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September Is Healthy Aging Month

The older population is growing rapidly, and the aging of the "baby boomers," born between 1946 and 1964 (and who begin turning age 65 in 2011), will accelerate this growth.* Healthy Aging Month was designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older. Many older Americans use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to improve their health and maintain wellness. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) conducts and supports research on many conditions associated with aging and provides information on how to be an informed consumer.

NCCAM recently launched the Time to Talk educational campaign to encourage patients—particularly those age 50 or older—and their health care providers to openly discuss the use of CAM. When patients tell their providers about their CAM use, they can more effectively manage their health. When providers ask their patients about CAM use, they can ensure that they are fully informed and can help patients make wise health care decisions. Giving your health care providers a full picture of what you do to manage your health helps you stay in control. It is important not to replace conventional medical therapy with an unproven CAM therapy.

*From the report, Older Americans 2008: Key Indicators of Well-Being

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