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.

New CPAP with all the Works

 I have not had a pulmonary/sleep specialist since retiring from Valley Medical Center over five years ago.  I guess this had to do more with leaving California, as my Valley Health Plan insurance wouldn't cover me outside of California.  I had about six masks at this time.  I have been using them longer than the prescribed to make them last.  However I finally have a new machine and masks.  I was worried about the old one as it was getting to old.  My old machine was recalled, so I did get a new machine sent to me in Arizona.  My new machine which I picked up last week is much smaller, sleeker and looks cooler.  The piping has a heater in it. It is set at 72 degrees.  It has a humidifier attachment but I had them turn it off for now.  It is set so all I do is turn it on and off.  The level is set by the sleep doctor.  

Crisis Line Information on Farnam Pier and the Pedestrian Bridge

 Found the crisis line number on the pier and the bridge coming from Discovery Playground to the pier.  Seems they want this information out there where there is a place someone could jump.  There is now a national suicide and crisis number to call.  

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: Zinc Improves Glucose Control

 Zinc Improves Glucose Control by Ross Howzer, Life Extension Magazine: The Science of a Healthier Life, Collectors Edition 2026, pp 65-68.

This is a concept I had not heard, that zinc could help with glucose control.  I am taking Four pills and a weekly shot to improve my glucose control.  Adding a zinc supplement may help as well.  This article indicates that zinc has many positive qualities.  It can improve and support the immune system.  Studies indicate that low zinc is related to inulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.  For those with diabetes zince supplements have helped improve blood sugar numbers and lower AIC.

This magazine promotes supplements so I was wary, so turned to AI for its answer to the question about zinc.  There is states that zinc can help diabetes and cholesterol.  It states that zinc is helpful in controlling blood sugar but it also warns it is possible to get too much zinc.  It suggests that a low dose of zinc can be helpful but less than 25 mg.  There are 50 mg supplements so I would be wary of those.  My multivitamin has 10 mg zinc so a supplement with 10 or 15 mg may be right for me.  I see my Dr. in a couple weeks and am going to ask him about this.

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.  

Magazine Article Review: Vitamin D May Slow Aging by Protecting Telomeres

 Vitamin D May Slow Aging by Protecting Telomeres by Joseph Meyer, Life Extension, The Science of a Healthier Life, collectors edition, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, 2026 pp 23-.

Telomeres are the protecting ends of chromosomes.  The process of aging is connected to the telomeres.  People predict the physical aging of an individual by looking at the telomeres.  

Studies are showing the taking vitamin D protects the telomeres, and thus reduces aging.  A 2025 study shows that individuals who had taken vitamin D-3 2000 IU for four years had significantly reduced telomere shortening.  I have been taking vitamin D-3 for many years at the suggestion of my doctor.