Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads in the world!

Fathers play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s views toward men, and the role men play in our lives. Children’s relationship with their father is usually the very first connection they make with a man, and that foundation alters their perspectives on relationships they make in the future.

Being a good parent takes more than simply bringing a child into this world. It takes a genuine dedication to showing up, unconditionally loving and prioritizing your child’s needs over your own.

In order to commit oneself to caring for a child’s mental and emotional well-being, parents must also be sure to take care of their own health. We cannot provide for our kids what we do not cultivate within ourselves.

For the past few weeks, I have been focusing on my own mental and emotional growth. Constantly indulging in social media’s superficial and materialistic façade can be a hindrance to processing the true depths of our feelings. It can be easy to ignore how we truly feel inside when we get lost endlessly scrolling through the highlight reels of others’ lives. After slowly reconnecting to and dealing with my inner well-being, I realized that we cannot be fully healed unless we are physically and emotionally whole again.

Self-care is a conscious balance of listening to what your mind, body and soul need. We need to strive toward sustaining healthy habits in order to live meaningfully and purposefully. After exploring different ways to care for myself through self-help books, therapy sessions and online podcasts, I am now diverting my time to antiaging programs, online workout classes and sports gear shopping.

Healthful aging

There are many paths to healthful aging. Eating right and other lifestyle factors play a vital role in adding years to your life and life to your years.

When I was younger, I thought 50-year-olds were almost nearing the end of life. Now that I am past that midlife mark, I have a totally different mindset and perspective on “getting old.” I have refocused my priorities on extending the number of years I can live free of the infirmities that are associated with aging—from unwanted wrinkles, foggy memory and creaking joints, to a weakened immune system and more!

In wanting to defy the effects of aging without going under the knife, I found some helpful tips to “feed” the brain, “eat” for gorgeous skin and “sleep” for regeneration. Staying sharp as we age is a key aspect of longevity.

Nutrition and exercise are key prevention measures in slowing the onset of age-related cognitive decline. The brain needs healthy fats like omega-3s for it to keep our brain cells functioning. Fatty fish, such as mackerel, can help stave off the deterioration of our mind. Nutrient-dense salmon is another popular source of omega-3s, and additionally contains high levels of vitamins D and B. For the vegetarians, omega-3s are also found in chia seeds, walnuts and extra-virgin olive oil.

Plant-based foods are linked to higher levels of brain-benefiting nutrients. Red, blue and purple berries can also help protect brain cells from aging. After I learned that you can help “feed” your brain to stay sharp, I realized that maybe my daughter Jordan Prieto-Valdes’ vegan lifestyle has made her an even more brilliant writer and artist. She has been editing my weekly columns and putting to good use her magna cum laude screenwriting degree from Chapman University!

The longer you practice maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the more long-term benefits you experience. It’s all about finding the right habits that make you feel good. I was happy to read that wine is actually part of the “good for the brain” list. Sometimes we drink enough wine to say smart things, but end up doing stupid actions. So, remember: Moderation is key.

Well-nourished cells

Vibrant health starts with well-nourished cells. Since it can be challenging to constantly eat right, it is important to take supplements in order to provide ourselves with the right nutrients.

Usana CellSentials are so much more than your average multivitamins. Each daily dose provides essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and additional key nutrients. The exclusive InCelligence Complex, made using Usana’s patented Usana InCelligence Technology, goes beyond nourishing the body. It also helps activate your body’s natural ability to respond to stress and keep your cells healthy.

Additionally, Usana BiOmega has omega-3s, the fatty acids that work to keep you healthy through your senior years.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that must be provided by the diet, because your body can’t make it naturally. As a source of vitamin C, Usana’s Poly C offers a number of important benefits like the antioxidant activity that neutralizes damage caused by free radicals to maintain cellular health.

Regular exercise could both reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in healthy adults and boost cognitive performance among people with minor memory loss.

For ageless, beautiful skin, there are many beauty products that help reduce all the unwanted lines and age spots. Eating a nutrient-packed diet that includes antioxidant-rich foods also helps keep the skin clear. The antioxidant vitamin E helps fight wrinkles; some good sources include almonds, spinach and sunflower seeds.

If you want beautiful skin, what you eat matters. To reduce age lines and inflammation, as well as boost collagen and hydration for healthy skin, add foods that contain vitamin C, lipoic acid, collagen, ellagic acid (helps prevent wrinkles) and omega-3s. You can find these nutrients naturally in watermelon, bone broth, coffee, salmon and dark chocolate. Probiotics could as well help prevent skin damage.

For the dads out there who are now grandfathers or even great-granddads, I wish you an extra special Father’s Day as you enjoy a day filled with all the blessings you deserve. May the Lord shower you with healthy, strong years full of fulfilling joys and relaxing times. Take the time to care for yourselves, so that you may be able to care for the ones you love even more! INQ

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