Live A Long and Healthy Life: Tips for Any Age

Together, Dr. Mark Houston and his wife, Laurie Hays of Facial Rejuvenation Center at St. Thomas, share a passion for helping their patients look and live well. With years of experience, they integrate aesthetics and clinical science with personalized care to create a platform for healthy aging strategies that encompass both external and internal treatments.

Photo of Mark Houston, M.D. & Laurie Hays, R.N.

We think you’ll find Dr. Houston’s in-depth article compelling, as it is rich with practical advice and insightful strategies. To help you navigate all of this great information, below you will find a linked index of the different sections. Read it all, or read the sections that most interest you:

Page 1: What is aging? What to expect as you age? Biological vs. chronological age.
Page 2: Tips to slow aging
Page 3: Slowing the aging process of your skin
Page 4: Conclusions and more information about Dr. Houston
Page 5: References

Dr. Houston:

“Youth has no age” — Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

We all desire to live long and healthy lives. None of us wants to deal with the declining health or chronic diseases that are commonly associated with aging. If given a choice, wouldn’t we all like to live full, active, healthy lives and then when the time comes, make the quick exit? I call this model of life the “The Square Life Curve” as opposed to the “Declining Graph.”

With this article, I’m promoting the concept that we can age successfully. I’m introducing the idea that there are ways to control the diseases that cause declining health as we age. We can’t stop aging, but with lifestyle changes that are mentioned below, we can certainly experience a more successful aging process. To age successfully, you must have a healthy mind, body and spirit! Interested? Keep reading.

First let me provide a basic understanding of what happens when we age.

What is Aging?

Aging is when the body shifts from a constructive (anabolism) to a destructive (catabolism) state. Anabolism is the replenishing of the body’s systems with new and stronger tissue, a rejuvenating or building mode, in other words. Catabolism is the breaking down of the body’s physiological systems. Physiological functions peak in the twenties, plateaus in the thirties and then begins a sharp descent in the forties. In the US the “decade of vulnerability” occurs at the age of 40 to 50 years. During this time the male ages 15.2 years and the female ages 18.6 years.

What can you expect to happen as you age?

Individuals age at variable rates due to genetic and environmental factors such as nutrition, exercise, stress, smoking and alcohol and various diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes mellitus.

Regardless of the rate, however, these are the facts: a) the brain shrinks and there is loss of cognitive function, focus and memory; b) vision worsens with cataracts and loss of visual acuity, darkness and color perception; c) hearing is impaired especially for higher tones; d) the skin loses elasticity and collagen, begins to wrinkle, thin, and it heals slower and bruises easier; e) smell and taste decrease, hair thins and fat increases as lean muscle mass and bone mass decrease resulting in decrease strength, osteoporosis and fatigue; f) the kidneys decrease in size and function and the bladder losses its elasticity and capacity resulting in incontinence; g) the heart has contracted about 2 billion times by the age of 50 and the incidence of heart attack and heart failure increase; h) the lungs lose elasticity and breathing capacity is reduced by over 20 percent; and i) the pancreas produces less insulin and diabetes mellitus is more common. In addition, men lose testosterone starting at age 30 and women have reductions in progesterone and estrogen after menopause in their 40’s and 50’s.

Reading this might dishearten even the most optimistic individual, but there are many ways to slow the aging process enough so that we can still have many years of living a vital, active, and rewarding life. Remember, we’re working toward living a life that resembles the “Square Life Curve” as opposed to the “Sliding Graph.”

How old are you really? Biological versus chronological age:

Before you can figure out how to slow down your own aging clock, you need to find out where it’s currently set. You need to determine your biological age versus your chronological age. The chronological age is today’s year minus your birth year. The biological age is every individual’s unique biological rate of aging. Various physiological factors determine your biological age. A four year difference is significant between your biological and chronological age. Obviously, one would prefer to have their biological age younger that their chronological age. The best method to determine your biological age is the Telomere Test from Spectracell Labs in Texas.

Taking this test is a first step, but I also recommend that you go to a physician who will give you a thorough intensive examination. When there, review with the physician your complete medical history, then get a physical exam and a series of functional, metabolic and anatomic diagnostic tests. You need to find out all the biomarkers of aging which include circulating levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, anti-oxidant defense, blood hormone levels, cardiovascular status, vascular health cardiovascular risk factors, pulmonary status, bone health, speed of nerve conduction, body composition, musculoskeletal health, sensory responses, balance, coordination, reaction time, neuropsychological status and cognitive function.

What you do not want to hear when you visit you physician is “ You have the body of someone twice your age!”

