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Health & Fitness > Omg, Wtf?

Omg, Wtf?

Acronyms have been around for years. But with the advent of text and Twitter-language, we not only use it in writing, but now "speak" it with more frequency. Even Sarah Palin used WTF in a TV interview! (How long has "TV" been around?!) I heard Brian Williams on NBC world news say "snafu", an acronym from WWII, meaning "situation normal--all f***ed up". I reckon he didn't even think about the word's origin.

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I was reminded yesterday that flossing teeth supposedly adds 6 years to your life. (That's good, because I do.)
I also read that "brisk walking is linked to better memory for seniors". (I do.) But that's not my reason for mentioning these two "secrets to longevity".

The connections, as with many health habits, seem to me somewhat of a "which came first, the chicken or the egg?"
conumbrum. Because some of us CAN walk, or are smart enough to know it's good for us, does THAT produce a longer, healthier life (or better memory)? In other words, does greater intelligence "cause" a longer life?

Or perhaps smarter people make more money, and hence, live better, therefore, live longer. I've seen many "scientific" studies that associate one thing to another. But I often question the variables ignored or omitted.

Descartes' famous "I think, therefore I am" theory seems to apply here, but in another sense. We, who are smart enough to know what's best for us, THINK about the right foods to eat, exercising, flossing (etc.). Consequently, we live a better life (barring unforseen catastrophes or diseases), because we know it prolongs life. Chicken or egg?

posted on Feb 12, 2011 6:13 AM ()

Comments:

I think you are ignoring genetics. My grandmother was pudgy, did all her
own housework but never exercised or walked unless she had to do so. She
lived to be 93 and 92 of those years she was perfectly clear and mentally
capable of doing anything she had to do.

comment by elderjane on Feb 14, 2011 6:20 PM ()

I'm up and down in my eating habits. Boy! I do love food!

comment by redimpala on Feb 13, 2011 12:53 PM ()

I just got my Vegetarian Times magazine and salivate over the recipes. And I already have my suppers planned out for the rest of the week! Aren't we terrible?!

reply by solitaire on Feb 14, 2011 5:26 AM ()

I adore waking but nowadays I don't do quite, so much. Having said that though, merely walking up and downstairs is beneficial compared to sitting down all day. Activity, in all it's guises is important.
Using your brain, also stems the deterioration of it's cells - crosswords, puzzles, board games etc. are perfect for keeping them 'alive'.

comment by augusta on Feb 13, 2011 7:51 AM ()

(I, too enjoy waking . . . oh I am a div

)

reply by augusta on Feb 14, 2011 11:48 AM ()

I adore "waking" also! (your misprint) Nothing quite like waking up in the morning!

But seriously, there is something special about walking. I'm reading about a couple that walked the Pacific Coast Trail from Mexico to Canada, over 2000 miles. It makes me want to "take a hike"--a really long hike. But, I'm into a hassle and stress free lifestyle, so it won't happen, except vicariously. But you never know!

reply by solitaire on Feb 14, 2011 5:24 AM ()

That's great news. I floss regularly so maybe I'll live to be 100! Speaking of acronyms...did you know "BTW" that eggs are now good for you? Due to science, eggs now have less cholesterol and more Omega 3 which makes them healthier for human consumption. Our government has been telling us for years that eggs were bad...now they are good. More government double talk.

comment by gapeach on Feb 12, 2011 8:34 PM ()

Yes, I read that. I get my eggs from my daughter's hens. So good! Now, I'm eating more of them. Drinking a little more coffee, too, since I heard it's good for you. And green tea, of course.

reply by solitaire on Feb 13, 2011 5:41 AM ()

Even people who have physical constraints, who may not be able to often walk briskly or jog focus on other healthy choices and do well. Motivation seems to be the bottom line, and motivation in many folks is not straightforward, because it is tied so intimately to mental and emotional health issues, which can trip up intelligence.

comment by marta on Feb 12, 2011 9:50 AM ()

I like your take. Motivation is a key factor. I also realize in cases like yours, it's physically impossible to do what you know you should be doing. I'm lucky I can. When I had knee surgery 20 years ago, the surgeon said "forget jogging". I said "no way". I read where one should continue exercising the knees to strengthen them. So I followed that advice and haven't had a bit of trouble ever since.

reply by solitaire on Feb 13, 2011 5:39 AM ()

Having PAD walking is very hard for me--unless it is for food! And I do floss my teeth--I am a couch potato but I am constantly exercising my brain which does tire me out.
I really hate all the abbreviations that people use today--in
many cases I have to spend time figuring them out and let's not forget Jeopardy having a whole category for e-cons!!

even get to e-cons which Jeopardy had as a category the other
evening!!!

comment by greatmartin on Feb 12, 2011 9:45 AM ()

Called e-cons, eh? Didn't know that. I encourage you to start walking, Martin. You'll not only feel better, but you'll live longer. Either that, or have a heart attack!

(Actually, that's not funny.)

reply by solitaire on Feb 13, 2011 5:32 AM ()

I know what I do.Playing tennis and working out along with my meditation and Tai chi keeps me going.I do watch on my intake of food.
Not on a diet,but keep the weight down.
Guess at may age I am lucky to get around and do things that I love.
Working at the club and noticed some of the seniors are in tough shape.
Why?easy,they never do anything but sit and watch TV etc.
I get very annoy at this,but none of my business.
If they are happy then let them be.
These guys and gals are much younger than me.
They walk slow,drive slow,talk slow etc.
I want to tell them to get moving,but that is impossible as they will be insulted.
So much for the old folks.
Sure I have aches and pains but will not let me get in
my way.So keep on flossing.

comment by fredo on Feb 12, 2011 9:32 AM ()

Fredo, we have similar philosophies. The fat guys that take a cart while golfing come up with all sorts of excuses for not walking. "You'll always get what you've always got, if you always do what you've always done."

reply by solitaire on Feb 13, 2011 5:29 AM ()

I think applied intelligence definitely is a factor in longetivity. But I know intelligent folk who ignore what they know. It's an emotional thing and you might as well be stupid. I have applied this theory to my own adolescent dysfunction as in I knew better but it didn't do any good because of emotional problems.

comment by tealstar on Feb 12, 2011 8:12 AM ()

I got tired of flossing a few years ago, quit for a year, and paid the price, cavity wise. And, as I said in a recent post, I can't quit snacking in the evening (dopamine affect). I'm smart enough to know better, but....

reply by solitaire on Feb 13, 2011 5:26 AM ()

I think we all know what's best for us, but we choose to ignore it and think we'll be fine. That's my take anyways. I can't imagine a couch potato who eats nothing but fast food wondering why their health is declining, ya know? Although who knows. Maybe there are people like that out there.

comment by kristilyn3 on Feb 12, 2011 7:06 AM ()

I read your comment after I replied to Dottie (below)! Like minds on the same track!

reply by solitaire on Feb 13, 2011 5:22 AM ()

Definitely people like that out there who don't think at all, or if they do, prefer to ignore because pigging out feels so good.

reply by tealstar on Feb 12, 2011 8:10 AM ()

I am with you on questioning the variables not considered in many studies. These variables are usually regarded as 'demographic' in nature but I think are part of the whole picture that should be included- like levels of education and income. Having said that, longevity outside the US does not have a link to higher levels of income or education, but it is linked to diet and activity.

comment by dragonflyby on Feb 12, 2011 6:34 AM ()

What amazes me is the number of intelligent people that simply refuse to "see the light". They know what's bad for them, or what they need to do to live better and longer, but continue on eating chicken nuggets while watching TV.

reply by solitaire on Feb 13, 2011 5:21 AM ()

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