People are living longer than ever so it isn’t
unusual to find studies being done and books being written about how to remain
mentally sharp and physically active.
An article in the Northwest Prime Time newspaper (February/March 2010) summarized
recommendations by Dr. Hugh Straley (Puget Sound Health Partners) very
nicely.
We all want to be healthy
and we all want to do what is best for us, but it is hard. If it weren’t hard our doctors would be out of
business. Preventive medicine is big these
days and it means that it is up to us to do more than just read about it. We
need to be well informed partners when it comes to our own care. This is all information that you have heard
before but maybe this will be the time that it will stick.
Once again:
Stay active. Twenty minutes
a day of regular exercise is better for you than almost any medicine that you
can take. It isn’t that hard. If your doctor wrote it out on a prescription
pay you probably wouldn’t have any trouble fitting it into your schedule at
all.
Eat well. You know this from way back when your mom
told you to eat your vegetables. Every
time you go to the doctor he/she will tell you to eat more fruits and
vegetables, consume less salt and less sugar, and eat more protein, and fiber
seems to be big now. It takes an hour
longer to grocery shop if you take the time to read all of the labels but the
information is right there in front of you.
This morning I had to examine 6 loaves of bread before finding one with
6 grams of fiber per slice. Nutrition is
important at any age, but as we get older we have to pick and choose what we
put into our mouths carefully. Seniors
either eat too much or too carelessly, or they aren’t hungry and don’t want to eat
at all. Think of food as a medicine.
Preventive care is
essential. See your doctor regularly,
get your shots and take his/her advice as to routine medical screening. If you wait until you are sick to visit your
physician it may be too late.
Get the right amount of
sleep. Seniors either want to snooze all
of the time or they complain of not being able to sleep at all. You still need 6-8 hours a night and if you
are tired and don’t sleep well your doctor may be able to help you. No, sleeping pills are not the answer.
Take control of chronic
illnesses. If you have diabetes, heart
disease, lung disease or any other chronic condition it is in your best
interest to learn all you can about them, and be aware of related
complications. Work with your physicians
to avoid problems and learn how to manage them if they occur.
Don’t smoke and drink in
moderation only. Drinking to excess
causes problems and you don’t want to be lugging around an oxygen tank either.
Chill and relax. People who have less stress in their lives
live longer. Smile and laugh
enough. You will enjoy life more and
other people will enjoy having you around. Train yourself to relax. Why become annoyed and upset over
inconsequential things that you can’t do anything about?
Stay busy with fun
activities. I like this one most of
all. Many older people forget how to
have fun. Stay engaged by taking
classes, doing volunteer work, or work part time. Have a positive and an outgoing
attitude. Even if you don’t live longer
you will have more fun along the way.
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