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.

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.