Baby Boomer Health

A new study released by the Institutes of Medicine reports that the American health care system is completely unprepared for us aging baby boomers in terms of the healthcare workforce.

There are many reasons for this…not the least being that you and I will overwhelm the system just by sheer numbers…there will be more of us who fall into the “geriatric” classification than ever before.  There are certainly other reasons like the education system, salaries and just the nature of the work.   While many of looking for the resources to boost this workforce, there is something more important that I think each of us should be asking ourselves and acting on.

What can you do to improve your health right now and maintain your health in the future in order to avoid having to access a system that is unprepared to meet the needs of so many ill baby boomers? Think about this…if you are healthy your need for “the healthcare system” will diminish. You’ll spend less money on healthcare, and lead a healthier, more active life.

Don’t know what you can do? Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Do you smoke?  Then Quit! Now. Today. Just quit.
2. What is your blood pressure? If it’s over 130/80, get it treated.
3. Do you exercise? Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
4. How much do you weigh? Do everything in your power to get to, and stay at a healthy weight.
5. Do you have diabetes?  Maintain your fasting glucose at less than 100 and less than 140 two hours after eating.
6. Stressed? Learn ways to reduce your stress level.
7. Cholesterol too high? Get it treated! Be real about this, if you cannot manage it without medication, take medication now until you can deal with it yourself.

The majority of heart disease (what kills us) and diabetes (which leads to heart disease among other lovely complications) can be entirely prevented with proper nutrition and exercise. We’ll address more of what you can do to stay healthy as you age in future posts.

Until then, why not share with us what you will do to maintain your own Baby Boomer Health.