Maintaining Your Family's Health


When dealing with Family Health issues, it's imperative to get the right information to help deal with a situation in an intelligent manner. Your doctor will be able to supply help and advice, however, in this day and age when research is so much easier with information available on the Interent, parents can do extensive research to fully understand the best methods and options available. Opinions vary regarding treatments and since each person has a different set of needs, the more options available the better chance you'll discover the right one for the person requiring care.

Aging gracefully and still living life to the fullest  means maintaining a healthy body and mind.  Flexibility is reduced and your body tightens as you age.  What you do now, increases your chance of living a healthy, productive lifestyle well into your senior years.

As you age, common health problems include cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, depression and cancer.  You can reduce the risk of getting these illnesses for yourself and your family by taking care of your body while still young.  Start an exercise program which will benefit everyone in the family as they grow older.  Keeping active also helps decrease the risk of contacting various illnesses. 

Diet is one of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle.  A diet low in fat, low in sodium that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is highly recommended.  People who maintain this type of diet are less likely to have heart disease or any other cardiovascular disease. This should be a habit throughout your life -- keeping your body physically and mentally fit.

Our bodies have social, physical and spiritual requirements.  We should maintain a balanced lifestyle, set up priorities, and make time for our own needs to achieve the balance needed.  By changing our way of thinking along with therapy, meditation or prayer, we can make changes in the chemicals of our brain.  Increasing serotonin levels helps to reduce depression and anxiety.

Regular exercising helps reduce the risk of heart disease, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels.  Exercising three to four times a week for 30 minutes is a good habit to get into.  Studies show that women who walk as little as one hour a week can reduce their chance of having heart disease by half.  Exercise can also slow down bone loss that causes osteoporosis. 

If anyone in your family is suffering from a life threatening illness, find a support group.  People who are in the same situation can help them cope with the emotions and issues they're facing.  Meditation and prayer can also help this type of stress.  Some stress is always going to be a part of life, but prolonged stress can be life threatening. 

Regular screenings for cholesterol, triglycerides, breast, prostate and colon can decrease the risk of having problems later in life.  In addition, if anyone in the family drinks alcohol, they should drink in moderation, under three drinks at a time, and fewer than 12 drinks a week.  Your doctor may also recommend an aspirin regimen for prevention of heart disease or heart attacks. 

Take part in fun and educational activities with your family.  Everyone will feel younger, act younger and be happier when taking part in family activities. Spending quality time with your children or grandchildren, plus taking part in enjoyable hobbies can improve your moods and reduce depression.

Never underestimate what a small child can do to raise your mood.  Many nursing homes now encourage visits by small children and pets to ease the symptoms of depression in their patients.  The feel of a tiny baby in your arms, the arms around your neck giving you a hug, and the high fives as you take part in a teenager's life helps make life worth living.  Smile, have fun and enjoy life.  Live each day as if it's the last day of your life.

London, Ontario, Canada