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Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Vision

Age Related Macular Degeneration

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Age-Related Macular DegenerationAge Related Macular Degeneration

What Do You Need to Know About (AMD)
More than 15 million older adults in America are affected by some form of macular degeneration, a progressive disease which can lead to severe central vision loss in the most advanced form, end-stage AMD. Approximately 2 million Americans have advanced forms of AMD with associated vision loss, which is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and legal blindness in individuals over the age of 60. Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Although AMD does not cause complete blindness, it robs individuals of their straight-ahead vision, resulting in what is often referred to as a central vision “blind spot”. While AMD does not affect the outer circle of peripheral vision, hence a person will always be able to see things to the side, this vision is too low resolution (blurry) to make up for lost central vision.
For many people, the first sign of AMD is something they notice themselves. Straight lines like doorways or telephone poles may appear wavy or disconnected. When they look at a person, their face may be blurred while the rest of them are in focus. Lines of print may be blurred in the center or the lines may be crooked.
How is AMD Diagnosed?
As the National Eye Institute explains, the early and intermediate stages of AMD usually start without symptoms. Only a comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect AMD. The eye exam may include:

  • Visual acuity test: This eye chart measures how well you see at distances.
  • Dilated eye exam: This provides a better view of the back of your eye.
  • Amsler grid test: This checks whether you are seeing unusual wavy lines.
  • Fluorescein angiogram: This test makes it possible to see leaking blood vessels, which occur in a severe, rapidly progressive type of AMD.
  • Optical coherence tomography: Like an ultrasound, OCT can achieve very high-resolution images of any tissues that can be penetrated by light—such as the eyes.

During the exam, your doctor is looking for drusen, which are yellow deposits beneath the retina. Most people develop some very small drusen as a normal part of aging. The presence of medium-to-large drusen may indicate that you have AMD. Another sign of AMD is the appearance of pigmentary changes under the retina.
Wet and Dry AMD:
Dry AMD, also called atrophic AMD, is the most common form of age-related macular degeneration and it can be a very slow progression. Macular Degeneration Partnership explains that it occurs when the there is a “breakdown or thinning of the layer of pigment epithelial cells (RPE) in the macula. These RPE cells support the light sensitive photoreceptor cells that are so critical to vision.” As these cells die and drusen build up, the macula is damaged, reducing central vision.
Wet AMD, also called neovascular AMD, is only diagnosed in about 10 percent of patients, according to the National Institutes of Health. Vision loss associated with wet AMD occurs when abnormal or very fragile blood vessels grow under the macular and then leak blood and fluid. This damages the macula. Typically, patients who develop wet AMD often are diagnosed with dry AMD, first.
Treatments for Wet and Dry AMD vary and an ophthalmologist will recommend specific treatments based on severity. For more information about AMD, visit http://www.centrasight.com/about_amd
Learn about Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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Caring for the AMD patient
Vision

Caring for the AMD patient

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

amd post 3Caring for the AMD patient

As we age, many of us will start noticing changes in our vision as we reach for reading glasses more frequently and need regular eye exams to update our existing prescriptions. But many older adults find their vision is further impeded by the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can blind people in their straight-ahead (central) vision. Tasks that used to be simple, like selecting the right cereal brand or recognizing the face of a neighbor, become increasingly challenging as the disease progresses.
As AMD worsens, the need for caregiving goes up. According to a recent study, people living with advanced AMD, may need assistance as much as 3.7 hours per day and 4.7 days per week. Given that 72 percent of people living with AMD are cared for by either their spouse or adult child and there is no cure, family caregivers need a good understanding of how to best assist someone with limited central vision and the different treatment options available for their loved one as the disease progresses. Education and practical strategies can also mitigate the stress that caregivers report feeling in caring for someone living with AMD.
Regardless of whether your loved one has the wet or dry form of AMD, it is very likely to progress over time. For example, as the blind-spot grows larger, patients will need more assistance in navigating rooms. It is helpful to describe the furniture location and let them know who is in the room with them as this helps with orientation and reduces patient stress.
Caregivers should also explore low vision centers in their community (e.g., Lions Clubs or Lighthouse organizations), as those organizations can provide education about and access to low vision assistive devices that can improve patients’ ability to read, watch TV or use the computer. A low vision specialist can also train patients to navigate their changing world more effectively.
Further, make sure to develop a strong relationship with your loved one’s doctor. Treatment for AMD is tailored to each patient and available treatments have improved vastly in just the past ten years. Treatments might include:

