Magazine Article Review: Has Science Solved Death?

 Has Science Solved Death? by Meryl Davids Landau, Prevention Magazine, March 2026, pp 63-74.

Of course the answer is no, but this article deals with what things have increased longevity.  Three experts answer the questions: Matt Kaberlein, PH.D., Ana C Krieger M.D,, M.P.H., Michael Clinton, author of  Longevity Nation.  

These three point out that science is finally reaching the point where we understand aging.  However information in the media is not always accurate.  No specific treatments, but we can be proactive about our health.  GLP-1 medications offer a great hope with weight loss and treatment of diabetes.  These experts are wary of supplements.  Mindset however is important.  You are what you think.  Having a positive attitude about again acan add seven years to your life.  

There is a page devoted to adding years with a total of 21 years added.  It does this by suggesting: Prioritize fitness +4 years.  7000 steps a day reduces risk of cancer, heart disease, dementia and death.  Eat Healthily +8 years, fruit and vegetable rich Mediterranean diet fights inflammation.  Vent Stress +3 years, Stress is toxic; Everyone should develop a detoxing strategy, running, walking the dog, deep breathing etc.  Be steady with sleep +2 years, brain cleansing that happens while you sleep is critical; so this by avoiding eating before sleep, see MD if having apneas and sleeping in the dark.  Socialize often +4 years, People who mingle at least 2x a week live longer than those who just stay home.  This can be in pickleball league, lunch dates ot whatever.    

Magazine Article Review: Sweet Dreams: Follow some simple tips and get the sound sleep you deserve

 Sweet Dreams: Follow some simple tips and get the sound sleep you deserve by Juliana LaBianca, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Summer 2023 pp 22-25

So her are some tips for better sleep, during the day:  Spend time outside in the morning With coffee or hot chocolate, do some strength exercises instead of just cardio (will get you more tired and body will need to recover), eat regular meals and snacks, no beeping noises to wak, music or nature sounds are better.

Before Bedtime: slip into something you love such as comfortable pajamas, eat almonds (they have natural melatonin), bedroom should be cool (under 65), good music for sleep, no screens--read a book instead, no alcohol but chamomile tea with cherry juice is good.

While You Are in Bed:  Be in the dark (eye masks are good), smell lavender (perhaps a spray), red lighting may help, sleep on your left side for better breathing and less issues with acid reflux, if you are ruminating about somethin take a moment to write it down and then go to sleep, if you wake during the night try deep breathing to get back to sleep.  

Weighted Blankets: Are They Good for Your Health

 Is there a health advantage to weighted blankets?  This is the answer from AI.  weighted blamkets can be good for you by reducing anxiety and improving sleep.  It does this through deep pressure stimulation which calms the nervous system.  They mimic a hug.  They may also help with chronic pain.  They are unsafe for infants, young children and those with certain medical conditions.  

Pros: Improved sleep leads to iproved well being.  Provides extgra comfort and warmth.  Boosts mood and concentration.  Reduces anxiety, restlessness and depression.  Helps with pain.  Deep touch pressure helps with Melatonin production.  

Cons: Takes time to adjust to.  More expensive than a blanket. Not recommended for babies.  They are hard to take when traveling.  Not recommended for people with sleep apnea.  

That last con means they are not recommended for me.  

Everyday Health: 8 Habits that Spell Disaster for Diabetes

Everyday Health does a very good job with many of their articles, and this is no exception:  There 8 bad habits:
1. Eating three big meals.  Diabetes does not respond well to big meals, which tend to spike sugar.  Contrarily five or six smaller meals seem to do better.  I like snacks--the problem is making sure they are healthy.
2, Skipping Breakfast:  Even a big breakfast is better than no breakfast, and much better than a large dinner.  I like big breakfasts, but tend to pile on the calories at dinnertime.
3. Sleeping too little or too much.  I tend to sleep less than I need using my CPAP; usually six hours.  However I do get naps, and counting them I get enough sleep, but my goal is 6.5 hours CPAP sleep per night.  This article suggests 6.5 to 7.4 hours per night.  So if I meet my goal I am there.
4. Neglecting dental health.  I just went through a round with the dentist, after neglecting my appointments for a couple years.  Not a smart idea.
5. Not appreciating the role of stress.  With many recent changes at work, stress has been a constant factor.  I am grateful for this week off, and need to do things to take care of myself.
6. Ignoring depression.  It suggests a healthy diet with exercise as a way to combat depression, but also mentions cognitive therapy and medications if needed.
7. Striving for perfection.  Although monitoring sugar is important, trying to be perfect is impracticable and sabotage your efforts.
8. Putting off health care appointments.  I actually do a bit better here.

