Interested in being healthy and living longer? Becoming familiar with telomeres, which are essentially the ends of chromosomes, may help. Telomere shortening occurs as we age, at a rate influenced by lifestyle and exposure to toxins. However, research suggests that slowing this shortening can actually extend one’s lifespan.

Extending telomeres is one of the most promising strategies recommended by leading anti-aging biologists; it is one of the most exciting methods that hold great potential to actually reverse aging.

A telomere is the protective cap at the end of a chromosome that carries the genetic material of our cells – similar to the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces. Telomeres keep our chromosomes intact, healthy and functioning, allowing them to reproduce cells, which is the key to healthy aging, if not life itself. Telomeres may provide the single most important biomarker of aging.

The length of a telomere is crucial. The longer it is, the healthier you are. The older you get, the shorter your telomeres become. Other factors which can shorten telomeres include stress, smoking, drinking, being overweight, and not exercising, among other stressors. Recent research shows an association between shortened telomere length and age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, the stiffening and narrowing of arteries which is a precursor to heart disease and stroke.

Dr. Dirk Parvus is triple board certified in family, emergency and sports medicine. An expert in Age Management Medicine, Dr. Parvus received Physician Training & Certification jointly sponsored by the Cenegenics Education and Research Foundation (CERF) and the Foundation for Care Management (FCM). In addition, he has completed Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the Bio-identical Hormone Replacement courses run by Worldlink. For information on Telomeres Therapy developed to increase telomere length contact the Parvus Center at 772-564-7887 or visit ParvusCenter.com.