Simple steps that can save your health
Your health risks increase as you age. So, what's the good news? Research shows that it's never too late to start living healthier. Steps you take now can help you stay active and improve your chances for living a longer life.
With all the health news out there, it can be hard to know exactly which habits can impact your health. Here are six strategies that are proven to help protect the health of mature adults. To find more in-depth information on any of the health topics mentioned, simply visit priorityhealth.com and type the keyword(s) in the SEARCH box. Contact your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Check for depression
Older adults are at higher risk for depression than younger adults. The effects of depression on older adults are just as harmful as smoking, obesity or high blood pressure. If you're experiencing signs of depression, you can call our Behavioral Health department at 800 673-8043 for a confidential assessment or for a referral to a behavioral health specialist.
Visit us online to find out the symptoms of depression and how to cope.
Test your blood pressure and A1c levels
Diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death among Michigan men and women. If you have diabetes, it's important to keep your A1c level at less than 7% and your blood pressure less than 130/80 mm Hg. It can lower your risk for complications such as diabetic retinopathy (eye disease), kidney disease, nerve damage and heart disease. Have your A1c and blood pressure checked at least every six months.
Search keyword: diabetes
Quit smoking
Smoking is the #1 preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. Female smoking-related deaths now outnumber deaths from breast cancer. In addition, secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in adults who don't smoke. It's not easy to quit a habit like smoking alone. Visit our site to learn about the variety of information and resources available from Priority Health to help you quit.
Search keywords: tobacco cessation
Protect against chest infections
Many adults get upper respiratory infections in the fall and winter months. These are viral infections with severe coldlike symptoms, and antibiotics are useless against them. To prevent infections, wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your face. To prevent the spread of germs, make sure you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the crease of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
Search keywords: upper respiratory
Assess your bone health
Osteoporosis is a disease marked by low bone mass and thinning bone tissue. It causes bones to weaken and break more easily. Osteoporosis doesn't have many symptoms. Unless you are tested for the disease, you may not know you have it until after a fracture develops. Thanks to new technology and medications, there are many ways to prevent, slow down and reverse low bone density and bone strength. Talk with your doctor today about a bone density screening for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Avoid falls
As you age, physical changes, health conditions and certain medications make falls more likely. More than one-third of people older than age 65 have at least one fall each year; many of which can be prevented. You can reduce your risk of falling by:
- Talking with your doctor about a fall risk assessment and reviewing your medications
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Making changes to your home environment to reduce safety risks
Search keywords: fall prevention
Watch out for glaucoma
Glaucoma has no warning signs, which makes early detection and treatment important. If you have glaucoma, and it's not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. To help protect your eye health, experts recommend everyone older than age 60 have a dilated eye exam with an eye care professional every one to two years. This is especially true if you're at high risk for glaucoma. Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing the condition and other ways to prevent it.
Topics: Preventive care, Diabetes, Seniors care
