Beijing - XINHUA
The leading causes of death for older Americans are "heart disease, cancer, stroke, lower respiratory disease, Alzheimer's and diabetes," said medical reports respectively published by experts and institutions in the year of 2004, 2007 and the latest in 2013. To prevent these diseases and improve overall health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, suggests six steps to follow to lead a longer and happier life. 1. Take photos regularly "Mammography is the best available method to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage," according to the CDC. Women aged from 50 to 74 are suggested to take mammograms every two years. 2. Get vaccinated Flu is believed as the NO. 7 criminal to cause death among older adults. CDC suggests people to get the pneumonia vaccine at least once a year. 3. More exercise Young children are not the only people need to shape bodies. Adults are also advised to participate in both moderate-intensity aerobic activities as well as muscle strengthening exercise on a regular basis. The CDC recommends sweating our way through aerobics for at least 2 1/2 hours a week. 4. Fruits and vegetables everyday Here comes tip from CDC that plenty of fruits and vegetables links with low rate of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. CDC recommends five or more fruits and vegetables in each day’s diet. 5. Non-smoker It is unnecessary to go into details about smoking which leads to higher mortality rate from disease and disability in America. 6. Control high blood pressure According to CDC, over 60 million Americans have high blood pressure, yet fewer than half of them have it under control. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of illness and death among older adults.