CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Recently I attended the birthday party of a friend, who turned 50. In addition to the usual cake, ice cream and pizza, he received an "over the hill" plaque for his desk and several sympathy cards. My friend, Pete, remained a good sport throughout the party and graciously accepted the taunting from his younger friends. I heard him say something like, "It's hell getting old, first your hair, then your night-vision and your hearing, now I'm dealing with high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol."
Like Pete, most of us are not thrilled with growing older and the associated physical changes it brings. While Pete may be "over the hill," if he takes care of himself and stays healthy, he can enjoy life for many more years. In fact, according to the latest Social Security
Administration charts, males of Pete's age have an average life expectancy of another 28 years, while females of Pete's age can expect another 32 years.
The good news is that Pete and the rest of us can start today to improve our health, prevent disease and position ourselves to enjoy life as long as possible. The American Academy of Family Physicians gives us specific guidance, which we would all do well to heed.
· Don't smoke or use tobacco in any form. One of every six deaths in the U.S. is directly related to smoking.
· Limit how much you drink. This means no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. Too much alcohol can damage the liver and contribute to cancer as well as deaths from car wrecks, murders and suicides.
· Eat a healthy diet. Heart disease, some cancers, diabetes and damage to your arteries can be linked to what you eat.
· Lose weight if you are overweight. Carrying too much weight increases your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and arthritis in the weight-bearing joints.
· Exercise. Exercise can help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression.
· Shun high-risk behavior. Avoid unprotected sex, tanning booths, prolonged sun exposure and high cholesterol foods. Wear your seat belt and don't drink and drive.
· Get periodic healthcare assessments. Complete prescribed screenings for skin, breast, rectal, cervical, prostate and testicular cancer.
People who follow these guidelines are successful in reducing disease, improving the quality of their lives and living longer. According to the Center for Disease Control, 50 percent of all people die of heart disease or cancer, so it stands to reason that just stopping smoking, exercising, keeping excess weight off and getting periodic screenings can make a real difference in your health.
I urge you all to begin today to follow the above prescription for good health and longevity. I don't know anyone who doesn't want to live a long and healthy life. I hope to see you all in the gym or on the track.