  • Vitamin therapy: Often called the AREDS2 prescription (named after a very large government study), this therapy includes a specific combination of vitamins to slow the progression of AMD.
  • Eye injections: Called anti-VEGF treatment, the injections (e.g., Avastin, Lucentis, Eyelea) can slow progression of the wet form of AMD.
  • Photodynamic therapy: A “cold” laser treatment for wet AMD (often in combination with injections).
  • Laser therapy: Also for wet AMD, a laser destroys or seals off new blood vessels to prevent leakage.
  • Telescope implant: For end-stage AMD patients, a tiny telescope (the size of a pea) is implanted in one eye to restore central vision. The other eye is left “as is” to preserve peripheral vision. Caregivers will need to support patients as they learn to use the telescope implant and their new vision. The telescope implant is not a cure for AMD, but it is proven to restore vision and improve quality of life. It is FDA approved and Medicare eligible.

Note, cataract surgery is often performed on the AMD patient. However, studies show that there is little central vision improvement for the patient whose condition is advanced.
For more information about AMD treatment with the telescope implant, visit www.CentraSight.com or call 877-99-SIGHT.

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Strength and Resistance Training
Exercise & Fitness

Strength and Resistance Training

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Strength and Resistance Training
Strength and Resistance TrainingStrength/resistance exercises emphasize repetitive motions to strengthen your muscles. They prevent loss of bone mass and improve balance too, reducing the frailty that can come with aging – and that often has devastating consequences. Strength and Resistance Training
 
Most strength training is done using weights, resistance bands, nautilus machines or by using steps, furniture, walls or the floor for resistance.
Plan your strength/resistance exercising two to three times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. If you do it more often, you could overuse or strain your muscles – and giving yourself 24 hours before repeating your exercises gives your muscles time to recover.
For maximum benefit, you should do each exercise for 10-15 repetitions. (You’ve probably heard exercise nuts talk about how many “reps” they do – this is what they mean!). As you get stronger, you can increase the amount of weight or resistance you use and you can increase your intensity to two sets of repetitions for each exercise.
A gym is a great place to do strength/resistance exercising because you’ll find the latest high-tech equipment and instructors who can help you plan your exercise regime and teach you to use the equipment. But you don’t have to go to the gym! You can also do strength/resistance exercises at home, with weights, exercise tubing and your own walls and furniture!
NOTE: Always talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. very type of exercise is not appropriate for all people, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. And it’s important that you start slowly with any physical activity.

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Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents
Health Tips

Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents

Health Lessons Learned from Past PresidentsHappy Presidents’ Day! Since its establishment in 1885, Presidents’ Day has given us the opportunity to reflect on our former presidents’ wisdom and the change they have brought about in this great country. But that’s certainly not the only thing we can learn from them! Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents
Amid all the attention that comes along with sitting in the oval office, it can be easy to forget that presidents can experience the same health problems as the rest of us. But the way they handled them should motivate all of us to live our healthiest life possible – today!
Health Tips from the Oval Office
Below are some health lessons learned from past presidents:

  1. Falls can happen to anyone. Just last summer in 2015, President George H.W. Bush experienced a fall, showing that everyone – including former presidents – can fall in their home. As a result of his fall, he broke a bone in his neck and was hospitalized for four days to treat his injury. At 91 years old, George is currently the oldest-living president, and his young-at-heart attitude helped him make a full recovery like a champ!
  2. De-stress daily. It’s not hard to imagine why the presidency is often referred to as the most stressful job in the world, and this is proven by the amount of presidents who have suffered from stress-related illnesses. Presidents Grover Cleveland, William Taft, Woodrow Wilson and Dwight D. Eisenhower all experienced various (and sometimes multiple) heart health problems including high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks both during and after their presidency.
  3. Do what you love. We know that Jimmy Carter has been in the news a lot recently after he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 90. Fortunately, he has responded well to his treatment – partly because he has always been so active. After serving as the 39th president, Jimmy never let his age slow him down. He was an avid runner until the age of 80 when he received two knee replacements, and even after that he would regularly swim. Between painting, woodworking and just being active around the home, he kept doing exactly what he loved doing, which has helped him courageously battle cancer.
  4. Fitness and a healthy diet can go a long way! President Bill Clinton’s struggle with heart disease has been in the public eye since he underwent heart surgery back in 2010, but now his efforts seem to be paying off. At 69, Bill has lost more than 30 pounds as a result of a vegan diet and walking four times a week – a great reminder that you are never too old to turn your life around and begin living a healthy lifestyle.
  5. Pinpoint your potential health risks. Despite the fact that he has lived a healthy lifestyle, 69-year-old George W. Bush has undergone various heart and knee surgeries, proving that we are all affected by genetics and age. It’s a sad reality that genetics can sometimes affect our health, but there is some good news: your doctor can help you determine any potential health risks based on your family history.

