A Healthy Overview

By Dr. Renetta L. Hatcher, General Surgeon, Los Angeles CA

Starting the New Year should be done right and healthy.  Hopefully your first month was new, fresh and cleansing. The last year passed so rapidly many of us didn’t complete the entire list of task we set out to.  Some failed to get physical exams, others failed to have their annual mammogram or their first prostate examination. Fortunately, the educational system doesn’t allow our school-age children to skip there immunizations but the preschool child can get lost in he shuffle.  Never fear, the New Year is here! On January 1^st, 2004 when the New Year rang in we were all given another day and a new year to do things right.  So here’s to starting the year off right….

The Children

To start the year off right, don’t forget immunizations and regular follow-ups for your infants and preschool aged children. Make sure the children see their pediatric care provider at least annually.  For the older child remember to have immunizations updated. Make sure to take advantage of all asthma programs available if your child has asthma, and an extra inhaler can be a life savior. Also, it’s important to obtain a physical evaluation on all young people prior to them starting any sports or strenuous exercise program.

The Young Adult

As young adults you usually feel strong and healthy but this isn’t the time to get cocky and forget about good habits.  If you haven’t had a physical you should probably have one. Sometimes there are asymptomatic problems brewing. You will have an easier time dealing with them later if you find them early. You also can get a jump start on watching your cholesterol and learning how to choose the foods that help you build and maintain a stronger healthier you. During these years having and developing good eating habits, exercise routines, and staying away from excess will carry you for many years. This can either prevent you from developing or delay development of chronic diseases seen in the elderly. I can not say enough on the importance of getting in shape if you are not, and working on staying in shape if you are.  Excess weight may not seem like a bother right now but if you carry it long enough it will wear you down later. So Exercise and Eat Right.

The Middle Ages

During these years we are busier than ever, and in the middle of the hustle and bustle of it all we often fail to keep up with our health. Health problems seem to sneak up on us while we are working, planning, managing, etc.  We no longer can skip that physical exam.  Most of us haven’t had one in years, so … Get a Physical Exam! Many of us will find out we have borderline hypertension, type II diabetes, hypercholesterol, obesity, low back pain, joint pain, bad feet, and the list goes on. But don’t worry, you have time to control the problems or get rid of them if you start working on them now. For a start you need to exercise and loose weight if you have gained a few extra pounds. Continue taking care of yourself by taking your medications as prescribed. Ask your doctor about your heart disease risk and find out if they recommend any preventive measures for you. Do your best to eat right.  Consider taking a supplement or multiple vitamin to support your diet.  In conjunction with working on you physical health, work on your emotional, psychological, mental and spiritual healthiness so you can enter you gold years whole. During these years you should start having annual mammograms, prostate exams and colon screening. If you have a family history of cancer, start preventive screenings earlier rather than later.

The Golden Years

During these years it’s important to take your medications as prescribed. Personal resources are usually sparse so investigate the many programs available to you.  There are many ways to get help. Don’t be afraid to seek the advice of your health care provider.  Do your best to avoid denial, it is common to have health problems in this group and denial delays care and treatment. Exercise is still important it will help you maintain your independents.

Final Words

Add the above general health recommendations to your 2004 to do list and do what you can to take care of your most important asset….you. Good health to you.