Healthy Moore

Norman Regional Hosts Healthy Aging Fair

Acommon misconception is our quality of life decreases as we age. Norman Regional's Healthy Aging Awareness Fair aims to change this. The fair’s goal is not just to add years to our lives, but to add life to our years.

The Healthy Aging Fair will bring the community together and provide resources and education to help all members in our community stay healthy and active as we age.

Please join us at the free Healthy Aging Awareness Fair from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, September 25 at The Well (210 James Garner Ave, Norman, OK 73069).

At the fair, there will be community organizations, activities and prize raffles! Participants can get moving with Zumba and Silver Sneakers classes, try out yoga and much more.

September is also Healthy Aging Month and the perfect time to focus on how you can stay healthy at every age. The idea for the fair came from a team in the health system’s Centers of Excellence department who wanted to mark this month by arming people with the tools they need to stay healthy.

“It is important to be a life-long learner,” said Cathy Snapp, a physical therapist and orthopedic programs manager with Norman Regional. “We want the fair to be a one-stop shop event with community and health system resources in one place.”

Here are six tips for healthy aging from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 2. Move More, Sit Less Throughout the Day. Being active can help you prevent, delay, and manage chronic diseases; improve balance and stamina; reduce risk of falls; and improve brain health.

1. Make healthy choices — like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and water. 3. Don’t Use Tobacco. If you use tobacco, take the first step towards quitting by calling 1-800-QUIT-

NOW for FREE help.

4. Get Regular Checkups. Visit your doctor for preventive services, not just when you’re sick. This can prevent disease or find it early, when treatment is more effective.

5. Know Your Family History. Share your family health history with your doctor, who can help you take steps to prevent chronic diseases or catch them early.

6. Be Aware of Changes in Brain Health. Everyone’s brain changes as they age, but dementia is not a normal part of aging. See your doctor if you have questions about memory or brain health.