Have you wondered what the secret is to a long and healthy life?
Have you wondered what makes people in certain regions of the world have not only longer lifespans, but increased health spans?
In 2018, I was fortunate to be in one of the 5 blue zones in the world, one of the regions with the highest density of centenarians. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Raffaele Sestu, the doctor to the centenarians in Sardinia, and interview one of his patients, who was 99 years old at the time.
Dr. Sestu’s prescription for a long and healthy life:
Environment: how and where we live plays an important role in our health.
Nutrition: eating whole foods in season, that grow in our own geographic area.
Integration: movement throughout the day – the 99 year old lady, nonna Assunta, whom I interviewed, walked 5 km each way daily to a field where she worked and back, from her childhood into adulthood. Integration in our communities and positive contribution to our families and communities is crucial.
Autostima: self-esteem.
Genetics: while we cannot alter our genetic make up, our lifestyle habits can influence the expression of some of the genes.
To learn more about Dr. Sestu’s observations as a doctor to the centenarians and anecdotes from living in Arzana, Sardinia, one of the blue zones, enjoy these 4 mini-videos here:
Interview with Dr. Sestu – Centenarians in Arzana, Sardegna – Part 1
Interview with Dr. Sestu – Centenarians in Arzana, Sardegna – Part 2
Interview with Dr. Sestu – Centenarians in Arzana, Sardegna – Part 3
Interview with Dr. Sestu – Centenarians in Arzana, Sardegna – Part 4
To learn more about all of the 5 Blue Zones, learn from the explorer and author who discovered them, Dan Buettner.
To Your Health, Dr. Bojana
Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly and Dr. Raffaele Sestu in Arzana, Sardinia in 2018.
Disclaimer
Nothing stated or posted in this article is intended or should be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. The information made available in this article, including, but not limited to, interviews, text, graphics, images, links to other articles, websites, and other material contained in this article, is strictly for informational and entertainment purposes only. The information in this article is NOT (and should not be used as) a substitute for professional psychiatry, psychology, medical, nursing, or professional healthcare advice or services, nor is it designed to suggest any specific diagnosis or treatment. Please always seek medical advice from your physician or a qualified health care provider regarding any medical questions, conditions or treatment, before making any changes to your health care regimen, medications or lifestyle habits. None of the information in this article is a representation or warranty that any particular drug or treatment is safe, appropriate or effective for you, or that any particular healthcare provider is appropriate for you. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking help from a health care provider due to something you have read or seen in this article. Your reading/use of this article does not create in any way a physician-patient relationship, any sort of confidential, fiduciary or professional relationship, or any other special relationship that would give rise to any duties. This article does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, healthcare providers, procedures, or treatments, and if you rely on any of the information provided by this article, you do so solely at your own risk.
Contact us for a complimentary discovery call with Dr. Bojana
Grab your FREE MEDITATION GUIDE when you sign up for my Thrive in Health and Life newsletter!
You'll receive my tips, tools and resources (including delicious, EASY recipes!) for living your healthiest, most vibrant life!
Upon registering, you will receive my guide on how to create your own unique meditation practice.
About the Author
Dr. Bojana
Dr. Bojana (Boy•ana) Jankovic Weatherly is an award winning physician, double board certified in internal and integrative medicine. After completing internal medicine residency, she did a fellowship in integrative medicine, trained in functional medicine, nutrition and mindfulness. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine that is personalized to each individual she works with.
0 Comments