First a question: what means "limbic" in this context? I looked it up, but that didn't help.

As to volunteer experiences, I have had a few. Locally, I volunteer as a transporter with my local dog rescue organization. I take dogs from the pound to adopters, fosters, or breed organizations. It's fun, easy, and rewarding. I have also volunteered -twice- with an outfit called Global Volunteers, one of those groups like Earthwatch that you pay to arrange a multi-week gig in another country. I was a classroom English language assistant (read 'human tape recorder') in Hungary. I loved it.

This spring I was in Kolkata, India, at a Buddhist monastery, teaching English to a bunch of monks for a month. It was an independent trip, and my only expenses were air travel and very modest food costs. This was an especially rewarding trip for one who knows little or nothing about Buddhism. And the monks were great.

I've also volunteered on the Thai-Burma border, but this is getting a bit long. I can give details about any of my trips to anyone who's interested in doing stuff like this.

Dear Dr. Lodge

Wow, wow, wow, what a book! What a fount of life changing information. A physician up the street suggested I buy a copy. I did. Now two of my friends have bought their copies. Talk about The Tipping Point. Real change is always tough but I believe YNY change is coming even to stubborn me.

One area though, I take the most serious exception to is Chapter Sixteen; ‘The Drink’. It is so very wrong in so many ways.

The letter below shows the thinking, reading and sole searching I have done regarding alcohol. On July 2 of this year I e-mailed it to 160 medical investigators whose area of research is alcohol. I received four replies. Two felt that I could be close to the mark scientifically, and two felt otherwise. What I suggest, as best I know, has never been studied.

Dear Medical Investigator:

I am not a medical investigator and I have no medical or research qualifications. I am not interested in applying for any research monies.

I write to ask if a question that intrigues me might fit into

'The Role of Mitochondria in Alcohol-Induced Tissue Injury (R21) (RFA-AA-08-001)', http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AA-08-001.htmland if so do you have any thoughts about what investigator(s) could be interested in following up on it.

Two years ago I gave up social drinking. I quit cold and I have not consumed any alcohol since. My habit then was regular and about the equivalent of a glass and a half of wine a day.

The changes that have occurred since surprise me greatly. Slow, steady but perceptible changes in everything concerning my mind and my body, and all for the better.

Now, after two years, the changes seemed to have stopped and the improvement feels to be as complete as it is going to get.

My head is now bell clear. I sleep very well. I remember sequentially. I remember some of my dreams. Aches and pains in my head, my gut, my muscles, all over my body have gone away. I no longer joke about being a hypochondriac. My piano playing is greatly improved. I could go on and on.

I am sixty years old. In the voluminous citations of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism web site I saw a reference stating that it is not uncommon for people of my age to stop drinking. When I talk to people of approximately my age who still drink, about my experience of giving up alcohol, many show an unexpected enthusiasm. They offer, "I might consider doing that".

My question is, what are the real effects of the kind of drinking I was doing? Is what I seem to have experienced what really happens in the body? Does it actually take the better part of two years for a light / moderate drinker to become absolutely symptom free?

Could these questions be answered by a study of changes in some mitochondria in a group of people who are at the age when some typically give up drinking? A trial studying moderate drinkers before and at intervals after cessation.

If you feel that this avenue of inquire has any possible merit, please do with it what you want and send it please send along to anyone else who might be interested. Certainly I would be most pleased to talk to anyone. To misquote the old adage, "There is nothing worse than the reformed, moderate social drinker."

Thank You and Respectfully Yours,


Jerry Porter


So Dr. Lodge. Where do we go from here?

As I alluded earlier, there is very little truth and much dangerous misinformation in Chapter Sixteen. I will be most pleased to take the time to carefully refute what it says if you wish for me do so. Also I will point out three or four places ( This will require a bit of re-reading ) in your book, in your co-authors words, that directly contradict the view that reasonable use of alcohol is essentially benign. These examples scream out, but apparently they were not seen prior to publication nor perhaps since.

Let me express my unabashed admiration and appreciation for your dedicated life-long focus and work to uncover and bring such incredible insight to the lives of all who read Younger Next Year. William Buckley said of the book ‘Moby Dick’; “I didn’t read it until I was fifty. To think I could have died without having known it” To me, your book is every bit that powerful and of course it has more to do with living in a literal sense as well!



I very much look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,


Jerry Porter

Harry, my experience isn't nearly as interesting or unique as the story you told. But it's helped me a great deal to both give something back to the community and to make new friends.

For more than 30 years I've been actively involved in my church music programs. For over 20 years I was one of their regular organists (it's a big church) and a member of the main choir. More recently I've been singing and playing flute with one of their contemporary music groups. All unpaid of course - it's the only way I'd do it.

I also coached youth soccer for many years and was president of the league for a couple of them. The former was fun but I don't recommend the latter.

Don't know if this is what you're looking for but these activities all have helped me give something back and stay involved in the community. And since they all have involved contact with lots of young people, they have helped keep me younger. Definately a win-win situation.

My name is Diane Peters, I am a MonaVie distributor in Cincinnati, I have a product that I want you to maybe research, get to know it, let me know what you think about it, I would like you to try it too. MonaVie is making a statement in the Market, yet was only released in 2005. I am not sure if you have yet heard about this exquisite blend of berries that is loaded with the Acai berry (40%) and Eighteen additional fruits from the four corners of the world, each selected for their unique, beneficial properties and ability to contribute a variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants, create a synergistic effect far beyond what any single fruit could accomplish. This is a natural anti-oxidant and has helped people to get rid of inflammation, have more energy and less pain. No it doesn't cure everything, no I am not going to make promises of healing all ills. Two ounces a day is equivalent to 13 servings of fruit. Please let me show you why MonaVie is now being added to so many Professional Athletes regimen. Your body will only be as good as you treat it, with MonaVie you will be treating it with respect and care. I have TONS more reputable research and documented proof of what this drink can provide to your bodies health, etc that I can provide for you. My website is www.mymonavie.com/dianepeters. I look forward to talking with you soon! Thanks for your time!

