Four Corners Healthy Living, Brain & Brawn, Summer

SUMMER

S N I A BR N W A BR

2021

You are a whole person.

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Oral Healthcare At La Plata Integrated Healthcare, hygienists on our team can do check-ups and cleanings. At Durango Oral Health Clinic, we offer cleanings, fillings, extractions, restorations and emergency dental care.

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Table of Contents 05} Letter from the Editor 06 } Memory Myths

When to worry about memory loss

08} Healthy Alternatives

Daily habits can improve well-being

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Douglas Bennett DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Carrie Cass EDITORIAL

Hunter Harrell special sections editor

10} Tech Tools Conditioning prevents decline

12} Neuroscience Brain behavior

14} Brain Variation

Neurodiveristy is the new normal

16} Fit Five Dumbbells = dumb gains

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Consumer Care

DESIGN

Tad Smith manager of creative services

Wes Rowell illustrator

Gary Markstein ADVERTISING

Jamie Opalenik director of multimedia sales

Amy Baird Kelly Bulkley Tana Creek Cole Davis Joe Nelson Alyssa McClellan Shell Simonson PRODUCTION

Ryan Brown production manager

Gym bag essentials

18} Recipes 20} Heads Up How to approach head injuries

22} News & Briefs 4

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Ballantine Communications uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information for its special magazine publications.

However, all information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted.

To view the online version of this guide, visit: www.durangoherald.com.

Letter

NOW OPEN

FROM THE

EDITOR

Prepare for this issue to blow your mind. Or, at the very least, the summer edition of Four Corners Healthy Living will introduce readers to new ways of thinking about the connection between the body and the brain.

I’ll cut to the chase. The human body is an amazing machine with an incredibly powerful computer, the brain, at the control station.

The articles that follow address how to improve both mental fitness and physical strength to maintain personal well-being.

Healthy Living: The Myth Busters Edition would also be an apt theme title, because experts help us unravel various misconceptions about the brain and nervous system,

including its functions.

Professionals answer burning questions about what’s normal when it comes to things like individual cognitive capabilities and age-related memory loss, as well as healing those pesky head injuries.

The Fit Five series features simple dumbbell exercises that strengthen muscles in the arms, neck, shoulders, back and core, while the Consumer Care series serves as a guide to packing a gym bag for impromptu workouts in a city park or on a backcountry trail. So, be sure to learn how to schedule exercise time and track your progress with apps from our Tech Tools series that will condition both the brain and body to reach the pinnacle of performance.

When it is too hot to turn on the stove, try to recover and refuel from your workout with a new recipe from page 18 – no cooking necessary. Then read on to discover different ways to boost energy and build muscle by implementing healthy habits and strength training exercises.

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Memory Myths WHEN TO WORRY ABOUT MEMORY 10 early indicators of Alzheimer's disease

BY HUNTER HARRELL It’s 4 a.m. My alarm doesn’t go off for another hour, but I’m wide awake. I can tell this isn’t a drill because my toes feel like frozen gumballs at the end of the feet, and my mouth feels too dry after sleeping for eight hours. Then it hits me. As I think about climbing into the warm shower to garner the motivation to roll out of bed, I remember I left the towels in the washing machine, neglecting to dry them. Oops.

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emory is more than a function for reminiscing. It acts as a framework for daily life, helping us make sense of the present and plan for the future using information that the brain encodes, stores and recalls. While getting older has its perks, it also comes with some changes that can challenge us. One of the most noticeable developments for many folks is forgetfulness.

As people age, they may worry that forgetfulness is an early warning sign for dementia. After all, dementia is a syndrome, characterized by deterioration in memory, thinking and behavior.

However, not every change can be classified as a sign of trouble.

Memory issues related to dementia are associated with plaques and abnormal proteins that build up between nerve cells. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, and it affects more than 6 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The number of adults over 65 living with Alzheimer’s in Colorado is projected to increase by 21% from 76,000 to 92,000 by 2025.

