JANUARY 2018 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 53
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PRESS HEALTH
“Their mindset is focused on other
aspects of their being — family life,
professional advancement, etc.,” Dr.
Herman warns. “They may indeed
lead active lifestyles, and eat well,
but unfortunately, as they often feel
invincible, medical screening is not at
the forefront of their consciousness.”
So what’s an indestructible
30-something to do?
“Good health for someone in
their 30s should rely on equally
distributing the mind-body-spirit
concept,” says Dr. Herman. “Active
and healthy lifestyle generally is a
good way to ensure a good quality of
life now, as well as into the future.”
Stop smoking; exercise; take some
time out to meditate or read. Spend
quality time with a loved one.“Additionally, an annual exam
at their primary care physician’s
office is always recommended 40s
and
encouraged,” says Dr. Herman.
some mental While 40
ADULTS IN THEIR Adults in their 40s go through
interesting physical and
changes, says Dr. Herman.
initially optimistic and
excited because, “This is 40,” that
positive energy can spiral with the
arrival of new aches and pains that
may make them feel less like a kid
and much more reminiscent of the
woes of their parents. If you’re not
active at 40, says Dr. Herman, it’s
time to kick it into gear, get your
annual checkup and take your
medical care more seriously.
“Good health in this decade would
be defined as having a good quality
of life and a good balance of one’s
personal and professional life,”
he says. “A good sleep schedule is
important, and one should ensure
that dietary needs are being met.”
Again, no smoking!
“Women at risk for breast cancer
should start annual screenings;
annual gynecologic exams are very
important, as well,” he adds.
ADULTS IN THEIR 50s
Adults in their 50s often look on
the bright side, though not without
hesitation.
They are cognizant of potential
opportunities for success, but
disappointments, too. While
50
mentally they may feel 40, the
reality that their body has caught
up to their physical age has set in.
“Retirement is entering into their
radar and one is often grappling
a bit more with their health,” says
Dr. Herman, noting a possible
need for increased doctor visits.
“This can be a great challenge for
a patient in this age group as it
is difficult to take time off from
a busy work schedule, and the
increasing cost of medical care can
be stressful.”
“Lifestyle optimization” is a
priority to achieve better health,
Dr. Herman asserts. “Smoking
cessation, alcohol moderation, diet
and exercise must be a mainstay of
their approach. At 50, one should
have a screening colonoscopy,
and breast cancer screening and
prostate cancer screening should
be performed,” as well as a check
on your heart, Dr. Herman
advises.
“It is possible to have a wonderful
quality of life in this decade, and
balancing mind, body and spirit is
as always very important,” he notes.
ADULTS IN THEIR 60s
The “Golden Years” may be
blindingly fantastic for some and
sadly dismal for others.
Those with a clean mental and
physical bill of health look
forward to retirement but “those
who are not as fortunate are
often anxious and depressed and
seeking a way to improve upon
their own quality of life,” says Dr.
Herman. If you’re in your 60s,
improving your health remains
on the table, he says.
“It’s not too late,” he assures. Be an
active participant in your health
care, whether it’s seeing a mental
health care professional or a sleep
specialist.
“As always, a strong resolve and
will to lead a healthy lifestyle is a
cornerstone of achieving a good
quality of life,” he says. “Annual
ophthalmologic exams are
important to screen for diseases like
glaucoma and it is very important
that an annual skin cancer screening
is performed. Regular dentist visits
can improve oral, as well as general
health, and those with a smoking
history should have lung cancer
screening performed.”
Regardless of your age,
improving health doesn’t happen
overnight. Take baby steps for
big changes.
“Long-term success comes from
perseverance,” says Dr. Herman.
Stay focused. Keep a journal.
Record your goals and the steps
you plan to take to achieve them.
Seek support. Acknowledge
your successes and forgive the
“missteps,” says Dr. Herman.
Great achievements start by
believing in yourself and
embracing the journey. And
remember, it’s never too late to
improve yourself!