Mark 6:31
Rest a while? What a concept. If you’re anything like me, you don’t rest until your body demands it. In years past, I actually questioned God’s thinking when He designed a 24 hour day and created our bodies so that they need to rest about one third of each day. If you live to the current average lifespan of 78 years, you will have slept twenty-six years of your life away! What a waste, right?
If I had been consulted, I would have created a 48 hour day and a body that only needed six hours sleep in that time. Just imagine all that you could accomplish, not to mention the fact that you’d only have to make your bed, do your makeup and any number of other daily tasks, half as much as you do now. Cool. So I thought.
Well, my days of striving to be a superwoman are long over. Truth is…I totally burned out. The value of time efficiency and accomplishment began to pale and I finally began to understand why God created us as He did – needing regular, long sessions of rest, renewal and regeneration. I realized that our fragile human bodies are a constant reminder that we are weak, dependent beings. As we age and see the telltale signs of time showing up in various ways, we cannot deny this reality. If we always felt like we did at 21 years old, able to get by on almost no sleep, high energy and looking great – we’d be deluded into thinking we were invincible. God has created us with a daily reminder that we are delicate organisms totally dependent upon Him for every breath we take. This side of Heaven, we must contend with the limits of our flesh. But, if we follow His prescription for healthy living – our bodies will serve us well until we get our new ones one day.
In recent years I’ve learned the value of rest – not only for the body – but also for the soul and spirit. I’ve stopped complaining…I’ve stopped rebelling…and I finally just embrace it. God clearly thought it was vitally important to teach us the significance of rest since he modeled it to us as He completed His creation.
By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2: 2, 3
The God of the universe did not need to take a break. His energy is endless and His power is unlimited. What He did was show us the importance of rest from our work. When we honor His principles of living, we are refreshed and renewed. When we don’t, we pay a price by living unhealthy, stressed out lives that not only diminish our joy – but also the people around us.
Jesus had a huge assignment to accomplish in his 33 short years on this Earth. Yet, he was never a frazzled mess, wringing his hands or scurrying about like a superhero. He took time to get away to rest and encouraged his disciples to do the same. If God could use Jesus’ limited time to save the entire world, I am confident that He will give you adequate time for you to complete “the good work He has begun in you”. Come away…for a little while…and rest.
WHAT’S AGE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
- Perspectives on Growing Young (a.k.a. aging)
- Fashion Do’s & Don’ts
What do women really think about aging?
Before I share a few fashion tips to help you look and feel youthful, I thought it would be interesting for you to get an idea of how other women view aging. A study called Aging Redefined: A Frank Perspective on Marketing to Women as They Age was conducted in 2004 by “Frank About Women”, a Winston-Salem, N.C. based strategic consultancy which is dedicated to helping companies build lasting relationships with women.
The study revealed that 55% of the women in the study say "aging well" means looking great, no matter what age they are. Younger women were much more likely to say they want to look 10 years younger. Among the women 35-39, 18 percent said looking a decade younger was their definition of aging well, compared to only 9 percent of women over sixty. One quarter of women in the survey say "old age" never begins. The older women get, the more likely they are to reject the notion of old age; 37 percent of women over 65 say there is no specific age they would classify as old, compared to only 15 percent of women aged 35-39.
Aging is not just a physical process. It is an attitude. We can’t turn back time, but we can choose how we interpret the journey thus far. If we waste our energy obsessing over every wrinkle, we will be miserable. But, if we focus on a few things that enhance our appearance and help us feel better, then we can age gracefully and feel good about ourselves in the process.
Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. ~1 Samuel 16:7
As Christian women, we know that we are not defined by our appearance. Nevertheless, most of us care about how we look. We must remember that God created our physical bodies and even uses physical appearance for His own purposes at times. King Saul and Esther are both examples of this. The key is to maintain a healthy perspective and not place undue emphasis on our looks. In my experience, when I feel good about my appearance, I tend to forget about it and focus on more important matters. When I feel frumpy and disheveled, I tend to be more aware of how I look. But no matter if today is a “good hair day” or not, I remind myself that all my worth and true identity is in Christ alone. And that makes me feel beautiful. With THAT being said, here are few beauty tips that will help may help you express the “growing young” attitude of a woman who is truly AGELESS!
- Don’t wear baggy or shapeless clothes. They make you look frumpy. Invest in a few quality pieces such as a great pair of jeans, slacks, a skirt and a dress in black, brown or navy. You can mix and match tops and jackets to create lots of different looks.
