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On a sunny day, 56-year-old Aunt Chen, a retired teacher who teaches and educates.
She heard a hot discussion in her circle of friends: it is said that looking at the legs can predict the lifespan of the elderly. Aunt Chen went to the hospital in the city center and was arranged to be admitted to Dr. Zhao's outpatient clinic after registration. Dr. Zhao, an experienced orthopaedic specialist, always wears a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, giving a suave impression.
After listening carefully to Aunt Chen's intentions, Dr. Zhao smiled slightly and said, "Auntie, many people are indeed curious about this statement. But in reality, while leg health does reflect some signs of aging, it's not an absolute predictor of longevity. There are three specific symptoms that we can observe on our legs to assess the health status. ”
The first symptom is muscle atrophy. Dr. Chiu explains that as we age, we gradually lose muscle mass, especially in the legs.
If the muscles in your legs look particularly loose or lack elasticity, it could be a sign that the muscles are starting to atrophy substantially. "If muscle atrophy is severe, it may affect walking and balance, increasing the risk of falls."
He then mentions the second symptom: swelling or stiffness of the joints. Dr Chiu points out that the health of the knee and ankle joints is extremely critical, as they are critical to supporting body weight and daily activities. "If these joints are frequently swollen or have limited movement, it could be a sign of arthritis."
Finally, Dr. Zhao talked about the changes in the skin. He explains that the reduction in the thickness and elasticity of the skin on the legs is also a natural manifestation of aging.
"Skin that starts to show a lot of wrinkles, thinning, or even bruising easily can be a sign of poor circulation. Good blood circulation is important for maintaining the health of the leg muscles and joints. ”
Dr. Zhao also added some unique insights. He mentions an often-overlooked health indicator: the temperature of your legs. "A lot of people don't realize that a low temperature in the legs can be an early warning of a problem with blood circulation. For a long time, poor circulation can lead to a variety of complications, including cardiovascular disease. ”
He goes on to explain in detail how blood circulation affects the health of the whole body and may even affect longevity. Dr. Zhao suggested that the incidence of cardiovascular disease in the elderly with poor blood circulation in the lower limbs is 30% higher than that of the normal population.
After listening to Dr. Zhao's explanation, Aunt Chen felt that she benefited a lot. She noticed that her legs were somewhat stiff, but she was not experiencing severe muscle atrophy or joint problems. She also asked Dr. Zhao about ways to improve blood circulation in her legs.
Dr. Chiu advises Aunty Chan to take regular walks and proper leg exercises, and to pay attention to a balanced diet, especially adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. "Staying active and eating a sensible diet can significantly improve blood circulation, which in turn can benefit the health of your legs and your whole body."
Aunt Chen asked a question: "Doctor, I sometimes feel a slight numbness in my legs, what's going on?" Dr. Zhao replied, "Numbness in the legs can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor sitting posture or staying in the same position for long periods of time.
Sometimes, it can be an early sign of peripheral neuropathy, and early diagnosis and treatment can be effective in avoiding further health problems. ”
After listening to these suggestions, Auntie Chen felt more confident and able to maintain her health. She thanked Dr. Zhao for his patient answers and made an appointment for the next follow-up check-up. Walking out of the consultation room, Aunt Chen had a satisfied smile on her face, and her heart was full of expectations for a healthy life in the future.
What do you think about longevity? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!