Good Health and Aging
Date:
10/22/2009 | 12:00 pm
We often ignore aches and pains assuming that they are a natural part of aging. But that is not always true. A healthy lifestyle and good medical care can reduce your health risks and improve your quality of life, even as we age. You can stay healthy longer and reducing your risks by keeping up-to-date on your screenings: cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar (diabetes screening), colorectal, eye, dental and your vaccines (flu, tetanus, shingles, and so on).
Anjali K. Ray, M.D. will answer your questions about aging and the challenges you are finding that you believe are age related.
Dr. Ray is a family physician, board certified in family medicine. She graduated from the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Medicine. She completed her internship and residency at Virginia Commonwealth University-Fairfax Family Medicine. She sees patients in our Moorestown office.
Anjali Ray, M.D.
: I'm happy to be available today for this Health eTalk about aging and staying healthy. As we live longer, it’s even more important that we take good care of ourselves – physically, mentally, and socially. That means keeping up with your health screenings, eating well, exercising and reducing your risks. I hope you’ll send your questions and I will do my best to give you helpful information. Let’s take the first question.
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It seems that, as I get older, my sleeping habits are changing. Over the past year I've been waking up multiple times during the night and have had a hard time falling back to sleep. Is insomnia something I should come to expect with aging? Is there something I can do about it? Thank you. Daniel from Woodbury |
10/22/2009 12:00:18 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
Insomnia is a condition that affects many people.
Try to improve sleep hygiene: going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday, including weekends. Try to avoid activities such as eating, reading, and watching television in the bedroom. Also try to keep the bedroom temperature cool.
Sometimes stress, anxiety and depression can be a cause of insomnia. Exercising during the day can help fatigue your body at night to help improve sleep patterns and can help with stress management.
If you have excessive daytime sleepiness and snore, you may also have sleep apnea, for which your doctor can order a sleep study to help diagnose.
Try to improve sleep hygiene: going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday, including weekends. Try to avoid activities such as eating, reading, and watching television in the bedroom. Also try to keep the bedroom temperature cool.
Sometimes stress, anxiety and depression can be a cause of insomnia. Exercising during the day can help fatigue your body at night to help improve sleep patterns and can help with stress management.
If you have excessive daytime sleepiness and snore, you may also have sleep apnea, for which your doctor can order a sleep study to help diagnose.
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What are the important medical tests and/or screenings that older people should get regularly to ensure good health, and at what age and what intervals? Do the tests differ for women and men? Daphne from Deptford |
10/22/2009 12:02:06 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
This is a very important question, as prevention and screening can be very helpful in early detection and management of diseases. I will review general health screening tests, however, review your particular history with your doctor,as family history has a significant impact on age at which a patient may need to get a particular screening test.
- Colon cancer screening - colonoscopy at age 50 (every 10 years)
- Breast cancer screening - mammogram at age 40 (yearly)
- Osteoporosis screening - dexa scan, start of menopause (every 1-2 years)
- Prostate cancer screening - digital rectal exam plus PSA at age 50 (yearly)
- Cervical cancer screening - pap test, within first 3 years of becoming sexually active or by age 21
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening - for men only who are or were smokers, starting at age 65 (if normal, done once)
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I have pain in my knees when I get up to walk I have to wait a minute before I can start moving. Is this a sign of bones being destroyed in the knees. Phyllis from Corbitt |
10/22/2009 12:03:52 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
Depending on your age, this could be a sign of osteoarthritis, meaning there isn't enough lubricating cartilage in the affected joint. X-rays can help diagnose the severity of the arthritis.
One way to help manage the symptoms is to keep the joint fluid with low-impact exercises, such as, swimming, biking and walking. Weight loss is also important to reduce the stress on the joint. Gluosamine is a supplement that is sometimes helpful. If the arthritis is severe, the patient may be a candidate for joint injections or surgery.
One way to help manage the symptoms is to keep the joint fluid with low-impact exercises, such as, swimming, biking and walking. Weight loss is also important to reduce the stress on the joint. Gluosamine is a supplement that is sometimes helpful. If the arthritis is severe, the patient may be a candidate for joint injections or surgery.
