Cosmetic Dentistry Isn’t Merely About Dental Implants, Veneers and Crowns
Certain misconceptions keep people from searching out cosmetic dentistry as an answer to their dental condition. Midlife dentistry isn’t merely about dental implants, porcelain veneers and crowns. It’s more about addressing health issues that stem from your mouth and lead to other health problems.
Health issues that stem from the mouth include pain in the head, neck and jaw. But when your head is off balance, it can lead to lower back pain as well. That’s also something that can be corrected with midlife dentistry.
When you’ve had dental care that was merely cosmetic and now you suffer symptoms such as headaches, it’s because the dental procedures were a quick fix. But, midlife dentistry isn’t a drive through solution that solves your dental conditions temporarily only to leave you needing further work in the future. When done right, it’s a comprehensive evaluation of your dental condition and a step by step procedure that leaves you with quality work that will answer health concerns for years to come.
You should consider midlife dentistry if you have any of the following symptoms:
• Thinning lips
• Wrinkles or sagging around your mouth or jaw
• Wearing down of your teeth causing your chin to get closer to your nose
• Missing or cracked teeth
• Facial pain with increased pressure in your head and sinuses
• Uneven wearing down of teeth causing your smile to be a little crooked
• Neck and low back pain that leads to inactivity
• You’ve had an increase of root canals, especially on one side of the mouth
You should also consider midlife dentistry if you demonstrate any of the following behaviors:
• Avoid chewing on one side of your mouth
• Don’t smile in pictures
• Cover your mouth when you smile
These symptoms and behaviors can be fixed through dentistry once balance to your head, neck and jaw are restored. That is the most important first step because it ensures that all work done from that point is done on a stable foundation. Maintaining balance throughout the process keeps you from developing further symptoms later.
Rather than quick fix ideas and drive through solutions, midlife dentistry works toward building your mouth without compromising your natural chewing function. Giving you a beautiful smile is important, but the goal is to restore or save your natural teeth as well as make sure your gums are healthy while working within a well-balanced jaw.
The cosmetic aspects of dental care are only used in conjunction with that goal. Dental implants, crowns and veneers are used when needed and will look and feel natural in your mouth because they are fitted with exact specifications that are finished off by seasoned technicians.
All the work is performed under one roof keeping you from having to run all over town to piece together a dental plan. Also, this ensures that a logical process is followed and there are no confusions throughout its completion.
Quality of life is greatly extended when you are rid of the symptoms caused by your dental condition. When your quirky pains are gone, you’ll be able to smile again. Plus, you’ll want to smile because you’ll finally have the beautiful smile you deserve.
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Dr. Peter J. Pagano has authored an upcoming book entitled: Ageless Smile: What Every Boomer Needs to
How to Find Senior Discounts in Travel, Restaurants, Clothing & More
Where to Find Senior Discounts
National Park Senior Discount
If you’re over age 62, the National Park service offers a lifetime pass for only $10. If you own an RV or like to travel, this could be a real savings.
Senior Discounts for Hotels
I’ve found it’s always better to ask about various discounts at hotels. You can ask about AARP or senior discounts, for instance, but sometimes a price listed on the internet will beat the senior discount. If you have other memberships, ask about discounts relating to those as well. We are members of USAA so get many discounts with this.
• Best Western - At least 10% off regular room rates. Late checkouts and other offers also available for those over age 55.
• Choice Hotels - Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban, Econo Lodge, Rhodeway Inn Everyday. 10% discount for over 50
20-30% discount with advanced reservations (Sixty Plus Rate). Ages 60+.
Hyatt Save up to 50% at participating hotels. Ages 62+.
• Marriott Hotels - A discount of at least 15% for ages 62+. Good seven days a week.
• Motel 6 -10% discount at over 900 locations for those over 60.
Other Travel Discounts for Seniors
• Amtrak - Everyday. 15% discount on adult rail fare with some exclusions for those over 62.
