Alzheimer’s Warning Signs

Early onset Alzheimer’s is a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease in which people are diagnosed with the disease before age 65. Less than 10% of all Alzheimer’s disease patients have this type. There are early warning signs for Alzheimer’s disease. If someone has several or even most of these symptoms, it does not mean they definitely have the disease. It does mean they should be thoroughly examined by a medical specialist trained in evaluating memory disorders, such as a neurologist or a psychiatrist, or by a comprehensive memory disorder clinic. Be aware of:

1. Asking the same question over and over.

2. Repeating the same story, word for word.

3. Forgetting how to cook, or how to make repairs, or how to play cards — activities that were previously done with ease and regularity.

4. Losing one’s ability to pay bills or balance one’s checkbook.

5. Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects.

6. Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again.

7. Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves.

Source: www.www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-types

Alcohol Moderation

Moderate drinking is defined as one drink a day if you’re a female or a male 66 and older, or two drinks a day if you’re a male 65 and younger. A drink is defined as 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer, 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine or 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof distilled spirits. Moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits. Anything more than moderate drinking can negate any potential benefits. Be cautious because excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health problems, including, but not limited to:

• Cancer of the pancreas, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, liver, as well as breast cancer

• Pancreatitis

• Heart muscle damage

• Stroke

• High blood pressure

• Cirrhosis of the liver

Source: www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol/SC00024

Water’s Health Benefits

Water is your body’s principal chemical component, making up, on average, 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions.

Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. To ward off dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. Nearly every healthy adult can consider doing the following:

• Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.

• Hydrate before, during and after
exercise.

• Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.

Source: www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

Joint Replacement?

Waiting until arthritis damage is severe can make joint replacement surgery more difficult and decrease your chances for a full recovery. Check the list below to see if you should consult with an orthopedic surgeon about joint replacement surgery.

• Medication does not relieve pain or produces strange side effects.

• Pain makes it hard to sleep.

• You have trouble with everyday tasks, such as bathing or climbing stairs.

• Pain interferes with your lifestyle, such as exercise, shopping, or visiting friends.

Source: “On Health,” Consumer Reports, February 2009, Vol. 21, No. 2

Depression –Treatment Tips

Depression can make you feel powerless. Taking charge of your treatment is one way to feel in control again. Here are some tips:

• Stick with it. When a depressed person gets the right medicine, at the right dose, and takes it long enough, treatment succeeds about 70% of the time.

• Take your medicine as prescribed. Get into good habits. Take your medicine at the same time every day.

• Never stop taking your medicine without your doctor’s OK. If you need to stop taking a medicine for some reason, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually.

• Make lifestyle changes. Eat healthy foods, high in fruits and vegetables and low in sugars and fats. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep and exercise.

• Reduce stress at home and at work. Ask for help with some of the stressful things in your life. If your job is stressing you out, figure out ways to scale back some of your duties.

• Be open to new ideas. Your therapist may have suggestions that sound strange. Give new approaches a try. You may find them more helpful than you expected.

• Don’t give up. You may feel like you’re never going to get better. If you give yourself some time — and allow your treatment to take effect — you will feel better again.

Source: www.www.webmd.com/depression/treatment-tips

Siestas For the Mind and Body

Don’t ignore your body’s afternoon slump - it’s not because of what you ate or how much you slept. Research shows that the body has a natural energy drop between midnight and 6 a.m. and also between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Making time for an afternoon nap can actually improve your mood, energy levels, and mental performance - even if it is just 5 or 10 minutes. Napping may also be good for the heart. In a 2007 study, people who took a 30-minute nap at least three times a week reduced their risk of heart disease by 37 percent.

Source: “Napping for Your Health,” Dr. Andrew Weil’s Self Healing, October 2008

Chicken & Asparagus with Penne Pasta

Ingredients (Serves 2):

1-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta

1 cup chopped fresh asparagus

6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with herbs, including juice

1 ounce soft goat cheese, crumbled (low-fat feta may be substituted)

1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta until al dente (tender), 10 to 12 minutes, or according to the package directions. Drain thoroughly. Set aside.

In a pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Add the asparagus. Cover and steam until tender-crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Spray a large nonstick frying pan with cooking spray. Add the chicken and garlic and saute over medium-high heat. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, including their juice, and simmer 1 minute more.

In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, steamed asparagus, chicken mixture and goat cheese. Toss gently to mix evenly.

Serve immediately with 1/2 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of each serving.

Calories 455, Total Fat 8g (sat 3.5g), Cholesterol 81mg, Sodium 240mg, Carbohydrate 55, Fiber 6.5g, Protein 41g

Source: www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-recipes/NU00480