Lauren Chan has been in the fashion industry long enough to have a strong opinion about how it contributes to disordered eating. The 29-year old is a former plus-size model and editor at Glamour magazine and says that fashion, entertainment and the media perpetuate the myth of an idealized body type that for most people, is unattainable. We see 5,000 ads a day, all featuring the same kind of image, she says. The message we receive is clear, but if you look around at the people in your life, very few look like that.

The fall out, says Chan, is that people end up with low self-esteem, life threatening eating disorders, and a widespread, unhealthy diet culture. Its hard to find women who are unscathed from this, she says.

In response to a fashion industry that doesnt design much for larger sizes, Chan has created Henning, luxury garments for women size 12 and up. Ive been the one in a meeting or an interview where Im covering up a split in my pants, she says. Only about 17 percent of the clothing available is for plus-sized women.

While being more inclusive to all body types is one piece of the puzzle in helping to eliminate the desire for a certain look, theres much work to be done. February 24 to March 1 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and the theme is Come as You Are.

Just as the entertainment and fashion industries idealize a certain look, when it comes to eating disorders, most people think of that same thin, white woman as victim. The truth is, the impact goes well beyond that demographic. Eating disorders dont pick and choose.

A few stats, provided by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Black teenagers are 50 percent more likely than white teenagers to exhibit bulimic behaviors, such as binging and purging; lifetime prevalence estimates for bulimia and binge eating disorder among Latinas is 1.9 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively; Asian, Black, Hispanic and Caucasian youth all reported attempting to lose weight at similar rates.

Males, too, fall victim to eating disorders, at higher rates than most people realize. Depending on the source, statistics estimate that males represent between 10 and 25 percent of all eating disorder cases.

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Ryan Sheldon, a 32-year old plus-size model living in Los Angeles, spent years seeking a diagnosis and treatment for his binge eating disorder. I always hated my body, even as a kid, he says. I tried my first diet at age 12.

By the time he entered college, Sheldon was in a regular routine of binging, restricting and exercising, leaving him with an average-sized weight. Most people wouldnt have any idea that I had disordered eating, he says.

When he sought treatment, Sheldon was prescribed diet pills, which did nothing to help. The issue wasnt appetite, he says. I then asked for a sleeping pill prescription so that I could sleep all day and not eat.

The result was a drastic, unhealthy weight loss in just the span of a month. My eating disorder just blew up, Sheldon says. I felt unworthy and unlovable.

Chevese Turner, chief policy and strategy officer at NEDA, says that the organization is putting more focus on marginalized communities. Were asking those outside the stereotype to share their stories in order to educate the public, she says. The truth is that low-weight anorexia represents the smallest percentage of eating disorders. It gets all the attention, however, because its so dangerous.

Binge eating disorder, on the other hand, is the most prevalent, affecting some 15 million people over their lifetime, split evenly among men and women. Two thirds of the population is higher weight, says Turner. By far, middle- to high-weight men and women are the most likely to have an eating disorder.

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Stereotypes around eating disorders keep people from seeking the treatment they need - NBC News

Lakeland, Fla. Miguel Cabrera walked through the clubhouse Tuesday morning after a workout wearing a dry-fit Adidas muscle shirt tucked into gym shorts.

Tucked in? Who knows when Cabrera last tucked in any kind of shirt, let alone a workout shirt.

A change in diet has helped Tigers designated hitter Miguel Cabrera shed weight.(Photo: Robin Buckson, Detroit News)

The transformation of his body over the winter has been remarkable, even if he doesn't much want to talk about it.

Its early, Cabrera said, waving off any praise.

Spurred by chronic pain in his right knee that led to a career-worst 2019 season and borne out of a near-desperate desire to get back to the Hall-of-Fame worthy hitter hes always been, Cabrera hired a village of trainers, doctors, nutritionists and physical therapists to help him reshape his body, lose weight, regain some flexibility and fluidity in his movements and essentially change his life.

I had a lot of people around to help, Cabrera said. A good group of people and they worked with me. I just asked them how can I get my knee healthy and get my body right? It was difficult, but I had good people around me and we had good communication.

At the center of Cabreras village was Adam Boily, owner and president of The System8 gym in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Id known him from years before, but I hadnt seen him for a year or two, said Boily, who was in Lakeland on Saturday watching Cabrera and the Tigers in the Grapefruit League opener. He contacted me and he said hes got to get back in shape and get back to his younger self. I said, Cool.

We put a lot of individual attention on him. But the main thing, especially for us in our program, were really big on nutrition. We have probably the best nutritionist in the world, in my opinion.

It was Scott Getman, who somehow convinced Cabrera to trade in his arepas for kale smoothies and switch to a plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet.

Miggy is in a place where he can really fine tune (his diet) with the organic and best products out there. Boily said. And thats what we focused on.