• Greyhound - 5% discount on unrestricted passenger fares for those over 62.
National Car Rental - Everyday. Call 1-800-CAR-RENT for details for over 50.
Many stores offer senior citizen discounts on certain days of the week. I know I’m more likely to patronize businesses that save me money! The discounts aren’t always advertised, so if you have a favorite clothing store or grocery store, just ask about discounts for seniors. Saving 10% on a purchase can amount to a lot over time.
List of Businesses Offering Discounts for Seniors
Movies
• AMC Theaters A discount of up to 30% is available for over 55 at most theater locations.
• Regal Cinema A discounted senior movie ticket for over age 60
• Hollywood Video 10% off all rentals and purchases. Ages 60+
Stores Offering Senior Discounts
• Banana Republic 10% discount everyday for those over 50. Discount and age may vary by location.
• Belks First Tuesday of the month. 15% discount. Ages 55+.
• Goody’s Every Wednesday. 15% discount with some exclusions for over 55.
• Goodwill 10% discount one day a week for ages over 55. Specifics may vary by location.
• KB Toys Sign up for the Grandparent’s Reward Program, and receive 10 percent off your entire purchase on Tuesdays for ages over 50.
• Kmart Gold K prescription discount program. Up to 20% discount on prescription medication. Ages 50+.
• Kohl’s Senior discount 15% for over age 62. One day of the week and day varies per locations
• Ross 10% off on Tuesdays for ages over 55 at participating locations.
Other Businesses Offering Discounts for Seniors
• Jiffy Lube Many locations offer a discount for ages over 55
• Kroger Day varies by location. 10% off total order. Ages 60+ (I got a senior discount at my local store for over age 55).
• Rite Aid Join the free Living More Loyalty program, and save 10% off most purchases Tuesdays, plus 10% off cash prescriptions and Rite Aid brand products everyday. Bonus: Get 20% off purchases the first Tuesday of the month.
• SuperCuts $2 off hair cut for ages over 60.
Restaurants Offering Some Sort of Discounts for Seniors – I’ve filled in the discount and age where I know it. If you are familiar with any of the discounts offered to seniors by these businesses, I’d love to add that information. Good at participating locations only.
• Arby’s 10% discount for those over age 55
• Bakers Square
• Bennigan’s Bob’s Big Boy
• Boston Market 10% senior discount not sure of age
• Burger King A 10% discount for those over age 60
• Carl’s Jr.
• Carrows
• Chick-fil-A
• Chili’s 10% senior discount for those over age 55
• Church’s Chicken
• Coco’s Bakery Restaurants
• Country Kitchen
• Cracker Barrel Restaurant
• Dairy Queen
• Denny’s
• Dunkin Donuts
• El Pollo Loco
• Elephant Bar Restaurant
• Fosters Freeze
• Fresh Choice
• Friendly’s Restaurant and Ice Cream
• Fuddruckers
• Golden Corral
• Gondola Pizza & Steak House
• Grandy’s
• Hardees 33-cent drinks every day for those over 65
• HomeTown Buffet
• IHOP A 10% discount for those over age 55
• Jack in the Box
• Kentucky Fried Chicken
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
• Krystals
• Le Peep
• Long John Silver’s discount for those over 55
• McDonald’s – discounted coffee for seniors
• Mrs. Fields Cookies 10% discount every day for those over age 60
• Ponderosa Steakhouse
• Popeye’s Fried Chicken
• Shoney’s offers 10% discount every day for those over 60 years
• Sizzler
• Sonic Drive In
• Souper Salad
• T.J. Cinnamons
• Taco Bell – offers Free drinks to seniors
• TCBY – offers 10% discount every day for those over 55
• Todai
• Village Inn
• Wendy’s 10% discount for those over age 55
• Whataburger
Check out the websites of your favorite eating places. Sometimes if you register for a membership “club” for free, you get a discount on your next purchase or something free on your birthday. I just registered with Boston Market and got a $3 discount coupon for my next purchase. Many restaurants will send you discount coupons around your birthday too.
