Central Carolina HEALTH - Summer 2010 - (Page 14)

QRA: AGING Is This Normal? WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT WITH EACH PASSING YEAR At a certain age, we tend to chalk up our aches, pains and body changes to, well, aging. But how do you know what’s normal? Walter Bortz II, MD, 80, past co-chair of the American Medical Association’s Task Force on Aging, says chronological age isn’t always the culprit behind our ailments. “We have to look for other answers, underlying reasons that might be causing a medical problem,” he says. Here, we explore common age complaints— and what to do. Are yo ua it com smarty-pant e s when knowle s to aging? T est you dge wit r h an on create d by line qu iz on Agin the National In g: niap ublica stitute org /q tions. uiz/in dex.p hp. Wh Your A at’s ge IQ? I’M ONLY 40, BUT COULD I ALREADY NEED READING GLASSES? Possibly. Presbyopia is a natural aging of the eye in which the lenses lose flexibility and make it difficult to focus on close objects or small print. It is associated with the need for reading glasses, and most people start to notice it in their early to mid-40s. Nearly everyone over 40 has some degree of lens clouding, or cataracts, too, but after age 60 cataracts start to steal vision. While aging is a risk factor, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, smoking and diabetes increases the chances for cataracts. “It’s important to keep your antennae up as you age,” Bortz says. “Make sure to get regular eye exams.” EVERY TIME I LAUGH OR COUGH, I PEE A LITTLE BIT. WHY? Involuntary leakage of urine, or urinary incontinence (UI), can affect people of all ages, but it isn’t an inevitable part of aging, Bortz says. “Over time, some muscle weakness will occur. Childbirth and lack of estrogen can loosen the tissues in the vagina, stressing the bladder. And the prostate does enlarge somewhat with age, creating urinary issues. Diabetes also can affect bladder control issues, so it doesn’t hurt to have your sugar checked,” Bortz says. The good news: “Many cases of UI are easily remedied with behavioral changes,” he says. These may include bladder training, fluid and diet management, and pelvic floor exercises. WHY CAN’T MY STOMACH TOLERATE MY FAVORITE FOODS ANYMORE? As we age, the acidity levels in our stomach go up and down and cell repair decreases in the lining of the stomach, making it less efficient. Too much alcohol and caffeine and poor dietary habits, such as eating processed foods, can lead to indigestion, bloating, gas and constipation. Plus, certain medications affect digestive health. Although it’s not necessary to get a CT scan at the first sign of a rumble or burp, Bortz recommends listening to your body’s cues. “Don’t put off symptoms too long,” he says. Call your doctor if abdominal discomfort lasts longer than one week or if abdominal pain doesn’t improve in 24 to 48 hours. 14 | S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 13 million Number of Americans who suffer from bladder control problems, according to the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse.  http://www.niapublications.org/quiz/index.php

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Summer 2010

Central Carolina HEALTH - Summer 2010
Contents
Health Beat
Double the Love
Balancing Acts
Heart Smart
Q+A

Central Carolina HEALTH - Summer 2010

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