Friday, March 25, 2016

Exercise might slow rate of mental decline by 10 years for older people

By Morgan Manella, Special to CNN  Updated 3:03 PM ET, Thu March 24, 2016

(CNN)Mentally, we all slow down a little bit as we age. It gets harder to recall names, or we forget where we put our keys, or the car for that matter. Physically, an older brain doesn't work as fast as it used to. But scientists think there might be one thing that could help slow down this natural aging process.


A study published online this week in Neurology found that older people who exercised regularly experienced a slower rate of mental decline.
In this study, 876 people at an average age of 71 who were a part of the Northern Manhattan Study, a group of people studied for stroke and for the potential to have a stroke, were asked how long and how often they exercised in the two weeks before their in-person interview. 
Among the participants, 90% reported light exercise, such as walking and gardening, or no exercise at all. Those people were placed in the low activity group. The remaining 10% reported moderate to high-intensity exercise, such as running and aerobics, and were placed in the high activity group.
About seven years later, each person was given an MRI and a battery of tests that examined memory and thinking skills. Five years after that, participants took the memory and thinking tests again. 
Researchers from the University of Miami and Columbia University found that people with no signs of cognitive impairment at the start of the research who reported low activity levels showed a greater decline in processing speed and episodic memory over five years. Their brains aged about 10 years more than the group that exercised. 
"These results were not surprising because I think there is more and more evidence that more physical activity is good," said Dr. Clinton Wright, an associate professor of neurology, public health sciences and neuroscience at University of Miami School of Medicine. "This is really building on evidence." 
Earlier studies have shown that exercise increases your gray matter in the areas that count for complex thought and decision-making.
Exercise is also a great stress reliever, which can protect the brain from damage caused by stress, which can cloud memory and slow thinking. Even something as simple as taking brisk walks can increase creative thinking, earlier studies have shown.
This study adds evidence that the opposite of an energetic lifestyle -- essentially, being a couch potato -- makes your brain sluggish, too.
"The effects that show low physical activity predicts cognitive decline over five years of follow-up are very strong and very robust and survived the adjustment for a large number of things that could influence results," said Dr. Richard Lipton, a professor of neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, who was not affiliated with this study. 
Processing speed -- how long it takes a person to complete tasks -- deteriorates during the normal aging process. Declines in episodic memory -- the ability to retain items in everyday life, such as a grocery shopping list --are one of the hallmarks of early Alzheimer's disease, Lipton explained.
The study shows the effects on tests of very specific cognitive abilities, processing speed and episodic memory, which are important for everyday function, Lipton said.
What this study shows is that we need to keep active even long into old age if we want to keep our brains active.
Another strength of the research is the ethnic and racial diversity of the people it studied, Wright said.
"It's probably one of the first that includes Latinos and African-Americans and whites in the same community," Wright said.
Researchers are consistently pinpointing exercise as a significant factor related to cognitive health in older age. 
Another recent study showed that poor physical fitness in middle age might be associated with a smaller brain size later on, which could lead to dementia and mental decline. 
"This (current) study is really exciting," Lipton said. "It makes me feel really good about being on my elliptical right now. It contains the promise, the hint, the hope, that if people are more active that will protect their brains from aging and cognitive decline."
For further information on aging and how to protect your brain,
please contact Deanna Waters  thewatersedge@shaw.ca 
 

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Jane Goodall Teaches Us About Aging With Purpose

This past year, I have been struggling with the issue of aging.  

When do I move aside and let those younger than me take over with some of what I do?

Do I have relevance anymore?

How do I continue to move forward with my passion to wake people up to what is going on in the environment and how important it is to be proactive about their health?

And equally important, how do I help people understand the importance of creating extra streams of residual income, to prepare for their later years, or to add those extras to life at present for their families?  What about having more income to support relevant charities and places of faith?

Enter an article in Reader's Digest, February 2016, page 50 with Jane Goodall, age 81, world famous primatologist, author, and Founder of Roots and Shoots.

Question:  How much does your passion for your work have to do with aging well?

