Boomers may need to work on longevity

My generation -- the so-called baby boomers -- will never be called the "Greatest Generation." That title has already been grabbed deservedly by our parents, who lived through the Great Depression and who waged a truly necessary war. History is still out on us, but one thing is for sure: We will be called the Longest Generation.

But boomers, known for their cockiness, need to realize that we may have to work for our longevity. Last week, I began a delineation of the 15 longevity factors -- those choices we can make to live for the long run.

Here are five more:

Stay regular

Keeping "gut transit time" under 20 hours will decrease the odds for contracting colon cancer. This is a scientific way of saying: Have regular bowel movements. More fiber in the diet and increased exercise can help with this. There are always "cancer potentiating" substances in our diet, and decreasing the contact time between them and the gut lining can reduce the potential DNA damage.

Floss

Recent research indicates that chronic gum disease can release inflammatory, toxic substances and certain bacteria into the bloodstream that potentiate plaque formation in arteries and ultimately lead to heart disease, greater risk of stroke and even accelerated aging.

Know your numbers

Having an annual medical checkup is essential for those concerned about their health. Your doctor will always tell you what your numbers should be, but you can take more responsibility by knowing the numbers you need to be healthy. Here is a quick primer:

For cholesterol, HDL ("healthy" cholesterol) should be above 35, and LDL ("lethal" cholesterol) should be lower than 130. Triglycerides should come in below 200. Blood pressure numbers should be 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic) or less.

For a more thorough discussion on this, go to www.healthspanweb.com (click on "know your numbers").

Know your family history

Your gene pool is something you have no say in. But if you know what diseases have felled those who have come before you, you stand a better chance of surviving them through vigilance and preventive measures. Be sure and get questions answered about ancestors from people who know while there is still time.

Examine thyself

Knowing how to test yourself for testicular cancer and breast cancer is the first defense against these two killers. Knowing the physical signs of skin cancer and doing a full body scan in front of the mirror can alert you to potentially lethal melanomas. Depression is another all too common life-curtailer. Here are some useful Web sites to help you with these essential self-exams.

Testicular cancer: http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html

Breast cancer: http://www.breastcancer.org/dia_detec_exam_idx.html

Skin cancer: http://www.skincancer.org/self_exam/spot_skin_cancer.php

Depression: http://intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8271/9025/197543.html?d=dmtMHSurvey&screen=2

Self-exams are a great self-awareness tool, but the wealth of information available to us these days is no substitute for professional evaluation.

Given that, there are some obvious things we should be doing that don't require a doctor's prescription. Live in a pollution-free environment and breathe deeply. Use your seat belt; don't drink and drive. Wear a full spectrum of sunscreen daily. And for God's sake, don't smoke!

Next week, I will conclude my list of longevity factors and you will have the complete checklist for your long life.

~Dr. Michael O.L. Seabaugh is a Cape Girardeau native who is a licensed clinical psychologist in Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, Calif. Contact him at mseabaugh@semissourian.com.