LITTLE ROCK — (NewsUSA) - As the baby-boomer generation ages, its members enter the health-care system in increasing numbers and often incur large costs. By making small changes now, many future health problems and related expenses can be prevented.

Blue Shield of California, a not-for-profit health plan, offers these tips to help preserve your health and vitality well into the golden years:

◊Stay active. Getting 30minutes of physical activity just three days a week will help you lower blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, prevent bone density loss, and keep your muscular and cardiovascular systems strong. Gardening, golfing and dancing can help you stay lively while enjoying yourself.

◊Stay involved. Mental and physical fitness are equally important. Staying involved in your community will help you achieve mentaland emotional balance.

◊Eat well. It's never too late to adopt healthy habits.

A diet based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and other lean proteins will lessen your risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and other expensive-to-treat conditions.

◊See your doctor before you feel sick. Frequent check-ups can help catch health concerns before they develop into chronic disease.

Vision, dental and dermatology exams are important.

Work with your doctor to arrange an ongoing checkup schedule.

◊Stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk for cancer and cardiovascular and respiratory disease. It's never too late to quit - your body begins recovering within minutes after you stop smoking, according to www.cancer.org.

◊Be mindful of prescriptions. When two or more drugs are mixed in the body, they may interact and produce uncomfortable or even dangerous side effects.

Be proactive about having doctors or pharmacists check for possible drug interactions.

For more tips, visit Blue Shield online at www.blue shieldca.com/seniorhealth.

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News, Pages 22 on 09/09/2009

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