Magazine Article Review: Doctor's Orders: For a Long Healthy Life

 Doctor's Orders: Do as the Say!  Experts in all sorts of specialties give their absolute best advice for a long, healthy life by Caitlin Carlson, photographs by Ted Cavanaugh, Real Simple Magazime, RealSimple.com, February March 2026, pp 54-58,

Here are expert ideas for healthier and longer life

Strength train at least two days a week.  Muscles act as a metabolic organ.  More muscle improves insulin control, burning fat, releasing hormones that reduce inflammation and boost brain function.  Strength training preserves bone density, enhances hormones and proteins and can even improve cognitive function.

Slather on the SPF.  Even indoors, suns rays can get to you so you should use SPF product daily as a skin cream.

Reach out to Loved Ones.  Connection is important.  Make effort to maintain strong positive social connections.  Face to face is best but ZOOM or Facetime also works.

Floss! Floss! Floss!  Cleaning between your teeth can help prevent periodontal disease which causes gum issues.  Reportedly the daily floser lives six and a half years longer than the non-flosser.

Wear comfortable shoes.  Wear shoes approved by the American Podiatric Association.  These are usually sneakers.  I wear New Balance which are approved.  Have a firm base can prevent many health ussues.

Jump around.  New bone tissue replaces old under stress.  Jumping does this better than walking or running.

Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time.  Inconsistent sleep schedules can lead to many problems.  A random schedule messes with you circadian schedule and hormones.  Sleep irregularity is a risk for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular issues.  

Eat More Fiber.  This is important for stomach health.  25 to 34 grams per day.

Pick up a new hobby.  Working through unfamiliar tasks helps build up new neural connections and strengthens old ones.  

Get your eyes checked.  Recommended at age 40 an every two to four years after.  Having diabetes I do yearly exams.

Try to eat less meat.  A small change can make a big difference.  The Mediterranean diet can be a guide.  Olive oil, fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains.

Three Related Magazine Articles: Find Your Purpose

 Find Your Purpose: How to figure Out What You Truly Want in Life, by PT contributors, Paychology Today, February 2026, pp 24-31.

The Paradox of Purpose by Jordan Grumet M.D.

This article points out the positive effects of having a purpose, lower mortality rate, better heart, More likely to stay active, more happiness.  Having a purpose is good for physical and mental health.  However the paradox if purpose is that if the purpose is too broad, too grandiose, it can have the opposite effect as people can become frustrated.  Purpose can be a source of tremendous joy, but it can also be a source of frustration.  However breaking purpose into smaller purposes can overcome this.  Instead of wanting to be famous it may be best to do well at whatever you do.  Purpose is finding meaning in the small purposes, making sure we prioritize well.  

In the end regret is about failing to become who you expected to be.  Inaction haunts us, not failing but failing to try.

A Brief History of Purpose Seeking: And What Happens when People--and Society--Don't Find It?  by Joseph E, Davis PH.D.

This article points out that too many people are without purpose; especially young people.  This may be the residual effecgt of COVID and lock down.  There seems to be something broken in society.  Fentanyl, drugs, social media, malaise all seem to be fueling this change in society.  We feel empty, inadequate and adrift.  Many young people, despite having success, still feel vacant inside.  This lack of purpose could be called a disorder of self.  

The How of Human Connection: Why do other People Matter So Much when it Comes to Finding Purpose and Joy in Life? Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D.

Other People matter.  Three words summarize the point of purpose.  Our well-being depends on others.  How to find others.  Realize people are interested in you.  Connection is built on reciprocity.  Frequency rather than intensity of positive relations is what matters.  Imagine connection as the physical distance between you and others.  Take a genuine interest in others and pay attention.  By being ready, opportunities to connect will come, and making connection with others you can find purpose.