Dr. T’s 10 Tips For Living A Long, Healthy Life
By Dr. Michael Tehrani
Long Live You! I greatly value each person’s “golden years.” Whether you’ve reached retirement or are looking forward to it, you should be proud of yourself for working hard to live out your golden years. I think of them as your trophy from a hard-earned life. But to protect the longevity of your golden years, upkeep is the key. The more we practice health, the longer we stay healthy! Here’s ten important tips to make sure your golden years feel like a never-ending pot of gold!
1) Prevention Is The Goal
Preventative care visits include such things as screening for falls, osteoporosis, vision, hearing, cholesterol levels, labs, high blood pressure, cancer screenings, and heart problems. Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations to help prevent getting the flu, pneumonia, covid, or shingles. Review your medications and do an overall health assesment at least once a year with your doctor.
2) Prevent Falls
As you age, the biggest threat to losing your independence is falling. Prevent falls by removing lose carpet or throw rugs, keep paths clear of clutter or electrical cords, and use night lights in hallways and bedrooms. It is also important to maintain healthy and strong bones by supplementing vitamin D, and doing routine bone scan. The stronger and healthier your bones, the less brittle they will be, therefore the less chance they will break if you have a fall.
3) Medication Management/Adherence
Less is more when it comes to medications. Medication side effects are one of the leading causes of falls. Make sure you review medications with your primary doctor on a regular basis to assess the benefit of every medication over its side-effects. As we age our body breaks down medication slower and slower, so therefore it remains in our body longer and longer and it has more of an effect than it did when we were younger.
4) Stay Physically Active
Use it or lose it! Exercising is one of the most important factors in keeping muscles strong and active. Without exercise, muscles will get weaker which can lead to falls.
5) Socialize
Time spent with friends, family, children, and grandchildren helps seniors stay connected and active, mentally and physically. Use electronic means like FaceTime to stay in touch with friends and family you cannot visit.
6) Screen For Vision Changes
Seniors should get their eyes checked annually to check for reduced vision or need for glasses or adjustment in the glasses. Reduced vision can lead to falls.
7) Mental Health
The brain is a muscle too. So the “use it or lose it” philosophy applies to keeping your brain active and healthy. Having conversations with others, doing crossword puzzles, reading, and anything that stimulates the mind will help prevent a decline in mental health.
8) Sleep
Giving your body and mind time to rest and recover each night is just as important as exercising your muscles. Give yourself time away from devices to cultivate a deep, meaningful sleep.
9) Understand Your Medical Condition
Ask questions, do research, and be up-to-date with your labs and diagnoses! Understanding your own body will lead to better conversations with your doctor and more adherence to the prescriptions and treatments your doctor recommends!
10) Regularly Visit Your Primary Care Physician
Your Primary Care Physician (PCP) is the captain of your health’s ship and will help you balance the other 9 steps listed and much more to help you remain healthy and active! If you don’t have a Primary Care doctor, that’s no excuse! Our office is accepting patients now so give us a call!
Dr. Michael Tehrani, M.D. is an award-winning doctor and CEO of Med-Well Medical whose practice is located right here in Long Beach near the traffic circle. If you’re interested in learning more about Dr. Tehrani and his team, please visit: www.medwellmedical.com or call 562-498-2481.
