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Ask the Doctor

ask the doctor

Have you ever visited the doctor with a question but were too nervous to ask? Highmark Blue Shield's doctors offer their answers to some commonly asked questions about women's everyday health concerns.

I heard about Senior Fitness. What is it and is it safe for me to exercise?

Many seniors don't exercise for the same reason that people of all ages resist physical activity — they think of it as too hard or too boring, or they are disappointed by the lack of immediate results. On top of this, some older adults have additional challenges, such as chronic health conditions or concerns about injury or falls.

But the evidence is clear: exercise benefits people of all ages. In fact, studies show that not only is exercise safe for seniors, but it has enormous health advantages. Exercise can help you maintain your health and independence throughout your life. Regular exercise and senior fitness is the key to greater energy, stronger muscles, better balance and flexibility, and a happy and alert mind.

Our family is always on the go! How can we make healthier choices at fast food restaurants?

Making healthier choices at fast food restaurants is easier if you prepare ahead by checking guides that show you the nutritional content of meal choices at your favorite restaurants.

Here are some top tips for healthy eating at fast food restaurants:

  • Make careful menu selections — pay attention to the descriptions on the menu
  • Drink water with your meal
  • "Undress your food" — don't put heavy dressings on your salads or other foods
  • Don't be afraid to special order
  • Watch portion size
  • Watch your salt
  • Avoid buffets — even seemingly healthy ones like salad bars
  • Eat mindfully
  • Remember the big picture.

As a manager of a busy organization, how can I assist my employees in reducing stress at work?

It's in a manager's best interest to keep stress levels in the workplace to a minimum. Managers must act as positive role models, especially in times of high stress. Here are just a few tips:

  • Improve communication
  • Share information with employees to reduce uncertainty about their jobs and futures
  • Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their jobs
  • Show that individual workers are valued
  • Praise good work performance verbally and institutionally
  • Provide opportunities for career development
  • Cultivate a friendly social climate.

Why is it so hard to stop worrying?

Constant worrying takes a heavy toll. It keeps you up at night and makes you tense and edgy during the day. You hate feeling like a nervous wreck. So why is it so difficult to stop worrying?

For most chronic worriers, the anxious thoughts are fueled by the beliefs — both negative and positive — they hold about worrying.

On the negative side, you may believe that your constant worrying is harmful, that it's going to drive you crazy or affect your physical health. Or you may worry that you're going to lose all control over your worrying — that it will take over and never stop.

On the positive side, you may believe that your worrying helps you avoid bad things, prevents problems, prepares you for the worst, or leads to solutions.

Negative beliefs, or worrying about worrying, add to your anxiety and keep worry going. But positive beliefs about worrying can be even more damaging. It's tough to break the worry habit if you believe that your worrying protects you. In order to stop worry and anxiety for good, you must give up your belief that worrying serves a positive purpose. Once you realize that worrying is the problem, not the solution, you regain control of your worried mind.