10 Health Tips for Older Men

1QHEALTH TIPS FOR OLDER MEN While Americans are living longer than ever before, it's a wide known fact that women typically live longer than men. However, according to healthinaging.org, "by taking care of themselves, experts agree, men can boost their odds of living healthier, longer lives." In honor of Men's Health Month, we've gathered ten health tips older men can use to stay healthy. SEE YOUR DOCTOR REGULARLY. As you get older, it's important to maintain a yearly checkup to make sure everything is ok. Find a primary doctor you like that can answer any questions you may have. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Whether you are feeling sluggish, not feeling rested or have a new pain, it may be time to call your doctor. SCHEDULE REGULAR SCREENINGS. Cancer and other diseases are much more likely to present in men ages 50 and older, so it's important to get screened regularly.? Healthinaging.org lists the following screenings you might want to consider:' Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening Bone health evaluation Blood pressure check Cholesterol test Diabetes check Hearing and vision screening Depression screening Dental check-up Screenings for prostate cancer and colorectal cancer STD screening GET YOUR SHOTS! Don't forget to stay up-to-date on your shots. You should be getting the following: Flu shot - every year Shingles vaccine - once when you turn 60 or older Pneumonia vaccination - once when you turn 65 or older Combination tetanus/diphtheria booster shot - every 10 years QUIT SMOKING OR DON'T SMOKE. You know it's bad for you, and there's never a bad time to quit. If you need help, you can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk to your physician. DRINK IN MODERATION. ces on your body, and these effects can worsen as you get older. Keep your drinking to less than two alcoholic drinks a day. alcoh can have a variety of negative ONLY TAKE VITAMINS OR MEDICATIONS AS DIRECTED BY YOUR PRIMARY DOCTOR. When you get older, you'll need to take more supplements, vitamins and medications to stay healthy. This includes a calcium + Vitamin D for your bone health. While this is recommended, it is a good idea to check with your doctor and pharmacist on what you're taking to make sure you need to take those medications and the recommended doses. Whenever you add a new medicine to the mix, check with the pharmacist or your doctor to find out if there will be any problems or side effects from taking the new medication. USE SUNSCREEN. Your skin is more susceptible to sun damage after 50, which means you should wear sunscreen year round to avoid skin cancer and other related skin diseases. Using SPF of 20 or greater that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays is preferred. Even though most melanoma is found on the trunk of a person, it's important for men to remember to use sunscreen on their ears, face, nose and neck and arms. EAT CLEAN. It's important to eat healthy later in life to keep your cholesterol down and protect your body. Clean eating means choosing foods that are non-processed, fresh and organic (when you can) to prevent from absorbing too much sodium and other substances that are bad for your body. For a guide on what to eat, visit mypyramid.gov. You can also get a nutrition plan at www.choosemyplate.gov. 9. KEEP YOUR BRAIN ACTIVE. Your brain is a muscle that needs to be worked. Whether it's joining a group, playing games, working on puzzles or reading, keeping the mind active will help you stay happy and alert. Exercise has proven brain benefits to help stave off Alzheimer's and improve memory and cognition for the long term. Find something that interests you or try new things with new people! REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLS 10 AND FRACTURES. Falling is the #1 reason why a person living independently ends up in a nursing facility. To improve your balance and reduce the risk of falling, participate in an exercise program 3-5 days a week that incorporates weights and cardio. Strength training will help you build your muscles and bones, decreasing your chances of falling and getting injured. Therapist owned and managed, the HTS mission has always been to provide the best clinical quality, management, programs and people to move our partners forward clinically and financially in providing "hope and a future" for our aging community. We are partners in restoring and rebuilding lives. When deciding on your next therapy provider, take a look at the difference made when using a true partner. Visit us at www.htstherapy.com today. Sources: 1 http://www.healthinaging.org/files/documents/tipsheets/mens_health.pdf 2 http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-Information/cancer- topics/prevention-and-screening/health/menhealthtips50s.html HTS your partner in therapy 3 http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/CheckListForSafety.html .....--.. .....--.