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SIHF Healthcare Wants You to Recognize the Healthy Side of Aging
Healthy Aging Month is observed throughout September, and SIHF Healthcare strives to raise awareness about the positive side of aging and how it can be done in a healthy manner. Now is the perfect opportunity for the older population and caretakers to help adopt healthier habits that set them up for healthy aging.
SIHF Healthcare highlights some important things to remember that can be done to assist with healthy aging, such as:
- Make Healthy Choices with Food and Drinks
To get the nutrition one’s body needs and lower the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, make whole foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fat the foundation of your families diet—like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and water.
- Move More, Sit Less Throughout the Day
“Keeping physically active can help offset many of the effects of aging,” says Dr. Bryan Steele, Family Medicine Physician at SIHF Healthcare. “Exercising regularly can improve your balance, help keep you mobile, improve your mood by reducing feelings of anxiety and depression, and contribute to better cognitive functioning. It’s also an important part of managing some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, breast and colon cancer, and osteoporosis.”
It’s recommended that an individual gets 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like swimming or taking a brisk walk) each week; you can further break this down into 30 active minutes a day for five days a week. It also recommends twice-weekly muscle-strengthening activities (like carrying groceries or light weight lifting).
- Don’t Use Tobacco
If you use tobacco, you’ll want to take the steps towards quitting in order to reduce the risk of having future health problems. The health benefits of quitting smoking include lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart rate; a lower risk of cancer, diabetes, and lung damage; and stronger bones, muscles, and immune system. If you need assistance quitting, talk to your medical provider or try calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW for FREE help.
- Get Regular Checkups
Visit your medical provider for preventive services, not just when you’re sick. Regular checkups with your medical provider, dentist, eye doctor, and specialist healthcare providers are opportunities to catch problems early and treat them before they become bigger problems. Also, be sure to share your family health history with your provider, who can help you take steps to prevent chronic diseases or catch them early.
- Be Aware of Changes in Brain Health
“Everyone’s brain changes as they age and it’s common for people to experience some slight forgetfulness as they get older and their ability to process new information or to multitask may slow with age as well,” notes Dr. Steele. However, when confusion and memory problems go beyond the occasional forgetful moment, that’s not normal and it should be checked out by a medical professional. As this could be the early stages of dementia or possibly another condition that’s affecting your brain and if caught early could be treatable.
At SIHF Healthcare our medical providers are ready to assist you with maintaining your health and wellness needs. Taking it one day at a time and making little improvements, such as incorporating a healthy diet, exercising and quitting smoking, can make life-changing differences in your overall health as you age. Click here to find a SIHF Healthcare health center near you and book an appointment today. Your provider will take the time to listen to your health concerns and offer the best care plan for you.
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About SIHF Healthcare
SIHF Healthcare operates a network of 30 health centers across 11 Illinois counties with more than 140 medical providers who deliver comprehensive healthcare services including: adult, family, women’s health, pediatrics, dental services for children, behavioral health, and population health services. As one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Center networks in the country, SIHF Healthcare is devoted to leading individuals and communities to their healthiest lifestyle regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit www.sihf.org.