Top Health Risks for Men Over 50 ( 6 to 10 )

BY Tosha Watson

6 Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the cells of the breast in women and men. Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer (10.4% of all cancer incidence, both sexes counted) and the fifth most common cause of cancer death. ^[In 2004, breast cancer caused 519,000 deaths worldwide (7% of cancer deaths; almost 1% of all deaths).en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer

Brest cancer attacks more women then men, but the survival rate is the same.

7 Colorectal cancer The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Most cases occur in the 60s and 70s, while cases before age 50 are uncommon unless a family history of early colon cancer is present. History of cancer Heredity: Smoking Diet. Studies show that a diet high in red meat poultry and fish increases the risk of colorectal cancer. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorectal_cancer

8 Definition of prostate cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men. cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate

Estimated new cases and deaths from prostate cancer in the United States in 2009:

New cases: 192,280

Deaths: 27,360

9 Heart disease includes conditions affecting the heart, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Keys to prevention include quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising.http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htm

10 High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, especially when it's present with other risk factors.www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2112

SOURCE:  voices.yahoo

Top Health Risks for Men Over 50 ( 1 to 5 )

by Tosha Watson

Baby boomers, the generation that says they will never get old, are now hitting that 50 mark.

Here is a list of the top ten health issues that you need to talk to your doctor about:

1 Testicular Cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer. Although it accounts for only 1 percent of cancers in men, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 20 and 34. About 75% of cases of testicular cancer occur in men between 20 and 49. Nevertheless, testicular cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer, with cure rates approaching 100% if detected early. Additionally, testicular cancer is more common in white men than black or Asian men. www.tc-cancer.com/

2 Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cancer/DS00035

3 Rectal cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissue of the rectum. The rectum is the last part of the large intestine and leads to the anus, which is the opening to the outside of the body. Body waste is stored in the rectum until it is eliminated from the body through the anus.www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/medical_services/cancer/cr/conditions/rectal/signs.html

4 Impotence or erectile dysfunction is the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection. While it is quite normal to struggle to sustain an erection from time to time, it can become a problem when this becomes a regular occurrence. Impotence is very common and approximately 10 to 15 million American men are trying to cope with this type of sexual dysfunction.www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/impotence-erectile-dysfunction.html

5 Osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and break easily, is one of the world's most common and debilitating diseases. The result: pain, loss of movement, inability to perform daily chores, and in many cases, death. And All over the world one in five men over 50 will have an osteoporosis fracture, according to Osteoporosis in Men, a report issued by International Osteoporosis Foundation and released in Sydney, Australia. www.pslgroup.com/dg/24535E.htm

SOURCE:  voices.yahoo

Women Over 50: Stay Thin with 6 Healthy Habits ( Part 2 )

by Keri Tidwell

(4) Cut Back on Portions. As a woman ages, her metabolism slows down. This can cause weight gain to increase. Keep fit and thin by lowering your caloric intake to the amount of calories you can burn in a day. If you’re gaining weight, then your body may require fewer calories and less food than you are consuming in order to function (Source: Fitday). Reduce portion sizes by using smaller plates and limiting yourself to one helping. In addition to consulting your doctor, there are many good calorie counters online like Livestrong.com’s MyPlate Calorie Tracker to help you keep track of the caloriesyou consume each day.

(5) Get Active. In addition to creating healthy eating habits, being active is key. Nothing helps keep the weight off like regular cardiovascular exercise. Lose weight, relieve joint pain and arthritis, anddecrease your risk of colon cancer by engaging in an active lifestyle. Try activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and dancing that are easy on the body but also quite enjoyable (Source: Fitday). Also, make exercise a regular part of your routine by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking at a distance from stores, and participating in activities like gardening that give you a sense of purpose but also exert energy.

(6) Make Time for Friends. Studies have shown a link between social support and health (Source:Mayo Clinic). Having someone to confide in and who supports you not only helps relieve stress, but also minimizes the risk of developing chronic illnesses. According to Bulik, a social support system is especially important for women over 50 who are fighting eating disorders. Having friends to talk to and share problems with can provide the encouragement women need to stay thin in a healthy way. Plus, friendships boost self-esteem and increase your sense of belonging. Even though finding and maintaining friendships is a challenge, it is an investment worth making for your overall health.