The best way to get discounts for seniors is to ASK if one is offered. Many businesses don’t advertise the discount or you may need a special card or something to take advantage of it, but there are literally hundreds of ways to save money on nearly every things you purchase with discounts for seniors.
Here’s How You Can Avoid That Holiday Weight Gain
Practice Moderation to Keep Pounds Off
I think as we get older, we tend to become more moderate in things anyway – perhaps with the exception of holiday treats! Those high calorie temptations just never seem to end at this time of year. Don’t deny yourself altogether. To avoid holiday weight gain, there’s nothing wrong with sampling the egg nog or fudge, just have one.
One tip I read said that if you have a holiday party or gathering in the evening, eat lightly the rest of the day. However, I can see how this might actually lead to overeating if you go to your party starving. I would say to avoid holiday weight gain, eat a well balanced diet during the day, but try to cut back so you have extra calories.
When you get to a gathering, check out the offerings for low calorie foods and fill your plate with these first.
Holiday Buffet tables are bursting with fancy cakes and desserts but if you look closely, there’s bound to be a veggie tray too. If you fill up on the low cal foods, then you won’t be as tempted to overeat the high calorie treats. Check out the lean meats and salads which can help you avoid gaining those extra pounds.
Don’t Forget that Alcohol is Empty Calories
Alcohol is very high in calories and they are empty calories – no nutritional value what so ever. Having a few drinks tends to reduce your inhibitions too and the best intentions to avoid the chips and high calorie dips could fly out the window. (Alcohol causes wrinkles too and who needs more of those!)
Bring Healthy, Low Calorie Dishes to Gatherings
My family always knows I’m the one bearing the veggie tray and hummus or yogurt dip. Many websites have recipes for low calories, but festive foods. Other guests watching those holiday waistlines will thank you too.
Try Using Low Calorie Substitutions for Holiday Cooking
You can still make tasty dishes using 1% milk or yogurt instead of sour cream. Check out these other healthy recipe substitutions.
If you aren’t lucky enough to be retired, your office may be a pit of tempting holiday treats. To avoid holiday weight gain, bring your own healthy snacks like carrots and celery and yogurt dip or heart healthy nuts. If you fill up on these healthy alternatives, you won’t be tempted.
Many seniors feel lonely and depressed at holiday time and this can lead to overeating. If holidays tend to get you down, try volunteering. Charities always need holiday help. You can make new friends and you’ll be too busy to overeat.
Don’t Forget the Basics - Avoid Holiday Stress by Getting Enough Sleep and Exercise
Don’t forget the healthy living basics during the holiday season. Get enough sleep and try to stick with your exercise program. Stress often leads to holiday weight gain as we eat for energy.
If winter weather has got you down because you can’t get out for a nice walk, put on some bouncy music and dance or use an exercise video. Exercise not only helps you handle holiday stress, it helps you burn those holiday calories.
Keep a Food Diary and Weigh Yourself Every Day
If you write down everything you eat and then step on the scale each morning, there’s no way you will be a victim of holiday weight gain. Studies show that those who weigh themselves daily lose more weight than those who weigh themselves weekly and if you want to maintain, this will help you keep your weight in check.
Many of our holiday traditions revolve around dinners and holiday goodies, but remember that it is also about family and friends and giving of our time to each other. If we keep things in perspective, holiday weight gain won’t be a problem for us.
Healthy Eating Tips: Shop for Organic Produce on a Budget
1. When shopping for organic produce, make sure you’re getting what you pay for.
Make sure organic produce is being displayed separately from conventionally grown produce. Organic produce is legally required to be displayed where it won’t be contaminated by water run-off created when conventional produce is misted. This water run-off can contain pesticide residue which should not touch the organic produce.
2. Beware the labeling “natural.”
Always check the labels for additives and chemicals, which must be listed. All natural on the label does not mean the products are 100% organic. The product may contain some organic ingredients but the labeling “natural” is really just a marketing ploy and has no official meaning.
