Embracing Health
From Ascension Benefits & Insurance Solutions
& Gordon State College
April 2013
Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer, searched for the Fountain of Youth in 1513. According to
legend, anyone who drank from the Fountain would have his youth and health restored. In many
ways, we are still looking for that fountain today. What if there was a way to extend our lives? I’d be
first in line to find out, how about you? While we recognize that no one is capable of stopping the
clock, you can still find your own fountain of youth by focusing on the below strategies.
The secret to longevity is that there really is no
secret. A healthy lifestyle, positive thinking,
and good relationships are our best bet for a
long and happy life.
Anti-Aging Tips
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Eat your way to a longer life. Whole grains,
fruits and vegetables, olive oil, beans, nuts, and
calcium all have anti-aging properties and help
you feel better now and live longer.
Have some fish.
Fatty fish like salmon,
albacore tuna, and mackerel are great sources
of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids help keep
blood vessels healthy and regulate blood
pressure along with being essential for brain
functioning and memory performance.
Get Moving. Your body was made to move.
Exercise is one of the most important things
you can do to improve your health.
Take care of your skin. Sunscreen is the
world’s best anti-aging skin care product. Not
only can using it take years off your
appearance, it can help you avoid conditions
like skin cancer.
Get some ZZZ’s. Sleeping helps your body
make repairs and stay young. Think of it as
maintenance for your body. If you get enough,
everything stays in good shape.
Here is a brief list of the number of years each of
these health factors are believed to add to your life:
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The Power of Positive Thinking
Are you one of those people who dread your
birthday each year? If this answer is yes, you may
be shortening your life. Research shows that how
you perceive aging affects how long you will live.
Studies have also shown that people who are more
optimistic about their own aging tend to live 7.5
years longer.
Good Relationships
Relationships are an essential part of health.
Isolation and loneliness create responses in the
body similar to those of stress. Friends and family
add dimension to our lives. They help us celebrate
the good times and make it through the hard times.
Surround yourself with loving, supportive people for
a better life right now and more years to live it.
Low blood pressure: 4 years
Low cholesterol readings: 4 years
Healthy weight: 1-3 years
Not smoking: 14 years
Regular exercise: 1-3 years
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Ascension Insurance does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.