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Listen To Your Skin!
Health Tips

Listen To Your Skin!

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Listen To Your Skin!

Listen To Your Skin!If your skin could talk, it would tell you a lot. Remember that really bad, blistering sunburn? Ouch! And what about all those trips to the tanning salon? Ouch again! If you’ve been spending too much time in the sun (or in a tanning bed) without taking care of your skin, now is the time to start listening.
 
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, accounting for one-third of all cancers in the United States. That translates to more than one million skin cancers diagnosed each year – more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined.
Sun exposure adds up day after day, not just when you go to the pool or beach. Fortunately, you can take steps to minimize the harmful effects of the sun and help prevent skin cancer or catch it early before it spreads.
Limit your outside time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. Don’t forget that UV rays can pass through clouds or water, and reflect off sand or snow, increasing the amount of UV intensity.
Wear clothes to cover up as much skin as possible. Dark colors and dry, tightly woven fabrics usually provide more protection against harmful rays.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat that protects your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
Apply sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher to dry skin at least 30 minutes before going outside. Use at least an ounce for adequate coverage and reapply every two hours. Don’t forget sunscreen lip balm.
Wear sunglasses to block UV rays. Look for labels that say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements.” These glasses block 100 percent and 99 percent of UV rays, respectively.
Steer clear of tanning beds and sunlamps.
Your skin is feeling better already. But while you are doing your part to pamper the largest organ in your body, you may still be at risk for developing skin cancer. Approximately 10 percent of people who develop melanoma (a potentially deadly form of skin cancer) inherit genes that cause the disease. Other inherited traits that can contribute to developing skin cancer include having fair skin and light hair and/or eyes.
If you notice a suspicious mole or spot, keep in mind the ABCDs of melanoma detection.
“A” is for asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half.
“B” is for border. The edge of the spot may be irregular or blurred.
“C” is for color. The mole may not be the same color all over.
“D” is for diameter. The spot is approximately 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Anyone can develop skin cancer. That’s why it is so important to examine your skin for suspicious moles or other spots. Even if you have spent a lifetime in the sun or even developed skin cancer, it’s never too late to start protecting your skin. Hear something? It’s your skin saying “thank you.”
Article provided to the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce – GEM Publication August 2007 page 17.
http://www.lqchamber.com/pdf/gem-aug07.pdf

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Health Tips

Importance of Advance Directives

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Stop wondering about what advance directives and living wills can do for you. Instead, seek out the answers for the very obvious questions that have been bugging you for so long now. And there’s no better way to start this quest than with good old definitions. Importance of Advance Directives
What are Advance Directives and Living Wills?
An advance directive instructs your attending physician about the type of care/treatment you would like to receive if you ever become unable to formulate decisions for yourself. Hospital personnel may talk to you about this stuff.
Of course, you would certainly be approached with this kind of suggestion while you’re still well and able; otherwise your eligibility of making an advance directive would be forfeited by incapacitation, mental illness or terminal disease.
Importance of Advance DirectivesAn excellent advance directive specifically describes the type of medical treatment you wish to get depending on the gravity of your medical condition. For instance, the instructions may illustrate the kind and extent of care you want if you become diagnosed with an illness that is beyond any possibility of recovery. In addition, this document usually informs physicians of your objection against – or approval for -a certain types of treatment.
Advance directives may come in various forms. The laws that regulate them are different in every state. Therefore, you need to be conscious of the laws in the state you live in.
An advance directive, on the other hand, is a form of advance directive. This legally binding document describes the treatment or life-support measures you intend to receive in the untoward event of a terminal illness or irreversible coma.
A living will may or may not let you appoint another person to decide on your behalf. The presence of this option is normally based on state-specific laws.
Why are they important?
By making advance directives and living wills as early as possible, you are expressing you preferences with regard to medical treatment before you are faced with a severe injury or disease. Doing so will spare your family and friends the pressure of deciding what is really best for you. More often than not, the legal age qualified to make these documents is 18 years old.
Seriously ill people are more likely to draw up these legal documents in advance. For instance, a person with a terminal cancer may write her wish not to be hooked to a respirator in case of a respiratory arrest. This act can lessen the patient’s suffering, promote his or her peace of mind, and increase control over his or her death.
Then again, even if you’re still in an excellent health condition, you may want to think about making your own advance directive. Who knows for sure? You may encounter a terrible accident or unexpectedly collapse on your way to work. If you have thought of these possibilities and have decided to do the right thing, then you can rest assured that your wishes will be respected and implemented by your health care provider.
How to make them?
An advance directive and living will don’t necessarily have to be complex legal documents. They can simply be short statements concerning your health care preferences in case your ability to communicate is gone. Keep in mind that any request you write down should conform to the laws of your state.
You can write these documents in a number of ways. First is by using a form that supplied by your physician. You may also put your requests in writing all by yourself. Aside from that, you also have the option to ask for the appropriate form from the health care department of your state.
With the technology of the modern world, you may even get hold of free online living will forms. Some web sites also sell software packages for all types of legal documents.
Then again, if you want to do it the traditional way, then you can confer with a lawyer who handles advance directives and living wills.

