Memory Loss
12. August 2010
Yesterday, I found myself staring into the closet in my guest bedroom. I had no idea why I was there! On the verge of panicking, I retraced my mental steps. Oh yeah! That’s where the blouse I wanted was hanging, with the rest of the dry cleaning I’d hung there days before.
And that’s not the first time. It seems I’m forgetting more all the time… the keys, the shopping list, the name of my husband’s colleague, the question to the “Jeopardy” answer I SHOULD know!
Does this ever happen to you? Are you finding it’s getting harder to remember things? If so, take comfort – you’re not alone. And it’s rarely due to the onset of some dread disease. Fact is, as we age, our memories can fade. But some of those “brain fades” can actually be due to factors you can control and prevent. Here are a few memory improvement tips that just may help keep you sharp for years to come.
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Beach Books
16. July 2010
The low clouds are gone and the heat is on. It’s summer in San Diego! Time to hit the beach for a little relaxation and fun in the sun. So pack your sunscreen, shades, bocce ball and beach chair. And whatever you do, don’t forget a beach BOOK! Nothing too heavy, just a pleasant read to help you relax and escape into a world of romance, adventure, inspiration or intrigue.
Now, if you’re like me, it’s hard to relax when you don’t know where to start. So many books, so little time! It can be overwhelming. So this summer I’m going to keep it simple. One classic novel. One inspirational read, and at least two… maybe three, of my favorite political thrillers by Daniel Silva.
Bone Health
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Enjoy that Cup of Joe!
23. June 2010
If you love coffee, I’ve got great news! Sit back, relax, enjoy a cup of your favorite brew and read on!
Turns out, the latest coffee buzz doesn’t come from caffeine. It comes from new research showing a cup (or more) a day may actually keep the doctor away! It’s true! That daily Venti Breakfast Blend may do more than wake you up. It may just extend your life.
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Mental Health Support
03. May 2010
May is Mental Health Awareness Month… a time to focus on those who suffer from any of a variety of mental illnesses and disorders. That’s great! But I’d also like to give a shout out to all of you who support loved ones battling mental illness. I know it can be a challenge.
My husband, Tom, is a chronically happy man. He wakes up happy every morning, stays happy all day long, and falls asleep with a smile on his face. As someone who fights the “blues,” I often find Tom’s non-stop good cheer annoying. But years ago, when the dark cloud of clinical depression descended on me, I was grateful for his strength and positive outlook.
Initially, Tom tried to cheer me up. But as I fell deeper into the black hole of depression, he realized we were dealing with something a walk on the beach or funny movie couldn’t fix. As I became paralyzed with panic and despair, my concerned husband took action.Get Some Sleep
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01. April 2010
Get Some Sleep!
Last night I slept nine hours. There, I said it. And tonight, if I can I’ll sleep nine more! I used to apologize for getting so many zzzz’s. No more. Turns out that’s how much sleep I really need, and when I try to get by on less, I feel lousy, am less productive and cranky!
Turns out, there’s no reason to feel guilty about getting a good night’s sleep. In fact, medical research has proven a lack of sleep can be deadly! When people get less than 6 or 7 hours of sleep each night their risk for developing a variety of diseases increases. Studies prove it. If laboratory rats are regularly deprived of sleep, they live only 5 weeks of their 2 to 3 year life expectancy.
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Social Seniors
01. March 2010
Friday night’s the time to party! And that’s certainly the case at North Coast Calvary Church (NCCC) in Carlsbad… especially for the 50-plus crowd! As I walked into the all–purpose facility at NCCC recently, there was such a din of music and laughter, I thought I was in the wrong place. Church people - certainly those over fifty - couldn’t be having that much fun. I couldn’t have been more wrong!
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Exercise for Your Heart….and More!
05. February 2010
Back in the ‘60’s, my Dad was a huge fan of Dr. Kenneth Cooper and his theories about aerobic exercise. (Because of Dr. Cooper, Dad may actually be the first guy ever to jog in the state of Iowa!) The now-famous medical doctor had the then wacky notion that exercise was good for your heart. (cooperaerobics.com) His research panned out and Dr. Cooper’s theories, of course, became universal truths.
Since then, more studies have proven exercise can stave off heart disease, lower blood pressure and stress levels and help maintain a healthy weight. But what’s exciting to me are the other benefits of exercise… the hidden benefits!
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Don't Go It Alone
30. December 2009
Want to experience better health and well-being in the new year? Along with exercise and good food… call a friend! Seriously, many well-researched studies have found the more friends we have the better our physical and emotional health.
I know it’s true because I’m a “recovering loner!” Take care of yourself. Be independent. Don’t trust anyone. Those were the messages I got as a young woman. I didn’t have time for emotional attachments. I had plans.
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Contact Carol by emailing her at Carol@pph.org.