Getman also worked with the Tigers nutritionist and chef to devise a diet program that Cabrera can use during the season, when meals are often consumed late after ballgames.

His main concern was, he feels good now but its just spring training, Boily said. What about the season? He said he didnt know what he could eat, especially after games. We needed something fine-tuned for him.

We went back to the nutritionist and came up with a pregame and postgame meal plan. He has that now.

Once the weight started falling off, Boily could get to work on the strength and conditioning.

One of the main things was, he bought in right away, Boily said. His legs needed to be good and healthy. And along with the diet change comes decreasing inflammation. That just goes to overall health. So, OK, he bought in, got his chef and nutritionist, got his food dialed in.

He feels good, his body fat is down, hes got a six-pack all that stuff. And hes got the energy that comes along with that. We were able to harness that and we could get more done in training.

Cabrera started adding sets and exercises to his sessions which, as Boily said, helped further adapt his body to handle stress. Which will help the work he put in this offseason carry further into the season, at least in theory.

The weight loss also helped him increase his overall flexibility, which led Boily to tailor specific exercises that would help Cabrera get back to his normal swing mechanics, which were altered to deal with the pain the past three years.

With the decrease in inflammation in his joints, he was able to feel more comfortable getting into his position, Boily said. Its called compensation. If the right side is not properly operating or has pain, your tendency is to compensate and thats what you were seeing with his swing.

We were able to get that away. He felt more comfortable getting a new range of motion. And what that does is help with longevity. Its like rotating the tires on your car.

Cabrera is still working through some kinks, but it was clear in his first few batting practice sessions that he was better able to keep his weight back on his right knee and turn on the ball, something he was unable to do last year.

I dont want to change my swing anymore, Cabrera said earlier this spring. I want to be natural. The last three years I changed my swing a lot to feel comfortable at home plate, so I dont feel like something is bothering me.

I want to go out there and feel natural. Dont think about anything and just react.

Hes getting there.

He knows how his body is supposed to feel and once he started to feel it, it was on, Boily said. Now hes bought in and I think hes going to be like this the rest of his career.

chris.mccosky@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @cmccosky

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It takes a village: How the Tigers' Miguel Cabrera got his groove (and body) back - The Detroit News

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Blame it on pollution, the cosmetic products you use or the stress at work, if your skin is losing its natural sheen and if you do not do anything about it now, chances of it getting any better are bleak. It has been emphasised often enough that our skin requires extra care and attention, considering all that it is exposed to on a daily basis. You may have to even dig deeper and revaluate your diet too.On several occasions, our diet lacks essential nutrients that are responsible to nourish skin and make it healthier and supple.

If you are looking for natural therapy, you may try Aloe Vera. Also known as ghritkumari in Hindi, aloe Vera is one sensational plant that has captured the imagination of the whole beauty industry. It is in your creams, face wash, soaps and what not!

(Also Read:6 Amazing Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair, Skin and Weight-Loss)

Aloe Vera is replete with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent free radical activity that are responsible for dull skin and wrinkles. According to the book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, aloe Vera is a good source of "beta carotene and vitamin C, E and many B vitamins, and minerals". Both vitamin C and vitamin E are very crucial to keep your skin healthy and radiant. In Ayurveda, aloe Vera is also used to manage conditions like acne or heal burns.

(Also Read:Aloe Vera For Weight Loss: Here's Why Ghritkumari May Help You Shed Kilos)

Aloe Vera benefits: Aloe Vera is replete with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.

Aloe Vera gel can be fleshed out and used topically. But if you have a plant in your house you can use in in your kitchen too. Yes, you heard us. One of the best ways to consume aloe Vera is to juice it. Here's a recipe you may want to try.

(Also Read:Make Your Own Aloe Vera Gel At Home In Just 5 minutes)

Pluck out one medium-sized aloe Vera leaf. Cut it into manageable sections. Peel the leaf and scoop out the clear gel in one bowl. Now take a food processor or blender. Throw in the gel, and some apple or pineapple juice. Blend it well. Consume fresh.Drink this juicy on a regular basis for best results.

(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)

About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.

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Skin-Care Diet: Drink This Aloe-Vera Juice For Glowing And Nourished Skin - NDTV Food

Jonny Cruz had two problems: Facebook and a fear of death by workout. The 36-year-old- actor from West Hollywood, California, had started working as a creative producer with the social media giant, only to find that free meals and snacks at work were an irresistible temptation. I have always had a lean frame, so I don't look heavy or fat per se, he says, but grazing all day had him taking in a lot of extra calories.

WATCH: How Our Favourite Celebrities Dropped The Weight To Get Absolutely Shredded

Meanwhile, hed stopped really exercising. It all started when he tried to get back in the gym after slacking off for a few years. Suddenly he found that any strenuous exercise left him feeling dizzy. I got really worried that I had something going on with my health but was too afraid to get it checked out, he says.