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Health Tips

Tips to Make Your Hospital Stay Safer

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Tips to Make Your Hospital Stay Safer

Tips to Make Your Hospital Stay SaferEach year, millions of Americans seek hospital care to treat a wide range of medical problems – from accidental injuries to chronic or life-threatening illnesses. While the majority of patients have positive outcomes, it is imperative to remember patient safety should be a top priority for everyone.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes patient safety is a serious global public health issue. Even in developed countries such as the United States, as many as one in 10 patients may be harmed while hospitalized. Injury rates are even higher in developing countries, making patient safety a high priority around the world.
You can take steps to help ensure your safety whether in the hospital for a planned or unexpected circumstance. Here are three things to keep in mind to make your hospital stay as safe as possible:
Reduce infection risks:
Hospital infections are a top concern, especially for surgical patients. According to WHO, hand hygiene is the single most important measure to reduce health-care-related infections. Patients should keep hand sanitizer at their bedside and use it often. Additionally, the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) recommends:

  • Reminding your care team about hand-washing before any direct interaction.
  • Keeping an eye on intravenous catheters and wound dressings, and notifying your health care provider right away if something looks wrong.
  • Taking charge of health problems such as diabetes, excess weight and smoking, which can increase infection risk in the hospital.
  • Following doctors’ directions about breathing treatments to avoid lung infections.

Understand anesthesia:
Over the past century, anesthesiologists have advanced patient safety through innovative research, science and technology advancements. Whether in the operating room, procedure room, intensive care unit or pain clinic, anesthesiologists are committed to patient safety. Today, anesthesia-related fatalities only occur in less than one in every 200,000 procedures.
To help ensure the highest quality and safest care, anesthesiologists lead Anesthesia Care Teams to supervise non-physician providers during the administration of anesthesia to make critical life decisions when there are only seconds to make them. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), anesthesiologists have more than 10,000 hours of related medical training and education to diagnose, treat and respond to any medical complications that may occur.
In addition to making sure a physician supervises your anesthesia care, it is important to follow all pre-operative instructions from your doctors and get plenty of rest before surgery. Also, be sure your anesthesiologist is aware of your prior anesthesia history and any medications you take.
Be aware of setbacks:
While unpredictable progress in recovery is not unusual, it’s important to minimize the risk of avoidable setbacks such as falls and readmission’s.
Tumbles are a major concern for the elderly, but even younger patients are at risk of falling in the hospital. NPSF often points to research indicating more than 500,000 falls occur in U.S. hospitals each year, causing 150,000 injuries. Muscle weakness, medication-related impairment and age can increase a patient’s risk of falling. Follow your physician’s directions and the hospital’s procedures for surer footing.
Before you leave the hospital, make sure you understand the doctor’s after-care instructions to reduce your risk of readmission. Bring any questions or suspicions of complications to follow-up appointments to help your physician assess your recovery.
Health care is incredibly intricate and complex, and while medical science has made great strides for patient safety, patients need to play an active role in their care. With diligent research and advocacy for their own health, patients’ collaboration with their care team can make them informed and, most importantly, safe.

