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Your doctor may have told you that you should get an annual physical. Almost 45 million Americans do and that number is even higher for seniors. And of course, aging often leads to aches, pains, and illnesses that send you to the clinic more often than that.
The annual physical rule has recently come under scrutiny with many experts saying it really isn't necessary for younger folks. Obviously, you'll want to consult with a doctor if you're having any problems or changes in your health. But the general consensus is that annual physicals are a good idea for people once they reach the ripe old age of 50.
So whether its a yearly appointment or an interim visit for illness or injury, are you getting the most out of your visits? Well, many people don't. But it doesn't have to be that way.
So how do you make the most of your appointment? Here are some ideas.
What to Do During a Doctor Appointment
Be Prepared. This may be the Boy Scout motto, but its also the best advice for those planning a doctor visit! Your appointment will be scheduled for only a certain amount of time so you'll want to make the most of it.
What's up? When you make the appointment, give them a brief idea of the reason for the visit so they can allow enough time. They'll typically reserve a longer time for a physical, but for other appointments be sure to mention all
the reasons so you have time to discuss them with your doctor.
Starting new. If your'e a new patient, bring along a personal and family health history. Sometimes they'll send you a form in advance. If so, complete it at home and make a copy to keep for future use. Bring your previous medical records or have them sent to your new doctor in advance.
Get physical. If you've got an annual physical coming up think about any health issues that may have been bothering you. If you have enough time, be aware of your body leading up to the appointment and write things down no matter how small they seem. Sometimes things hurt or act up during one part of the day and then improve. Arthritis may be worse first thing in the morning or during the night, so you may forget to mention what's not hurting when you see your doc). Or allergies might be sporadic and youd like to get a prescription for when they're bad, but you aren't feeling it in your air-conditioned doctors office, so its easy to forget.
Keep track. If you've been having any health problems keep a record of when it all began, when the problem occurs, and how severe it is. This is an especially effective way to track migraines, digestive issues, or other conditions that crop up frequently but not regularly. Knowing when they occur will help you and your doctor to determine what may be triggering the problem.
Write it down. Write a list of things you may want to ask or discuss even if they seem minor. Sometimes one condition may be related to another and you'd never realize it until your doctor becomes aware of both symptoms and puts two and two together.
Don't go alone. Take someone with you to your appointment. If your memory isn't what it used to be or you are diagnosed with something unexpected or even frightening, that person can take notes and ask questions to help you remember and take further action.
Doing drugs. Bring a list of your medications not only prescriptions, but also any vitamins, herbs, supplements, or over-the-counter meds you take on a regular basis. This is especially important for seniors who travel or spend the winter in a warmer climate or who have just retired to a new community. Knowing your meds will help your doctor discover any possible drug interactions as well as what has worked and what hasn't side effects you may have, and whether you might be taking too many medications.
New drugs. If you get a new prescription, don't be afraid to ask what the common side effects are. What side effects would warrant calling your doctor? How soon can you expect the drug to work? And feel free to ask for clarification on when to take it, whether to take it with food, etc.
Don't be shy. Doctors are bound by patient confidentially, so you don't have to worry about anything you say. Yes, it might be embarrassing to discuss hemorrhoids, your sex life, or bowel movements, but there may be an easy solution that youll never know about if you never bring it up.
Be honest. Its tempting to lie about things you know you should do and don't do or things you do that you know you should not. Smoking, eating donuts, and cheese curds, not wearing your seatbelt, or having unsafe sex are some of the most common offenders. You get the idea. Again, you need to be honest or your doctor cant help you.
Get it in writing. If you get a new prescription, exercise, or other instruction, ask to have it written down. You might think you'll remember, but sometimes its a lot to take in all at once. Better be safe than sorry.
Cheat sheet. If this is a lot to remember, use the American Heart Associations new guideline nicknamed PACE:
Provide information about how you feel.
Ask questions if you don't have enough information. Clarify what you hear. Express any concerns you might have. And don't forget to make any follow-up appointments before you leave!
