One of the frequent concerns when one reaches fifty is the appearance of more serious health problems. Good news: adopting certain habits in your daily routine when you turn 50 will keep many diseases at bay.
- Free breast cancer screening is offered to all women between the ages of 50 and 74. And this even if they have no particular symptoms or risk factors, other than their age.
- Screening for colorectal cancer concerns all people aged 50 to 74 who have no symptoms or risk factors for the disease. It is based on an immunological test that can be performed at home. It must be done every two years.
Diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, thyroid disorders… the first “glitches” of health often appear in the fifties. Do not hesitate to have regular check-ups as well as the recommended screenings (mammography, colonoscopy, etc.) once this age has been reached.
Nevertheless, it is also possible to act on your health by adopting these four healthy habits recommended by Dr. Adam Ramin, urologist in Los Angeles and interviewed by our colleagues on the site. Bestlife.
Eat healthy
While eating healthy is always a good thing, it becomes especially important once you hit the age of 50.
“Our body’s organs simply weren’t designed to meet the demands of consuming highly processed, high-sugar, high-fat foods. explains Dr. Adam Ramin. When they are forced to filter out these substances on a long-term basis, the consequences can be severe and life-threatening.”
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular with health professionals. This diet gives pride of place to fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats such as olive oil and limits the consumption of red meat. It helps to fight against overweight. But not only. The various nutrients it provides also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive disorders (dementia, Alzheimer’s) and cancer.
The urologist shares a simple way to have a healthier diet: read the packaging. “A good rule of thumb: if the label has ingredients you can’t pronounce, don’t buy it.”
Pay attention to his weight
Obesity is a known risk factor for many diseases. What people are less aware of is that being overweight can also be problematic. “You may be surprised to learn that studies have shown that simply being overweight, not necessarily clinically obese, also increases risk”, warns Dr. Ramin. He advises being careful to maintain a healthy weight at age 50 through better diet and exercise, because “unlike genetic or hereditary factors that we cannot control, obesity is preventable”he concludes.
To exercise
Exercising regularly helps fight extra pounds as the doctor reminded. But not only. Numerous studies have shown that physical activity also reduces the risk of serious pathologies such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and osteoporosis.
However, you don’t have to spend your days at the gym once you reach your fifties. ANSES recommends that adults engage in 30 minutes a day of moderate-to-high-intensity physical activity that develops cardio-respiratory fitness, such as walking, cycling, swimming or dancing. And that “at least five days a week, avoiding staying two consecutive days without practicing”. Good news: climbing stairs, gardening and household chores (mopping the floor, cleaning windows, dusting, etc.) help burn calories and are also considered moderate physical activity.
Stop smoking
If you smoke, now is the time to quit. “With all the information available about the significant health risks, too many people still smoke”, laments Dr. Ramin. He reminds us that in addition to representing a danger for the health of your lungs, “your kidneys and bladder – your body’s filtration system – also need to process toxins from cigarette smoke.” “They’re not made for such a burden. It kills them. Literally.”he warns.