That left him in a bind, adding more pounds while not getting the exercise he needed to burn calories. To the naked eye you wouldn't really think anything about my weight, but I could really feel it, he says. Tired of feeling sluggish and dizzy, he finally talked to a cardiologist, who confirmed his heart was healthy. Cruz realised hed created his own barriers to getting back in shape; he felt especially guilty for having a girlfriend who runs marathons while he worried a workout might kill him. At 71.5kg, his body fat percentage was 19.24 percent.

His doctor told him that his dizziness would likely subside as he exercised. So Cruz threw himself into a six-week transformation atUltimate Performance. His initial assessment rolled right into a workoutIt was great cause I didn't have time to freak out, he says. He felt on the brink of dizziness, but as he kept going the feeling disappeared. Soon he was training without fear.

To fix his diet, he switched to amacro eating plan, logging all of his intake inMyFitnessPal. Hed never done that before, and soon learned the value of tracking fats, carbs, and protein. It was a challenge, but he realised how important it was to know exactly what he was eating. He even signed up with a service calledMacroPlate, which delivered meals designed to fit his plan.

Jonny Cruz

Along the way, he un-learned some bad habits, including form that hadnt been serving him well. It was a lot of pain, but very rewarding to see how much more weight or reps I was doing each week, he says.

Within two weeks he could pinch his fat and notice it felt looser. In six weeks he lost nine pounds and dropped his body fat to just over 10 percent, giving him a super-cut look. I was amazed at how much muscle I gained, he says. I didn't think I would get lean and build muscle the way I did. Hes now bulking up, especially focusing on his legs.

This article originally appeared on Men's Health

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Simple Diet Changes Helped This Guy Build Muscle And Get Shredded In 6 Weeks - Men's Health

Researchers from Penn State University have revealed that the combination of green tea extract and exercise reduced the severity of obesity-related fatty liver disease by 75% in mice fed a high-fat diet, which means this research may point to a potential health strategy for people.

Joshua Lambert, associate professor of food science, explains how this outcome is important because nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a significant global health problem that is expected to worsen.

The high prevalence of risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes means that fatty liver disease is forecast to afflict more than 100 million people by 2030. And there are currently no validated therapies for the disease.

In the study, mice fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks that consumed green tea extract and exercised regularly by running on a wheel were found to have just a quarter of the lipid deposits in their livers compared to those seen in the livers of a control group of mice.

Mice that were treated with green tea extract alone or exercise alone had roughly half as much fat in their livers as the control group.

The research published recently in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, not only analysed the liver tissue in mice but researchers also measured the protein and fat content in their faeces. They found that the mice that consumed green tea extract and exercised had higher faecal lipid and protein levels.

Lambert said: By examining the livers of these mice after the study concluded and by screening their faeces during the research, we saw that the mice that consumed green tea extract and exercised actually were processing nutrients differently and their bodies were handling food differently.

We think the polyphenols in green tea interact with digestive enzymes secreted in the small intestine and partially inhibit the breakdown of carbohydrates, fat and protein in food,

So, if a mouse doesnt digest the fat in its diet, that fat and the calories associated with it pass through the mouses digestive system, and a certain amount of it ends up coming out in its faeces.

Lambert explained that it may be significant that mice treated with both green tea extract and exercise had higher expression of genes related to the formation of new mitochondria. Gene expression is important because it provides markers that will help researchers understand the mechanism by which green tea polyphenols and exercise might work together to mitigate fatty liver deposits.

Lambert explained: We measured the expression of genes that we know are related to energy metabolism and play an important role in energy utilization.

In the mice that had the combination treatment, we saw an increase in the expression of genes that werent there before they consumed green tea extract and exercised.

Lambert pointed out that more research is needed to see if there is a synergy created by green tea extract and exercise working together to reduce fat deposited in the liver, or if the effects are simply additive.

For 12 years, Lamberts research group in the College of Agricultural Sciences has studied the health benefits of polyphenols (often called antioxidants) from green tea, cocoa, avocados and other sources.

In previous related research, Lambert and colleagues demonstrated that green tea extract and exercise together sharply reduced body mass and improved cardiovascular health of high-fat-fed mice. However, because no human trials assessing the health benefits and risks of green tea combined with exercise have been conducted, he urges caution for people who decide to experiment with the health strategy on their own.

Lambert concluded: I believe people should engage in more physical activity, and replacing high-calorie beverages with decaffeinated, diet green tea which has no calories is a smart move. Combining the two might have health benefits for people, but we dont have the clinical data yet.

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Is green tea and exercise the key to reducing fatty liver disease? - Health Europa

Ease menopause symptoms and feel your best by adjusting your diet. We explore what to eat more of and which foods to avoid when it comes to menopause diet.

