Most of us try to live each day like it’s our last, instead of taking the proper steps to add more days to our life. On a day to day basis, we are bombarded with bad news, stress, negative energy and less than optimistic feelings. Over time, all of these outside influences take their toll on the human body, thus reducing our overall life expectancy. However, there are plenty of ways to control not only the quality, but the quality of days which we have left here on Earth. Lost time can be retrieved, and it only takes a little bit of work to do so. Check out these helpful tips to stay healthy and increase your overall life expectancy, presented by Jefferson Outpatient Imaging of East Norriton!
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More Info on Jefferson Outpatient Imaging
Jefferson Outpatient Imaging has helped thousands of our local residents find comfort in their medical screening experiences. This state of the art facility has been providing an astonishing level of patient care to our local community, all within a personal outpatient setting. From neuro to pediatric, interventional, musculoskeletal, orthopedic radiology and more, Jefferson Outpatient Imaging has successfully merged cutting edge technology and practices with a team of specialists dedicated to your health and well being. Thanks to their team of dedicated physicians and techs, JOI is the foremost expert on medical imaging in the area.
With the utmost care for the health of our local residents, Jefferson Outpatient Imaging of East Norriton is proud to present; “Fifteen Tips to Extend Your life Expectancy”! Check out the list of easy to follow practices that will help increase your physical health, mental health, and overall longevity. Be sure to follow JOI of East Norriton on FB at Jefferson Outpatient Imaging, or click Jefferson.edu/JOI to learn more.
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Annual Health Screenings
The concept of ‘managing your health’ or ‘staying healthy’ often translates to eating healthy and regular exercise, while going to the doctor associated with being sick. In fact, visiting the doctor regularly for preventive care is an important part of staying healthy. Annual wellness visits or “Check-ups” typically include height and weight measurements, blood pressure and pulse readings. Sometimes this also includes a blood test that can identify diabetes, cholesterol, and thyroid levels. Be sure to ask your insurance company if lab work is covered as a preventive service. Your check-up is an important opportunity to discuss and ask questions about your current health issues, concerns and medical history. The healthcare professional may ask you about your lifestyle choices such as drinking, smoking, nutrition, or physical activity. A skin check is common, if you are at high risk for skin cancer. When all is said and done, preventative care like annual health screenings are vitally important to everyone no matter what your age, sex or medical history!
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy screens for ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding in the inner lining of your large intestine are among some of the tests that you should consider to ensure and preserve your health. During this procedure, the doctor collects any abnormal tissue for a biopsy and removes small abnormal growths. This screening enables doctors to identify possible problems very early on and can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. The National Institute for Health (NIH) recommends this test for individuals age 50 or older, with frequency determined by the presence or absence of any abnormalities. Earlier and more frequent screenings are possible, based on a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.
Female Annuals
Annual female gynecological exams generally include a pelvic exam, a breast exam, and a pap test. The pelvic exam checks internal reproductive organs and can identify ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and abnormalities. The pap smear takes cell tissue from the cervix, which helps identify cervical dysplasia or cancer. The breast exam checks for concerning cysts or lumps, a possible indication of breast cancer. Many healthcare professionals also counsel women on sexual activity, contraceptives, pregnancy and domestic violence in these exams. Medical professionals recommend women get these exams every 1-3 years, depending on risk and health history.
Mammogram
A mammogram is an early detection and diagnostic tool for breast cancer. It is an x-ray picture of the breast that screens for tumors or deposits of calcium that can form in the tissue. These exams are vital because many forms of breast cancer are much more treatable if detected early. The National Institute for Health (NIH) recommends screenings start for women around the age of 40, depending on risk and health history.
Bone Density Test
A bone density test screens for osteoporosis, the loss of bone mass, which is most common in older women. It uses X-rays to measure how calcium and other bone minerals density in a segment of bone. The NIH recommend screenings for men and women over the age of 65, unless you experience a fracture or have a higher risk due to family history. Most bone scans use a technology called DEXA, short for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. In a DEXA scan, the patient lies on the table while a technician aims a scanner mounted on a long arm, very similar to the X-rays completed by a dentist for your teeth. DEXA currently is the easiest, most standardized form of bone density testing. The DEXA scanner uses beams of very low-energy radiation to determine the density of the bone, thus revealing it’s strength. The amount of radiation is tiny, only about one-tenth of a chest X-ray. The test is painless, and considered completely safe!
Eye and Dental Exams
Annual vision exams and bi-annual dental exams are important for everyone. They help maintain vision and oral health. These exams typically include screenings for vision and oral diseases, including eye cancer, glaucoma, cataracts, throat cancers, periodontal disease and much else.
Water, Water & More Water!
Drinking water is one of the most important things we as humans can do for our health and wellness. Depending on the environment, we can live only a few days without water. Almost all of our body systems do not function well without the proper intake, and since more than 60% of the human body is composed of water, it’s only natural to intake as much as we can to help replace water that’s been lost through sweat and bodily fluids. H2O has also been proven to prevent cancer! Staying hydrated can reduce risk of colon cancer by up to 45%, bladder cancer by 50%, and possibly reduce breast cancer risk as well. From being less cranky to better athletic performances, reduced joint pain, toxic flushes, and circulation, water is the all around essential mix of elements to live a happy and healthy life!
Laughter Is the Best Medicine…
Laughter looks on the outside, what it helps your body do on the inside! Laughing helps trigger a rise in the level of endorphins which are responsible for moods, productivity, energy and so happiness. Watching 15 minutes of funny video can improve bloodflow to your heart by 50%. “This may reduce blood-clot formation, cholesterol deposition, and inflammation,” says study author Michael Miller, M.D. It relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh can relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles loose and relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. It boosts the immune system, decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter protects the heart by improving the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and related cardiovascular problems.