- Don’t overdo with too much detail or “fussyness”. Classic simplicity with great accessories is ageless.
- Black is always classy and slimming. You can look terrific just going to the grocery store by wearing a nice black top with a great fitting pair of jeans and some silver hoop earrings. Black turtlenecks are great in cool weather and create a nice smooth neck!
- Jeans and jean jackets are always youthful IF they are in style. As I’ve said before – throw out your “Mom Jeans” and invest in a stylish pair every couple years.
- Don’t go sleeveless unless you have great arms. Cap sleeves and short sleeves are still cool, but keep our “flappers” under control!
- Some experts say that our handbag is a dead giveaway to our age. Take a 30-something shopping with you and find a bag you love that doesn’t scream: “I’m a grandmother”! By the way: We are expecting a new grandbaby any day, so I’m not saying it’s bad to BE a grandmother – we just don’t want to LOOK like one!
More tips next time!
SLEEP…For Health…Anti-Aging…Stress Relief
- Try your best to have a regular bedtime – whatever works for you.
- Dim the lights an hour or so before going to bed.
- Avoid caffeine or a heavy meal at least four hours before bedtime.
- Do enjoy a light carbohydrate snack an hour or so before retiring as it increases your level of serotonin – which relaxes you.
- Turn off the television and read a something relaxing.
- The darker the room, the more melatonin you release for slumber.
- A hot bath or shower promotes sleep as your body temperature cools afterwards.
Since our theme this week is rest, renew and regenerate…I thought I’d feature two quality supplements I use regularly and have recently added to my website store.
TIME RELEASE MELATONIN - $15.99
Promotes better sleep patterns. Time Release.
60 vegetable caps; 30 servings.
Melatonin releases from the pineal gland, reaching its peak at night to help maintain tissues in a youthful state of health. Secretion of melatonin declines significantly with age, as the pineal gland becomes calcified. It can be helpful for those experiencing interrupted sleep, travelers suffering from jet lag or people working on rotating or late shifts who experience sleep disturbances caused by changing melatonin levels. You can boost your melatonin production naturally by getting thicker blinds for the bedroom windows or wearing a night mask.
The time release formula created by naturopath, Dr. Mark Stengler releases to help you sleep through the night. If you need a little extra boost to get to sleep, you can the sublingual formula.
Directions: Take one to two capsules15 to 60 minutes before bedtime or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Caution: Consult your healthcare practitioner before use. Patients with leukemia, Hodgkins disease, or lymphoma should avoid melatonin until more is known about its effects on these forms of cancer. If you have an autoimmune disease do not use melatonin.
RESVERATROL COMPLEX
Trans-Resveratrol Plus Grapeseed Extract
Used for Anti-Aging, Energy and Weight Loss
60 vegetable caps; 30 servings.
$36.95
The resveratrol compound is classified in a family that’s known as polyphenols. In small amounts, resveratrol can be found naturally in the skins of red grapes, some green teas, and even peanuts. It is also the main ingredient that gives red wine natural anti-aging properties.
Numerous studies have shown that resveratrol can actually increase the life expectancy of certain cells in the body by as much as 70%. It has been proven to help soften wrinkles, aid in weight loss by supporting healthy metabolism, improve nutrient intake, help remove built up toxins from your body, and improve overall energy throughout the day.
Directions Adults, take two capsules a day or as directed by a health care practitioner
Supplement Facts:
250mg Trans-resveratrol
100mg Grapeseed Extract (fruit)
359mg Rosehip Seed Powder
Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
AGING
Age-related disorders are mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as diet, exposure to environmental toxins, lack of exercise, stress, along with genetic susceptibilities. If you're young or middle-aged, you can prevent many problems by changing your habits now. If you're older and are already experiencing health difficulties, it's not too late to bring balance and harmony to your system.
Most of the diseases we associate with aging - arthritis and other painful conditions, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, digestive problems, frailty, depression, sexual dysfunction, and fatigue - are not an inevitable part of growing older. These “age-related disorders” are mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as diet, exposure to environmental toxins, lack of exercise, stress, along with genetic susceptibilities. If you're young or middle-aged, you can prevent many problems by changing your habits now. If you're older and are already experiencing health difficulties, it's not too late to bring balance and harmony to your system.
Normal aging occurs when old cells start dying at a faster rate than new ones are generated. Since the body’s tissues have a smaller supply of cells to draw upon, they begin to degenerate and malfunction. This process happens to everyone; it’s simply a natural part of life. It appears our cells are pre-programmed to have a maximum lifespan. Yet the key is to prevent premature aging; where one ages faster than their genetic programming. In addition, most will agree that quality of life is paramount to lifespan.
