Reminders on Michael Jordan's 50th Birthday

Image Source: Biography.com

Michael Jordan recently celebrated his 50th birthday. For those who remember him when he was still leading the Bulls to victory wearing #23, it really feels like time has flown. If you've recently joined Michael Jordan in the "second chapter of life" club, you know that this stage of age comes with a few more hiccups and kinks than the first. If you feel yourself winding down, here are a few things that you should keep track of in your fifties.

Image Source: HuffingtonPost.com

Check In With Your Doctor

We should all see a general practitioner once a year, but that goes double for people over 50. Find a doctor that you like, get a thorough checkup and set next year's appointment before you leave the office. Be sure to bring up any twinges, pains, changes in your body and history of family illness. It could save your life and greatly improve its quality.

Image Source: VancouverSun.com

Have an Eye Exam

Even if you have 20/20 vision. A visit once every year or two years will screen for diabetes, damage from high blood pressure, diabetes or any other vision problems that may run in your family. You may even find that a pair of reading glasses make reading a little easier.

Image Source: Fitbie.MSN.com

Watch Your Calories

Our metabolisms slow as we age. And by the time the average person reaches their 50s, they only require between 1400 and 1600 calories per day. Split those calories up into small meals to keep yourself satisfied and keep your weight down.

Image Source: SolaVitaWellness.com

Cut Out Sugar

It has very little place in your diet at this juncture. This is especially true if you suffer from diabetes. As we age, our bodies have a harder time processing insulin. As you slowly eliminate sugar, add more whole grains to your diet. They lower your blood sugar and reduce your risk for heart disease.

Image Source: Futurity.org

Get Some Exercise

At 50, it's not just about fitness. Even a daily walk can help prevent heart disease which is more likely to strike (especially in postmenopausal women) after 50. Plus it may give you a little more wiggle room in your caloric intake.
Supplement

Image Source: SwimtoSlim.com

Take a Supplement

Supplements become even more important in your 50s because your body doesn't absorb vitamins as well as it used to. Look for natural 50+ supplement featuring these vitamins:

• Calcium: This is especially important for women who face the risk of osteoporosis.
• B12: At 50 your stomach has less of the acid it needs to absorb vitamin B12 from food so you'll need to help it out. 
• Vitamin D: Older skin has a tough time producing enough of it. 

Keep up with these vitamins and you'll not only feel healthier but your bones will be stronger and your body will burn energy more efficiently.

Dr. Sharon Iglehart

It's 2013 and 50 is the new 40. Both you and Michael Jordan are entering some of the best years of your lives. But only if you take care of yourselves. See a doctor once a year and put a little effort into diet and exercise and you can add another 50 years to your life.