3. Check for the USDA certified organic label, even if the product says it is organic. Laws and restrictions are not well enforced by the USDA.
Some tips from ShopSmart Magazine to save money on organics:
1. Check the Internet for coupons for organic brands. Check the websites of major brands like Stonyfield Farm, Earthbound Farm and Health Valley which offer coupons.
2. Try discount stores such as Walmart, Sams Club and Costco. I’ve found many Costco brand organic products there under the Kirkland brand. These organic products really do save you money, even though at Costco you have to buy large sizes. Sometimes buying in bulk will also help save.
3. If your store has bulk bins, check out the prices of organic products in these. Bulk bins are usually cheaper because you bag your own.
4. Check out the organic store brand labels when you shop. Kroger’s now has Kroger’s Private Selection organic which costs less than name brands. I’ve tried many of Kroger’s organic products and been impressed with their flavor and quality. Other stores, like Safeway, which offers O Organics and Whole Foods which offers Whole Foods Market’s 365 Organic Every Day Value can be great values for your organic dollar.
5. Join an organic food coop. I’ve belonged to an organic food coop for several years. Every other week, I get a large bin of fresh fruits and veggies which in season. All the produce is certified organic and much of it is locally grown, or at least grown in my state, which is Texas. My food coop also offers bulk orders twice a year yearly on organic berries, fish and other specials, such as organic meat. With group buying power you can save money. Check Local Harvest for more information on a coop in your area.
6. Buy bulk organic produce in season when it’s the least expensive and freeze what you can for later. Check for local organic U-Pick farms to see if local organic farmers offer memberships for their products.
7. Check local farms and farmer’s markets for produce labeled “grown without chemicals and pesticides.” Getting the certified organic label is expensive and many farms just opt to sell their produce without the label, even though they don’t use conventional pesticides and fertilizers.
Even in a bad economy, you can make a change to organic produce one step at a time, looking for ways to save money where you can. Healthy Eating Tip: The organic lifestyle pays off in increased health, not only for you, but for the planet.
Younger Looking Skin – How to Get Rid of Age Spots
What are Age Spots?
Age spots are caused by damage done to our skin by sun exposure and free radicals in our bodies which cause cell mutations, lower the immune system and cause wrinkles and aging. Studies are beginning to show that free radicals do more damage to our bodies than age spots; they actually cause diseases such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
Free radicals are created by the body in response to toxins we take in from our air, food and water. Other factors, such as stress and unhealthy diets, low on antioxidants, also cause free radicals to be created in our bodies and this accumulated damage ages our skin, causing wrinkles and age spots.
Preventing Age Spots and Creating Younger Looking Skin
Wear a natural sun screen, preferably with organic ingredients, as most commercial sunscreens also contain harmful chemicals, like parabens. Shea butter is a natural sunscreen and almond and natural oils that are edible are good ingredients for natural sunscreens.
- Sun damage plays a major part in causing age spots and wrinkles to appear. Over exposure to the sun causes a scar like tissue (age spots) to show up as a protection from the sun.
- Eat diet high in antioxidants helps you to have younger looking skin – Lots of fruits and veggies help prevent age spots.
- Avoid excess sugar, fried and processed foods.
- Drink lots of water to keep toxins flushed from the body and Detox occasionally.
- Green Tea is high in antioxidants – Drink at least 3 cups daily, hot or cold.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol - these are very aging to the skin and cause wrinkles.
Antioxidant Vitamins to Help Prevent Age Spots
- Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles 100 Foods You Need to Eat for Younger-looking Skin Condition
- Vitamin E – eat lots of nuts, seeds, vegetable and fish oils, whole grains fortified cereals and apricots.
- Vitamin C- citrus fruits and juices are high in vitamin C, as well as green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi and strawberries.
- Beta-carotene- can be found in egg yolk, milk, butter, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, yams, tomato, cantaloupe, peaches and grains.
