New Middle Age Building Blocks

Meet the new middle age. People are extending theaccumulation of free radicals which are toxic to the
prime of their lives way beyond the short horizons ofhair cells within the ears. A study done with 46 people
the previous generation. There are certain buildingwith age related hearing loss improved their hearing by
blocks that seem to go with a productive, joyful midlifetaking a combination of antioxidants for 13 weeks.
and beyond.Right now the optimal level or mix of antioxidants is still
1. Building Block...a strong heart.unknown but for now take a standard multivitamin and
Get a heart scan after menopause. This testpile your plate with rich fruits and veggies and of
measures calcium accumulation in arteries, a predictorcourse, avoid very loud sustained noises.
of heart attack risk and can spot trouble even when6. Building Block...sturdy bones.
other tests are normal.The previous generation got plenty of calcium and
2. Building Block...good vision.vitamin D to maintain bone mass which is correct but
AMD is age related macular degeneration thatthe new middle age knows to add protein to the mix.
damages the retina and threatens the sight of 1/3 ofDairy products such as milk and yogurt are the best
people. The previous generation thought that AMDsources of calcium because they contain all the
could not be prevented. The new mid lifers takenutrients, including the protein that you need for strong
supplements like vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, andhealthy bones.
zinc that slow vision loss 25% in people with early7. Building Block...up to date vaccinations.
signs of AMD.Illnesses that can be prevented with vaccinations kill
3. Building block...comic relief.almost 50,000 Americans yearly. The previous
Many of the previous generation thought that a sensegeneration thought vaccinations were just for kids and
of humor was determined by genes and not related tothat you were protected for life if you had them. Many
health issues. The new middle age now knows that aof the new middle age still fall behind in vaccinations
good laugh is the easiest and most reliable way tobut more are realizing that diseases like shingles can
reduce stress by improving immune-enhancingbe prevented by receiving the varicella-zoster
hormones.vaccination. Tetanus-diphtheria booster are
4. Building Block...stable blood sugar. Your parents triedrecommended every 10 years. Many middle age
to eat complex carbs which studies suggested waspeople forget this. The next time you see your doctor,
the key to preventing diabetes.The new middle ageask if you are due for any shots.
focuses on total calories reduction. A study done by8. Building Blocks...close relationships.
the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston reported if youYour Mom's generation believed that family and
are overweight, losing about 7% of your total bodymarriage was the most important emotional bond in a
weight is enough to cut the risk of developing diabetesperson's life. While there is certainly much truth in that
in half.believe, studies have shown that friends save lives. A
5. Building Block...keen hearing.Swedish study reports that for heart attack
One in three Americans has high-frequency hearingprevention, having friendships is second only to not
loss. Your parents thought the only way to protectsmoking!
hearing was to avoid loud noises or wear earplugs.The new middle are people who are extending the
The new middle age knows that eating your veggiesprime of life and making it really the "prime" of life.
can protect and improve your hearing. Mom alwaysThey know that a good second act rests on 2 key
told you eat your veggies but probably had no ideapillars. One is a life long commitment to preventive
that they were actually helping your hearing. Part ofhealth and the second pillar is an active social life with
the problem with losing your hearing is theemotionally satisfying relationships.