Reduce Health Risks And Revitalize Your Future With 50 MOVING FORWARD

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North American Precis Syndicate

ke Americans Se Reduce Health Risks And Revitalize Your Fu With 50 MOVING FORWARD (NAPSA)—Today, getting older isn’t about looking back.It’s about moving forward and embracing healthy habits to prepare for what lies ahead. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of chronic disease increases significantly with age. In fact, adults 50 and older have a 70 percent chance of developing at least one chronic condition.’ These serious risks demand more attention be placed on healthy living and prevention after 50—especially because the number of older Americans is expected to rise to 45 percent by 2015.’ Taking a comprehensive approach to health is critical, through a combination of being physically active,*? taking preventive measures like getting regular health screenings and vaccinations,“ healthy eating’ and staying socially active and connected. To makeit easier to start or continue improving healthy habits of men and women 50 and older, the YMCA and Pfizer Inc have partnered to create 50 MOVING FORWARD, which aims to help adults learn about and engage in habits centered on health, prevention, fitness and fun. “Prevention is crucial to stay- ing healthy,’ so I encourage any- THE HOW QUESTION IS TO KEEPIT. Beri Many adults don’t realize they need to be vaccinated for diseases such asinfluenza, shingles and pneumococcus. Screenings and vaccinations play a vital role in helping adults preventillness. cle of friends and to live healthier through regular checkups, screenings and vaccinations.” Beyond healthy eating and physical activity, 5}0 MOVING FORWARDhighlights the importance of screenings and vaccines to help prevent illness and health problems before they arise,’* and the health benefits of staying socially active. Even those who already practice healthy habits can benefit because the immune system naturally begins to weaken aspeople age.” “As a 50 MOVING FORWARD partner, Pfizer offers unique expertise into the health needs of adults 50 years and older,” says Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, Chief Med- participant from the Greater Burlington YMCA in Burlington, ical Officer at Pfizer. “Many adults don’t realize they need to be vaccinated for diseases such as influenza, shingles and pneumococcus. Screenings and vaccinations play a vital role in helping adults prevent illness,'* which is why they are primary elements of 50 MOVING FORWARD.” To learn moreor sign up for 50 MOVING FORWARD, visit the website at www.ymca.net/50mov ingforwardor contact yourlocal Y. WhatDoes Your Doctor Recommend For You? These questions will help start the conversations you should have with your health care provider about healthy aging: As I age, what can I do to reduce my potential health risks? What kindsof screenings will benefit me most? What can I expect to learn from these screenings and how often do I need them? workshops and group activities reminded me that I’m not too old to try new things, expand mycir- mended for me? How will these vaccines benefit me? one over 50 to try 50 MOVING FORWARD for new ideas and advice on creating or maintaining healthy habits,” said Jim Kauffman, National Director for Health and Well-being at YMCA of the USA.“Each and every person can take a proactive role in staying healthy as they age.” 50 MOVING FORWARDoffers information about healthy living and staying socially connected, as well as downloadable patient/ health care provider discussion guides andtips on physical activities. Additionally, select YMCAs around the United States participating in 50 MOVING FORWARD will host healthy aging activities and events. “50 MOVING FORWARD got me up off the couch and back into the full swing oflife,” said Trish Comer, 50 MOVING FORWARD Vt. “The fitness classes, nutrition What vaccines are recom- References 1. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Promoting Preventive Services. 2009. Available at http:/ /www.cdc.gov / aging |pdf/promoting-preventive-services.pdf. Accessed October 30, 2012 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Audience Insights: Communicating to Boomers. 3. Helpguide. Senior Exercise and Fitness Tips. How to Gain Energy and Feel Stronger. March 2010. Available at http:/ / helpguide.org / life /senior_fitness_sports.htm. Accessed January 6, 2012. 4. National Institutes of Health Medline Plus (NIH). Preventative Health Care. 2012. Available at http:/ /www.nlm.nih.gov /medlineplus /ency /article/001921.htm. Accessed October 30, 2012. 5. Helpguide. Senior Nutrition—The Joy of Eating Well. January 2011. Available at http:/ /helpguide.org /life/senior_nutrition.htm. Accessed January 9, 2012. 6. Helpguide. Healthy Aging Tips. How to Feel Young and Live Life to the Fullest. 2010. Available at http:/ /www.helpguide.org / life /healthy_aging_seniors_aging_ well.him. Accessed January 26, 2012. 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recommendations and Guidelines: Adult Immunization Schedule. December 2011. Available at http: / / www.cdc.gov / vaccines / recs / schedules /adult-schedule.htm. Accessed January 10, 2012. PSA518107

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