Harry,

Although I left a comment previously about community service, I'm not sure that's on the mark with what you were looking for.

Please tell us more about what you mean by terms like limbic wealth, limbic resources. I've been searching around the web and am not finding much in the way of explaination or resources.

Regards,
Chuck

Harry, I suspect you're going to get a lot of responses like mine, but my outlet has been my local church. Specifically, I've been involved in one way or another with my church's music program for nearly 30 years. I get loads of fun out of it, have met most of my closest friends through it, and hopefully have contributed to other people's enjoyment of the services. It may not sound like much but over the years it's been an awful lot of hours. But I always get a good seat.

Calling all teachers!!! I have just attended an AMAZING workshop called "Teaching and Learning With Monarch Butterflies" , put on by The Monarch Teacher Network. Talk about caring, connecting and commitment! I met a lot of new friends, learned how to raise and care for monarch butterflies, learned about efforts to conserve the butterfliy wintering grounds in Mexico, got a LOT of ideas and resources for my classroom - best workshop I ever attended. Any interested teachers or anyone else for that matter should check out the Monarch Teacher Network website - www.monarchcanada.org.I am not sure about the US - it was started in New Jersey. I will find out more and post it.

Harry wrote> We would like to hear from anybody out there who has done anything from a local community-based organization where you give smaller amounts of time steadily over the years, to things involving travel and commitments of significant chunks of time, to begin building a resource base for us all to share, and hopefully to begin learning common lessons about how to jump into community

I had an amazing experience this week. I've been a volunteer webmaster for my church for about 7 years. http://www.StLukesParish.com Last spring I started recording and podcasting homilies from the Masses through the parish website. We had a tragedy in our town last week where a 17 year old was killed in a boating accident, and alcohol was inolved. The assistant pastor gave a powerful, emotional homily last sunday that was a wake up call to the town. After posting the homily on tour website, it was featured in a front page story in the Providence Journal and was picked up by the local television and news channels. We normally get 50 to 100 hits per day on the Parish website. Tuesday, after the news story broke, we got over 6,800 hits. I had to re-host the podcast because our server couldn't handle the traffic and I worked on and off through the day to increase our traffic quota and make sure the site was handling the traffic. In the Church, about 500 people heard the message. After the local radio and television stations picked up the story, its cear that tens of thousands of people heard it, read it or saw it on the news. My small effort helpd make that important message available to a far greater number of people than ever would have heard it at church. It was one of the most exhilerating things I've been involved with in a long time.

Best Regards,
Chuck

here are a couple of examples of the coverage:
http://www.eastbayri.com/story/301061257593536.php
http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6831857

Impressive - there isn't much flat terain up there !
Could you have had use for a GPS on this ride ?

Thanks for sharing that story, Harry. I'm working up to being able to do spontaneous adventures like the one you describe. Congratulations on a great ride.

Tom

I have been exercising occasionally but now I am beginning your 6 times a week program. I take Toprol XL once a day for high blood pressure. What effect, if any, will this have on my HR and ability to reach 70 or 80% of my max rate?

Harry,

Last time I exercised seriously was 24 years ago, at the time our oldest daughter was getting married and my wife was pregnant with our last child. At that time I ran every morning, 4 miles or so, worked out at lunch in the company gym, and walked 3 miles after dinner with my wife. I took my weight down from a high of 236 to 170, and kept it there for a while - unfortunately, not Loong enough. At that time my RHR was in the low 40's, 42 or 44, measured by sensing my pulse at my wrist and watching my digital wrist watch.

I bought your book and started an exercise program - mostly running, but some rowing and ellipticals at the gym. My knees won't permit jogging. My weight at the start of the program was 295 pounds, and at 5' 7", my BMI was over 45. I've been exercising for 102 consecutive days, and my weight is down to 260. My RHR is now at 52, measured with the heart rate monitor. I'm 70. Will I ever be able to get the RHR down into the 40's again? Should that be an objective? I recognize I'm not the "athlete" I was in my mid-40's, and that my "maximum heart rate" decreases with age, is that also true of my resting heart rate?

This morning was a good example of my question. I had a resting heart rate of 55, and just getting out of bed raised it to 97! I've kept the monitor on all morning as I'm doing housework (folding laundry, walking around the house, stuff like that) and the rate has been as low as 78 and as high as 104. What does that mean? Thanks.

Hmm...my HRM bounces around a lot more than 3-5 beats most of the time. Does that mean I'm doing something wrong, or that I didn't spend enough money?

Harry: Thanks for the new stuff.
The way I test my resting heart rate is to wear my heart rate monitor to bed.

Harry,

On strength training days I will work out for approximately 45 minutes. I have worn my heart rate monitor a few times to see how different exercices affect my rate and what my average rate is at the end of the session. Predictably my rate is all over the place during the session but will average out at around 50%-60% of my max for the whole session. My question is what is the net aerobic benefit from my workout?

I would also like to make a comment on the benefits I have enjoyed since reading your book and following your advice. A year ago my right knee would stiffen and give me considerable pain if I did more than a few minutes of gardening or other work on my knees. I have always been fairly active, but by following your exercise program since the beginning of this year, I can now perform hours of labour in this position with no ill effects - proof positive that I am generating the C10 required to repair and build tissue! Thank-you for writing the book.

Keith Neill

Harry, two cquestions about strength training if I may.

First, I've been reading for years that you need to rest a day between strength trainig workouts. And yet the strongest and most musclular man I've ever knwon was an uncle who worked as a carpenter 5 days a week and worked for a beer distributer on weekends. He was doing hard physical labor 6-7 days a week and got great results. Similarly, one summer my while in college my brother got a job as a laborer replacing railroad ties, and bulked up tremendously doing physical labor 5 days a week. What gives?

