Motivational music:
Enjoying life should be done with an eye toward lasting health, vitality and longevity. That means adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As we grow older, our cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and endocrine systems change, leaving us vulnerable for common conditions and maladies such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, menopause/andropause (in men) and an increased risk of cancer.
By addressing common risk factors and improving overall health and wellness, it is possible to improve and maintain our quality of life as we age. Healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation, conservative alcohol consumption and eliminating stress can reduce or even prevent a myriad of common diseases.
In our twenties and thirties we think we’re invincible and adopt habits and pursue lifestyles that can have detrimental long-term effects on our bodies and minds. However, by our forties and fifties, notions of invincibility give way to a greater awareness of our mortality, as we are feeling the effects of aging and wishing we had made better choices earlier on. Nonetheless, do not fret. It is never too late to start a health and fitness regimen.
Progressive exercise can increase strength, improve flexibility and boost quality of life for individuals of all ages. Here are some tips to help get you on track and stay there:
• Consult your physician to make sure you are healthy enough for exercise.
• Contact a nutritionist for advice on healthy eating as watching your caloric intake is an essential part of weight loss.
• Make a conscious effort to walk (or be more active) around the house and at work.
• Find exercises that you enjoy and do them as often as your body allows. A little bit of soreness for a day or two is a good thing, but contact your physician or physical therapist if you feel sharp pain that gets worse.
• Invest in comfortable footwear, this will encourage you to walk and exercise more, while reducing the risk of injury to joints.
• Find an 'exercise buddy' to help you stay motivated and accountable.
As we go through the different stages of life from childhood to adolescence, from adulthood on into our senior years, it becomes even more important to embrace a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and physical activity. Prevention is always better than the cure!
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Dr. Ivan Hernandez aka Dr.Ivan, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, FMS
Twitter: @DrIvanPT | Instagram: @Dr.IvanPT | Facebook: Dr.IvanPT
