Calling All Baby Boomers - Maximize Your Health for Quality of Life

3/2/2022

PALMER – The average American life expectancy of 84 years means many Baby Boomers reaching age 65 have nearly two more decades of life to enjoy. However, the aging process means more risks to your health that can impact your quality of life.

Marcus Thiemann, D.O., an internal medicine physician with Mat-Su Medical Group, reminds us some factors, like genetics, are beyond our control, but healthy lifestyle choices, along with the timely identification and management of common, chronic conditions can increase our prospects of living a long, healthy life.

As an internal medicine specialist who focuses on adult primary care, Thiemann often works with patients who have multiple or complex medical issues that can range from diabetes and heart disease to auto-immune disorders. He identifies the following as some of the most common chronic health concerns.

Arthritis
Joint pain, stiffness and swelling in or around one or more joints can be signs of arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States. Almost one in four adults develop arthritis. Your doctor can help diagnose and identify the best treatment to reduce or manage pain, minimize joint damage and improve or maintain functioning.

Type 2 Diabetes
More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, and 90-95 percent of these patients have Type 2 diabetes. The symptoms are hard to spot. The older you are, the more likely you are to develop this condition. Left untreated, Type 2 diabetes can cause other serious conditions like heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss. Regular check-ups can help identify diabetes in a timely manner.

High Blood Pressure
In 2017, U.S. medical organizations lowered blood pressure numbers to 120/80 = normal, 130/80 = pre-hypertensive and 140/80 = stage 1 hypertension. Left unchecked, high blood pressure – which often has no symptoms – can be a major factor in heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to lower your blood pressure, including diet, exercise or medication.

Heart Disease
Several types of heart conditions are considered heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart valve issues and heart failure. These conditions elevate the risk for heart attack and stroke. Symptoms vary, depending on the type of heart disease. Your doctor can perform diagnostic tests and may advise you to make lifestyle changes or prescribe medication.

Depression
Clinical depression is not a normal part of aging, but can be more common for people with other illnesses, such as heart disease or cancer. The condition is serious and can affect the way you feel, act and think. Counseling, medicine or other forms of treatment can help. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, talk with your doctor who can help put together a plan of treatment.

“My goal is to partner with patients as we work to achieve their health goals and prevent chronic diseases,” said Dr. Thiemann. “I strive to be an advocate for those who have already been diagnosed with a chronic disease, helping them achieve a balance between medication regimens, specialty care and quality of life.”

Aging is a normal process that extends across our lives. Making healthy lifestyle choices and managing chronic conditions is the best way to improve our odds of remaining healthy with high levels of independence and functionality as we grow older.

For an appointment with Dr. Thiemann, call Mat-Su Medical Group at (907) 861-6700 or request an appointment at MatSuMedicalGroup.com.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - cdc.gov/aging/index.html National Institute on Aging - nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults Back