As we get older, especially as we approach the dreaded 1940s, it is normal to feel some concern about the increased risk of health conditions. In this sense, there are people who enjoy blowing out candles, because they are clear that it is only a faithful sign that they are alive, while others hate it considerably.
According to experts, birthday becomes the ideal time to take stock of our health . Although it is true that it is normal to put it aside a little as a result of the stress and anxiety that we can feel every day, turning 40 is interesting to evaluate our well-being, and plan our long-term health .
And what can we do when trying to stay healthy once we have reached 40 years? Take note:
1. Detect vision problems
From the age of 40, vision can begin to gradually worsen, so it is essential to have your eyes checked every so often.
Sunglasses can also be helpful in preventing further damage, since too much sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts. Of course, the sunglasses that we use must have UVA / UVB protection.
Food can also be very helpful in delaying vision loss. It is ideal to follow a diet especially rich in fruits and vegetables (full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals).
2. Make controls on your state of health
At this age it is also a good time to discover some interesting figures to know how healthy we are. It is convenient to know the cholesterol and triglyceride levels, our blood pressure, what our body weight is and how the blood sugar levels are.
It will be enough to have a routine blood test, at least once a year. And when we visit a pharmacy, take a few minutes to measure our blood pressure. Some of these establishments even offer the possibility of carrying out a simple test for sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, obtaining the results at the moment.
3. Consider your family history
From 40-45 years of age, it is useful to look closely at our family tree, and discover if genetics could increase the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease or cancer.
A good example is found in people with a family history of colon cancer. Instead of waiting until you’re 50, it may be very helpful to have a colonoscopy a little earlier.
4. Practice physical exercise, always
Regular physical exercise is essential at any stage and moment of life, and it is even more so as we get older. From the age of 40, for example, we tend to lose about 1 percent of our muscle mass per year (yes, it is something similar to what happens with collagen and elastin in the skin, and how closely related they are with the appearance of the first signs of premature aging).
At this age many people can benefit from incorporating weight training , along with the aerobic exercise itself. But you don’t have to become a professional bodybuilder – just lifting weights with your favorite can of tomato will suffice.
5. Eat fiber
As your metabolism slows down, consuming fewer calories can improve health. And it is also essential to consume fiber every day , useful not only when it comes to enjoying a good intestinal transit, but it is also ideal for enjoying healthier cholesterol levels.
The best sources? Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes. In addition to not forgetting about lean proteins.
