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President Obama recently hosted a White House Conference focused on an unusual newsworthy topic that affects Americans of all ages — healthy aging. Dr. Michael W. Smith, WebMD’s Chief Medical Editor was among the panel of invited host experts and guests, and shares some pivotal highlights.
The President invited the specific panel together with a key purpose in mind – hearing from young and old, gathering their ideas together and discussing ways to help people get healthier as they age. One example of the pioneering ideas that developed was initiated between the Surgeon General and Kevin Washington, the president and CEO of the YMCA. It resulted in a new exciting challenge — country-wide YMCA programs to host intergenerational events to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
“We’re doing great at living longer, with a record life expectancy in the U.S. of nearly 79 years. If you’re a man that lives to be 65, you can expect to live another 17 years. A 65-year old woman will likely live another 20 years. So, it’s time to stop focusing on the limitations of aging and turn our sights toward the opportunities that lie ahead. No one is better equipped to help us learn how to thrive, no matter our age, than the panelists I had the joy of sharing the stage with.” Smith said.
The panelists all have one major thing in common – they seek to prevent age-related problems, rather than fix them down the road. They plan to evenly distribute investments between treatment and prevention, ensuring that professionals will be skilled in both areas.
For many, the search for longevity and health is nothing new. But, now medical professionals are joining in the hunt. Using a quote by Thomas Edison to describe the doctor he would like to be, Smith said, “The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
At this point, approaching disease treatment based on prevention is not a reality, but a mission and a dream, “Not everything can be fixed with prevention. But today’s doctors and medical system are not the answer to living our best life. A magic pill isn’t either.” Smith noted.
Experts at Reishi Force couldn’t be more thrilled to hear of the new plan set forth by President Obama. Those interested in viewing their full report should visit http://reishiforce.com/healthy-aging-initiative.
Release ID: 89511