I’ve been pondering lately our strategies for optimizing fitness, and what that really entails. I think I have pretty well nailed the primary emphasis in our “6 Keys to Senior Fitness” categories. More and more though, I am troubled with the issue of measuring “optimization”. How do we really know if we are creating real optimization of all the body’s systems? Feeling good is certainly a reasonable indicator, as is freedom from pain (at least chronic pain), and a sense of having sufficient energy to engage in the activities one most enjoys. But how do you know what you could be feeling like if everything was optimized; if your health was “maximized”?

One strategy that I have not pursued has to do with neurotransmitter balance or optimization of neurotransmitter production. These tiny amounts of brain chemicals control virtually all of the mind and bodily functions, and yet we pay very little attention to how they measure up to some ideal state of health. I made a start at this in our Brain Health – Mental Health Category (click on the Category at the left of the Home page and read the basics), but I haven’t actually acted on my own advise and taken the step to seek out a Dr who has the skill and ability to measure how my own brain chemicals are doing.

One reason is that I suspect that the expenses for such testing will not be covered by my so-called “health insurance”. I have read several articles by a local MD, Dr Sharon Norling, and have used her information to enrich the Brain Health – Mental Health category article, but knowing that she is essentially an OB/GYN, and primarily deals with woman’s physiology, I have been reluctant to seek her services. Still, she seems to be the most knowledgeable MD around, and I’m considering making an appointment.

In recent months I have noticed a increasing sense of fatigue pervading my days. I have noticed that my workouts are leaving me more hammered than in the past as well. I also notice that I like more alcohol in the evenings – I think from an underlying sense that it helps me fall asleep faster. I could put it down to turning 69 earlier this month, but I think I would like to determine if there is a measurable medical reason for these changes. If I manage to find an MD who works with Blue Cross in this specialization, I will keep you posted as to the specifics of my measured neurotransmitter and hormonal health. I hope to enrich your strategic bag of tricks for lifetime fitness in the process.

Good Living – Frank