After being a physician for 25 years, I have read countless medical journals and  listened to hundreds (if not thousands) of lectures.  I have sifted through all those years to come up with my top 10 recommendations for a long and beautiful life.  Here is my last 25 years summed up:

1. Topical Retin A – Some sort of Retin A, Retinol, Tretinoin used regularly will keep the skin youthful, vibrant, less pigmented, and minimize acne breakouts.  It accelerates skin turnover, decreases sebaceous secretions, thickens the dermis, hydrates the skin, and reverses DNA damage which could lead to cancers.  There is over 25 years of research behind this compound so don’t worry over side effects from prolonged use.
2. Antioxidants – Oxygen free radicals are the main cause of aging and cancer.  These are produced daily throughout our body and skin.  There are numerous articles touting the benefits of red wine, chocolate, and fruits for their health impact which is mainly due to their antioxidant qualities.  Dr. Weiner is especially fond of GliSODin Skin Nutrients which contains the very powerful enzyme, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD).  Antioxidants (several are found in SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum) placed directly on the skin help protect from the damaging sun rays.  Resveratrol, the antioxidant found in red wine has been thoroughly studied to have benefits for multiple medical conditions (we sell MegaResveratrol).  Other oral antioxidants I recommend:  bromelin, tumeric, astragalus, polypodium leucotomos (Heliocare), vitamin C, co-enzyme Q10, selenium.
3. Aspirin – A daily baby aspirin, 81mg, will help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and cancers.  Make sure it’s a coated aspirin to prevent stomach ulcers. Remember that the blood thinning effects will last 12 days.
4. Stay trim – This is a fairly broad recommendation which includes eating right, regular exercise, and choosing active recreational sports.  Don’t be a couch potato.
5. Don’t smoke – Smoking strangulates the skin and other vital organs.  The blood vessels contract with the drugs in tobacco.  Smoking cessation can reverse most of the damage created so it’s never too late.  There is no question at this time that a smoker’s risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, and lung disease are significantly elevated.
6. Minimize sun exposure – The number one cause of collagen loss in our skin is sun exposure.  Protecting with sunscreen and antioxidants will reduce this breakdown.  Skin cancers – melanoma, basal cell, squamous cell, have all been linked to sun exposure.  Cataracts can also be caused by the sun so wear sunglasses.  Wear hats, rash guards, and use an umbrella when at the beach.
7. Moderate Alcohol Consumption – There has been numerous studies which tout the benefit of 1-2 drinks per day.  Some studies have shown this to be almost as efficacious as exercise.  The benefits are lost with consumption that is higher than 2 drinks per day and becomes detrimental.
8. Daily Exercise – Keeping in good physical shape is beneficial to the heart, lungs, bones, and mental health.  It also helps maintain your body weight which is very important as stated in #4.
9. Don’t wait too long to see a doctor when having problems – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people walk into my office with an obvious cancer.  The treatment becomes much more difficult the longer you wait.  Its not going to go away if you ignore it.  So if you experience a growth, abnormal bleeding or bruising, rapid weight loss, prolonged fevers, night sweets, chest pains, non traumatic body aches, or new neurologic symptoms, please see your doctor soon.
10. Maintain social awareness, activities – Its important to keep abreast of current affairs, participate in local activities and maintain friendships.  It keeps your brain stimulated and mental health stable.  Challenge your brain with learning new things, word and math problems, reading, and new hobbies.  Go back to school, change jobs or careers to keep stimulating yourself.  Don’t fall into a routine which becomes mundane.