By Teresa Carr
Adams County Senior Council
Information from the Adams County Health Department – Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Worldwide, more that 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Take action now for yourself, your loved ones and for the fight to end Alzheimer’s. What actions can you commit to taking this month?
Challenge Your Mind – Be curious! Put your brain to work and do something that is new for you. Learn a new skill. Try something artistic. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.
Get Moving – Engage in regular exercise. This includes activities that raise your heart rate and increase blood flow to the brain and body. Find ways to build more movement into your day – walking, dancing, gardening, whatever works for you!
Be Smoke-Free – Quitting smoking can lower the risk of cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have not smoked. It’s never too late to stop.
Manage Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and taking medication, if necessary.
Maintain A Healthy Weight – Talk to your health care provider about the weight that is healthy for you. Other healthy habits on this list – eating right, exercising and sleeping well – can help with maintaining a healthy weight.
Stay In School – Education reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Encourage youth to stay in school and pursue the highest level of training possible. Continue your own education by taking a class at a local library or college, or online.
Protect Your Head – Help prevent an injury to your head. Wear a helmet for activities like biking and wear a seatbelt. Protect yourself while playing sports. Do what you can to prevent falls, especially for older adults.
Control Your Blood Pressure – Medications can help lower high blood pressure. Healthy habit like eating right and physical activity can help, too. Work with a health care provider to control your blood pressure.
Eating Healthier Foods – Eating healthier foods can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. This includes more vegetable and leaner meat/proteins, along with foods that are less processed and lower in fat. Choose healthier meals and snacks that you enjoy and are available to you.
Sleep Well – Good quality sleep is important for brain health. Stay off screens before bed and make your sleep space as comfortable as possible. Do all you can to minimize disruptions. If you have any sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea, talk to a healthcare provider.
The Adams County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. have some exciting things happening now and in the near future. Have you checked out our “Pickle Patch” yet? If you don’t know what that is, check our cover page on Facebook and following us to stay up to date with all we have going on. Use the following link: https://www.facebook.com/adamscountyseniors/
Just A Thought: “No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress; you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.” ~Tony Robbins
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