Healthy Aging Month: Embracing Vitality and Wisdom
In Wilmington, September is more about the dog days of summer than cool autumn afternoons, falling leaves and pumpkin pie. No matter what your latitude (or attitude), September is a great time to focus on renewal and the changing of the seasons.
While the concept of “aging gracefully” might feel as routine as a seasonal pumpkin spice latte, it’s important to focus on the significant benefits of growing older and how we can enhance our health and well-being as we age. Let’s delve into the positive aspects of aging and practical strategies to optimize our health and vitality in our later years.
That is why it’s appropriate that September is Healthy Aging Month—because aging well is truly worth celebrating. With more self-awareness and confidence, many report higher levels of happiness as they age.
Be Proactive
At Dawson Med, we believe that aging is more about embracing possibilities than facing limitations. Achieving this vision starts with making thoughtful choices in kitchens and restaurants.
For most of us, our metabolism slows down as we age. This places greater importance on impactful dietary changes as we age, choosing more nutritious options that are lower in fat and cholesterol in place of foods with artificial ingredients. Drinking lots of water and eating nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products is also advisable.
Maintaining a healthy diet can help to prevent a variety of health problems that become more common as we age.
Get Moving
Physical activity can elicit a broad array of mental benefits and positive health outcomes. In addition to improving balance and stamina, exercise can stave off chronic diseases and/or assist in managing the symptoms.
An ounce of prevention may truly be worth a pound of cure. Physical activity can aid in brain health and mental acuity. Anecdotal evidence supports this; as many of us begin to realize when we get older, stepping away from a critical issue for a walk outside can be essential for problem-solving.
Exercise can provide the dual benefit of decreasing stress and improving sleep. Physical activity can be positively impactful for one’s mood and as little as five minutes can be helpful. The recommended amount to get the highest possible benefit, however, is for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and around two days per week for muscle-strengthening activity.
Come See Us
Having a regular checkup is vital at any age, but as we get older it becomes even more important. A regular health screening is an effective means of being proactive, as your medical professional can identify an array of risk factors, including elevated cholesterol levels and/or high blood pressure.
For more insights on how to maintain a healthy diet, get exercise or leverage a preventative approach to your health, please visit our website at dawson-med.com or contact us at (910) 387-3788.
Let’s take control of our health!
Dawson Med offers both comprehensive primary care and walk in urgent care for residents and visitors of the greater Wilmington area seven days a week. The team of Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants care for patients of all ages, with a wide spectrum of needs. At Dawson Med, we believe that knowing where to turn can make a world of difference, and being treated by familiar practitioners in a comfortable setting can relieve stress in times of need. We encourage you to get started by calling us at 910-387-3788 or visiting us on the web at www.dawson-med.com.