Aging comes with a lot of changes. Women over 50 who were once thin may feel extra pressure to maintain their youthful appearance, but that should not mean adopting unhealthy diet behaviors. Unhealthy eating and going to extremes is not the way to fix the problem. Instead eat right, stay active and surround yourself with positive relationships these steps all help lead to success. These six healthy habits will keep you looking and feeling your best and also help prevent colon cancer.

SOURCE:  buttseriouslyblog.com

Women Over 50: Stay Thin with 6 Healthy Habits ( Part 1 )

 by Keri Tidwell

A recent study by the University of North Carolina’s Eating Disorders Program (UNC EDP) reveals that adolescent girls may not be the only ones falling victim to eating disorders. Roughly two-thirds of the over 1,800 women surveyed reported an overall unhappiness with their physical appearance. Many of the women age 50 and over are resorting to unhealthy ways to lose weight. On average, eight percent purge, seven and a half percent take diet pills, seven percent exercise excessively, three and a half binge, two and a half take diuretics, two percent take laxatives, and one percent vomit. The key to getting thin and staying thin is to develop healthy habits.

If being thin is the goal for women over 50, then these drastic measures are not the way to do it. According to psychiatrist Cynthia Bulik, lead researcher on the study and director of the UNC EDP, “the body becomes less resilient to the physical insults from starvation, binge eating, and purgingas it ages. So these disorders in older women may lead to even more medical complications because the body bounces back less easily as it ages” (Source: U.S. News & World Report).

A better and safer option for women over 50 who are struggling with a negative self-image is todevelop healthy habits with good diet, regular exercise, and a strong social support system. Not only will a healthier lifestyle help women look and feel more attractive, but it will also lower the risk of diseases like colon cancer. Beginning at age 50, women should begin having regular screenings for colon cancer.

6 Healthy Habits for Women Over 50

(1) Eat Your Fruits & Vegetables. While it’s tempting to grab a cookie for an instant pick-me-up, eating an apple instead will not only fill you up without adding a lot of empty calories, but also provide important nutrients and fiber that your body needs. Plus, you won’t feel guilty and possibly take unhealthy dietary measures for consuming a plate of raw veggies like you would if you devoured a king-size candy bar. By indulging in more fruits and vegetables, you can watch that bulge around your middle gradually begin to disappear without damaging your health to achieve it. Focus on eatingcolorful foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, spinach, and tomatoes. Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are known to cause aging, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.

(2) Limit Saturated Fat. Foods high in saturated fats like meat, dairy products, and processed foods are known for clogging arteries. Red meat in particular has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. Instead, curb your saturated fat consumption by going meatless one day a week. Eat lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish. Switch to low-fat or nonfat dairy products for fewer calories and less fat but still containing the protein, vitamins, and minerals your body needs. Opt forhealthier proteins like beans, legumes, quinoa, and nuts as good sources of protein. Cut out junk food. If in doubt, check the nutrition labels on the back of products for the amount of saturated fat in a particular food.

(3) Introduce More Whole Grains. Whole grain foods pack more protein and vitamins and minerals, leaving you feeling full quicker and longer than their white flour counterparts. Plus, they have more fiber, which is great for taking the weight off and keeping diseases like colon cancer at bay. Foods made of white flour are highly processed and can cause a spike in your blood sugar, leaving you feeling hungry soon after eating them. If you’re a white bread, pasta, and rice eater, try to gradually incorporate more whole grain foods into your diet. Add a half cup of whole wheat pasta in with a half cup of white pasta. Switch over to brown rice and whole wheat bread for more nutrients and a healthier diet.

SOURCE:  buttseriouslyblog.com

5 Reasons I Love Being Over 50

BY Karlene Trudell

Some of my friends were traumatized by their 50th birthday. I never understood why; I loved turning 50. For me, facing the big five-oh was liberating. Being over 50 is fabulous, so how can anyone not love it?

1. I Don't Care Anymore

I am free to be myself. I can remember being in my 20s and 30s and worrying about what people would say or think if I wore a certain dress or dated a certain guy. Now I just don't care. Not to say that I have started wearing frumpy house dresses to the grocery store or dating serial killers. I just don't feel that what anyone says or thinks of me is important. I have learned to like myself, to trust my instincts, and to be confident that what I am doing is right or to accept the consequences if it is wrong.

