INTERNAL MEDICINE
Time for serious. So much has been written about our bodies that anything I would deign to add would be a very light treatment of the subject. What is most fascinating right now for me is the impact that food and nutrients have on our overall health. We can exercise ourselves to the ninety ninth degree but if it's all falling apart internally -- there's no amount of treadmill time that's going to keep up us really healthy. Chronic inflammation, cardiac disease, loss of skin elasticity, cirrhosis, even bad breath -- all stem from the neglect of our inner health. I'm not a nutritionist. I am an avid researcher, learner, seeker and advocate and I will share what I've discovered and continue to discover. Some of it will be mainstream but some of it will be ferreted out of dusty archives or eccentric scientists filing cabinets. Just remember that no matter what I place on this site, it's up to you to do your own homework -- to determine if it is meaningful and/or applicable. I am not endorsing treatments, products, or a way of life, just bringing material to your attention as well as my own personal take on it. I don't suggest that you take what I share as absolute truth -- get someone else to comment or read before you ramp up a new regime; a medical professional or other well-informed or accredited individual is probably a good starting point. Ultimately though it's up to you to make your own choices.

Let's start with a study that has been scattered about many of the media outlets when it was published at the beginning of June. Here's a link to where it originally came from Annals of Internal Medicine

The scuttlebutt: People who were placed on a diet that included fat (Virgin Olive Oil, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, and Almonds) were found to have improved cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. In addition, in all likelihood they also managed to descrease the fat storage levels in their livers, which would mean a potential staving off of chronic liver disease. High fat storage levels in the liver is an indication of Non Alcholic Liver Disease (NALD). NALD could potentially lead to chronic liver disease. And, you thought you were safe because you cut back on your martini intake -- ha! Nothing is simple -- food is a powerful weapon. Use it wisely.

I was at the gym a couple of weeks ago, when a fellow "gymite" mentioned that everyone is using botox and fillers. Let me explain. She's a dermatologist. It's her world. It's her livelihood. "Not me," said I. "Ah but you will," Dr. Derm exclaimed gleefully. "All your friends are doing it. You might not know it, but they are. I'm 100% percent certain that they are." Under my breath, to the guy doing crunches next to me, I said, "Not me. I don't want to. Tell me I don't have to." "You don't, you won't - you look great," he said. "It's unnecessary and ridiculous." (Yes, these kind of guys do exist.) "I heard that," the dermatologist snapped, "Don't kid yourself, your face has an expiration date. It'll be just a matter of a few years until you'll break down and get an injection." Heavy sigh.

Fast forward a couple of weeks later and I overhear Dr. Derm plying her trade yet again. A really lovely woman -- 62 and in the most amazing shape -- has walked in telling a tale of a broken heart. Her boyfriend of a year has chosen to two-time her with a friend. (Not a younger woman and not a male, but yes, her best friend.) This sweet woman is truly suffering. Red rimmed eyes and shoulders stooped so low you could ski off of them. What does Dr. Derm advise? "Come to my office late in the day tomorrow and we'll play. I've got lots of things to get your skin and face looking younger and younger. We'll round it off with a couple of injections." Empathy, it seems, now comes packaged in single dose syringes. Who needs talk therapy?

Age well. Drink plenty of water. Exercise. Eat wholesome organic food/avoid highly processed food. Take supplements to nourish and support the body and brain in ways that lead to agility and independence as you age. Practice deep breathing to calm any anxiety you might feel. Be kind.

My best to Dr. Derm.