The most common health problems in your 50s
Know the warning boards before they ruin your best decade.
You feel more vital than ever. But 5-0 can quickly become 5-oh-no if you do not face facts: your body changes. Unless you adapt accordingly, you may have major implications in the coming years. "The health problems that arise in the 1950s could be a sign of more important problems to ensue", explainsRobin Raju, MD, a physiatrist in Yale Medicine. In order to preserve our health for years to come, it is absolutely crucial to identify and deal with problems as they increase. Here are the most common health problems you face your 50 years, as well as expert advice on what to do about them.
Osteoarthrosis
Do your joints feel suddenly unhappy? "Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and can affect all the joints of your body, especially the hands, knees, hips, feet and spine," says Dr. Raju. Especially after 50 years, the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases considerably. Unfortunately, the mechanisms of this increased risk of osteoarthritis osteoarthritis with the growing age are not well known.
RX: Talk to your doctor about the best method of treating your pain. "The treatment of osteoarthritis should be individualized and should include joint mallarmation, muscle weakness and weight problems," says Dr. Raju.
Tendonopathies (AKA Tendonite)
As we get older, wounds seem more common. This partly has to do the fact that tendons are starting to lose their energy storage capacity, which can lead to injury. "With more than 50 years, there is an increased impact of many overused tendonopathies," says Dr. Raju.
RX: The best treatment for tendonopathies rests on the area that bothers you. Physical therapy is another option. Make sure to talk with your doctor the best way to handle your situation.
Depression
Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in the general population, but as we get older, many of us have a lot of trouble getting there. It may be because our children have left the nest or because of imminent health problems. Whatever reason, depression is real and so many people try to deny that they suffer. "Many patients will ignore the signs of depression because of the fear of stigma, the belief that depression is not a" real "disease or afraid of being referred to a psychiatrist," says Dr. Raju. "Depression, if not treated, may result in a decrease in quality of life and aggravation of other medical conditions."
RX: If you feel shot down and even if you do not think it can be classified as depression - talk to a mental health expert. Take care of your mental health is so important at any age, whether it is the prescribed sub-therapy or medication. If you do not treat depression, it will probably get worse.
Deterioration of the view
You notice that your view seems to get worsening? Yes, this could be another sign of age. "Presbyopia or the inability to see near objects is clearly a disease usually begins at the fourth decade of life and gradually worsen in the fifth decade of life," says Dr. Raju. "The crystalline lens in our eyes loses its elasticity as we get older leading to this phenomenon."
RX: If you have trouble seeing, do not be in denial. Make an appointment to see your ophthalmologist so you can explore your options.
High cholesterol levels
As we get older, our bodies produce more cholesterol. Thus, in order to keep it low, we have to consume less. However, many people fail to make adjustment and find themselves higher than the recommended levels. "People with high cholesterol have a higher risk of heart attacks and caressing," says Dr. Raju.
RX: Cholesterol boils down to the diet and exercise. "Lifestyle changes such as aerobic exercise, weight loss and low healthy diet in saturated fats are keys for lowering your cholesterol," says Dr. Raju.
Hypertension
As we get older, our blood pressure naturally increases thanks to changes in vascular system. Basically, our arteries become more rigid, then arterial pressure increases. Once again, many of us fail to adapt our ways of life accordingly. "High blood pressure is associated with a significant increase in the risk of heart attacks, features and renal failure," says Dr. Raju.
RX: The decrease in your blood pressure involves the same lifestyle changes as high cholesterol, declares Dr. Raju: diet and exercise!
Urinary incontinence / urine leak
Dr. Raju has that urinary incontinence and leaks are a very common problem, but it's not a normal part of aging. "It is estimated that almost 50% of adult women suffer urinary leaks, but very little research care," he says.
RX: You do not have to live with urinary incontinence! Talk with your doctor about possible treatment methods and take care of the situation.
Sexual dysfunction
Viagra was a game changer for older men for a reason! "Male sexual dysfunction includes erectile dysfunction, reduced libido and abnormal ejaculation," says Dr. Raju, emphasizing that erectile dysfunction can also be a sign of early cardiovascular disease. "Female sexual dysfunction has in different ways, including a decrease in libido, altered externality or inability to reach orgasm."
RX: In addition to revealing a pill, there are other treatment methods for sexual dysfunction. Talk with your doctor and can help you recover your Juju.
RELATED: 15 best ways to improve your libido, according to doctors
Menopause
The great M. even though 50 is the new 30, there is no leakage of menopause. "While women enter the end of the fourth decade, the number of eggs in their ovaries diminish and menstruation stops," says Dr. Raju, noting that the average age of menopause is about 51 years in the United States. And these changes related to estrogen menopaus and exhaustion can have a variety of non-so-fun side effects, including hot flashes or emotional lability.
RX: Menopause is a natural part of aging. Although it can take a little time to get used to it, there are things we can do to facilitate the transition. Talk with your doctor about your options.
Obesity
As we get older, our metabolism slows us meaning, we can not eat like we used to gain weight. Unfortunately, many people in their 40 years adapt to their changing bodies and start packing on the books. "Obesity is now considered a" illness "and has become a global epidemic," explains Dr. Raju. The most frightening thing about it is that it is associated with a significant increase in other diseases of diseases of the Disease that threatening life in danger, sweet diabetes (diseases that affect high blood glucose), high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and sleep disorders.
RX: "Eat healthy diet with moderation," suggestsStephen Schimpff, MD, author ofDecoded longevity: the 7 keys to healthy aging. Of all the regimes, he recommends the Mediterranean supported by science. In addition to a healthy diet, it also encourages an adequate exercise, handle your stress, sleeping about 7.5 hours per night, refrain from tobacco and keep you socially engaged.
And live your happiest and healthiest life, do not miss these100 ways your home can make you sick.