Residents of 160 islands that comprise Okinawa, Japan, are more likely to reach 100 years of age than people living anywhere in the world. We know from research that it is not a “longevity gene.” Okinawans who move away and adopt the lifestyle of their new country quickly develop life spans much like their new neighbors.
The people of Okinawa not only work hard but are traditionally active throughout their lives. They grow up walking; gardening; eating lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish; and many also perform martial arts and traditional dance. They eat fish several times per week but consume minimal dairy, fats, meat and sugar. While they consume approximately 500 calories less per day than the average American, they also eat a greater volume of foods that contain lots of water, such as fruits and vegetables.
Okinawans also share strong social ties and believe in helping others — a practice called yuimaru – resulting in very low stress levels. This healthy way of living may be fading as an American lifestyle begins to creep into their lives. Younger children seem to be adopting a taste for pizza, burgers and fried chicken.
“In the United States, all the calories we’re eating combined with our sedentary lifestyle has caused an increase in obesity rates. About two-thirds of Americans qualify as overweight or obese. If you’re one of them, you can do something about it starting today. The health benefits you’ll gain, and the sense of well-being you’ll feel, are well worth the effort,” said Cooper University Internal Medicine physician Daniel J. Hyman, D.O.
Dr. Hyman offers these “healthy living” tips:
- Minimize not super-size—reduce the size of your meal portions
- Eat slowly so your brain can signal when you are full
- Always eat breakfast—you’ll eat less the rest of the day
- Eat more fruits and vegetables, seven per day
- Put more whole grains, bran and brown rice in your diet for fiber
- Find water-rich foods, such as soups with lots of fresh vegetables
- Discuss additional vitamins or herbs with your physician
- Stay active—exercise both your body and your brain
- Stay social—more people continue to work past retirement age
- See your physician at least once a year for your physical assessment
- Practice a positive attitude
Cooper University Internal Medicine physicians provide adult and adolescent primary care at offices throughout South Jersey, in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester City, Magnolia, Medford, Pennsauken, Pennsville, Thorofare, Voorhees, Washington Township and Willingboro. Preventive medicine is emphasized. Services include outpatient health checkups and management, diagnostic studies, and the care of patients in the hospital.
To make an appointment with a Cooper University Internal Medicine physician at an office near you, call our physician referral and information service at 1-800-8-COOPER (1-800-826-6737).