These health lessons learned from past presidents are all great reminders, but presidents aren’t the only ones we can learn from! Many senior celebrities, including our current First Lady Michelle Obama, are making a positive impact by promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
We may not run a country, but we are in control of our own lives, so be sure to keep these health lessons in mind while celebrating the lives of all U.S. presidents.
Author Meghan Orner
Medical Guardian
https://www.facebook.com/MedicalGuardian
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https://plus.google.com/+Medicalguardian
 
Links Used in Article:
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/diseases-of-presidents#1
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/jimmy-carter-now-88-on-aging-and-health/2013/05/03/84f67db8-9ae8-11e2-9bda-edd1a7fb557d_story.html
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/03/chelsea-clinton-heart-surgery-radically-changed-my-dad/
https://www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-blog/fitness/senior-celebrities-promoting-fitness

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Diet & Nutrition

Impact of Eating Habits on Aging

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

VeggiesImpact of Eating Habits on Aging
When it comes to health, many people are aware of the major do’s and don’ts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet. However, people often focus on their cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI), and overlook another key medical marker: Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs). AGEs are harmful compounds in the body that accelerate the aging process and are linked to many of the top health concerns people face today. Impact of Eating Habits on Aging
AGEs develop in the body or are ingested through certain foods, including browned, sugary and processed foods. When people consume too many of these foods, higher than normal levels of AGEs build up in their tissues. This accumulation accelerates the aging process from the inside out. Slowing the progression of AGEs is vital to living a long, healthy life.
In an effort to educate the public about AGEs, the A.G.E. Foundation, a global not-for-profit organization, is unveiling the findings of its U.S. survey on the effect of eating habits and cooking methods on aging. The A.G.E. Foundation is dedicated to educating consumers about AGEs and how they can protect themselves.
The impact of eating habits and cooking methods on aging
Seventy-six percent of Americans know that eating and preparing processed food can accelerate aging, according to the survey. Thirty-two percent cited the manner in which they prepare food as having an impact on aging, while just 11 percent indicated cooking food at high temperatures affected aging.
As temperatures warm up and outdoor cooking season begins, people will be heating up the grill with limited awareness of the way to reduce AGEs. The survey showed that six in 10 people prefer grilling their meat over oven-roasting (23 percent), stir-frying (9 percent), steaming (3 percent) and poaching (1 percent).
“It is important for people to limit the amount of barbecued, sauteed or even toasted food,” says Dr. Michelle Davenport, a board member with the A.G.E. Foundation. “We’ve found that the higher the temperature you cook something, the higher the AGE level – and excessive AGEs cause our bodies to age prematurely.”
The survey also showed that when people are eating processed, fried or sugary foods, 81 percent are more concerned with the impact on their weight compared with 58 percent who are more concerned about the effect on their internal organs.
Controlling your AGEs
The key to lowering AGEs is to reduce heat, extend cooking time and incorporate more water and acid into your food preparation, according to the A.G.E. Foundation. Water-based cooking methods (i.e., steaming, poaching) dramatically reduce AGEs. When queried about healthy ways to prepare meats for grilling, herb and oil ranked the highest (34 percent), followed by “straight to the grill” at 21 percent. Only 17 percent of respondents knew that adding an acid-based marinade was the best cooking method to reduce AGEs. “Adding a marinade in the form of lemon, lime or vinegar can cut AGEs by 50 percent,” says Dr. Davenport.
Avoiding foods high in AGEs and opting for brightly colored fruits and vegetables and whole grains, which are low in AGEs, is also recommended. Opt for foods that include iridoids, which are healthy elements produced in plants and found in certain fruits and vegetables like noni, blueberries, olive leaves and Cornelian cherries, as well as the supplemental beverage TruAge Max.
In addition to eating a healthy, fresh diet and preparing low-AGE level foods, it’s important to quit smoking, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and control stress levels to achieve an AGE-less lifestyle.

