More millennials are becoming prone to middle-age disease as per doctors records at Makati Medical Center. These diseases include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, type II diabetes, cancer and depression, which are typically health conditions associated with middle-age.
These middle-age diseases used to be exclusive to Boomers and GenX but doctors at MakatiMed have been diagnosing millennials or those born between 1981 to 1996 (or those in their late 20s to early 40s as of this writing).
Per a 2022 report from the DOH, 36% of Filipinos 20 years old and above are obese, 20% are smokers, 50-53% are binge drinkers and 40% are physically inactive. Breast and colorectal cancer among patients who are less than 45 years old is also on the rise, says the Philippine Society of Oncologists.
Most alarming is the mental health plaguing not just millennials but Genz, whose ages range from early teens to 20s. Global consultancy firm Deloitte revealed in a study that 63% of millennials and 50% of GenZs are experiencing burnout due to the demands of work. There's also a spike in the number of Filipino youths who have tried to end their life. According to a 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study initiated by UP Population Institute and funded by the DPH, nearly 1.5M Filipino youth have attempted suicide in 2021. That's more than double the number of youths who have tried in 2013.
"Work and money-related stress can lead to high blood pressure, which puts you at risk for stroke or heart attack," said Dr. Juan Armando Diaz. "Those experiencing chronic stress also tend to cope with bad habits like smoking, drinking and choosing processed foods over balanced meals."
Millennial behavior likewise contributes to the early onset of middle-age diseases. "Millennials are very reliant on technology," added Dr. Diaz. "More time staring at their gadgets for work, entertainment, communication and online gaming means less time for sleep, physical exercise exposure to sunlight and fresh air, and other practices that boost health and well-being."
Luckily, you're never too old or too young to take control of your health "especially if you act early. For millennials, I like to remind them that they still have their best years ahead of them. There are places to go, people to meet, goals to conquer- and they need to be in good health to achieve them. Once they realize that, they become more responsible and mindful of their actions."
Interestingly, Dr. Diaz' health tips for millennials are the same for mid-lifers. His first recommendation- "Secure your doctor's approval first before beginning any lifestyle changes to improve your health."
It's always good to get some exercise. "Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of cardiovascular activity three to five times a week. Walking is the easiest because it only requires a comfortable pair of shoes. You can also get into sports, dance or putter around the house. Tech-savvy millennials can use a smart watch or app to monitor your number of steps, calories burned and miles covered- and try to better your stats in the next workout."
Having a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables in every meal is also important. "Choose lean protein like fish and chicken instead of pork and beef. Cut down on processed foods and junk food. Eliminate alcohol, if you can. And drink water. Investing in one of those stainless-steel water bottles can encourage you to hydrate more often."
Sleep is also very important. "Sleep promotes repair and recovery. It's also associated with weight loss, improved brain function, better mood and fresh appearance. Gadgets tend to stimulate the mind. Read a book or listen to calming music instead."
Get out more often, not always online. "Seeing friends staves off loneliness, gives you a feeling of belonging, lifts your spirits and may even prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Sometimes, just sharing a laugh or a sincere conversation with people who love and care for you is the best medicine there is."
Visit www.makatimed.net.ph for more details.
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