Exercise and Fitness - The Popsicle Theory of Aging
Have you ever eaten a Popsicle? Do you remember taking off the wrapper, holding on to the stick handle and licking the sweet and juicy frozen ice? What a pleasure in the taste buds, and memories, but it came to an end all to quickly as you consumed the treat, or it melted in the warm air.
At the time, did you wish that you could stop the melting process and extend the treat? How does this simple act of eating a popsicle, relate to aging? How can you equate a frozen treat to the human life process? First, a little background information.
Medical science has unlocked the process of aging in our DNA and cells.
There are tails, or caps, on the DNA strands, called "telomeres".
These tails shorten each time our cells reproduce, something that happens millions of times during our life times.
As cells reproduce these "telomeres" get smaller and smaller until they signal to the cell that it has lived its life, and it stops reproduction.
A simplified explanation of aging.
Lets look at that Popsicle! When you unwrap your Popsicle (your birth) you stop the freezing process (telomeres stop growing) and you start to consume the treat (cells grow, reproduce).
As you hold the handle (how you live your life)you enjoy the treat.
The Popsicle is slowly consumed (your telomeres shorten and age) and eventually it is gone (telomeres signal to stop reproduction and cells die).
I know that is over simplified, and many processes affect the overall outcome.
Life style, genetics, what you eat and drink, and your mental approach to life all have a significant impact on your aging process.
The biggest question in all of this aging process analogy is this.
Let me give you an example.
Have you ever drank to much wine? Did you initially have a good time, but awoke the next day with a head size 3 times to large? Have you over worked you body and felt the aches, pains and recovery times for days after wards? I know I have, and I am positive that you have encountered one instance where you have over did it.
Balance is the key to longevity.
Do you have balance in your life?
At the time, did you wish that you could stop the melting process and extend the treat? How does this simple act of eating a popsicle, relate to aging? How can you equate a frozen treat to the human life process? First, a little background information.
Medical science has unlocked the process of aging in our DNA and cells.
There are tails, or caps, on the DNA strands, called "telomeres".
These tails shorten each time our cells reproduce, something that happens millions of times during our life times.
As cells reproduce these "telomeres" get smaller and smaller until they signal to the cell that it has lived its life, and it stops reproduction.
A simplified explanation of aging.
Lets look at that Popsicle! When you unwrap your Popsicle (your birth) you stop the freezing process (telomeres stop growing) and you start to consume the treat (cells grow, reproduce).
As you hold the handle (how you live your life)you enjoy the treat.
The Popsicle is slowly consumed (your telomeres shorten and age) and eventually it is gone (telomeres signal to stop reproduction and cells die).
I know that is over simplified, and many processes affect the overall outcome.
Life style, genetics, what you eat and drink, and your mental approach to life all have a significant impact on your aging process.
The biggest question in all of this aging process analogy is this.
- Is there a way to slow this process (melting)?
- Is there a way to extend life(keep the freezing going for the treat)?
- Is there a way to enjoy life well into your senior years (recharge the treat and make it actually grow)?
Let me give you an example.
Have you ever drank to much wine? Did you initially have a good time, but awoke the next day with a head size 3 times to large? Have you over worked you body and felt the aches, pains and recovery times for days after wards? I know I have, and I am positive that you have encountered one instance where you have over did it.
Balance is the key to longevity.
Do you have balance in your life?
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