Archive for Health/Fitness
Keep Your Brain Active
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Most of us know the saying “if you don’t use it you lose it”. This certainly applies to your brain so it’s really important especially as we age that we keep an active mind. When we were younger attending school and university then going into the workplace, and bringing up children our brains automatically kept active. When we leave the workplace and maybe spend a lot more time on our own and don’t really have to think about too much it’s easy to let your brain rest to the point it can almost become stagnant.
There’s a tremendous amount of talk about dementia and Alzheimer’s and like anything else that causes ill health and discomfort we want to do our very best to not be affected by these diseases. 
Most of us tend to think that dementia will only affect the elderly when in fact it can affect people in their 40s. It’s just as important to exercise our minds as it is body.
Staying alert is extremely important especially for those that drive. We all want to keep our independence for as long as we possibly can. Driving a car is a big responsibility and a major source of independence for many of us. One that we never want to give up. If you happen to live in an area with an excellent public transport system giving up your vehicle may not be as big a sacrifice. For those living in more rural areas with little or no public transport that totally rely on driving themselves where they need to go it would be very difficult. Read More→
Aging and Arthritis
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Aging and Arthritis
Many adults are not only facing aging but also arthritis. The aging process can’t be stopped but it can be slowed down by practicing good healthy habits. But sooner or later for many, arthritis will become evident. While there are many ways to disguise and cover the aesthetic looks of aging, skin imperfections etc there is little that we can do to cure arthritis.
Arthritis is the result of the growing years where joints are now suffering from pain. This is because the cartilage that is seen in between the bones is breaking down. Like the aging process, there are some things that we can do to prevent our bones from too much damage, pain and immobility.
While arthritis is very common in seniors, and a sure sign of getting older this is not the only age group that can experience the pain and discomfort of arthritis. Arthritis can be encountered during younger years and often even in children.
There are a number of preventative measures that you can practice with aging and arthritis. Exercise and healthy nutrition is always beneficial to you regardless of age, exercise is the best prevention for Arthritis. Keeping your body moving and agile can keep you feeling more in control and comfortable. Keep active as you age. Have hobbies and interests where you are using your hands such as painting, drawing, or play an instrument like the guitar or piano. These are good ways to keep your hands mobile. Playing golf and swimming are also great for physical exercise and favorites with seniors.
Staying healthy when you are still young by eating and drinking healthy foods and milk can build up great skin and bones. Foods that are nutrient-rich can keep your skin glowing and fresh. Milk can make your bones stronger.
One of the most important things you can do is to educate yourself about Aging and Arthritis.
Arthritis is common in fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, jaw, hips, knees and toes. Read More→
Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia-Keep your Brain Active
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By Shirley Price
You may have noticed recently that there has been a considerable amount of talk about dementia and Alzheimer’s in the news. With such a huge aging population this is obviously a global concern. I read that every five minutes there will be a new case and that and this will increase to every two minutes within the next 30 years. It was also stated that we need to prepare for the tidal wave of dementia.
Alzheimer’s doesn’t always wait for old age
If someone in your life has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s you know only too well the devastating effect this has on families. Most of us tend to think that only
Reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and Dementia-Keep your Brain Active
the old will be affected by these conditions as dementia generally takes a grasp after the age of 70. This is not always the case as early dementia can start around the age of 45years. A few months ago I met a lady who is in her early 40s. She had moved from another country with her husband who is in his later 40s. What was to be an exciting new life for them soon turned into a nightmare! Not long after their arrival her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Within about a year his condition had deteriorated to the point that she felt that he was already gone. He was in a special care facility and didn’t even know who she was.
