What many of us fail to realize is that one spigot to the fountain of youth lies just beneath our noses ... literally! How well we maintain our bodies is directly linked to looking and feeling younger, longer!

Take that extra 10-20 pounds for example. Do you question how much it degrades the spring in your step and makes you feel older? Then try this simple experiment: Pack a back-pack with 10-20 pounds. (You can use hand weights, 2-4 five pound bags of sugar, or anything else you find around the house.) Then put it on, forward or backwards, and get to work! Walk the dog, mow the lawn, care for the kids, do the housework, play a game of basketball! Wear it for several hours, or until you tire, then remove it. Continue with your previous activities, noting the difference in how you feel and move before and after. Ask yourself this question, "Am I moving slower nowadays because I am getting older, or could that extra poundage be a contributing factor?"

Weight is not the only lifestyle choices we make that factor into looking and feeling younger. Even a thin person can look older or experience low energy levels if they are under-nourishing their bodies or not working their muscles and cardiovascular systems. Smoking and other lifestyle issues also directly influence the way we feel, the quality of our lives, and possibly even the duration!

There is no magic pill, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an achievable goal. Remember, unhealthy lifestyle habits developed over time, and healthy ones won't replace them overnight. Keep your goals simple and build on your successes. Ideas might include adding one more serving of vegetables to your diet each day, or parking your car in the back of the lot, or reducing your soda intake by one can per day.

And remember, you are not alone! If you would like to know what others are doing in Whiteside County to establish healthy lifestyles for themselves and for their families, contact Heather Coyle @ heatherc@uiuc.edu or (815) 772-4075.

By Heather Coyle