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Diet & Nutrition

Five Super Nutrients That Help You Age Well

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

sdsdfasParents often use the adage “You are what you eat!” to encourage children to make healthy food choices, but the saying is equally true for mature adults. Providing your body with a variety of nutrients lets you feel your best, and may even prevent disease and help you live longer.
Allison Tannis is a nutritionist, author and professional consultant. She believes that aging well means eating well. She recommends these five super nutrients to help baby boomers and older adults age well and stay healthy.

1. Omega-3s

“It can be hard to see fat as healthy, but omega-3 fatty acids are potentially one of the most important nutrients for our health,” says Tannis. “Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to the maintenance and function of our eyes, brain and nervous system – parts of us that start to weaken with increasing age. In addition, these healthy fats have great ability to fight inflammation that is the cause of painful joints, cardiovascular disease and even wrinkles.”
How can you get your daily dose of 1 to 2 grams of omega-3s, as recommended by the American Heart Association? Wild-caught fish like salmon, sardines and Arctic char are good sources of omega-3s. Plant sources of omega-3s include flax, chia and hemp. It can be difficult to get enough omega-3s from food sources, so supplements are a good alternative.
“Every morning I wake with the best intentions of eating healthy, but then life can get in the way,” Tannis says. “Using daily supplements ensures my body gets all of the essential nutrients it needs to be at its best. I take Nordic Naturals fish oils, available in liquids, soft gels and even an effervescent drink.”

2. Vitamin D

“Vitamin D is really only available to us from the sun,” explains Tannis. “Sure, there are foods such as milk and orange juice that have added vitamin D. For some, these foods are a great choice, but for others, it can be hard to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential vitamin through fortified foods.”
Older people are prone to vitamin D deficiency, and therefore, may experience muscle weakness or impaired intestinal absorption. Tannis suggests that everyone, no matter their age, consider a vitamin D supplement if diet and sun exposure aren’t adequate. From tasteless liquid drops to pills that combine multiple nutrients, there are a variety of options for vitamin D supplementation.

3. Probiotics

“Probiotics fight inflammation, promote digestive health and much more,” says Tannis. “With age, there is a decrease in the most prominent probiotic in the colon, Bifidobacteria, leaving the colon prone to inflammation, which increases the risk of disease and discomfort.”
Foods like kefir and yogurt are common sources of probiotics, but often it’s not enough to get the full benefits. Probiotic supplements are a great way to maintain and rebuild probiotic levels in your digestive tract. “Seek out one with lots of different probiotic species,” recommends Tannis. “You’ve got hundreds of kinds of probiotics in you. Each probiotic offers its own unique health benefits to your body, so having lots of different kinds in your system can help your body be at its best.”

4. Green foods

“Greens are packed with more nutrients per bite than almost anything else on your plate. They are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and more,” says Tannis.
What green foods are the best?
“The best greens to eat are the ones you like – you don’t have to hate your food. Love your food! Choose some greens that you enjoy and then, once a week, try something outside your comfort zone,” Tannis suggests. “If you simply can’t stomach enough greens, there are plenty of powders available, from simple single ingredient products to complex formulas.”

5. Multivitamins

No matter what your age, eating a balanced diet provides your body with plenty of nutrients. “Try to ensure that at some point each day you enjoy foods from each color of the rainbow, and artificial coloring doesn’t count,” says Tannis.
Taking a multivitamin is one way to ensure your body has the minimum amounts of the essential nutrients it needs each day to function properly. If you are considering a multivitamin, look for one that is designed for your age, activity level and gender. –
“Food hasn’t changed, even though it feels that everyone is telling you something new about it,” says Tannis. “Enjoy a well-balanced diet, rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains and fish. Nutrition really can be easy to swallow.”