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4 Health Checks for Every Woman
Health Tips

4 Health Checks for Every Woman

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

4 Health Checks for Every Woman

4 Health Checks for Every WomanAmerican women spend more time taking care of their families, homes and jobs than themselves. With so much time invested in caring for others, women can overlook the importance of their own health. Yet, neglecting their own health needs can make it much harder for women to also take care of those they love.
Women who consider themselves generally in good health and who are very busy may be less inclined to stay on schedule with important health checks. If putting off a doctor’s visit doesn’t seem like that big a deal, consider these women’s health statistics:

  • A full-time working mom spends more than 10 hours a day on household activities, taking care of children and working outside the home, and just 2.3 hours on “me time” of leisure activities or sports, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s American Time Use Survey.
  • 56% percent of mothers say it’s “very difficult” to achieve a work-life balance, according to Pew Research.
  • More than 14% of American women age 18 and older are in fair or poor health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

National Women’s Health Week is May 12 to 18, but taking care of your own health should be a year-round pursuit. Here are four health checks every woman should have, and if it’s been a while (or never) since you had one, schedule a doctor’s visit right away:

  • Annual physical – Kids get a checkup every year, and so do senior citizens. You should, too. No matter what your age or relative level of health, it’s important to see your family doctor at least once a year for a complete physical that includes blood pressure screening and a blood test that will check for diabetes, high cholesterol and other problems. This checkup can help your doctor spot any problems, provide you with guidance toward your weight and health goals, and give you peace of mind when everything checks out just fine.
  • Skin check – Skin cancer rates have been rising for years, and now one in every five Americans will get skin cancer, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. It’s also one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, if caught early. In addition to performing regular self-checks, it’s important to have your skin thoroughly checked by a professional, too. Ask your physician to include a skin check as part of your annual physical, or schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
  • Reproductive health – From fertility questions and cancer screenings, to heavy periods and uterine fibroids, women can face many reproductive health issues. It’s important for women of every age to monitor the health of reproductive organs, so be sure to see your gynecologist once a year. He or she can also tell you what tests you should have to monitor your health, such as an annual pap smear or mammogram. Visit “Change the Cycle” to learn more.
  • Mental/emotional well-being – Just as you take care of your own physical health and the mental health of your family members, it’s important to take care of your own emotional well-being. There’s nothing wrong with finding some “me-time” for yourself every day. In fact, it’s vital. Numerous studies show that happy, relaxed people are healthier than their stressed, tired, unhappy peers. Whether your mental health regimen includes meditation, a pedicure or 15 minutes with a good book, set aside time each day to do something that makes you relaxed and happy.
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Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving
Health Tips

How to Boost Elderly Energy

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

When people grow older, physical changes and lifestyle adjustments can sometimes lead to a decrease in energy. As such, those who provide elder care for an aging parent or relative may find that their parent struggles to muster up the energy for even basic everyday tasks. How to Boost Elderly Energy
At Visiting Angels, our elder care professionals encourage healthy, active lifestyles among our clients as much as possible, and we know how important energy is to making that happen. To help you keep your loved one healthy and energized, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can make energy-boosting activities part of your loved one’s elder care regimen.

Keep Moving & Stay Active

Exercise is one of the easiest ways to boost and maintain energy levels. Yes – easy. While the word “exercise” might conjure up images of treadmills, bikes, and dumbbells, healthy exercise is much more fun and simple than a trip to the gym.
Most doctors recommend focussing on low-impact, mild exercise when building an elder care activity plan. Some examples might include:

  • Walking
  • Hiking
  • Tai Chi
  • Aquafit
  • Dancing
  • Gardening

The key is to build a program with activities that are enjoyable for your loved one. This can occasionally be difficult, especially if your loved one is inactive to the point that even low-impact activities are challenging. If this is the case, introduce these activities gradually. Do activities for short periods at first, and allow for breaks if your loved one becomes strained.
And remember to always consult with your doctor before making regular exercise a part of your loved one’s elder care regimen.

Eat Energy-Boosting Foods

Your loved one’s diet plays a major role in their level of energy on a day-to-day basis. There are a few ways that you can modify your loved one’s elder care plan to improve nutrition.
Sometimes, boosting energy can be as simple as eating at the right times. You’ve undoubtedly heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s doubly true for energy-depleted seniors. Ensuring your loved one eats a full, healthy meal at the start of the day will ensure they are properly “powered up,” with the energy to fuel them through the morning and afternoon.
Another way to boost energy is to increase your loved one’s consumption of lean proteins and reduce intake of carbohydrates. Carbs, especially those found in sugar, white flour, and other similar foods, cause sharp energy peaks and valleys. They also encourage the production of serotonin, the chemical that makes people sleepy. Instead, a high-protein diet will keep your loved one energized without causing them to “crash” midway through the day.
Two other ways that you can boost energy are hydration and vitamin intake. Ensuring your loved one drinks roughly two liters of fluids daily will help your loved one stay energized. A diet high in vitamins A, B, C, E, niacin and folate – or supplements for these vitamins – will also help increase energy levels.