Jane's answer:  "It's the other way around: aging well has to do with having passion.  I just read a survey of people over 80, and they found overwhelming proof that those with a passion stayed healthy and fit and driven.  The others just succumbed because there was no reason not to.  They weren't sick, just old.  They succumbed to oldness."


That statement inspires me to continue working out at the gym.  When a person is fit, they have more energy to pursue their dreams and to make a difference.


Gathering with friends over a meal solidifies love and acceptance, so important for a person's health and positive mindset.


Attending large corporate events keeps a person's mind engaged and active.  This International Convention for USANA Health Sciences spurs on my resolve to spread the need for optimal nutritional supplementation.  And for those who understand the power of working together for everyone's benefit, to open people's eyes to greater economic options.

Whether this message is for you, or someone you know who is struggling with their advancing age, take the advice of Jane Goodall and don't succumb to oldness!  You are relevant.  You have much wisdom to share!  You are still young, whatever your age.   Every day counts.  Life is too short to waste it on meaningless activities or nothingness.  Make your life count.

Deanna Waters  I care about you!  You are awesome!
www.thewatersedge.com 
thewatersedge@shaw.ca

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Every Day, Give Your Heart Loving, Healthy Care

Every Month is a Time to Love Your Heart

Heart Health MonthDid you know February was American Heart Health Month? It seems only fitting that the month we see so many fun Valentine hearts floating around is also the month we are asked to remember the physical state of our hearts by being more health conscious.  And of course, we need to give special attention to our hearts, which pump so faithfully for us day in, day out, week by week, month by month.

Since February was heart health month, I thought it was time we talked about one of USANA’s premier products for heart health: Proflavanol® C100. Let’s discuss how this supplement can help support the health of you and your loved ones.

A Lovely Combination

Proflavanol has two main ingredients for heart health: grape seed extract and vitamin C.

Grape Seed Extract
When it comes to “super fruits” that have antioxidant benefits, grapes are one of the best sources out there. I know, I know, grapes aren’t a newfound, ultra-rare berry found in some remote jungle, but they pack a punch when it comes to antioxidants. The seeds in grapes are rich in bioflavonoids, that help support a healthy heart.*
Heart Health MonthPoly C® Blend


What makes Proflavanol even more unique is that it’s made with USANA’s innovative Nutritional Hybrid Technology, so it combines these two nutrients into one powerful supplement to help you maintain good health. A study USANA Scientists conducted in collaboration with Boston University found that supplementation with both grape seed extract and vitamin C has a positive influence on healthy blood flow to support cardiovascular health.

Keep it Pumping

Did you know the average adult heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood each day? And as one of the hardest-working organs in the body, the heart has unique nutritional needs. USANA’s heart health supplements are specially designed to support healthy heart function:
  • Support healthy circulation*
  • Help maintain healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range*
  • Maintain good health by neutralizing free radicals, which can cause excessive oxidative stress over time*
  • Support healthy immune function*
So you can see Proflavanol is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a supplement optimized specifically for heart health.*

If You Struggle with Exercise

In addition to proper nutrition, we should all work on fostering healthy habits of regular exercise and activity. I’ll be honest, I’ve never been fantastic at following a consistent exercise routine. My efforts have been sporadic at best, but I do love to stay active. I especially enjoy tennis and snowboarding.
Snowboarding

See, exercise can be fun…and cold.
I came across this concept years ago, and it really stuck with me: “If you find an activity you love doing, you’ll never have to exercise a day in your life.”

So if you’re the type who struggles with a regular exercise program (like I do), try to find fun hobbies or activities that will get you off of the couch and moving around. Doing these a few times a week can help out.

On top of that, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and limiting highly refined carbohydrates is important in supporting a healthy heart. And don’t forget to take your Proflavanol as well.*

For further information please contact Deanna Waters, www.ddwaters.com  thewatersedge@shaw.ca

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We’re proud to bring you the freshest content on the web! Follow USANA on Twitter, like our USANA Facebook page and enjoy the latest videos on the official USANA YouTube channel.
USANA True Health FoundationLearn what USANA is doing to make the world a better place.
The future of personalized health and nutrition is now available with USANA’s True Health Assessment.