Protandim

Anti-wrinkle creams seem to be at the top of the list when talking about anti-aging. Older women are the target audience for all of the ads and campaigns surrounding wrinkle reduction. What is interesting is that companies will tell women anything to get them to buy their creams and lotions, when in reality wrinkles are caused by genetics, too much sun exposure, and even by what you put (or don’t put) in your body, such as healthy foods.

There are websites and articles telling women that if they do certain things they can reduce their chances of getting wrinkles on their faces. Such recommendations include, “Don’t read in bed or look down at a computer because these cause neck wrinkles and double chins…” and “Don’t frown or squint.” These things may reduce chances of getting lines but probably don’t make a huge impact.

What is more important than buying into all of these false statements is to make sure you are healthy from the inside out, not the other way around. Eat healthy, get plenty of vitamins and antioxidants, wear sunscreen, get your eight hours of sleep, and drink plenty of water. Then, if a wrinkle or two still pop up because of your genetics, embrace them. Wrinkles used to be a sign of wisdom and knowledge.

I love yoga because I feel like it helps in all sectors of my life. I gain stamina, flexibility and peace whenever I attend a session. On top of that, it just makes me happy to stretch. Anyone can go to yoga regardless of if it is their first time or their thousandth, and it benefits each person every time.

There are a few things I have learned since I started going to yoga. The first came to me after I attended a class that was way above my skill level. Having taken a little break from yoga, I thought I would be OK in a ‘Power 1′ class. Power classes involve a lot of intense movement and few breaks. I was able to keep up in class but it definitely hurt me later. If you want to get into yoga, make sure you are starting out on the right level! It is recommended to take an intro class or level one before jumping into something more challenging. After making that mistake I have been slowly moving up in difficulty levels. Better safe than with a pulled muscle!

Another thing I have learned that has since made my experience even more enjoyable is to r-e-l-a-x in yoga. Often I feel like I am actually relaxing in class but am just going through the motions while I am mentally making a grocery list. This takes away from the truly remarkable benefits of yoga. Now, when I find myself thinking about work or all the things I have to do, I try really hard to tune those voices out and focus on my breathing and stretches.

I have also begun to learn what I like about a class when I attend something new. I like teachers who are really invested in what they are teaching and use slow quiet music or soft voices. Nothing can ruin a class quicker than a screeching instructor or obnoxious music. Once I found an instructor that I really liked at my skill level, I look to attend his classes more than others.

Lastly, through yoga I have learned all of its benefits. The actions lubricate joints and muscles and improve flexibility when stretching properly. The motions can stretch out your organs also and detoxify the body of toxins. Also, once done on a more challenging level than a beginner class, the muscles begin to become toned and visibly tighter! There is so much to gain from doing yoga, whether it is in a class or at home and I would highly recommend you give it a try!

Whether you think it’s a tall tale or not, many people believe Florida is home to the Fountain of Youth, in the form of a fresh water spring. The story began with Juan Ponce de Leon, Spanish explorer from the 1500s, who searched for the fountain when he arrived in Florida in 1513.

Today, tourists can visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine, Florida, where historic plaques mark the spot where Ponce de Leon landed. Many visitors drink from the fountain at the park, even though experts say it is not “the” fountain.

In fact, Florida is so convinced that it is home to the fountain, there are even plastic surgery clinics in Florida that name themselves after the fountain and promise all sorts of anti-aging miracles.
However, David Copperfield thinks he recently discovered the real Fountain, not far from Florida’s coast, on the four islands he purchased for $50 million. The islands are located in the Bahamas and are called Musha Cay.

Copperfield claims there is water on the islands that will revive anything near death, whether it be a plant, animal…or, he believes, possibly even a human. He has scientists currently studying the water, but no results have been released. Copperfield isn’t keeping the islands all to himself, either. They are available to rent for up to 24 people at a time. I wonder how much that costs?

This leaves us with the final question. The Fountain of Youth: real anti-aging miracle, or brilliant marketing scheme? You decide.