A Patient Story: Aging

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Welcome to Family Health and Wellness.

The Pennsylvania Medical Society has chosen aging as the first highlighted health topic on our new Family Health and Wellness website. According to the latest census data, our state is home to the third oldest population in the nation, with 15 percent of the commonwealth's citizens over the age of 65.

I have a patient who is in his 80s and particularly active. Much of what I discuss with him revolves around understanding what ailments are due to health problems and what are simply due to the inevitable aging process. My approach is to help improve general health conditions before considering medications or surgery, so I encourage an open conversation with my patient. I listen to his health concerns and explain to him what symptoms are due to illness, what are simply signs of aging, and what he can do to improve his health.

Even with my younger patients, I like to stress that it is never too early to adopt healthy habits, such as following a balanced diet, exercising, and giving up smoking. As people age, it becomes increasingly harder to stop bad health habits and correct situations that have developed because of poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive drinking or other unhealthy behaviors. If that is your situation, a good doctor can help you find the right resources to overcome health problems. You can use the Find-A-Physician feature on this website to locate a doctor near you.

My advice to you and all our visitors is to maintain an open dialogue with your care providers. Doctors should not be regarded merely as people who can fix an existing problem with a pill or a scalpel, but rather as advisors who can help you make the right choices to achieve a healthy lifestyle. And remember, while it's never too early to start taking care of your body, it is never too late either!

Regards,

Mark A. Piasio, MD, MBA
President, Pennsylvania Medical Society
Orthopedic Surgeon, DuBois
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