What causes premature aging?
1. Free radicals
In recent years we have come to understand more about highly reactive kinds of atoms or molecules called free radicals. In many cases, free radicals assist the body by destroying invaders, producing energy, and helping to carry oxygen through the bloodstream. However, when they are present in overwhelming numbers, they attack healthy cells, sometimes destroying them or mutating their DNA. When cells die before their time or are damaged, the normal aging process is accelerated, and the body becomes vulnerable to life-threatening diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, and many degenerative diseases.
It is becoming more and more difficult to keep the number of free radicals in the body down to a healthy level. Many of the aspects of modern living, including unwholesome diets and exposure to pollution, tobacco smoke, environmental contaminants, and even the sun, leave us exposed to far more free radicals than any generation before us. Luckily, nature has equipped us with the means to neutralize free radicals in our bodies. Substances called antioxidants accomplish the task, and they’re found in many fruits and vegetables and in some herbs. A combination of healthful eating combined with antioxidant supplements and wise living can prevent excessive damage from free radicals.
2. Diet and nutritional deficiencies
Another major cause of several age-related diseases is diet and nutritional deficiencies. Studies on laboratory mice and primates, as well as emerging human studies, have shown that a reduced-calorie diet significantly extends their lives. Additionally, diets that are high in fat and sugar lack many essential nutrients, fiber, as well as antioxidants. Poor diets also contribute to gastrointestinal disorders, which can inhibit the body's ability to absorb important vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, however, a good diet is not enough to keep deficiency at bay. As a result of normal or accelerated aging, older people are often simply less efficient at absorbing nutrients, even if they eat well. If you have reached old age, you will need to redouble your efforts to take in nutrients.
3. Lack of exercise
Aging is accelerated by a lack of exercise. If you’re not regularly exercising you’re increasing your risk for almost every kind of disorder, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
4. Hormone imbalance, especially Cortisol and DHEA
Hormone balance is a key to healthy aging. This is particularly true of the stress hormones such as cortisol and DHEA. A deficiency or abnormal elevation of these hormones (particularly cortisol) accelerates aging and immune system breakdown. In reality, all of the hormones are important for healthy aging. Thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, as well as growth hormone levels must be at balanced levels to slow the aging process. Researchers are finding that growth hormone may play a special role in slowing down the “aging clock.”
5. Elevated blood sugar levels
It is also important to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Elevated levels of glucose lead to a process known as glycosylation. This contributes to a weak immune system and speeds up aging. An example of this process is diabetes.
6. Too much stress
Finally, the effects of stress appear to play a role in aging. People who perceive prolonged periods of intense stress are more likely to develop chronic disease. One major stressor is loneliness. This is becoming a big problem with the elderly who lack companionship and stimulation. Many cut back on social obligations, intellectual activities, and sports and exercise. Giving these essential activities up has been linked to a shorter life span and an increased risk of disease. It is up to all of us, whatever age, to create families and communities in whom the elderly are welcome, active members.
Root Causes
- Free radical damage
- Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies
- Excess calorie intake
- Genetics
- Environmental toxins
- Poor digestion and detoxification
- Lack of exercise
- Hormone imbalance
- Elevated blood sugar levels
- Stress and isolation
Dr. Stengler's Solutions
Dr. Stengler uses a variety of tests that give you an assessment of your aging:
- Oxidative stress analysis-urine or blood testing
- Toxic Metals (urine, stool, or blood)
- DNA damage-blood or urine
- Antioxidant testing (urine, blood)
- Blood profile for cardiovascular, immune, and blood sugar markers (glucose and insulin)
- Stool analysis
- Detoxification profile-urine
- Hormone analysis by saliva, urine, or blood (estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, melatonin, IGF-1, thyroid panel)
Sidebar
A double blind clinical trial studied the effects of 1500 mg of Panax Ginseng with 49 elderly people. This herb was found to improve coordination and reaction time as well as increased alertness and energy. (Fulder S et al. A double blind clinical trial of Panax Ginseng in aged subjects. Presented at the Fourth International Ginseng Symposium, Daejon, Korea, September 18-20, 1984.)
Through cutting edge laboratory testing Dr Stengler finds the root causes of accelerated aging and treats them with natural therapies. This may include bio-identical hormones, adaptogenic herbal therapies, detoxification programs, calorie restriction, and targeted nutritional supplements.
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