Satiety and Drugs

 This essay has to do with two articles  associated with health found in The New York Times dated May 12, 2024 "What a Year  on  Ozempic   Taught Me"; and July 14, 2024 "Sage Advice.” My assessment of these articles follows.

In the first article ,the journalist described the health of his father who had lived in the mountains and regularly consumed fresh natural foods. He compared his father’s diet  to his own American diet .  He added that the typical processed food diet contributes and interferes with  the experience of satiety which results in being overweight and/ or obese.Statistically ,in the US  , 70%  of people are overweight or obese.  He added that 47% of the respondents said they were willing to take  weight loss drugs for their condition  However, they did not know that people who take these drugs have had to deal with brutal shaming.  He acknowledged that ,in his lifetime, obesity has exploded from being rare, to  now being the norm  and the food industry being one main culprit.  He stated that these  dietary drugs affect  and diminish satiety which contribute to their effectiveness  and  that they help  to limit weight gain.

The journalist’s had a study in which  he and a colleague raised a group of rats in a cage . The rats were fed an abundant supply of healthy, balanced  food which they had been eating for a very long time. These rats. ate when hungry and then seemed , according to him,to sated and stopped eating . They did not become fat.  Then, the caged rats were exposed  to an American diet of bacon, snicker  bars, cheesecake and other treats.  The rats hurled themselves into the cheesecake ,gorged themselves and emerged with their faces and whiskers totally slicked . The rats quickly lost almost all interest in  the healthy foods and now were without any restraint. . Their weight soared.  This experiment suggested ,without a control group, that the American diet had a negative effect on their rat brains and their cravings.. Perhap, a loss of control and/or satiety which has. Implications for humans.

Another point made by the journalist was that Pope Gregory 1 laid out seven deadly sins in the  sixth century. And one of them was gluttony.  Guilt and punishment are related to self abuse . Weight gain and/ or gluttony is a form of self punishment , because sin  without redemption requires punishment and ill health follows, .Second, taking an easy way out like a pill for weight loss is not the same as taking the  difficult steps necessary like  portion size, healthy nutritious foods and so forth, as well as repetitive difficult exercise.  Perhaps ,some people are resentful. It's easy to put somebody down for taking a perceived shortcut.  In other words, the American diet and religion are associated with obesity for some  And ,unfortunately, the consequence for taking medication for weight loss results in shaming that individual .

The second article identified a docu series of identical twins and explored how different diets affected their overall health.  One twin was assigned a vegan diet and the  other  an omnivorous diet.  Additionally, the experts on this and similar programs identify what we already know . We understand that fruits and vegetables are healthy dietary choices and that exercise is  good  . In fact, most of these health messages have been taught  and learned by  the third grade. We all know we are  what we eat.

This writer pointed out that as a nation we consume too much  ultra processed food ,too much sugar and saturated fat  . We know that industrial meat production  contributes to climate change and pollution. Further, most people do not eat for the purpose of achieving maximum health.  They eat things because they taste good , they are convenient , they are affordable and satisfying .

 On the other hand, healthy food is the quality of life factor  that helps performance enhancement especially for athletes . And, that Blue Zones are places where individuals eat lots of plants , little meat , are less stressed  and interested in being socially connected . Also,  these cultures do not persuade the people to eat  healthy. These people  live in relative isolation, have cultivated their habits and traditions which are satisfying in sustaining their ways of life.  They don't have measures for maximizing health or improving  performance.

The author’s fix was that we  can learn to love mushrooms, broccoli, chickpeas, scallions ,peppers and gold saffron rice , not  because it will improve blood test  results but because these foods  are fully capable of tasting fantastic.  In fact the writer suggested that  typical TV programming  might be better if the shows were simple cooking shows. These  cooking shows would not be scolding or patronizing people .Instead, they could instruct people in how to pursue and practice eating by learning how to  really encompass the art of cooking and preparing foods .

In conclusion, we live in a country of hyperbole,  contradiction, with  abnormalities. We have a library of TV, and printed materials of information and knowledge  pertaining to health, nutrition, exercise and longevity.  We also spend billions on pseudoscientific wellness products. It’s not a coincidence that our capitalistic economics with a for-profit healthcare system, food and pharmaceutical industry  complex are contributing factors to obesity. This complex does quite well economically . Moreover, the food industry  with its masterful scientific expertise holds too many of us captive and is able to take advantage of human vulnerability and weakness resulting in  enslavement .And do not forget about the dynamics around  guilt.

PS

Linda's recovering, her attitude is terrific and  her mood upbeat.  Linda's follow-up appointment with an orthopedic surgeon revealed that her stitches were  not ready to be removed ..  Another appointment to follow with x-rays

Longevity

  An article titled "The Key to Longevity Is Boring"  found in the July 14, 2024 edition of The New York Times got my attention.  There are many ideas related to longevity.  This disquisition questions whether longevity is boring or not.

