Seminar reveals longevity secrets

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- A standing-room only seminar audience learned some secrets to long life according to New Ulm chiropractor Dave Altman Saturday at the 22nd annual Home and Self-Improvement Show at Vogel Arena.

Altman had the crowd's undivided attention as he described why so many Americans don't live as long or as well as 23 other nations of the world.

"Life expectancy and healthy life expectancy are two very different things," Altman said.

He found it curious that, apart from the reduction of infant mortality, American life expectancy has increased only 3.7 years over the past century.

The key to old age health is avoiding chronic disease instead of just surviving it, he said.

Some of Altman's secrets to living longer were exercise, good mental and social health, meditation, nutrition, anti-oxidants, vitamins and avoiding drugs.

Thirty minutes of exercise a day prevents depression and anxiety and strengthens the heart and mind.

Connecting to family and friends improves mental and social health and lessens thoughts of anger, fear, guilt, sadness, depression, self-consciousness, hostility and impulsiveness.

More than five years of meditation can increase longevity 12-15 years and greatly reduce the risk of heart disease, tumors, nervous disorders and infectious diseases.

Good nutrition with fruits and vegetables with vitamins A, B, C and E reduces risks of cancer, angina and other chronic, diet-related diseases.

"Too many kids today don't know what real food is. They eat too much convenience and fast food," Altman said. "There is no magic diet. It's good to include a variety of fruit and vegetables. No centenarians smoke or abused alcohol."

His longevity food list included raw sauerkraut, mushrooms, cabbage-family vegetables, bitter herbs and olive oil.

Prescription drugs are the third-leading causes of death in America, Altman said.

"You won't find the fountain of youth in some trendy hormone replacement either. There is no magic pill to end all your problems," Altman said.

Meanwhile, on the show floor, the New Ulm Police Department was busy handing out free DNA test kits for children. The kits are replacing fingerprints.