As we age, our bodies can develop negative medical conditions. These can go undiagnosed, so here are 3 medical conditions to keep in check.
by Troop Atomic Mommy
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Major advances in healthcare have helped people to live longer than previously. This has made it more common to find older people living with medical conditions that would have otherwise shortened their lifespan.
A 2018 study found that 51.8% of US adults in their middle ages had at least one chronic condition. However, certain ailments spring up as people age, and can include age groups as young as the early 20s. Fortunately, these conditions can be managed, though it is much better when these conditions are detected early and treated promptly to reduce the risk of developing serious complications down the line. That’s why we put together this quick list of 3 medical conditions you need to keep in check.
#1 Anxiety/Depression
Health tends to deteriorate as you get older–anxiety and depression are not excluded from this fact. Dealing with work, worrying about children, and even coming to terms with your body changes can all affect your mental health. And though a small percentage of adults aged 55 years and over experience mental health issues, anxiety and depression seem to be the most common.
It’s important to remember it is completely normal to have occasional worrying, but when it starts interfering with your daily life and activities, you must seek professional help. Consulting with a therapist might help you identify underlying causes of your anxiety or depression. To make living with these mental health issues easier, try to stay physically active, adopt relaxation techniques, and eat healthy, as these small steps can really make a difference in your mental well-being.
#2 Cancer
One of the biggest risk factors for developing cancer is age. This makes it practical to keep up with regular checkups. As you age, the cells in your body can get damaged, especially by lifestyle factors such as smoking or constant exposure to harmful rays. Middle-aged women should ensure that they get regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer, and men must also go for regular prostate cancer checkups. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of developing cancer by eating a healthy diet and keeping fit, protecting yourself from the sun, and avoiding risky behaviors. You can also speak with an oncologist for the best ways to reduce your risk.
#3 High Cholesterol
Many people focus on high blood pressure when discussing the causes of heart and other cardiovascular diseases. But another silent killer is high cholesterol, which can build up in your blood vessels over time, effectively blocking blood flow. When left unchecked, it can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Like high blood pressure, age plays an important role in developing high cholesterol. There are usually no signs or symptoms, making it more hazardous. That’s why you must always check your levels through routine blood tests when you go for checkups. Don’t worry if your doctor thinks you are too young to have this routine blood work done, because you can order a cholesterol test panel yourself right on Quest Diagnostics for a fee.
If you do test as having higher than normal cholesterol, there are things you can do to help yourself. You can lower your cholesterol levels through eating a healthier diet and vigorous exercise such as aerobic walking or swimming, so feel free to consider these. There are also certain medications to help you, and speaking to your health care provider will help you get the right options.
The Takeaway
Your health is your wealth. As you age, ensure that you remain committed to staying healthy by regularly exercising, eating healthy, and visiting the doctor, especially if you have a family history of certain conditions. That way, you can comfortably live your golden years and enjoy the results of your hard work.