Memory can be affected by other external factors, such as lack of sleep, a vitamin B12 deficiency or even feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. The primary difference between dementia and normal memory loss is whether it affects a person’s capability to live a normal, independent life.

While my wet towels are an example of grappling with forgetfulness, the fact that I remembered later is a positive sign that this lapse in memory isn’t a serious concern.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, here are 10 warning signs that memory loss is not related to aging, but rather an early indicator for Alzheimer’s Disease.

1. Forgetting important dates and events, and relying on memory aids such as reminder notes and timers 2. Experiencing challenges when planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty completing routine tasks 4. Confusion with time or place, especially in familiar situations 5. Impaired judgment with visual images and spatial relationships 6. Issues with speaking and writing, such as the inability to follow a conversation or repeating themselves 7. Misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps 8. Withdrawal from normal hobbies, social gatherings and relationships or other engaging activities 9. Changes in decision-making processes that result in poor judgment 10. Changes in mood and personality, such as becoming more easily upset or overwhelmed

For more information about early warning signs and how to approach memory concerns, visit www.alz.org.

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Healthy Alternatives

Daily habits can improve well-being

BY HUNTER HARRELL The brain and body work overtime to keep us healthy and strong. By establishing healthy habits, we can improve how both function on a daily basis.

REGULAR EXERCISE Exercise regularly. Physical movement increases blood flow to the body and brain. It is linked to better memory and thinking. Exercise also releases endorphins to make you feel happier, and can clear brain fog.

Lift regularly. Resistance is the key to building muscle mass. Strength training builds muscle and can regulate blood flow, heart rate and metabolism. It also helps individuals maintain focus and set goals.

HEALTHY DIET Maintain a heart-healthy diet. Meals should be full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet, and some studies suggest that diet is linked to cognitive performance. The Mediterranean and DASH are linked to better brain function, and can reduce risk of heart disease as well.

Eat more protein. The USDA recommends individuals consume two to three small servings of protein each day. That’s because protein is used to make enzymes, hormones and chemicals needed to repair organ and muscle tissue. Products like poultry, seafood, lean meat, nuts, legumes, seeds and dairy products are rich sources of protein.

DRI Calculate your personalized Dietary Reference Intakes, based on your age, gender, weight and level of activity, at www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/dri-calculator/ results.php.

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QUALITY SLEEP

Establish a routine sleep schedule.

Maintaining a regular sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health, and helps clear waste from the brain, according to Alzheimer’s Association. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime.

Soak up the sun (safely). Vitamin D deficiencies lead to muscle wasting.

While most folks are familiar with the effects of excessive sun exposure, a lack of vitamin D leads to weight gain, mood swings and sleep problems.

Enjoying sunlight for at least 15 minutes a day improves well-being.

RELAXATION Stay social. Regardless of age, interacting with others may support emotional and mental health, as well as cognitive function. Socializing improves memory and communication skills, which leads to a better quality of life.

Manage stress. Experiencing stress is normal, but chronic stress can gradually contribute to illness. Stress has negative effects on not only the body, but also our mind. Finding ways to reduce stress can improve both physical and mental functions.

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Tech Tools CONDITIONING PREVENTS DECLINE

BY HUNTER HARRELL Staying in shape requires investing time and energy into exercise and moving the body.

While most people understand the benefits of physical activity for the body and brain, some discount the advantages of conditioning and strengthening mental fitness.

S

ince the release of Brain Age for the Nintendo DS featuring neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima in 2005, mini-games that claim to improve cognitive function have grown in popularity. While some studies have failed to connect brain training with improved cognitive function, other research suggests targeted games can strengthen some skills. After all, practice makes perfect.

Now, there are a variety of smartphone applications filled with mini-games that make the practice more enjoyable. Better yet, each of these

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apps are available for Apple and Android systems for free, with the option of upgrading to versions that provide full access to all features.

