Embracing Active Aging: My Helios Study Journey

I am passionate about active aging, and I believe that understanding our health is more than just routine check-ups. It’s about taking charge, being curious, and contributing to something bigger than ourselves. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to participate in the Health for Life program – a decision that has given me both personal insights and a sense of contributing to important medical research.

Stepping into the Unknown: My Health for Life Experience

When I first heard about the HELIOS Study, I was immediately intrigued. It wasn’t just another medical screening – this was a comprehensive exploration of health that promised to dig deep into the factors that influence chronic diseases. As someone who’s always been proactive about aging, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to understand my body better.

A Day of Advanced Health Screening

The program was nothing short of impressive. I went through a series of tests that felt like something out of a futuristic health documentary. From cognitive assessments that tested my mental agility to running on a treadmill (which was more fun than I’d anticipated), the screening was thorough. Advanced machinery measured everything from my bone density to various health markers I’d never even considered before.

The Waiting Game and Results

A few weeks after the comprehensive screening, I received my results. I’ll be honest – I was a bit nervous. As someone who’s been worried about osteoporosis since hitting 50, I was particularly anxious about the bone-related findings. But the results were surprisingly reassuring.

Unpacking the Medical Jargon

Not being medically trained, I knew I needed professional interpretation. That’s when the connection with Raffles Medical (part of Singapore’s Healthier SG Program) became invaluable. I reached out to their supporting doctor partners, who helped me understand my results in plain language.

The key takeaway? Apart from a slightly elevated level of good cholesterol, everything looked pretty positive. My long-standing fear about osteoporosis was put to rest, which was a massive relief.

Active Aging Through Knowledge and Proactivity

Programs like Health for Life don’t just provide insights; they ignite a sense of empowerment. For me, this was a wake-up call to stay consistent with exercise, eat a balanced diet, and monitor my health. Knowing that my results also contribute to research benefiting future generations adds a deeper sense of purpose.

Why This Matters: The Helios Study and Beyond

Being part of the Helios Study is more than a personal journey; it’s a way to contribute to Singapore’s broader health landscape. As someone passionate about wellness, I’m thrilled to know that my participation helps uncover the causes of chronic diseases.

This collective effort could pave the way for early detection and preventive care, ensuring healthier lives for all. It’s exciting to think that small actions, like joining this program, can lead to significant advancements.

A Proactive Approach to Wellness

To my fellow active agers out there: don’t shy away from comprehensive health screenings. Embrace them. They’re not just about detecting potential issues – they’re about empowering yourself and contributing to a broader understanding of health.

Here’s to active, informed aging!

Useful Links

HELIOS STUDY

Healthier SG

Raffles Medical Group

3 responses to “Embracing Active Aging: My Helios Study Journey”

  1. I love this and wish to see more of it in North America. Here it is all about curing disease with chemical drugs and little to nothing about looking at the root causes or providing information or empowering people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. That sad truth is obvious in our overwhelmed health care system and in the number of people who are just existing and waiting to either die or be given a magic pill that will cure their medical issues.
    Good for you, participating in this program.

    Like

    1. Hi Annemarie,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback on my blog.Your perspective on the differences between approaches to health care in North America is insightful and deeply resonant.

      It’s true—our health care systems often focus on treating disease with chemical solutions rather than addressing root causes or empowering individuals to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing. This reality can be disheartening, especially when we see the strain it places on both the system and the people it serves. I completely agree that there is so much value in preventive and proactive measures, and it’s part of why I felt so inspired to participate in the Helios Study.

      I also believe in the importance of taking health into our own hands. Not all worlds are made equal when it comes to access to care or emphasis on prevention, but we can all strive to do more for ourselves and each other. That’s exactly why I started my blog—to provide actionable insights and encouragement for active agers like you and me who want to manage the aging process with thoughtful, proactive strategies.

      Your support and words mean a lot to me, and they remind me why it’s so important to keep sharing these ideas. Thank you again for your encouragement—it’s readers like you who make this journey worthwhile!

      Warm regards,

      Jane

      Liked by 1 person

  2. You are welcome, Jane. Maybe there are enough of us to make a difference one day.

    Liked by 1 person

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