HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
judgment, and visual perception. At least
two of the aforementioned symptoms
must be severely impaired to indicate
signs of dementia. Usually the signs and
symptoms are progressive and get worse
over time. If caught early by a health care
professional, some symptoms can be
treated. One of the most common types
of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 80
percent of all dementia cases. It causes
severe problems with daily tasks that
involve memory, thinking and behavior.
It is not a normal part of aging, but the
greatest known risk factor is increasing
age since the disease is progressive. While
it is most common in people over the
age of 65, younger-onset Alzheimer’s is
found in five percent of people as young
as their 40s.
According to the Alzheimer’s
Association, evidence shows that
incorporating the following habits will
keep you fit both physically and mentally:
• Heart Health – Obesity, high blood
pressure and diabetes—all risk factors
for cardiovascular disease—negatively
impact your cognitive health.
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Cardiovascular activity increases blood
flow to the brain and body, reducing
the risk of cognitive decline.
Helmet Up! – Brain injury is one of
the leading causes of dementia and
cognitive decline. Play it smart and
always wear a helmet to protect from
brain injury.
Sleep Tight – Have you ever stayed
up late, only to find you’re forgetful
and mentally lethargic the next day?
Not getting enough sleep can result in
lower brain function, affecting memory
and thinking.
Be a Social Butterfly – Staying active
with friends and loved ones may
support brain health as well. A recent
study from the Women’s Healthy
Aging Project found that babysitting
grandchildren could lower the risk of
Alzheimer’s.
Challenge Yourself – Enjoy crossword
puzzles or painting? Keep your brain
challenged by doing something new
each day, whether it is learning a new
language, doing a jigsaw puzzle or
reading a book!
Eye and Ear Health
Hearing and vision are two essential
parts of our everyday lives. Yet there are
many individuals who let ear and eye
problems go unattended. Ear and eye
health is equally as important as taking
care of the rest of the body and should be
well maintained to ensure many years of
seeing and hearing the things you love.
Eye Health
It is important to visit your eye
care professional once a year for
a comprehensive eye exam. Although you
may think you are seeing fine, issues may
be lurking without any warning signs.
During a yearly visit, your pupils will be
dilated, or widened, so that your eye care
professional can examine the back of the
eye for damage or disease. It is important
to know your family’s eye health history
as well, since some conditions are
hereditary. Some of the most common
eye diseases include diabetic retinopathy,
glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related
macular degeneration (AMD).
• Diabetic Retinopathy: This type
1 or type 2 diabetes complication is
ACTIVE. FLEXIBLE. STRONG. LIFELINE.
A FULL RANGE OF LIFE-CHANGING THERAPY
www.lifeline-therapy.com
At Lifeline, we offer a full range of services and a single-minded focus. You. Whether
you come to us for physical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, or cardiac therapy,
our first step is to become an expert on your health and your life. After all, the
more we understand your strengths and limitations, goals, hobbies and passions,
the better able we are to create an individualized treatment plan that works for you.
It’s an ongoing process based on a trusted relationship. Together we listen, learn,
and work to enhance your abilities, and improve your health and quality of life.
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