Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - North Mississippi - (Page 37)

CALL Spirit of Women offers programs year-round to help women take charge of their health. To learn more, call 800-THE DESK (800-843-3375) or visit www.nmhs.net/spirit_of_women. Catch the Spirit Are You at High Risk? In Your The typical recommended ages for screenings come with a caveat: unless at high risk. If you’re at risk for a particular disease, the age at which you should be screened lowers. How do you know whether you’re at high risk? “Different things put you at high risk for different conditions,” says Liz Dawson of North Mississippi Medical Center’s Community Health Department and Spirit of Women. For example, those who have multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Being obese or a smoker, or both, makes you high risk for diabetes and heart disease, she says. Also, women who have close relatives who have been diagnosed with any number of cancers (including breast and ovarian) are at increased risk. But with cervical cancer, family history doesn’t matter, which is why Pap tests are so crucial. “There’s a 10-year rule for cancers,” Dawson says. “Start screening 10 years younger than the age the relative was diagnosed.” If you’re at high risk for a particular disease, speak with your doctor about getting screened early. Vim & Vigor • WI NTER 2011 60s Focus on: Planning for the future and continuing your healthy ways. Stay-healthy strategies: “This is a good time to start thinking about end-of-life decisions,” Nelson says. “Ask yourself, ‘How would I like to live?’ ” Make a plan early that you and your spouse agree to. It’s never too late to start exercising. No matter what age you start, you get the benefits, Nelson says. Just be sure to clear any new regimen with your doctor first. Screenings to schedule: Good news! If you’re over 65 and your previous Pap tests were normal or you’ve had a hysterectomy (unrelated to cancer), you can cross these off your list. Instead, focus on getting a bone density screening at 65 and every two years after that. Continue getting mammograms after 65 (every one to two years), diabetes testing (every three years), blood pressure checks (every year) and cholesterol screenings (every three to five years). Also, ask if you need a shingles vaccine (at age 60) and a pneumonia shot (at age 65). Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years, so you’re due again. DIY: Keep your mind sharp by trying something new, whether it’s enrolling in a class or taking on a new hobby. photography by getty images 37 http://www.nmhs.net/spirit_of_women

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Getting Back to Life
ACT Now!
Lingering Memories
Accumulating Accolades
Back in Action
Supplementary Knowledge
Keys to Survival
Clearing the Air
Mark Harmon of NCIS fame makes 60 look good
This One’s for the Girls
Life After a Loss
Do Your Diabetes Homework
Healthy Returns
Care for the Caregiver
Gaining Control
Moving Forward
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2011 - North Mississippi

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