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Natural Awakenings Naples and Fort Myers

Vitality at Every Age

May 30, 2023 07:36PM ● By Sharon Bruckman

I am looking forward to kicking off the summer season by heading to northern Michigan with my daughter Alina to open up the family lake house after a long winter’s rest. Some of my siblings have already started putting out the dock and boat hoist, sweeping cobwebs, clearing pollen off screens and tidying the yard. We feel lucky our parents bought this property, which we’ve progressively upgraded over the last 60-plus years. What a blessing it has been to have a special gathering spot that holds innumerable family memories. 


These days, some of my siblings are adventuring stateside in their RVs or flying off to exotic locations. One sister is motoring from Florida to Alaska, another is traveling to New Zealand to visit her daughter’s family, and others are summering in northern spots with cooler climates. One thing we’ve all discovered in our travels is just how important health is. There’s scant enjoyment without good health and well-being. 


Showcasing cutting-edge, expert advice each month in Natural Awakenings all these years has supported my ability to remain active and ready for summer adventures, including some of the 14 bestsellers written by prominent functional medicine advocate Dr. Mark Hyman. I was excited when writer Sandra Yeyati scored an interview with him to discuss his latest book, Young Forever: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life. 


On page 28, Hyman discusses some of the latest breakthroughs in longevity science and offers advice to reverse our biological age even as we continue to grow chronologically older. Although he doesn’t mention it in the interview, I found it fascinating to read in his book about the five foods he eats every day for healthy aging: cruciferous vegetables, olive oil, nuts, berries and green tea. It confirmed I am on the right track! 


You’ll find Carrie Jackson’s feature story, “What Every Man Wants: Sexual Vitality at Every Age,” to be an eye-opener. New technologies and openminded medical professionals are empowering men to proactively and holistically enjoy overall wellness, as well as a robust sex life long into their later years. See more on page 24. 


It’s heartwarming to witness the parenting interactions between my nieces and nephews and their fathers. This new generation is embracing the concept of “Conscious Fathering,” which writer Julie Peterson describes on page 38. It was a joy to learn about young dads embracing the fatherhood role in innovative ways that are designed to strengthen family bonds and create an intentional family culture.


Complementing our Men’s Health issue, we are excited to host an interactive, virtual event every Tuesday in June, featuring eight preeminent experts speaking on topics related to men’s health. See page 5 for more details.  

  

I love summers here in Southwest Florida. We don’t need to travel far to enjoy outdoor activities because we already live in paradise! It is my hope that this month’s issue will inspire you to remain forever young as you bask in the season’s pleasures.


Happy Summering, 

Sharon