Five Healthly Resolutions for Women

Five Healthy Resolutions for Women appeared at WebMD. I've added my own comments, and not lifted large sections to post, so pop on over and read the whole article. We've heard it all before, but January 2008 is a good time to renew your resolves of 2007.

Eat, but don’t pig out. All or nothing approach will kill your resolution. When I lost 20 lbs. a year ago, I had a list of things I would avoid, like French fries and cheese, but I allowed myself my favorite restaurant meal on Friday nights--Philly Cheese steak with Fries--which had just about everything on the list!

Jump outside the box. Most workout intentions fall by the wayside by February. Like the diet, don’t be unrealistic. If you hate exercise or you aren’t athletic (like me), you won’t get there by resolving to be different. It’s just you. Park further away. Take the stairs. Take dance lessons. Volunteer to walk a neighbor’s dog. Wear a pedometer.

Guard against the bone thief. Women and osteoporosis. For postmenopausal women 1,000-1,500 milligrams daily if on menopausal hormone therapy. Exercise helps the bones too, as does good nutrition. Smoking and alcohol have to be watched too. To paraphrase Ben Stein, nothing you overindulge in when you're young is worth being disabled or an invalid when you're older.

Get an A+ in taking health exams. Mammogram. Bone density. Pap smear. The colonoscopy is the only exam we have that actually can prevent cancer--find a polyp and have it removed before it causes trouble all during the exam. Colon cancer is so nasty--and so preventable.

Take care of the caregiver. Stress can really lower your immune system. Moms and daughters seem to always be looking out for someone else. Take the time to assess your situation. Who'll take care of everyone else if you're laid up?

Besdine's Boomers

Dr. Richard Besdine uses the mnemonic "Besdine's Boomers" to remember these mid-life strategies for healthy aging.

Blood pressure -- get screened at least once a year and treat appropriately if high
Exercise -- keep the mind and body as vigorously active as possible
Smoking -- stop as soon as you can; the benefits accrue immediately
Driving -- have a physician evaluate you for driving risk
Immunizations -- get a flu shot every year and a pneumococcal vaccine once
Nutrition -- proper nutrition is critical, especially for cardiovascular health
Environment -- keep your home environment safe with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; get rid of toxic substances under the sink
Screen for cancer regularly -- Colon cancer screening as recommended by your physician; skin should be evaluated by a physician once a year; for women a mammogram annually and a pap smear as recommended by your physician

Booze -- avoid excessive alcohol; alcohol and smoking accelerate bone loss
Osteoporosis -- women and men should get a minimum of 1500 mg. calcium a day; one-quarter of all hip fractures in the elderly occur in men
Oral health -- healthy teeth and good dentures are important for proper eating; see your dentist annually
Mobility -- stay as active as possible
Emotional health -- too little attention is paid to stress reduction in old age, when events such as the loss of work and the death of friends and spouses can cause stress and emotional upheaval
Rx drug safety -- beware of taking outdated and conflicting medicines
Social Networks -- important for stress reduction and overall emotional health

Richard W. Besdine, M.D.
Professor of Medicine and Director,
University of Connecticut Center on Aging,
University of Connecticut Health Center

Seen at Alliance for Aging Research