Wellness Corner

Aches and pains are one of the most common complaints that people have as they start to get older. There are plenty of things that you can do to assist you in loosening up your joints; that's part of why yoga is so popular among older adults these days. But have you ever wondered exactly what causes you to feel that pain? And has it ever occurred to you that maybe an innovative doctor could actually do something about it?

Dr. Gail Thornton believes that something can be done about common 'aging pains' such as knee pain. And she's using an interesting approach to finding a solution. Because Thornton is not just a doctor but also an engineer, she's looking at the body with the eye of a designer in mind. More specifically, she's comparing how the tendons in the body move and sway with force and she is applying design principles used in architecture and engineering to take a new look at our old bodies. (Learn more about her approach here.)

We don't have to accept that they way things are is the way that they have to be. You don't have to assume that getting older means having aches and pains. In fact, medical anti-aging is all about not accepting these things as facts. As innovative researchers like this one continue to take steps in the direction of finding unique solutions to common problems, you may find that your own steps are a little bit less painful.

In the meantime, there are a few basic things that you can do to reduce the aching of aging. Drinking enough water is the first step. And getting regular exercise is also important. But don't just limit that exercise to going to the gym. When you get up in the morning, do some basic stretching. You don't have to love yoga but you should keep your body limber to reduce daily pain.

Question of the Day: What other common "symptoms of aging" would you like to see cures for in the years to come?

photo link