LUMOSITY

Studies that compared the cognitive function of Lumosity users and people who work on crossword puzzles found that when both groups trained for 15 minutes a day for 10 weeks, the Lumosity users showed improved working memory, arithmetic reasoning and processing speed. The free version allows users with an account to play three games a day as many times as they please. Games rotate daily for fresh experiences. A paid subscription unlocks the full library of games and features that monitor progress, and subscriptions are available for individuals, families and teams at a variety of price points.

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PEAK

Like Lumosity, the team at Peak works with academic institutions on developing games that sharpen our cognitive skills. Using a baseline test, Peak

personalizes training plans, but allows users to explore other games and features. One feature that users like about Peak is the ability to set reminders for training days. Like other popular apps, the users have access to individual performance data, and can compare the information with other users. Subscribers can unlock the full library of games to play at any time, and subscriptions start at $4.99 per month or $34.99 for a full year.

ELEVATE

User reviews say Elevate places more emphasis on practical applications of strengthening cognitive skills. Elevate has more than 40 short, yet engaging games designed to boost math and speaking skills, as well as improve memory, attention and processing speed. The app encourages users to train daily by completing three games, or five games for paid subscribers.

Track progress with daily, weekly and monthly recaps of overall performance or assess accomplishments in specific areas: writing, listening, speaking, reading and math. To upgrade from the free version, subscribers can pay $4.99 per month or $39.99 for a full year.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT PHYSICAL FITNESS If class options and gym hours are still limited, try turning to apps. Accountability can help us acheive our goals, so these fitness apps include social features to keep users on track.

Strava is a social media platform and fitness tracker in one app. It’s a popular choice for athletes and recreationists of all kinds, including cyclists, hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers.

Track distance and pace, record details about the experience, then create posts with photos.

FitOn has it all, including cardio routines, strength-training exercises, HIIT, dance, pilates and more live and on-demand classes for free. FitOn includes social features for those that want to invite friends to classes, compare progress and cheer each other on.

Hevy is an intuitive workout analyzer and routine planner that includes a rest timer. The app lets users measure progress, access over 250 exercise videos and connect with other users.

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Neuroscience BRAIN BEHAVIOR Complicated matters of the mind

BY HUNTER HARRELL You don’t have to be a professional to comprehend the power of the brain, but it definitely helps. After all, the brain is both the most important and complex organ. It is a central processing unit that regulates the body and its functions, including breathing, heart rate, hunger, temperature, thought, memory, emotion, sensory information and motor skills.

As research and technology progresses, neuroscientists continue to uncover answers to questions that deepen our comprehension of the mind to benefit our well-being.

“The mind is a powerful thing,” said neurologist Eric Edgar with Centura Health Physicians Group in Durango. He helps patients address several different neurological disorders. In his experience, some patients come to him seeking explanations for an array of symptoms which he can work to diagnose. “Our task is to localize the problem. (Neurologists) try to identify where those symptoms are coming from. It’s an approach unique to neurology to localize the problem.”

portion of the organ. It is responsible for interpretation of senses like touch, vision and hearing.

It also controls speech, reasoning, emotion, learning and fine control of movement. The two hemispheres of the brain communicate with each other through the corpus callosum.

Edgar’s expertise helps us to understand how the brain and the body are connected and clarify some complicated misconceptions. One repeated myth about the brain is that we only use 10% of its power. People usually use this falsehood to imply that humans can dramatically increase their intelligence or tap into some hidden superhuman abilities. But the misunderstanding is derived from the truth that specific parts of the brain do specific jobs. So, let’s cover some basics of the nervous system.

The cerebellum is the portion of the brain that controls muscle movements and also helps us maintain balance and posture.

Autonomous functions, such as breathing, heart rate, body temperature, sleep cycles, digestion, sneezing, coughing, vomiting and swallowing are controlled by the brainstem.

