Dr. Paula Estwick, MD

25/09/2025

This National Geographic article "Older, Faster, Stronger" explores how a growing number of adults over 50 are redefining aging by participating in and excelling at competitive sports. The article highlights that the goal of longevity is shifting from simply extending lifespan to increasing "health span"—the period of life spent active and healthy. Through the stories of several record-setting "masters" athletes, it illustrates the profound physical and mental benefits of staying active later in life.
Key examples from the article include:
* Nora Langdon (82): A powerlifter who started in her 60s, Langdon now holds over 20 world records. Her story demonstrates how weight training is a powerful tool against sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), improving strength, mobility, and confidence.
* Gene "Ultra Geezer" D***s (77): A marathoner who began running seriously in his 50s and set a world record for his age group. His case suggests that starting intense competition later in life may preserve joints, and his high cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max) is a strong predictor of longevity.
* Rebecca Rusch (57): A world-champion mountain biker who, after a traumatic brain injury and navigating menopause, integrated mental health practices like therapy, meditation, and journaling into her training. Her experience highlights that mental resilience is as crucial as physical conditioning for performance and recovery.
* Ger Kennedy (54): A former rugby player who, due to injuries and arthritis, switched to ice swimming and became a world-record holder. His journey illustrates the importance of adapting to new, less joint-intensive sports to maintain an active lifestyle when the body changes.
The article concludes that these athletes prove a central theme: you don't stop taking on challenges because you get old; you get old when you stop taking on challenges. Exercise, mental fortitude, and a willingness to adapt are the keys to living a longer, stronger, and more fulfilling life.
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From 82-year-old powerlifter Nora Langdon to 77-year-old, record-breaking marathoner Gene D***s, a new generation of older athletes is showing that an active life can lead to incredible feats. Alongside 57-year-old mountain biker Rebecca Rusch and 54-year-old ice swimmer Ger Kennedy, their journeys reveal inspiring secrets to longevity—from embracing new sports to listening to your body's signals—proving that your potential for strength and endurance may not have an age limit.

Uncover the secrets to building a longer, healthier life: https://on.natgeo.com/4nCMQag

This week is dedicated to you—our community of curious minds, committed explorers, and conscious citizens of the world. 💛

25/09/2025

Nope, despite what you may have heard, eczema is not just a childhood condition.

We've gathered all our top eczema resources for older adults and put them in one spot.

Browse resources on eczema and aging: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-and-aging/

22/09/2025

21/09/2025

Everywhere, every day, , peace.

21/09/2025

21/09/2025

What triggers your AFib? Knowing what causes it to flare up can help you avoid an episode of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that increases stroke risk.

HCA Healthcare Foundation is the national sponsor of Getting to the Heart of Stroke™.

21/09/2025

One in 10 children worldwide living with obesity. Exposure to the marketing of ultra-processed foods found to be widespread

21/09/2025

Wear your sneakers next week Friday September 26th ,2025!

The Ministry of Health and Wellness invites all Barbadians to take part in a physical activity initiative entitled National Sneaker Day on Friday scheduled for September 26, 2025.This island-wide campaign encourages all individuals to incorporate simple, healthy movements into their daily routines. On National Sneaker Day, everyone is encouraged to wear sneakers with their regular attire and share their activities online.


How to Participate

Post selfies or videos of yourself or your group engaging in simple physical activities at work such as stretching, taking the stairs, or walking during breaks and upload them to Instagram using the hashtag between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on September 26, 2025 for a chance to win exciting prizes! Don’t forget to tag and follow .

Four amazing prize categories are up for grabs, the Most Creative Post, Most Liked Post, Individual Winner, and Group Winner!

Prizes Include:

One-month gym membership at Beyond Limits Fitness Centre

$100 Payless voucher

Tickets to the Atlantis Submarines Barbados Experience

Tickets to Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary

Winners will be announced on October 10, 2025, via the NCD Commission Instagram page ().

21/09/2025

Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin because your skin makes it when exposed to sunlight. It plays a major role in helping your body absorb calcium, which keeps bones and teeth strong. When you are low on vitamin D, bones can become weak and brittle, leading to conditions like rickets in children or osteoporosis in adults.

The effects go beyond the skeleton. Vitamin D is important for muscle strength, and deficiency can cause aches, cramps, or even frequent falls in older adults. It also supports the immune system, so low levels may make you more prone to infections like colds and flu.

Some studies suggest that vitamin D affects mood and brain health, linking low levels to feelings of depression or low energy. The heart and lungs also rely on vitamin D for proper function, meaning deficiency may increase the risk of certain chronic illnesses over time.

Good sources of vitamin D include sunlight, fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. Supplements are often recommended if natural sources are not enough. Paying attention to your vitamin D levels is a simple step that can protect your bones, muscles, immune defenses, and overall health.

21/09/2025

Beans are so good for you, it's no surprise they may help fight cancer, too. They contain several potent phytochemicals that may protect the body's cells against damage that can lead to cancer. https://wb.md/4nkFYOU

21/09/2025

Taking care of your health isn’t always easy…we know the struggle. Between busy schedules, temptations, and everyday stress, it can feel challenging to stay on track. But every small step you take towards better health counts, and over time, those steps add up to big results 🫀

What’s one habit you practice to stay healthy? Share it in the comments ⬇️

18/09/2025

recently opened up about her experience with frozen shoulder while chatting with Michelle Obama on her podcast .

Frozen shoulder affects up to 5 percent of people—usually women—between the ages of 40 and 60, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Despite famous women like Poehler talking about the condition, many people aren’t aware that frozen shoulder is a thing, or what to do about it. There’s also a link between frozen shoulder and menopause, making it a health condition experts say all women should have on their radar.