The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) results are discouraging for many women who every day seek ways to prolong life and make their quality of life a healthier path. The initiative, is a major 15-year research program to address the most common causes of death, disability and poor quality of life in post-menopausal women -- cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. According to the study, some of the more popular notions for maintaining health are currently being questioned. The low-fat diet craze is being closely scrutinized as to its success for preventing cancer and lowering the risks of heart disease. Calcium supplements are no longer believed to help maintain bone density in older women. The wonder drug Vioxx was removed from shelves due to its propensity to induce heart attacks if taken for too long or too often.  And hormone replacement therapy, once the rage for easing menopausal changes, is now touted as dangerous for some women.

This is not to say that seeking healthy alternatives for a better quality of life is all in vain. A healthy diet coupled with regular exercise and ample amounts of rest can do the body and soul a world of good. I believe the results point to some fairly simple facts: there is no fountain of youth. No quick fix. No sure thing. Giving thanks to what we have today and appreciating the simple truths while pursuing a healthy lifestyle are sometimes the best approach.