Your chronological age and your biological age dont necessarily match. Around the ages of 44 and 60 the aging process accelerates in what has been dubbed a biomolecular shift, which dramatically impacts health and internal aging. Researchers discovered these two bursts of aging during the human lifespan, singling out the mid-forties and early sixties as key periods. But the greater shift in biological aging happens during your early sixties.However, out of this seemingly bad news is some hope. Now that science has pinpointed when these changes occur, it could help researchers uncover what is driving chronic disease as we age, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis or even strategies for prevention. So exactly what is going on during these periods of rapid biological aging, how do they impact health, and what can you do to be proactive? Lets break it down.Aging Isnt Primarily GradualYou can no longer assume that aging happens gradually. Ever notice that some people seem to age overnight or are really showing their age? While there is obviously gradual decline, more dramatic changes happen quickly and during certain periods of life. It all comes down to the molecules that make up your physical body. These individual molecules are what age, and studies reveal that they undergo greater change at certain ages, making aging non-linear or not so much gradual over time.How Periods of Rapid Biological Aging Impact HealthIn both your mid-forties and early sixties most people experience molecular level changes related to skin and muscle aging, cardiovascular disease, and the metabolizing of caffeine. This is why people tend to start or increase cholesterol or blood pressure medications during these times of life.Researchers also noted differences between the two periods of biological aging. People in their forties had a greater shift in relation to fat and alcohol metabolism, while those in their sixties underwent shifts related to immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function.These facts seem to correlate with experience as many people in their sixties are less able to fight off sickness and are even more prone to weight gain and kidney trouble or even kidney failure. Cancer rates tend to spike around this time as the immune system is less able to fend off the invasive cancer cells. Cases of heart disease also rise during this time as people struggle more with their weight and rising cholesterol levels.Less expected, however, was the evidence of rapid aging during the mid-forties. But it becomes more understandable as you consider what characterizes the lives of most people during this life stage. Lifestyle makes a difference and life moves at a rapid pace during your forties. Often this is a time of busy family and work schedules, high work stress, divorce, and weight gain. You often have less time for self-care during these frantic years, and all combined, this shifts your body into a period of rapid molecular aging.Combat Biological Aging with Proactive StepsYou obviously cant stop the aging process but its possible to slow it down. The steps to achieve this arent all new or innovative. In fact, it involves putting common knowledge into practice which many people resist, at least until later life. Here are some unsurprising practical tips for slowing biological aging: Avoid weight gainEat more fruits and vegetablesControl diabetes and high blood pressureStay physically activeDont smoke And the way to prevent or avoid diabetes and high blood pressure is to limit sugar, processed carbohydrates, and saturated fats. If youre in your 40s, in addition to the above, its also beneficial to monitor and minimize your cholesterol levels, exercise to build muscle mass, and limit or avoid alcohol. For additional ways to combat aging, read our article, How to Live Longer: 12 Life-Boosting Habits to Start NowThe best rule of thumb is not to wait until your health begins to decline before making these changes. Adjust your lifestyle while youre still healthy, and you will see the biggest payoff. However, its never too late to start living with your health in mind, because changes at any stage will make a positive difference.Key Takeaways About Biological Aging in Your 40s and 60sScience previously thought that the human body aged gradually in linear fashion, but recent studies show that aging on a molecular level occurs rapidly during the mid-forties and early sixties. During your forties, this change is often due to lifestyle changes that can be altered for better outcomes. You can slow the aging process during midlife with regular exercise and a diet rich in produce and low in saturated fat and processed carbohydrates.
