age. Cells are constantly growing, changing, and dying. The good news is that while we can't stay young forever, we can certainly improve the quality of our lives as we age.

Good health in later years shouldn't be left to chance. The responsibility for remaining healthy depends a lot on you. It is your responsibility to learn every preventative measure you can to enable you to preserve your health.

A few preventative health measures are: (1) Getting proper medical care; (2) Good nutrition; (3) Exercise and weight control; (4) Looking after your emotional well-being.

Let your doctor assist you to take charge of your body. Visit your physician regularly, even if you feel fine. Regular check-ups can identify health problems you may not know are there. High blood pressure is a good example.

Your doctor can tell you that many older adults do not have any warning signs that their blood pressure is too high. Signs such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue or tension. Remember, if not treated, high blood pressure can be fatal. Your doctor can also answer many of your health questions. Write down any problems or questions you may have, take the list with you, and be sure to ask your physician.

Good nutrition is one of your best tools for maintaining good health. The Government nutritionists are available to provide advice and guidance on healthy food choices.

Cost of food may be an important factor in deciding what you eat, but it need not prevent you from making healthy food selections. Plan ahead to spend your money wisely. Watch for food specials, and consider using no-name brands.

Ensure that you have a variety and balance in your food choices, instead of eating too much of any one food. Eating large quantities of one food may seem cheap. However, it may not be healthy, and may even prove to be more expensive in the long run. Eat fewer eggs, and try skim or partly skim milk and cheese.

There are some foods and drinks which should be used in moderation. These foods contain ingredients which put an added burden on your heart. They may make the heart pump faster, or they may clog the blood vessels so they can't flow freely. Salt is one of these ingredients. It causes the body to hold a high amount of fluid, and can cause or worsen high blood pressure. Cut down on eating salt by not using any in cooking. Leave the shaker in the cupboard, rather than putting it on the table. Read labels on canned and packaged goods before you buy them. If salt is one of the first items, choose another food that has it listed further down.

Your cholesterol and fat intake should also be limited. Too much cholesterol can block blood vessels and cause problems with the heart and circulation.

Butter, whole dairy products, and egg yolks are some of the foods high in fat and cholesterol.

Each older adult has a weight that is best for him or her alone. Learn yours from your physician. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you to control your weight. Regular exercise also assists the body to make the best use of the foods you eat. Age is no barrier to living up to your maximum capacity through exercise. Walk, climb, ride a bike, garden, stretch, breathe, then relax.

Think of the FUN you have had! Recovery from an illness or operation will be better if you have discovered and active lifestyle all on your own. You'll have better circulation and breathing as well as improved muscle function. All these things help prevent dependence on others. Most of all, you'll feel better and have fun doing it.

Finally, good physical health is important and assists one to feel better mentally.

However, there are other things which are important to quality of life. This includes your mind and spirit.

How do you learn to care for your emotional wellbeing? Start with yourself, and the resources available to you. Next branch out into the broader community, by joining self-help groups, and voluntary organisations. There are numerous senior citizen clubs and activities throughout the island. Contact your district nurse, or Corita Saunders of Aged and Handicapped Services, for information about clubs in your community.

It is evident that persons who have social support are healthier than those who do not. So get involved in your community. Your involvement will also allow you to contribute to the quality of life in your community. I'm sure after you form your mutually supportive relationships with others, you'll also become more independent, a goal most seniors share.

Remember your key to maintaining your independence is to develop a plan to have a healthy lifestyle. Preventative measures such as seeing your physician regularly, proper nutrition, exercise and weight control, and looking after your emotional wellbeing, are important to remaining healthy and having a good quality of life.

LOVETTE LOVELL Community Health Nurse.

HEALTH HTH