Healthy Sleep

Insomnia problems are common among the elderly and can lead to depleted energy levels. If your loved one is suffering from sleep issues, you may wish to work with them on healthy sleep habits as part of your elder care plan. Some of the ways insomnia can be avoided include limiting the use of TV or computers in the hours before bedtime, ensuring a dark, comfortable sleeping space, and performing breathing exercises to help induce sleep.

Stress Management

Stress has been referred to as the silent killer for the impact It can have on a person’s health, mood, and energy. To reduce stress in your loved one, make activities like mindful meditation a part of your loved one’s elder care plan and encourage regular social interaction, which helps reduce stress and other emotional challenges.
If you’re looking for help with your loved one’s elder care, including ways to increase energy and activity, contact the elder care professionals at your local Visiting Angels. Our elder care providers have been helping American families for over 18 years and can help you promote a healthy lifestyle for your loved one.
Visiting Angels
YouTube.com/user/VisitingAngels1
https://www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsCorporate
 

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Health Tips

Cold or Nasal Allergies

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Cold or Nasal Allergies

Cold or Nasal AllergiesDo you wonder if you suffer from nasal allergies or the common cold? First we nee to understand the symptoms of nasal allergies, also referred to as “hay fever” and allergic rhinitis. Nasal allergies represent the body’s natural defense mechanism against certain allergens. When allergens come into contact with the nose, inflammation of the lining of the nose occurs. This inflammatory process produces the common symptoms experienced with nasal allergies. Cold or Nasal Allergies
What are the different types of nasal allergies?
Some people suffer from nasal allergies every day of the year or perennially. Other individuals suffer from seasonal nasal allergies which occur during seasons in which the count of the offending pollen is high.
How common are nasal allergies?
Nasal allergies affect 35 million people in the U.S. and is the most common allergy-based disease, by far. Perennial allergies occur in about 20 million people, while seasonal allergies occur in about 15 million people.
What are the symptoms of nasal allergies?
The most common immediate symptoms of nasal allergies include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Frequent sniffing
  • Postnasal drip, which often feels like a tickle in the throat and may cause a cough.
  • Itchy and/or watery eyes
  • Itchy ears, nose, and throat
  • Dark patches or circles under the eyes (“allergic shiners”)
  • Frequent rubbing the nose

How can I determine if I have nasal allergies or a cold?
Both seasonal allergies and colds can cause many of the same symptoms, like a runny or stuffy nose. However, looking for several different symptoms can help you determine if you have a cold or seasonal allergies. If you have itchy or watery eyes, it is probably seasonal allergies. People with colds more commonly have coughs, you may have body pains or aches, and you may be more likely to have a sore throat. The biggest difference between the two is that cold symptoms typically last less than 2 weeks, while seasonal allergy symptoms can last 4 to 6 weeks, or longer.
How are nasal allergies diagnosed?
The history of your symptoms is very important in helping your healthcare provider determine if you are experiencing nasal allergies or some type of infection, like a sinus infection. Your physician may choose to perform an allergy skin test. During this test, a small sample of blood may be drawn or small amounts of allergens (like animal dander or dust) are scratched or pricked into the skin so the physician can observe for signs of an allergic reaction. An allergy skin test can help you know what allergens to avoid.
What are the consequences of nasal allergies?
Nasal allergies do not get nearly the respect they deserve. It is not a trivial condition. Nasal allergies can greatly impair the quality of your life. Consider the following facts on nasal allergies:

  • Nasal allergies add $5 to $6 billion in direct costs to the nation’s annual health care bill.
  • Nasal allergies account for over 15 million physician office visits per year.
  • Nasal allergies account for over 4 million lost work days per year.
  • Nasal allergies account for over 1 million lost school days per year.
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Exercising with Allergies
Health Tips