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Depression and anxiety seem to be frequent problems for a lot people as they age. It seems the aging process itself gets them down, as well as the fear of dying or getting ill. Are these feelings normal? Is there a particular point in time or life when people start to feel this way? What's the best way to help them? Lana from Laurel Springs |
10/22/2009 12:05:39 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
Depression and anxiety are very common amongst the population for a variety of age groups. It is usually multi-factorial, including genetic predisposition, multiple stressors in life, such as finances, personal health conditions, work and family conditions.
Depression can be common in the elderly, as their health declines. Losing their independence, becoming reliant on others, losing their spouse, and even their hearing and vision can significantly impact their quality of life.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, lifestyle changes such as improving exercise and diet, and engaging in fun, stress-relieving activities can help. Therapy and medications are also options. It is also very important to have a good support system.
Depression can be common in the elderly, as their health declines. Losing their independence, becoming reliant on others, losing their spouse, and even their hearing and vision can significantly impact their quality of life.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, lifestyle changes such as improving exercise and diet, and engaging in fun, stress-relieving activities can help. Therapy and medications are also options. It is also very important to have a good support system.
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What about vitamins, amino acids, dietary supplements and the so-called "green foods" to keep us healthy as we age? Any advice? Clark from Cinnaminson |
10/22/2009 12:07:26 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
A diet high in colorful fruits and vegetables and a multi-vitamin is usually what I recommend to my patients. Many supplements often have more of the daily recommended amount of the vitamin than the body needs, which can cause harmful effects. Amino acids can also be harmful at times, causing elevated blood pressure and increased bleeding. for women. I do recommend calcium and vitamin D supplementation, especially when post-menopausal.
Bring the bottles with you so your doctor can review the ingredients and to make sure it will not interact with any medications you may be taking.
Bring the bottles with you so your doctor can review the ingredients and to make sure it will not interact with any medications you may be taking.
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I'm 66 years old, in good health, and taking medication only for osteoporosis. I got pain in both arms from my shoulders to my elbows, which disappears after a couple of weeks and then comes back ocassionaly, especially when it is raining. Is this arthritis? What can I do to prevent the pain from reoccuring? I regularly walk, and do some bending and stretching exercises during the day at work. Josie from Cherry Hill |
10/22/2009 12:10:28 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
It is possible that the symptoms may be from osteoarthritis, especially if the symptoms are worse in the shoulders and exacerbated by the rain.
It's wonderful that you participate in some form of exercise. I would also include exercises that include your upper body as well, perhaps with light weights, the elliptical machine, or yoga. Exercising is the best way to minimize flares.
You may want to visit your doctor to make sure the pains are not due to other causes. Sometimes Vitamin D and glucosamine supplementation can help keep arthritic pains away.
It's wonderful that you participate in some form of exercise. I would also include exercises that include your upper body as well, perhaps with light weights, the elliptical machine, or yoga. Exercising is the best way to minimize flares.
You may want to visit your doctor to make sure the pains are not due to other causes. Sometimes Vitamin D and glucosamine supplementation can help keep arthritic pains away.
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I'm Age 53 and am noticing that my eyes are often dry, blood shot, and more sensitive. Is this age related? I just had an eye exam with an optometrist. Eileen from Maple Shade |
10/22/2009 12:14:55 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
Dry eye syndrome is more common as patients age, due to decrease production of tears. It may, however, also be a side effect of certain medications or related to certain diseases. Visit an opthomologist or your family physician to see if there could be anything else causing your symptoms. If it is a simple case of dry eyes, artificial tears can help alleviate some discomfort.
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I am 81 years of age. Is it still necessary to get mammograms? I have had a mastectomy 12 years ago. Should older people get the Swine Flu vaccine? Theresa from Collingswood |
10/22/2009 12:18:25 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
Currently there are no guidelines that dictate what age to stop getting mammograms. Above the age of 65, it is recommended every 2 years. In your particular case, I would defer to your oncologist's recommendations whether you can return to an every 2 year regimen.
The H1N1 vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and children ages 6 months to 24 years of age. Patients with chronic medical conditions ages 25 to 65 and patients who care for young children are recommended to get the vaccine. Patients above the age 65 are not considered high-risk since it is thought they may have antibodies from the 1970's swine flu.
The H1N1 vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and children ages 6 months to 24 years of age. Patients with chronic medical conditions ages 25 to 65 and patients who care for young children are recommended to get the vaccine. Patients above the age 65 are not considered high-risk since it is thought they may have antibodies from the 1970's swine flu.
