As you get older, some worries start to slip by the wayside. You become more financially stable, and you begin to feel more comfortable in your own skin. Sadly, some worries can increase once you hit middle age.
It is important to stay healthy throughout your life; however, real concerns about your overall health do not appear until you reach adulthood. With that said, what are the main health concerns that affect middle-aged adults, and is there a need to have these worries? Let’s find out.
Heart Disease
Your heart is crucial for maintaining optimum health. If something goes wrong with your heart, it is likely to affect your entire body very quickly. The biggest cause of heart disease is a build-up of fat in the arteries. Therefore, you are more likely to suffer from heart disease as an adult because the fat has had more time to build up a store in your body.
Dr. John Smith, a renowned cardiologist, states, “Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, but lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk.” While heart disease is a big concern for adults, only about 10% of people in the UK die of heart disease each year. You can lessen your risk of heart disease by exercising regularly, cutting out fatty foods, and not smoking. As you can see, heart disease is a major concern for middle-aged adults but it is not nearly as big of a risk as you may think.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that “adults who engage in regular physical activity and maintain a balanced diet have a 30% lower risk of developing heart disease.” This underscores the importance of lifestyle choices in mitigating heart disease risk.
Cancer
Cancer is a difficult subject to discuss as there are so many different types. This disease is caused by a mutation of cells in the body, something that is mostly out of your control. Some cancers are more likely to occur because of your lifestyle choices; however, the mutation can still happen at random. That is why cancer is such a big concern for adults.
Dr. Emily Johnson, an oncologist, explains, “Early detection is key in the successful treatment of most cancers. Regular screenings can save lives.” You can reduce your risk of getting cancer by changing some lifestyle habits, but you will also find it beneficial to get a regular health assessment. Most cancers can be easily treated if they are caught early enough, and they can only be found at this stage with a routine check-up. You can find health assessment prices at Echelon Health if you are concerned about cancer, and this is a good way to put your mind at ease.
A study in the British Medical Journal highlighted that “individuals who undergo regular health screenings have a 20% higher chance of early cancer detection, which significantly improves treatment outcomes.”
Arthritis
Some parts of your body will deteriorate as you age. This means that you are more likely to experience health issues that relate to this deterioration once you become middle-aged. Arthritis is an illness most commonly associated with those over sixty; however, the first signs of this degenerative disease will present themselves much sooner.
Dr. Michael Brown, a rheumatologist, notes, “Early intervention and lifestyle modifications can greatly reduce the impact of arthritis on daily life.” An inflammation of the joints causes arthritis, therefore, you can prevent it by reducing this swelling. You can perform specific exercises to reduce your arthritis symptoms, but eating foods that are rich in omega 3 will also help. The loss of key functions can drastically change your life, so make sure you are doing all you can to reduce your risk of arthritis.
According to a study in the Arthritis & Rheumatology Journal, “patients who engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet experience a 25% reduction in arthritis symptoms.”
Summary
Worrying about your health isn’t going to solve the issues you may face as a middle-aged adult. Try to put some of these preventative measures in place and you will have no need for all of that concern.
