In Touch
ASSOC PROF DR DITTAKARN BORIBOONHIRUNSARN
After decades of hard work and dedication, comes the time to rest. Retirement, it is.
By that time everyday will be Sunday and no more chaotic Mondays. Of course, everybody is expecting a peaceful and restful retirement life, but not all succeed.
Many retirees may think of financial planning as the first priority. But actually the more
jlimportant thing, but usually overlooked, is your health!
With advancing age, trying to remain healthy is not easy. The risks of developing many illnesses, for example, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, increase with age.
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Stay informed
Obtaining up-to-date health information can help you take better care of yourself. Other than books and magazines, the Internet is another good resource, but you should carefully select trusted sources for valid and reliable information. The web sites such as www.who.int/topics/ageing/en/ and www.cdc.gov/aging/ can be useful.
And for Thais, try www.agingthai.org/ or www.si.mahidol.ac.th/project/geriatrics/Thaiindex.htm. These sites provide reliable and useful health information, as well as plenty of tips for the elderly. And for any health questions, you can always consult at health-focused web boards such as www.thaiclinic.com/ or www.sirirajonline.com/.
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Important numbers
To easily determine if you are still in good health, you need to know some personal numbers.
Cholesterol
This includes total cholesterol, LDL (''bad'' cholesterol), HDL (''good'' cholesterol), and triglycerides. Optimal numbers are as follows: Total cholesterol 200 mg/dL or lower; LDL cholesterol 100 mg/dL or lower; HDL cholesterol 60 mg/dL or higher; Triglycerides 150 mg/dL or lower.
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Blood sugar
A normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL. Higher levels indicate that you may be headed for diabetes.
Blood pressure: Normal blood pressure should not exceed 140/90 mmHg. Blood pres sure 160/95 mmHg or higher indicates that you have hypertension and treatment should be initiated. Those with number in between should be closely monitored.
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Body mass index (BMI)
It is a measure of body fat based on height and weight to determine if you are underweight, overweight, obese, or within a healthy weight range. Overweight and obesity increase risks of various illnesses. To easily calculate your BMI, consult your doctor or visit www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm and just key in your weight and height. The result will be shown to you. The site also provides other useful information and tips to maintain healthy BMI.
Simply visit any hospital or clinic for general health check-up together with simple blood test will do it all. And if it turns out that you have some not-so-healthy numbers, appropriate prevention and treatment can be initiated in a timely fashion. But no matter what the results are, these personal numbers should be checked and monitored regularly.
Remember that you only retire from work, but not from life. Take better care of yourself and make your life after retirement happily ever after.
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