Maintain a Healthy Mind
Keeping our mind active and alert as we age is just as important as taking care of our bodies by eating well, exercising and staying as healthy as possible. Having mental stimulation and a mind that’s kept active will help to keep your brain fit. Many do so by doing crosswords, reading, learning new skills, and by being involved with their hobbies and interests. Also there are a number of brain exercise programs available like the Posit Science Brain Training Software which will help you or your loved one to focus better, remember more and think faster.Train Your Brain Clinically Proven Brain Fitness Programs from Posit Science
Take responsibility for your brain health
We don’t know for sure if we will be affected by dementia because there are a number of factors that come into play. Lifestyle and genetics are sure to play a big part so we need to take some responsibility for our own mental health and wellness. Early detection of this disease can slow the process down and help lead to a better quality of life. Read More→
To Good Health in Your New Year
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By Shirley Price
It’s the end of another year and I have to admit that I haven’t done a number of the things that I intended to do this year. Even though I know the value of having a somewhat balanced life I have not followed my own advice this past year. Some years work out better than others, especially when we pay attention to what we are doing.
I constantly tell the people that I work with that it’s important to have balance in life, to make sure that they take care of the their health, eat well, exercise, participate in life, have hobbies and interests, continued education, spirituality, enjoy family and friends, have fun, and take care of their finances.
Well, I did some of the things that I suggest above, however, if I were to give myself a score it would have to be 4 out of 10, that’s pretty poor. I spent so much time sitting in front of my computer working day after day for way to many hours that I neglected my own health and fitness. It’s so easy to do this and it doesn’t take long for it to become a habit. I’m by no means an exercise fanatic but I do know it’s important to keep moving. Even many of the usual everyday activities that seemed to have helped to keep me fit in the past came to a halt.
There was a time not too long ago when I would go dancing three times a week. I didn’t realize then how much difference that made to my fitness level. Then to become so inactive for most of the year it’s amazing how different it can make you feel, and not in a good way. Without activity it doesn’t take long to lose your muscle tone and find that your stamina is just about zero. Read More→
Keeping Fit in Retirement
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Shirley Price
Both cardiovascular and aerobic exercise is important. Aerobic exercise is instrumental in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes, while reducing cholesterol. With all of these activities, it is important to be in tune to what your body tells you. If there is anything you are concerned about – talk to your doctor first. Don’t forget – the hardest part of any exercise regimen is the first couple of weeks. Once you choose something that you think will be a good fit for you, stick to that routine, and before you know it you will have a new and healthy habit.
Not only does getting and staying fit help your physical health, but it can have wonderful benefits to your mental health as well. The mind-body connection is strong, so prepare to reap the benefits of a regular exercise routine – more energy, better sleep, and it’s a great way to ward off depression. Staying active makes for a healthy person, from the inside out. Exercise lowers stress hormones and increases endorphins, which are your natural ‘feel good’ chemicals. As they’re released during exercise, you get the benefit of having your mood boosted in a natural way. Exercise also helps your body to release adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine, which also help you feel good. We were designed to move! Read More→
Light Therapy for the Winter Blues
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By Shirley Price
Light therapy is help for the mind.
Do you find that you want to hibernate during the darker colder days of winter? Do you feel depressed and lack concentration and feel irritable? You may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Many people find that light therapy is very advantageous to them. While light therapy is used for a number of mental issues most of us will be more familiar with its use for SAD.
If you are a woman you will be more likely to suffer from SAD as opposed to a man. Also, the farther away from the equator you reside the higher your risk to seasonal Affective disorder. This condition can start during the fall months and not dissipate until spring arrives. It can become an annual condition for many and can affect people at varying degrees from mild to severe symptoms.
Is it any wonder that we like to take off to tropical climates during the winter months? Many of us don’t have that opportunity for one reason or another so we need to do what we can to survive those dark dreary days. Sun light makes us happier as it increases the serotonin in the brain. During the gloomy season we are deprived of this. The light therapy supplies us with some of that need we have and helps us to be able to cope with the winter blahs. Read More→
How Baby Boomers Stay Fit
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Nearly 25% of all gym members are over the age of 55 according to the International Health, Raquet and Sports Club Association. This statistic represents a growing trend of members of the Baby Boomer generation seeking methods for maintaining their health and fitness levels throughout retirement.
While many retirees from past generations have worked diligently to remain fit throughout their retirement years, Baby Boomers seem to be taking the definition to an entirely new level. Avid fitness buffs and those looking to simply improve and maintain their levels of fitness are exploring their available options as they enter retirement.
