Monday, December 12, 2011

Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s

Manny Alverez, MD - Body & Mind - HEALTH
Published December 11, 2011

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common forms of dementia.  Between 50 - 80 percent of people with dementia have Alzheimer's.  Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing health editor of FoxNews.com, said there are some easy things you can do to prevent developing Alzheimer’s:

Seven Easy Ways to Help Prevent Alzheimer's:

• Add cinnamon to your diet – consuming a teaspoon of this spice has been shown to block the production of proteins in the brain that contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s.
• Drink apple juice – it boosts the production of a chemical compound in the brain associated with learning, memory, mood and muscle movement.
• Drink coffee – it acts as an anti-inflammatory that can block cholesterol buildup in the brain. One large study showed that men and women who drank three to five cups of coffee a day reduced their chances of dementia by 65 percent.
• Socialize more – studies show that a busy social life can improve your cognitive abilities.
• Protect your vision – your eyes are a good indicator of how your brain is functioning. Preserving your vision can actually cut your dementia risk by 63 percent.
• Meditate – this will lower your blood pressure and reduce stress, and it increases blood flow to the brain, which is why researchers believe it helps us retain mental acuity as we age.
• Eat a Mediterranean diet – a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, fruit, nuts and a little red wine can cut your dementia risk in half because it’s chock full of brain-protecting antioxidants.
“Taking steps to prevent dementia now will help cut your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as you age,” Alvarez said.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Walk In Bathtubs for Seniors

Have you ever wondered how the elderly are doing with their walk in bathtubs? I have. Everytime I see one of those commercials on tv I think about the time it takes to fill the tub and the time it takes to drain the tub. They aren't like regular bathtubs where you can get in after it has already been filled and step out before it empties.

So, you either have to wear a robe or towel and slowly pull up or down with the change in water level. Having to deal with a totally soaked towel or bathrobe wouldn't be easy. I just keep envisioning a lot of cold elderly people. Getting out of the bathtub wet can often be a chilling experience, but to have to sit there until it is emptied? Sounds cold to me. It is a pity because it is such a great idea for safety sake.

So what is the solution? A fan/heater blowing warm air until it fills or empties? Some sort of garment that you could wear that would keep you warm but doesn't absorb the water? Any ideas out there? Sounds like an opportunity to fill a need.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

December 4-10 is
National Influenza Vaccination Week!

An annual flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent this serious illness. CDC wants you to know it's not too late to vaccinate!

It's Not Too Late to Vaccinate!

Don't fall for the myth that it's too late to vaccinate against the flu once the Thanksgiving holidays are over. As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination can provide protection against the flu. According to the latest CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are currently low across the country. However, flu activity doesn't usually peak until January or February in the United States and can last as late as May, so it's important to vaccinate now if you haven't already.

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