Gila Regional Medical Center | Wellness Companion | Winter 2018

4 q WELLNESS COMPANION 40 YEARS  The age at which most people slowly begin to lose bone mass. 43 MILLION  The number of Americans age 50 and older with low bone mass. This condi- tion puts people at risk for the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. 10 MILLION  The number of Americans age 50 and older with osteoporosis, which can cause bones to become weak and fragile. 80 PERCENT  The portion of people with osteo- porosis who are female. ou survived all those over-the-hill jokes and cards, and you managed to blow out all those candles on your cake. Turning 50, it turned out, was really no big deal. What is a big deal at this age, however, is making sure you stay in good health. As you get older, you’re more likely to face health challenges. Here are five suggestions for beating back those challenges: 50 @ 5 MUST-DOS Shape up your shopping cart. A good diet promotes good health—and it starts in the grocery store. If you’re not already purchasing fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy prod- ucts, lean meats, and fish, it’s time for some meal make- overs. Foods that aren’t so healthy—such as butter, ice cream, cookies and cakes— are OK periodically. Just don’t eat them often. Whittle away unwanted weight. A tubby tummy puts stress on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and bones and increases your risk for some serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes. If extra pounds have sneaked up on you, wrap a tape measure around your waist just above your hips. A measurement greater than 40 inches for a man or 35 inches for a woman is a sign that you should cut some calories and get more exercise. THE WHY 0 The number of cigarettes you should smoke if you want to lower your risk for osteoporosis. THE HOW Bone health by the numbers Wondering why and how to take care of your bones? A few facts and figures can help answer those questions. Y 1 2