Preventive Tips for Healthful Aging
Leading women’s health expert, Donnica L. Moore, MD, wants women to know that healthful aging depends on our current habits. “Our bodies’ health - particularly as we age - requires that we take precautionary measures to strengthen ourselves,” explains the women’s health expert and advocate, physician educator and media commentator. “Skin, teeth and bones are all areas that are often overlooked or taken for granted until they give us problems. And once we have certain problems associated with aging or premature wear and tear, the corrective measures may be extensive and expensive.” Dr. Moore believes that certain preventive habits started earlier in life may help avoid these consequences and ensure that our skin, teeth and bones are healthy well into advanced age.
SKIN: There are more than 1 million cases of skin cancer in the United States per year and approximately 8,650 Americans will die from malignant melanoma this year (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2009. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2009). This is also the leading cause of cancer death for women in their 20’s (Women’s Health for Life, D. Moore.� DK 2009; p. 28). However, skin cancer is largely preventable. Women should enjoy the outdoors, but take precautions everyday, says Dr. Moore. “Be sure to apply and reapply sun block routinely in addition to wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up if necessary.”
TEETH: “Due to an increased awareness of healthy eating and its effects on the body, many women are making better food choices than before,” states Dr. Moore. However, enamel loss can occur when acids from everyday food and beverages — even healthy ones, such as fruit, yogurt, salsa, orange juice and sports drinks — attack the tooth surface. If left untreated, enamel loss can lead to larger issues such as cavities, sensitivity, and even oral surgery. In addition to reducing consumption of foods and beverages that aren’t in the best interest of one’s health in general (such as sodas or other sugary drinks), Dr. Moore recommends using a toothpaste like Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield. It contains the active ingredient stannous fluoride, which binds to enamel to create a micro-thin shield against acid attack.
BONES: Approximately 8 million American women currently have osteoporosis and another 27 million women are estimated to have low bone mass (osteopenia), a major risk factor for osteoporosis (National Osteoporosis Foundation, http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm). Dr. Moore explains, “Women should discuss their risk factors for osteoporosis with their doctors and inquire about the correct age to have a bone density test.” Her general preventive strategies for optimal bone health include eating a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D (or supplementing if necessary), avoiding tobacco and alcohol as much as possible, and incorporating weight-bearing exercise — like walking or jogging with hand weights and strength training — into your daily routine.
Dr. Moore summarizes, “Most women find that small steps — in the right direction — can yield big health benefits.” When it comes to protecting skin, teeth and bones, women may not see the benefits in the short term, but they will reap the benefits of improved health habits in the long term.
Availability
- Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield toothpaste (four sizes ranging from .85oz to 7.8oz; approximately $1.00 to $4.25) is available in Fresh Mint flavor.
- Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield rinse is also available in Fresh Clean Mint Flavor (440ml; $4.59). Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield rinse, a complement to the toothpaste, helps strengthen enamel to protect against acid attack caused by plaque bacteria. It contains Sodium Fluoride, which helps prevent cavities, and without the burn of alcohol.
- The Oral-B CrossAction PRO-HEALTH Manual toothbrush is available for $4.49 (all suggested retail prices). Oral-B CrossAction PRO-HEALTH toothbrush combines three features - CrissCross bristles, gum stimulators and a textured tongue and cheek cleaner - to provide seven essential oral care benefits in one brush for a cleaner, healthier mouth. It is tough on plaque and gentle on enamel and gums.
For more information, visit www.crestprohealth.com or www.DrDonnica.com.
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Comments for Preventive Tips for Healthful Aging
I think when it gets along to healthful aging, a preventive access is the key to success and by applying some easy habits now, we can attain a safer future in shortly we can say healthful aging depends on current daily habits. Very educational post, thanks for the article.
Thank you so much for sharing all of your wonderful knowledge! As I am closing in on my 40’s, aging is becoming more of a reality than a theory.