Prevention of diseases after 40: What is important to know

Prevention of diseases after 40: What is important to know

I. Cardiovascular diseases: disease No. 1 and how to deal with it

1. Epidemiology and risks:

   Cardiovascular diseases (SVD) are a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. This group includes coronary heart disease (CPS), stroke, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure and peripheral arterial diseases. After 40 years, the risk of developing the SVD increases significantly, becoming the leading cause of mortality around the world. This is due to the natural aging processes that lead to a deterioration in the elasticity of blood vessels, the accumulation of cholesterol plaques and a decrease in the effectiveness of the heart. In addition, by many people, many people have time to accumulate risk factors, such as malnutrition, insufficient physical activity, smoking, alcohol abuse and stress. Heredity also plays an important role. If the family has cases of early SVD (up to 55 years old in men and up to 65 years old), then the risk is increasing for you.

2. Risk factors that can be influenced by:

   • High blood pressure (hypertension): Regularly measure blood pressure (blood pressure). Targeted blood pressure – less than 130/80 mm Hg. Art. For most people. Control the consumption of salt, increase potassium consumption (contained in bananas, potatoes, spinach), engage in physical activity and, if necessary, take medications prescribed by the doctor.
   • High cholesterol level: Pass tests for a lipid profile (general cholesterol, LDL – “bad” cholesterol, HDL – “good” cholesterol, triglycerides). Strive for the low level of LDL, high level of HDLs and a low level of triglycerides. Observe a low content of saturated fats and trans fats, increase fiber consumption, engage in physical activity and, if necessary, take statins (drugs that reduce cholesterol) as a doctor’s prescription.
   • Diabetes: Spend blood sugar regularly. Maintain normal weight, follow a low sugar and simple carbohydrates diet, engage in physical activity and, if necessary, take medications prescribed by a doctor.
   • Smoking: Throw smoking. Smoking significantly increases the risk of CVD, as well as cancer and other diseases. Seek the doctor or specialized centers for help.
   • Excess weight and obesity: Maintain healthy weight with a diet and physical activity. The body mass index (BMI) should be in the range of 18.5-24.9 kg/m². Measure the waist circumference. In women, it should not exceed 88 cm, in men – 102 cm.
   • Insufficient physical activity: Physical activity of at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity or 75 minutes per week of high intensity. Include aerobic exercises in the training program (walking, running, swimming, cycling) and strength exercises (weight lifting, exercises with your own weight).
   • Inal meals: Observe a healthy diet with a high content of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat protein. Limit the consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugar.
   • Stress: Manage stress using various relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises. Find the time for a hobby and classes that bring you pleasure.
   • Alcohol abuse: Limit alcohol consumption. For men – no more than two servings per day, for women – no more than one. One portion is 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine or 45 ml of strong alcohol.

3. Preventive measures:

   • Regular medical examinations: Visit a doctor at least once a year for a general examination and testing. Discuss with the doctor your risk factors and the need to conduct additional examinations.
   • Screening on the SSZ: Discuss the doctor with the need to conduct screening on the SVD, especially if you have risk factors. Screening may include measurement of blood pressure, determining the level of cholesterol and blood sugar, ECG (electrocardiogram) and other studies.
   • Healthy lifestyle: Follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle described above. This is the most effective way to prevent the SSZ.
   • Medication (as prescribed by a doctor): If you have risk factors or is already diagnosed with the SVD, the doctor may prescribe medications to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, liquefaction of blood and other purposes.

4. The importance of early diagnosis:

   The early diagnosis of SSZ allows you to start treatment in the early stages, which significantly increases the chances of a favorable outcome. Consult a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

   • Pain or discomfort in the chest
   • Dyspnea
   • Charp heartbeat
   • An irregular heartbeat
   • Swelling of the legs and ankles
   • Weakness and dizziness
   • Inexplicable fatigue

II. Oncological diseases: Early detection – the key to success

1. The prevalence and risk factors:

   Oncological diseases, or cancer, are the second leading cause of mortality after 40 years. The risk of cancer develops with age, as mutations in cells accumulate and the immune system weakens. There are various types of cancer, each of which has its own risk factors. Some risk factors, such as a genetic predisposition, are not amenable to change, but many other risk factors are associated with the way of life and the environment, and they can be influenced.

