The Keys to Healthy Aging

elderly couple stretching

The Keys to Healthy Aging

In honor of our recent acceptance of Medicare at Altus Baytown ER, this month of September, we celebrate Healthy Aging Month. There is no better time to re-invent yourself and start adopting better health practices.

Aging is something that affects all of us, not just the elderly. The better we take care of ourselves now, the more enjoyable our later years will be.

If you think you are too old to make some positive changes in your life, and improve your health, think again!

Simple changes in our daily routines can provide significant benefits, no matter what age you are.

Here are some simple tips to help you live and age healthier:

senior couple with their daughter

Watch What You Eat and Drink

We know that poor eating habits are affecting the health, safety, and overall well-being of Americans.

The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that:

  • About 90% of Americans consume approximately 3,400 mg/day of sodium, well above the federal guideline of 2,300 mg/day or less.
  • Most Americans don’t eat enough vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, dairy products, and healthy oils
  • The average American diet exceeds the recommended intake levels in these four categories:
  • Calories from solid fats and sugars
  • Refined grains
  • Sodium
  • Saturated Fat

If you wish to increase your energy levels and prevent illnesses, follow a diet that is:

  • Low in saturated fat
  • Includes lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Includes more oily fish
  • Has small amounts of low-fat dairy and lean meats

Also, remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and limit how much alcohol you drink.

Unhealthy eating can increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

If you suffer any complications from any of these illnesses, remember Altus Baytown ER is available to attend any emergency, with the added benefit of minimal wait times.

elderly couple enjoying a salad

Stay Active

Staying active through the years has many health benefits, including:

  • Helps maintain healthy bones and muscles which help maintain balance and mobility
  • It can boost your self-esteem
  • Helps you sleep better
  • Increases energy levels
  • Lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer

The World Health Organization recommends adults 65 and older do 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. You don’t need to join a gym to get your workout; you could add any of these activities to your weekly routine:

  • Walking
  • Dancing
  • Gardening
  • Swimming

If you are over 65 and want to add some physical activity to your day, remember:

  • Pace yourself, don’t try to do too much at once
  • Choose an exercise routine that fits your current level of fitness
  • Stay hydrated
  • When possible exercise with a buddy

As a Medicare provider, Altus Baytown ER is the best option for patients 65 and older to get treatment in case of a fall or any other type of injury.

happy couple dancing

Get Checked!

The best type of medicine is prevention. Everyone, regardless of age, should get at least an annual medical checkup.

For those of you who are 65 and older, you should talk to your doctor about getting these tests:

  • Blood Pressure Screening
  • Cholesterol Screening
  • Colorectal Screening
  • Eye Exam
  • Hearing Test
  • Dental Exam
  • Diabetes Screening
  • Osteoporosis Screening
  • Prostate Screening
  • Mammogram
  • Pap Smear
  • Vitamin D Test
  • Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Screening

It’s never too late to start making positive changes in our life. We are blessed to live in an age where medical and technological advances can give us the chance to live longer.

woman having her blood pressure measured

Always Have a Plan. Know Where to Go In the Event of An Emergency.

To ensure you get to live a long and fulfilling life, you need to take care of yourself. However, accidents do happen, and for that, you have us.

Altus Baytown ER is the #1 emergency center in Baytown, with state-of-the-art medical technology, the best doctors and convenient location. We are open 24/7 every day of the year, and we accept Medicare patients.

We Take MEDICARE!

Altus Baytown ER is the Preferred Outpatient NO WAIT Emergency Room of Altus Hospital.
We’re Open 24/7, Including Holidays.

Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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