Simple Ways to Stay Healthy as You Age
By Sara Butler
As you get older, taking care of yourself becomes even more important. There are all kinds of advice out there about how to stay healthy as you grow older and if you pay attention the same advice keeps coming up time and again. Here are a few simple ways you can help to prevent illness and stay healthy as you rack up the birthdays.
Be Heart Smart
If you care for your heart, then your heart will care for you. With heart disease being the leading cause of death for Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s as important as ever to make sure you’re making healthy choices that will keep the old ticker ticking. To help lower your risk of heart disease you should:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise 150 minutes per week
- Eat a diet that is heart healthy
- Visit your healthcare provider regularly
- Keep tabs on your cholesterol and weight
Get Good Sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep at night you can be grumpy, but it doesn’t just stop there. Lack of sleep can have a big impact on your overall health and wellness. To improve your sleep, make sure to stick to a schedule. Go to bed at about the same time each day and wake up at about the same time -- even on the weekends. Keep your room dark and cool, too.
Keep Stress in Check
When stress takes hold of you it can make you feel very out of control. It’s also hard on your body. You can work on controlling stress by exercising regularly and learning a few relaxation techniques to help you handle the everyday stresses of life.
Know Your History
A complete health history is a helpful tool for your arsenal. It helps you to be proactive when it comes to health and helps you know what health conditions you should be on the lookout for due to family history. Share any information you have about family history with your healthcare provider so they can help you stay as healthy as possible.
Caring for yourself as you get older also means asking for help when you need it. If you’re concerned about something going on, then share it with someone who is equipped to help.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lake Forest, Calif.