The mythical Fountain of Youth was first described 2,500 years ago by Greek historian Herodotus as a magical spring with cleansing, aromatic waters that helped the ancient Macrobians of Africa to live for 120 years or more.
According to legend, Alexander the Great and his army bathed at a magical fountain near the Euphrates River which restored them to the prime of their lives.
In 1513, Spanish Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, who was then the governor of Puerto Rico, supposedly traveled to Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth, but historians now say his journey there was more likely a search for new land.
For millennia, human beings have longed to live longer. However, there are practical steps people can take to stay healthy and improve their quality of life, even if they cannot bathe in magical waters.
“The key to a healthy life and longevity is exercise and physical activity,” said Dr. Amishi Parekh, a Jefferson Health primary care physician, during a Health and Wellness Forum in the Cinnaminson Municipal Building on Sept. 30.
“Build an exercise program in your daily life,” said Dr. Parekh, who grew up in India and has practiced medicine in the United States for 15 years. “Start with something you can enjoy doing five days a week and concentrate on muscle strength and cardiovascular health.”
Dr. Parekh, along with Dr. Edward Reis, director of Jefferson Health Primary Care, urged the 20 middle-aged and older residents in attendance to exercise at least 30 minutes a day and keep moving throughout the day.
“Muscle matters. Work on all the muscle groups in your body,” said Dr. Parekh, adding that people could use machines in gyms or work out in their homes to build up their strength. “Empower yourself to take charge of your health.”
“We believe preventive health care begins with patient education,” said Dr. Reis, who studied in the Philippines and at the University of Pennsylvania and is a specialist in internal medicine. He pointed out that the Health and Wellness forums enable the doctors to meet the people in their communities.
During the forum entitled “Healthy Lifestyles – For a Healthy Body and Mind,” Dr. Parekh talked about additional strategies to improve people’s quality of life and support long-term health and longevity.
“Diet is very important. Eat less red meat and processed foods. Avoid products with high amounts of salt, and use herbs and spices instead of salt,” she said. “Eat more seafood, and fresh vegetables and fruits.”
She urged the attendees to rinse all canned foods before serving them and read nutrition labels, especially the amounts of sugar and sodium, “to see what you are eating.”
Another equally important thing to do is stay hydrated with water, said Dr. Parekh, adding that preferred liquid intake for women is 2.7 liters per day and three liters per day for men.
Important supplements to one’s diet include calcium to address bone health and vitamin D, but she said to be wary of some of the anti-aging drugs on the market and consult a physician before using them.
As for getting a good night’s sleep, Dr. Parekh said, “Less than five hours and more than nine hours is not good. You need at least five hours of sleep for your body to rest properly.”
She emphasized that it is always a good idea to lose weight. “A 5 to 10% decrease in weight is very beneficial and helps lower blood pressure and glucose levels.”
Although the Fountain of Youth is mythical, exercising, eating well, being hydrated, getting enough sleep and staying in good physical shape will help people live longer and have a better quality of life.
