ANNUAL HEALTH GUIDE
A DV E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N
DYK? DON’T TOSS the floss! Older adults who regularly floss have a significantly lower risk of developing gum disease, according to the Journal of Dental Research. If your dexterity isn’t quite what it used to be, swap out the traditional dental floss with floss picks, water flossers, or even interdental brushes.
DON’T-SKIP SCREENINGS
VITAL VACCINATIONS
Cervical cancer check every three years, with testing for HPV every five years
Influenza (IIV4, RIV4, or LAIV4) every year
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screening every three years
Tdap every 10 years
Colorectal cancer screening every 10 years Mammogram every year until age 75 Blood pressure screening every year Cholesterol test every five years, or more frequently if high risk for heart disease Full-body skin cancer screening every year Eye exam every two to four years
Herpes zoster (RZV, Shingrix) for shingles, two doses over a two-to-sixmonth period Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) once, if not previously administered COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna) one booster shot at least two months after your last dose or booster
At 50, those at average risk of prostate cancer should schedule a prostate cancer screening.
PREVENTION
Four Common Winter Wounds—and How to Avoid Them Ice can be pretty hard to avoid during Minnesota winters. BY REBECCA MENNECKE It’s the most wonderful time of the year: when our 10,000 lakes freeze over for skating and snowmobiling, fresh snow coats our driveways and walkways, and there’s a sense of tranquility that comes with slowing down. But with winter come a host of other problems, including an increase in injuries. Specialists from Summit Orthopedics share some of the most common winter injuries and how to prevent them. 1 SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS Wear footwear with good traction, and watch out for slippery ice on your sidewalks and driveways. According to Cory Absey, a physical therapist at Summit Orthopedics, having good balance can help you avoid wintertime slips. Additionally, take the necessary steps to clear your walkways—whether that’s with a shovel, salt, or sand.
3 HAND INJURIES Snowblowers are a leading cause of hand injuries in winter. They often get clogged up with ice, snow, and debris, and well-intentioned Minnesotans use PRO TIPS their hands to clear any jams. But FOR BETTER BALANCE: once the blade isn’t jammed and the snowblower gets back into gear, you PRACTICE standing with one leg in won’t want your hands anywhere front of another in alignment. near the blade. If your snowblower STAND on one leg for 30 seconds gets clogged, use a large stick to try to one minute. Then switch. and clear it out, even if your snowDO exercises to engage your blower is turned off. If you choose abdominal and glute muscles. to shovel, be sure to use safe lifting methods, avoid twisting your back or wrists, and take your time.
2 ARTHRITIS AND JOINT PAIN Cold weather can slow blood circulation and heighten pain sensitivity, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Our joints are especially sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. To avoid joint pain in winter, Dr. Daniel Probst, a sports medicine physician at Summit Ortho-
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pedics, recommends finding ways to stay active and be warm. Go for a walk, take a bath, and check in with your mental health.
4 HEAD INJURIES Don’t forget to protect the most important part of your body: your noggin. This is especially true for sledders of all ages. Be sure to never sled headfirst; instead, sit facing forward so you can better steer. And make sure to only sled in designated areas to avoid other potential hazards.