Self Hypnosis Key to Long Life?

Self Hypnosis Key to Long Life?

Hypnosis key to longevity, 100-year-old advises
BY BETSY V. SWENSON

SLIDELL -- Thursday was like any other day for Chester "Chuck" Cook. He woke up, drove himself to the donut shop, picked up some donuts and made his way to the Slidell Senior Center on Cousin Street.

But one thing was different. It was Cook's 100th birthday.

The Slidell man was greeted yesterday at the Slidell Senior Center with a birthday cake, balloons, flowers and a spirited round of "Happy Birthday toYou." He also received a special visit from Slidell Mayor Ben Morris, who presented Cook with a Citation of Honor in recognition of the 100-year-old's big day.

Born May 19, 1905, Cook has lived in Slidell for over 25 years. Born in New Orleans, the Slidell resident has been married three times; all three of his wives are deceased. He has one daughter.

When asked the secret to longevity, Cook doesn't hesitate.

"Hypnosis," he said confidently. "I took a course 40 years ago, and it changed my life."

Cook's wife was dying at the time, and the worry over her condition caused Cook to develop a bleeding ulcer. After spending a few weeks in the hospital, he decided he would never get sick from worry again.

"I've been healthy ever since," he said with a smile. "I've trained my mind to think. I never let anything upset me."

Erika Bocage, coordinator at the Council On Aging of St. Tammany, said Cook has been a fixture at the Slidell Senior Center for the past 10 years.

"He's here every day," she said. "Every morning, his car is parked out front."

"I don't think I've missed a day," Cook added.

A retired electric contractor, Cook plays pool, reads and uses his mind in his spare time.

"I read a lot, and I think a lot," he said. "I have an extensive library of health books."

Cook says he always makes sure to get his eight hours of sleep, and he eats whatever he wants.

"It's easy," he said, when asked how he made it to the ripe, old age of 100. "You can do it, too."
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