Aging is More Than Chronological
by Anna Jones
Teens are constantly doing things to their bodies that may be making us age physically faster than what our actual chronological age might be. Many Marian students may be in the same position.
People are never too young to start worrying about aging and the effects it has on their bodies. There are numerous things that we can do to help maintain a healthy aging process simply by getting the right amount of sleep at night to wearing sunscreen daily.
Here at Marian most girls have rigorous schedules and may stay up late many nights in a row to study for a test or put finishing touches on a paper. But a University of Chicago study shows that not getting enough sleep can slow your metabolism down. Weight gain may not be the vending machines. It may be you're not getting enough sleep and need to regulate your sleeping patterns. Losing and gaining weight rapidly can also cause your skin to lose its elasticity, which can cause gravity to pull downward on the skin and cause premature wrinkles.
All of the stress and anxiety that people can put their bodies through everyday can also aggravate all sorts of problems from hair loss to acne and other health related-problems, said Georgia Witkin, Ph.D. in an interview with Cosmo. "The best medicine for a bad case of stress is to laugh; it not only reduces stress, but also helps boost your immune system," said Witkin.
Marian girls are known for loving the sun. Tanning seems to be a major craze in the summer, during the winter, and before major formal events. Senior Kitty DeRoos denies the fact that tanning can cause premature wrinkles, "I am under the impression that my body will never wrinkle or I wouldn't go to Tan World," said DeRoos.
But Arthur J. Sober, M.D., also said in Cosmo, what many do not realize is that even though you may not see the wrinkles known as crows feet forming at the sides of your eyes now, they may suddenly appear in your 20's. Crows feet might be minor, but the sun can also cause skin cancer, and damage the pigments in the skin. It will help the skin stay looking younger and healthier longer.
Many people are unaware that smoking and hangovers are also detrimental to the health and appearance of your skin. "Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and causes wrinkles and yellowing," said Marsha Gordon M.D.
"I don't smoke because the smell makes me gag and I don't want to look like a wrinkled banana when I am 25," said junior Pam Schieber.. In an interview with Cosmo Micheal Roizen M.D. said that hangovers can cause the body to age as many as three years older than a person's chronological age. It is common knowledge that some Marian girls choose to smoke and drink. While it is all fun and games now it will soon take its toll. The next time someone offers you a cigarette, if getting lung cancer isn't a big enough reason for you not to smoke, think about your skin. Remember everything you do to it now will affect how fast you age. If you already find yourself smoking regularly, the sooner you quit the better it will be for your body and skin in the future.
Although aging may not be a pressing issue in the lives of many teens, the fact remains that most are aging faster than they think. Getting enough sleep and exercising three times a week can help slow down your aging process. Youth is short lived, but there are a few simple things that can help prolong aging and enjoy it a little longer.
To check out your chronological age vs. your physical age go on-line marian.creighton.edu/~network/2000 and take the quiz.
Take the quiz: How old are you really?
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