MD Anderson Expert Shares Health Tips to Stay Fit and Cancer Free
Katy, TX – (August 22, 2013) – Life changes with every decade and maintaining a strong, healthy body throughout life may seem like the battle of the ages.
Just as people set personal and work-related milestones, they should also set health goals for every stage of life. MD Anderson has created a plan to help guide health-conscious individuals along the way.
“Practicing these healthy behaviors is important for all men and women, regardless of age,” says Therese Bevers, M.D., medical director of MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center. “So take note of all of these tips — even the ones directed toward men and women older or younger than you.”
20s:
Men: Most sexually active men will get the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives. This sexually transmitted disease can cause penile, anal and head and neck cancers in men.
Men can get the vaccine up to age 26. It protects from the HPV types that cause most genital warts and anal cancers.
Women: Tanning bed use significantly increases the odds of getting melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer). Using tanning beds regularly under the age of 30 increases the risk of skin cancer by 75%.
In addition to avoidance of tanning beds, other ways to decrease the risk of melanoma:
Avoid direct exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Routinely use sunscreen when outdoors
30s:
Men: Most men begin to lose muscle mass after age 30. Strength training can prevent muscle loss and build bone density. It also increases the rate at which your body burns calories to keep you at a healthy weight. And, maintaining a healthy weight can help men avoid a number of diseases, cancer among them.
Women: Take time to unwind. Juggling all the responsibilities of being a mom, wife, caretaker and employee often increases stress. Chronic stress affects almost every system in the body and wreaks havoc on its ability to function.
40s:
Men: The body’s metabolism slows down as people age. This is especially true for men after age 40, who may have a hard time staying at the same weight they had in their 20s and 30s.
Making healthy food choices and staying active every day can help jump-start the metabolism and keep off unwanted pounds.
Women: Nearly 20% of women age 25 to 44 smoke, and more women die from lung cancer each year than breast cancer. About 70% of women who smoke say they want to quit. Get help and support.
50s and older:
Men: Cancer is more likely to show up in men age 50 and older. That’s why the majority of cancer screening exams begin at this age for men. Talk to a doctor about screening exams and follow their recommendations for when to start and how often to repeat them.
Women: Limit use of hormone therapy. Taking hormones can increase the chances of developing uterine cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots and stroke. Consult with a doctor to learn more about hormone therapy.
For all: Get annual check-ups. Make health a top priority at every age by getting a yearly check-up.
For additional tips on health and exercise, visit www.mdanderson.org/focused.