Remember that information is power. The sooner that you find out your current condition, then the sooner that you can start initiating the needed changes to help slow down your aging process. Now you are ready to begin an individual treatment plan.

Article Index (Click on links below to navigate to other sections, or click on page number at bottom of page to continue reading article in its entirety.)

Page 1: What is aging? What to expect as you age? Biological vs. chronological age.
Page 2: Tips to slow aging
Page 3: Slowing the aging process of your skin
Page 4: Conclusions and more information about Dr. Houston
Page 5: References

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

19 Responses to “Live A Long and Healthy Life: Tips for Any Age”

Lorraine says:
March 8, 2013 at 7:45 am

Dr. Mark’s Houston’s information is so valuable to all of us!! His information on slowing the aging process is so important for all of us to follow. Through diet, nutrition and the right supplements to take. I love that they are not just addressing the outside but taking care of the inside of our bodies for whole health response. I will be visiting the Facial Rejuventation Center persoanlly, thank you so much for the great information and providing a center like this for all of us!!!
- Victoria Nash says:
  March 8, 2013 at 5:26 pm
  
  I have had the wonderful pleasure to meet Dr.Houston and Laurie Hays. Meeting them in person, you can see, that they are doing something right!
  As a clinical aesthetician and owner of Esente’Skincare, I can say that Laurie is an expert in all facets of skin health.
  Thank you Dr. Houston for your informative article, as we all know that great looking skin and maintaining a youthful appearance starts on the inside!
Esther Blum says:
March 8, 2013 at 8:05 am

I have been following Dr Houston for years and my family has been under his care as well. He is a wonderful mentor and teacher– please keep more of these articles coming!
Danielle says:
March 8, 2013 at 9:19 am

Wow!!! Thank you for the great information!! Taking care of ourselves from the inside and outside, through diet, nutrition. Thank you Dr. Houston!!! Can I purchase the supplements at Facial Rejuvenation Center?
- Laurie Hays ** Facial Rejuvenation Center** says:
  March 8, 2013 at 10:30 am
  
  Thank you for the great feed-back, Danielle. Yes, all the supplements are available on-site at the Facial Rejuvenation Center and Dr. Houston’s office.
Janet Puhl says:
March 8, 2013 at 9:51 am

I see you have finally found the HIDDEN secret in SKIN CARE!!! Top of the line, affordable skin care that really WORKS;) I’m LIVING PROOF!!!! I have had the worse case of Rosacea known to man kind on my face & I’m 41 with a hysterectomy & talk about DOOMED!!!! Thanks to The Facial Rejuvenation Center & Dr. Houston & Mrs. Lauie Hays,RN:) I have the BEST skin EVER!!! You know that glow & that youthfulness you had as a teenager;) Well, I have it ALL!!! Everyone that sees me all they want to talk about is my skin & what I use & where do I get it!!! FRC & Dr. Houston & Mrs. Laurie Hays poor their heart & soul into everything they do and they have truly done it this time!!! Skin Care is not a job anymore:) It’s a lifestylt change anyone can do & it really WORKS!!! Just LOOK AT ME:) It’s been 2 years now!!! I’m so grateful and thanks FRC for giving me my young/healthy skin back!!
Mrs. Janet A Puhl
Heather says:
March 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

Thank you for this article! Dr. Houston and Laurie are great resources and very knowledgable. I would love to see a dedicated monthly feature on skincare to cover the basic science and to learn more on the latest lotion and potions!
Zee says:
March 8, 2013 at 11:31 am

All I can say is “WOW” and Thank YOU Dr Houston for this profound and informative article. I am so amazed every time I read articles, book, and Blogs by Dr Houston and Facial Rejuvenation Center, Laurie Hays, RN. You have just provided the most vital details of health tips and skin care that can be applied to a daily lifestyle to help people live longer, feel good and look good! What I LOVE about FRC (Facial Rejuvenation Center) is the attention to detail and customization of skin care and supplementation for each individual. I have learned so much today, especially the Anti-Inflammation Diet which can help my over all health and skin! I will start applying these tips TODAY! I highly recommend Dr Mark Houston and FRC! Please keep this articles coming….I can’t wait to read your next BLOG. Many thank you’s to Style Blue Print for presenting Dr Houston to so many people today. I appreciate this wealth of information.
Dawn says:
March 8, 2013 at 1:47 pm

When I turned 40 I did start to notice all the things Dr. Houston wrote about. I had already started trying to eat better and as I added the supplements that he recommended, I started to feel better than I did in the years prior. Thanks for this great article to help remind and motivate us to keep taking care of ourselves.
Heddy Beyer says:
March 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

