You may have heard of studies that show animals on calorie-restricted diets live longer, are healthier and show fewer signs of age than those fed normal diets. Though we don’t fully understand why, it appears that sirtuins are the key. A growing body of research shows that sirtuins may slow the pace of aging by delaying cell death and protecting cells from DNA damage. 

It’s unknown whether calorie-restricted diets have the same effects on humans as on fruit flies and monkeys, but it may turn out not to matter-we’re learning that you don’t need to starve yourself to put sirtuins into action.

A research company called Sirtris demonstrated that resveratrol, an antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, stimulated expression of sirtuins. Mice placed on high doses of resveratrol improved insulin resistance, prevented weight gain and increased lifespan by 20 percent. When put on a treadmill, the mice were also able to run twice as far and twice as fast than those not given resveratrol (check out this episode of 60 Minutes to learn more).

Of course, beauty companies are anxious to profit from sirtuins. Already, Avon has launched its anti-aging Anew line, which has ingredients that upregulate sirtuin expression, and German and Spanish companies recently joined forces to develop a red wine powder that can be used in topical creams or added to food and beverages.  

Bottom line? While I’m excited about discoveries that show sirtuins can slow the pace of aging in an experimental setting, it remains to be seen what role they may play in skin care. For now, I suggest taking the supplement OPC Synergy by Standard Process, which contains extracts of grapeseed and red wine. And drinking a glass or two of the vino can’t hurt, either!

Wishing you great skin!

There are ways to slow the signs of lip aging! Time and time again, I’ve encountered patients and friends who invest tons of time and money in skin care - only to virtually ignore their lips. Don’t make that mistake.

1. If you smoke, stop! The repeated action of pursing your lips around a cigarette creates “wrinkles in motion,” that is, wrinkles caused by repeatedly moving your skin a certain way. Eventually, those wrinkles will remain even when your lips are at rest.
2. For that same reason, limit your use of drinking straws and anything else that causes you to repeatedly purse your lips.
3. When you’re slathering SPF on the rest of your body, it can be easy to forget your lips. If your signature shade of lipstick isn’t sun-friendly, always start with a base of SPF lip balm.
4. In fact, the lips are a very common site for skin cancer because they don’t naturally secrete vitamin E-rich sebum - the oil that helps protect your skin. Pick up a bottle of vitamin E oil or lip balm with vitamin E. Not only will it help protect your pout against skin cancer, it will also prevent the signs of aging.
5. If your lips feel flaky, it’s perfectly fine to exfoliate them, although there’s no need to exfoliate on a regular basis. Use a fine scrub (nothing too abrasive), and be sure to follow it with a hydrating product. In addition to vitamin E, I love glycerin-based balms, which will help lips hold on to water.
6. Curious about “lip plumping” glosses? In general, they do work - by irritating the delicate skin on the lips and causing them to swell slightly. (They’re not dangerous, but a word of warning: When I tried one, my lips burned for an hour, even though I’d washed it off immediately!)
7. If you’re really interested in plumper lips, consider dermal fillers. Contrary to common fears, the latest dermal fillers (like Restylane, Juvederm, Hylaform, and the newly approved Perlane) can look very natural when a skilled doctor performs the procedure. Ask him or her to go easy on you - a little goes a very long way when it comes to lips.

The benefits of getting fit

By keeping physically active, you’re making sure that your joints and body organs are kept in good working order. Exercise can also help maintain your weight at a healthy level and can protect you against catching coughs and colds on a regular basis.

You’ll also feel an increase in your energy level and brain activity. Knowing that you’re looking and feeling good can also give your self-confidence a real boost.

How much exercise do you need?

If you’re under 18, you should try to do a total of 60 minutes of physical activity every day. You don’t have to do it all in one go, but in chunks of at least 10-15 minutes throughout the day. This includes everything from pumping iron in the gym to walking up stairs instead of taking the lift. The key thing is that the activity should increase your heart rate and make you feel warmer.

If you’re over 18, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week.

A good idea is to try out a whole range of physical activities to see which ones you enjoy the most. Once you’ve decided the sorts of exercise you enjoy, you can plan what type of exercise you’re going to do and when.

Before you start

If you’ve decided to start an exercise routine, it’s important to go and see your doctor for an examination. Your doctor will be able to let you know how much exercise you should be doing to begin with.

They’ll also let you know if you have any medical conditions like back pain that can limit the type of exercise you do.

