An Ounce of Prevention

There's no question that staying healthy means taking critical preventative measures-like eating well, exercising, getting annual flu shots, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and being screened for illnesses based on age and personal medical history. But it's often the chronic conditions and functional disabilities that can have devastating effects on the quality of life for older Americans.

1. STAY ON TOP OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS. Assuring that they don't turn into debilitating, life-threatening illnesses is one of the most important thing we can do to help our parents live well.

2. GET INFORMED. This means learning what illnesses your parents are living with, asking questions, and finding out what types of lifestyle choices can alleviate or exacerbate current conditions. For example, smoking accelerates osteoporosis, but regular walking can help make bones stronger.

3. HELP ASSURE THEIR HOME MEETS THEIR NEEDS. If arthritis or circulation problems, for example, make it hard for mom or dad to climb the stairs, think about modifications that can be made to make it easier for them to live independently and comfortably in their own home. Simple renovations like installing safety bars in bathrooms or carpeting that helps prevent slips can make a huge difference.

4. PAY ATTENTION TO SYMPTOMS. Encourage your parents to track symptoms, dietary habits, and activities to help the doctor determine the best way to alleviate symptoms. Symptoms don't have to bean inevitable part of aging and turn into irreversible diseases. Don't let doctors dismiss a symptom as just age-and don't let your parents do that either. Many symptoms can be alleviated with the proper medication or lifestyle choices.

5. HELP KEEP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN. Help keep the lines of communication open between your parent and their doctor. Instead of vising a doctor when a symptom has become too painful or problematic to bear, talk to your parents about consulting their doctor on preventative measures.

6. WHAT A HEALTHY DIET AND A LITTLE EXERCISE CAN DO FOR YOUR PARENT. Does your mom or dad experience any of these symptoms?

If so the answer can be as simple as eating a healthy, balanced diet. A nutritious diet is critical to a healthy lifestyle and strong immune system, especially for the elderly. This means going light on salt and sugar, increasing fish, lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and limiting intake of saturated fats and processed foods.

Research shows that even a little exercise goes a long way toward ensuring health and vitality, but did you know that more than two-thirds of older adults don't get regular physical activity? Here's what they should be doing...

* AEROBIC-ENDURANCE ACTIVITIES like walking and low-impact aerobics make the heart stronger and make it easier to carry out daily chores and activities.

* STRENGTH TRAINING builds bone mass, increases metabolism and increases strength.

* STRETCHING KEEP THE BODY flexible, and increases range of motion and mobility.

Circle Mortgage Corporation -

CORPORATE OFFICE

6600 TAFT STREET, 4TH FLOOR

HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA 33024

(800) 576-1338 Toll Free (954) 981-6800 Broward

(954) 981-6804 Fax

(305) 893-3114 DADE (561) 865-3110 Palm Beach

(800) 576-4144 Toll Free Orlando

(407) 855-2750 Orlando

Se Habla Espanol!

WE LEND THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE STATE OF FLORIDA