Life is like a game of football. Just as a football team creates a strategic playbook to win, healthy aging requires a thoughtful approach to age gracefully with all your passions and abilities intact. The best way to reach that overall health goal is to stay active and rely on your healthcare team.

Healthcare is a team sport. Winning on the field requires adaptability, cooperation, planning, and a team that works well together.

As a primary care provider at Holston Medical Group, I’m the quarterback of the team. I read the field, look at your current conditions, and work with my team to ensure everything goes smoothly or call an audible if something unexpected happens.

I approach healthy aging the way I would approach any game – the best offense is a good defense. In healthcare, that means preventive exams such as mammograms starting at age 40 and colonoscopies at age 45.

Scouting the Defense: Annual Screenings

For most of my patients, annual screenings come at no cost to them. Not taking advantage of these screenings is leaving much of your playbook unused. These tests are important in identifying potential “speed bumps” down the road and preserving the momentum you’ve worked hard for.

Checking regularly for cancer and chronic disease can help us address health issues sooner, when they are often more easily managed. With regular labs, I can screen for diabetes, monitor your cholesterol and risk of stroke, and catch small issues before they become big problems.

Vaccinations are a great example of an easy and often free way to stay one step ahead. A hospitalization for the flu can undo weeks, months, or even years of progress building strength, endurance, and good habits.

Chronic conditions are an unavoidable part of life as you age, but they don’t have to rule your life. A little teamwork and forethought is often all it takes to keep them in check.

Play to the Whistle: Check your Hearing

Most folks do not realize how important hearing is to overall health. Studies have consistently shown that difficulty hearing contributes significantly to dementia and depression.

When people have a hard time hearing loved ones, it impacts their health in a few different ways. Many stop asking relatives to repeat themselves and communication slows down, causing social isolation which increases the risk of depression and decreases mental sharpness. Hearing aids work well to break this cycle and often come with great features such as Bluetooth connections to your TV and Phone, allowing you to integrate them easily into your life.

If you find yourself asking loved ones to repeat themselves, it might be time for a hearing exam, which is very easy to do!

In the Red Zone: Keep Momentum Going

Keeping our minds sharp as we age requires regular maintenance. I tell my patients that I like to think of our brains as muscles and treat them as such. Continuing to learn and grow through new hobbies and skills helps us build great mental strength that can slow down the effects of aging on our brains. Use it or lose it.

In addition to learning new skills, our brain relies heavily on a community to stay healthy. Having close bonds with family, friends, church groups, or other social groups are a strong factor in healthy aging and can help with staying active as well.

So, surround yourself with family and friends who can help you stay on a healthy track. Even if you hit a speed bump or there is a flag on the play, don’t let it stop you from building momentum. Seek help in your social circle if you need it, that’s the purpose of a community. When we are healthy physically, mentally and emotionally, we protect our quality of life.

Score! Visit Your HMG Provider Regularly

Each touchdown in football is a celebration, much like the milestones and achievements we experience as we get older. With the right playbook and team, the journey of healthy aging can be as rewarding as a well-played game of football.

Your HMG providers are here for you every step of the way. As your care team quarterback, I can make sure that other players are involved in the game and connect you to over 30 specialists within HMG like nutritionists, personal trainers, physical therapists and test providers.

Our area is rich in healthcare resources. So, no matter your age, make an appointment to see your HMG provider. We’ll work together to help you score big on healthy aging!