…and How They Can Be Prevented As you age, it’s only natural for your physical health to change as well – it’s simply a part of growing older. However, there are certain things that you can do to help you maintain or improve your physical health. You may also be able to prevent or slow down the onset of certain diseases and health conditions. It might even help if you received assistance from a home health care agency.

As a provider of home care services in New York City, New York, we would like to share some of the most common physical health issues that seniors experience and how they can be prevented:

1. Heart DiseaseStatistics show that approximately 11% of American adults have been diagnosed with heart disease and about half are at risk of developing it. Heart disease is definitely one of the top concern of most seniors. If you have any concerns about your heart health and if you notice any signs and symptoms of heart problems, discuss it with your physician right away. Remember, early detection is key in preventing heart-related issues.In general, heart disease can be prevented by:
   • Regular Exercise
   • Eating a Healthy Diet
   • Weight Management
   • Not Smoking
   • Monitoring Glucose Level
   • Lowering LDL Cholesterol Level
   • Managing Blood Pressure
2. CancerThere are many kinds of cancer that can affect seniors, but lung, skin, breast, colorectal, prostate, kidney, bladder, leukemia, and lymphoma are the most predominant types. Early detection and prevention are two of the most essential considerations when it comes to cancer. Certain vaccines may help certain cancers from developing and regular medical screenings can help with early detection. Other preventive measures include not smoking, eating a healthy diet, protecting your skin from the sun, managing your weight, exercising regularly, and limiting your alcohol consumption.

   If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is important for you to understand the different treatment options available to you. In addition, you should learn about support services such as home health care, hospice care, and other supports that can help with your physical, emotional, mental, financial, and spiritual well-being.

3. OsteoporosisApproximately 16% of adults aged 65 years old and above have osteoporosis at the femur neck or lumbar spine. Moreover, about half of the senior population are at risk of osteoporosis due to low bone mass

   To prevent osteoporosis, it is important for you to maintain strong bones. To maintain strong bones, you can eat sufficient calcium and vitamin D, participate in bone-strengthening exercises, and eat foods that can promote good bone health.

4. DiabetesOver 25% of seniors have diabetes, so it is important to learn how to prevent and manage it [1]. Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, weight management, avoid high-sugar and processed foods, limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking are all good ways to prevent diabetes. If you have a family history or are at-risk of developing diabetes, it is important for you to schedule regular checkups with your doctor. You should also monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.

   Many of the preventive measures mentioned above are also good management tools for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Depending on the severity of your condition, your physician may also prescribe certain medications, such as insulin.

If you are in need of a home health aide in New York to assist you in monitoring your condition or keeping you in optimum health, you can talk to us at F.A.B LLC Homecare Services.