You know a vegan diet is touted for its plethora of health benefits, but now research suggests it can even make you younger at the cellular level, reducing your biological age. After just eight weeks of a vegan diet, one study found that biomarkers for biological aging decreased. How well your body functions is the focus of your biological age, which means it can be different from your chronological age, or age in years. A vegan diet is one of the specific lifestyle changes you can make to help you function like someone younger. When you slow your biological age, it can help you live longer and add healthier years to life without chronic disease.Understanding the Link Between a Vegan Diet and Biological AgeEven though civilization has made huge strides in prolonging life expectancy, much of the population still battles with age-related chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease. But if we can slow biological aging, the prevalence of those chronic conditions will diminish further. This means we would not only extend our quantity of life by adding years but also our quality of life as these years would be healthier ones.Medical professionals can assess biological age in different ways. One way is through DNA methylation, involving molecular changes over time that flip genes on and off. Sometimes changes age the body faster and others may slow the aging process down. For this study, shifts in DNA were monitored in 21 pairs of adult identical twins. In each pair, one twin switched to a vegan diet and the other followed a healthy diet that included meats and animal products. Often confused with vegetarianism, a vegan diet is stricter and prohibits eating not only meats and fish but all animal byproducts as well. This means vegans must forgo eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, and other foods that vegetarians consume.Study Reveals Vegan Diet Reduces Biological AgeThe study found a reduction in biological age markers for the twins who went vegan. But for the twins who continued eating meat and animal products, these same markers remained the same. Specifically, the study linked going vegan to reductions in biological age markers of the heart and liver as well as for the endocrine, immune, and metabolic systems. However, scientists cant be sure how much of the observed changes were solely due to the vegan diet and how much could be attributed to calorie reduction and weight loss. And since the study is small and not extensive, which means a broad conclusion cant be drawn about whether everyone should reduce biological age by going vegan. Furthermore, researchers cant be sure which aspect of the vegan diet is so beneficiallike eating less meat or eating more vegetables.How a Vegan Diet May Improve Molecular AgeOf all the modifiable factors, experts believe diet has the most impact on biological age. Plant-based diets have enormous anti-inflammatory benefits and are high in antioxidants, nutrients, and fiber which go a long way toward slowing biological aging. Vegan diets are also extremely low in saturated fats, a major contributor to chronic conditions like high cholesterol and heart disease. But before you jump on the vegan train, consider your approach. Its best to do your research and be sure a vegan diet is sustainable over time, even if youre not a strict vegan. Its better to be mostly vegan or largely vegan than to be strict for the short term. The benefits accumulate over time, which means a vegan diet must be a long-term commitment to have any lasting impact upon your health.Different Types of VeganismAs with any diet or eating plan, the health benefits depend on the specifics of what youre eating. Even a vegan can eat bad or unhealthy plant-based foods. Here are a few common types of vegan diets:Dietary vegans:Also called plant-based eaters, this is the most strict type of vegan. Adherents to this brand of veganism avoid consuming all animal products but still use non-vegan products in other forms such as clothing and cosmetics. Whole-food vegans:These veganites eat only vegan-whole foods, omitting any processed vegan products. The focus of this diet is vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. Junk-food vegans:These are the opposite of whole-food vegans. A large part of their diet contains processed vegan foods like fries, frozen dinners, vegan meats, and desserts like vegan cookies and non-dairy ice cream.Raw-food vegans:Although safer than meat-eating raw food fans, those who follow a vegan raw-food diet eat only foods that are either completely raw or cooked at temperatures below 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).Low fat raw-food vegans:This type of vegan diet avoids high fat vegan foods like avocados, nuts, and coconuts. They eat a lot of fruit in addition to raw vegetables. Because they dont eat nuts or processed soy, it can be difficult for this type of vegan to get the proper amount of protein or healthy fats.Of the many types of vegan diets, a whole-food vegan diet offers the most health benefits, allowing you to eat the most variety and gain the most nutritional benefit. If you want to try a vegan diet, consult with your doctor about what is most appropriate for you and to ensure youre able to gain all the nutrients you need.More Health Reasons for Going VeganSince diets high in red meats have been linked to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, more people are considering a vegan diet as a healthy and safer alternative. Plant-based diets are closely associated with a lower