Alzheimer’s affects about 5.3 million people in the U.S. today. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder caused by damaged brain cells and causes problems with memory, thinking, and speaking skills, as well as behavior changes. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, researchers have found that these 4 daily habits started early in life can dramatically reduce your risk for developing the disease.
#1 - Get up and move - research from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign showed that people who exercise three or more times a week for 15 to 30 minutes a session are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The exercise can include anything physical, such as walking, swimming, riding a bike or even dancing.
#2- Socialize - as some people age, they often become less social and even isolate themselves. Research from the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago showed that older adults who spend more time with others have a 70 percent lower rate of memory decline over a 12-year period than older adults who are not social.
#3 - Eat healthy - especially antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory foods can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as much as 53 percent over nearly five years, according to research from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Examples of foods good for the brain include leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine.
#4 - Exercise your brain - it's good to not only exercise the body but equally important to exercise the mind. Keep the mind active by reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games, playing cards, helping grandchildren with their homework, learn a new language, take a course at the local community college. Do anything to keep your mind active, learning and healthy.
DISCLAIMER: The content or opinions expressed on this web site are not to be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or medical practictioner before utilizing any suggestions on this web site.
Ballet Magnificat is coming to Ontario, Canada, next week (March 16: Welland, March 19: Ottawa, March 20: Pembroke). You want to be there for several reasons:
The Story. Hiding Place is one of the most powerful stories of the past hundred years. It recounts the Ten Boom family’s hiding of Jewish people during the Holocaust in Holland and the price they paid for doing so.
The production. The medium of dance communicates the message of this extraordinary story in a way you will never forget. Ballet Magnificat is a professional Christian ballet company that combines excellence and passion in a most unusual way. You have to see it to believe it!
Hannah Gilman (Disclaimer! very personal and biased reason). This is the first time our daughter will be performing with Ballet Magnificat in Canada, not to mention her hometown of Ottawa! She recently has been promoted to full company member. It would mean so much to her to see as many friends (old and new) and family members there.
It’s a fund raiser. Proceeds of the Welland performance go to “Elisha House,” a local pregnancy and family support center. The Ottawa and Pembroke performances are fund raisers for “Ottawa Inner City Ministries,” an organization that works among the homeless in Ottawa.