While I have read many articles from Dr. Houston, this is certainly one of his best on all-over health and nutrition; and exercise. Dr. Houston has been my physican for many years, and I truly admire his decication to share his knowledge with his patients. Laurie certainly makes us all feel that we can be beautiful on the inside and outside! Thank you for including them in your blog. Hopefully, there will be more in the future.
Suzanne says:
March 8, 2013 at 3:18 pm

This is such great information!! In the last 2 years I have really started to notice the effects of aging on my face and hands. I’ve always taken pretty good care of my skin but now I am at the point of trying to slow down the aging process. I am not an expert at skincare so sometimes I get quite overwhelmed at the things I should and should not be using on my skin. I’m grateful for this in depth, easy to understand post.
Paula Calhoon. says:
March 8, 2013 at 3:21 pm

Dr. Houston and Laurie live what they teach. They are convincing examples of what to do to look and feel young.

Dr. Houston’s article is packed with what to do and the right way to do it. He has always had information and facts concerning aging well before other health professionals. I look forward to reading more of his articles in StyleBlueprint.
Debbie Ballard says:
March 8, 2013 at 8:46 pm

We have known and been patients of Dr. Houston for 30 years and know how dedicated he has been in his research on this subject. He has to be one of the smartest Internist in Nashville. We have sent him many referrals and they all say the same thing.

The new facial rejuvenation center Laurie opened is incredible. She didn’t just go to a school, she and Mark traveled and did in depth research on the best techniques. I am so happy with my results. I can’t believe I waited so long.

Mark and Laurie have such care,concern and extreme knowledge of what is best for the human body. I truly feel like a new person!
Margaret says:
March 8, 2013 at 9:04 pm

Dr. Houston is such a wealth of knowledge and information! I’ve had the priveldge to visit Dr Houston and Laurie over the years but this article just goes to show how much more I can learn from both of them! This is a great article a packed with useful information!
Eric says:
March 8, 2013 at 9:07 pm

This info is great! My wife and and I are trying to embrace the aging process the best we can but when I start to see my hair receding, it’s still a little disheartening. I love the tips that Dr. Houston provides letting us all know how we can slow the physical aging not just on the external parts of our body but internally too!
Lauren Levanduski, RN, FNP says:
March 8, 2013 at 10:02 pm

Dr. Houston is one of the most brilliant medical minds that I have ever met, and Laurie is one of the most age-defying. Many people think of the aging process as what we see on the outside, but do not think about how to keep ourselves young, healthy, and beautiful from the inside out. As one of Dr. Houston’s patients, and as a medical professional myself, I like to practice what I preach by taking his advice every year. I also look forward to continuing to age gracefully with Laurie’s help. Start young, stay young!!
Lisa says:
March 9, 2013 at 1:35 pm

Thanks for posting this article!! I will be recommending this to all my family and friends. It’s such a sensible way of looking at your age and health. We sometimes forget all of the factors in the aging process and this definitely has opened my eyes to the things I NEED to be doing. Thank you to Dr. Houston and Laurie Hays for this much needed information!! A big thumbs up!!
Shannon Garrett says:
March 9, 2013 at 8:23 pm

Dr. Houston is ahead of his time…..from the first time I saw him I knew I was finally in the right place. He is forward-thinking and embraces cutting-edge methodologies in healthcare. He is both traditional and integrative and truly sees the person not as a product of their symptoms, but embraces the concept of mind, body, and spirit. If it weren’t for him and his amazing staff I truly believe I would not be here today. He listens, is open to suggestions, and I feel we are a team with respect to my healthcare issues. I love that his education did not end with medical school.
I believe I am aging so much healthier (despite autoimmune issues) under his care because I follow all of his protocols for anti aging e.g. dietary, nutrients, exercise, and skin care. In addition, I have been a regular client of he and his wife’s (Laurie Hays,RN) joint venture (Facial Rejuvenation Center) located within his practice for quite sometime now and my skin is amazing, Laurie has a sincere passion for what she does and it is so beneficial to receive her expert skin care treatments in a beautiful, relaxing spa-like setting after a visit with Dr. Houston.

Nashville is so fortunate to have Dr. Houston, his wife Laurie, and all their staff because they are superior in what they do and their care and concern for others is genuine. Under their care, aging for me is nothing to fear!
Amy D says:
March 11, 2013 at 2:34 pm

Mark is my doc and he’s the best. :)
Wife Laurie is his even better half.