 |
Best Health
7 Steps to Best Health Past 60
ARTICLE
- Flu shot
The normal seasonal flu can be deadly after 60. The vaccine can save you misery, even your life. It’s a myth that it can cause the flu. The virus changes every year and the vaccine is 60-90% effective. Contact your insurance company or the local health department to find free or reduced cost shots. More flu information is available at www.cdc.gov/flu. News reports indicate people over 50 may be somewhat less susceptible to the H1N1 flu, except for those with underlying conditions or weakness. Be sure to check with your doctor about H1N1.
- Colonoscopy
Regular colonoscopy prevent or find early stage colorectal cancer. This is a preventable or treatable cancer if found early. If polyps are found they can be removed during the procedure. Discomfort is greatly diminished by new procedures. Click here for more information (including free or reduced cost colonoscopy).
- Daily Calcium 1200 mg. and Vitamin D 800 units
Both men and women need to strengthen their bones, avoid fractures. Take the next step: a bone density test and consult your doctor about medication. For more information visit www.nof.org.
- Shingles Vaccination – New!
Shingles is very painful. If you had chicken pox as a child, the virus never leaves your body. In later life it can cause shingles. Now there is a new vaccine that can help prevent the disease. Many insurance plans cover it for those 60 or over. Click here for more information from the CDC.
- Physical activity
Skating, hiking, bowling, long walks, yoga, pilates, weights. You need exercises to make you stronger,to improve your endurance, balance and to maintain cardiovascular health. Click here for more information.
- Eye Test
Preserve your sight. Catch and treat glaucoma and cataracts early so you can treat them before they’re significant.
- Tooth Care
Brush your teeth, floss, see a dentist. Dental problems cause pain and poor nutrition. Now we know they also cause damage to the heart. Click here for more information from the CDC.
One more thing .….
Multi-vitamins. The studies are inconclusive so far, but it’s probably a good idea.
Another article you might enjoy:
http://bestafter60.com/view/best-health/48/Meditate-Change-Your-Life.html
Tools for Healthy Living
Less Alzheimer's Disease?
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, a Mediterranean-style diet combined with physical activity could reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by 40%.
Genes Point to Best Diets
A study shows some women benefit from a low-fat plan while other benefit from low-carb, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
A study shows some women benefit from a low-fat plan while other benefit from low-carb, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Calcium Absorption
Calcium absorption significantly decreases after the age of 35. Take those Calcium tablets along with Vitamin D to help absorption. Take twice a day for consistency.
Calcium absorption significantly decreases after the age of 35. Take those Calcium tablets along with Vitamin D to help absorption. Take twice a day for consistency.
Fat Free Labels
Be careful of the “Fat Free” Label - the fat content may have been lowered, but the sodium and sugar content may have been raised to increase taste. This defeats the purpose. That extra sugar can turn to fat. The salt can raise blood pressure.
Be careful of the “Fat Free” Label - the fat content may have been lowered, but the sodium and sugar content may have been raised to increase taste. This defeats the purpose. That extra sugar can turn to fat. The salt can raise blood pressure.
New Hip Surgery Choices
Hip surgery recommended for your pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic arthritis? Be sure to check on the new less invasive surgery technique. Not all surgeons do it at this point and there are pluses and minuses, but it's worth investigating.
Hip surgery recommended for your pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic arthritis? Be sure to check on the new less invasive surgery technique. Not all surgeons do it at this point and there are pluses and minuses, but it's worth investigating.
Now You're Cooking!
Jane Weston Wilson's beautifully-written "Now You're Cooking!" column serves up seasonal recipes for eating easily, well and joyously.
Jane Weston Wilson's beautifully-written "Now You're Cooking!" column serves up seasonal recipes for eating easily, well and joyously.