‘Lifestyle and activity’ calendar LW2 Turning back the clock LW3 Finding freedom: Luxury living for seniors LW4
Healthcare N e w s Yo u Can Use Special Advertising Section Created By Republic Media Content Marketing
The Arizona Republic
March 2017
Trending now: Healthy news just for you KIDS AND TEENS:
Take extra care with single-load laundry packets THE MESSAGE: Highly concentrated “single-load liquid laundry packets” can cause serious harm to young children (and pets and adults as well). THE SCOOP: Some kids who have managed to get the product in their mouths have experienced excessive vomiting, wheezing, gasping, extreme sleepiness and even breathing problems serious enough to require a ventilator. THE BOTTOM LINE: Always keep detergent containers closed, sealed and stored out of reach of children. Call your local poison control enter at 800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect a child has come into contact with this type of detergent.
Scott Hanson
SOURCE: American Association of Poison Control Centers, aapcc.org.
20s:
There’s an app for pretty much anything THE MESSAGE: You most likely need to drink more water — and yep, there’s an app for that. THE SCOOP: While exact recommendations vary, pretty much everyone’s heard the “8 by 8” rule — meaning you should drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day. But with work, school and a busy social life, it’s not always easy to remember to do so. Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.
at 50 and beyond Story by MEGHANN FINN SEPULVEDA
Photos by RICK D’ELIA
A
ge is just a number for millions of people in the United States who are leading longer, healthier lives. Today, there are approximately 35 million Americans age 65 or older, and this number is expected to double in the next 25 years, according to the National Institute on Aging. People who make positive lifestyle choices, reduce stress and stay involved in the community can master the art of aging gracefully.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Think of apps and alerts as your not-too-naggy drink-your-water friend. Google for ideas or try Waterlogged for iPhone or Water Your Body for Android and iPhones. Not big on apps? Set alerts on your phone to remind yourself to sip some agua fria. SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org and Women’s Health Magazine, womenshealthmag.com
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3 extraordinary 30 to 40s:
Happy, healthy hearts THE MESSAGE: What would happen if you were suddenly too sick to take care of your family or go to work? The bottom line is prevention. THE SCOOP: During their 30s and 40s, many women are busy with young families, careers, volunteer work and so much more, but you need to make time and invest in your own health — for yourself and for the people who depend on you. The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women program offers heart-health advice for women of every age. THE BOTTOM LINE: (1) Strive for more balance and less stress; (2) Find physical activities you enjoy and stick with them; (3) Eat heart-healthy meals; (4) Get regular checkups and heart-health screenings; and (5) Get enough sleep.
and active adults share their secrets to healthy aging Physical health It’s no secret that exercise and physical activity promotes good health. This is especially true for Scottsdale resident, Scott Hanson. The busy 55-year-old often begins his day early in the morning working out at the gym, combining cardiovascular exercises with stretching and weight lifting.
SOURCE: American Heart Association, heart.org and GoRedForWomen.org
50 PLUS:
Advice about advance-care directives and end-of-life issues
Research shows that exercise and physical activity can help people maintain and even improve physical strength, fitness and balance, manage diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis and reduce feelings of depression, according to the National Institute on Aging. “It’s important for people to stay active in whatever way they can, which often yields great results and prevents falls,” said Melissa Elliott, vice president of programs and services at Area Agency on Aging.
THE SCOOP: Advance-care directives give you a voice in decisions about your own personal medical care. Without these legal documents, choices may be left up to a doctor or a judge; these documents ensure you get the treatment you want if you can’t communicate your wishes.
SOURCE: Harvard Medical School Healthbeat Focus on Healthy Living, health.harvard.edu —Reported by Paula Hubbs Cohen
“It gives me a chance to think about clients, read or brainstorm ideas for my next book,” said Hanson, president of HMA Public Relations and author of “Who is Gym?,” an Arizona history book that captures the fascinating stories about the names behind high schools and their sports venues. “It also sets the tone for the day.” After work, Hanson usually heads to the baseball fields where he either plays in an adult men’s league or umpires a local high school game. “I believe that being in shape makes me be a better official and lessens the chance of getting hurt,” he said.
Benefits of exercise
THE MESSAGE: A healthcare power of attorney and a living will are important documents for folks of pretty much any age, but especially as we get older.
THE BOTTOM LINE: You should discuss your wishes with your loved ones, your primary healthcare provider and your legal advisor — and take action in writing.
Brona Freeman
Liz Merritt
!FABULOUS AT 50, continued on page 6