Life begins at 40

Great Health Tips for over 40:

• Diet and exercise are not the only means to combat heart diseases. Scientists have found that personal attitude and stress are not less important than those two factors. Try to make good friends. Loneliness cultivates heart diseases. Friendship with relatives and friends not only improves the quality of our lives but is also needed for our survival.
• The human body is made up of 60 to 70 percent water. Your body loses about three quarts of water each day through perspiration, urine, and respiration. Waiting until you are thirsty isn't always the best barometer for preventing pre-mature aging. One of the best beauty secrets of our skin and body is to drink eight glasses of water every day.
• Avoid the sun between the hours of 10AM and 3PM, even if wearing sunglasses. Reflected light from sand, water and cement is also harmful to the skin. There has been lot of researches carried out over the last thirty years on the impact of sun exposure on human body. According to scientists, our skin would stay relatively smooth unto our eighties -- if it weren't for sun contact, dehydration wrinkles. Even skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to UV rays, which penetrate our atmosphere everyday.
• Do not spend a lot of time sitting with the telephone set; get up and move around while you talk. It eases away the tension from creased muscles. Do you know that 3 or 4 phone calls (mobile or land -- doesn't matter) during a serious work can kill a quality 15-20 minutes. You can switch off the mobile or let the answering machine answer during important circumstances. Do not let your strict timetables manage your day. Every now and then cut out activities that aren't a personal priority and recover time for relaxation.
• Other than Ramadan month, there is a scientific reason to go on fast. Scientists reported that people can gain remarkable health benefits from occasional fasting. It activates the production of proteins that help existing brain cells continue to sustain from oxidation and also encourage the growth of nerve cells. As a result, there is lower risk of developing age-related brain disorders like stroke, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.
• As we get older our bodies need extra attention. Here are the health checks all men and women should do to stay fit in their 40s:

  Check your BLOOD PRESSURE as HIGH blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease, strokes and kidney damage. Keep your blood pressure to a healthy level by cutting down on salt, eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetable a day and taking regular exercise.

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  Check your CHOLESTEROL. To keep your cholesterol low, cut down on saturated (animal) fats, keep your weight in check, be active, and eat lots of fruit and vegetables.

  Test for GLAUCOMA. This is an eye disease that can cause blindness. You are four times more likely to develop glaucoma after 40- - if a close relative has glaucoma, you need to be more careful.

  Test for DIABETES. "The chances of developing non-insulin dependent diabetes over 40 becomes much more common," says Dr Peter Mace, assistant medical director at BUPA Wellness. You're more at risk -- if you're overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle, or there is a family history -- including high blood pressure. It is always vital to stay active and watch your weight, while eating healthily foods.

  Mammography or check your BREASTS: Be breast aware and have a mammogram to avoid breast cancer, especially if you have close family members who had breast cancer in their 40s, or you detect any changes with your breast, get them checked out quickly.