Diabetes Focus

These are some ideas I gleaned form the Diabetes Focus magazine, Spring 2016:
Sleep Balance:  By sleep balance they mean having the same sleep schedule every day, not waking later on weekends for example.  Those who have the same schedule tend to be healthier.  Those with a greater discrepancy in their sleep schedule have higher cholesterol levels, and greater insulin intolerance.
Stress: Diabetes distress is a real thing.  Managing diabetes can be stressful as you worry about diet, exercise, medical care etc.  Also there is at times a lack of support from those around you.  This can lead to diabetes distress.  It is good to talk to your doctor about stress and diabetes.
Testosterone: There is a correlation between testosterone level and insulin intolerance.  In may be a good idea to ask for blood test.
Singing:  Singing has been shown to improve mood and decrease tension.  Singing also can help with memory and social skills.  People who participate in choirs feel more confident and supported in social settings.
Feet (Socks and Shoes)  Who knew there are socks better for diabetics than other socks.  Fitted socks are best, synthetic materials will keep your feet dryer, padded styles can keep feet protected.  For more recommendations check out American Podiatric Medical Association.  Shoes should be replaced more often than you think, 300 to 500 miles, and more often if you are overweight.  Best to buy shoes later in the day as feet are larger later in the day (who knew?), and best to try them out.  If they don't feel comfortable in the store, they won't at home.  They should feel good without being "worn in."  They should have plenty of room for the toes, but not be so big they slip.  Finally, with your feet protected, we all should walk just a bit more.  For diabetics a pre and post walk check of feet is important to check for any blisters or damage.

**Sleep and Nutrition from Everyday Health

http://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/0211/poor-nutrition-can-bite-into-your-sleep.aspx?pos=1&xid=nl_EverydayHealthDietandNutrition_20140511
This is a link which includes a couple videos, as well as an article on sleep; particularly as it relates to nutrition.
Step 1: Eat no less than 4 hours before going to bed; especially food high in carbohydrates.
Step 2: High protein food late in the day because they contain something that helps you sleep.
Step 3: Include dairy, chick peas nuts, broccoli a few hours  before bed.
Tip: Avoid alcohol and caffeine before going to bed, or entirely as these can interfere with sleep.
Step 4: Salads with fruit, such as apples and pears, which calm the digestive system.
Step 5: Eat comfort foods, like chicken noodle soup, which calm you mind and make you feel good.
Tip: Keep your weight down.
Step 6: Chamomile tea with ginger calms the digestive system.  Warm milk can also serve in this function.
The tip on keeping my weight down would be good for me.  My weight I am sure contributes to sleep apnea.  By losing some weight I maybe could get rid of my CPAP machine.  I never use caffeine, or alcohol.  I do eat too late in the day, but have started taking my evening meal to eat on the train.  The days I remember, it seems to help. 

**Sleep and Aging: Everyday Health

http://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/insomnia/tips/seniors-dont-take-sleep-woes-lying-down.aspx

I cannot say I do not have a sleep problem.  I use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, but falling asleep has never been a big issue for me; although I have had a few notes when I couldn't sleep.  Sleep issues may  be a part of aging.  This article offers some good advice.  For one, it is not helpful to sit in bed stewing about it if you can't get to sleep.  Better to get up and do something boring until you feel drowsy.  Some of the other ideas are pretty self explanatory, but still important. No caffeine and alcohol before bed, try not to exercise just before going to bed, try relaxation and skip naps.