Love the skin you’re in

For many women over the age of 65, staying healthy can seem like an endless list of to-dos. But for Dr. Heidi Syropoulos, medical director for Independence Blue Cross, the best prescription for wellness is much simpler than you might think.

“Don’t spend time fretting,” she says. Instead, Dr. Heidi recommends taking a deep breath and focusing on the basics. Here, she shares her five simple steps for living a healthy — and happy — life.

1. Make happiness a priority

“Identify the things that make you happy,” says Dr. Heidi. “For most people, that means staying connected with others and spending time outdoors.” When you’re isolated, stress can feel hard to manage or feel worse than it actually is.

Nature, on the other hand, has been proven to lift your mood. If you’re overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or sadness, tell your doctor, Dr. Heidi advises. “These are serious issues. Part of your doctor’s job is to help you find ways to cope, like medication, therapy, or even a stress management class. All you’ve got to do is ask.”

2. Schedule your annual wellness exam

“If you do one thing for your health, see your doctor for an annual wellness visit,” Dr. Heidi advises. During the visit, your doctor will recommend tests that are crucial for your health. “Think of it as self-care,” says Dr. Heidi. “The earlier we detect an illness, the more likely we are to cure it.”

Overwhelmed by appointments? Make it easy on yourself. “Lean on your doctor’s office for this,” she suggests. You can also get additional support by contacting our Registered Nurse Health Coaches, available 24/7, by calling 1-800-275-2583 (TTY/TDD: 711).*

3. Get moving

“It doesn’t have to be a marathon — even walking around the house works,” says Dr. Heidi.

4. Eat for joy

Although it’s important to have plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, Dr. Heidi says that there’s no need to rely on trendy diets to help you achieve your goals. The key, she insists, is moderation. “Don’t be hard on yourself!” 

5. Sleep well

Starting around menopause, you may have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. Dr. Heidi’s top tip for a better snooze? Remove all distractions, including televisions, computers, smartphones, and even books. Instead, just try to breathe deeply and relax.

12 tips to feel (and look) your best

Skin

• Use sunscreen. Skip the tanning!
• Gently cleanse your skin. Do so in the morning and at night.
• Don’t touch your face. It can transfer germs. And, never pop pimples!
• Tell your doc about new moles. And, speak up about old ones that are changing in color or size.

Hair

• Shampoo only your scalp. This will help you avoid dull tresses.
• Condition when you shampoo. Stick to the ends to avoid oiliness.
• Limit use of dryers and irons. Avoid applying heat to your hair daily.
• Do you swim? Rinse and condition first, and always use a swim cap.

Nails

• Keep nails clean and dry. Wash your hands frequently!
• Trim and file carefully. File straight across and aim for round edges.
• Say no to gel polish. It can harm your nail bed. Go for regular types.
• Wear gloves when you clean. And be sure to wash your hands after.

* When prompted, state the information requested, then say “health coach” as your call reason. Translation services are available. This is a free and confidential service.