Menopause may be a natural transition, but its not always the easiest. During this time, we experience a huge number of physical and mental changes, which begin during the years leading up to our last period known as perimenopause and continue for some time afterwards.

In fact, there are more than 30 different menopause symptoms, which range from night sweats, anxiety, and problems concentrating, to vaginal dryness, joint stiffness, and even accelerated hair growth. The good news is, a few smart lifestyle choices can make this testing midlife transition a far smoother experience.

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Tweaking your diet is one of the easiest and most powerful changes you can make to restore balance to your body, and best of all, its never too early (or too late) to start. Look at the whole picture, rather than individual nutrients, says Komal Kumar, lead dietician at The Lister Hospital, which forms part of HCA Healthcare UK, and fill your shopping basket with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and high-quality protein and dairy products.

Consider menopause as your own personal M.O.T. alert. Your body is reminding you to prioritise yourself and give yourself the attention you deserve, Kumar explains. Nutrition and lifestyle changes can help to gear you up for the next stage in your life, allowing women to feel equipped to wear the many different hats they have to put on.

When it comes to how often and how much you eat, there are no hard and fast rules. However, if youre concerned about weight gain during menopause, you may benefit from working with a dietician, who can identify and share your personalised nutrition targets for carbohydrates, proteins and fats, suggests Kumar.

Consider menopause as your own personal M.O.T. alert.

Weight gain is quite common during menopause, she explains. This is partially due to more sedentary living, which results in a slower metabolism. Changes in muscle mass after menopause can also lead to lower energy requirements. To identify your personal targets, get a dietitian review this way, you get the right nutrition working in your favour.

And for women struggling with anxiety, eating little and often may provide relief, explains Dr Patricia Zabala, gynaecologist at Institut Marqus Assisted Reproduction Clinic, by preventing blood sugar crashes which can drop your levels of adrenaline and cortisol, leading to anxiety-related symptoms.

Below, weve compiled a list of nutritious and healthy menopause diet foods you should eat more of along with a handful of those you should avoid where possible to make sure you look and feel radiant every single day.

Your overall focus should be on broadening your diet in the menopause, says Laura Southern, nutritional therapist at London Gynaecology. The nice thing about supporting hormone health when thinking about the menopause is we can focus on including lots of foods, rather than removing them, she says.

The decline in your oestrogen levels is associated with decreased muscle mass and bone strength, so getting enough protein is key, says Southern. In women, oestrogen is a builder, so we need to ensure our body has enough building blocks from other sources, and protein acts like this. This could be through plant-based protein sources, such as nuts, seeds, legumes and pulses, or animal-derived such as eggs, meat and fish. Gram for gram, turkey has more protein than chicken, and contains less than 1 per cent saturated fat per breast.

Greek yoghurt is a high-quality source of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, says Limon, which are all important for bone health. As dairy is also high in the amino acid glycine it may also be good for reducing sleep disturbances associated with menopause, she says.

Taking a vitamin D supplement is especially important during menopause, because it helps your bones to absorb calcium. After women have experienced the menopause, they may have lost up to 20 per cent of their bone density, therefore its vital to increase your uptake, adds Dr Zabala.

Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocado, and oily fish like salmon and trout, should be enjoyed daily. They help to manufacture your hormones and they support your brain, heart, and joint health, says Southern. Plus, they keep you fuller for longer, so can help reduce sugar cravings, she says.

Omega 3 fatty acids, found in oily fish and flaxseeds, may help to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and the severity of night sweats, says Limon.

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds that are structured similarly to oestrogen, explains Dr Zabala. They can really help to soften the symptoms caused by a drop in your hormone levels, she adds.

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Phytoestrogens are found in many plant foods, but are particularly high in unprocessed soy products, such as edamame beans, tofu and miso. Youll also find them in chickpeas, kidney beans, ground flaxseed, pomegranate seeds and berries.

Fibre supports your microbiome, which is the name given to the bacteria that reside in your digestive tract. Your microbiome has an important role in binding and excreting old circulating hormones, says Southern. If your microbiome cannot do this efficiently then old, denatured hormones get reabsorbed, which can lead to hormonal symptoms.

Oats are high in both essential vitamins and fibre, adds Limon a study of 11,000 postmenopausal women revealed those who ate around five grams of whole grain fibre each day reduced their risk of early death by 17 per cent.

Find great recipe ideas involving oats here!

Since theyre packed with a wealth of menopause symptom-soothing vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants, vegetables should take over half your plate at every mealtime, suggests Limon. A study of more than 17,000 menopausal women found those who ate more fruit and vegetables experienced a 19 per cent reduction in hot flushes and night sweats.

Cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, kale, spinach, pak choy and watercress are of particular note, she continues. They upregulate the healthy detoxification of oestrogens, having a potentially protective effect against oestrogen-driven cancers.

Certain types of foods have the potential to trigger or worsen menopause symptoms, while others for example, ultra-processed or refined foods like crisps and biscuits may prevent you from feeling your best if enjoyed too frequently. Theres no need to eliminate them entirely, but its wise to enjoy these foods in moderation to support your changing hormones, maintain a comfortable body temperature, and stabilise your energy levels and mood.

Try to resist dipping into the biscuit tin. Sugar causes your blood sugar levels to rocket, which has a negative impact on your hormones, says Southern. Your body puts its resources into manufacturing insulin and cortisol to balance your blood sugar because this is essential for survival which means the production of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone can suffer, she explains.

Blood sugar dysregulation has been found to make menopause symptoms worse, including hot flushes and night sweats, Limon adds. And left unchecked, it can lead to insulin resistance. To keep your blood sugar levels from fluctuating too much during the day, snack on a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts between meals.

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It may be quick and convenient, but fast food is often packed with saturated fats, which are known contributors to health disease a condition that women are at greater risk for after menopause. Instead, focus on incorporating heart-healthy foods like oily fish, unsalted nuts, beans and pulses at least once or twice each week, says Kumar.

Fruit and vegetables provide antioxidants that also protect the heart, she continues. Aim for a minimum of five portions a day of all kinds fresh, dried, tinned in a variety of colours. High-fibre foods also help with heart health, including whole grain breads, oats, wholegrain cereals, lentils, chickpeas and beans.

Caffeine can also disrupt hormone levels, as well as being linked to an increase in hot flushes, according to a study published in the journal Menopause . By interfering with calcium absorption, consuming more than two cups of coffee a day has also been shown to weaken bones, says Southern. This is a concern post-menopause, when your skeleton loses the protective building benefits of oestrogen and osteopenia or osteoporosis can occur.

When youre feeling fatigued and craving a hot drink, sip a peppermint tea instead. Alternatively, take a brisk 15-minute walk to perk yourself up without reaching for a caffeine boost.

They may taste delicious, but spicy dishes can trigger the symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, and other temperature issues associated with menopause. That doesnt mean you have to sacrifice flavour, though switch out those chilli flakes for the likes of cumin, turmeric and sweet paprika.

Not only does alcohol negatively impact your blood sugar levels, but it can also increase hot flushes, disrupt sleep and can affect the liver, says Southern. If your liver is working hard to detoxify alcohol, this can impact its ability to detoxify old hormones, which can recirculate and cause issues. If youre partial to a glass every now and again, stick to NHS guidelines and drink water in-between sips.

Now you have a list of dos and don'ts, it's time to cook them up with our healthy recipes.

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David Suzuki has been welcomed into Canadian living rooms since 1970 when he first appeared on television. His passion for the natural world came to the forefront when he took over the role of host of The Nature of Things on CBC in 1979.

In September 2020, the show will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Both Suzuki and his popular program (airing in more than 50 countries) are going strong. He will turn 84 this March and will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Screen Awards. It seemed a fitting time to examine what it means to age which also happens to the subject of an episode of The Nature of Things entitled Aging Well Suzuki Style (airing February 28 or streaming free on CBC Gem). In it, he takes a personal look at the changes in his body and mind as a man in the latter part of his life.

YouAreUNTLD got personal, too, when we spoke to Suzuki about what aging means to him.

YAU: You talk about the difference between lifespan and healthspan. Can you talk about what that means?

DS: Lifespan is about the average length of time that a species has. Every species has a life span and then they die. Were no different from any other creature. Other scientists think that we can extend it because of experiments with fruit flies where you can select out a strain to extend life by 50 percent. You can get mice to live longer, too. There is a genetic component to longevity. But, as we have eliminated the major killers, like infectious disease and starvation, youve got people now on average living much longer. Were still limited by the life span. People are not going to live until theyre 140 just because they were in good health when they were younger.

Originally, when the proposal came in [for The Nature of Things], it was to do a film about the science that was going to let us live longer. And I said, Thats bullshit. For most people, by the time you hit 65 or 70, youre beginning to show signs of aging. For many, quality of life goes down. Isnt it more important to try to extend the quality of your life as long as you can rather than trying to add 50 more shitty years of life?

So the producers changed their focus to staying healthy for as long as we can. Itll never be as long as your lifespan, but I think its possible to maximize it. Im feeling fine. Ideally, Id like to feel fine until my time is up and then just boom, go.

YAU: Do you think theres a societal shift happening from the focus on longevity to the idea of aging well?

DS: Well, I hope so because what I hear now that, in a way, elders are being demonized not explicitly, but implicitly. Some people are saying, The population is aging. The fastest-growing sector of society now is the aging and the elderly so they are an increasing burden due to medical costs We ought to be spending far more time keeping them as healthy as we can, as long as we can, rather than just finding ways to put them up in old age homes and all that stuff. Lets keep them going, and live out good lives.

