![\"\"](\"https:\/\/soundhealthwellness.com\/ppo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/12\/web-image-dec2020_fifties-crop.png\")
\nOnce we reach our fiftieth birthday, we\u2019re all at greater risk for health issues. It\u2019s just a fact of life. It\u2019s also why screening tests for various cancers\u2009\u2014\u2009<\/span>like colon cancer\u2009\u2014\u2009<\/span>become even more important. If you\u2019re celebrating a milestone this year, make sure you talk to your doctor about what to expect next and then use your Trust benefits to stay on top of your health. Here are some important habits you might also want to think about building in.<\/p>\n Keep Exercising or Start Now<\/strong> Add in Strength Training<\/strong> Be Aware of Your Heart Health<\/strong> Focus on Nutrition<\/strong> Go to the Eye Doctor<\/strong> Pay Attention to Your Hearing<\/strong> Try Some Workouts for Your Mind<\/strong> Get Vaccinations<\/strong> Watch for Changes and Get Support<\/strong> Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tufts University<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Once we reach our fiftieth birthday, we\u2019re all at greater […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":5419,"template":"","format":"standard","articles_categories":[24],"class_list":["post-5442","news_articles","type-news_articles","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","articles_categories-take-care"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/soundhealthwellness.com\/ppo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news_articles\/5442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/soundhealthwellness.com\/ppo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news_articles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/soundhealthwellness.com\/ppo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news_articles"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soundhealthwellness.com\/ppo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/soundhealthwellness.com\/ppo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"articles_categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soundhealthwellness.com\/ppo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles_categories?post=5442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nWalk the dog, take an after-dinner stroll or try an online class. Think outside the gym and find physical activity that works for you. Despite the many benefits of physical activity, 31 million Americans (28 percent) 50 and older are inactive.<\/p>\n
\nMuscle mass and strength decrease as we age, so we need to lift some heavy stuff regularly to combat it. Recent research confirms it works. Try small free weights a few minutes a day or consider walking home with a few groceries now and again.<\/p>\n
\nThe impact of aging on your heart is not as obvious as wrinkles and gray hair, but the risk of heart disease increases as we age. The good news is that you can dramatically reduce your risk with lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n
\nOlder adults need more calcium and vitamin D to help maintain bone health. Dietary fiber also may help lower your risk for heart disease and reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes. Eat whole-grain breads and cereals, beans and legumes and fruits and vegetables. Also, select and prepare foods with little or no added salt. Add flavor to food with herbs and spices.<\/p>\n
\nAge-related eye care in the form of an exam serves as an important first step because many signs of eye disease are subtle. Glaucoma can develop without people realizing it, and other diseases can also crop up with age. Also, be sure to wear sunglasses that offer 100 percent protection from UV rays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\nMany people over the age of 50 have some hearing loss. Aside from natural aging, your genes can play a part, and some health issues\u2009\u2014\u2009like high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes\u2009\u2014\u2009can affect your hearing over time. If you have concerns, ask your doctor about a hearing test.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nMental exercise has been shown to strengthen brain cell networks and help preserve mental functions. This could include everything from learning a new language or skill to taking on activities that are mentally stimulating, such as puzzles or a crossword app.<\/p>\n
\nAs we age, our bodies are slower to react to common viruses, such as those that cause the flu, pneumonia or tetanus, so make sure you\u2019re up to date on your vaccines.<\/p>\n
\nNo matter what your personal history or needs are, it\u2019s always important to watch for changes and talk with your doctor about anything that comes up. The Trust is here to help support you along the way.<\/p>\n