When you think about aging, achy joints and muscles, loss of energy, and numerous health issues come to mind. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Aging is an experience to celebrate and can be done healthily.

With September being Healthy Aging Month, we want to focus on doing just that! At Healthy Lifestyles RGV, your Rio Grande Valley family medical clinic will give you 5 tips for healthier aging.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
It’s important to eat a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Experts recommend treating your plate like you’re eating the rainbow. Fill your plate with various colors from different food groups such as peppers, onions, spinach, and even fresh herbs. Doing so will boost your energy and lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns that could arise.

Drink a Lot of Water
Staying hydrated can improve your overall body health tremendously.

Drinking plenty of water regulates your body temperature, provides a boost of energy, and ensures that your organs are functioning properly. Becoming dehydrated can result in low blood pressure, constipation, urinary tract infections, and dizziness. For adequate water intake, men should be drinking approximately 3.7 liters a day and women’s intake should be at least 2.7 liters.

Stay Active
Staying active can help your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. Because of that, your balance and stamina will improve, reducing the risk of falls, and your body will be able to delay or manage chronic disease.

That doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon or cycle up a mountain every day, but doing chores around the house such as vacuuming, doing laundry, and gardening can get your heart pumping and oxygen flowing.

Know Your Family History
By knowing your family history, you are better able to take the necessary steps to prevent chronic diseases that run in the family. Once your doctor has your family health history, they’ll be able to decide which screening tests to give you and when to start.

This is also important for knowing if reactions to certain medications run in the family. If this is the case, your doctor may need to use a different form of medication or treatment.

Get Checkups on a Regular Basis
By seeing your doctor regularly, instead of just in times of sickness, you will benefit from:

• Getting early intervention and treatment of illnesses
• Keeping up with your regular vaccination schedule and screening
• Limiting the possible medical expenses of a serious illness or condition
• Creating and maintaining an open and positive relationship with your healthcare provider
• Getting tips and advice from your physician on healthier living

Aging doesn’t have to be achy joints and lack of energy. By following these tips and seeing your RGV family medical clinic on a regular basis, you’ll be able to have a healthier and happier aging experience.