Calling All Baby Boomers – Maximize Your Health for Quality of Life with Northwest Healthcare
2/18/2022
The average American life expectancy of 84 years means many Baby Boomers reaching age 65 have nearly two more decades of life to enjoy. However, the aging process means more risks to your health that can impact your quality of life.
Dr. Stephanie Fakhry, M.D., an internal medicine physician with Northwest Healthcare’s Northwest Primary Care, reminds us some factors, like genetics, are beyond your control, but healthy lifestyle choices, timely identification and management of the following common, chronic conditions can increase your odds of living a long and healthy life.
Arthritis
Joint pain, stiffness and swelling in or around one or more joints can be signs of arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States. Almost one in four adults develop the condition. Your doctor can help diagnose and identify the best treatment in order to reduce or manage pain, minimize joint damage and improve or maintain functioning.
Type 2 Diabetes
More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, and 90-95 percent of these patients have Type 2 diabetes. The symptoms are hard to spot. The older you are, the more likely you are to develop this condition. Left untreated, Type 2 diabetes can cause other serious conditions like heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss. Regular check-ups can help identify diabetes in a timely manner.
High Blood Pressure
In 2017, U.S. medical organizations lowered blood pressure numbers to 120/80 = normal, 130/80 = pre-hypertensive and 140/80 = stage 1 hypertension. Left unchecked, high blood pressure (which often has no symptoms) plays a big role in your chances for heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. Your doctor can help you develop a plan – including diet, exercise or medication – to lower your number.
Heart Disease
Several types of heart conditions are considered heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart valve issues and heart failure. These conditions elevate the risk for heart attack and stroke. Symptoms vary, depending on the type of heart disease. Your doctor can perform diagnostic tests and may advise you to make lifestyle changes or prescribe medication.
Depression
Clinical depression is not a normal part of aging, but can be more common for people with other illnesses, such as heart disease or cancer. The condition is serious and can affect the way you feel, act and think. Counseling, medicine or other forms of treatment can help. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, talk with your doctor who can help put together a plan of treatment.
“My goal is to help patients maintain their best lives through preventive medicine, when possible. When conditions or issues arise, I’ll help them identify the most promising course of treatment and connect them with specialists, if needed,” said Dr. Fakhry.
Aging is a normal process that extends across our lives. Sustaining healthy lifestyle choices and managing chronic conditions give us the best chance to remain healthy with high levels of independence and functionality as we age.
To find a physician for help with chronic conditions or to learn more about healthy choices for you, visit nwalliedphysicians.com.
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