How to add years to your life

Two years ago I weighed 275 lbs. At age 62 I had my first colonoscopy. A polyp was discovered too large to be removed during the examination. I had surgery and the polyp was malignant, however it was discovered so early that the oncologist stated I fell into the risk category of those who never had a cancer.
During recovery I began walking to help improve the healing process. My weight dropped and I counted calories to track my eating. I started checking my BP daily, and used several charting methods to track my progress. Within six months I dropped 50 lbs. Prior to surgery I was taking two types of BP medication, two types of cholesterol medication, two types of Diabetes II medication plus digoxin for an irregular heartbeat.
Today, I only take one BP medication, one cholesterol medication and my Diabetes diagnosis has been recorded as "Resolved."
I have flossed daily for almost 40 years, the result of a bridge put in by an Army dentist and his stern admonition to floss daily to keep my gum from growing up around the bridge. I quit smoking over 30 years ago, and stopped alcohol intake 22 years ago. My wife and I take an aspirin daily and have for years. hope I have added quality years to my life.
However, when it comes to coffee I guess I'll forgo that additional year. I do like my coffee.

I appreciate the use of the term "functional lives." Therein I believe lies the answer to many people's answer to how long they want to live and having a plan to get there.

I'm in my 20's, with a bloodline that lives into their 90's and 100's on a fairly regular basis. Do I want to live that long? Not sure. Rather than aiming for a goal age in life, I just shoot for goals. Learn a new language. Become a physician. Make at least one person's life better physically and mentally so they can spread it. And before I die, I want to spread anything I've learned – I want to teach people to fish, but give them some to snack on some while they're learning.

My plan is to stay away from cigarettes and excessive alcohol use, watch my calories, and – as a vegetarian – incorporate more iron and protein in my life. Currently I keep a bottle of multivitamins and viactive chews on my desk as a reminder to get my RDA of macro and micronutrients. The plan itself is simple – getting there is more difficult, and I think working around the clock (though according to Dr. Gupta this is a no-no) with populations not as privledged as I will help me stick to my plan.

That seems to be the big problem with many people staying healthy – motivation. If not being motivated for yourself, find someone else to be motivated for. The kid on the subway, the clerk at the grocery store, the lawyer at Starbucks....lead by example. Then caring for others will inevitably lead to caring for yourself.

Dr. Gupta,
Quitting smoking can add several years to your life if you smoke. I quit over 1 year ago. I have quit several times in my life but this time is different. I didn't use drugs, I didn't use patches, I didn't use lozenges. I read a book. A book that makes it clear what one has to do to stop poisoning our bodies. It worked for me after I read it 3 times. For some the "aha" moment comes with 1 reading. I hope you will recommend this book on your show.
Best regards...Debrah Gann

The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allan Carr

Well, I want to live forever, but because that isn't really possible. I'll try to live as long as I possibily can.

I've been doing Calorie Restriction since I was 18, I'm now 24 and I've seen the results with my blood tests, and my overall health dramatically improved. I had severe hay fever allergies and after going on CR they completely went away, despite having it for 6 years prior to the diet. Now at 24 not only do I feel great, get sick less often, but I always get mistaken for being 16 years of age. It's like CR not only slowed down how fast I'm aging in terms of appearance, but it's like I've been getting younger as the years go by. It's quite amazing! I have noticed all the same health benefits as seen in animal experiments.

Sanjay, I enjoyed your chasing life program on CNN and hope you do more like this. I look forward to reading your book when I can get it!

Matthew

Nothing was mentioned about sleep. Can sleep interfer with your longivity of life????????

The secret to longer life is the avoidance of alcoholic beverages, getting adequate rest, low stress levels, reasonable exercise daily (I walk at least a mile three times a week in under 25 minutes on my treadmill), low calorie intake, thus watching my weight, avoiding salty foods and excessive sugar intake, Bible reading and prayer daily, teaching Sunday School keeps my mind active, and I volunteer at the jail and resthome where I minister. Though my mother died of atherosclerosis at the age of 47, I am now 63 and feeling fine. Even with an auto accident nearly two years ago which put me in a wheelchair, I graduated to a walker then a cane and finally am able to walk again without any support. I did get diabetes but am not taking insulin. Having a good positive outlook on life and contributing to others for their benefit makes life worth living and eternity to forward to. A great deal all the way around!

Do I want to live longer, I do not have an answer yet! I come from a family with history of people living well into 90's. However, as long as I live, I like to live a Happy and Healthy life. Spread smiles to people I cross in my life pathway.. thats my goal in life!!

Dear Editor,

Can we have the data to support the fact that flossing adds a year to one's life? I cannot find this data anywhere and would like to know if what is being published on this blog by Dr. Gupta is supported by data?

Thanks,
Andria Ford

I read Mabels comments. I too do water exercises 3- 4 times per week and have been doing it for a year now. I have not lost any weight however I have toned my body. I cut back on meat and am eating more fruits, veggies and berries. I am in the process of tweaking the serving size at this point. Your comments were encouraging.

How can people be expected to live longer or believe anything you say, when YOU DENY THE EXISTENCE OF CJD ?????

That alone has killed lots of people due to the nice TASTY PRIONS
that you get when cooking contaminated meat !!!!!!!!!

CJD Widower