Second, during the winter I go to the gym 6 days a week and do a combination of cardio and weights every day, alternating muscle groups on the weight training. I typically start with 15 minutes or so of cardio, then do 45 minutes of weights, and end with another 15 minutes of cardio. And I superset my weight training, with little rest between sets, which means that I'm getting some cardio benefit from that too. My goal is weight management and overall fitness and this routine seems to work pretty well. Would I be better off to do 3 days of weights only and 3 days of cardio only?

Thanks for your help. You're doing a great job.

Harry,

Just wanted to say I really enjoy these blogs on the various aspects of long-term training. The information is valuable and I find I can immediately apply it to what I am doing day-to-day.

So thanks for making the effort to provide these articles. It is very much appreciated!

Tom

Loved your book. It is a great formula for life.

I am 62 years young and recently took up swimming for exercise, and fun. How does swimming fit into an exercise program? Is it aerobic or strength training? What are good exercises to complement swimming?

How do you monitor heart rate while swimming?

Ed - you might like to read this article.
http://www.marathonandbeyond.com/choices/emmett.htm

Great to see how your work, books , and this blog are getting people excited about exercising and taking responsibility for their health. My question is on the opposite side of the exercise quantity. Can too much exercise , even in older out of shape people as well as well conditioned athletes, have a negative effect on their immune system. What about oxidative stress?
A second concern: how important or necessary is it to get your hair tested or finger nails tested to see if you are getting proper nutrition. Are there other ways to find out if you are getting proper nutrition? Thank you , Ed Koscik

I have read in some articles that consistent and intense exercise will change the bio-chemistry of the blood including the size of LDL and HDL. Is this true? How does the intense exercise decrease the amount of smaller LDLs?

Harry, Can you say a few words about hard vs. easy aerobics levels for someone recovering from a serious injury? I am a figure skater (I wrote to you on your previous website) and I broke my ankle a few months ago. I'm about to be released from PT and wondering if you have some comments on how to target my workouts. I've been doing the elliptical and also some biking, besides all the weight training and exercises with my PT.

Keep up all your good work!

Hi Harry,

Hopefully you can help me.

I am 73 and have read your book. I exercise five days a week in the gym ( two days on machines for about forty minutes and three days in classes ) and walk about one hour daily. I have no medical issues. My resting heart rate is 51 and my pulse at night prior to sleep is 61. After reading your book I have added the treadmill to my routine on two days after I do my workout on the machines but it takes me two days to recover.

Questions:

1. Should I be doing the treadmill first or is there a difference?

2. Am I just doing to much of a good thing and reduce my workout on the machines?

3. Your thoughts?

Many thanks. Steve

You mention the brisk heart response to exercise and I have experienced that, but my friend has the opposite experience; he appears to be in very good shape but has had to work much harder than I do to keep his heart rate up at the 80% range. In fact, it takes him a lot of effort to get his heart rate up and I can tell he is working at a much higher level, on the same type of exercise bike as I am on, to maintain his heart rate. We have tested our monitors, etc and everything appears to be working normally. Can you give some guidance on this anomaly?

I've had my heart rate monitor for over six months now and I've noticed that my heart rate is significantly higher now (80s) when I'm driving in the car than it was six months ago (70s). Could it be that I've gone backwards in my fitness level? Stress? Am I doing too much? I'm stumped.

I've also noted that I can maintain 90% of my maximum heart rate (not my theoretical maximum) for 30 minutes. It's no picnic, but I can do it. However, I don't think that it's because I'm in such great shape because while I'm not a slug, I've got a long way to go.

If you've the time and the inclination, would you please expound more on heart rates?

Tp answer your question below, this is what I wanted (and needed) to hear! I would like to hear a little bit more about this -- specificaly, what should heart rates for a person who's just starting to exercise six days a week be when they are doing other activities such as routine housework, strolling to the mailbox, and so on? I have become fascinated with my heart rate, and sometimes wear my monitor during non-exercise times, just to "see what I see," as Chris would say. I have a resting heart rate of about 65, which sometimes drifts into the 90s even when I'm not doing much of anything. What does that mean?

How often does one need to go through the process of finding the true max? Once a year? Every two years? Isn't it the case that our maximum heart rate gradually decreases as we age?

Thanks,
Hayes

Is finding your true max something that you need to do on a yearly basis? Isn't it true that as you age, your max gets lower?

Thanks,
Hayes

Harry, thank you for a very informative and helpful article. Tons of information there, and I am grateful for the help it provides. I'm also looking forward to the advanced forum!

Great unless you have atrial fibrillation and your heart rate is interpreted by the monitor as 170-180 at a very low effort level.In which case I just use the conversation test as a guide.

Harry, I would be very interested in your comments on the effect of breathing cold air. I adore cycling, and had committed to a November century with my biking partner last fall. But when the temperature went below 60 degrees, I was miserable cycling outdoors. I was miserable even though my heart rate was fine and I was sweating; no sign of exterior cold. I came home and took hours to feel truly warm again. After repeating this experience several times, I concluded that I had to pack it up for the season, and missed the century. When the weather warmed up again, I was fine. So, what about it? Aren't your lungs a huge expanse of epidermis to expose to cold air?

Harry says, "you are effectivly exercising on a pleasant spring day in Florida." Well why not do that then? In fact that's my favorite winter sport - go to Florida and run on the beach. You guys can have your skiing, I've tried it and was too cold. So I do the sensible thing and go to Florida.

But that raises a question. Why do I mind the cold more the older I get? Cold never used to bother me that much but it sure does now.

