Transcript Healthy Aging - Wellcare Medical Clinic
Healthy Aging
beginning of a conversation
with Dr. Simon C. Wong, DO
954-603-5508 9750 NW 33rd Street, Suite 210 Coral Springs, FL 33065 www.WellCareMedicalClinic.com
Wellcare Medical Clinic . . .
A Healthy Aging Practice for Your Overall Well Being
We can't avoid the aging process. But we can all age
with
an able and disease free body.
Once we understand what to expect as we age, we can work with our bodies to age and engage in an ongoing improving process to achieve the goal.
What is considered "normal" aging?
Cardiovascular System
Also known as the circulatory system (heart, arteries, veins and capillaries)
As we age:
Heart rate slows down
Heart might become slightly larger Blood vessels and arteries become stiffer Heart has to work harder to pump blood Could lead to high blood pressure (hypertension)
Bones, Joints and Muscles
As we age:
Bones shrink in density and size Become more susceptible to fractures By age 80, you could lose up to 2 inches in height Muscles lose strength, flexibility Decrease in coordination, balance
Digestive System
As we age:
Constipation is more common in older adults Reasons include a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough fluids and lack of exercise Medications (diuretics, iron supplements) and some conditions (diabetes and irritable bowl syndrome) also might contribute
Bladder and Urinary Tract
As we age:
As we age:
Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) becomes more common Conditions such as diabetes, menopause, child birth and an enlarged prostate contribute to incontinence
Memory
As we age:
Memory becomes less efficient with age
Takes longer to learn new things or remember familiar words or names
Eyes and Ears
As we age:
More difficult to focus on objects that are close up More sensitive to glare Clouded vision (cataracts) Hearing starts to dim Have difficulty hearing high frequencies or following conversations in a crowded room
Teeth
As we age:
Your gums may pull back from your teeth Medications for allergies, asthma, high blood pressure and cholesterol can cause dry mouth Teeth and gums become more vulnerable to decay and infection
Skin
As we age:
Skin thins, becomes less elastic and more fragile Bruise more easily Skin becomes drier due to decreased production of natural oils Wrinkles, age spots and small growths (skin tags) are more common
Weight
As we age:
Muscle mass decreases, body fat takes its place You need fewer calories to maintain your current weight
Knowing what to expect from your body means you are better equipped to work
with and improve upon
your body as you age.
What you can do -
Cardiovascular System
: Exercise helps lower blood pressure, lessen stiffening of arteries Healthy diet high in vegetables, fruits, fiber and lean protein keep arteries clear Stop smoking! Smoking leads to the hardening of arteries, increases blood pressure and heart rate Manage and reduce stress
What you can do -
Bones, Joints and Muscles
: Get adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D Weight bearing exercise and strength training can help strengthen bones Don’t smoke! And limit alcoholic drinks to two per day
What you can do -
Digestive System
: Diet should include more high-fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), less high-fat meats, dairy products and sweets Drink plenty of water
Exercise helps prevent constipation Don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement
What you can do -
Bladder and Urinary Tract
: Go to the bathroom regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Don’t smoke!
Kegel exercises
What you can do –
Memory
: Eat a healthy diet Exercise daily Stay mentally active (crossword puzzles, learning new hobbies, etc.) Be social; get together with friends and family
What you can do -
Eyes and Ears
: Schedule regular checkups with your doctor Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when you’re outdoors Wear hearing aids and perform corrective eye surgery as necessary Chinese word for being “SMART”
What you can do -
Teeth
: Brush and floss your teeth twice a day Schedule regular checkups with your dentist
What you can do -
Skin
: Use warm, not hot, water when you bathe Use mild soap and a good moisturizer When outdoors, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing Don’t smoke!
What you can do -
Weight
: Eat a healthy diet Exercise regularly Watch your portion sizes, should get smaller as you age
What else should we know and do besides exercise, diet, drink plenty of water, no/quit smoking, using sun block, have my teeth and eyes checked and fixed and maintain an active social life style?
Angiogenesis:
Physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels Natural process in the body used for healing and reproduction “On" switches are known as angiogenesis-stimulating growth (ASG) factors “Off switches" are known as angiogenesis inhibitors (AI)
Angiogenesis:
Excessive angiogenesis:
o
cancer, obesity , diabetic blindness, age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and more than 70 other conditions Insufficient angiogenesis:
o
coronary artery disease, stroke, and chronic wounds
Angiogenic Growth Factors:
At least 20 different known AGFs 5 AGFs are being tested in humans for growing new blood vessels to heal wounds and to restore blood flow to the heart, limbs, and brain.
Angiogenic gene therapy is also being developed as a method to deliver AGFs to the heart, limbs, and wounds.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors:
More than 300 AIs have been discovered.
Some cancer patients have experienced dramatic regression and stabilization of their tumors from anti-angiogenic therapy e.g. Kidney and Skin Cancers But other anti-angiogenic therapy cancer treatments are disappointing. WHY?
How did cancer evolve?
Cancer cells constantly develops in our body Fortunately majority of them are not growing because it needs blood vessels to supply nutrients to grow it i.e. it needs to be free of “inhibitions” from AIs Some of the AI drugs are not working because It is too late in the process for the AI drugs to be effective. i.e. we have to start the preventive process EARLY
Cancer Causes:
Genetics: 5-10% Environment: 90-95%
o
Infectious 15-20%
o o o o
Tobacco 25-30% Alcohol 4-6% Obesity 10-20% Diet 30-35%
Obesity:
Angiogenesis promotes fat expansion by supplying fat cells with oxygen and nutrients Laboratory studies have shown that inhibiting angiogenesis in obese mice decreases their weight to normal levels Obese individuals have increased levels of proangiogenic factors
Angiogenesis in the body is influenced by diet and lifestyle:
Many foods contain naturally occurring inhibitors of angiogenesis, it acts to boost the body’s existing system that suppresses undesirable angiogenesis that can promote or accompany disease They are comparable even more potent and than some of the AI drugs available Any medical evidence?
Eat to starve cancer and combat obesity?
Licopene (cooked tomatoes)
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2-3 serving of cooked tomatoes reduce risk for prostate cancer by 40-50%
Harvard School of Public Health Resveratrol (red grapes)
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Can repeatedly return obese mice to their baseline weights by injection/withdrawal of Resveratrol
Ingredients for dinner tonight!
Anti-Angiogenic Foods
Can I use the supplement forms of the AI food?
Yes, such as the red wine extract and resveratrol but please discuss with your doctor first
Thank you
Healthy Aging Lecture Series
Questions?
954-603-5508 9750 NW 33rd Street, Suite 210, Coral Springs, FL 33065 www.WellCareMedicalClinic.com