Improving and maintaining physical fitness for adults offers not only improved balance, enhanced strength, and added flexibility, but also a lower incidence of illnesses and disease and a higher quality of life. In addition to many of the more familiar forms of fitness such as walking, running, golf and cycling, Baby Boomers are exploring new fitness techniques.Yoga and Pilates Read More→
Keeping Your Bones Healthy
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To me, being over 50 is the prime of life. Here’s why.
It’s a time when your kids have grown into early adulthood and become self-sufficient.
You’ve been through a number of life’s trials and survived.
You’ve learned some things along the way and have applied them with positive results.
You don’t feel the need to constantly compete with others any longer for position, notoriety, or attention.
You’ve become more confident and comfortable with whom you are as an individual
You may not have as much time as you thought you would, but that time is spent doing more of what you enjoy doing.
Your kids begin to ask your advice when they need to make a decision because they’re finally admitting you just may have some wisdom that they can consider.There are lots of positives to our age. However, one of the things we over 50s crowd must have a closer awareness of is our health. Certainly we all have our own genetics to deal with. Then there are the bad habits we’ve acquired along the way, as well as the detriments of our individual climates, work environments, and any illnesses or injuries we’ve become plagued with.
Regardless of our personal health, one thing we all need to be attentive to is osteoporosisWe hear the word thrown around quite often in our own circles of friends and families, but what is it? Osteoporosis is a silent disease that happens over years. It causes thinning of the bones, often without being noticed. That is, until sudden symptoms become evident or an injury ensues, and it can happen at the least expected times. Read More→
Maintain A Healthy Mind
Posted by: | CommentsNothing is more attractive than being able to maintain vitality through the years. In itself, it is a major achievement on your part. As our age increases, so does the number of health concerns. The aging process is inevitable and we all know the obvious. However, there should be no reason and excuse not to attempt to maintain fitness and enjoy our over 50s the way we should.
Talking about a healthy mind, there are several brain disorders that we want to avoid like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, among others. The risk for having these illnesses increases with age. My intention is neither scaring you with the names of diseases nor the chances of having them. I am only emphasizing that there are diseases that must be avoided. There are diseases that involve certain risk groups; some affect children and the others adults. So putting it in a general perspective, we simply have to retain our health to the best of our ability.Keeping a healthy fit brain as we age will make all the difference to the amount of independence that we will maintain later on. Just consider driving, it often becomes an issue for many families as their parents age. they don’t want to lose their indepedence and often take risks both to themselves and others. There are ways to keep your mind more alert longer with Train Your Brain Clinically Proven Brain Fitness Programs from Posit Science.
Health maintenance should not be viewed as a burden for us to carry but as a habit to get acquainted with. Here are some brain boosters that you can do to achieve and keep up a healthy mind: Read More→
Reduce Stress with Relaxation
Posted by: | CommentsSeeking a calmer More Relaxed Sense of Well Being?
We’ve all felt at some point in our lives that we need to be able to learn to relax. Some of us may have been told this by others, perhaps even our doctor. Our health can be compromised by having too much stress in our lives. Sometimes we don’t even know how stressed and anxious we’ve become. And what makes matter worse is that we don’t always know what to do about it.
Stress is at the root of many ailments. It creates tension in the body and mind. Continued stress really takes a toll on the body as well as the way we function in our work and relationships. Some people will go straight for the medications while others are looking for more natural ways to help relieve the symptoms of stress.
There are numerous causes of stress including financial issues, health problems, and relationship issues with your partner, family members or friends. There are many that find their stress is work related. While some have extremely stressful jobs others just find they are stressed from overwhelm, too much work and pressure to perform. And for others it can be a work colleague or even their boss that creates stress in their life.
It seems almost anything can cause us stress. Stress is something that we cannot avoid and some stress is healthy as well as a normal part of life. There are certain times in our life when we will probably get extreme stress. If you are dealing with the loss of a loved one or divorce; it’s common that prolonged stress may be experienced, and this can often be accompanied by depression and other emotions like grief, anger, guilt and feelings of hopelessness.
