Every September is recognized as Healthy Aging Month. A lot of health issues can be prevented by incorporating healthy habits in your lifestyle. Here’s a quick guide on how to stay healthy at every age!
In your 20s
Your 20s is a period of major changes. At this point, you may be living on your own for the first time or starting your first job. Don’t let these major changes compromise your health.
- Cut back on alcohol
Liver disease is one of the leading causes of death for 20 to 34 year olds. You can reduce your risk of getting liver cancer by cutting back on your alcohol intake.
- Use sunscreen
Sunbathing is fun but if you’re doing it without any form of skin protection, you are just increasing your risk of skin cancer. Even if it looks cloudy, make sure to apply sunscreen when you’re heading outdoors. Opt for one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and offers protection both from UVA and UVB rays.
- Don’t smoke or quit smoking
Smoking is one of those bad habits that you don’t want to get started with. It increases your risk of lung cancer and other chronic diseases.
In your 30s
Your 30s is considered one of the busiest stages of your life. At this stage, you may be trying to conceive or have already started a family. Even when life gets busy, don’t forget to take care of yourself!
- Safeguard yourself against cervical cancer
Like most types of cancer, cervical cancer has better prognosis when detected early. If you’re a woman, getting screened for cervical cancer is one of the best things you can do for your health. Don’t skip your yearly well-woman check-ups.
- Make time for exercise
Prioritize your health. Despite your hectic schedule, make it to a point of getting at least 30-minute of physical activity 3-4 days a week.
- Look after your skin
Don’t forget the sunscreen when heading outside! It may also time to ramp up your skin routine. It’s important to cleanse and moisturize before you head to bed.
In your 40s
Your 40s will be a stage of several life stages. These major changes could be in your relationships, career, or health.
- Stick to your healthy habits
The healthy habits you built decades ago will pay off in this stage of life. If you’ve been working out regularly, eating well-balanced meals, and quit smoking, continue with these routines! Most chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle.
- Watch your weight
Lost of muscle mass and changes in hormone levels can have an impact on how your body stores fat and how much it can burn. Keep your metabolism up by working out regularly and watching your portion sizes when eating.
- Check your blood pressure
High blood pressure is common at this stage of life. Make sure to know your numbers as uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase your risk of stroke.
In your 50s
At this stage, you may feel more stable in different aspects of your life. If you’ve been living healthy for the past decades, continue doing so.
- Listen to your body
If something feels odd like changes in your bowel movement, consult your doctor immediately.
- Include strength-training exercises in your routine
We lose bone density as we age. This is especially true for women after menopause, which increases their risk of osteoporosis. Incorporating high-impact weight exercises can help in building bones and keeping them strong.
- Keep an eye on moles
If you notice anything unusual with your moles such as a change in color or size, consult your doctor immediately. Skin cancer is a common condition of those in their 50s.
In your 60s and beyond
This is the decade on which you are more likely to expect having less work and more free time.
- Keep your brain active
Keep your brain healthy by doing things that challenge it. Whether it’s doing puzzles, Sudoku, or other forms of brain training, keeping your mind active can slow memory loss and other forms of mental problems.
- Work on your balance
Joint problems and even conditions like Alzheimer’s can all affect your balance. Work on it by doing low-impact activities like walking or swimming, and strength training exercises that focus on your core.
- Get screened
A lot of health conditions are treatable if they’re detected early. So, don’t forget to get screening tests for eye problems, heart disease, and cancer.
Creating healthy habits can often prevent health problems later down the road, but we understand that things happen. When a problem arises, the physicians of Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville are equipped with years of experience and the latest technology to treat adults of all ages.
Visit our website to see a list of specialties and services offered at Premier Surgical.