Is There a Way to Get Rid of Age Spots?
Once you hit about 45 and age spots begin showing up, what can you do to get rid of them?
What are the best products to use for aging skin problems and aging spots on skin? Besides maintaining your anti aging skin care program above, these two products show great promise to help reduce wrinkles and as age spot treatment.
Age Spot Treatment - Alpha Hydroxy Acid or AHAs
AHA’s are acids made from certain fruits and dairy products, and are applied directly to the skin. These AHA creams are used to get rid of age spots and wrinkles and also to treat acne. These creams and the alpha hydroxy acids in them help by sloughing off the dead skin and allowing newer skin cells to replace them.
Age Spot Treatment - Retinoids
Retinoids are made from synthetic Vitamin A. Retinoids have been used to get rid of age spots by causing the skin’s own natural exfoliating process to accelerate, where old skin cells are replaced by newer skin cells. Older skin cells dry out and slough off, leaving your skin younger looking and free of liver spots or age spots, wrinkles, and scars.
More Tips for Younger Looking Skin
- Get rid of age spots by choosing products with at least 50% natural ingredients and fragrance free. Fragrance contains chemicals your skin doesn’t need.
- Look for products that are full of antioxidants and include ingredients like marine collagens, Idebenone, Hyaluronic acid and, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3. These ingredients help by replenishing aging skin with antioxidants and that is damaged by the oxidation process of free radicals.
- Avoid products with alcohol. Alcohol is bad for treating age spots because it is drying and can cause skin irritation.
Younger looking skin is a life time program but remember, it’s never too late to begin. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, avoid the sun and use natural skin care products free of harmful chemicals and you’ll reduce wrinkles and help get rid of age spots for younger, healthier looking skin - no matter what your age.
Vitamin D as Part of a Healthy Living Program
Taking Vitamin D seems to be one simple way you can improve your overall health.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can cause many health concerns for Baby Boomers – namely decreased muscle strength, a higher risk of falls and an increased risk of cancers of the colon, prostate, breast and other major cancers. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to congestive heart failure which affects many seniors.
Of course, Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to osteoporosis as it is important in calcium absorption which keeps our bones strong. The women in one study consuming at least 500 IU of vitamin D from food and supplements had a 37% lower risk of hip fracture than those who got less than 140 IU of Vitamin D daily. Getting enough calcium alone will not keep bones strong if Vitamin D is lacking.
One study also showed that 55% of patients in the study with Parkinson’s disease had a deficiency of vitamin D.
Sources of Vitamin D
Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D and the prolonged use of sunscreens is thought to be one reason for the high levels of Vitamin D deficiency seen in Americans. One recommendation is to get at least 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight on exposed skin prior to putting on sun screen.
Foods With Vitamin D
Highest Food Sources of Vitamin D
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Eggs
- Cod Liver Oil
Fortified food sources include cereals and fortified milk – however older people would need at least 6 to 8 glasses of milk to get enough Vitamin D this way.
Supplements of Vitamin D3 are one good source of Vitamin D
How much Vitamin D should you take?
The new guidelines now call for children to receive 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day.
Most experts recommend at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day for all adults, and especially those over age 50. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Amounts of Vitamin D over 2,000 IU a day for adults is not recommended and can be toxic.
Adding Vitamin D to your healthy living program is an easy and cost effective way to provide protection from many age related diseases - so why not give it a try?
Easy Ways to Save Money on Unique Holiday Gifts
Everyone appreciates tips on saving money for the holidays. With the economy in an uproar and holiday spending expected at an all time low, I will be using these money saving ideas for unique holiday gifts.
1. Create your holiday gift list and decide how much you can afford to spend on each person. Stick to your budget and shop for a couple unique holiday gifts each pay day.
2. Gather your friends and relatives together and share money saving ideas like putting everybody’s name into a hat and each drawing a name. Our 4 children and their spouses did this last year and it worked out great. This way everyone gets a great holiday gift and you don’t have to buy for everyone on the list.