2. The main types of cancer and their prevention:

   • Lung cancer: The main risk factor is smoking. Throw smoking, avoid passive smoking and contact with harmful substances in the workplace.
   • Breast cancer (in women): Risk factors – age, genetic predisposition, early onset of menstruation, late menopause, lack of childbirth, hormonal therapy, obesity, alcohol consumption. Regularly conduct a self -examination of the mammary glands, visit a doctor for examination and do mammography (X -ray examination of the mammary glands) in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.
   • Prostate cancer (in men): Risk factors – age, genetic predisposition, race (African Americans have a higher risk), a high fat diet. Pass the prostate gland, including an analysis for the PSA (prostatic specific antigen) and finger rectal examination.
   • Colorectal cancer (cancer of the thick and rectum): Risk factors – age, genetic predisposition, polyps in the colon, inflammatory intestinal diseases, a high content of red meat and processed products, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption. Regularly pass the screening for colorectal cancer, including colonoscopy (examination of the colon with an endoscope) or a fecal analysis for hidden blood.
   • Skin cancer: Risk factors – excessive effects of solar radiation, light skin, a history of sunburn, genetic predisposition. Avoid excessive sun stay, use a high SPF sunscreen, wear protective clothes and regularly inspect the skin for new or changing moles.
   • Cervical cancer (for women): Risk factor is the infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). Pass regular screening for the cervical cancer, including the papa test (cytological examination of the cervix) and analysis for HPV. Make a vaccine from HPV (recommended before the start of sexual activity).

3. Cancer screening:

   Cancer screening is a examination of healthy people in order to identify cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat. Recommendations for cancer screening depend on age, gender, family history and other risk factors. Discuss with the doctor what types of screening for cancer you need.

4. Advantages of early detection:

   Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. In the early stages, cancer can often be cured with surgically, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other treatment methods.

5. Symptoms that should not be ignored:

   Consult a doctor if you have the following symptoms that may be a sign of cancer:

   • Inexplicable weight loss
   • Constant fatigue
   • Changes in the work of the intestines or bladder
   • Unsecured ulcer or wound
   • Sealing or swelling in any part of the body
   • Cough or hoarse that do not pass
   • Changing the size, shape or color of the mole
   • Blood in urine or feces
   • Inexplicable pains

III. Type 2 diabetes: Prevention and management

1. Pathophysiology and risks:

   Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by an increased blood sugar. This is due to insulin resistance (when the body cells do not respond properly to insulin) and/or insufficient production of insulin pancreatic gland. After 40 years, the risk of developing diabetes of the 2nd type increases significantly, especially in people with excess weight, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and family history of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, blindness, nerves damage (neuropathy) and amputation of the limbs.

2. Risk factors that can be influenced by:

   • Excess weight and obesity: Maintain healthy weight with a diet and physical activity.
   • Insufficient physical activity: Physical activity of at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity.
   • Inal meals: Observe a low sugar diet, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats. Increase fiber consumption.
   • High blood pressure: Control blood pressure.
   • High cholesterol level: Control the cholesterol level.
   • Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy): If you had gestational diabetes, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future increases.
   • Ovarian polycystic ovary (for women): Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
   • Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age.

3. Preventive measures:

   • Healthy lifestyle: Follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle described above. This is the most effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes.
   • Diabetes screening: Spended blood sugar regularly, especially if you have risk factors. Your doctor may recommend you to take an analysis of glucose on an empty stomach or a test for glucose tolerance.
   • Moderate weight loss: Even a slight weight loss (5-7% of the starting weight) can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
   • Physical activity: Increase the level of physical activity. Try to engage in physical exercises for at least 30 minutes a day of the day of the week.
   • Healthy diet: Observe a low sugar diet, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats. Increase fiber consumption.
   • Medicines (as prescribed by a doctor): In some cases, the doctor may prescribe drugs for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, especially if you have a high risk of its development.

