Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Diana Macian, M.D. – WellcomeMD – Naples
Despite its excellent medical research sector, the U.S. is not the only place to look for good data that really matters to my patients here in Naples.
A powerful new study from Japan in the journal Age and Ageing reaches a surprising and welcome conclusion: healthy choices can extend and improve your life whether you’re in your 40s or even your 80s.
I say “powerful” because this study was carefully designed, took place over a long span of time, and gathered results from tens of thousands of participants. Its findings have been republished by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and that’s a strong endorsement.
Here’s what fixes my attention, and perhaps yours. It reinforces advice I often give my patients with hard data.
The study’s primary author said: “The results were very clear. A higher number of modified healthy behaviors was directly associated with great longevity for both men and women.” What’s that mean? That the biggest gains for a longer, healthier life come from cutting back on alcohol, not smoking, losing weight, and increasing sleep. Benefits were strong among those aged 80+, and even people with cancer, heart or kidney disease and diabetes — in each life stage from middle age onwards.
The AAAS commentary includes this: “The finding that lifestyle improvements have a positive impact on health despite chronic health conditions and older age is an empowering one…The findings of this study will contribute to the design of future healthcare settings, public health approaches, and policies that work in partnership with patients to promote healthy lifestyle choices.” It’s more than worth asking your primary care doctor about.
WELLCOMEMD Naples
At WellcomeMD Naples, we have time to pay attention to this kind of up-to-date research. We limit membership, which allows our physicians to see patients with same-day or next-day appointments. Appointments aren’t rushed. Longer and more frequent visits mean that our patients can establish a proactive relationship with their doctor.
We have a “waitless” waiting room, because we stay on schedule. My patients have my email address and office phone number for day-to-day needs and questions. For after hour/weekend/holiday emergencies, I also give patients my direct cell phone number.
We are open to new members in Naples now. Our annual fee includes a very thorough annual physical exam and follow-up monitoring: we’re proactive about health, with extensive bloodwork and genetic testing to assess for potential health problems that can be prevented before the condition becomes sick care.
If this sounds consistent with you or your loved ones’ health goals, let’s meet and talk. Call us at (239) 451-5105 or visit our website wellcomemd.com/naples-florida for more information.
WELCOMEMD
11181 Health Park Blvd Ste 2260
Naples, FL 34110
(239) 451-5105