Take A Day Off When Sick
Over a 3-year period, men who clocked in despite feeling under the weather had double the risk of having a heart attack than men and women who stayed in bed, according to international studies. So many of us try to fight through the ailments, not realizing that we are doing more harm than good.
Heart Burn Be Gone! Untreated heart burn can lead to a heart attack, according to a study in the International Journal of Cardiology. Scientists discovered that as acid levels in the esophagus rise, the chance of blocked bloodflow to the heart also rises by 20 percent. To help create an all natural cure, analyze your diet and keep close tabs on the ingredients you’re intaking. Don’t make a habit of drinking wine, juice, or carbonated beverages, all of which are jam packed with acids and sugars which are the culprits of heart burn effects. Many drug stores also cary a wide array of acid blocking medicines to keep a healthy balance within your body.
Keep Your Cool
Men who frequently express anger outwardly are more than twice as likely to have a stroke than guys who control their tempers, according to the journal Stroke. If you have anger-management issues, try fish oil. National Institutes of Health scientists found that hostile, aggressive men often have low blood levels of DHA—one of the main omega-3 fats found in the oil. We like Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega (nordicnaturals.com). Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg every day.
Eat Berries
The antioxidants in cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries have been shown to offer protection from a stroke, while also helping keep you mentally sharp as you age, and ward off cancer. Often called a “superfood,” blueberries are loaded with heart-protecting antioxidants and have been known to help reduce inflammation. Recent studies have shown consuming around two cups per day can help prevent chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension and obesity. In older adults in particular, drinking blueberry juice has been proven to improve memory and reduce depression.
Sip on Mint Tea
Mint contains the powerful antioxidant hesperidin, which reduces the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with diabetes by up to 52%. Despite its lack of caffeine, mint tea also increases alertness and overall energy levels.l
Take the Gym Outside!
People who exercise at any intensity for 2 hours a week, which breaks down to about 17 minutes a day, are 61% less likely to feel highly stressed than their couch potato counterparts. Here’s how to lower some researchers have proved that people who exercised outdoors reduced their depression by 71%, while exercising indoors decreased depression by only 45% after workouts.
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Managing Your Sweet Tooth
Men and women on low-sugar diets had lower levels of depression and anxiety than those who consumed all types of carbs. The happier people also limited their total carb intake to 40% of total calories. Dental health is paramount in our everyday lives, so cutting out even 20% of your sugar intake will do wonders for you teeth, smile, energy levels and overall health.l
Douse Your Salad with Oil and Vinegar
European studies have determined that unheated olive oil reduces cancer risk. As for vinegar, eating it prior to a high-carbohydrate meal like pasta, slows the absorption of carbs into your bloodstream. This prevents the spikes in blood sugar and insulin that signal your body to store fat. Vinegar has also been widely used as a not so easy, but all natural detox and cleanse.
Design a Colorful Menu
Eating an eclectic variety of fruits and vegetables help us humans gain greater protection from an amazing array of healthy issues, including cancer! Each one has it’s own benefits, simply because the plant chemicals that protect against disease vary between botanical families. Mix it up by choosing one serving from five different color groups; blues and purples, greens, whites, reds, and yellows and oranges. Not only will it look eye appealing on your plate, it will help add years to your life by boosting your immune system and protecting you against illness.
The Social Scene
Of course our relationships add more meaning to our lives than anything else, but they can also add years. People with strong social connections are usually less vulnerable to mental health issues like depression and tend to live longer. Some studies have shown that social interaction and having healthy relationships are as good for you as quitting smoking!
Cheers to Healthy Living
Having a glass of wine to unwind after work won’t just de-stress you, researchers say it could actually add 5 years to your life. People who drink any light or moderate quantity of beer or other alcohol can expect their life expectancy to increase by 2 1/2 years, and those who drink red wine add more. Here’s to moderate drinking and healthy living!!!
Meditation Station
Spending a few minutes each day alone, in some quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, and performing deep breathing exercises and techniques while mentally focusing on positive and calming thoughts have been found to reduce or even eliminate stress. In the hustle and bustle that is our everyday lives, meditation seems to be an almost impossible task. However, the time spent reflecting is just as good for the mind as it is for the body, and spirit too! Meditating helps decrease levels of stress dramatically, while increasing the body’s production of life enhancing hormones, such as melatonin, DHEA, GABA and serotonin. These neuro-chemicals keep us feeling healthy, calm and at ease with our selves and surroundings. A constant sense of well-being is key in living a good, long life!
Sunlight is Right!
Many adults lack vitamin D which is a highly important nutrient to the human body. Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in providing protection from heart disease, diabetes and practically every other ailment you could possibly think of, so get out there and enjoy some sunlight! Just as little as 15 or 30 minutes of exposure a day is enough to keep you well nourished. Not only that, sunlight is also known to regulate the body’s levels of melatonin, an important hormone that helps stabilize our mood and control our sleep patterns.
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Jefferson Outpatient Imaging of East Norriton offers digital mammograms, DEXA scans, and many other diagnostic imaging exams at their facility. Their East Norriton location is able to provide all the same technology that can be found in our major Philadelphia hospitals, and it’s being provided by a small staff of welcoming health professionals who have dedicated their lives to your health! If you are looking for the very best imaging technicians located in our area, JOI should be at the top of your list. Your health is worth it!
Jefferson Outpatient imaging of East Norriton: #610-277-3202
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