The article lists the  numerous health and longevity recommendations popularized by the Internet and podcast hosts.  He pointed out there were a substantial number of contradictory menus , shortcuts for improving one's biology without  firm scientific evidence .  He added that there was an obsession with health and longevity and pointed out that the global supplement market is $250 billion and projected to be nearly$310 billion within the next four years.In short, he pointed out that health and longevity relates to five fundamental lifestyle behaviors: 1.  Exercising regularly 2. Eating a nutritious diet 3.Eschewing cigarettes 4.  Limiting alcohol consumption.  5.  Nurturing meaningful relationships.  He added that these choices are  somewhat boring and harder to make money off of than trendy supplements, complex sounding theories and new gadgets.

In the article, findings of a study in the journal  of Health Affairs reported that 50 year old non-smokers who drank alcohol in moderation and who were not obese could expect to live an average seven years longer than their peers who did not share these traits. The average life expectancy for women having this trio of lifestyle behaviors was just shy of 89 years and for men nearly 86 years old.  In the journal  of Nature Human Behavior , it was reported that in any given age there is a 14% higher risk of dying early associated with loneliness and a 32% risk of dying early associated with social isolation.  The Harvard Study of Adult Development found that good relationships lead to health and happiness.

My take regarding longevity.  First, the definition of boring is "Not interesting, tedious."  A few Synonyms of boring include deadening, dull,  deadening, irksome, slow, tedious, tiresome, and worrisome.  According to the definition, the pursuit of  longevity seems awful and uninviting.  Who would want to live a life of boredom?

Exercise, if boring, becomes nonexistent.  In other words, running on a treadmill is boring If it is without any goal or meaningful purpose.  If one is passionate about running because of the necessity of conditioning for track, football or some sport, then exercise becomes both meaningful and necessary .  In other words, start with a  goal. Then devise strategies in dealing with all the barriers and pitfalls that can interfere with goal completion.  If the goal is filled with passion, then the psychic energy necessary is available regardless of the obstacles . For instance, the ego need of abasement is based on an individual's behavior.  The perseverance of behavior continues irrespective pain, discomfort or even injury.  In order to excel in any sport,  it requires tenacity which refers to mental toughness. More than likely ,severe or overuse injury exists and is common for individuals that engage and are passionate about extreme sports.  Man pursues potential pain and illness, but not  too long in an activity that is boring .

Meaningful relationships are also not boring, by definition.  Just think of a professional basketball player like Steph Curry?  Curry does not train alone but works out with others meeting his ego need of affiliation  In other words, Curry is exercising and incorporates  and fosters a relationship during the process.  Ask any individual who was a member of his  team about their camaraderie?  In fact, Bo Schembechler preached “ the team”," the team.” His players developed significant personal relationships as they coalesced and became the team.  In fact, working out with another person can be and is more enjoyable than working out by yourself.

Additionally, other ego needs can be met during exercise and competitions.  For example, the ego's need for achievement is based on accomplishing something difficult.  Setting and accomplishing  personal goals during the exercise while raising aspirations . In so doing, it Increases self regard and displays mastering obstacles while excelling.  The ego ‘s need for aggression can be met which is to oppose and compete against others. The ego’s need for counteraction  which is a commitment  and perseverance  through exercise when one overcomes a weakness and develops  mastery. The ego’s  need for deference can also be met which is to admire, support and praise others  such as other competitors or even teammates.  The ego’s need for  exhibition is met by standing out, making an impression by  participation ,achievement and excellence.  Further,  even the eg’s  need for play can be met working out with others when joking, laughing  and/ or removing stress while participating in various activities.

 With a mentally and physically healthy personal identity and character , are certain core characteristics. In which ego needs are met. Meaningful personal relationships and unions are important and necessary for anyone's well-being as studies concur.  Being physically active is also necessary for well-being irrespective of whether it's yoga, walking, gardening or hiking either individually or in a group. Longevity studies indicate and suggest that lifestyle choices around obesity, smoking and drinking are hazardous to one's health. How happy are chain smokers or alcoholics ?  Nutritional eating with a significant partner is not boring, but a way to taste, enjoy ,relate. and met ego needs of affiliation and play. To learn more, I presented in” It Has Nothing to Do With Age ,“ 7 prescriptions for a healthier life span.  

 Successful living has to do mental and physical well-being, while  meeting one's ego needs with passion and commitment.  Being healthy as a goal makes more sense than longevity being the goal. It’s not about longevity .Living fully also has to do with the amount of pleasure, pain ,conflicts, frustrations, surmountable and insurmountable barriers.  What is  the current ratio  of positive to  negative valences as well as expectations for the future?   Fully living is not boring at all . In other words, being healthy is the key . 

Predictions

 This disquisition has to do with the nature of man with his limited ability in prediction making decisions.  Irrespective of man's limitations in making decisions, many have no problem in making predictions.  Gambling and risk behaviors are  prime prediction examples. Casinos  are profitable and  do quite well based on man’s nature . Also, when listening or watching the news, it's common to hear  individuals making generalized  political predictions .