Exercising with Allergies

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Exercising with Allergies

Exercising with AllergiesWhen the weather changes, we all know what that means: allergy season is on its way! This may cause many of us to groan – after all, everyone is susceptible to allergies regardless of age, and allergies can actually cause some serious complications for those with cardiovascular health issues. But hiding indoors all allergy season isn’t going to help, either! Exercising with Allergies
Exercising with allergies may seem difficult, but it’s certainly not impossible. In fact, the key is exercising the right way so you can take care of your allergies and your body.
Top Tips
Below are our top seven tips for exercising with allergies from WebMD:

  1. Know when allergy season begins and ends. Allergy season is highly predictable as it really only varies by a few days every year, but knowing when allergies really start to pick up in your area is key to prevention. Pay particular attention to any allergens that usually affect you and start taking medication before it really hits.
  2. Check the weather. This tip may seem obvious, but something as simple as checking your area’s pollen level can help you prevent allergies. On days when the pollen count is particularly high, it may be best to stay indoors. But don’t worry – you can still stay active with these weather-proof indoor exercises. An added tip: pollen levels are typically highest on warm, breezy mornings and lowest on cool, rainy days.
  3. Know when to exercise. If it fits into your schedule, it’s best to exercise either in the morning or late evening as pollen levels are typically low during this time (but remember to check before you go outside). The worst time to exercise is around noon and in the early afternoon as this is when pollen levels peak, but it’s important to note that pollen levels are never at zero, so just be cautious.
  4. Wear proper clothing. If you’re exercising during the morning or late evening, it can be surprisingly chilly. Be sure to bundle up before you go outside to exercise, especially if you have sensitive airways.
  5. Protect your lungs and eyes. This is a great tip if you are really sensitive to allergens. You can protect your lungs by covering your mouth and nose with a scarf or bandanna. To protect your eyes, it’s not uncommon for people to wear goggles. You may feel silly doing these things, but these simple tricks will help you prevent allergies, especially during the height of allergy season.
  6. Less intense activities count as exercise too! Don’t feel like you have to do a strenuous workout routine to get these health benefits. It can actually backfire during allergy season! Why? You breathe faster during intense exercises, and the faster you breathe, the more allergens you inhale. Less intense exercises that are perfect for allergy season include weight training, yoga and stretching exercises.
  7. Know what to do after you exercise. After coming inside after exercising, you could be covered in pollen and not even realize it, which is why it’s a good idea to change your clothes and put them in the laundry right away. Taking a shower will also rinse off any pollen in your hair or on your skin.

Just remember: as long as you are proactive about preventing and treating your allergies, exercising with allergies is in fact possible!
-Meghan Orner
Medical Guardian
https://www.facebook.com/MedicalGuardian
https://twitter.com/MedicalGuardian
https://plus.google.com/+Medicalguardian
LINKS
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/exercise-allergies
https://www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-blog/fitness/weather-proof-great-indoor-exercises

 
 

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Women Must Understand Osteoporosis Risk
Health Tips

Women Must Understand Osteoporosis Risk

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Women Must Understand Osteoporosis Risk

Women Must Understand Osteoporosis RiskThe “silent thief,” more commonly known as osteoporosis, impacts 10 million Americans, with millions more suffering from low bone density. Osteoporosis is a progressive, degenerative disease that occurs when bone loss outpaces the growth of new bone, weakening the bone and increasing the risk of sudden and unexpected fractures. In fact, up to one in four men and one in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Women Must Understand Osteoporosis Risk
Marc Surak, a specially trained pharmacist at the Express Scripts Therapeutic Resource Center who concentrates on women’s health issues, explains what causes osteoporosis and why women are at greater risk.
Osteoporosis is primarily the result of the body breaking down more bone than the amount of new bones being formed, Surak says.
“Being female is the second most significant uncontrollable risk factor for the disease, with age being the first,” says Surak. “In fact, 80 percent of osteoporosis sufferers are women due to their lighter and thinner bone structure. Additionally, following menopause, a woman could lose up to 20 percent of her bone density.”
Surak focuses on helping patients with medication management. Bisphosphonates are among the most commonly used medications to treat osteoporosis. The medication works to restore the body’s balance of bone development by decreasing the action of bad cells (osteoclasts) that cause bones to break down, and increasing the production of good cells (osteoblasts), which build bones.
As with all medications, there are risks. Surak and his team work to help patients manage these risks and gain a better understanding of their medications. He offers the following tips and information to ensure the best possible outcomes for osteoporosis patients.
* Take with water: Bisphosphonates help slow the process that dissolves bone tissue, but they sometimes cause stomach irritation. Because of this, oral forms of the medication should be taken first thing in the morning with a full glass of water. Try to avoid taking food, drink, or other medications for 30 to 60 minutes afterward.
* Know the side-effects: Although rare, bisphosphonates can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). People with compromised immune systems – such as those on chemotherapy or HIV patients – are at the greatest risk for ONJ. Poor oral hygiene and those undergoing invasive dental procedures can also increase the potential for ONJ. As a result, medication should be stopped three months prior to a dental procedure. Talk to your doctor of pharmacist if you have questions about ONJ.
* Keep moving: An active lifestyle, including weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises can help counteract the risks for and slow down the progression of osteoporosis.
* Healthy eating: Follow a healthy, balanced diet that includes eating foods high in calcium, vitamin D and lean protein. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products is also critical for promoting bone health.
* Call your doctor: You know your body best, if something seems wrong reach out to a health care professional. If you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms contact your doctor immediately.
For more information about osteoporosis, visit Express Scripts’ Health Insights blog at lab.express-scripts.com.