The brainstem also connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, relaying signals from the central and peripheral nervous systems.

BRAIN BASICS

The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes the cranial and spinal nerves. Shielded by our skull, the brain is composed of cerebrum, cerebellum and the brain stem.

Made of two halves, the right and the left hemispheres, the cerebrum is the biggest

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CRITICAL THINKING

Have you ever heard someone describe themselves as left-brain or right-brain thinkers? Or perhaps you have taken an online personality quiz that reveals your dominant hemisphere? Often in popular culture, people described as left-brain thinkers are strong with math and logic skills, while right-brain thinkers are thought to be more creative and emotional.

This theory was born from research in the 1960s by Robert W. Sperry. He tested how patients responded to a variety of stimuli after the corpus callosum, the communication bridge between brain hemispheres, had been cut to treat epilepsy. While the epileptic patients found relief, they did experience some changes in cognition that led him to publish observations about the brain’s dichotomy.

“We've had more than a hundred years of neurology volumes to see that a stroke in a certain area causes a certain symptom, or a brain tumor in a certain area causes a certain symptom reliably,” Edgar said. ”That's how we have identified the left frontal lobe.”

We now know that the cerebrum is divided into four sections: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe and temporal lobe.

The frontal lobe is linked to concentration, intelligence, personality, self-awareness, behavior, emotions, judgement, planning, problem solving, speaking and writing.

The parietal lobe interprets language and sensory information, while controlling spatial and visual perception The occipital lobe interprets visual information such as light, color and movement.

The temporal lobe is responsible for hearing, memory, organizing and sequencing information and understanding language.

UNCOVERING THE TRUTH

“Attention is a brain function that involves many different parts of the brain working at once,” Edgar said. “Whereas, many other brain functions, I can kind of point to a part of the brain and say, language, for example, mostly comes from this area.

Attention is a brain-wide function. Not every part of the brain, but many parts of the brain working in concert simultaneously.”

So, while there is some truth to brain functions residing on one side of the brain or the other, people typically use both sides of their mind equally. The complexity of the brain involves both hemispheres working together more often than not. And years of studies have determined that there isn’t a consistent connection between brain activity and characteristics of personalities.

CONCLUSION

As with any science, researchers continue to test theories of brain function to understand and appreciate its power. Some of these findings can muddle our understanding of the brain’s capabilities, thus making both neurosciences and psychology complicated subjects. But by understanding how different parts of the brain work together, we can learn more about how to prevent disease and injury.

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Brain Variation

Neurodiversity is the new normal

BY TARA KIENE Is any single person normal? Is there one type of brain that represents the vast breadth of human experiences, backgrounds and differences?

The concept of a normative standard for human brains has come under scrutiny in recent years. Research and the life experience of neurodivergent adults suggest that the differences in neurological makeup, such as those we have come to associate with the autism spectrum, are natural variations found within the human population.

This concept, called neurodiversity, rejects the notion that autism and other neurological conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia and tics are disabilities that should be fixed or cured. Rather, they are simply a part of the human condition.

The term neurodiversity was coined in 1998 by sociologist and autistic activist Judy Singer. Singer built on a body of work from autistic advocacy pioneers, including Jim Sinclair, whose article “Don’t Mourn for Us” is considered a foundational work of the neurodiversity movement. The term is embraced by autistic activists to fight for inclusion and appreciation of the autistic brain and by extension, all brains.

“People with neurodivergent brains have always been here and have contributed to our world. Our greatest artists, engineers, leaders, inventors and visionaries throughout history have more often than not been neurodivergent,”

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said Jeff Newman, an autistic advocate and director of Community Integration at regional nonprofit Community Connections. “When we have a society that only accommodates, values and listens to people who have normal brains, we exclude and devalue these contributions. Moreover, as a matter of justice, we fail to make a welcoming society to neurodivergent people before they prove their worth through changing our world.”

