Dr. Contessa Metcalfe shares tips on healthy aging

JACKSON, Tenn. — Americans are living longer longer, and it’s important to have healthy habits for better quality of life.

Americans’ life expectancy is reportedly increasing. Futhermore, the U.S. population of those 65 and up is expected to increase 47% by 2050.

We spoke with Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, who is known for her role on the show, “Married to Medicine.” On the show, she expresses the emphasis on preventive medicine.

“Where that starts is taking a healthy self assessment, looking in the mirror, jumping on the scale, and actually taking an assessment of your lifestyle and starting to make some changes,” Dr. Metcalfe said.

Some changes or suggestions she included was drinking dairy milk over plant milk, even if it is lactose free.

“Dairy milk, it’s a nutritional powerhouse, and you’re getting muscle building and bone preserving powder in every single sip, which promotes longevity and ultimately your overall health,” she said.

Dr. Metcalfe also included these tips: taking supplements, and taking care of your skin with good skin care products.

“I know you think it’s not important to see your doctor every year, but you really, really should,” said Dr. Metcalfe. “So you got to do those health screenings. So you got to get your blood pressure checked, your cholesterol and blood sugar checked. If you’re a woman, you need an annual pap and a mammogram. You’re over the age of 45, you need to get that colonoscopy. And actually, for everybody, if you’re experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, you didn’t know that you can call or text 988.”

Building muscle through lifting weights and aerobic exercises are great tips to add to your routine as well, according to Dr. Metcalfe, as it can strengthen your core and muscles around your joints.

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