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Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents
Health Tips

Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents

Health Lessons Learned from Past PresidentsHappy Presidents’ Day! Since its establishment in 1885, Presidents’ Day has given us the opportunity to reflect on our former presidents’ wisdom and the change they have brought about in this great country. But that’s certainly not the only thing we can learn from them! Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents
Amid all the attention that comes along with sitting in the oval office, it can be easy to forget that presidents can experience the same health problems as the rest of us. But the way they handled them should motivate all of us to live our healthiest life possible – today!
Health Tips from the Oval Office
Below are some health lessons learned from past presidents:

  1. Falls can happen to anyone. Just last summer in 2015, President George H.W. Bush experienced a fall, showing that everyone – including former presidents – can fall in their home. As a result of his fall, he broke a bone in his neck and was hospitalized for four days to treat his injury. At 91 years old, George is currently the oldest-living president, and his young-at-heart attitude helped him make a full recovery like a champ!
  2. De-stress daily. It’s not hard to imagine why the presidency is often referred to as the most stressful job in the world, and this is proven by the amount of presidents who have suffered from stress-related illnesses. Presidents Grover Cleveland, William Taft, Woodrow Wilson and Dwight D. Eisenhower all experienced various (and sometimes multiple) heart health problems including high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks both during and after their presidency.
  3. Do what you love. We know that Jimmy Carter has been in the news a lot recently after he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 90. Fortunately, he has responded well to his treatment – partly because he has always been so active. After serving as the 39th president, Jimmy never let his age slow him down. He was an avid runner until the age of 80 when he received two knee replacements, and even after that he would regularly swim. Between painting, woodworking and just being active around the home, he kept doing exactly what he loved doing, which has helped him courageously battle cancer.
  4. Fitness and a healthy diet can go a long way! President Bill Clinton’s struggle with heart disease has been in the public eye since he underwent heart surgery back in 2010, but now his efforts seem to be paying off. At 69, Bill has lost more than 30 pounds as a result of a vegan diet and walking four times a week – a great reminder that you are never too old to turn your life around and begin living a healthy lifestyle.
  5. Pinpoint your potential health risks. Despite the fact that he has lived a healthy lifestyle, 69-year-old George W. Bush has undergone various heart and knee surgeries, proving that we are all affected by genetics and age. It’s a sad reality that genetics can sometimes affect our health, but there is some good news: your doctor can help you determine any potential health risks based on your family history.

These health lessons learned from past presidents are all great reminders, but presidents aren’t the only ones we can learn from! Many senior celebrities, including our current First Lady Michelle Obama, are making a positive impact by promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
We may not run a country, but we are in control of our own lives, so be sure to keep these health lessons in mind while celebrating the lives of all U.S. presidents.
Author Meghan Orner
Medical Guardian
https://www.facebook.com/MedicalGuardian
https://twitter.com/MedicalGuardian
https://plus.google.com/+Medicalguardian
 
Links Used in Article:
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/diseases-of-presidents#1
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/jimmy-carter-now-88-on-aging-and-health/2013/05/03/84f67db8-9ae8-11e2-9bda-edd1a7fb557d_story.html
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/03/chelsea-clinton-heart-surgery-radically-changed-my-dad/
https://www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-blog/fitness/senior-celebrities-promoting-fitness

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