I've been looking for something on Cold Weather Physiology for a while and here it is! I was also curious about dehydration, calorie burning, effects on muscles of the cold weather, et cetera -- although perhaps as you write there really isn't too much difference if you're dressed for it. I remember many years ago here in Chicago the windchill was supposedly 80 below on a Saturday night and I had a friend to see, so I dressed warmly and trudged a mile or so, and it was no big deal -- better than staying at home -- although I supposed when it's 50 below, as Jack London writes, it's better not to go out alone.

My respect and affection for Harry is virtually bottomless. BOTTOMLESS! But there a very few tiny and unimortant areas where is a complete and, frankly, dangerous lunatic. His diet is one (it is ludicrous and joyless) and his appetite for villanous, New England weather is another.

I own more cold weather clothing and gear than any ten, rational men. And I routinely spend a lot of time in pretty cold weather, skiing and so on. So I know there is some truth in what Harry says.

But not much. When the wind chill factor takes the temperature to 20 below, here is some alternate advice: GO HOME YOU LUNATIC. IT'S TOO COLD TO PLAY OUTSIDE.

And even if you can arrange things so you don't die (with modern winter clothing) it can become disagreeab le. Even if - like me and Harry - you have a modern balaclava to keep your whole face protected and goggles for your eyes, let me ask you this: what the hell are you doing out there? You can't see, your scared, you should go home.

The sad fact is that I exagerrate a little for fun. I am almost as ridiculous as Harry when it comes to playing in the cold. But not quite. When the snow turns to rain. Or ice. And the freezing wind is driving it sideways and making it impossible to see, ski or think...try this: GO HOME! You too, Harry.

If I have an injury that requires use of anti-inflamitories to settle it down, does this have a detrimental effect on the C-6, C-10 cycle? In other words will it stop the rebuilding process? Thanks for the book. It has inspired me to get off the fence on a long overdue exercise program.

Thanks,
Jim

Hi Harry,

My wife and I have found your books very helpful. Fortunately we have both been exercising pretty vigorously for a couple of years before reading, but the book is very motivating to a 60 year old.

I am a physicist and would like to know where to learn more about C-6 and C-10. Is there a more complete account such as Scientific American would have published?

Keep up the good work.

Hi Harry,
Here's what I need to know more about. I have just started on the program and am wondering if reducing the inflamation in my knees with ibuprofin or wearing a knee brace overnight will defeat the creation of the C6 and C10 since the inflamation is what creates the C6 and C10.

Oh, yes!, more on the evolutionary aspects of exercise, diet, need for social connections, etc. Good god, who wouldn't want that? Evidence from research in this area is not only fascinating, but lends credence to the principles upon which you and Chris base your program.

Harry,
yes, very interested. I am interested in what you think of the 'Evolutionary Fitness' poeple..folks like Art Devaney. specifically on their ideas of aerobic exercise. They would have us do very little running and biking, instead sporadic sprinting.
thanks Barry

Yes please.

I started "Younger Next Year " last night and couldn't put it down. Thank you so much. I ignored my mother's warnings "Don't ...... ! " "You must ............... ! "
However, I take full notice of Don't ... because...... and You must ....... because ...

I've just found out you have writtten "Younger Next Year for Women" - is there any difference between your suggested exercise regimes for men and women ?


So more science please

I have Dermatomyocitis. I will be 67 in 2 months. I work 3-11 full time as an RN Supervisor in LTC. Three years ago I started using small dumbells to build up strenght in my arms; with my kness on the floor, I had a dumbell in each hand and rolled forward increasing the repetitions by one each day. At the end of four weeks, I had a nasty flareup of dermato. My rheumatologist suggested only doing arm swings without gooing against gravity. This seemed fruitless to me so I stopped. Do you have any suggestions? Is it even possible to strengthen muscles afflicted with this problem?

I am especially interested in evolutionary biology topics! Please post any and all pertinent information. Thanks.

Yes, I would like you to post info on the science aspects.

Do anti-inflamatory agents like tumeric, aspirin and other NSAI's and glucosamine significantly reduce the post exercise spike in C6 and therefore C12? Regards

Would definitely like to hear more about anything scientific about lifestyle, health, exercise, etc. Alot is written about pre and menopauseal women and hormonal shifts. I read almost nothing, (including in your book). about postmenopausal women. I am sure there is some science about us other than decay....


Thanx,
Shak'

You ask in one of the comments if there is an audience for a more detailed ("scientific") set of blogs, and whether you should publish them.

Yes, please.

In fact, I think there would be room for another book that would have even a wider audience than "Younger Next Year"

This new book would be aimed at everyone from about 25 to 65 or 70. Its goal would be to encourage a lifetime of the physical and emotional program which you and Crowley propose for older people.

I would have two immediate uses for such a book:
1- I am getting together a project under which Medicaid supported people who now live in nursing homes would be transitioned through a year of education and training, after which they would live independently, with as much support as they NEED, not necessarily the level of support they want. The program of independent living would include aerobic exercise, strength training, attention to diet, attention to body fat, diminution of bade habits. It would also virtually require working with others towards common goals, and to reintegrate these people into various communities. We will also focus strongly on one's purpose in life -- the one area of human life which you and Crowley dismissed as "religious" in Younger . . . People would be motivated to keep with the program in two ways: one, the sense of personal satisfaction they get from living more fully; and two, good old fashioned greed.
Greed? We expect that the savings to Colorado's Medicaid fund from these people would be on the order of $3,500 per month, or $42,500 oer year. And the residents who stick to the program will get 25% of the savings, over $10,000 per year, to do with as they wish. It's a group version of an existing "hire your own, fire your own" program, in which individuals can retain half any savings if they assume responsibility for their own Medicais care and expenditures. There's lots more about the administrative details and the way in which doctors, dentists and other providers actually improve their financial results. The savings month per come from reduction in administrative costs by 20% of GROSS (i.e., $1,500 per month per patient), from the much lower residential costs of independent living compared to the costs of nursing homes, from substantial residuction in day-to-day staffing, from far fewer days of hospitalization, and from elimination of many unneeded drugs.
The book I suggest would be very helpful in persuading members of various legislatures (beginning during this summer in Colorado, which this year passed a bill commanding the state's administrative department to study the proposal) to do pilot programs, and audit them carefully, with the goal of removing at least 50% of the Medicaid-supported people from nursing homes. Lest you dismiss this as a nice idea that might save a little money, let me inform you that the estimated saving would be half a TRILLION (that's trillion with a T) dollars each year. And, more important, healthier, more fulfilling lives for nursing home residents.