3. Use coupons to save money on creative gifts. Check newspapers and online coupon sites by typing in the name of what you’re looking for + promo code or coupon and see what comes up. Try more than one coupon code until you find one that works.
4. If you want to shop online for cheap holiday gifts, sign up with different stores websites and get their newsletters and discount offers. Many times they offer free shipping or discounts. I get discount coupons in my email every week for JoAnne’s, Hobby Lobby, Barnes & Noble and Borders books, plus free offers from websites like Gaiam.com or LL Bean.
5. Agree among friends and relatives that sharing the holiday spirit is more important than spending money on gifts. Host a holiday gathering where everyone brings a festive dish instead and share a holiday meal together.
6. If there are children or grandchildren in the family, agree to focus the gift giving on them to create a special holiday for them. After all, do you really need a new tie or box of candy?
7. If you are shopping, shop early for great gift ideas. Stores will be offering sales early this year to get everyone in the holiday gift giving spirit.
8. Start early and make your own handmade gift for those on your list. Get into creative gifts - make a little gift basket with home baked holiday goodies, bake cookies for the mail man or woman. Last year, my youngest daughter and I went through old family photos and made copies, creating a photo album for each my other daughters so everybody had their own copies of treasured memories. We spent a good hour on Christmas Eve laughing and talking about happy memories from their childhoods. Handmade gifts don’t have to be expensive and everyone appreciates the time you took to create their special gift.
9. Give the unique gift of time - Offer to babysit for your grandchildren or cook dinner for a friend or neighbor, shovel snow for an older person on your gift list or take a friend to a movie. You could probably find free events too like a Christmas parade to take someone to as a creative gift idea.
10. Great gift ideas keep on giving - give the gift of a magazine subscription. If you know a woodworker, get a woodworking magazine. If your mom is into health, there are lots of great health magazines out there to give as a thoughtful gift.
If you didn’t start early this year, do it for next year. The after Christmas sales are a great place to buy inexpensive, unique holiday gifts for next year!
Remember unique holiday gifts don’t have to be expensive. Sometimes the cheapest holiday gift can be the most memorable. When I was a child - way back in the 50’s - we each got one gift we really wanted and one new outfit. We spent hours pouring over the Sears catalog choosing a special, unique gift. That one gift was more special to us, I’d wager, than the piles of presents many kids get all at once today.
Make your holiday an old-fashioned holiday about love and family togetherness. You may this year is one of your most treasured holiday memories and the most unique gift of all.
Natural Remedies for Boosting the Immune System
Boosting the immune system is always important. But as weather turns chilly and colds and flu surround us, there are natural things we can do to boost your immune system and stay healthy. Our immune system protects us, not only from simple colds and flu, but more serious illness and disease as well.
Add Immune Boosting Food to Your Diet
As we get older, our immune system may require more help from us to offer the protection we need. One simple and inexpensive way to boost the immune system is to add these foods to your daily diet.
- Green Tea - packed with antioxidants. I drink about one quart a day of green tea but try adding 2-3 cups, hot or cold to boost your immune system. If you don’t like the flavor of green tea, try some of the more fruity new flavors.
- Garlic - Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antiviral, but it must be fresh, not heated or cooked. Place a clove of garlic in a plastic zip lock bag, crush it, and let it set for about 10 minutes. Then add some to a piece of toast, some salsa or your salad dressing.
- Cayenne Pepper - According to Chinese Medicine, to avoid colds you need to heat up the body. Cayenne and other warm spices help boost the immune system so add some spice to your life!
- Berries boost the immune system – Berries, especially blueberries, are packed with antioxidants to keep you healthy. Keep a bag of frozen blueberries in the freezer to put into your morning smoothie or on your cereal or yogurt.
- Ginger - Ginger helps boost the immune system and is also an anti-inflammatory so it helps conditions like arthritis and allergies. Drink fresh ginger tea, eat candied ginger or sprinkle ginger spice into recipes.
