It is inevitable that as we age, there are some everyday activities that will become much more difficult. Parallels can be drawn between how age affects humans and how age affects inanimate objects. For instance if you have ever owned a car an older car, there comes a time when components start wearing down and will need replacing. Unfortunately for us, you can not replace your joints as easily as you do an alternator, so it is important to take care of our bodies.

The bad news is, sugar is the least of our concerns when we drink soda. Many sodas contain color dyes, which have been known to cause ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and impotence. Another common soda pop ingredient, sodium benzoate, is a chemical compound that has it's own MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) filed with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Organization).

Other symptoms of arthritis includes: swelling, tenderness, redness and warmth in the affected area or joint. The cause of the disease is not yet known, the common symptoms are inflammation, stiffness, and swollen joints. Although there may be numerous causes for rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms are the same.

Magnesium, found naturally in legumes and vegetables, is a mineral that makes up part of our bones. Magnesium is therefore needed in order to sustain healthy bones.

Potassium, found in plant-based foods and meat, also makes up part of our bones, and also helps the body to retain calcium and magnesium.

Protein, and specifically protein found in meat, is necessary for the development and maintenance of bone and muscle cells. Vitamin D, found in milk, fish, some meats, and absorbed through sun exposure, allows calcium to be absorbed by the body. Vitamin D is therefore necessary for the body to have access to the calcium it takes in.

High-protein diets are the fad regimens of the moment. Their theory for weight loss consists of eating lots of animal proteins and skipping carbohydrates such as breads, rice and pasta. The theory behind these diets is that if you load up on animal proteins, you will feel fuller faster, so you'll end up eating less.

Most experts agree that a healthy person needs the bouncing and jarring associated with walking or running to keep bones, muscles and joints working properly. A treadmill is one of the few home fitness machines that provide this type of exercise. And most come with a cushioned platform to minimize impact or keep it at an acceptable level.

Daily duration of vitamin D synthesis in human skin with relation to latitude, total ozone, altitude, ground cover, aerosols and cloud thickness, Engelsen O., Brustad M., Aksnes L., Lund E., Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2005, 81(6), 1287-1290

Pedometers are great for measuring the accumulation of physical activity. It does not matter if physical activity comes from house hold chores, a walk, a hike or a run. Further, a pedometer provides motivation, reminds us to spend less time sitting and rewards us for all activity. Remember, what matters is accumulation of physical activity and every step counts.