Here’s another post in honor of June being Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
We know that the cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins, can help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with known cardiovascular disease, such as someone who has already had a heart attack, or who smokes and has high blood pressure.
(It’s less clear if statins are helpful in healthy individuals with no risk factors for heart disease other … read on
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
For years I’ve heard that blueberries are good for brain health. Which is great, because I love blueberries and try to work them into my diet several times a week.
And there is some evidence to support the connection between blueberries and the human brain.
Most blueberry studies to date have been performed on animals, but more recent studies—funded in part by … read on
Yesterday a well-known celebrity died following a stroke at the pretty young age of 52. I’m re-publishing this post to remind everyone how to spot a stroke and get help FAST! FN
What is a stroke?A stroke occurs when blood (oxygen) cannot get to the brain tissue, and the brain cells die. A stroke can be caused by a clot (called an ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel … read on
Lifestyle mattersI remember a family practice doctor once telling me “Most of my patients aren’t sick. They’re lonely, unhappy, stressed or bored.”
His observation resonated with me.
So many somatic complaints, like headaches, back pain and digestive problems, stem from emotional upset.
Being isolated or bored or just unhappy with life leads to eating poorly and sitting too much, which in turn leads to heart disease, diabetes and depression.… read on
Brain on Fire: My Month of MadnessI wrote this post two years ago, but the movie is now available on Netflix. It’s worth watching, although the book goes into much more detail so I definitely recommend you read it, too, if you like medical mysteries. FN
As a twenty-something cub reporter in New York, Ms. Cahalan began experiencing strange, seemingly unconnected symptoms, such as forgetfulness, paranoia and the sensation … read on
Mahjongg for stress reliefFor more than five years, one of my best friends has been battling ovarian cancer. A fierce fighter (and fabulous friend), she has endured surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy to keep this grim disease at bay. Her oncologist monitors her condition with the blood test CA-125.
Early last summer, her CA-125 began creeping up into the “let’s watch it but not get too excited—yet” territory. … read on
All deep breathing isn’t the sameFinding ways to relax and reduce stress is one of my tenets of good health, along with eating well, exercising and spending quality time with friends and family.
Bottom line on top: Deep breathing is recognized as an effective way to calm down when you’re feeling anxious or angry.
Did you know there is a wrong way and a right way to breathe … read on
And save money on healthcare!I’m writing this post on New Year’s Day. Typical of the day, I’m also pondering a few questions.
What did I learn last year about staying healthy? What have I done well in my quest to be healthier and save money? What can I do better this year?
As so many of us know, healthcare is unreasonably expensive. My goal the last few years has … read on
Do brain games lower dementia risk?Yes and no.
Most brain or cognitive training apps divide their “games” into several categories, such as attention, memory, speed and flexibility.
However, a study recently published in an Alzheimer’s journal reports that only the speed games were associated with a lower dementia risk (29% lower!).
I was really interested in this report. My husband and I enjoy playing these games, even though I’ve … read on
At this time, there is no drug or treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia. The best advice is that what is good for your heart is good for your brain, too.
Related post: Don’t buy supplements to prevent Alzheimer’s
Embracing a healthy lifestyle is our best chance to reduce the risk of developing dementia as we age.
That means moderate physical exercise every day, … read on