Our health needs become more complex with age, particularly once we turn 50 years old. Actress Elizabeth Banks has been very vocal about her recent experiences with shingles. This frequently misdiagnosed condition in younger people may be exacerbated by stress. This stunning announcement has opened the door to critical discussions about the need to prioritize vaccinations and health for Americans over 50.
Shingles happens when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in your body. It more commonly erupts in a painful, unilateral rash and can be accompanied by premonitory symptoms like tingling at the scalp/vertex of your head and burning pain. Through an emotional recollection of being misdiagnosed, Banks helped drive home the storm of emotional and physical trauma that often accompanies an SDOH. She remembers being told, “You’re too young to be getting shingles. My symptoms read like the Shingles for Beginners curriculum—the classic show-me-on-the-doll one sided rash, prodromal tingling top of head that shimmies down your forehead. I was not sleeping and had other symptoms … [a] burning feeling.” Her story highlights the need for awareness and accurate diagnosis of shingles in younger people.
Understanding Shingles and Its Risks
Shingles is especially common in those over 50. As Americans get older, their immune systems weaken, leaving them more vulnerable to diseases such as shingles. Featured physician Dr. Jen Brull reminds us all about the importance of prevention. She notes that a shingles-specific vaccine is offered starting at age 50, or age 19 if you are immunocompromised. It’s never too late to vaccinate for shingles and protect yourself so you can remain safe and healthy. This vaccination is especially important for adults with diabetes, as it can greatly lower their chances of getting shingles and the complications that come along with it.
Shingles can lead to much more than a painful rash and tingling sensations. Yet it can fuel more acute issues such as insomnia and hyperarousal or heightened stress responses. Banks underscored that stress was a large factor in the degeneration of her health. She continued, “Shingles is usually caused by stress. I just felt my body was not as able to cope with the stress that I’ve had to live with my whole life.” I like being stressed out. I like doing a lot of things. And all of a sudden it was like, ‘Oh wow, I need to really do introspection and take care of myself.’”
That said, awareness around shingles is increasing exponentially. It’s important for people ages 50 years and above to be informed about their health risks and the vaccinations they need.
The Importance of Vaccinations Against Pneumonia
In addition to shingles, people over the age of 50 have an increased risk of pneumococcal pneumonia—more than six times that of younger people. This debilitating condition is largely preventable with a vaccine, but many Americans are still not aware of the importance of vaccinating against it. Pfizer has collaborated with Dr. Brull to help spread the word about pneumococcal pneumonia and the pneumococcal vaccine.
Dr. Brull explains the importance of addressing this preventive condition: “Some people find that cutting back on alcohol and caffeine helps manage the sleep changes that come with menopause. For some people, however, HRT remains the most effective treatment for both long-term symptoms and more immediate issues such as hot flashes. Her recommendations underscore the importance of a holistic health approach to this period of life.
If you’re interested in scheduling vaccination appointments for yourself, your family, or your community, visit VaxAssist.com to learn more. It’s an excellent tool to help you learn more about pneumococcal pneumonia and other vaccines!
Prioritizing Health in Your 50s
Elizabeth Banks sets an excellent example of making health a priority through lifestyle choices in her 50s. She notes the opportunity that her health challenges presented: “I loved the opportunity it gave me to analyze my life and prioritize my health.” This philosophy really pushes us to look at what you do every single day, especially something like nutrition and rest.
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