Ive spent 40 years now going into indigenous communities in Canada. You go into a community thats got enormous problems, but when you go to a feast or a memorial or any kind of event, the elders are like rock stars.

Theyre really valued and they get the best seats in the place and they always get served first. They are the ones that open the meetings with a prayer. Thats what we desperately need to recognize. Older people have a hell of a lot to tell us and to contribute.

YAU: In your earlier years, did you have the mindset that you wanted to live longer and better?

DS: Absolutely not. I like to tell people I chose my parents very carefully. Well, of course, so theres a genetic lottery. Youre born with that and you have to live within it. In terms of my social life and development, World War II was a big thing. It gave me all of my hang-ups about being Japanese. It was also a time that impoverished my family. We were incarcerated for three years and then kicked out of British Columbia. We had nothing.

Afterward, the first place we went to was to live on a farm where we all worked and my sisters and I were put to work, earning money, and picking berries as kids. When I got bigger, I worked in potato and celery fields. It was hard work, but I really think it laid down the basic musculature and the skeletal formation of my body.

When I became a scientist and was sitting at a microscope for seven or eight hours a day, I developed a pot belly. Then I began to go to the gym and work out. Thats over 40 years ago. I was astounded that underneath it all, as I began to shed weight, there was still that body I had when I was younger. I look at that early period of poverty and hardship as a gift.

YAU: What healthy habits have you adopted later in life?

DS: My wife is trying to get us to eat a vegan diet now. We cut red meat quite a while ago. But Im very, very reluctant to give up fish because Im Japanese and I know as a species we were omnivores. We werent vegetarians. I dont think theres a biological reason why we should give up all meat. But, of course, there are environmental reasons why we have to go much more to a vegetable diet. Thats a very late-life adaptation for me.

YAU: You said in the episode of TheNature of Things that its never too early or too late to adopt good habits.

DS: Thats right. And I think even if someone who is 60 or 70 decides to start walking for an hour a day, that the body will respond. Thats what always amazes me. I watch, usually after New Years, people who have all these illusions that they are going to lose weight. They come to the gym and they just go at it hard and I know right away theyre not going to be around in another month. They want changes to happen instantly, and it doesnt happen that way. Youve got to watch your diet, but youve got to go and exercise on a more sensible basis. And the body will respond, even at 70, or even at 80.

I dont have the stamina to go at it for eight hours a day. Ive really slowed down. But the reality is that I accept that.

YAU: Whats the most difficult thing for you about aging?

DS: Its the fact that Ive slowed down. Like to make that treehouse shown in the episode I was very pleased with it, but Id look at that and think, back when I was working in construction. I could have thrown up that treehouse in half a day. But I built it over several days. I dont have the stamina to go at it for eight hours a day. Ive really slowed down. But the reality is that I accept that. Im not as fast as I was when I was younger. I guess its that its accepting that things take longer now and Ive got to be more patient.

YAU: Whats the best thing about aging?

DS: Im freed from running after the things you do when youre a young person. Youre looking to make a living. Youre worried about your job, a promotion Youre worried about becoming famous. Youre worried about sex. There are a lot of pressures when youre younger that make life worthwhile when youre a young person. But boy, is it ever wonderful to be freed from those dynamics. Now I can sit back and reflect. And I feel that this is really the most important part of my life because Ive lived a full life and Ive learned a lot, and I feel my job now is to share what Ive learned over that lifetime. So as an elder, the body may be slowing down. My brain is still operating, and Ive got a job to do.

YAU: I really love the Japanese concept of ikigai you talk about your purpose in life. What is your ikigai?

DS: For me, its all focused on my grandchildren. Everything I do, I hope, is aimed at trying to protect a future for my grandchildren. And at the end of my life, thats what I hope, is that Ill be able to tell my grandchildren, Im only one person. Im not going to save the world, but I did the best I could for you. It gives me joy to think that Im trying as a grandfather to protect their future.

part of aging well means having something that turns you on.

YAU: With age comes the inevitable discussion about retirement. How do you feel about it?

DS: Whatever gives one pleasure, I think one should try to maximize that and stay active. My wife forced me to finally stop using the word retirement. She said, You believe in what youre doing. You enjoy it, so stop talking about retirement. Youre just going to keep doing it as long as your body and mind will allow you to do that.

Retirement, for some people, is a goal because theyre working at a job that, to them, is basically about making money to survive. And for them, if theyll be happy to stop doing that, then fine, retire. But I hope that in retirement, it doesnt mean you basically give up on life. Theres got to be lots you can still do. And thats the most important part of aging well having something that turns you on.

