HEALTH (स्वास्थ्य)

Health is the condition of the human body which is free from any injury or illness. But staying healthy is defined as staying mentally, physically and socially fit. Maintaining good health will ultimately lead to a happy mind which is more valuable than any precious gift in today’s life.

• TOP 10 MOST COMMON HEALTH ISSUES
• Physical Activity and Nutrition.
• Overweight and Obesity.
• Tobacco.
• Substance Abuse.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Mental Health.
• Injury and Violence.
• Environmental Quality.
• Immunisation
• Access of healthcare

1  PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND NUTRITION.

Research indicates that staying physically active can help prevent or delay certain diseases, including some cancers, heart disease and diabetes, and also relieve depression and improve mood. Inactivity often accompanies advancing age, but it doesn’t have to. Check with your local churches or synagogues, senior centres, and shopping malls for exercise and walking programs. Like exercise, your eating habits are often not good if you live and eat alone. It’s important for successful ageing to eat foods rich in nutrients and avoid the empty calories in candy and sweets.

2  Overweight and Obesity.

Being overweight or obese increases your chances of dying from hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, dyslipidemia and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

3  Tobacco

Tobacco is the single greatest preventable cause of illness and premature death in the U.S. Tobacco use is now called “Tobacco dependence disease.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that smokers who try to quit are more successful when they have the support of their physician

4  Substance Abuse

Substance abuse usually means drugs and alcohol. These are two areas we don’t often associate with seniors, but seniors, like young people, may self-medicate using legal and illegal drugs and alcohol, which can lead to serious health consequences. In addition, seniors may deliberately or unknowingly mix medications and use alcohol. Because of our stereotypes about senior citizens, many medical people fail to ask seniors about possible substance abuse.

5  HIV/AIDS

Between 11 and 15% of U.S. AIDS cases occur in seniors over age 50. Between 1991 and 1996, AIDS in adults over 50 rose more than twice as fast as in younger adults. Seniors are unlikely to use condoms, have immune systems that naturally weaken with age, and HIV symptoms (fatigue, weight loss, dementia, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes) are similar to symptoms that can accompany old age. Again, stereotypes about ageing in terms of sexual activity and drug use keep this problem largely unrecognised. That’s why seniors are not well represented in research, clinical drug trials, prevention programs and efforts at intervention.

6  Mental Health

Dementia is not part of ageing. Dementia can be caused by disease, reactions to medications, vision and hearing problems, infections, nutritional imbalances, diabetes, and renal failure. There are many forms of dementia (including Alzheimer’s Disease) and some can be temporary. With accurate diagnosis comes management and help. The most common late-in-life mental health condition is depression. If left untreated, depression in the elderly can lead to suicide. Here’s a surprising fact: The rate of suicide is higher for elderly white men than for any other age group, including adolescents

7  Injury and Violence

Among seniors, falls are the leading cause of injuries, hospital admissions for trauma, and deaths due to injury. One in every three seniors (age 65 and older) will fall each year. Strategies to reduce injury include exercises to improve balance and strength and medication review. Home modifications can help reduce injury. Home security is needed to prevent intrusion. Home-based fire prevention devices should be in place and easy to use. People aged 65 and older are twice as likely to die in a home fire as the general population

8 Environmental Quality

Even though pollution affects all of us, government studies have indicated that low-income, racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to live in areas where they face environmental risks. Compared to the general population, a higher proportion of elderly are living just over the poverty threshold.

9 Immunisation 

the top 10 causes of death for older adults. Emphasis on Influenza vaccination for seniors has helped. Pneumonia remains one of the most serious infections, especially among women and the very old.

10 Access to Health Care

Seniors frequently don’t monitor their health as seriously as they should. While a shortage of geriatricians has been noted nationwide, URMC has one of the largest groups of geriatricians and geriatric specialists of any medical community in the country. Your access to health care is as close as URMC, offering a menu of services at several hospital settings, including the VA Hospital in Canandaigua, in senior housing, and in your community

• What Does a Healthy Lifestyle Look Like?

Healthy life includes walking, sports, dancing, yoga or running. Eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose a diet that’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and moderate in sugar, salt and total fat and Positive Mindset 

Balanced Diet:

• Prioritise whole, unprocessed foods.
• Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Control portion sizes and practise mindful eating.
• Limit added sugars, salt, and processed foods.

Regular Physical Activity:

• Engage in regular exercise that you enjoy.
• Aim for a mix of aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises.
• Incorporate movement into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs or walking.

Adequate Sleep:

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule.
• Create a comfortable sleep environment.
• Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Stress Management:

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
• Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy and relaxation.
• Build resilience through positive thinking and coping skills.

Hydration

• Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Herbal teas and infused water can add variety.

Social Connections:

• Nurture relationships with friends, family, and community.
• Maintain a support network for emotional well-being

Mindfulness and Self-Care:

• Practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment.
• Engage in self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind and body.

Limit Harmful Substances:

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Minimise recreational drug use.

Regular Check-ups:

• Schedule routine check-ups and screenings with healthcare professionals.
• Address health concerns promptly.

Positive Mindset:

• Cultivate a positive outlook and practice self-compassion.
• Set realistic goals and acknowledge your progress.

Continuous Learning:

• Stay informed about health-related topics.
• Stay open to new information and adapt your habits accordingly.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Embrace change and challenges with resilience.
• Adjust your habits when needed without losing sight of your goals.

Set Realistic Goals:

• Break down long-term goals into smaller, achievable steps.
• Celebrate milestones along the way.

Consistent Self-Reflection:

• Regularly assess your habits and their impact on your well-being.
• Adjust your lifestyle based on your reflections.

Positive Relationships:

• Surround yourself with supportive, positive people.
• Foster healthy communication and connections.

Cultivate Hobbies and Interests:

• Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfilment.
• Pursue hobbies that challenge and stimulate your mind.