4. Diabetes Management:

   If you have diabetes of type 2 diabetes, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations for the management of the disease. This includes:

   • Blood sugar control: Spended blood sugar regularly using a glucometer.
   • Diet: Follow a diet recommended by a doctor or nutritionist.
   • Physical activity: Practice regularly.
   • Medicines: Take medications prescribed by the doctor in accordance with the instructions.
   • Regular medical examinations: Visit a doctor regularly to control the health status and identify possible complications.

5. The importance of early diagnosis:

   Early diabetes of type 2 diabetes allows you to start treatment in the early stages, which helps to prevent or delay the development of complications.

IV. Osteoporosis: Care for bone health

1. Pathophysiology and risks:

   Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a decrease in bone density, which makes them more fragile and subject to fractures. After 40 years, the bone mass begins to decrease, especially in women after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels. Osteoporosis often occurs asymptomatic until a fracture occurs. Fractures associated with osteoporosis most often occur in the vertebrae, thigh and wrist.

2. Risk factors that can be influenced by:

   • Low consumption of calcium and vitamin D: Increase the consumption of calcium and vitamin D using a diet and additives.
   • Insufficient physical activity: Take physical activity with weight load, such as walking, running, dancing or lifting weights.
   • Smoking: Throw smoking.
   • Alcohol abuse: Limit alcohol consumption.
   • Low weight: Maintain healthy weight.
   • Some drugs: Some drugs, such as corticosteroids, can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

3. Preventive measures:

   • Sufficient consumption of calcium and vitamin D: The recommended daily dose of calcium for adults is 1000-1200 mg, and vitamin D is 600-800 IU.
   • Physical activity with weight load: Take physical activity with a weight load of at least 30 minutes a day most of the week of the week.
   • Healthy lifestyle: Follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle described above.
   • Osteoporosis screening: Pass the densitometry (DXA scan)-measurement of bone density-in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor. It is usually recommended for women after 65 years old and men after 70 years old, as well as people with risk factors.

4. Treatment of osteoporosis:

   If your osteoporosis is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe medications to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.

5. The importance of the prevention of falls:

   Falls are the main cause of fractures in people with osteoporosis. Take measures to prevent falls:

   • Remove the obstacles from the house, such as carpets and wires.
   • Provide good lighting.
   • Use handrails in the bathroom and toilet.
   • Wear comfortable shoes with non -slip soles.
   • Check your vision regularly.
   • Strengthen the muscles and improve balance with the help of exercises.

V. Eye health: preservation of good vision

1. Age -related changes and eye diseases:

   After 40 years, natural age -related changes occur in the eyes, which can lead to visual impairment. The most common age -related eye diseases include:

   • Presbiopia (age farsightedness): It makes it difficult to focus on close objects. The use of reading glasses is required.
   • Cataract: The clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to a deterioration in vision. It is treated surgically.
   • Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve, often associated with high intraocular pressure. It can lead to blindness, if not treated.
   • Age macular degeneration (VMD): Damage to the macula (central part of the retina), which leads to the loss of central vision.
   • Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes. It can lead to blindness, if not treated.
   • Dry eyes: Insufficient production of tear fluid, which leads to discomfort and irritation of the eyes.

2. Risk factors:

   • Age: The risk of developing most eye diseases increases with age.
   • Family history: If your relatives had eye diseases, you have the risk of their development.
   • Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, VMD and other eye diseases.
   • Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases.
   • High blood pressure: High blood pressure increases the risk of glaucoma and other eye diseases.
   • Excessive exposure to solar radiation: Excessive exposure to solar radiation can increase the risk of cataracts and the VMD.
   • Inal meals: The lack of certain nutrients can increase the risk of eye diseases.

3. Preventive measures:

   • Regular examinations by an ophthalmologist: Visit an ophthalmologist at least once every two years to check vision and identify eye diseases at an early stage.
   • Eye protection from solar radiation: Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet radiation protection.
   • Healthy lifestyle: Follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle described above.
   • Proper nutrition: Use products rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. Early healthy eyes are especially useful for Luthein and Zeaxantin, such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli.
   • Control of chronic diseases: If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important to control these diseases in order to prevent the development of eye complications.
   • Correct lighting: Provide good lighting when reading and working at a computer.
   • Breaks when working at a computer: Take breaks every 20 minutes to give your eyes to rest. Look at items at a distance of at least 6 meters for 20 seconds (rule 20-20-20).
   • Using moisturizing drops: If you have dry eyes, use moisturizing drops on the recommendation of a doctor.