According to Darwin, man's survival depended upon being the fittest.  Does man’s decision-making have to do with him being the fittest and what  are the  other identifiable factors ?  Within Kurt Lewin's Field Theory, the motivational approach-avoidance concept  emerged.  An approach incorporates a valence concept which is a scale  that varies in degree of desire or impetus toward an object . Also, going against another person is another example of an approach . And ,avoidance also varies in degree of dislike or impetus . An example of valence is when visiting a medical facility when the nurse  asks for a ratting of pain on a scale of 1 to 10  .Also within field theory ,are concepts of tension, barriers and other  circumstances interfering with reaching that  approach or avoiding goal.  The approach -avoidance and  valence  concepts are based on the belief that it is necessary for tension or anxiety  occurring  within the individual. In essence , tension, anxiety, approach -avoidance and valence are motivational concepts. 

In man's survival, within  decision-making there are many  factors for consideration.  Nature is one factor.  For example, approach can be related to a desire to  experience the  forest  as in hiking, running or camping.  Avoidance can be related to  avoiding predators, fire, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes  Other people , economics, political policies, culture ,institutions and society are additional factors depicted in employing an approach-avoidance motivational concept.  Notably man’s survival is dependent on  tension, anxiety ,approach-avoidance , valence , with decisions resulting in intended or unintended consequences .  

In the beginning, the infant perceives, develops, and in this quest for survival, develops ego needs and  a plethora of approach-avoidance experiences within the family, school, work , political, economic and social environment.  Also, there is an unconscious process going on that is associated with impulses, passions, and guilt.  Human and environmental conditions are not static. Therefore ,making a decision  at 18 years of age  or any other age might, with a limited understanding  of all the variables  ,result in negative consequences at a later date .

 Ride & Tie had an extremely high positive approach valence for me.  It was my favorite sport.  In the Ride  & Tie  community, endurance, and Tevis were one of the same with the competitors.To make a long story short, my horse Running  Bear was injured during one Ride & Tie conditioning.  Because I was determined to enter the Tevis  Cup , I purchased another horse that I called Raider .In 2000 after completing the Tevis Cup race ,I was confronted with making another decision.  Should I enter Raider in another 100 mile endurance ride or should I retire him for the rest of the season?  I entered the endurance ride and Raider suffered a suspensory ligament  injury . So ,I rehabbed him and purchased Gypsy.

Gypsy and I competed in both Ride & Tie and endurance competitions . For example, Gypsy, Kurt and I completed the 75 mile Swanton Pacific Ride & Tie.  Then I thought about the 100 mile Swanton Pacific Ride & Tie. Race manager  Ellen Rinde told me that only three individuals had completed the  one day 100 mile Tevis,  the one day Western States 100 mile run and  the one day 100 mile Swanton Pacific Ride & Tie. So, Jonathan,  Gypsy and I  entered and  won that event in  2008. I then faced and made another decision and entered another Ride & Tie instead of retiring  Gypsy for the remainder of the year.  Gypsy sustained a suspensory  ligament injury during that event.  I rehabbed Gypsy and in January ,2009 , Linda , on Raider and I went on a conditioning ride. On that  2009  ride, Gypsy reared , I went off and  was flown by helicopter to Sutter Medical Facility.  I was told by the orthopedic surgeon that because of my broken neck injury, another fall from a horse might result in paralysis.  I then  retired from competitive equine events.

Years later, Raider suffered a serious medical condition. We did not proceed surgically. Linda then purchased another horse , Linda had a passion  or positive valence approach for athletic activities and experiences.  She was an enthusiastic  golfer, swimmer,  diver ,kayaker ,biker and equestrian. Unfortunately, In those activities ,she occasionally  hit her head against some object  and/or fell to the ground with unintended consequences .In 2016, she suffered a severe physical  equestrian injury after  being thrown from her horse. Years later, her  brain scan revealed that she had Hydrocephalic  dementia resulting from her history of traumatic brain Injuries .  Linda was an  excellent and experienced equestrian.  Looking back, one could question her decision to ride at 83 years of age .  However, she was experiencing pleasure and enjoyed that activity.  Predictions are difficult and , at best, have either favorable or unfavorable consequences.

In conclusion, the motivation for survival is complex and we make decisions determined by many factors  including anxiety, tension,  approach- avoidance. Additionally other factors affect decision making like illness, frailty, or a loss of hope for future .In addition , factors of  heredity, time, place, socioeconomics , quality of the parental  and marital relationships, opportunities ,talent , skills plus  ego needs come into play.  As a result, the degree of accuracy for prediction in decision-making remains low at best.  Thus, survival of the fittest is a generalization, and does little to tell us about one's life history . No human can predict or see the future accurately or with certainty. . 

PS

My lovely bride turned 91 yesterday. Shortly ,we will travel to Calistoga for a mud  bath.