Brain imaging and postmortem studies have demonstrated that differences in neurodiverse brains are clearly more difference than disorder. These differences include common genetic variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, regions of the brain that are smaller or larger than nonautistics, greater numbers of neurons in the frontal lobe and increased or decreased brain activity during different tasks. Similar variations in genetics and bone and muscle tissue contribute to the wide variation in human body types that are considered well within the range of normal.

Additionally, people with neurodivergent brains often

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demonstrate superior skills that the pathology mindset fails to capture.

Where the pathology mindset recognizes these skills, they are often twisted from gifts and abilities into deficits or behavior problems.

The benefits of taking this view of our brains are many. Focusing on curing a brain or fixing a deficit causes frustration and discrimination against neurodivergent people. Appreciating the natural diversity of human brains allows us to focus on the strengths that different people have to offer. In fact, some companies such as SAP, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft, have recognized the competitive advantage in neurodiversity and actively recruit neurodivergent employees whose skills can include superior memory, creativity, empathy, problem solving, focus and sensory perception.

For anyone who has ever thought they were wired differently than people around them, neurodiversity should be good news. Everyone’s brain is unique, and everyone deserves acceptance just as they are. Through neurodiversity, we understand that the world is not divided into “abnormal” and “normal” brains. The variations and differences in human neurological composition are not only vast, but just beginning to be fully understood and explored.

Tara Kiene is the President/CEO of Community Connections, a local nonprofit working for full inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in the communities of Southwest Colorado.

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Fit Five

DUMBBELLS = DUMB GAINS Strength training exercises that build muscle mass

BY HUNTER HARRELL

Our bodies lose muscle mass as we age and strength training exercises help us maintain that muscle.

Strength training can also provide numerous benefits beyond building brawn from stimulating bone growth to lowering blood sugar, managing weight and improving balance and posture.

BICEP CURL

Stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart and the back straight. With palms facing forward, let your arms relax at the side of your body. Keeping elbows tucked near the sides, bend the arm at the elbow to lift the weights closer to your shoulder. This move will target muscles in the arms.

Beginners can integrate dumbbells into a regular routine to enhance strength and flexibility. Dumbbells are easy for entrylevel strength training because they are relatively inexpensive, and come in a variety of weights.

Try these exercises to tone muscles in the arms, shoulders and upper back. Remember to keep the back straight and the core engaged while lifting any amount of weight. For safety, avoid using the torso or shoulders to swing the weight as well.

HAMMER CURL

Similar to the bicep curl, start with your arms at the side of your body and feet shoulder width apart, but with palms facing toward the body. Keep the upper arm stable with elbows tucked and the core engaged, then lift the weights closer to your shoulder to build muscle in the upper and lower arms.

OVERHEAD PRESS

Stand with the feet shoulder width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level.

Raise the weight above your head in a slow and controlled motion. Pause and hold the weight above for a moment without locking the elbows, then return the weights to the starting position.

TRICEP EXTENSION

Cup the end of a dumbbell in each hand with the feet shoulder width apart. Begin with the weight directly above the head, then lower the dumbbells behind the head while keeping the upper arms stable. The movement targets the triceps and deltoids. Pause then push the weight back to the starting position and repeat.

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REVERSE FLY

To build more strength in the upper back and shoulders, try spreading your wings. With feet hipwidth apart and knees slightly bent, hinge forward at the hip. While gripping the dumbbells with palms facing the body, let the arms hang straight down and then raise both arms out to the side, squeezing the shoulders.

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Consumer Care

Gym bag essentials Summer can be a very busy season.

But it’s still important to keep up with a fitness routine. Regular exercise not only helps individuals maintain a healthy weight, it also increases blood flow in the body and the brain. It can improve brain function and mental health as well as boost muscle gains and mood.

Trying to squeeze in a quiet yoga session in a city park or take to the trails for a mountain bike ride? It’s much easier to find the will to workout with proper gear at the ready. So pack a gym bag with all the essentials for on-the-go exercise.

