BBeing your best, healthiest self is different for everyone. It depends on many factors, including age, gender, lifestyle, and basic health. What we think of as optimal health is very different for an 18-year-old than it is for an 80-year-old.
My goal for my patients is to help them feel their best and be active in ways that are meaningful to them. Whether it’s a walk to the mailbox or a 7-mile trail hike, it’s all different for everyone.
Getting older doesn’t mean you run out of energy
My patients often complain about feeling tired and sluggish. Loss of energy can be a normal part of aging, but it often doesn’t have to be as severe as people experience it.
There may be other factors besides age that make you feel this way. For example, medications can cause fatigue, depression, and/or other side effects, while untreated conditions such as asthma/COPD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and heart disease can also cause feelings of well-being. and growth potential may be reduced. Therefore, it is important to talk to your provider if you have these concerns.
As your body changes, so do your medicines.
If a drug was prescribed 5, 10, or 15 years ago, it may not be suitable for what your body needs now. Everyone’s weight fluctuates over time, and so do their eating habits.
Muscle mass tends to decrease with age. Perhaps your kidneys are currently failing or you have heart disease. Healthcare providers or clinical pharmacists should stay informed of these changes. That can only happen if you get a medical checkup once a year and have a specialist put you in touch with your health care provider. If you have a new medication, it’s best to let your health care provider know and bring it with you to your next appointment.
Improves elevated blood pressure
Blood pressure fluctuates with normal daily activities. If you take your blood pressure immediately after climbing the stairs, it will be higher than normal. This is considered the “active rate.” If you then tell your health care provider about your activity (higher) rate, they may prescribe additional medications you don’t need, which can reduce your vitality.
Be sure to measure your blood pressure while at rest. This is the “resting rate.” It can be significantly lower than the “active rate”.
When is the best time to measure blood pressure?
Always measure your blood pressure after you wake up in the morning for the most accurate reading. Sit and rest for 10 to 15 minutes and put on the cuff to ensure accurate readings.
My preference is to also check the patient’s blood pressure 1 to 2 hours after taking their morning medication. This allows you to see how much of an effect your medicine has on your blood pressure. If your high blood pressure reading was 150 before you took the medication and it dropped to 100 after you took the medication, it may have dropped too much. Be sure to let your provider know. Adjustments to your medication may help you achieve more stable blood pressure throughout the day.
Health effects of sodium
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Americans consume an average of about 3,400 mg of sodium per day.but Dietary guidelines for Americans It is recommended that adults limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day. This is approximately the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of table salt. For children under 14, the recommended limit is even lower.
What most people don’t realize is that reducing sodium isn’t just about reducing the amount of table salt you add to your diet. An estimated 70% to 80% of the sodium in our diets is already in our foods when we buy them at the store. Sodium is found in all living plants/animals. Fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables also contain some sodium. On the other hand, a medium apple contains 2 mg of sodium.
How can I lower my sodium levels?
First, let’s check the sodium content in the foods we usually buy. Ready-made and canned foods are notorious for being high in sodium. One serving may contain more than half of a person’s recommended amount of sodium. Many foods have low-sodium or sodium-free alternatives.
Fresh produce is always preferred when available.
Remember that you are responsible for your own life and happiness. We ask that you all get well with the help of your medical team. If you do not have a health care provider, please call Finger Lakes Community Health. We can help.
Dr. Jacob Sprouse is a clinical pharmacist at Finger Lakes Community Health.