2. I Can Do What I Want

I have been a frustrated writer all my life. When I was younger, I stayed with boring jobs much longer than I wanted to in order to support my daughter and me. Writing is an iffy proposition at best, and working full-time plus taking care of a child on my own didn't leave much time to get the free and low-paying experience I needed to actually have a chance to make a career of it. Now, the daughter is off at college and although I still have to work, I have the free time to write -- and hope that one day someone will like it enough that I can actually make a living at it. If not, oh well, I am still doing what I love.

3. No More Drama Mama

She found out her boyfriend or husband is still talking to that girl he used to date. An ex-lover is stalking her or spreading rumors about her. The kids are sick, the child support is late, and she thought he loved her but he only wanted a booty call. Whew! It is exhausting just thinking about it. By the time you are 50, all of that (for most of us anyway) is over. Living a boring, drama-free life is wonderful.

4. I Don't Mind Being on My Own

Okay, I will admit that I am not adverse to having a man in my life. Having a companion to share your life with is a good thing, not to mention having someone around to open the pickle jar and mow the grass. Nevertheless, I don't have to have someone. I have learned to like living with myself, and I value my alone time. I have interests of my own, and dear friends who can give me all the support and companionship I want. The man in my life is there because I want him to be, not because I feel like I need him.

5. I Have My Ducks in a Row

Thinking about our mortality -- which most of us do when we reach this age -- forces us to take a look at where we are, where we want to be, and how we are going to get there. Suddenly, the things that mattered so much to me before are not important any more. When I die, nobody at my funeral is going to remember that I always had the laundry folded and put away or that I never fed my family a take-out meal. They are going to remember that I was a mother or a friend when they needed one and that I laughed and loved and lived my life to the fullest. In my 50s, I have finally come to understand what my priorities really are. 

A friend once told me that she knew she was over the hill when AARP sent her a membership invitation right before her 50th birthday. Me? I was thrilled when I got mine. I signed up so I could get the hotel discounts and started traveling more. I am not over the hill; I am just reaching the top -- and I plan to enjoy every minute of the ride back down!

SOURCE:  voices.yahoo

10 Essential Health Tips For Seniors (6-10)

image from tripandtravelblog.com

6. Stay up-to-date on immunizations and other health screenings. By age 50, women should begin mammography screening for breast cancer. Men can be checked for prostate cancer. Many preventive screenings are available. Those who are new to Medicare are entitled to a “Welcome to Medicare” visit and all Medicare members to an annual wellness visit. Use these visits to discuss which preventative screenings and vaccinations are due.

7. Prevent skin cancer. As we age, our skin grows thinner; it becomes drier and less elastic. Wrinkles appear, and cuts and bruises take longer to heal. Be sure to protect your skin from the sun. Too much sun and ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer.

8. Get regular dental, vision and hearing checkups. Your teeth and gums will last a lifetime if you care for them properly—that means daily brushing and flossing and getting regular dental checkups. By age 50, most people notice changes to their vision, including a gradual decline in the ability to see small print or focus on close objects. Common eye problems that can impair vision include cataracts and glaucoma. Hearing loss occurs commonly with aging, often due to exposure to loud noise.

9. Manage stress. Try exercise or relaxation techniques—perhaps meditation or yoga—as a means of coping. Make time for friends and social contacts and fun. Successful coping can affect our health and how we feel. Learn the role of positive thinking.

10. Fan the flame. When it comes to sexual intimacy and aging, age is no reason to limit your sexual enjoyment. Learn about physical changes that come with aging and get suggestions to help you adjust to them, if necessary.

Source: parentgiving

Essential Health Tips For Seniors (1-5)

The first wave of baby boomers are turning 65 years old this year and becoming "senior boomers" and Medicare-eligible. In fact, more than 10,000 baby boomers a day are now turning 65—that’s one every eight seconds, a pattern expected to continue for the next 19 years.