In Colorado we are in the early stages of thinking about a similar program for ambulatiory Medicaid patients.

Important as these are, my own long term committment is to develop a program using the principles you outline for everyone -- beginning at age 25. The file in which I collect information andwrite squibs is called The Health Builder Model, and the program is called The Tekton Program.
I want to start with Medicaid patients, because the money is there and the situation, both in terms of medical outcomes and financial resources, is bad enough that decision-makers are willing to try almost anything. (As a former member of the Colorado legislature, I have long known the slight evidence on which the body acts, but some of the ideas being noised in our thin air are really weird, and are nevertheless getting a hearing.
Why should the very valuable ideas, and the scientific knowledge on which they are based, be aimed solely at older people who have spent a lifetime in a culture of getting ill, and then having an operation and/or getting a pill to cure themselves? Why should we not develop a culture in which health is built throughout a person's lifetime?
You and Crowley could do a great service by publishing such a book -- and then doing a series of videos to make the ideas in it even more accessible.

If you have gotten this far, many thanks for your patience.

I will be in the New York area this September for the wedding of one of my nieces. I'm going to call to see if we can get a brief time together face to face.

I would appreciate learning more about vitamin supplements and nutrition. I have taken a multivitamin and have tried various supplements but don't know if they offer real benefit or are simply a placebo. Also would appreciate recommendations. I have enjoyed both your book and audio program. A group of 5 of us undertook the challenge and I have been fortunate enough to stay with it! I feel much better than I have and just recently read the book again. I even bought a bicycle! I feel like a dork but am enjoying the variety of going up and down the hills near where I live in Georgia.

Hello Harry,
Near the end of the book, you state that Chris is "a healthy 50 year old".How did you come to that conclusion? How can we tell how "old" we are biologically compared to our chronological age? Is there some test or formula we could use ourselves to figure out how old we "really" are??

Cathy Cornwell-Brown

Re: Scientific American Reports article on "Calorie Restriction and Aging" (Vol 16, No. 4). This article showed that severe calorie restriction in rats resulted in reduction of free radicals possibly because of increased efficiency of oxygen use in the mitochondria. This appeared to make the rats healthier and younger looking. How does exercise affect efficiency in mitochondria?

I would like as many scientific articles as you can provide. We constatnly get emotional based messages from advertisements and the best antidote that I know is science.

I would also like to see more information concerning vitamins, minerals, and other supplements. With all of the toxins, pesticides, and additives in our food it seems crucial to add nutrients beyond our diet.

Information concerning the YNY program and suitability for people with manic-depression.

Dear Mr. Crowley and Dr. Lodge,

My 59 year-old neighbor and marathon companion lent me her copy of your first book and I repaid her kindness with a copy of your book for women. I am a 37 year old female and a retail pharmacist. The reason for my note to you is that over breakfast this morning I was telling my husband that I would much prefer a career in health maintenance and disease prevention than what I
am doing as a sort of assembly-line worker. Part of the discontent with my current role is that I am treating ailments and not preventing them. One example that struck me was on Thursday when a script came past me for Lomotil...so someone had diarrhea. Later that day a script for piroxicam came by for the same person...so now he has an itch. I think medication is over used and too heavily relied upon. The body can maintain and heal itself in a lot of circumstances if it is properly cared for.

So I write to you today wondering if you have a health book coming our for younger people (like myself) or if you have ANY suggestions for a pharmacist job that is in the prevention and health maintenance field? I am looking for an adventure!

Thanks for all you do!

Christine
(Naples Florida)

Your book is fantastic, more information wanted about new information on your topic as well as Chris Crowley's thoughts, etc. Am particularly interested in anything diabetic related, what to eat...when to eat as relates to exercising. Also, of interest, is information as to cell regeneration/renewal and what happens with scar tissue....why do old injuries re-occur...and not be complete eliminated by time, as in 10 or 15 years. Thank you. I have been sharing your information with many....!

I would like to hear about the benefits or lack of benefit from supplements.

I would like to first say that I was very motivated by your book. My blood pressure is around 130/70. I have avoided taking meds for this and don't really want to start now. Do you think the exercise programe in YNY will lower my blood pressure over time. I'm not overweight nor am I stressed. I also eat healthy. I'm retired, love my life and my wife and my living situation keeps me as busy as I want to be. Life is great! I'm 63 and have always been somewhat active. I would love my blood pressure to be lower without medication.
Would really appreciate your input.

Harry,
The book is a beaut! Can a lithium taking manic-depressive(probably bi-polar II) follow the YNY program and will it be of benefit? Waiting eagerly for your opinion. All the best.

Harry,
The book is a beaut! Can a lithium taking manic-depressive(probably bi-polar II) follow the YNY program and will it be of benefit? Waiting eagerly for your opinion. All the best.

Absolutely ! I would love to read more on evolutionary biology.
I have lived in American Samoa for twenty years and it's very clear that this type of science can make a huge difference all over the world. I've recently read Dr. Weston Price's old, but relevent "Nutrition and Degeneration" and I also see every day the same results. Polynesians who adapt the Western lifestyle (foods and sedentary lives) have the highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in the world. It is heartbreaking. My husband's father ate the old foods and lived the "old" life - hard work every day, until he moved to the States. There he lived a life of comfort and died within a few years.
BTW - You guys Rock !

