2017 Health Concerns

“Write it in your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), American essayist, lecturer, and poet

HAPPY NEW YEAR! After the merrymaking, parties, wines, and foods during the holidays, I believe it’s now time for some cleansing diet and exercise. This list will serve as a guide to your 365 healthful days ahead of you.

Common health concerns for the year

1. Arthritis. This is probably the number one condition present in people who are 65 years or older, although even younger men and women are sometimes not spared from this painful condition. Arthritis can lead to pain and lesser productivity and lower quality in life for some seniors. Don’t be discouraged if you suffer from some joint pains. Stay active. Exercise. Get involved. Work it with your doctor for you to be able to get a personalized activity plan that can go along with your treatment.

2. Heart Disease affects men in mid adult life and women in their menopausal age. In the Philippines, hypertension that is caused by some acute and chronic heart condition can appear at an early age of 40. It is still listed as the top 10 causes of morbidity and death among adults in the Philippines. Avoid the risks factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity diabetes, smoking, alcohol, stress, and other factors that can produce chronic heart disease that can lead to stroke.

3. Cancer. If it is caught early through screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, biopsies, skin checks, and other cancer screening tests, cancer is treatable. Although you’re not always able to prevent cancer, if you are diagnosed with the condition, you can still improve your quality of life. Don’t be depressed. Work with your medical team for your treatment and healthy living recommendations.

4. Pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Pneumonia and tuberculosis are still listed in the top 5 leading causes of death and morbidity in adults in the Philippines. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that is brought about the pneumonia and tuberculosis, not to mention Chronic Asthma, is the cause of death among patients with lung problems. Getting lung function tests and the proper use of oxygen will go a long way for you to enjoy the rest of the year.

5. Other health concerns: Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Osteoporosis, Diabetes, the Flu, slips and falls and other accidents, Alcohol (or maybe its relatives: drugs and gambling), Smoking, Obesity, Depression, Oral and Dental health problems, Poverty and problems with retirement, and virus infections (chickenpox, shingles).

KEEP CALM, IT’S JUST 2017.