To become an accomplished adventure traveler, travel writer/photographer, lecturer or an associate with the broadcast media, one important ingredient is having a strong, natural curiosity about the world in which we live. For me, travel has always been much more than sightseeing. Travel is a living classroom in which my knowledge of life is continuously being expanded and updated. A friend of mine calls it "neoteny". In biological terms, the word means "the retention of juvenile characteristics in the adult form". However, in a human context, "neoteny" is comparable for an adult to have the energy of youth, the maintaining of youthful vigor and the actual retardation of the aging process.

Therefore in my "neoteny" world, I allow for few limitations, impossibilities and challenges too difficult to accept. I believe no one is too old, too weak or too uneducated to tackle the preparations for a myriad of journeys awaiting discoveries. I choose my new destinations based on my neoteny-inspired curiosity as well as my heart. This "hands-on" approach to travel serves me well; however, one also requires good health and fitness. When combined, the result is the energy to achieve.

Inevitably, following many of my presentations either during a discussion period, or a Q & A, the question almost always arises: "How do you stay so fit?"

It is now time I address this question to my readers.

The answer requires an in-depth explanation. First of all, we have all repeatedly heard that one's health and longevity are highly dependent upon one's genes. Well, as a young lady, this disturbed me because my father suddenly passed away in his early 40's. Back then I didn't know if I too was destined for a similar lifespan or if I could do something to change the impact of those unwanted genes. All I really wanted to do was to live a long life and, if this was my goal, could I actively do something to make it happen?

I was never an athlete or participant in general sporting activities. In fact, I felt too uncoordinated in running, throwing or hitting to even want to venture into sports. But later, with the pressures of the media advocating health and fitness and my availability of more time, I made a commitment to live a full and healthy life. Gradually, I became an athletic.

While living in Switzerland, I took up skiing and then after a move to a town near Wimbledon in England, I decided venture into tennis. Sports didn't come easy for me; however, I eventually became an accomplished skier and tennis player. After returning to the States over 20 years ago, I added cycling to my list of sports. However, as I still retained the competitive spirit, I attacked my new sport with a vengeance. For training, riding my bike 18 miles on a Rails-to-Trails bike path became almost a routine and not an exception. I eventually enrolled in the Michigan Senior Olympics and actually won the silver medal in the 20 km (12.4 m) event.

But, to add to my physical fitness, I also stopped eating red meat and became interested in my general overall health. Almost anyone will tell you, IF you eat the right things, you will never need to take vitamins and minerals. Well, the emphasis of that instruction lies in the word "IF". But since I wasn't eating red meat, how would I know when I required a bit more of this or a bit more of that? For example, when I finished an exhaustive workout, should I replenish potassium or sodium or both?

To find answers to my questions, I did a lot of research. The conclusion was that I actually required supplements. And now, I take a selection of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. **

In the final analysis, I am so very pleased that I had the determination to reach my goal of becoming fit and healthy. It did take effort and determination because for most of us, health and fitness do not just happen.

** I have been a satisfied customer of Vitamin Research Products (VRP) for over 20 years.