- Honey – an antiviral which helps boost the immune system. Use honey to sweeten instead of sugar.
- Shitake Mushrooms are a great immune booster. If you can’t find them fresh, you can purchase shitake mushrooms in pills or extract.
- Yogurt or other probiotic products like Activia – probiotics keep the good bacteria active in our digestive system and this helps to protect our immune system. Especially important if you have to take antibiotics.
Immune Boosting Herbs
- Astragalus – This Chinese herbal extract is recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil and can be taken daily. It is available at your local health food store. Simply follow the directions on the bottle.
- Echinacea herbal extract - I like extracts over pills because they hold potency better. You never know how long pills have been sitting on the shelf. Add a dropper to your juice or morning smoothie when you need a boost in immunity. Try not to take Echinacea longer than a week at a time or it can lose its effectiveness.
- Elderberry extract - or elderberry juice - is antiviral and will help kill the virus before it takes hold. Elderberry juice can be taken daily for immune boosting and it helps with allergies too.
Here’s one of my favorite recipes to boost the immune system:
Tzadziki (Greek garlic yogurt dip)
I discovered this terrific yogurt dip when I spent two years in Greece. The Greeks eat it at almost every meal as a dip for fresh baked bread.
Ingredients
32 ounces plain regular yogurt, not low fat – purchase yogurt without additives
1 large English cucumber, peeled and shredded
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Directions for Tzadziki
1. First make Greek Yogurt. Place some cheese cloth or double layer of paper towels into a colander. Place yogurt on top with a bowl underneath to catch the liquid that drains out. Strain the yogurt for about 6 hours in the refrigerator, or leave overnight. All excess liquid drains out, leaving only thick, creamy yogurt. (You an now buy Greek yogurt but it’s much more expensive than making your own with this simple method.)
2. Mince garlic and dice up cucumber finely, draining off as much excess liquid as possible.
3. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well to form a nice thick mixture.
Use as a dip for crackers, French bread or fresh vegetables. Great on Salads too.
Other Natural Immune Boosting Tips:
- Get plenty of rest – Don’t underestimate the value of this very basic requirement of our immune system.
- Drink water – Water helps to keep the germs and toxins flushed from your body.
- Exercise - Exercise helps reduce stress, which breaks down our immune system.
- Eat lots of fruits and veggies and avoid processed foods – Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole natural foods give our bodies the tools it needs to fight illness and keep us healthy.
A healthy immune system protects us from not only colds and flu, but more serious illnesses and diseases like cancer and heart disease. Boosting the immune system should be an important part of any healthy living program. It’s especially important to baby boomers as our immune systems tend not to operate as effectively as we get older.
Things to do in DC - Wish My Own Dad Could See the World War II Memorial
One of the Top Ten Things to Do in DC - The World War II Memorial
When I consider the top things to do in DC, the World War ii Memorial has to be among the top three. Most baby boomers have fathers who fought in WWii and the sight of this Memorial and the veterans who come to see it, is very moving. On a recent trip to Washington DC, I decided to walk over to the World War ii Memorial even though I’d seen it on previous trips.
I wanted to get to the Memorial early so I could take photos and avoid the crowds. When I came walking over the hill from the Washington Memorial, I saw a crowd already there. At first, I was annoyed - that is, until I saw that the early morning visitors were a group of World War ii vets gathered for a photo.
There were probably 75 vets posed for the photo in front of the fountain and about half of these vets were in wheel chairs. Friends and family hovered around the group, taking pictures, smiling and applauding.
One reason this early morning gathering at the World War ii Memorial was so moving to me is that it brought my own father close to me. He’d been a proud Marine in WWII, fighting in most of the major battles of the Pacific. My dad is now 83 but he is still paying for the four years he spent in the war.
When my dad came home from the war, the doctor he saw had been in the Navy himself. He asked my dad if he’d been a prisoner of war. His bones and joints had deteriorated from lack of proper food for the four years he was in the Islands. His teeth required $2,000 worth of work - an astronomical amount in 1946. His entire body was in pain. When my parents got married in 1948, my mom remembers buying bags of oranges to build his health back up.
