Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 36)

In Your Focus on: Taking time for yourself and staying in tune with your mental health. Stay-healthy strategies: Dealing with growing children, aging parents and a demanding career can take its toll. “Depression can be prominent as hormones shift and change,” says Laura Knobel, M.D., a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians’ board of directors. “Don’t be afraid to talk about it with your doctor and address it early.” And remember, exercise provides you with the perfect trifecta by boosting feel-good hormones, taking a whack at your stress and keeping your BMI within the healthy range, so make time to get moving. Finding an exercise buddy can help you stay on track and give both of you a sympathetic ear to vent to. And don’t forget about contraception. “In the 20s and 40s, you see many unplanned pregnancies,” Iglesia says. Talk to your doctor about long-term solutions. Screenings to schedule: Pap tests every three years are still on the table; you should also schedule a mammogram every one to two years. And beginning at 45, have your cholesterol checked every five years, and get tested for diabetes every three. DIY: Add strength training to your workout routine to preserve muscle mass and bone density. Both are important as you age. In Your 50s 36 Vim & Vigor • W i n ter 2 011 upper left hand corner, photography by photolibrary 40s Focus on: Getting enough fiber and scheduling the screenings you need—they’re essential! Stay-healthy strategies: “High fiber is important, in particular for colon health,” Nelson says. That means fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be on the menu every day. If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings or trouble sleeping, speak to your doctor about possible treatments. “Some women may need a little estrogen to get through the symptoms,” Iglesia says. “The goal is the lowest amount of estrogen for the shortest amount of time.” Screenings to schedule: This time in your life brings new and necessary screenings. As you continue mammograms and Pap tests, you’ll also want to sign up for a colonoscopy at 50 and get your thyroid checked. Keep on top of your heart health by continuing to have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked every two years and five years, respectively—and more often if levels are elevated. DIY: Taking an aspirin a day after age 55 may lower your risk of stroke, but speak to your doctor first to find out if it’s the right move for you.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil's Feature
New Hip, New Life
Building Better Heart Care
Back in Action
Supplementary Knowledge
Keys to Survival
Clearing the Air
Mark Harmon of NCIS fame makes 60 look good
This One's For the Girls
Life After a Loss
Do Your Diabetes Homework
Healthy Returns
Prime Time Health
The Future of Breast Health
Growing Generosity
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center