“What are the most likely effects of aging, and what can I do to minimize these effects and take steps to protect my health?”

High Blood Pressure For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC High Blood Pressure Message Boards.

Cancer For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Cancer Message Boards.

Coronary Artery and Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease is our nation’s No. 1 killer. Physical inactivity significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Seventy percent of Americans don’t get enough exercise, and they blame it on lack of time and lack of motivation. One out of every four Americans now living can expect to suffer from some form of heart disease in their lifetime, a disease that is almost totally accounted for by the modern diet and lifestyle. That means you can do a lot to reduce your chances of dying prematurely from it, and we’ll tell you all the things you can do later in this section.

So if you want to lead a longer, stronger, healthier life, getting active is the smart thing to do. And if your company wants to get into the act, contact the local American Heart Association representative and tell them you’re interested in START!—its the program which the AHA has put in place to help companies and local governments reduce costs and help employees reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. The START! Program helps companies put tools in place to encourage the habit and culture of physical activity among employees.

For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Coronary Artery and Heart Disease Message Boards.

Stroke

Strokes are the leading cause of long-term adult disability in this country. Approximately 600,000 Americans experience one each year. Twenty-five percent are left with minor impairments, while 50 percent experience moderate to severe disability.

Stroke can result in not only physical impairment but mental impairment as well. Areas of function that can be affected include mobility, personal care, communication, mood, memory, and problem solving ability.

There are many steps you can take to minimize the risk of a debilitating stroke. We discuss these steps further in a later section of theYour Health subject area.

For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Stroke Message Boards.

Accidents For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Anxiety and Depression Message Boards.

Diabetes For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Anxiety and Depression Message Boards.

Arthritis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults, while 46 million Americans report that a doctor told them they have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. Arthritis literally means “joint inflammation,” and it can bring extraordinary pain. There is currently no cure for arthritis, but there are many ways to alleviate or reduce its effects. For many people, glucosomine chondroitin supplements provide some therapeutic relief, and omega 3 fish oil supplements are also reported to reduce the symptoms. For some people, activity which brings circulation and movement to the affected joints also brings relief. For great arthritis self-management information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/arthritis/key.htm.

For information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Arthritis Message Boards.

Sleep Problems

For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Sleep Message Boards.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders among older adults. Approximately 11% of people over age 55 or over suffer from an anxiety disorder, while less than 4% experience major depression. Although most anxiety disorders start in early adulthood, they tend to last well into the later years. In addition to enduring anxiety disorders from their youth, older adults become increasingly susceptible to anxiety that’s caused by illness (of their own, or a loved one) or a medication. As people get older, changes in the absorption and metabolism of drugs tend to make drugs linger longer in the body, increasing the risk for harmful effects even at doses considered safe for younger people. In addition, older adults are more likely to use medications for a variety of conditions, some of which can interact with anxiety medications.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders generally affect women far more often than men. For example, over the course of a lifetime, the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorders is 6.6% in womeen, but just 3.6% in men. Depression and other mood disorders, which often occur with anxiety, are likewise more prevalent among women.

For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Anxiety and Depression Message Boards.

Eye Diseases—Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma

Do you struggle to see straight ahead? You might be noticing the first signs of macular degeneration, a common vision problem affecting people over 50. Learn more about this condition and how to prevent the risk of blindness.

A comprehensive database designed to answer practically all of your eye care questions is at http://www.sunyopt.edu/uoc/eyeclopedia. The University Optometry Center Eyeclopedia includes dozens of entries on ocular diseases, the mechanics of vision, and practical advice on the effects of aging on vision.

For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma Message Boards.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease now affects 5.1 million people (refer to item).……..For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Alzheimer’s Disease Message Boards.

Gastric Reflux Disorder

For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Gastric Reflux Disorder Message Boards.

Osteoporosis and Bone Loss

For more information, success stories, and personal advice from other members, visit your BBRC Osteoporosis and Bone Loss Message Boards.

Section B. Health Insurance

Section C. How Can

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