Dr. Dodge: Passion for Health

As the clock for 2005 ticks down toward its final days and hours, it seems particularly appropriate to review a new book entitled, Healthy Aging, by Dr. Andrew Weil. The author of a number of other best-selling books on health, Dr. Weil is professor of medicine and Director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.

The book’s subtitle, “A Lifelong Guide to Your Physical and Spiritual Well-being,” tells why it is valuable for everyone. Young adults might benefit from the wisdom in this book even more than the elderly, simply because they can apply it early enough in their lives to accomplish the most good. 

In Part One of his book, Dr. Weil goes into the science behind the process of   aging. He makes it clear that efforts to find a “Fountain of Youth” to ensure physical immortality are not supported by solid science today. Although our culture glorifies youth over age, Weil shows us real value in healthy aging.

Part Two of the book is about “How to Age Gracefully.” The chapters about nutrition, physical activity, rest, sleep, touch and sex have insightful pointers on each of these topics. His discussion about sugar is particularly apropos. 

Most people are aware that excess sugar is not good for health, but many do not really understand why. Excess sugar in the body binds with protein in a process called glycation. This occurs in everybody to a certain extent, and is the basis of a test that measures glucose bound to hemoglobin – useful in diagnosing or monitoring diabetes.

A greater concern is that reactions between sugar and proteins in the body form a damaging class of compounds that may be responsible for many of the common progressive diseases that we associate with aging. More work needs to be done in this field, but for long term health, limiting sugar and white flour in one’s food intake clearly makes good sense for all of us. 

In the final two chapters of his book, Dr. Weil shares his perspective on spiritual aspects of health. He notes that awareness of aging and mortality can lead to spiritual growth, inspiring us to engage life in deeper, more fulfilling ways than previously. Finally, he shows how to share lessons learned in life in a meaningful way with others. Healthy Aging is a book worth reading and taking to heart – before you get a year older!