Modern medicine has advanced far beyond what was done in the past and there is nothing we can borrow from the past to improve the lives of our senior loved ones, right? Don’t be so sure. Here is a case where the modern and detailed may not be able to beat the traditional and simple.
In 1928, Dr. George W. Calver became the first appointed attending physician to the US Congress to help our government officials stay healthy. The need for someone in his position was seen because many Members of Congress and Senators were dying each year.
One of Dr. Calver’s first acts on the job was the creation of the following list, which he called The 10 Commandments of Health. He gave copies of the list to the Representatives and Senators and posted it throughout the halls of Congress to remind everyone about healthy habits.
We call these rules “timeless” because, as you will see, they continue to be appropriate and timely as we help our senior loved ones – and ourselves – stay healthy in 2012!
The 10 Commandments of Health~~Dr. George Calver
- Eat Wisely
- Drink Plentifully
- Eliminate Thoroughly
- Bathe Cleanly
- Exercise Rationally
- Accept Inevitables
- Play Enthusiastically
- Relax Completely
- Sleep Sufficiently
- Check Up Occasionally
We would like to add a few words to clarify a few commandments on the list:
- drink plentifully of water (which is probably what the doctor intended)
- accept inevitables – don’t worry about those things you cannot change, be happy every day
In addition to being timeless, these rules are simple. “Too simple” you say? Not at all. We hear from many people how hard it is to know what to do to stay healthy with some many sets of guidelines and with each so-called expert telling us something different. Time and time again we get reminders that simpler is sometimes better. This might be one of those situations.
The more things change, the more they stay the same!
You don’t say WHAT to drink in #2, BB?
Anticipated such a response, Bruce — there IS a suggestion further down the post that what the good doctor intended was good ol’ H20! You never know, though, since his intended audience was Congress.
Great article! I think that accepting the inevitable is one of the most important tips you give. Many people put undue stress on themselves. If they accepted what they chould not change or control, they would have less stress related health issues. It is easier said than done but, I guarantee you “worriers” will regret the majority of things they obsessed over when they are older.
Thank you so much for the compliment and even more for your perspective! It is so easy to be overcome by worry over things we cannot impact.