Fitness for free

Getting fit isn’t all about gyms. Some forms of exercise won’t cost you a penny and most types can easily be slotted into a busy lifestyle.

Think about:

• cycling or walking to school, college or work instead of driving or taking the bus
• running around the block a few times a week can improve your fitness level and you’ll soon find yourself running quicker and further
• checking out the leisure facilities provided by your local authority; many have basketball hoops, tennis courts and football pitches that you can use free of charge

It causes the heart to work harder than normal putting both the heart and arteries at greater risk of damage. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, damage to the eyes, congestive heart failure and atherosclerosis.

Hypertension exists where the pressure at which blood is pushing against blood vessel walls is consistently above average.

Blood pressure changes throughout the day. In particular, it increases during exercise and decreases during sleep.

Untreated high blood pressure can cause the heart to become abnormally large and less efficient (ventricular hypertrophy) causing heart failure and increased risk of heart attack.

Symptoms

Although high blood pressure can cause headaches, dizziness and problems with vision, the majority of people suffer no symptoms at all. As a result many people with hypertension remain undiagnosed because they have no symptoms to motivate them to see a doctor or get their blood pressure checked.

However, despite the lack of symptoms hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and many other medical problems

Causes and risk factors

In over 90 per cent of cases, the cause is unknown. In the remaining cases, high blood pressure is a symptom of a recognisable underlying problem such as a kidney abnormality, tumour of the adrenal gland or congenital defect of the aorta (in these cases when the root cause is corrected, blood pressure usually returns to norma).

This type of high blood pressure is called secondary hypertension.

If high blood pressure isn’t treated and is combined with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack is several times higher.

Arteries also suffer the effects of high blood pressure, becoming scarred, hardened and less elastic. Though this hardening of the arteries often occurs with age, high blood pressure accelerates the process. The hardened or narrowed arteries are unable to supply the amount of blood the body’s organs need, preventing them working effectively. Another risk is that a blood clot may lodge in an artery narrowed by atherosclerosis, blocking blood supply.

Treatment and recovery

The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. A doctor or other qualified health professional should check a patient’s blood pressure at least once every two years.

It’s measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and is defined in an adult by the recording of two readings:

• The first is called the systolic pressure and represents the force of the blood as the heart contracts (beats) to pump it around the body. This is the higher of the two readings and records blood pressure at or above 140mm Hg.
• The second, called the diastolic, is the pressure while the heart is relaxed and filling with blood again in preparation for the next contraction or heart beat. This value is lower than the systolic pressure and records blood pressure at or above 90mm Hg.

What is considered to be an acceptable blood pressure and what is hypertension (and then what needs treatment) depends on several factors. A single high reading isn’t enough to warrant a diagnosis of hypertension as blood pressure can be raised in all of us now and then – even the sight of a doctor can be enough to put it up. So there must be at least three high readings to cause concern.

When high blood pressure is first diagnosed, tests may be done for an underlying cause (i.e. secondary hypertension) especially if the person is young or has very high blood pressure. If an underlying cause is found it should be treated.

There’s no cure as such for essential hypertension, but following a healthy lifestyle can be enough to bring blood pressure down to a normal level. This is one reason why drug treatment may not be offered for healthy individuals with only mild hypertension (above 140/90 mmHg but below 160/100 mmHg).

Medication is used if lifestyle changes alone fail to lower blood pressure sufficiently. Its generally recommend that drug treatment is offered to:

• Those with a blood pressure above 160/100 mmHg.
• Those with isolated systolic hypertension of more than 160 mmHg.
• Those with a blood pressure of more than 140/90 mmHg (i.e. mild hypertension) but who also have cardiovascular disease or significant risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or damage to the heart, kidney or eyes as a result of high blood pressure.

Current UK guidelines also recommend that blood pressure levels need to be even lower for certain people and say treatment should aim to lower blood pressure to below 130/80 if a person has:

• A complication of diabetes, especially kidney problems.
• Had a serious cardiovascular event such as a heart attack, TIA or stroke.
• Has certain chronic kidney diseases.

All medicines can have side effects and sometimes it’s necessary to try different drugs if initial treatments cause problems.

The World Cancer Research Fund criticised the governing body for partnering with the likes of Coca Cola, McDonald’s and Budweiser.

It said the tournament should be an opportunity to promote active lifestyles.

Advertisers denied the deals would negatively impact children’s diets.

The three companies are partners or official sponsors for the World Cup giving them a visible presence inside the stadiums on advertising hoardings and digital displays.

