Why is it, when I go for my flu jab and yearly medical do I always get told the same thing?

Question

Despite my age I am in good medical condition,married to a good man, I do not wear glasses and have most of my own teeth I eat a varied diet and enjoy a glass of wine now and then. I walk on average 3-4 miles a day. I am able to use the computer. Finish most crosswords. Also I enjoy life. ..........Now I am not bragging, just stating the facts. However my one fault is I am about l stone heavier than I should be. This seems to worry the doctors and nurses far more than it does me............What do you think. Any answers would be appreciated.

p.s. I`m in my 70`s

Answer 1

Do you see the same doctor every year or is it sort of a rotating practice? It sounds as if you are keeping fit, mentally and physically. It's possible they're more concerned that you'll gain more weight, which is a strain on your system, and is more likely as you age. (Which I won't ask! ) Of course, if you're seeing different doctors or if the one doctor you're seeing you just see once a year, it's possible they aren't checking over your history to see that you're maintaining a similar weight over time (not gaining) and so are assuming that you've been adding pounds.

It sounds as if you're doing a good job, as i said earlier. You *might* want to get some little barbells or just some heavy food cans and do some upper body exercise. You wouldn't have to do much, but I am told (repeatedly) that women fail to get much upper body exercise and that is important for bones and for breathing. I'm guilty of that-- it's easier to just walk!-- but that would be something you could add to your good health resume and look quite smug when you next see your doctor. ("And of course I'm working the upper body a bit, too.")

Good luck and good health!

Sounds like you're doing a super job-- hope I can do that when I'm in my 70s! My mom is 87 and did pretty well up until a couple of years ago. I'm trying to get her to exercise a little now to help her breathing and her bones. She's always been underweight so I have to nag to get her to eat. (Not a problem for me. ...) Maybe the doc doesn't realize that you're seventy-- you sound as if you are MUCH younger. Personally, I think a little extra can be helpful in case you do get sick and can't eat-- you have a few pounds to lose without getting underweight.

Answer 2

As you age, it's perfectly normal to gain some weight and a stone overweight is nothing to be overly concerned about. I think they are overreacting personally, maybe you should consider changing doctors.

You sound like you are in excellent health. Also if you don't smoke, then you really have no worries. Let the docs worry if they want to, but don't let it bother you as stress is far more damaging to your health than being a stone overweight.

Take care : )

Answer 3

dont worry about what the doctors say from what u say i can gather u r in good mental and physical health ur in ur 70s now so its time to relax and do the stuff u enjoy doing the docs just tell u this so that u cant sue em or something. enjoy life and feel great doing it xxx

Answer 4

personally I think that a stone isn't very much to be over weight by, if you are happy with your body then don't let anyone tell you that you shouldn't be, as long as your health isnt in serious danger and it doesn't sound to me like yours is. But then again there's no way that you're ever goin to convince you doctor of this.

Answer 5

Doctors want me a whole lot less than I am. It is their 'duty' to put us in the optimal range for a long life. It isn't that they are that worried about it, it is that they basically have to say it to protect themselves from lawsuits.

Answer 6

They are looking after your well being .Not to over weight so it keeps your heart healthy.And prevent diabetes and high cholesterol .And eating 5 portions of fruit a day .It all helps you to keep well