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Muscle Deterioration
Exercise & Fitness

Programs to Get Fit after 65

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Programs to Get Fit after 65

It’s Never Too Late, Experts Say

Getting Fit after 65America’s aging population is posing special challenges, fitness experts say, because it is difficult to design effective workout routines for people with such a wide range of abilities. Programs to Get Fit after 65
For one 70-year-old, the goal may be to run a marathon, for another it’s getting out of a chair.
“If you are teaching 10-year-olds, it’s perfectly reasonable to do an activity that everybody would participate in,” said Dr. Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, an expert on aging with the American College of Sports Medicine. “But 20 80-year-olds could be as different as chalk and cheese.”
Some baby boomer could be athletic, he explained, while others would be unable to get out of bed.
There are now more Americans age 65 and older than at any other time in U.S. history, according to Census Bureau figures. Some 40 million people age 65 and over lived in the United States in 2010, accounting for 13 percent of the total population. The older population grew from 3 million in 1900 to 40 million in 2010.
Older adults should be doing aerobic activity to help maintain body weight, strengthening exercises to develop and maintain muscle mass, and some type of flexibility training, according to Dr. James Graves, Dean of the College of Health at the University of Utah.
Physical activity can reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis, he said, as well as improve the quality of life by maintaining functional capacity, such as the ability to climb stairs, open doors, and carry groceries.
“A very healthy 70-year-old can safely participate in high-intensity activity while a frail 60-year-old needs to lower the intensity,” said Graves. “My recommendation is to work with a personal trainer or group leader who has knowledge and qualifications to work with the elderly.”
Mary Ann Wilson is the creator and host of the “Sit and Be Fit,” a senior fitness program that has aired on U.S. public television since 1987.
The majority of her viewers are women over 65. For that population, she said, the goal of exercise is health and well-being, not physical prowess.
“Gravity has been working on them for 70 years,” said Wilson, a registered nurse who specialized in geriatrics. “Gravity is not our friend after many years of pulling our heads, shoulders and upper torsos forward and down.”
The 30-minute class includes warm-up, circulation and strength segments, a finger segment (for stiffness), standing for balance, and final relaxation.
Posture, breathing, balance, cognitive functioning and reaction time are among the most important — and neglected — components of elder fitness, she said.
“Focusing on gait is really important because as we age our gait changes,” said Wilson.
Karen Peterson, author of “Move with Balance: Healthy Aging Activities for Brain and Body,” stresses a mind-body approach in workouts with seniors.
“In our society it seems people don’t really like to do things unless they’re good at it already,” said Peterson, a kinesiologist based in Maui. “But what the brain likes is to be challenged.”
Her exercises include tossing a bean bag to improve reaction time, walking a figure-eight pattern for balance, as well as eye stretches, jaw relaxers, childhood games and cognitive challenges to keep body and mind alert.
“We take balance exercises and add conversation or math problems,” she said. “The concept is to always progress, always get more challenging.”
To tackle the isolation and diversity of the older population, Peterson initiated a mentoring program in which the fitter seniors work with the frailer.
“Some partners will become friends,” she said. “They’ll get really turned on.”
Experts agree that it’s never too late to do something. “Exercise is effective even in the most frail individual,” Wilson said. “If they can wiggle their toes, they can exercise.”
NewsMax / Thomson/Reuters
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Prescription Drugs
Health Tips

Buying Drugs Online Safely

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Buying Drugs Online Safely

Prescription DrugsConsumers have lots of choices for buying prescription drugs these days. But beware – counterfeit drugs are on the rise. You might throw your money away on ineffective drugs, or even worse, you could be harmed by taking drugs that aren’t what they pretend to be. Buying Drugs Online Safely

