Tag Archives: brain-health

“Brain on Fire” – A diagnostic odyssey

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness

I 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

The healing power of mahjongg?

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

mahjonggMahjongg for stress relief

For 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

De-stress with diaphragmatic breathing

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

diaphragmatic breathingAll deep breathing isn’t the same

Finding 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

Embrace a healthy lifestyle in 2018

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

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

Brain games – It’s speed that matters most

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

brain games prevent dementiaDo 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

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

And brain health awareness, too!

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

My favorite healthcare books and gifts for 2016

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

I’m spending the day online getting some gift shopping done, and I thought I’d post about some of the healthcare books and gifts I’m buying for friends and family this year.

I use Amazon a lot (Prime, so I get free 2-day shipping), and I have to include a disclosure here that the following links will take you to my Amazon Associates page. That said, I’m not trying to make … read on

National Stroke Awareness Month

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

It’s Stroke Awareness Month!

May is  National Stroke Awareness Month, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) want you to be aware of the most common stroke symptoms, and know what to do if you see them.

The five most common symptoms, which tend to come on suddenly, are:

  1. Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially when on just one side
… read on

Exercise for brain health

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

exercise for brain healthThe wellness blog in the New York Times had an article about brain health that has strengthened my resolve to exercise every day.

Walk, Jog or Dance: It’s All Good For the Aging Brain

It turns out that regular walking, cycling, swimming, dancing and even gardening may substantially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

The author is referring to a recently published study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

The … read on

PBS – “Ride the Tiger”

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

Tomorrow night at 10pm, PBS is premiering a documentary about the history and treatment of bipolar disorder: Ride the Tiger—A Guide Through the Bipolar Brain.

It’s hard to find a family that hasn’t been affected by this condition, yet it’s still poorly understood and challenging to diagnose and treat.

The show looks at genetics, diagnosis and treatment, and features many highly accomplished people living with … read on