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The 20's: Young and Active
Tips for being healthy in our 20s include eating healthy and whole, don't drink and drive, and get enough sleep. Routine healthcare includes medical check up every 2 years, clinical testicular exam, and dental cleaning 1-2 times a year. In our 20's we should be particularly mindful of our sexual, mental and emotional health. -
Protect my skin
Do not use tanning beds, and use good high SPF sun screen especially when participating in outdoor activities. -
Get regular exercise
Aerobic and weight bearing, 45 minutes, 5 times a week. Find a gym close to my home or work, find a basketball league, and find a yoga studio. -
Learn to cook healthy food.
Cooking healthy meals rather than going out to eat will be important for maintaining weight and getting nutrients -
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The 30's: Prime Time
This is a important time in life. Young professionals, starting families, and critical to take care of our health to reduce the risk of chronic health problems -
Keep exercise as a routine activity.
Try new aerobic-weight bearing exercises, and do it with a friend. Tennis would be a great one in my 30s. -
Have cholesterol levels checked, at regular physicals
Checking cholesterol will give me a view of how healthy my heart is, and to assess if I need to adjust my diet and exercise programs for optimal health -
Reduce Stress
Balancing work and family can be difficult. Find healthy ways to reduce stress: meditation, gratitude journaling, being in nature -
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The 40's: Mid-Life
In this decade of life, it is important to maintain the healthy habits which began in the 20s and 30s. If habits have not been consistent, now is the time! Good health will help reduce chronic pain and other problems in the 40's. -
Know my family health history
It is very important to research and document our family history, and share it with the primary care physician. Genetic factors can play a critical role in the risk for some health conditions - like heart disease. -
See the eye doctor
Eyes can begin to change in this decade, and glasses for reading may be necessary. Best to have them check regularly. -
Maintain a community of friends
Whether through work, church, hobbies or children's school, it is a great idea to develop meaningful relationships with like minded people. Support systems are helpful to our mental and emotional health as we experience the stress of life. -
Colorectal cancer screening
50 is the age to begin this screening. According to my parents, it is not comfortable but necessary for early cancer detection -
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The 50's: Decade of Change
In this decade, there can be many life changes that may effect our health. Children may becoming adults and leaving home, parents are getting older and need assistance, and there can be natural health related issues. It is critical to eat healthy, maintain your weight, have regular exam with your physician and get a variety of screenings done. -
Eat fresh healthy foods, and low salt
Continue healthy eating and watch sodium consumption, To much salt in your diet can lead to high blood pressure which can cause heart attacks, strokes, dementia and kidney disease. -
Challenge my mind
As we age it is important to exercise our minds as well as our bodies. In this decade it is great to learn something new like piano, bridge, or chess. It is a good time to take a class. Joining a book club is another great option. -
Reduce risk for falls
Having good balance is key in this decade. Falls are dangerous as we age. People can easily break their hips or other bones. Concussions are also possible. Exercise and strength is key. -
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The 60's: The golden years
For some, and I hope me, the 60's can be a time to retire, and travel and enjoy family. It is not always true, because parents are living longer, kids maybe in college, and full retirement may not be financially possible. -
Learn warning signs for stroke, or heart attack
It is important to know the warning signs for strokes or heart attack. For a stroke here are the warning signs:
*Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
*Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding
*Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
*Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
*Sudden severe headache with no known cause -
Maintain healthy weight
Staying active and maintaining weight is increasingly important as we age. Portion control and limited alcohol intake will be my goal.
