person Care Be sure of you and your spouse are clear on who can watch your children and who can't. Even if that means you may have to send your kids for a week or so away to be properly cared for with someone you fully trust. Leaving your children is really hard. So don't put yourself in a position where you have to worry, prepare ahead of time.
Also look and see who may have experience in helping someone sick, injured, recovering from surgery or could help take care of you if you needed them.
Be sure your have your HOME AND FAMILY LIST in a few different places so your spouse and or family member could help you put your Support System into place if and when you need it.
Remember your Home and Family are very important but so are you. You are hurting, injured, recovering, or suffering with a Chronic Illness like Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue. You must make sure you have resources set up for you. If you are hurting and haven't found answers we would like the opportunity to help you find some answers. Our Wellness Coaching programs help those who are lost in a Health Care puzzle get on a path to Total Wellness. Learn more at thetotalwellnessdoc.com/coaching
Dr. Mary Starr Carter has worked with thousands of clients from terminally ill and chronic diseases to those who are healthy and want vibrant health. She has counseled hundreds of families who had given up hope find simple safe solutions. Known as the Total Wellness Doc she looks at all aspects of health to help someone overcome disease. She specializes in difficult cases like Fibromyalgia, Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes and Chronic pain.
We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.