Premature physical deterioration: a reversible disease.

Abstract

readily apparent on a physical examination by a competent physician. Careful evaluation, however, of living habits and self interrogation regarding alterations in physical appearance and function will usually give very definite clues as to the extent that physical deterioration may have occurred. Subjective feelings of fatigue, jitteriness, unsocial behavior, and waning enthusiasm may represent early warning signs. Personality changes are characterized by a loss of courage. The individual becomes more fearsome of life, position, status, health and future. No longer is he the intrepid individual that he was while in college or during his early business career. Physical signs which are most easily detected are the accumulation of fat, especially in the lower abdominal region, a loss of muscular strength and endurance and a decrease in cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory efficiency. These later two signs being noted most often by a shortness of