Like Bonnie, I would appreciate an article on osteoporosis and calcium intake, especially now it is being asserted that the casein in milk neutralises the benefits of green tea and even causes cancer. Just in case, I have stopped putting cows' milk in my cocoa, and I was already using soya milk in my green tea, but I am trying to keep up a high intake of skimmed milk and yoghurt because I really fear osteoporosis. I am sad to think that the yoghurt I put on my mixed berries may be annulling their phytochemical benefits. It is also asserted (by different researchers) that a good calcium intake, preferably from dairy rather than pills, is helpful against heart disease and obesity. It's all very confusing. So an article on any or all of: osteoporosis, calcium, dairy and food in general would be extremely welcome. And what is Harry's dietary regime, which Chris finds so over the top, but I suspect might appeal to this old englander?

Yes, please, MORE science! Your book has had a tremendous impact on my life mainly because of the scientific reasoning involved which carried the ring of truth. One of the disappointments of the book was that your sections were not longer and more detailed. Chris is a nice guy, but that emotional approach just doesn't cut it with me. Give me the scientific facts (or at least plausible theories)!

In fact, I would love to see your original notes for the book before they were hacked and thrown aside.

Love your article in the Sunday times. Just purchased your book and looking forward to reading it!

You talk about the importance of hydrating, but not about the quality of the water we hydrate with, nor about what makes water alive, such as low surface tension and ideal molecular alignment.

I'd also love to see what you could come up with how to improve breathing in a gentle way and about the importance of indoor air quality and how to improve it. Given that cancer cannot survive in oxygenated cells.

Are you aware of the 23 year study on attitude involving several thousand indivduals? It backs up what you say about emotions! "Wired to exercise and to care. . ." I love it and would like to hear more about wired to care!

You haven't said much about the critical missing micro-nutrients. Are you aware of the missing micro-nutrients that enable your cells to produce trillions of endogenous stem cells?

You might be interested to learn about a cutting edge, research-based wellness program that combines all of the above-mentioned elements and could be made available to your geriatric patients. All about caring, all about empowering individuals to take charge of their wellness and fall in love with being alive. www.substantialsolutions.com.

Most health/fitness writers say "check with your doctor before you do anything". This is difficult to do when you see a doctor ten minutes a year who knows virtually nothing about nutrition or excercise. I have found that you need to be your own physician.

John

What about vitamin supplements? Can you separate the facts from the hype? Also, is the new standard advice about two baby asprins a day correct?

i'd love to hear about how to manage hormonal impact on women and body weight. i've also have had thyroid issues and would be interested in hearing what to do when your metabolic makeup changes. most of what i hear from local drs is well your thyroid numbers are within the norm so just adjust. i'm wondering if you know of any other resources or plans of attack!! your book is the first motivating one i've read in a while and i've read a few million. thanx stacey

How does the size of the cholestrol (both LDL and HDL) increase when we do physical exercise consistently?

How long does it take to reduce the level of triglycerides from blood if one watches calories (especially carb intake) and does aerobic exercises 60 minutes every day? For example from level 300 to 150. Is it possible? How long should we try diet and exercise before start taking medications for this?

I would like to see you write about resting schemes for ANNUALIZE training. I understand the weekly recovery days, but do you ever just take a week totally off? Or two?

I found the part in your book about how one replaces essentially all of your tissues over different periods of time both interesting and inspiring (per the YNY concept) -- As such I would enjoy greatly learning how the YNY exercise regimen impacts the vasculature and in particular information regarding whether it will 'reverse' certain aspects of cardiovascular disease over time as one 'replaces' old cells with new and perhaps even assists in the removal of cholesterol ridden 'plaques' ---Other tissues of interest as well, but the vasculature seems most intriguing to me and relevant given that it is the largest cause of death in the US...

can you do an article on vitamin supplementation? If we are not eating crap and trying to eat as outlined in the book do we ned them what ones, how much etc.. I have some ideas of my own, but think that this could be a very helpful area fro many.

Can we burn the triglycerides by hard cardio exercises? If that is possible, how long does it take to bring triglycerides of 300 to 150 if we do one hour of intense cardio exercise daily?

Yes!

Definitely interested in the abstruse stuff!

Harry,
I for one would be interested in any science that would lead me toward a more interesting and healthy life. I also would like to hear any success stories that you are encountering. What works and what doesn't. There is a lot of junk science out there and any help sorting through it would also be good. Thanks,
Arch

I would love to read something on the Science of Life style. Also, recommendations for women in regard to Calcium. Iread what you said in the book but would like to know if it is possible if you eat adequate dairy products to get enough without takeing medication or supplements. Thank you Bonnie Bence

Harry: I recently golfed with a Professor Emeritus from Yale (81 and very fit) who says that all evidence that fitness promotes good health is anecdotal, although he personally believes it. He says there have been no "double blind studies" as they would be very hard to to and you would not know the reults for 30+ years. I assume this is a scientist talking. The results of my own case (truly excellent) are enough for me. Any thoughts?

I'm a big fan of both books. I'd love to hear more about the ongoing science developments.

Hi Harry:

Can you tell me what is the rule of thumb is when you get a cold. I have heard different stories, ie. it's okay to work out as long as you don't have a fever to you should not work out at all if you have a cold. What do you think. Dodi from Canada

on page 48, under the "Stepping out of the crucible" header

In a remarkable triumph of ego over ect, we simply assume.....

What is "ect"

I'd like to see up to date studies on osteoporosis and exercise.
i've combed the web and come up with some stuff, but not much. And my doctor told me to drink milk. (and take drugs)

Anything you want to write, is fine with me! Just as long as you write! As a scientist, I am also interested in whatever science you want to write about.

Please keep writing on everything. I bought both books, I read the men's because my husband wouldn't read it. I'm an RN, and the book was the most informative book on living well, as well as aging well, that I have read. The men's book had me so enthused, I bought the women's book too. Having finished that one too, I'm going to read some of the books you both recommended. Thanks for the informative, and inspiring words.