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I have diabetes and occasionally my doctor orders an A1C, how often is appropriate for me to have that test? Julie from Philadelphia |
10/22/2009 12:20:55 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
The A1c blood test is a measure of how well controlled the blood sugar has been over a 3 month period. The goal is to have it <7%. If it is not at goal, then testing every 3 months is necessary. If the A1c has been at goal, then it should be checked every 6 months.
The A1c blood test is a measure of how well controlled the blood sugar has been over a 3 month period. The goal is to have it <7%. If it is not at goal, then testing every 3 months is necessary. If the A1c has been at goal, then it should be checked every 6 months.
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I heard an advertisement from your hospital regarding problems with legs in older people. There was a 3 letter acronym regarding this problem. Can you remind me what the name is please. Thank you for your assistance. Jack from Douglassville |
10/22/2009 12:23:33 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
I believe it is PAD: Peripheral Artery Disease. Symptoms of PAD include calf pain with exertion that resolves with rest. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, and coronary artery disease among others. There is a non-invasive test called the ABI that your doctor can order to help make this diagnosis. If a patient does have PAD there are a few treatment options depending on the severity, including medications. The key is to recognize the symptoms early.
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At what age does menopause cease? I am 67 and have been experiencing increased episodes of night sweats, so much that my husband has been constantly mentioning it. I'm also experiencing many restless nights and sleeping late during the morning. I have always been a late night sleeper, but this is getting ridiculous. Sarah from Bordentown |
10/22/2009 12:27:02 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
Menopause is defined as 12 months without a menstrual period. Postmenopause is defined as the first 5 years after the final menstrual period.
12-15% of women have hot flashes in their 60's and about 9% after age 70. Hot flashes are very closely linked to sleep disturbances, as they often times cause arousal from sleep. it is more common in the first 4 hours of sleep. Reducing the room temperature can help minimize the number of hot flashes. Risk factors for hot flashes can include smoking, obesity and lack of exercise.
Talk to your doctor about other possible causes for your symptoms like hyperthyroidism and sleep apnea.
12-15% of women have hot flashes in their 60's and about 9% after age 70. Hot flashes are very closely linked to sleep disturbances, as they often times cause arousal from sleep. it is more common in the first 4 hours of sleep. Reducing the room temperature can help minimize the number of hot flashes. Risk factors for hot flashes can include smoking, obesity and lack of exercise.
Talk to your doctor about other possible causes for your symptoms like hyperthyroidism and sleep apnea.
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I was just prescribed a statin for my overall cholesterol of 237. Will I have to take this for the rest of my life (I'm 60)? Thank you. Carla from Haddonfield |
10/22/2009 12:29:11 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
This is a very common question amongst patients.
The lipid panel, which is the blood test ordered by your doctor, shows 4 important values: total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and HDL (good cholesterol). Each patient has their own set of cholesterol goals depending on their family and medical history. For example, the cholesterol goals are different for a diabetic versus a non diabetic. Genetics and lifestyle play an important role in determining the cholesterol levels. Therefore, it may be possible to come off the statins with good diet and exercise.
Discuss with your doctor what your particular lipid panel goals are, good luck!
The lipid panel, which is the blood test ordered by your doctor, shows 4 important values: total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and HDL (good cholesterol). Each patient has their own set of cholesterol goals depending on their family and medical history. For example, the cholesterol goals are different for a diabetic versus a non diabetic. Genetics and lifestyle play an important role in determining the cholesterol levels. Therefore, it may be possible to come off the statins with good diet and exercise.
Discuss with your doctor what your particular lipid panel goals are, good luck!
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What can I do about terrible muscle cramps that wake me up around 4 am most mornings? They can be anywhere on my legs and/or foot. I drink plenty of water, take magnesium and all the other supplements. I exercise and stretch afterward. Elly from Cherry Hill |
10/22/2009 12:38:35 PM |
Anjali Ray, M.D.:
Everything you are currently doing is exactly what I would recommend as first line treatment for leg cramps. Since they are still persisting, you may want to make sure that your calcium, blood sugar and thyroid levels are within normal ranges.Visit your doctor to see if there are any underlying neurological conditions or medications that could be associated with your symptoms. Also sometimes wearing proper footwear during the day may help alleviate symptoms at night. you can see a podiatrist who can assess your foot structure and gait and recommend an appropriate type of shoe. Finally, there are some medications that can be prescribed for symptom relief, as sometimes there is no known cause for nighttime leg cramps.
Anjali Ray, M.D.
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