There’s so much to love about Alabama, from the warm weather to the rich history to the welcoming Southern charm. As an older adult, it’s so important to be proactive and take care of your health. Here are some top tips for staying healthy while living in Alabama.

Get Outside And Enjoy The Scenery

Alabama is a beautiful state that has so much to do outside. Outdoor activities are great for both your physical and mental health – not only do they provide a great opportunity to exercise, but spending time outdoors can also be a great mood booster. Alabama’s rolling hills offer plenty of opportunities for hiking. The Bankhead and Talladega National Forests are both full of trails at varying difficulty levels. Alabama also has access to lakes, rivers, and even the Gulf Coast for those who enjoy water sports. Water sports like swimming and kayaking are also an excellent form of exercise.

Make Sure to Stay Hydrated

Temperatures can rise quickly during the Alabama summer, and high humidity levels can make things feel even more intense. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water so your body can stay hydrated. If you struggle to remember to drink water, consider carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day. You should also make sure you wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and that you put on sunscreen when you go outside.

Focus on Eating A Balanced Diet

Southern cuisine is known for its rich, comforting dishes, but it isn’t always the healthiest choice. In particular, Southern dishes often contain large quantities of meat and are often fried, which can increase your risk for heart disease and other serious health issues when eaten in large quantities. To stay healthy, it’s important to practice moderation in your diet. While it can be good to treat yourself to a heavy meal at times, you should also make sure you’re eating enough fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that contain healthy fats, like nuts, unprocessed seafood, and legumes. An easy way to make classic dishes a little bit healthier is to swap out white rice with whole grain pasta, which provides more nutritional value for your body.

Ensure You Have Reliable Health Insurance

You never know when you might need to go to the doctor, so it’s very important to ensure that you have a health insurance policy that you can trust. In Alabama, Medicare covers adults over the age of 65, as well as younger adults with disabilities. Alabama Medicare has over a million Medicare beneficiaries already enrolled, as well as the highest percentage of disabled Medicare beneficiaries. Original Medicare consists of Part A, which covers inpatient hospital costs, and Part B, which covers outpatient costs like doctor’s visits and medical supplies. Those who quality for Medicare can also choose to purchase Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans, which offer more extensive health coverage, as well as Part D, which covers prescription drug costs.

If you’re interested in learning more about your Alabama Medicare options, contact Time for 65’s licensed partnered agents today. Fill out this form or give us a call to see how we can help.