Rx for aging gracefully

Dear Tingting,

I admire you a lot because I must say you are one woman who has managed to age gracefully. But how does one really age gracefully? – Pam

You’re only as old as you feel. Understand that aging lends an air of respect, dignity, and wisdom. Feel good about it. When someone pays you a compliment on how young you look, simply accept it and say thank you. We can do things to help us stay young forever. Like doing regular workouts, not smoking or drinking excessively, and visiting the doctor regularly.

More, choose foods that are as close as possible to their natural state – fresh and unprocessed. To stay healthy, Healthy Options recommends these supplements:

• Beta carotene – antioxidant, increases cellular regeneration and prevents premature aging of the skin. Food source: carrots, apricots, squash.

• Vitamin C – antioxidant, needed for the production of elastin and collagen, promotes skin strength and elasticity in blood vessel walls and cell membranes. Food source: oranges, kiwi, peppers.

• Vitamin E – antioxidant, helps maintain all tissues, believed to slow the aging of cells, may help prevent scar formation. Food source: cold-pressed vegetable oil, raw nuts, and seeds.

• Selenium – antioxidant, protects against UV-induced cell damage, and helps preserve skin elasticity. Food source: tuna, garlic, onions, broccoli.

• Zinc – antioxidant, essential for normal cell growth and repair. Food source: whole grains, most seafood, onions.

• Essential fatty acids – maintain proper function of all tissues and repair tissue, especially the skin. Food source: primrose oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil.

Let me share with you my best-kept beauty secret: The human body is made up of 50 to 70 percent water. It loses about three quarts of water each day through perspiration, urine, and respiration. It is recommended that the average person drink at least two to three pints of clean, pure water daily. Do not wait until you’re thirsty. Thirst is a response to severe dehydration.

Water is involved in nearly every bodily process – especially flushing out waste materials. It benefits our skin by acting as an internal moisturizer, keeping the skin moist, supple, and clear, and preventing premature aging. – Tingting

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Keeping Slim After Pregnancy

Hi, Lucy! 

I have always admired your beauty and slim figure. I would like to know how you managed to keep your svelte figure even after your pregnancy. Do you eat certain foods only? – Recel

I regained my pre-pregnancy figure because it was a conscious effort on my part. I did not just sit back, relax and blame/attribute any excess weight on my pregnancy.

For one, while I was pregnant, I made sure that I ate healthy food (very little junk food, sweets, and soda) so I guess that made for a good start. Because I was breast-feeding, I also did not go on any crash diets so I did everything the right way, one day at a time for a sustained period. I ate good food, and I exercised. Plus, because being a mom demands much from a woman, emotionally as well as physically (all those sleepless nights), I lost the weight fast. It is a happy kind of stress, motherhood.

Now, with my daughter all of five years old already, I even have more time to engage in physical activities that help me stay fit, dancing and boxing being my top favorites. – Lucy

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‘My Son’s Scalp Smells Like Vinegar!’

Hi, Mary!

I wonder if you could help me find a shampoo for my son. He is 10 and sweats profusely, which is why his scalp smells like vinegar always. I’ve tried many shampoos – from adult to baby shampoos, but nothing seems to help. His scalp still smells, even after just taking a bath. I read somewhere that Neutrogena is good for this type of scalp. What would you suggest? – Riza

Perhaps your son’s condition has nothing to do with the shampoo you use. I suggest you consult a dermatologist who can help you, like Dr. Sylvia Jacinto (tel. no. 894-3952). According to Dr. Jacinto, at 10, the sebaceous (oil) glands in the scalp activate, so oil mixes with sweat and bacteria and causes odor. Alternate regular daily shampoo with Ionil or Stieprox shampoos two times a week, leaving in for 10 minutes each time. When odor starts to clear up, you can use the shampoo once a week. – Mary

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