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What do you consider “old”? When you were 10, maybe it was that high school senior next door. As a senior in high school, maybe it was your 25-year-old cousin. At 25, your 40-year-old boss. At 40, your 85-year-old grandma. When you turn 85, will it be those centenarians on The Today Show? Classifying someone as “old” gets further and further away as we get older, and as we get older, we realize that every age has its advantages—especially when we take care of our bodies and our minds. We take a look at health care—decade by decade—to ensure the best quality of life at every age.
30 • 40 • 50 • 60
The Vein Center
According to “Epidemiology of Varicose Veins,” approximately 25 percent of women and 15 percent of men have superficial venous insufficiency resulting in spider or varicose veins.
Without proper treatment, these men and women may suffer from pain, heaviness, muscle fatigue, itchy skin, or swollen ankles. Predisposing factors include heredity, pregnancy, age, obesity, and standing occupations.
The good news is that those with vein disease can feel better with a minimally invasive, low-risk procedure available at The Vein Center of St. Paul Radiology. The physicians at the Vein Center have been at the forefront of bringing minimally invasive treatments for vein disease to the Twin Cities and are nationally recognized experts in the use of catheter-based treatments for varicose veins. The procedure is not painful and can be performed in an outpatient setting. Complications are exceedingly rare; recovery is minimal. Results can be seen in anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Schedule an initial ultrasound and consultation in order to determine the cause of your vein problems. Once diagnosed, the physician will discuss treatment options. For more information about The Vein Center of St. Paul Radiology, please call 888-203-2260.
An Integrated Approach to Wellness at The Marsh
On any typical day at The Marsh, A Center for Balance and Fitness, you might find Joe training for a marathon and Katherine playing bridge—nothing out of the ordinary.
Unless, of course, you consider the fact that Joe is 75 and Katherine is 30.
At The Marsh, the benefits of a stronger, more balanced body and mind transcend age classifications.
“We don’t do programming by age group. What we do is encourage people to find activities they love,” explains Colleen Hagerman, programming director. “Anyone can do the classes. It depends on their personal interests and goals.”
People of all ages work with personal trainers, swim laps, do strength training, and take yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, qi gong, and stretch and flow classes. The studio at The Marsh offers over 27 varieties of classes, with each class rated according to intensity levels (All Levels, Intermediate, and Advanced).
And while physical fitness is a huge component of The Marsh, it’s not their sole focus. The 67,000-square-foot facility, founded by Ruth Stricker in 1985, was built on the foundation of providing a comprehensive, integrated approach to wellness, going beyond diet and exercise to focus on balance, rest and awareness—all factors that can lead to happier, healthier lives. In order to meet this all-encompassing goal of wellness, The Marsh offers a wonderful full-service dining restaurant, peaceful, soothing spa, designer boutique, and spacious conferences center—in addition to health and wellness programming—all open to the public.
“This is not an elite club,” says Tim Mortenson, director of operations. “We’re a community here, we’re not exclusive.”
In order to emphasize his point, he adds, “We don’t even call our running club a club; it’s a running group.”
Just as physical activity keeps your body strong, mental activity keeps your mind sharp and agile. People at The Marsh come together to play bridge, mah jong, or form knitting circles. You can improve your memory and stay alert by taking new classes, volunteering, reading, getting plenty of sleep, and interacting with others.
Another way to keep your mind healthy is to keep your heart healthy through regular exercise. Exercise increases blood flow to all parts of your body, including your brain. It can help you think clearer, feel better, and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Some people don’t get off the couch because they feel overwhelmed by the “rigidity of exercise guidelines,” Mortenson says. They think of where they want to be rather than where they are.
Do what you can, Mortenson says. Just get moving.
“Any physical activity is helpful, whether it’s mowing the lawn, gardening, dancing, or playing with the grandkids. All of that counts,” he says.
Find activities that match your personality. If you hate running, don’t do it. If you love spending time outdoors, go for a bike ride. The key to happiness is doing things you enjoy.
For more information about The Marsh, visit www.themarsh.com or call 952-935-2202.