I am interested. To me, that is what sets Younger Next Year apart from all the other books on aging and fitness. The insights into the fundamental biological reasons that this stuff works. We've all been told all our lives that we "should" eat right, get exercise, etc. But, the medical research you shared causes it all to make such good sense.

I've always prefered to view and relate to my body as a complex, but understandable system. One that I can best maintain and manage by understanding how it really works. So, yes, definitely. Bring on those articles!

I think that would be wonderful. I do not have the resources at hand to do the research. The most interesting part of your book was the research that finally explained "why" after all of these years. Look forward to reading more.

I would be interested in your perspective on why strength training is so important. What are the biological factors which make strength training such a vital part of staying young.

I would like to hear more about evolutionary psychology and its relationship to fitness.

I am confused about the relationship between eating junk food and famine. I can see that the sedentary lifestyle might send a signal to the body that it's famine time. But, why would eating too much junk food send such a signal? Wouldn't our ancestors store lots of fat before the famine? It might signal that famine or winter is coming, but not that it's already here. During the actual winter or famine, there would be no overeating.

would love to read more on lifestyle and nutrition. Also,, is it possible to get the needed calcium from diet alone if you eat 1500 milligrams a day and take vitamin D tablets as opposed to Fosomax etc.? Would like your opinion on this. Your pieces in the book are so helpful. I read and reread them.

Harry, it might be helpful for us to give you feedback if you list a few of the topics in evolutionary biology that you have in mind. It's hard to tell if we might be interested from the general description you wrote up in your entry.

Thanks,
Tom C.

Yes I am interested in this sort of thing. Have you read the Okinawa Diet series?

As someone who is a science nut and found your sections in the book equally as fascinating and entertaining as Harry's anecdotes, I would love to read any pieces of current research you have come across of link to. I not a scientist, I'm what some people would term a "geek" both in occupation and bent, but I am a science buff, and find all of it fascinating. Especially any science re: the link between exercise and aging, since I seem to be involved in that particular lab experiment at the time.:)

I think the life style articles would be great. Also, more on nutrition and the biology of weights for the older woman. I so appreciate your parts in the book. Understanding is motivation in itself. Also, perhaps more on the need for calcioum. What do you think about getting 1500 units naturally through eating without taking supplements?

I would enjoy it a lot to hear more about the discoveries in evolutionary biology that are occurring.

I'd like to hear your take on what seems to be the controversial topic of figuring out max heart rate. I've been reading and hearing that the old standby of subtracting one's age from 220 can be way off. If so, what's a better way to figure the mhr? Is there a way that one can do it at home or at the gym with reasonable accuracy and safety and that doesn't involve an expensive test at a doc's office? Not that I don't like my doc, but I like my dollars too!
Thanks for any advice you can offer.

By the way, I like the new website.

I take 2 blood pressure meds every morning, a diuretic and a beta blocker. If I workout before late afternoon, I have a lot of trouble getting my heart rate above 120. I'm 55, and so I think I should be shooting for the 130's. DOes this matter?

Thank you

Yes!! The more technical the better. Not that I am a Dr., but I read extensively, and am very interested in the science behind all of this. My nephew is a podiatric surgeon in Washington State, and so I have someone to decipher for me if the 'reading gets tough'.
Thank you from your Canadian friend.
Susan U.

Yes, I will be interested in reading your scientific thoughts and knowledge dissemination from scietific journals.

If you're interested, I'm interested. Fire away.

I would love to hear about the science. Especially anything to do with muscles and cytokines- the whole idea that our muscles are regulating whether the body is deciding to grow or decay.

Sure, I'd be interested in hearing about things that interest you as long as there's not too much scientific jargon. I'm an English teacher, but science can be fascinating!

Here is one vote for more science! Your explanations of how our bodies work in the book were the most motivating part for me. I have always heard 'exercise and eat right', but your book was the first time that the science of exercise - and why there is a right and wrong way - really got me on the right track. Over five months I took off 30 pounds and feel like I am 40 instead of 62. I recently had a bad fall, requiring emergency chest surgery for a severed artery, broken ribs and collapsed lung, and I am convinced that because I was fit, my recovery has gone much better than it would have been otherwise. I am now back in the gym, very slowly getting back in shape. thanks, and keep us uyp to date on the science!

I am very interested in evolutionary biology and any other related areas of science. PLEASE FEEL FREE!

Evolutionary biology! Harry, yes, please bring it on!!

I would love to hear on nutrition and what it does for us over time. Anything on alternate meds.. like accupuncture... Mental strength.. fighting dementia & alzheimer... and if you have a cure for TMJ.. send it my way!

Would you also list some things that you want to talk about that fit your description? Then we could comment on if they interest us? I don't know what stuff is out there that I do't know about.

Dr. Lodge, what make and model of bike did you buy? I'm still using my 1973 Motobecane Road Bike, albeit with a bunch of new components like Shimano brakes, new handle bars, new Cane brake levers, new stem, and new rims, but with the same old 26 plus pound weight and the same old downtube shifters. I need to buy a new bike, but like you, I hate to spend the money, yet know that for my knees and hips I do need to move up to a modern model. I've been researching new bikes, and the array is mind-boggling. Thanks. Thom De Buys

This is so absolutely true. About 2 years ago I was shopping for a new bike. I had pretty much settled on a Trek, a stock woman's geometery frame that fit pretty well. My husband, a rather serious biker (read that as "bike or die"), went out and found me a similar-sized frame (it's a Salsa for all the gearheads out there), had me professionally fitted to make sure it was right for me, and then picked all the components for it personally. Of course, it cost quite a bit more expensive but what an investment! I rode The Ride the Rockies last year, 420 miles in 6 days through the Colorado mountains, and I felt just as good on the day I finished as on the day I started. Actually, I felt better! It's the first bike that has ever fit me perfectly and when you are riding 80 miles and 6500 vertical feet in one day, your bike better fit because you are going to be HURTING if it doesn't!

