Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Healthy aging includes more than just one’s physical wellness. It also encompasses a healthy mental, physical, and social state. The month of September is recognized as Healthy Aging Month, an annual occurrence to raise awareness about the positive aspects of growing older.
It’s important to keep in mind that as you age you are at higher risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hearing loss, cataracts, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, depression and dementia. This lengthy list should be a reminder that keeping up with your visits to your primary care physician is super important as you age.
Physicians Regional Medical Group’s newest primary care physician, Dr. Catalina Niculae, M.D., is Board Certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Niculae specializes in wellness exams for men and women of all ages from newborn to geriatric. She recognizes that creating a plan with your primary care physician is crucial to healthy aging.
“Regular checkups and annual wellness visits are a great opportunity for addressing chronic health conditions and help create a healthy lifestyle that will promote longevity,” Dr. Niculae states.
What we eat and how we live really matters when it comes to our health. No pill will ever replace real food, sunlight, exercise, good sleep and a healthy mindset. Dr. Niculae believes that diet, exercise, and social activity are key to keeping a healthy lifestyle as you age.
DIET
Food has one of the biggest impact on our health. Real, healthy food balances our hormones and brain chemistry, supports our immune system and detoxes to improve the function of our circulatory and lymphatic systems. Food also provides the raw materials for every cell in our body, so eating a highly processed diet low in nutrients will always catch up with us in some way or another. Try to eliminate refined oils, sugar and starches or significantly cut down on them. Focus on non-starchy plant foods, high-quality protein and fats and eliminate food sensitivities.
EXERCISE
Exercise reduces stress, improves brain health, leads to better insulin sensitivity, reduces risks for chronic disease and ultimately slows down the aging process. However, as you age certain exercises can begin to take a toll on your body. Endurance, or aerobic, activities increase your breathing and heart rate. Brisk walking or swimming are great examples of endurance exercises that are easier on the joints. Yoga is another beneficial exercise. Stretching help keeps your muscles limber and balancing helps prevent falls.
SOCIAL ACTIVITY
And of course, if we are thinking about longevity and improving our quality of life, we have to think beyond diet and exercise. We also have to take care of our minds and nurture our relationships. Pay attention to your thoughts and words because every cell in your body is also listening. Self-compassion and grace are key to staying connected to your community and loved ones.
Dr. Niculae is now accepting new patients. She is currently located at Physicians Regional – Pine Ridge 6101 Pine Ridge Rd. She will be located at our NEW building across the street after the opening this month at Physicians Regional – Pine Ridge Medical Office Building 6376 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL 34119.
Call 239-348-4221 to make an appointment, or visit PhysiciansRegionalMedicalGroup.com.