And the charity believes that with matches being watched by billions of people in more than 200 countries people across the world will be influenced.

Teresa Nightingale, the charity’s general manager, said: “There is no doubt that when it comes to the fight against childhood obesity, football can be a force for good because it is a type of physical activity that is accessible to almost everyone.

“I am sure many children will be inspired by the skills of the likes of Rooney and Messi and try to repeat them in their back gardens and local parks in the same way as their parents and grandparents once tried to emulate Maradona and Pelé.”

But she added: “It is disappointing that these companies have been chosen as sponsors and partners.

“The FIFA website describes sponsorship as an opportunity to promote brands on a global basis and we would argue that it is a real own goal to be giving this opportunity to companies that are known for unhealthy products.”

Lead by example

She said it was important to be realistic and accept that the existing sponsorship agreements were now in place. But she said it would be a great boost for public health around the world if FIFA could show real leadership on this issue by announcing that it would not consider companies that promote unhealthy products as sponsors or partners in future.

She said that the charity was raising its concerns to make parents aware of the effect of this type of marketing and urged them to stock up on healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables.

Ian Barber, director of communications at the Advertising Association, said: “When the Government’s research suggests that, at most, advertising has a marginal impact on a child’s overall diet, these comments risk everyone taking their eye off the ball.

“Without sponsorship, we would have fewer events like the World Cup to inspire young people, not to mention the scores of advertising-funded programmes which aim to keep kids active and healthy.

“If we are serious about improving child health, we need to find more ways to help kids choose the right lifestyle and less time on well-meaning but often poorly evidenced and mis-directed rhetoric.”

FIFA said it ran projects using the popularity of football to highlight and tackle urgent global health issues.

Figures from Cancer Research UK show a steep increase in deaths from malignant melanoma, especially in elderly men. In the late 1970s fewer than 400 (1.5 per 100,000) men died from melanoma but that figure has now risen to over 1,100 (3.1 per 100,000). Yet the cancer is preventable if people avoid sunburn and deal with ‘worrying’ moles early, the charity said. The death rates for women have also risen, from 1.5 to 2.2 per 100,000.

The figures also reveal that although more women are diagnosed in the first place, more men die from the disease.

In men aged over 65 deaths have risen from 4.5 per 100,000 to 15.2 per 100,000 over the past 30 years.

Caroline Cerny, from Cancer Research UK, said men needed to learn to look after their skin.

“Too often men leave it up to their partners or mothers to remind them to use sunscreen or cover up with a shirt and hat, and even to visit the doctor about a worrying mole,” she said.

Be vigilant

The figures suggest men are either not aware of skin cancer symptoms or are ignoring them and putting off going to see their GP, she added.

“It’s crucial that people go to their doctor as soon as they notice any unusual changes to their skin or moles – the earlier the cancer is diagnosed the easier it will be to treat.”

Care services minister Paul Burstow said that the figures were worrying and everyone needed to be vigilant.

“Seeing many people with sunburn from the recent sunny weather is a reminder of how easy it is to damage your skin,” he said.

Dermatologist Dr Jonathan Bowling, from the Radcliffe Hospitals Trust and the private Cadogan clinic, said it was vital that anyone with any concerns about their moles seek help from a qualified dermatologist.

“If you are worried about a mole, go to a GP,” he said.

“Either he can refer you, or if you are still worried you can ask to see a dermatologist.”

The researchers said more work is needed to confirm if poor oral health directly causes heart disease or is a marker of risk.

A charity added that oral hygiene was just one factor in good heart health.

It is known that inflammation in the body, including in the mouth and gums, has an important role in the build up of clogged arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.

But this is the first time that researchers have looked at whether the frequency of teeth brushing has any bearing on the risk of developing heart disease.

Data, published in the British Medical Journal was collected on lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking, physical activity and oral health routines.

Participants were also asked how often they visited the dentist and how often they brushed their teeth.

Then nurses collected information on medical history and family history of heart disease, took blood pressure and blood samples.

Overall, six out of 10 people said they visited the dentist every six months and seven out 10 reported brushing their teeth twice a day.

Over the eight-year study there were 555 “cardiovascular events” such as heart attacks, 170 of which were fatal.

Taking into account factors that affect heart disease risk, such as social class, obesity, smoking and family history, the researchers found those with the worst oral hygiene had a 70% increased chance of developing the condition compared with those who brush their teeth twice a day.