risk of developing these diseases and dying prematurely.Many people also experience better digestion when eating primarily plant-based, and additional research has linked it with a reduced risk of Alzheimers disease.Additionally, some research suggests that if you eat a vegan diet youre more protected from the side effects linked to the antibiotics and hormones in modern animal products.Another major factor in reducing the risk of chronic disease is weight loss that is often inherent with a vegan diet. When you cut out the calories found in higher fat meats, highly processed foods, dairy, and other animal-based foods, its much easier to maintain a calorie deficit or the right amount of calories for a stable weight.However, you may be surprised to find that going vegan, though beneficial for reducing biological age, might also leave you short in certain nutrients. As a vegan, you must be mindful of consuming the proper amount of protein, healthy fats, iron, B12, calcium, selenium, zinc, iodine, and vitamin D. These nutrients are specifically found in animal products and little to none exist in plant-based foods. A vegan diet can be perfectly healthy as you are aware of some of the deficiencies and intentionally plan for them, whether by intentionally incorporating foods rich in these nutrients or taking supplements to account for them.Common Vegan Foods for Healthy AgingHere are some of the plant-based replacements vegans use to replace animal products.Tofu, tempeh, and seitanThese foods offer a protein-rich alternative to meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. You can use them in recipes or prepare them as you would a meaty main dish.LegumesThese include beans, lentils, and peas, which are excellent sources of nutrients and can be prepared in many ways or added to a variety of recipes. Lentils are also an important source of vegan protein while also containing complex carbs.Nuts and nut butterIf you eat these unblanched and unroasted, youll get a larger dose of fiber, iron magnesium, selenium, zinc, and vitamin E.SeedsHemp, chia, and flaxseeds provide a healthy amount of protein and those necessary healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids.Calcium-fortified plant milk and yogurtVegans get some of the necessary calcium, B12, and vitamin D from fortified vegan dairy products.AlgaeThis is an excellent source of complete plant protein, specifically if you buy spirulina and chlorella varieties. Nutritional yeastThis is another way for vegans to get more protein. Its often in a flaky form and can be shaken onto or into vegan dishes. It has a mild cheesy flavor. You can usually buy brands fortified with B12.Whole grains, cereals, and pseudocerealsThese are excellent sources of complex carbs, fiver, B vitamins, iron, and minerals. Some high-protein examples include teff, spelt, amaranth, and quinoa. You could also include steel-cut oats and even the more processed oat varieties.Sprouted and fermented plant foodsVegans regularly eat tempeh, miso, natto, sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, and kombucha which contain probiotics and vitamin K2. You can also improve mineral absorption by eating sprouted and fermented foods.Fruits and vegetablesA foundational element of a vegan diet is fruits and vegetables. Both are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Eating leafy greens like spinach, kale, watercress, bok choy, and mustard greens boosts iron and calcium. Is Going Vegan Worth It?A growing body of research suggests there are real and impactful health benefits linked to a vegan diet. So if its overall health and nutrition youre concerned about, a vegan diet may be worth the inevitable sacrifices. This is especially true if youre interested in slowing the biological aging process. Just keep it in mind that you dont have to adopt a vegan diet in the strictest sense to see health benefits. Drastically reducing the consumption of saturated fats or animal products will have a positive impact and reduce health risk.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and neither is handling the sale of their home. Emotions run high, decisions feel overwhelming, and its easy to make mistakes that could cost time, money, or unnecessary stress. On April Fools Day, lets take a lighthearted yet informative approach to highlight some common missteps families make when selling an estate and how to avoid them.Foolish Mistake #1: Letting Emotions Control the ProcessIts natural to feel sentimental about a family home filled with cherished memories. However, pricing a home based on emotional value rather than market reality is a common mistake. Setting an unrealistic price can lead to months of frustration with no offers or lowball bids that feel insulting.Smart Move: Work with a real estate professional who understands the market and can provide an objective pricing strategy. Its okay to honor memories, but the best tribute is making a smooth transition that benefits the family.Foolish Mistake #2: Holding Onto Everything "Just in Case"When going through a loved ones belongings, its tempting to keep everything for sentimental reasons. Before you know it, every closet, shelf, and storage space is filled with "important" items that delay the sale.Smart Move: Set clear guidelines for what to keep, donate, or sell. Professional organizers and estate sale services can be a huge help. Remember, the true value of a loved ones legacy isnt in the objects but in the memories you carry forward.Foolish Mistake #3: Skipping Necessary UpdatesMany