On to my number one rule for exercise when you’re over 40 – don’t get injured! The key to staying healthy and fit as we age is consistency (in exercise and diet), and that’s also the most difficult part. I always recommend starting an exercise regimen gradually and don’t rush progression too much since the goal is sticking with it. This article has practical tips on avoiding injury:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/10-tips-to-prevent-injuries-when-you-exercise
What is the grandparent shot? Glad you asked!
Many people call TDAP (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) the grandparent shot. Your immunity as a grandparent helps protect your grandkids from pertussis, which is whooping cough.
Babies are especially vulnerable to whooping cough since they don’t get their first vaccine for it until they’re two months old and are not fully immune until six months old.
TDAP is recommended as a one time booster for all adults who haven’t had it since their childhood vaccines. It’s also recommended for all expectant moms during each pregnancy.
School’s out and the season we’ve all been waiting for is here – tick season! I wanted to remind everyone that the best way to prevent Lyme disease is by covering up with clothes/spray and checking for ticks as soon as you can after coming in from outdoors. An imbedded tick that has only been present a short time can just be removed. If you think it’s been attached over 36 hours, call your doctor for a preventive dose of antibiotic like doxycycline.
How can I lose my belly fat? I get this question quite a bit, and I found this helpful article summing up all the research-based advice. Belly fat is not only a nuisance, but also a danger to your future health!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-tips-to-lose-belly-fat
Welcome to March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! Colonoscopy is a good screening test for colorectal cancer, but I also want to make sure everyone is aware there are other options. Fecal DNA tests (like Cologuard) can be done by home collection of stool that’s submitted by mail for testing. It picks up 92% of colorectal cancers when compared to colonoscopy. If the test is positive, it’s followed by colonoscopy for further evaluation and possible biopsies. If negative, the recommendation is to repeat Cologuard in three years.