Due to an above average immune system no doubt, my dad survived the diseases in the Islands in WWii and he never suffered a wound bad enough to get sent home. He told me recently that the reason they never got any decent food was that no one was expected to survive long enough to suffer from bad nutrition. My dad and his buddy, Snuffy, managed to survive what could only be described as hell on earth for four years and lived to tell about it.
My dad never talked much about his World War ii experiences when I was growing up but when I reached adulthood, he told me many things. Now that he’s in his 80’s these memories from over 60 years ago are still fresh in his mind. Knowing what he went through, makes a visit to the Memorial all the more poignant.
My dad lives in Oregon and will never get to travel to Washington DC to see the World War ii Memorial. The joints of his hips have deteriorated and due to a blood platelet disorder, he put off having a hip replacement. Now, however, the pain is so bad, he has to risk the surgery or end up in a wheelchair. His hip surgery is scheduled for just before Thanksgiving.
Seeing this always proud old Marine bent over a walker and in pain is very hard on me. I can’t help him with this fight, any more than I could help him with the invasion of the Islands. All I could do is go to the WWII Memorial for him, take pictures to send to him and tell him about the experience.
If you’re a baby boomer who knows someone who fought in World War ii, the World War ii Memorial is an emotional sight but it feels peaceful too. Sitting there, I listened to the rush of water in the fountain which drowned out all the traffic noises of DC, watching the sun shine on the heads of the old Vets visiting the Memorial, seeing how proud their families were, I thought of my own dad and wished he could be there with me.
My Favorite Proactive Health & Healthy Aging Tools
I am a firm believer in proactive health and it is especially important for healthy aging. When we’re young, we tend to believe our body can handle anything, no matter how we sometimes abuse it, but as we age, the results of our thoughtless treatment of our health begin to show up. We often suffer from arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity, among other things as we age. But, I believe if we practice proactive health, taking control of our health and our life, we can achieve amazing results.
Here are some great tools to help you practice proactive health:
Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Physical and Spiritual Well-Being
Proactive Health guru Andrew Weil’s book, Healthy Aging, is a classic in how to age gracefully. Now in his 60’s, Dr. Weil practices what he preaches. His “12-point program for healthy aging” focuses on nutrition, moderate exercise and meditation and rest for an easy to follow approach to taking control of your health and how you age.
You: Staying Young: The Owner’s Manual for Extending Your Warranty (You)
Oprah’s show has made Dr. Oz a household name in proactive health. Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz’s book You: Staying Young is packed with easy to understand information and useful advice about how to age well. So called “age related” diseases are not inevitable. This book explains why and how to avoid them.
You Can Heal Your Life, the movie, expanded version
This movie is a lifechanger. It focuses on using affirmations to create the life you want. If you are sick or have an illness, you can use the methods in this movie to be proactive about your health and actually create health. I’d recommend the expanded version as you get the entire interview with participants in the movie such as Dr. Wayne Dyer, Ester Hicks and Abraham and others. If you liked the movie, The Secret, this movie will give you an action plan to implement those principles.
Read my review of You Can Heal Your Life
Anti-cancer: A New Way of Life
Anti-Cancer A New Way of Life tells the story of the author, Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, who got cancer, not once but twice. Through his own experience, he came up with a new way of life to protect himself from getting cancer again. He explains what researchers know about WHY people get cancer in the first place (or why some people DON’T get cancer at all) and how you can follow a healthy living program that will help protect you from cancer or its reoccurance.
Read my review of Anti-Cancer A New Way of Life
If you’re interested in healthy living and healthy aging, I can’t recommend these books and Louise Hay’s movie highly enough. It doesn’t matter what the current state of your health is or how old you are, it’s not too late to implement changes that can make a difference. These are just a few of my favorite proactive health tools to help you make those changes.