Lisa Peake, RN – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: Can I take a slower, proactive approach to my health?
A: I love it when clients want to take charge today for a healthier tomorrow.
As we age, our health becomes our most valuable asset. While we cannot control every aspect of aging, we can take meaningful steps to protect our health, maintain our independence, and enjoy the activities and people that matter most to us.
Being proactive about your health means taking positive steps to maintain wellness before problems start, rather than just reacting to sickness after it happens. Regular checkups, screenings, healthy habits, and knowing your numbers can help identify potential concerns early—when there may be more opportunities to address them.
Healthy living doesn’t mean making drastic changes overnight. Small, consistent choices can often have the greatest impact.
Eat for your health. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Pay attention to portions and try to limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and excess sodium.
Keep moving. Physical activity can help maintain strength, balance, flexibility, heart health, and independence. Walking, swimming, dancing, gardening, stretching, or other activities you enjoy can all contribute to a more active lifestyle. Always choose activities appropriate for your abilities and health.
Know your numbers. Keep track of important health measures such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight when recommended by your healthcare provider. Knowing what is normal for you makes it easier to recognize when something changes.
Stay current with preventive care. Don’t put off recommended screenings, vaccinations, dental visits, vision and hearing checks, or routine medical appointments. Prevention and early detection can make a significant difference.
Take care of your mind and your relationships. Staying socially connected, learning new things, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining activities that bring you purpose can all contribute to overall well-being.
Be your own best health advocate. Ask questions. Keep a list of your medications and medical information. Share changes or concerns with your healthcare provider, and don’t be afraid to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Healthy living isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making choices today that give you the best opportunity for a healthier, more active tomorrow. Your health, your independence, and your future are worth investing in—one small step at a time.
Over a dozen free health screenings, mini-talks and a delicious lunch are available to attendees of the Healthy Living Festival on Friday, October 23rd at One Senior Place in Viera. To RSVP for lunch, call 321-751-6771.
Lisa Peake is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager for One Senior Place Care Management, Viera. A member of the Aging Life Care Association, Ms. Peake hosts ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa’ monthly. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
