Are you likely to suffer a midlife health crisis?
A third of middle-age adults develop health problems. LUKE RIX-STANDING looks at preventing the most common
A study has revealed that more than a third of ‘midlifers’ (aged 46 to 48), have multiple chronic health problems, and that the trend is getting worse. The research, published in the journal BMC Public Health, analysed 7,951 adults who have been tracked since birth, and found 34% in this age group have two or more long-term health issues.
Here’s how to recognise and prevent the most common problems identified in the study…
BACK PROBLEMS
Warning signs: Periodic pain, right, is common, but if it does not go away in a couple of weeks or months, or interferes with day-to-day life, see your GP.
To avoid back pain: Avoid sitting for long periods and adopt a straightbacked posture when using a laptop. Invest in a chair with added support or a standing desk and take regular movement breaks. Also lift heavy items with good technique (legs rather than back) and ensure your mattress gives proper support.
An active lifestyle is your best buffer as being overweight places extra strain on the back and spine. Simple stretching can help ease and avoid pain, as advised by a GP.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Warning signs: The NHS advises all adults over 40 to check their blood pressure at least every five years. Unhealthy readings increase your chance of dangerous ailments including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
To avoid high blood pressure: The best defence a is to live well. Smoking, too much alcohol, and consuming more than four cups of caffeinated coffee a day can contribute to heightened blood pressure.
Salt also puts blood pressure up (the NHS advises having less than one teaspoon per day), while being overweight makes the heart work harder to pump blood round the body.
ARTHRITIS
Warning signs: An umbrella term referring to inflammation and joint pain, right, in various forms, often in the hands, hips, and knees. It is important to visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis, but most iterations involve joint pain and stiffness, restricted movement, weakness, and warm red skin over and around affected areas.
How to avoid arthritis: Genetic predisposition plays a large role in the development of arthritis.
As with many other conditions, being overweight can place extra pressure on joints, while smoking can also damage joints in less obvious ways.
Physical injury and repetitive stress can also leave joints vulnerable to arthritis, so consider wrist cushions and ergonomic keyboards to ease the burden on your hands.
BRONCHITIS
Warning signs: It tends to develop from a cold, and often manifests as a cough that can produce mucus, shortness of breath, fatigue, and discomfort in the chest. Acute bronchitis is common, but repeated bouts mean you may have chronic bronchitis, and should see a doctor. To avoid bronchitis: Smoking is heavily linked to both types of bronchitis, along with other air-related conditions like pollution, and exposure to toxic irritants at home or work. Giving up smoking will reduce your chances of developing bronchitis.
DIABETES
Warning signs: Blurry vision, excessive thirst or tiredness, itching around the genitals, cuts healing unusually slowly, and needing to pee more often than normal. The disease can worsen rapidly if untreated.
How to avoid diabetes: People whose blood sugar levels are significantly above normal are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and your vulnerability to the disease can be heavily affected by lifestyle.
An NHS tool can tell you whether you are at high risk and, if you are, losing weight, eating a healthy balanced diet, and getting plenty of exercise are the main ways you can aim to lower it.