families assume they should sell the home "as-is" to avoid the hassle of repairs. While this sometimes makes sense, ignoring necessary updates can significantly reduce the homes market value.Smart Move: Identify which improvements provide the best return on investment. A fresh coat of paint, updated fixtures, and minor landscaping can make a home feel more inviting without breaking the bank. A trusted real estate agent can guide you on which updates are truly worth it.Foolish Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to List the PropertyGrief is a process, and its understandable to need time before making big decisions. However, waiting too long to list the home can lead to maintenance issues, higher carrying costs, and market shifts that affect the sale price.Smart Move: Set a reasonable timeline for the selling process. If emotions make it difficult to move forward, enlist the help of professionals who can shoulder some of the burden while keeping things moving efficiently.Foolish Mistake #5: Trying to Do Everything AloneHandling an estate sale is a complex task, and many families try to manage it all by themselves. From legal matters to staging and marketing, the process is overwhelming without the right guidance.Smart Move: Lean on experienced professionals who specialize in estate sales. A knowledgeable real estate agent can coordinate the necessary steps, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.The Bottom LineSelling a loved ones home is never just a transactionits a deeply personal journey. Avoiding these common missteps can save time, reduce stress, and help you make informed decisions during a challenging time. If youre facing the sale of a senior's home or an estate, you dont have to go through it alone. I specialize in helping families navigate this transition with care, expertise, and efficiency. Reach out today, and lets make the process as smooth as possible.
Senior Assisted Living is the perfect blend between luxury, convenience, and care. Youre housed in a picturesque, comforting community where you have the utmost freedom. On the other hand, you have access to personalized day-to-day care including assisted bathing and grooming to continence and medication management, amongst others. Our on-site amenities such as therapy services and 24-hour nursing care promote a high quality of life. With the vast array of dining, transport, and wellness amenities, we aim to prioritize your needs. It's clear that Discovery Commons At Bradenton recognizes the importance of holistic care for seniors and has integrated wellness and therapy services into their assisted living program to meet a variety of needs. Here's a breakdown of their approach:Comprehensive services: The wellness and therapy services offered cater to a wide range of needs, including those recovering from surgery, stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and memory-related conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease, as well as Parkinson's disease. This comprehensive approach ensures that residents receive tailored care that addresses their specific health challenges.Improved mobility and activity: By participating in these services, residents can expect to increase their mobility and become more active. This can have a significant impact on their overall quality of life, allowing them to engage more fully in daily activities and maintain independence.Pain relief and fall prevention: The program aims to alleviate joint pain in areas crucial for mobility, such as the back, neck, shoulders, and knees. Additionally, by addressing mobility issues and building strength and balance, residents can reduce their risk of falls, which is particularly important for those who have experienced previous falls.Enhanced daily living: The ultimate goal of the wellness and therapy services is to improve residents' ability to manage their daily living activities. Whether it's simple tasks like grooming and housekeeping or more complex activities, residents can expect to receive support and guidance to help them
Discovery Commons At Bradenton's SHINE Memory Care Program sounds like an exceptional resource for those seeking memory care services in Bradenton, FL. The program's national recognition highlights its dedication to providing top-quality care for individuals with memory impairments.The emphasis on fostering independence, confidence, and self-esteem is commendable. Celebrating small successes, focusing on positivity, and encouraging active participation in daily activities are all key components of creating a supportive and uplifting environment for residents.The commitment to stimulating mental activity, promoting physical exercise, and maintaining social and religious connections underscores the holistic approach to memory care. By addressing various aspects of well-being, residents can enjoy a higher quality of life and greater overall satisfaction.The focus on dining experiences is also noteworthy. Nutrient-dense gourmet meals contribute to residents' overall health and well-being, while the emphasis on active participation in dining promotes a sense of normalcy and social engagement. The provision of "Food on the Run" for residents who may struggle with mealtime focus or wander frequently demonstrates a thoughtful approach to meeting individual needs and preferences.Overall, Discovery Commons At Bradenton's SHINE Memory Care Program appears to be a compassionate and comprehensive resource for individuals and families navigating the challenges of memory impairment.