DARE TO stay young!

By Sunao Gilbert, MD, FAARFM, ABAARM

Do you ever wonder why a 70-year-old person may not look a day over 40? Conversely, we have all met the 40-year-old who sadly looks 70.

We are pretty clear on how to age more rapidly than we should e.g., alcohol, to bacco, drugs, fast food, and sodas. But why are we less aware of how to stay young?

Why is it okay to diplo matically receive the answer, “…it’s a part of aging” when you ask your physician “Why am I always tired and have no energy?”

Wellness, youth, what does it mean?

Self-esteem? Energy?

Low Stress? Quality sleep? Firm and glow ing skin? A happy mood? Thick and shiny hair? Strong bones? A fit body? Quality sex?

A positive outlook on life? It’s all of the above and it is achievable. However, it takes patience, persistence, and time.

It is an erroneous belief that youthfulness is unattainable and that it is inevitable to spend the golden years of life dilapidated and chronically ill. This myth has been disproven. In fact, there are documented ways to reverse your biological clock. However, it seems that it’s a well-kept secret. But now is the time for the veil to

We are not a slave to our genes as was previously taught. We may have a predisposition to a certain illness based on our genes, but what determines whether those certain genes get “turned on” and whether illness becomes a reality, is the environment in which we house our genes.

We know that we are what we eat, and we know it’s important to exercise and maintain a healthy weight, but there is more, much more. So, what is the answer?

The answer is Functional Medicine also known as Regenerative or Anti-Aging Medicine.

Functional Medicine looks at the body as a whole symphony and works to optimize the body on a cellular

Sunao Gilbert, MD

level so that each organ, its systems and all the body processes are working at an optimal level. When each cell is functioning optimally, the body can work and heal itself as it was designed. Functional Medicine works to fine tune each organ system, biochemically on a cellular level, for the systems to harmonize like a beautiful symphony. It employs advanced testing and in-depth questioning to look for answers and then uses micronutrients, bio-identical hormones, supplements, peptides, pesticide free foods, lifestyle changes and many other modalities to replenish and rebalance the body and mind. It focuses on minimizing environmental toxic exposures, helping the individual achieve quality sleep, good gut health, a healthy weight, a balance between work and relaxation and does not neglect the importance of a robust libido.

Functional Medicine sees complaints such as lack of energy, pain in the joints and rashes as a harbinger of a much larger problem. It looks to find the cause of the symptoms instead of prescribing a medication to quiet your body’s cry for help.

Unfortunately, our current system of medicine focuses on disease, not dysfunction. Consequently, most symptoms are just quelled until they fester into a huge problem that can then be labeled as a disease. Only, then are your medications and testing hopefully covered by insurance.

Your health is an investment. Just like we siphon off earnings into a 401k, we should likewise invest in ourselves so that we may have a quality life, not just a long life. It is well known, what we don’t pay now, we will have to pay later with interest.

So, I invite you to take a deep dive into your health. I dare you to stay young!

Are You Retiring Within the Next 5 Years? What to focus on as the transition approaches

You can prepare for the transition years in advance. In doing so, you may be better equipped to manage anything unexpected that may come your way.

How much monthly income will you need? Unfortunately, there is no “magic” number for everyone to strive for. Instead, examine your monthly expenses, considering any trips, adventures, or pursuits you have in mind for the near term. As a test, you can even try living on your projected monthly income for 2-3 months prior to retiring.

Should you downsize or relocate? Your home is not only a significant asset, it also represents a significant part of your lifestyle. After all, our homes are often a reflection of who we are. It follows that the decision of how much home we want—or need—may vary with each situation; it is not strictly a financial decision. However, if you are considering downsizing or relocating, the financial component of the decision should be considered thoughtfully.

How should your portfolio be constructed? For many retirees, the top priority is generating consistent income. With that in mind, your financial professional can adjust your portfolio with respect to your time horizon, risk tolerance, and goals. For example, some retirees prefer to maintain an amount of risk-averse investments that can provide income during retirement. However, even the most risk-averse investments aren’t immune to risk entirely.

How will you live? Whether you dream of endless Saturdays or dedicating your time to volunteering, remember that retirement is a beginning. Ask yourself what you would like to begin doing now. Think about how to structure your days to pursue that goal, and give it a shot! There’s no better way to prepare for what may come, than to practice in the present.

How will you take care of yourself? If you retire before age 65, Medicare may not be an option. If you’re considering early retirement, check if your group health plan extends certain benefits into retirement.

Even if you retire at 65 or later, Medicare may not be your ideal solution. Consider items Medicare doesn’t traditionally cover, such as extended care or other specialized medical services.

Review your retirement strategy as the transition approaches. Give your financial professional a call today. An adjustment or two before retirement may be all you need for a successful next chapter.

Ken Earwood may be reached at (800) 250-3029, kenearwood@titanfinancial.net or visit www.TitanFinancial.net. Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Titan Financial is independent of Parkland Securities, LLC.

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Investments seeking to achieve higher rate of return also involve a higher degree of risk.