“I’ve always been someone who thinks you need to be proactive in your healthcare,” says Allen. That’s why she has joined forces with the National Council on Aging and Medtronic, Inc. to help raise awareness about a potentially life-threatening issue for nearly 1.5 million US cardiac patients involving pacemakers. “MRI technology is the best diagnostic tool for determining what’s happening in your brain, your heart, and all the soft tissues in your body," says Allen. Not being able to have magnetic resonance imaging tests (MRIs)—which aren’t usually considered safe for people with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators—means missing out on a key way to disagnose and treat health conditions. The awareness program Debbie Allen is working to promote, called “Join The Pace Makers,” was created to educate people living with pacemakers—and those who may need one in the future—about the limitations and risks associated with pacemakers and MRIs, and that there are options. For example, the new REVO MRI pacemaker is the first MRI pacing system that’s FDA-approved for use with MRI. We asked Debbie to share her tips for living a vibrant, healthy life at age 62. Here’s what she says works for her:
- Live a balanced life: People have to rest as much as they work. Don’t work yourself to the point where you’re no longer functional. Relax and take that day off.2. Limit sugar and fats. There’s too much sugar and fat in our diets. Get rid of sugar, fat, salt, fried foods and limit meat. 3. Embrace your age. You have to look in the mirror and be okay with yourself. I think I look damn good for 62.4. Be protective of your energy. I keep energy levels up by drinking a lot of water and staying away from coffee. I’d rather get energy from a banana.5. Exercise regularly. I teach a class at my dance academy called ”Salsa Downsized” that gets your metabolism revved up. I ride the stationary bike and take my dog on long walks on the beach when I can.