Happily, aging is different now than it was for our parents and grandparents. Today, there are more people living longer than at any other time in history. In fact, boomers will number 78 million by 2030. “This generation, associated with social change including the civil rights and anti-war movements in the 1960s, has another important cause—staying healthy,” says soon-to-be 65-year-old Arthur Hayward, MD, a geriatrician and clinical lead physician for Kaiser Permanente. “We need to become activists in promoting healthful behaviors and try our best to remain active and healthy the rest of our lives.”

How to do it? Dr. Hayward recommends these 10 easy health tips for seniors to help baby boomers live longer and thrive:

1.   Quit smoking. Take this critical step to improve your health and combat aging. Smoking kills by causing cancer, strokes and heart failure. Smoking leads to erectile dysfunction in men due to atherosclerosis and to excessive wrinkling by attacking skin elasticity. Many resources are available to help you quit.

2.   Keep active. Do something to keep fit each day—something you enjoy that maintains strength, balance and flexibility and promotes cardiovascular health. Physical activity helps you stay at a healthy weight, prevent or control illness, sleep better, reduce stress, avoid falls and look and feel better, too.

3.   Eat well. Combined with physical activity, eating nutritious foods in the right amounts can help keep you healthy. Many illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, can be prevented or controlled with dietary changes and exercise. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help women prevent osteoporosis.

4.   Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Use the Kaiser Permanente BMI (body mass index) calculator to find out what you should weigh for your height. Get to your healthy weight and stay there by eating right and keeping active. Replace sugary drinks with water—water is calorie free!

5.   Prevent falls. We become vulnerable to falls as we age. Prevent falls and injury by removing loose carpet or throw rugs. Keep paths clear of electrical cords and clutter, and use night-lights in hallways and bathrooms. Did you know that people who walk barefoot fall more frequently? Wear shoes with good support to reduce the risk of falling.

Source: parentgiving.com

Professional Help: 5 Tips for Senior Citizens on Simple, Healthy Living

BY HANS VILLARICA

When it comes to their well-being, older adults shouldn't act like victims to aging. They should be active—physically, socially, and spiritually.

To slow down the physical and mental decline that comes with age, drugs and exercise aren't enough. According to a study out of the University of Southern California, a lifestyle makeover is necessary.

Professor and occupational therapist Florence Clark shares five tips for seniors on sustainable, successful aging from herJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health paper (PDF). Thankfully, her method, while backed by rigorous research, is also surprisingly simple: walk outside, meet up with friends, go to church, and just be as active as possible.

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It's never too late to go healthy. Anybody, young or old, can successfully redesign the way they live to be healthier. While we don't have a say in our own genetic makeup, greater than 50 percent of our mental and physical health status is related to lifestyle. You can even start small: ride public transportation, reconnect with a long-lost friend, join a ballroom dance class, or follow guidelines on how to safely move around the community. The point is, try something new and be willing to learn.

Take control of your health. Appreciate the relationship between what you do, how you feel, and their impact on your well-being. Our research suggests that social and productive activities are as important as physical ones for staying healthy. As we age, even deceptively simple or downright mundane pursuits like reading the newspaper, cooking a potluck dish, walking the dog, or going to church have a powerful influence on our physical and mental health.

Know thyself. The guiding principle of Socrates rings just as true today as it did in ancient Athens. Lifestyle changes are most sustainable when they fit into the fabric of your everyday life -- your interests, schedule, and self-concept. Identify supports on your journey that are strong enough to counterbalance the obstacles you face. Set goals that are challenging but still realistic enough to be achieved.

Anticipate how chronic conditions may affect your plan. Over 70 percent of seniors age 65 and older have a chronic condition, such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, COPD, or cataracts. Don't let these impede your progress. Before a big game, elite athletes visualize their performance in their minds' eye. So too should you be prepared for the potential ways you might have to adapt or improvise. And, of course, consult your physician in advance about any new activities.

Living longer can also mean living better. Our research demonstrates that maintaining a mix of productive, social, physical, and spiritual activities as you age can lead to increased vitality, social function, mental health, and life satisfaction, along with decreased symptoms of depression and self-reported bodily pain. Even better, activity-centric lifestyle interventions to ward off illness and disability may also be more cost-effective and have fewer negative side effects than prescription drugs.

Source: theatlantic