Janet Luongo
Create a Life
you Love
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 Mike Block was my stepfather. He lived with mental vitality until he was 89 years old, as fully as he could while he observed the way cancer, which he decided not to treat, was gradually taking its toll. He died in June, 2009, holding the hand of my stepmother, Carol (Kitty), whom he'd married just six years before, finding a rejuvenating love and starting a new life when he was 83 years old.
 In his eighties he starred in a movie that was screened around the world! He & Carol became the subject of an award-winning documentary by Mike's son, Doug Block. 51 Birch Street was listed by the NY Times as one of the top 10 films of 2006.
When Mike retired from engineering, he did volunteer work for children, and absorbed his mind in intricate wood-working projects. He read widely, and struck me as calm, wise and warm. He continued to play tennis (until his mid-eighties), play cards, and take long drives to see family and friends. In the hour before he died, he spoke on the phone with people he loved, and kissed his wife good-bye.
Mike's habits kept him vital until the end. I hope Mike, as well as habits of other long-lived populations, will inspire you to create a full life for yourself. To adapt two common sayings...
Live each day as if it's your last...
and as if it's the first day of the rest of your (long) life.
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8 COMMON HABITS OF LONG LIVED PEOPLE
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Pockets of people over 100 years old live across the globe - Sardinia, California, Okinawa and Costa Rica - as described in The Blue Zones. Though different in culture, continent, language and religion, here is a list of the simple ways they live that appear to contribute to longevity that are common to all.
1. Regular physical exercise. Simple, everyday chores, not too rigorous. Walking is great. Do what you enjoy.
2. Low stress. Deep breathing. Meditation. Quiet times. Take your time, go slow, at your own pace.
3. Involvement with family.
4. Socializing with friends.
5. Belonging to a spiritual community. Attending a religious service even once/month can reduce risk of death by a third. (Jl. of Health and Social Behavior.)
6. Natural food. Mostly plants, whole foods, small portions. Little meat and processed food. (See Nutrition ABCs.)
7. An alcoholic drink or two a day for those who drink. Studies show it lowers rates of heart disease, stress, and inflammation. Leads to eating more slowly. Red wine is suggested.
8. Living with purpose. Feeling useful.
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9 MORE HABITS TO PROMOTE LONG-TERM HEALTH
Here are some more habits that my research shows lead to more fulfilling lives
9. Financial stability (lowers stress). 
10. Positive thinking. An active and curious mind (increases memory). 11. Good timing & choices for meals. Eat breakfast, a large lunch, and a light early supper. Eat with other people. Chew slowly. Very little snacking. No sodas or junk.
12. Nutritional supplements and tonics are insurance against the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in depleted soil and toxins in our environment (recommended by Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen, the A.M.A., and most physicians on faculty at Integrative Nutrition, such as Dr. Weil and Dr. Willet). 13. Being in touch with nature, gardens and real food. 14. Drinking adequate amounts of clean water.
15. Avoiding excess - sugar, salt, alcohol, coffee.
16. Adequate rest, including naps if desired. Natural body rhythms - rise early, retire early. 17. Regular physical and dental check-ups. Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., however, cautions against becoming "overly dependent on medical intervention, particularly on drugs...with high risk of adverse reactions..."
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Sources:
Dr. Andrew Weil. 8 Weeks to Optimal Health
Paul Pitchford. Healing with Whole Foods
Joshua Rosenthal. Integrative NutritionDan Buettner. Blue Zones: Lessons for Living LongerDr. Oz and Dr. Roizen. You Staying Young
QUICK LINKS...
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What Clients Say...
"I do know there are no coincidences and I am blessed
to have you as my mentor."
- Rebecca Hayward, Westport, CT
Rebecca is a leader in interfaith initiatives such as Earth Day, and is on a team with Dr. Katz of Yale University, who is conducting national nutritional research.
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YOU'RE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO CREATE A LONG LIFE
It takes time to integrate recommendations with your own lifestyle and goals. If information alone could change us, we'd have no nutritional deficiencies or obesity in our country.
Most people find that meeting regularly with a coach inspires them, and keeps them on their chosen track. Step by step you easily make progress in the direction you desire.
As a holistic health and life coach, I take no issue off the table. In my system, together we may address any issue - including nutrition and physical health, financial health, relationships, career, spirituality - whatever is important to you.
New sessions are forming now for November, when we begin to be overwhelmed with ever-present "treats." We will learn how to fill ourselves up with healthy foods and to protect ourselves from temptations to over-indulge during the upcoming holidays. You will find strategies to avoid sabotaging your health, and enjoy the best season ever.
Sessions can be individual or group, in person or on the telephone.
Call or email me for a confidential health history to discuss your main concerns about your health, lifestyle as a whole, and how you can breakthrough to the ideal life you imagine.
Take Action: contact me for an appointment:
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Janet Luongo, M.S.Ed, certified holistic health counselor,
Speaker, author, videographer and producer of Nourish & Flourish TV
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JUST HIT REPLY
for my personal response to your comment or question
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