Tips For The Aging Spine

By Edward S. Pratt, M.D., M.B.A.

1. Fight the sedentary spiral with one part weight training, one part aerobics, one part stretching, at least three days per week
2. If you are at risk get a DEXA scan in your late 40s, take calcium/Vitamin D supplements or six helpings of dairy products daily.
3. Watch your diet and keep your blood pressure, and cholesterol in a good place.
4. Get regular check ups, including breast exams, mammography and Papst smear if you are female, and prostate exam, PSA, chest X-ray, and colonoscopy if you are male.
5. Report any sudden changes in health such as back pain, changes in bowel or bladder habits, weight loss or blood in urine or stool to your physician immediately.
6. Have fun! Laugh! Stress is usually induced by worrying today about things that haven’t happened yet…and probably won’t! Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers, as it seems we as a people so easily forget; each of us has but a precious few years on this wonderful Earth, and we need to strive to make the most of each and every one of them.