Ohio Department of Aging
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No matter your age or physical condition, a commitment today to Go Forward Healthy can be an important first step to living a longer, healthier and happier life. Going forward healthy means dropping bad habits and adopting new, healthy ones to achieve a better quality of life.
"But I'm too old." "It won't make any difference at my age." No hiding behind excuses. Research has shown that adopting healthy habits at any age can and does have a positive impact on overall health.
Go Forward Healthy Month is September 2007 and features four themed weeks to encourage Ohioans of all ages to make changes in different, yet very important aspects of their overall health: nutrition, exercise, preventive care and behavioral health. Of course, one week of change won't be enough, so think about ways of changing your habits for the long term.
News Release | Governor's Proclamation
September 2-8, 2007 - Few things are more important to our overall health and well-being than eating right. Eating more of the right foods and less of the wrong ones is essential, but so is making sure you are getting the right amount of nutrition through sensible portions and appropriate meal times.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where convenience is king. We have easy access to foods that are high in fats, carbohydrates and cholesterol and in ridiculously large portions. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the original fast foods and are the cornerstone of a healthy diet.
Pledge this week to add nutritious items to your diet while avoiding the things that aren't so good for you. The following resources will help.
Check with your area agency on aging to learn about nutrition programs and services for older adults where you live.
September 9-15, 2007 - "Let me help you with that, Dad." "Take this to Grandma, sweetie." Our society has traditionally protected older adults from doing physical things. One justification is that we get frail and lose strength as we age - an assumption that just isn't true. There are very few things keeping older adults from exercising and increasing their physical activity.
While some of the effects of aging may change how we exercise and give us serious things to consider when planning activity, studies have shown that the older person who exercises is significantly better off than those who do not. Grandparents Day is September 9. Use that day as a great kick-off to a new chapter in your life that includes physical activity and exercise. The following resources will help.
Contact the your area agency on aging to find opportunities for physical activity where you live.
September 16-22, 2007 - Do you have a loved one who hasn't had a check-up in a while? When was the last time you saw the doctor? Regular health care - particularly preventive care, such as cardiovascular screenings, immunizations and more - can enhance and extend your life.
As we age, many of us neglect this important aspect of our health because it is too depressing, or transportation is an issue, or some other excuse. Many prefer to keep their health concerns private, but doing so sometimes delays or prevents necessary care when it can do the most good.
Thursday, September 19 is Take A Loved One for a Check-up Day. This week, encourage someone you love to visit, or make an appointment to visit, a health care professional - even if that loved one is you. These resources will help you approach the subject and plan for the appointment.
Your area agency on aging may be able to help you identify services and supports.
September 23-29, 2007 - One thing that is very frequently ignored as we age is our behavioral health. Incidences of depression, substance abuse and other issues increase in aging populations, in part because individuals are often too ashamed or too stubborn to seek help. But treatment works and people do recover from a variety of conditions, regardless of their age.
Make a commitment this week to learn more about mental and behavioral health and seek treatment for yourself or a loved one, if necessary. The following resources will help.
For information and resources where you live, contact your area agency on aging.
Ohio Department of Aging