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EXERCISE IMPROVES LEARNING & MEMORY
Chalk
up another benefit for regular exercise. Investigators from the Howard Hughes
Medical Institute (HHMI) have found that voluntary running boosts the growth
of new nerve cells & improves learning & memory in adult mice. “Until
recently it was thought that the growth of new neurons, or neurogenesis, did
not occur in the adult mammalian brain,” said Terrence Sejnowski, an HHMI
investigator at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies. “But we now have
evidence for it, & it appears that exercise helps this happen.” “These
observations support the idea that exercise enhances the formation &
survival of new nerve cells as well as the connections between nerve cells,
which in turn improves long-term memory.” In
future experiments, Sejnowski & his colleagues will follow individual
mice to see whether longer running times generate more new nerve cells &
stronger long-term potentiation. They will also explore if other factors,
such as hormones released by exercise, influence memory & nerve cell
growth. “We still don’t have the
causal link between exercise & neurogenesis,” said Sejnowski. Source:
http://www.hhmi.org/news/sejnowski.html |
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ARE YOU READY FOR ANYTHING?The
following is information provided by Olympic Area Agency on Aging, National Family
Caregiver Support Program. Make sure you have enough supplies for 7 days.
Keep medical information with medications and carry it with you. Have extra cash put aside in your kit along
with other important information, like insurance policies, Wills, and phone
numbers for out of state relatives. Your kit should have the following: 1.
20 gallons of
water (or the equivalent in bottled water) a quart of bleach (the bleach can
be used to purify water: - a cap full for a five gallon bucket - let it stand
for an hour before use). 2.
Dry packaged
and small canned foods for 7 days, with a manual can opener, and small pots
for cooking over a campfire or outdoor grill. 3.
Paper
products, plates, towels, napkins, toilet paper, and plastic eating utensils,
garbage bags (five and ten-gallon sizes) with two five gallon buckets. Use one five gallon garbage bag with one
five-gallon bucket for a port-a-potty. 4.
Clothing: Having a mix of clothing is good, summer
and winter, (do not forget the underwear!) along with bedding (sleeping bags
are good), two pair of sturdy shoes, (if you need a walker bring it, too, or
wheelchair) two tarps (which can be used for shelter), extra personal
grooming supplies and most important, your medications and eye glasses. 5.
If you have
pets, put aside food and additional water for them. If they need medication set that aside as
well. Put the items in an animal crate
(if applicable) with a leash. 6.
Have a
battery operated radio, flashlight (two extra batteries), first aid kit (one
for pets), candles and matches. 7.
Bring your
humor with you - without it life would be tough. |
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10
ways to MAINTAIN YOUR BRAINTM
The Alzheimer’s Association has launched a
Maintain Your BrainTM program. These are brain healthy life
choices people can make now that foster awareness of the rapid progress in
research and to offer hope to prevent and possibly cure Alzheimer’s disease. Head first Good health starts with your brain so pay attention
to your brain health. It’s one of the most important body organs and needs
care and maintenance. Take brain health to heart Do something every day to reduce your risk of
heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke-all of which can increase
your risk of Alzheimer’s. Your numbers count Keep your body weight, blood pressure,
cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges. Feed your brain Eat less fat and more vegetables, especially
leafy greens and those rich in antioxidants. Work your body Physical exercise keeps the blood flowing and
may encourage new brain cells. It
doesn’t have to be a strenuous activity. Do what you can - like walking 30
minutes a day - to keep both body and mind active. Jog your mind Keeping your brain active and engaged
increases its vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections.
Read, write, play games, learn new things, do crossword puzzles. Connect with others Leisure activities that combine physical,
mental and social elements may be most likely to prevent dementia. Be social,
converse, volunteer, join a club or take a class. Heads up! Protect your brain Take precautions against injuries. Use your
car seat belts, unclutter your house to avoid falls, and wear a helmet when
in-line skating. Use your head Avoid unhealthy habits. Don’t smoke, drink
excessive alcohol or use street drugs. Think ahead-start today! You can do something today to protect your
tomorrow. Reprinted from Alzheimer’s Association Winter 2005 State Chapter
Newsletter |
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Falls Prevention Checklist·
Wear well-fitting, securely tied shoes. ·
Install hand rails and grab bars in the bathtub and
near stairs. ·
Use a walker or cane if prescribed by your doctor. ·
Install rubber treads in your bathtub for added
safety. ·
Remove clutter, throw rugs, extension cords and
other items that can cause falls. ·
Drink alcohol moderately if at all; drinking alcohol
increases the chance of a fall. ·
Exercise! Even
moderate exercise can improve strength and balance. ·
Make sure you have good lighting in rooms, hallways
and outside. ·
Avoid climbing up ladders, step stools or chairs to
reach things if at all possible. ·
Know your medication--some medicines can cause loss
of balance. ·
Be careful walking on uneven surfaces. ·
Have your vision checked and corrected if
needed--this can prevent falls. ·
Know where your pets are before you step...tripping
over pets is fairly common. ·
Be careful when you walk outside. Ice, snow and rain can cause slippery
walking conditions. ·
If you are prone to falls, always wear an electronic
monitoring device in order to summon assistance immediately. ·
Rest if needed.
Don’t force yourself to walk long distances or when you are tired or
distracted ·
Take the elevator instead of the escalator or
stairs. ·
Clean up spilled water on the floor or spilled oil
in the garage immediately to prevent slipping and falling. |