Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Spring 2018

4 | Spring 2018 5 S ome things are a normal part of aging — reading glasses, say, or laugh lines around the eyes. But chronic health problems don’t have to be. “How well we age depends in large part on our habits,” says Grant Barnum, D.O., FACOI, an internal medicine doctor at Lake Regional Clinic – Lake Ozark. “With good choices and the right care, we can avoid many chronic diseases as we age.” The following five steps can help you not only live longer but also better. Grant Barnum, D.O., FACOI steps to aging well LIFE AND HEALTH 1 Eat smart. Treat yourself to plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, and make a habit of choosing whole grains. Aim for two servings of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or sardines, each week. And go easy on red meat and full-fat dairy products. 2 Get your shots. Kids aren’t the only ones who need shots — vaccines also help prevent serious and some- times deadly diseases in adults. Ask your doctor if you need to be vaccinated for pneumonia, shingles and teta- nus/diphtheria. And don’t forget your yearly flu shot. 3 Fight falls. Falls are a major cause of serious — and even life-threatening — injuries. To stay upright, exercise regularly. Walking as little as 30 minutes, three times a week, can strengthen your bones and help prevent falls. Keep your home bright with lots of lights, and don’t leave clutter on your floor or stairs. Finally, tell your doctor if you’ve fallen since your last checkup. 4 Don’t skimp on sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep nightly. If you’re getting that much and are still groggy, tell your doctor. You may have a disorder called sleep apnea. People who have it briefly stop breathing throughout the night. Left untreated, this disorder can raise your risk of heart disease. 5 Stay involved. Studies show that people who partici- pate in meaningful activities, such as volunteering, report fewer health problems than less-involved adults. They also report feeling happier. Simply having a hobby — whether that’s reading or working in a garden — also lowers your risk of dementia. And taking part in social activities and connecting with others may help you live longer. Sources: American Geriatric Society; National Institute on Aging; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Get a free medication review Stay safe by getting regular medication checkups. Bring your prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as your supplements, to any of our five Lake Regional Pharmacy locations — Camdenton, Eldon, Lake Ozark, Laurie and Osage Beach — for a free medication review. Your pharmacist will review everything for potential interactions, more efficient dosage timing and cheaper alternatives. Call ahead for an appointment. The phone number for each location is listed at lakeregional.com/pharmacy .