Spend money to the stuff that needs to work just right for you, like a great bike. If you are going to spend a lot of time on it, you need to make the investment. Otherwise it's going to sit in the garage because riding it makes you cringe!

I'm not much of a skier, but I am an avid cyclist. I definitely agree with you on the importance of bike fit. There is just something magical about that fusion of your mind to your body to your bike to the road. When everything fits, you get that sense of oneness that just makes you smile on the bike, no matter how hard you are working, no matter how bad it hurts, it still feels right and good. And, as a result, you ride longer, you ride harder, and you just feel better during and after. Not enough people know that feeling, and they give up as a result. And, you'd be amazed at how much difference a little milimeter here or a centimeter there will make in your fit.

Hi. Just discovered your workbook last night -- now your site this morning.

I agree that proper fit is crucial for comfort and performance. I am barely 5'2" and have a hard time finding things to fit a petite woman. Sitting is torture for me because I cannot always reach the floor!

Could you write more about getting the proper fit for a mountain bike? I've had my Trek for 6-7 years, but am not comfortable for really long rides. (Though in summer I ride it around town and to work -- usually no more than an hour each ride.)

Thank-you!

I would add running shoes to the list of gear that needs to be good! When I started running again at age 52, I bought a cheap pair from a popular chain store from a sales person who knew nothing about shoes or running. And I paid for it with sore knees and back pain, almost giving up on running. Then I had a pedorthist look at my feet and make a pair of custom inserts and I bought a pair of good (but not that expensive) running shoes from a locally-owned running store with an expert staff. Now I can easily run a 5K or put in 20 miles a week without pain - on my 4th pair of shoes since I started.

Harry: I got custom fitted boots at Stratton 3 years ago, and they are the warmest most comfotable boots I have ever owned (which is a lot as I have been skiing for 65 years). The boots are so snug and warm that you only wear thin silk socks; not the old thick wool ones. Great edge control. Custom boots and shaped skiis have greatly extended my ski life.

I am a Physician Assistant who has been practicing in geriatrics for the last 12 years. At 58 your book has started me on my own fitness program. But the real result is that I am now sharing your work with my patients. It is true that we do not spend enought time discussing and influencing the health of our patients. Thankyou for taking the time to share your work.

I am waiting for you to write something. Are you out of town. We need your input to keep going. Let us hear from you. You are important to us. Thank you.

Great article. I'm printing it out to give to my personal training clients as well as my parents and grandparents.

This piece is SO helpful. Instead of fretting (as I've been doing) because, at 64, my health and fitness and will-power aren't perfect, I'm going to celebrate more the good stuff I do manage to do , and what I'm putting in the bank for when I reach 100!

Glad the site is back up!

Hayes

I will be 80 next year. I'm hoping to compete in my first ever regatta in a single scull. I just ordered your book. Hope it helps me keep on course.

Harry and Chris, everyone,

Take a look at this if you haven't already seen it. It is about a study that confirms everything you guys are saying.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18808971/site/newsweek/from/ET/It supports one of my own personal primary "truisms", that it's never too late.

Allan

I've also been told that it is very important for people coming from a lower elevation to a higher one to drink extra water to help with the effects of changing altitude. I'm not sure about why this is so, just that it seems to help my parents who live in Boston when they visit me in Colorado. Also, since I breathe more through my mouth and not my nose, I find it takes more water to keep me hydrated than an average person.

I follow the YNY exercise program and here’s how I ensure I keep hydrated at work. I hit the gym in the morning then, when I get to work, I drink two large mugs of orange juice over the first hour or so. Since I'm not a coffee drinker, I then fill a liter and a half water bottle and put it on my desk. And I don’t get to go home till it’s empty

Thanks for excellent information, Dr. Lodge.

A cardiologist recently told me the best protection against deadly blood clots is plenty of hydration and 81 mg aspirin daily. Have three questions in this regard:

- Do you agree with the above advice?

- What are the best state-of-the-art coronary artery scans for showing plaque levels? Is CT angiogram as good as invasive (risky) angiogram? How about cardiac MRI?

- Is there any way to reduce plaque buildup? Does chelation therapy work?

I love Younger Next Year, even tho I am not a man!
Heartfelt thanks to you and Chris Crowley for your brilliant book. Packed with excellent information and great fun to read. So life-affirming. I'm working on the next third.

Must read the new women's version of your book.

[I'm 62, started running - thanks to friend - in February of 2005 when 30 lbs overweight, out of shape. Ran 1st marathon, Chicago, in Oct of '05. Loved every minute of it. Favorite city. Have run 5 more marathons and recently finished the JFK50. I'm slow but persistent. 5:15 marathon. Believe in endurance training. Friend finished Leadville 100 when he was 63. He does 4:00 marathon and is awesome.

Must start using heart monitor per book's recommendations. Also ski, etc. Want new bike to replace 30-year-old 3-speed. Appreciate Chris Crowley's recommendation to buy topnotch equipment to protect old bones! Welcome excuse/rationale for buying the best and having fun with it!

Trying to keep heart beating and legs strong. Trying to outrun family pattern of heart disease and sudden death at around 70...]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH , DR. LODGE!

Got a digital scale recently which reads in increments of 100g--the weight markers on the old analog one were getting increasing fuzzy of late, through no fault of their own--and was surprised to find, despite the below freezing weather, that I lost 1100g (~2.4 lbs) on a 45-minute run. That's roughly the equivalent a litre (quart) of fluid.

Thanks for helping us understand. Understanding is the basis of doing.

Wow, thanks for all the good info! Now I better understand why we really need to drink water through the day, every day, not just when getting ready to exercise. I love your articles and look forward to reading them more as the new website continues to develop. Thanks so much!