Staying physically active is beneficial to our overall health, but did you know it can also help reduce the risk of dementia? Here are five simple tips to help you stay active for a healthy brain:
1. Start small by adding just a bit of physical activity into your daily routine
2. Have a friend join you – activities can be more fun (and safer) with friends
3. Keep it simple – do activities that work with you, not against you
4. Try aerobic activities – things that increase the heart rate temporarily, like swimming, cycling or jogging
5. Focus on what makes you happy by choosing activities you enjoy.
Community News
Sunscreen 101
Are you protecting your skin from the summer sun? Choosing the right sunscreen is key to preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Start by selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen—this means it guards against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Look for a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. While higher SPFs offer slightly more protection, the benefits level off above SPF 50. Next, check the ingredients. Physical (or mineral) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great choices. They sit on the skin’s surface to deflect UV rays and tend to cause less irritation than chemical options. Apply generously and reapply every two hours.
Clean Eating Recipe
Ginger Mojito Mocktail. 1-inch grated ginger. 1-inch grated cucumber. Juice of half a lime. 6 mint leaves. 1 cup sparkling water. Muddle ginger, cucumber, and lime in a bowl. Strain the mixture into your glass using a small strainer. rub mint leaves together and place in glass. Add ice and top with half ginger beer, half sparkling water. Stir and garnish with your choice of lime wheels, ginger, cucumber or mint. Enjoy!
Book Club:
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence.
In Dopamine Nation, Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain . . . and what to do about it. Condensing complex neuroscience into easy-to-understand metaphors, Lembke illustrates how finding contentment and connectedness means keeping dopamine in check.
July Trivia
.1. What frozen treat was invented in 1905 by an 11-year-old boy? 2. What percentage of watermelons are water? 3. TRUE OR FALSE? One in 3 cancers diagnosed worldwide is skin cancer.
Did You Know?
Craving sugar might mean you’re actually tired! When you’re low on energy, your body looks for a quick fuel source—like sugar, for a fast energy boost. So if you’re reaching for sweets in the afternoon, your body might just be saying: “I need rest!”
Words to Live By
“The world is reflecting back to you the thoughts you think, the words you speak and the actions you take. If you want to change the world, you must start within yourself.” – Keith Macpherson
Words to Live By
“Remember that any form of fear or worry will cut off the abundant flow in your life, so stay connected to love.” – Keith Macpherson
July Trivia Answers
.1. A popsicle. 2. 92%. 3. True. Protect yourself against the sun!
Homemade Frozen Yogurt
Ingredients: 1 cup plain greek yogurt; 4 cups frozen strawberries (or other fruit); 3-4 Tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract. Directions: Add ingredients to your food processor. Pulse and blend until a thick “froyo” texture is formed. Serve and enjoy right away, or freeze for a firmer texture. Happy Summer!
Be Safe in the Sun
Skin cancer is one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer. Apply SPF of at least 30 to 50—every two to four hours you are outdoors or riding in a car. Routinely wearing a quality pair of sunglasses protects the eyes from cataracts, a condition common among older adults. Look for a pair with a label showing they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. As we grow older, the body doesn’t adjust to changes in temperature and humidity as quickly as in younger days. This puts seniors at higher risk for dehydration and sun-related illnesses, like heat stroke – so make sure to keep hydrated!
