4 Helpful Tips for Healthy Aging Month!
As we age, our ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle only becomes more and more important. The risk of developing chronic disease or medical conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes increases over time, which is why it’s so critical to be proactive about your health as the years go on. September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to focus on the things we can do to improve the state of our overall health in order to age as gracefully as possible. With this in mind, our healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine were happy to provide a few tips in the spirit of healthy aging.
Prioritize Heart Health
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for adults in the US. But common forms of heart disease like heart attacks and congestive heart failure can be prevented, or at least have their risks minimized by living a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes regular physical activity (even just taking a daily walk) and eating a healthy diet rich in fiber, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Make The Right Lifestyle Adjustments
It’s amazing how small adjustments to your lifestyle can add up, especially when compounded together. No one should ever smoke, but the need to quit all nicotine only becomes more pressing as the years go on. The same goes for excessive alcohol consumption, as alcohol can contribute to a wide variety of health problems. If you do drink, we recommend sticking to one drink a day or less. Prioritizing healthy sleep habits like developing a sturdy bedtime routine and sticking with it, as well as doing something to relax before bedtime, can also pay major dividends.
Keep Your Mind Active
Like the body, our minds can also benefit from extra care, maintenance, and activity as we age. Many older people may experience memory issues, changes in cognitive abilities, reflexes, and more. But these effects too can be minimized with the right care and mental wellness regimen. Staying socially active is hugely helpful. So too are activities that keep the mind active and working like dancing, tai chi, puzzles, word games, and any activity that requires thinking.
Annual Wellness Appointments Are a Must
Seeing your doctor for an annual check-up appointment is a great way to gauge the status of your overall health and lay the groundwork for many more healthy years ahead. Doing so can help you gain a better understanding of your mental and physical health, get some essential health screenings done, and reconnect with your healthcare provider. These annual appointments are a cornerstone to wellness as we age and should not be taken for granted. This is an important time to be very transparent with your doctor and ensure they know your lifestyle habits and your genetic health history.
There’s no such thing as a bad time to work to improve your health, but we hope this month and these tips can serve as a jumping off point for meaningful, lasting change. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.
