5 how-to’s for staying healthy

Here are five important things you can do to stay healthy. Be sure to talk with your doctor about them.

1. How to: Reduce the risk of falling

   More than one-third of people older than age 65 have at least one fall each year. As you age, physical changes, health conditions and certain medications make falls more likely, but many falls can be prevented. Talk with your doctor about:

   • Taking a fall risk assessment
   • Reviewing your medications
   • Engaging in regular physical activity
   • Making changes to your home
   Learn more.
2. How to: Check your bone health

   Osteoporosis results in low bone mass and thinning bone tissue, causing bones to break more easily. Osteoporosis doesn’t have many symptoms. Unless you’re tested, you may not know you have it until a fracture develops. With new technology and medications, there are many ways to prevent, slow down and reverse low bone density and bone strength. Talk with your doctor about:

   • A bone density screening
3. How to: Improve bladder control

   Bladder control or incontinence doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging. It can be caused by food or drinks, prescription drugs or a medical condition. Many times bladder control can be improved. Talk with your doctor about:

   • Your symptoms
   • What treatment options are available
4. How to: Find help for depression/anxiety

   Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or stress? Are you suffering from grief or loss? These conditions are not a normal part of aging but often go undiagnosed because of the mistaken belief that sadness or losing interest in life are part of the aging process.

   Talk with your doctor about questions you may have about these issues. Also, call our Behavioral Health department at 1-800-673-8043 for a confidential assessment or for a referral to a doctor.

   Learn more.

5. How to: Check your kidney function if you have diabetes

   Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the U.S. You’re at risk for CKD if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or family members with CKD. If you’re at risk, see your doctor about having a:

   • GFR test to measure your kidney function
   • Blood pressure test to check for hypertension
   • Urinalysis to detect protein

Take Action

Try a FREE health risk assessment

Are you at risk for health problems? You can control some risk factors, such as diet, but you cannot control heredity. Find health risk assessments for you and your family at priorityhealth.com. Assessments include body mass index (BMI), diabetes, heart disease, depression, cancer and more. Show your doctor your results and create an action plan for staying healthy. Learn more.

Topics: Seniors care, Depression, Diabetes