  • Don’t buy from an online seller that doesn’t require a prescription. It’s against the law to sell prescription drugs to people who don’t have prescriptions for them. Reputable online drug sellers verify each prescription they receive before filling the order. Always talk to your doctor before taking any prescription drugs.
  • If you don’t already have a prescription, don’t deal with a Web site that will provide one based on an online questionnaire, without an in-person physical exam. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Medical Association, if you get a prescription without a physical exam, you could receive a drug that is inappropriate, or even dangerous because of a condition that you might not realize you have. Your doctor will also have a record of any other drugs you are taking and can make sure any new drug you take will not dangerously interact with the drugs you are already taking.
  • Don’t buy from a site that advertises “miracle drugs” for a new cure for a serious disease. These drugs are not usually approved by the FDA and could be dangerous or not effective. Other danger signs include claims for a “new cure” for a serious disease, or use of impressive sounding terminology to disguise a lack of good science.
  • Make sure a licensed pharmacist is available to answer your questions. Whether you’re buying prescription drugs online, through the mail, by telephone, or in person, reputable sellers should have pharmacists available to answer questions.
  • Beware of online pharmacies that don’t list an address or toll-free phone number to contact in case of a problem. They may be deliberately attempting to make it harder to track them down.
  • Avoid Web sites that only sell a limited number of medications, especially “lifestyle” medications that treat obesity, impotence, herpes, pain and acne. Such Websites are designed to attract consumers who have privacy concerns and wish to avoid an in-person doctor’s visit. The Websites are more likely to sell prescription drugs without legitimate prescriptions.
  • When you buy medications online, make sure the seller is properly licensed.Check with your state board of pharmacy or the National Association of Boards Pharmacy at www.nabp.net or call 847-391-4406. These sources can tell you if the online seller is licensed. You should check the state board of pharmacy where the online seller is located, and your own state board of pharmacy. Some sites display a seal, such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s VIPPS seal, as proof that the site has met state and federal requirements. Dealing with pharmacies that display the VIPPS seal, or other similar certification seals, gives you more confidence that they and the products they sell are legitimate. See a list of VIPPS-accredited pharmacies.
  • If you suspect you have bought a counterfeit drug online, report it. Notify the online drug seller. You should also report your suspicions about counterfeit drugs bought online to the FDA. Use the online reporting form or call the FDA’s Medwatch program at 1-800-332-1088. In addition, ask your doctor for medical advice if you believe you have taken a counterfeit drug.
  • If you believe an online drug seller is selling prescription drugs without a license, without prescriptions, or in violation of other laws, report it. Use the FDA’s online reporting form or call the FDA’s Medwatch program at 1-800-332-1088. You should also report a suspicious site to your local state board of pharmacy, or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy using their Report a Suspicious Internet Pharmacy Site form.
  • Be a well-informed consumer. The FDA has tips about buying drugs online. There is also information from the FDA about counterfeit drugs.
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Exercise & Fitness

Making Exercise Fun

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Making Exercise Fun

Do What You Like

Making Exercising FunIf you don’t like jogging, just don’t jog. Ditto with swimming or weight lifting. Choose to do the activities you like – and you’ll be much more likely to stick with an exercise program. Try some new activities that you’ve never done to find out if you like them. Often the newness of an activity will keep you interested and motivated!

Do A Variety of Activities

Mix up your activities so you don’t get bored. Take a hike on Monday, go to your swimming class on Tuesday, work with weights on Wednesday. If you lose interest, it’s time to shake up your routine. Add new activities or change the way you pursue the ones that have worked so far.

Be Sociable – Get An Exercise Buddy

Instead of exercising alone, do it with a friend – or a group. Set a regular date for taking a walk with a friend, or join a yoga class that meets the same time each week. Join a hiking group in your area that finishes up with dinner out after each hike – or attend a local square dance night. Not only will you keep your body fit, you’ll make new friends too!
Having a buddy can also make you feel more at-ease about signing up for a new class. It’s comforting to try new activities with a friend.
If you don’t want anyone to see you sweat or look at you in your exercise attire, putting a treadmill in your bedroom or buying an exercise video is a good idea.

Combine Something You Like With Exercising

Some people hate to exercise no matter what activities they do or when they do them. If that describes you, don’t give up on exercising because it is key to your long-term health. Instead try to combine exercise with something you really like to do. For example, if you love to shop, do your walking at the mall when the crowds are thin or when most of the stores are closed, so you can walk quickly and get some exercise, and still look in the windows. You can even combine your walking with buying some new clothes to walk in!
If you love to watch TV, put a TV in the same room as your treadmill or stationery bicycle, and watch TV while you exercise. You can also lift weights and do resistance training while you’re watching TV. If you hate to exercise, but like to visit with a friend, make a deal with your friend that if you both go to a weekly exercise class, you’ll treat yourselves to a meal or a movie afterwards.

Keep Track of Your Progress – and the Calories You Burn

If you’re a walker, wear a pedometer. It’s fun to see how many steps you walk each day and wearing the pedometer gives you a new challenge every day when you wake up. Many fitness experts advise that we should walk at least 10,000 steps a day.
You can also keep a log of your activities – what types of activities you do every day and how long you do them. This will help you stay motivated when you realize how much you’ve accomplished! Set goals that have to do with how much and how often you participate rather than how fast you walk or how many pounds you lift. These kind of goals are easier to achieve and can give you a sense of satisfaction that will help you stay motivated.
Take a look at the calories you’re burning when you exercise and how many calories you expend when you do your everyday activities. It motivates you to keep moving and maybe eat less too!
NOTE: Always talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Every type of exercise is not appropriate for all people, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. And it’s important that you start slowly with any physical activity.

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