50 for your 50s

Nearing your 50s? Already crossed the half-century mark? This article is for you . . .

If you’re entering your fifth decade this year — or you’re simply looking for a few ways to implement your New Year’s resolution to live healthier, here are 50 tips for your consideration.

1. Schedule a complete physical.
2. Get a colonoscopy.
3. Follow through with your mammogram or PSA test.
4. Map out all your moles. Have your spouse help with the areas that you cannot see yourself.
5. Make sure all your vaccines are up to date.
6. Get your ears tested.
7. Ask your physician if you need a bone density test.
8. Ask your physician if you should take a baby aspirin each day.
9. Get your eyes tested.
10. Don’t stop any medications without asking your physician.
11. Document family illnesses and pass the information on to your children.
12. Keep your medical information handy; carry a list of your medications and allergies with you.
13. In your phone contacts, indicate who to call “In Case of Emergency” (ICE).
14. Consider a living will.
15. Consider being an organ donor.
16. Keep a food diary and review it with your physician or a nutritionist.
17. Read nutrition labels.
18. Eat more fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid processed food.
19. Drink more water; replace sodas with water.
20. Eat smaller portions.
21. Eat slowly.
22. Replace simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates.
23. Brush your teeth softly in a circular manner.
24. Floss every day.
25. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses and get outside every day.
26. Ask your physician if you should have your vitamin D level checked.
27. Do aerobic exercises for at least 30 minutes, five times per week.
28. Do resistance training with simple weights, at least three times per week.
29. Take the stairs.
30. Park at the far end of a parking lot.
31. Get up from your desk and walk around every 90 minutes.
32. Wear a pedometer. The latest recommendation is 10,000 steps daily.
33. Keep a resistance band handy, and learn simple exercises you can do while you are sitting.
34. Swim if you have sore joints.
35. Wear comfortable shoes.
36. Do a crossword or Sudoku puzzle daily.
37. Try a simple video game on your mobile device.
38. Learn a new language.
39. Take ballroom dancing.
40. Have a teenager teach you how to use those apps on your smart phone.
41. Keep socially active.
42. Try to make a new friend at least once a month.
43. Reconnect with old friends.
44. Volunteer your time for a worthy cause.
45. Squeeze a stress ball.
46. Moisturize.
47. Listen to classical music.
48. Smile more.
49. Breathe in the fresh air; take the time to smell the roses.
50. Relax and enjoy being 50!

Susan Locke, MD, is Healthnetwork Foundation’s medical director.

Healthnetwork is a Legatus membership benefit, a healthcare “concierge service” that provides members and their families access to some of the most respected hospitals in the world. One Call Starts It All: (866) 968-2467 or (440) 893-0830. Email: [email protected]