Invest For Life

FROM the stories you hear at the vending machines in the office and over dinners with family to the ones on TV, it’s understandable if you’re overwhelmed by fear of developing a life threatening health condition.

Dr Tim Wood, executive vice president of research and development at Usana Health Sciences says heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes are some of the common causes of death.

“Often, most of us are so concerned about what kills us that we tend to forget conditions that can cause disabilities such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and osteoporosis. We also need to take weight management seriously as obesity can be a cause of many deadly diseases.

Wood has more than 30 years experience in research and development programmes in biotechnology and human nutrition

He cautions: “People, especially city folk, are so busy pursuing material wealth, we tend to let ourselves get sick and then start worrying. That is not the way.” He says we must adopt a more proactive approach.

HEALTHY HABITS

Wood says a balanced diet, physical activity, and good time and stress management are key to reducing our risk of developing degenerative diseases.

“Supplements may help maintain overall health. They provide a broad spectrum of balanced vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. Recent evidence has shown that suboptimal levels of vitamins, even well above those causing deficiency syndromes, are risk factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis,” he adds.

For example, Wood says that calcium and Vitamin D are important for the bones, fish oil helps to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and antioxidants help promote healthy skin and enhances our immune system while glucosamine helps in keeping the joint cartilage healthy.

DUE DILIGENCE

Wood advises to do your homework before rushing out to buy supplements. “Our body needs all nutrients, as it works as a team to support our entire system. Likewise, can we have a soccer team with five goalkeepers and nobody else?”

Wood says it is not right to focus on only one nutrient and end up overdosing on it.

“Don’t just depend on the labels on the bottle. Speak to your doctor or a registered dietitian first. He or she can decide which pills you really need and what doses you should take,” he says.

“It’s harder to get rid of a deadly disease in old age than to do so when one is younger. So why not take steps to prevent it?”

Before you buy vitamins:

1. Read up on what you need

2. Speak to your doctor to see if you really need it

3. Understand that in the end, a balanced diet, physical activity, good time and stress management and healthy lifestyle are vital