The phrase that seems to be everywhere these days: 60 is the new 40, 70 is the new 50, and so on. But what does that really mean? Well, from my perspective, it means more people are choosing to age in healthy ways, by being more active both physically and mentally. I remember that when I was small people looked and acted older than they do now. My paternal grandparents died at ages 50- and 65-years-old. They were ill and had many health issues.

What has changed? Lifestyle choices!  <!–split–>

In this current youth-obsessed culture, the individual concept of aging has changed. And in response to this concept, the focus of healthcare has changed from treating illness to preventing illness.

According to geekwise.com, “Preventive health care refers to actions and lifestyle choices that serve to prevent future health complications or reduce the likelihood of serious illness and disease”…”…saving a great deal of time and money by reducing the need for expensive treatment.”

Preventive health care is in each individual’s hands. Just the practice of regularly washing your hands and decreasing exposure to people who show signs of obvious illness can reduce illness. Other choices, such as healthy eating, incorporating more exercise into each day, and having regular screenings and checkups, greatly reduce the role illness plays in our lives.

While living a healthy lifestyle may seem time-consuming, it actually provides great savings in time and money. This statement says so much and bears repeating!

If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness!

How often have you heard someone say that they don’t have time to be sick? I think most of us have said something like this at one time or another. If there were a magic formula for preventing illness as well as promoting a vibrant aging process, wouldn’t you like to know more about it?

You already have that formula! Preventive health, while taking many different forms, has one basic goal: prevent disease and illness before they occur, rather than fighting to effectively treat illness after it has negatively impacted your health and lifestyle.

Healthy lifestyle changes will not completely prevent illness and disease, but by making good choices, you can decrease the risks of poor health. Here are 10 basic preventive health care steps:

* Frequent Hand Washing

* Cover Your Face with Your Elbow when You Cough/Sneeze

* Eat a Healthy Diet: avoid sugar and processed foods

* Exercise Daily

* Get Restorative Amounts of Sleep

* Stimulate Your Brain

* Avoid Alcohol

* Avoid Tobacco Use/Vaping

* See Your Doctor Regularly

* Strengthen Your Relationships with God, Family, and Friends

I can’t think of a single person who desires illness or disease. The power is in your hands. We can change our habits into healthy lifestyles. And you don’t have to do it alone. As your parish nurse, I am happy to talk with you and help you live a healthy, vibrant life in 2020 and beyond!

Blessings, Kara Ade, RN – Parish Nurse