Those with poor oral hygiene also tested positive in blood samples for proteins which are suggestive of inflammation.

Cause and effect

Study leader Professor Richard Watt, from University College London, said future studies will be needed to confirm whether the link between oral health behaviour and cardiovascular disease “is in fact causal or merely a risk marker”.

Judy O’Sullivan, senior cardiac nurse at British Heart Foundation, said: “If you don’t brush your teeth, your mouth can become infected with bacteria which can cause inflammation.

“However, it is complicated by the fact that poor oral hygiene is often associated with other well known risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking and poor diet.”

She added: “Good personal hygiene is a basic element of a healthy lifestyle.

“But if you want to help your heart, you should eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking and take part in regular physical activity.”

Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, added it was still unclear whether there was a definite cause and effect between oral hygiene and heart disease.

“Whatever the true position is, we can say with certainty that if people brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, visit the dentist regularly and restrict sugary snacks to mealtimes; that this will go a long way towards keeping the teeth and gums in a healthy state for life.”

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Strawberries, citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli

Produce packed with vitamin C is crucial for the production and formation of collagen, skin’s support structure. And it’s that strong support layer that evens out the top layer and wards off wrinkles. Try to have two 1-cup servings of fruit (Not a fan of strawberries? Try oranges or grapefruit.) and 1 cup of red peppers and/or broccoli each day. Or try applying them directly with this at-home facial recipe.

Sunflower seed and almonds
Edible SPF? Practically. These seeds and nuts are loaded with vitamin E, an antioxidant that, with other antioxidants, works to protect skin from UV-related free radicals. Skin’s top layers contain high levels of E that help guard cells’ outer membrane, so cells stay healthy. Plus, strong membranes hold water in, keeping skin hydrated. Aim for 2 tablespoons of hulled seeds or 23 almonds daily. Find more healthy snack options from the No-Cook Diet.

Dark orange, leafy green and red vegetables
Squash, sweet potatoes and spinach are teeming with the antioxidant beta-carotene. Your body converts it to vitamin A, which regulates cell production and turnover so skin’s surface is smooth. Carotenoids might also lower your skin’s sensitivity to sun. Shoot for three 1-cup servings a day of these polishing picks. Try them in delicious, good-for-you recipes like Butternut Squash Pizza, Cheesy Sweet Potato Crisps, and Oatmeal Meatballs With Spinach.

Fortified cereal, lean meat, pork, poultry, oysters
These protein-rich foods are full of zinc and iron, minerals crucial to healthy skin function. Zinc supports cell production as well as natural cell sloughing, which keeps dullness at bay. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen to skin, helping give you a glow. Pile your plate with 1 serving of cereal (a cup), 1 palm-sized serving of meat or poultry or 3 oysters per day. Bored with chicken? You just need a new recipe.

Wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, walnuts
These fish and nuts, plus fortified eggs, are chockablock with omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation in the body caused by sun and stress. Inflammation produces free radicals, and free radicals contribute to aging by attacking collagen. Research still needs to provide solid proof that the anti-inflammatory abilities of omega-3s yield younger-looking skin, but one study found that older people who consumed more fish and veggies over their life had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports. Aim for two 5-ounce servings of fish per week; on other days, 1 oz of walnuts or 2 omega-3-fortified eggs. Get creative with recipes like a Salmon BLT or a single-serving Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Frittata.

Whole wheat and grains
Clear up your skin with these complex carbs. Australian researchers found that a low-glycemic diet (more whole grains, protein and produce versus refined carbs such as white bread) may reduce acne. One reason why: Low-glycemic foods keep insulin steady, while refined carbs and sugar spike it. The surges may boost production of androgens, hormones that, when boosted, can cause zits. After 12 weeks of a low-glycemic diet, subjects’ pimple counts dropped 20 percent, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes. More research is needed to support the clear-skin connection, but no M.D. will talk you out of eating whole grains and veggies! Try to have three servings a day (one serving equals a slice of bread or 1/2 cup cooked grains). See how a beauty editor cleared up her acne problem.

Water
OK, so water isn’t a food, but you can sip your way to dewy skin! Skin cells contain mostly H20, and if you’re dehydrated, skin looks and feel parched, too. But you needn’t chug gallons each day: Research from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia found no studies to back up the recommendation of eight glasses a day.  Prevent dehydration—and dryness—by drinking when you’re thirsty. Aim for 6 cups a day.