4. The importance of early diagnosis:

   Early diagnosis of eye diseases allows you to begin treatment in the early stages, which helps to preserve vision.

VI. Cognitive health: maintaining clarity of the mind

1. Age changes and dementia:

   After 40 years, cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and speed of information processing, can gradually decrease. This is a normal aging process, but some people may develop dementia – a progressive decrease in cognitive functions that affects everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

2. Risk factors:

   • Age: The risk of developing dementia increases with age.
   • Genetic predisposition: If your relatives had a dementia, you have the risk of its development.
   • Cardiovascular diseases: Cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, increase the risk of dementia.
   • Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of dementia.
   • Depression: Depression is associated with an increased risk of dementia.
   • Low Education: The low level of education is associated with an increased risk of dementia.
   • Social isolation: Social isolation is associated with an increased risk of dementia.
   • Head injuries: Repeated head injuries can increase the risk of dementia.

3. Preventive measures:

   • Healthy lifestyle: Follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle described above.
   • Physical activity: Practice regularly. Physical activity improves blood circulation in the brain and promotes the growth of new nerve cells.
   • Intellectual activity: Take intellectual activity, such as reading, solving crosswords, learning foreign languages or playing chess. Intellectual activity stimulates the brain and helps maintain cognitive functions.
   • Social activity: Support social ties and participate in public life. Social activity helps maintain cognitive functions and reduces the risk of depression.
   • Healthy nutrition: Use products useful for the brain, such as fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
   • Control of chronic diseases: Control chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
   • Sufficient sleep: Sleep enough time (7-8 hours a day).
   • Stress management: Manage stress using various relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises.

4. The importance of early diagnosis:

   Early diagnosis of dementia allows you to begin treatment in the early stages, which can slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of the patient’s life.

5. Symptoms that should be discussed with a doctor:

   Consult a doctor if you have the following symptoms that may be a sign of dementia:

   • Memory problems, especially with memorizing new information
   • Difficulties with planning and organization
   • Difficulties with solving problems
   • Speech problems
   • Disorientation in time and space
   • Changes in behavior and personality
   • Decrease in interest in life

VII. Mental Health: Caring for Blagodia

1. Common problems of mental health:

   After 40 years, people can face various problems of mental health, such as depression, anxiety, stress, burnout and problems in the relationship. These problems can affect mood, behavior, thinking and physical health.

2. Risk factors:

   • Genetic predisposition: If your relatives had mental health problems, you have the risk of their development.
   • Stress life events: Difficult life events, such as loss of work, divorce or death of a loved one, can contribute to the development of mental health problems.
   • Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases can increase the risk of mental health problems.
   • Social isolation: Social isolation can increase the risk of mental health problems.
   • An unhealthy lifestyle: An unhealthy lifestyle, such as lack of sleep, malnutrition and lack of physical activity, can increase the risk of mental health problems.
   • Alcohol abuse and drugs: The abuse of alcohol and drugs can aggravate the problems of mental health.

3. Preventive measures:

   • Healthy lifestyle: Follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle described above.
   • Stress management: Manage stress using various relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises.
   • Support for social ties: Maintain social ties and spend time with friends and family.
   • Hobbies and hobbies: Find the time to make a hobby and hobbies that bring you pleasure.
   • Regular physical activity: Practice regularly. Physical activity improves mood and reduces stress.
   • Sufficient sleep: Sleep enough time (7-8 hours a day).
   • Appeal for help to a specialist: If you experience mental health problems, seek help from a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

4. The importance of seeking help:

   Problems of mental health can be successfully treated. Application for help to a specialist is a sign of strength, not weakness.

