Aging and Disease - Fighting Our Family History

by Keith
(Philadelphia, PA USA)

Growing up, I remember my father telling me that the men in our family don't make it to their 60's. Aging and disease seem to hit my family harder than most.

I never met my grandfather, a dairy farmer, as he died from diabetes and colon cancer before I was born. When I was a teenager my uncle also died prematurely possibly due to certain inherited genetic issues, thought much is still unclear about his passing.

Not long afterwards my father, then in his mid-fifties, was diagnosed with high blood pressure and cholesterol. He took a stress test and did extremely poorly. I remember him getting winded walking up just a couple of flights of stairs.

Dad's diet at that time was far from healthy. A typical dinner meal included red meat, heavily buttered vegetables, and beer. Afterwards he'd relax in front of the tv with some chips if he wasn't helping me with my homework.

The doctors prescribed Lipitor. Rather than rely on drugs to combat aging and disease, my dad decided to change his lifestyle. My mother started serving more fish and skinless chicken. Beer at dinner was mostly replaced by milk or wine. More salads and less butter and salt were in our meals. Also he started jogging nearly every night.

It's now over a decade later and my dad looks great. He has lost weight, is healthy, and can run for many miles without much struggle. He is in his mid-60's, and I expect him to be around for many years to come do to his new lifestyle.

He also has gotten screenings for colon and prostate cancer and seems to be clear.

I've learned a lot from my dad over the years. He proved that aging and disease are positively influenced by diet and exercise. His choice to live a healthier lifestyle has only made me respect him more.