Health
Maintaining your health requires eating a balanced diet, being active and seeing a doctor for periodic checkups. Medical insurance is a primary concern for many, employed or not. Many people continue to work because they can not afford to lose the medical coverage.
Health Links
Hospital Compare: Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Health and Human Services
Healthier USA
NIH Senior Health
National Library of Medicine
Web MD
Studies suggest that age related declines may be overestimated.
Researchers at North Carolina University believe that memory and cognitive declines related to aging may not be as pronounced as once believe.
Eating vegetables helps slow down the rate of cognitive change according to a study from The results of a study indicate that sufferers of chronic pain in the front of the knee, gain no extra benefit from surgery.
Chronic knee pain: Is surgery the only solution?
Assess your health risk using three key factors.
Body Mass Index, Waist circumference, and any other factors associated with your weight.
Check your BMI, Body Mass Index to see if you are in a healthy range.
Underweight Below 18.5
Normal 18.5-24.9
Overweight 25.0-29.9
Obese 30.0 and above
Waist Circumference: anything over 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women can put you at increased risk.
Other risk factors include:
1. High blood pressure
2. High LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
3. Low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)
4. High blood sugar
5. Smoking
6. No physical activity
7. Family history of heart disease
Exercise
The cheap and easy, well not so easy, way to stay healthy. There are many options available, from home gyms to a daily walk. Choose whatever works for you and stick with it.
Too many people spend money on equipment that eventually becomes a rack for clothes. Yoga, Pilates, Martial Arts, biking, jogging, tennis, golf. None is better than another. The goal is persistence, keep at it.
Check your local YMCA or fitness center for programs that are geared for you. They may offer a membership discount. Some towns also have centers where programs are offered. Check with your Town Hall to see what’s available.
Government on Fitness
National Institute on Aging
People walk take an average 5,300 steps a day, doctors recommend 10,000 or more.
Researchers for the Peninsula Medical School have concluded that there is a direct link between physical activity during middle age and physical ability in later life. Duh! Use it or lose it
A study by the Stanford Center on Longevity found that resistance exercise twice a week for six months resulted in skeletal muscles that were not only stronger , but actually genetically younger.
Resistance Training is also an alternative.
Keep Socially Active
Stay in contact with others. Remaining active socially has a positive influence on your outlook and well being. Take part in activities sponsored by a senior center, church, non-profit or any other organization. Volunteer at the animal shelter, hospital or where ever you feel you can contribute.