5. Signs when you should seek help:

   Turn to the specialist for help if you have the following signs:

   • Constant feeling of sadness, anxiety or irritability
   • Loss of interest in life
   • Difficulties with concentration
   • Changes in appetite or sleep
   • Feeling of fatigue or exhaustion
   • Thoughts about death or suicide

VIII. Vaccination: protection against infectious diseases

1. Recommended vaccines after 40 years:

   Adults after 40 years are recommended to vaccinate from the following infectious diseases:

   • Flu: Annual flu vaccination.
   • Pneumococcal infection: Vaccination from pneumococcal infection (pneumonia, meningitis). Double vaccination is recommended using conjugated and polysaccharide vaccines.
   • Tel, diphtheria, pertussis (DTP): Revaccination from tetanus, diphtheria and pertress every 10 years.
   • Drilling lichen (herpes zoster): Vaccination from encircling lichen.
   • Measles, rubella, mumps (PDA): If you have not been vaccinated in childhood or have not been ill with these diseases, vaccination is recommended.
   • Wind Ospois (chickenpox): If you are not ill with chickenpox, vaccination is recommended.
   • Human papilloma virus (HPV): Vaccination from HPV can be recommended to men and women under 45 years of age.
   • Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis A and B vaccination can be recommended to people with an increased risk of infection.

2. The importance of vaccination:

   Vaccination is an effective way to protect against infectious diseases. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to the production of antibodies, which protect the body from infection.

3. Discuss with the doctor:

   Discuss with the doctor which vaccines you need, given your age, health status and risk factors.

IX. Sexual health: maintaining an active and healthy life

1. Age changes and sexual problems:

   After 40 years, people can face age -related changes in sexual function. In women, this may be associated with menopause and a decrease in the level of estrogen, which can lead to dry vagina, a decrease in libido and discomfort during intercourse. Men can observe erectile dysfunction and a decrease in testosterone levels, which can lead to a decrease in libido, a deterioration in erection and problems with ejaculation.

2. Risk factors:

   • Age: Age -related changes in the hormonal background can affect sexual function.
   • Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and depression, can affect sexual function.
   • Medicines: Some drugs can cause sexual side effects.
   • Stress: Stress can affect sexual function.
   • Problems in relationships: Problems in relationships can affect sexual function.

3. Preventive measures:

   • Healthy lifestyle: Follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle described above.
   • Regular physical activity: Practice regularly. Physical activity improves blood circulation and reduces stress.
   • Open communication with a partner: Open communicate with your partner about your sexual needs and problems.
   • Using lubricants: Use lubricants to reduce discomfort during intercourse.
   • Treatment of chronic diseases: Treat chronic diseases that can affect sexual function.
   • Appeal for help to a specialist: If you experience sexual problems, seek help from a doctor, sexologist or psychotherapist.

4. The importance of open communication:

   Open communication with a partner and a doctor is the key to solving sexual problems.

5. Regular examinations by a gynecologist and urologist:

   Regularly visit the gynecologist (women) and urologist (men) to test sexual health and identify possible problems at an early stage.

X. General recommendations on a healthy lifestyle after 40 years:

1. Regular medical examinations: Visit a doctor at least once a year for a general examination and testing.
2. Healthy nutrition: Observe a high content of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat protein. Limit the consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugar.
3. Physical activity: Physical activity of at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity or 75 minutes per week of high intensity.
4. Maintaining a healthy weight: Maintain healthy weight with a diet and physical activity.
5. Refusal of smoking: Throw smoking.
6. Alcohol use restriction: Limit alcohol consumption.
7. Stress management: Manage stress using various relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises.
8. Sufficient sleep: Sleep enough time (7-8 hours a day).
9. Maintaining social ties: Support social ties and participate in public life.
10. Intellectual activity: Take intellectual activity, such as reading, solving crosswords, learning foreign languages or playing chess.
11. Vaccination: Make vaccinations from infectious diseases in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor.
12. CANCER and other diseases: Carry out the screening for cancer and other diseases in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor.
13. Caring for mental health: Turn to a specialist for help if you have problems with mental health.
14. Caring for sexual health: Turn to a specialist for help if you have