YAU: What messages would you like Canadians to take away from this episode about aging?

DS: I hope it is that you can have a really meaningful life even after retirement or accepting that youre old. You dont have to simply give in and say, Oh well, its too late to do anything. Ill wait out my last years. You can have very healthy and vibrant lives in your old age, but it means you have to work at it. You have to exercise. You have to find a group or a mission in old age. I hope people are uplifted by that and dont see old age as a terrible fate that you have to go through. Most importantly, I think, I hope older people come away feeling that theyre valuable. Youve got a job to do now. Youve lived a life and learned a lot, so get on with passing it on.

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David Suzuki, 83, Gets Personal About How He Faces The Challenges Of Aging And Finds Joy - YouAreUNLTD

WEDDING planning is ultra stressful and often left to the bride. Justin Bieber recently admitted he wasnt very involved in the run-up to wedding Hailey Baldwin last year.

But not every groom takes such a laid-back approach, some are just the opposite. Here Jenny Francis talks to three men who are self-confessed groomzillas.

PRESS officer Katy Warburtons husband banned takeaways and put her on a diet to make sure she looked perfect for their wedding.

Katy, 34, lives in Wolverhampton with jeweller husband Nathan, 34, and kids James, three, and Charlotte, eight months.

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She says: "Nathan and I got engaged in 2016, after just a year together. From day one, he told me he wanted to be totally involved in the wedding planning.

At first, I thought it was great that he wanted to help but as soon as we set a wedding date, for September 2018, it became full-on.

Nathan became the king of spreadsheets. Every time I looked round, he was hunched over the computer adding things to them.

He had strong opinions on everything and decided on emerald green as our colour scheme. I was happy with any colour.

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When I found out he had told all our guests they couldnt wear green to the wedding, I couldnt believe how seriously he was taking it.

He was obsessed with the photos looking amazing and wanted only the bridal party to be in green. He interviewed photographers to find the best one.

I didnt get a say over the first-dance song and he wouldnt tell me what it was. I had to wait to find out on the night that it was The Killers Mr Brightside.

Id told Nathan before that if we ever married, I wanted to be a size ten and he made it his job to help.

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He knew my weakness was takeaways so banned them. He cooked healthy meals, got me a gym membership and signed me up for classes.

It was hard but I lost more than two stone, and walking down the aisle in my size ten dress was amazing, so perhaps his groomzilla ways were worth it."

Nathan says: I figured that if we were spending so much on a wedding, it needed to be perfect for both of us.

Katy moaned about my eating plan but, on the day, it was her dream come true to be a size ten. Men shouldnt be afraid to be supergrooms.

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I told Katy to run everything past me, as theres no point having two people in charge of one spreadsheet.

I banned her from having a say in designing the wedding rings and the jewellery she had on the day, as I had a vision of what would look best.

Im a foodie so insisted on choosing the menu and went to ten tastings. If menus werent right, I made samples to inspire the chef. It worked, as the guests loved the food.

BRIDE-TO-BE Phoebe Green was taken aback when her future husband Shenton, 29, a kitchen appliance repair man, took over their wedding planning.

The 27-year-old business analyst and mum Parker, two, from Medway, Kent, had to act as mediator when Shenton told his groomsmen they would be dumped from the wedding party if they didnt adhere to his list of rules.

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She says: "When Shenton proposed in December 2016 I couldnt wait to start planning the wedding.

We set the date for September 2019 to give us enough time to save for it and I expected Shenton would let me do everything.

But within a year, he took control of the purse strings and created different spreadsheets for everything.

Id always wanted a flower wall but he hated the idea. When I showed him an all-white bouncy castle he said it was too tacky and wasnt allowed.

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He became obsessed with making lists. Groomsmen had a list of everything to do, what to wear and schedules for fittings.

Shenton even specified a certain shade of nail varnish for the bridesmaids.

If anyone was late or didnt follow the list, they got a stern warning that if they didnt up their game, theyd be out of the wedding party.

He gave the DJ a list of 200 songs to play and decorated the venue himself.

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Shenton designed and chose the menu and demanded so many tastings beforehand that he drove the caterers a little bonkers.

I chose my dress but thats about it. All my friends fiances just showed up to their wedding, my man did it all."

Shenton says: I wanted to show everyone that I have taste and organisational skills. Ive been to weddings where the groomsmen are useless and I knew keeping mine in line would be like making kittens walk in a row.

I approved their haircuts a few days before the big day as I didnt want them to turn up looking scruffy.

Weddings are expensive and I dont see the point of going about it half-heartedly.

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When I sent out the dress code to guests banning black and white, some people replied saying they wanted to wear black.

Others told me that having the bridesmaids dressed in black was like a funeral.

At the end of the day, I wanted the perfect start to married life with my beautiful wife and thats what we got.

