Health Project 99+
Dear reader,
Thank you for taking the time to read this brief note. My name is Robert. Like most, if not all, of us, I aspire to live longer and staying healthy. The world has still so much to offer!
A few years ago, I embarked on a personal health journey. I call it Health Project 99+ finding out myself how to stay in excellent health for as long as possible. We humans have significant control over our own health destinies. Genetics and unlucky circumstances play a role. However, 80 – 85% of our health outcomes are influenced by diet. Lifestyle also plays a crucial role. It is important to do “good” things. Equally important is avoiding “bad” actions like smoking. Avoid consuming prepackaged, highly processed foods. Try not to eat too much sugar (which is not easy).
Two statistics to prove my point how you can influence your own health future. The number of healthy years for American men did not increase over the past 10 years. Still, the total lifespan grew (a little). Main reasons: sedentary lifestyle and wrong food choices. Over the past decade, Singapore saw an increase in the average age. The number of healthy years also increased. Reason: conscious policy by the Government to promote healthy options for its population.
Am I a medical doctor? Nope, I studied International law and human rights. I spent a 41 years career as a Dutch diplomat with my last posting as head of mission in Caracas. Experiencing a few health scares prompted me to invest more in my personal well-being. I also wanted to better understand health mechanisms to implement effective interventions.
My credentials to you, the reader, are research, checking and personal experiences. Over the years, I gathered an extensive amount of information from reputable medical sources. These include Medical News Today. I also learned from esteemed health specialists. I analyzed, verified, and distilled this information for my own understanding. I used it for personal use. I try to remove jargon and complex medical terminology. Why refer to “sarcopenia” when one can simply talk about “muscle loss”?
I undertook this initiative primarily for myself. I felt confused when doctors discussed metabolic syndrome. And VO2 Max? A crucial biomarker, but I had no idea what a biomarker was at the time :).
People make choices with the best intentions. Still, with all the info out there, it is easy to be confused. You can make mistakes, thinking you act healthy, but you are not. I fell into this trap many times.
Friends have, just like me, only vague notions about what is really good for you and what is not. Proteins are essential. We know this, but in most cases, we do not eat enough of them. Still, we really should. Seeing “Rich in fiber” on packaging is great. In reality, the fiber intake of the majority of people is far too low. Magnesium? Many of us have insufficient intake and when we take a supplement we often take the wrong kind. As I did for years.
I have over 200 blogs prepared. They are either finished or in progress. They cover topics ranging from “willpower” to “pesticides,” “vanity” to “supplements,” “exercise” to “sleep,” and “almonds” to “Vitamin K.” I was pleasantly surprised to learn that many parts of the body can be repaired. It is possible to stop muscle loss and partly even reverse it.
The optimistic side of me hopes for a golden bullet that will prolong our lives by many years. Is it likely? Not impossible, as these are exciting times, and I truly believe that breakthroughs will happen with Artificial Intelligence. I get really excited when I read about the Willow Chip’s infinite capacities. Google introduced it at the end of 2024. No idea what it can do, but its immense computing power sounds promising.
This information will be shared with anyone interested. It is just my personal experience, the things I eat, drink, and do to live a healthier and longer life. In the first half of 2025, I will start a video channel based on these blogs.
Join me, send your comments and live a happy and healthy life.
Your health friend, Robert
Scottish highlanders in Dutch dunes near The Hague