The good news is that there are things we can do today that will help us tomorrow. Although the physical signs of aging are inherent, there appear to be some common characteristics toward good health. These include watching your weight, getting some activity/exercise into your daily routine, making more healthful food choices, and having close ties to family and friends.
Not smoking and getting regular check-ups are also two very important components in that quest for a healthier future. Knowing your numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, body fat percentage and blood sugar is a key ingredient to the mix. Being aware if a particular number is out of whack should mandate that you take action to correct it. Educate yourself as to what steps you can take to improve and/or enhance the condition, and then go do it. What you don't know, you won't fix, and that can lead to problems down the road.
If you experience a cardiac event, there's even more good news. Medicare has recently approved the expansion of cardiac rehabilitation coverage for certain diagnoses.
Adding to the existing list of stable angina, a recent heart attack and bypass surgery, Medicare will now cover angioplasty, stents, heart transplant, and heart valve repair or replacement.
This expanded coverage means more people will be able to benefit from the vital exercise intervention that cardiac rehabilitation programs provide. One Mayo Clinic researcher, for instance, found survival in heart attack patients improved by more than 50 percent when going through a cardiac rehab program.
If you take the initiative to make healthier lifestyle choices, you can increase your chances for embracing the golden years gracefully. After all, life is what you make it!
Bob Forman is director of the Fitness Center and Heart Strides at High Point Regional Health System in Greensboro, N.C.
Source: Greensboro News Record. Powered by Yellowbrix.
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