STEVEN Wright took his partner Codie by surprise when he set their wedding date and booked the register office without asking her.

But it all ended happily and today copywriter Codie, 28, and Steven, 27, a creative agency director, began married life in Southport, Merseyside.

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She says: "Steven proposed in March 2015 after two years together and we decided the wedding would be in August 2017.

I always dreamed of my wedding but Ill admit Im not the most organised person, so Steven decided to take the lead.

At first I didnt think anything of it, but when my mum rang and told me she was excited to have a wedding venue, I was shocked.

I asked Steven and he admitted hed booked the venue because he wanted to get it done.

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He used spreadsheets and a wedding planning app to keep control of costs and bookings.

He designed the invitations himself and when I heard him shouting on the phone one night, I couldnt believe it when he told me it was the printers on the other end of the line.

He demanded a reprint as the floral colour palette was the wrong shade. Steven even changed part of my wedding dress without asking me.

He secretly contacted the designer and arranged for my favourite sayings to be sewn into the bottom of the dress.

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Luckily when I tried it on and spotted it I cried with happiness instead of anger but it was a risky move."

Steven says: Men want a say in what their wedding day is like these days, and people just need to get used to it.

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"Were breaking the old-fashioned husbands dont do wedding planning mould. We invited 80 guests and I wanted a vegetarian picnic basket lunch.

Lots of people complained there would be no meat but I wasnt willing to offer an alternative as it wasnt what I wanted.

It all paid off in the end as Codie loved the day and, even though I was a force to be reckoned with on the lead-up, the day was perfect.

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk

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From putting the bride on a diet to changing her dress, these grooms stopped at nothing to plan the perfect - The Sun

The four year long study included data from almost 34,000 women in their late 50's and early 60's, looking for links between nut consumption and healthy aging. They were asked about their diets, physical health, memory, and more, as well as receiving a chronic disease evaluation.

Those who had sound mental health along with no major chronic diseases, memory issues, or physical disabilities were defined as "healthy agers," and they made about about 16% of the women in the study. And interestingly enough, eating just two servings of walnuts a week was linked with a greater chance of being a "healthy ager" compared to a diet lacking walnuts.

Walnuts were recently found to support gut and heart health, too, which may explain some of the numbers seen in this research. And not only are the delicious and versatile, the fact that they support our health as we age makes them even better.

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Study Says This Nut Supports Healthy Aging More Than Any Other - mindbodygreen.com

By Shirley Bose

If its your birthday todayThe year is favourable for those seeking employment or wanting to change jobs. There may be a slight change in the job profile. Business/career have a solid foundation which helps support putting new plans and actions into place for growth and a quick feedback. Travel is as it was last year. Relationships require an understanding and patient attitude for mutual happiness to continue.

Capricorn: Counting your blessings draws in more happiness and prosperity. Moving to the next rung of corporate hierarchy is revealed. Take care about not behaving impulsively or making impulsive decisions. Colours: aquamarine/blue.

Virgo: Finding the true you is a journey undertaken very seriously. Do follow a healthy diet. Take care of yourself by making time to relax. A holiday does you good. Colours: olive/cream.

Aquarius: You may reach an unconsidered level by following your dreams. Do get enough sleep. Take care about only meeting those friends with whom the connection is loving and genuine. Colours: green/coral.

Gemini: Throw out clutter from personal space (if in doubt, then you dont need it). The circle of friends becomes smaller. Take care of yourself by following a healthy diet. Colours: orange/cream.

Libra: Listening to your inner wise self helps realise what needs to be healed and changed. Take care about keeping plans fluid and open to change as and when necessary. Colours: mustard/navy.

Pisces: Emotional turbulence subsides gradually. Making time to help out others is very satisfying. Impulsive shopping is something you want to avoid. Take care about maintaining close links with family. Colours: teal/cream.

Cancer: There is considerably more clarity when you consciously live in the present moment. Just be happy. Take care about forgiving yourself and others for mistakes made in the past. Colours: brown/peach.

Scorpio: Taking tiny small steps towards a goal helps reach it much quicker. Take care about taking the path to mental peace and acceptance of what you could not change. Colours: bronze/black.

Aries: Focus on a decision to be taken. Reconnecting with friends is a good idea. Have fun. Take care by avoiding a course of action that is a losing proposition. Colours: orange/gold.

Leo: Holding onto integrity helps live a truthful and authentic life. Being charitable towards others helps be peaceful. Take care about conserving energy. Dont rush back and forth. Think first. Colours: navy/red.

Sagittarius: Acknowledging those who smoothen and simplify daily living for you helps create positive karma. Immediate financial issues are sorted. Take care about driving safely, following all traffic safety rules. Colours: purple/fawn.

Link:
Horoscope today: Here are the astrological predictions for February 26 - Mumbai Mirror