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Our Session Today

YOUR HEALTH

Other Topics in the Program:

• Your Home & Community

• Your Financial Security

• Your Wishes: Expressing Your Health Care Decisions

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• How staying healthy and long-term care are linked

• Knowing family medical history

• Healthy living guidelines for women 50+

• Preparing a personal medication record

Today, We’ll Explore:

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Healthy Bingo

I got a flu shot this season

I know that my tetanus shot is

up-to-date

If I am under 65, I get a pap smear

every 1 to 3 years

I eat red meat less than twice a week

I have had my eyes checked this year

I know my blood pressure numbers

I felt well rested every day last

week

I didn’t stop at a fast food place on

my way here today

I know my cholesterol

level

If I am over 50, I have been

screened for colon cancer

I skipped dessert at the last party I

attended

I walk (or jog, bicycle, swim) for

at least 150 minutes/week

FreeSpace

I took advantage of an opportunity to socialize with

friends or colleagues this

month

I have not eaten bacon, pepperoni, or salami during the last month

I eat whole wheat bread instead of

white breadI don’t smoke

I don’t add salt to my food

I lift weights or do strength training

twice a week

I did something positive to relax

this week

I took the stairs instead of an

elevator/escalator every day this

week

I have no more than one alcoholic

drink a day

I use skim milk instead of

whole or 2%

I have had a mammogram

within the last 24 months

In the last week, I’ve eaten fresh fruit every day

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• Increased energy

• Lower blood pressure

• Improved sleep

• Reduced tension and stress

• Reduced risk of chronic conditions, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers

• A good example for friends and family

• What are other benefits you may have observed?

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

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Why Are Healthy Behaviors Important?

• Help you avoid or lessen your chances of developing chronic conditions

• Minimize the impact of chronic disease

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What Are Risk Factors?

• Heredity

• Personal behaviors

• Environment

• Age

• Gender

Risk factors are behaviors or conditions that increase your chance of developing a disease:

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Why Are Risk Factors Important?

• Alert you and your doctor to your unique strengths and weaknesses

• Help you catch problems early

• Allow you to take preventative steps

• Improve the quality of care provided

• Help guide your medical decision-making

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Your Family Medical Historyhttps://familyhistory.hhs.gov

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Are You Up-to-Date with Your Health Screenings?

• 75% of boomers are not

• What screenings are important for women 50+?

• How many can we name?

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Recommended Tests for Women 50+

• Mammograms

• Pap tests

• Colonoscopies

• Test for:

• Depression

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Obesity

• Osteoporosis (bone thinning)

• HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (check with health care provider to see if you are at risk)

Source: U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce

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Benefits of a Medication List

Average of four prescription drugs daily (people age 45+)

A list of your medications helps you and your doctors:

• Avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions

• Respond more quickly to medical emergencies

• Coordinate care among your health providers

• Prepare the best course of treatment for your personal circumstances

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Managing Your Meds

• How many of you have a list of all the prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you take with you today?

• AARP wallet card

• Start completing it, check it against your medicine containers

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Next Steps for Completing YourLiving Longer, Living Smarter Plan

• Start a chart with your health screenings and immunizations

• Keep a record of your medications with you

• Complete a family medical history

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Thank You

• What is of value to you now?

• What will be helpful to you in the future?

• What questions do you have?