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Author: Donald Trafton

Donald Trafton shares better health tips for any age.

More intimacy for better health

How important do you think intimacy is to your health and well-being?  Dr. Dean Ornish is a highly respected physician who says: “There isn’t any other factor in medicine – not diet, not smoking, not exercise, not stress, not genetics, not drugs, not surgery – that has a greater impact on our quality of life, incidence of illness and premature death from all causes than loneliness and isolation.” “Love and intimacy — our ability to connect with ourselves and others,…

Learning to Love your Gut

I have to admit that I haven’t paid much attention to my gut, except to notice that those extra pounds go there first! But if you do any research, you’ll find many health experts saying it’s your body’s least appreciated, most important organ. The National Institutes of Health reports that 70 million Americans (about a quarter of us) suffer from digestive disorders: bloating, gas, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation. And feeling uncomfortable isn’t the only consequence: A growing number of…

Oh, my aching back!

I hear this all the time, and believe me, I’ve had my share of lower back problems over the years. Most of us will suffer low back pain eventually (according to this article in AARP magazine), and while there are dozens of “fixes” to be found, including surgery, I’ve recently found a little exercise program that gives outstanding results  …for anybody! My introduction to Dr. Eric Goodman was from my most fav Chiropractor, Dr. William Tikey.  But before I could…

The magic of herbs and spices.

A few years ago we were forced to stop using our standard seasonings …salt and pepper.   So, I’ve been experimenting with many other seasonings. Now we enjoy all our meals much more, and we’re getting lots more beneficial nutrients  …because of the rich array of herbs and spices we’re using today. The herbs we use the most are:Oregano (every day) “contains an impressive list of plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting…

Try Swishing with Coconut Oil

I’m always looking for new ways to improve my health, so when my dental hygienist Jody mentioned coconut oil pulling as being something a little weird, but likely very good for my mouth health …I decided to check it out. That was more than 6 months ago.  It was good advise.  I swish with a tablespoon of warm coconut oil for 15 – 20 minutes …nearly every day.  Outstanding results: healthier teeth and gums, better check ups. According to the…

Give yourself a “Happy” break!

The other day I watched a video that made me feel so good, I had to watch it again.  I laughed a lot (always good for health), and I learned some important things I can use to improve my own health and well being. Of course I want to share it with you, but I need to let you know it’s 32 minutes long. Don’t try to watch it now. Not while you’re trying to get through a ton of…

Enjoy aging …Really?

Celebrating my 80th birthday was huge for me,  because I’ve achieved this milestone with (what many call), incredible health …both mentally and physically.  I’m having a blast! I’ve known for a long time that the very best thing I can do for my loved ones, and for myself, is to maintain my good health and well being as I pile up the birthdays. Actually, that’s true for you too, isn’t it? Wouldn’t you love to live a healthier, happier life? …

Curb your worry …or else.

We all worry way too much …right?  It just seems to be automatic and out of our control.  And we know it’s not good for us, but did you know just how harmful excessive worry can be to our health? Here’s an article from Dec. 27, 2011 Psychology Today  in which David Ropeik starts the article by saying:   “Stress. It is probably one of the biggest risks we face. The more worried you are that you might get sick, the…

What’s my secret?

I love the reaction I typically get from a person I’ve just met, when they learn that I’ve just had my 80th birthday.  Shock, disbelief …and then they’ll ask: “What’s your secret?” My secret(s) is what I’m trying to share with friends like you in this monthly ‘Best Health’ bulletin, in hopes that you’ll benefit. Today I want to share what I’ve learned about the value of taking nutritional supplements.  I’m now convinced that: – We can’t get all the…

Mirror, mirror on the wall…

When I get up each morning, one of the very first things I do is look at my face in the mirror …and smile, for about 10 seconds. This brief little act is a very powerful way to start my day going just the way I want. A Google search on smiling shows numerous health benefits.  Here’s a good brief summary from About Health  Some of the benefits may surprise you. Psychologist Richard Wiseman, in his book The As If…