APPAREL

While Colorado likes to keep it casual, it’s easy to work up a sweat in summer temperatures.

Comfort is key and moisturewicking fabrics are recommended for workouts. Clothing that allows you to move freely is ideal, and tighter-fits are best for activities such as biking, dancing, running and yoga. In the Four Corners, shopping for athletic apparel is easy thanks to an abundance of specialty sporting goods stores.

BY HUNTER HARRELL

SHOES & SOCKS

HEADPHONES

WATER BOTTLE

TOWEL & TOILETRIES

While feet come in all shapes and sizes, most shoes are designed with their use in mind. There are some types of all-purpose athletic shoes that people often wear to the gym, but there are also a variety of shoes for specific activities like weight lifting, cross-training, cycling, hiking, running and rock climbing. The right footwear is beneficial for a more comfortable workout. Don’t forget socks.

Hydration is always important for function, and it is essential when working up a sweat.

Motivating music can turn a good workout into a great experience.

With wireless headphones rising in popularity, tangled cords are a thing of the past. So whether you like traditional large headphones or more modern earpods, it’s easier than ever to find a pair that fits your style and budget. Browse local electronics stores, smartphone carriers and major outlets for the best selection.

It’s very important to absorb excess sweat while working out. Using a towel helps reduce the risk of spreading bacteria which can cause acne or athlete’s foot. Because they must be washed after every use, it is important to find a durable towel.

HEALTHY SNACK

Drinking water carries nutrients through the body in addition to regulating the body temperature and lubricating joints.

A reusable water bottle is a must-have accessory for mountain living and onthe-go workouts.

Nutrition is as important as exercise to maintaining our well-being. A light bite after working out can help heal the body and keep blood sugar in check.

Consider tossing a few portable snacks in your gym bag, such as a banana, protein bar or some trail mix. Carbs, electrolytes, proteins and other nutrients boost our power and performance.

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Recipes BR E A KF A ST

DINNER

Fresh Melon Smoothie

Cold Cut Salad

For a family full of sandwich lovers, this salad is a big hit for a quick and cool summertime dinner after a long day in the sunshine.

Start the morning feeling refreshed with a cucumber melon and mint smoothie.

Servings: 6 ingredients:

Servings: 1 ingredients:

Cucumber, diced ½ cup melon 1 tablespoon chopping mint 1 scoop of hemp protein

8 ounces unsweetened almond milk ½ cup ice

directions: Add ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth.

¾ cups canola oil 2/3 cup tarragon vinegar ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon dried oregano ¼ teaspoon pepper ¼ pound fully cooked ham, chopped ¼ pound cooked turkey, chopped

¼ pound cooked roast beef, chopped ¼ pound thinly sliced hard salami ¼ pound sliced pepperoni 1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 Italian roll, cubed

directions: In a large bowl, mix together the canola oil, vinegar, salt, oregano

LUN C H

and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Add meats, lettuce, tomatoes, rolls and cheese, and toss to combine. Whisk dressing again before drizzling over salad and serving.

Deconstruct the classic spicy tuna roll for a fresh twist on a summer salad.

SNAC K

Spicy Tuna Roll Salad

Strawberry Banana Popsicles

Servings: 4 ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 can of tuna, drained ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ¼ cup greek yogurt 1 tablespoon Asian hot chili sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 pinch sugar 6 cups arugula 2 cups cooked brown rice 1 cucumber 1 avocado

directions: In large bowl, whisk together yogurt, chili sauce, lime juice,

soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar. Add arugula, rice, cucumber and avocado and toss to combine. Top with tuna and serve immediately.

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Stay cool this summer with sweet frozen fruit treats.

Servings: 6 ingredients:

1 pound strawberries, washed and stems removed 1 large ripe banana

½ cup vanilla yogurt ½ cup milk

directions: Add strawberries, banana, milk and yogurt to a blender and

process until smooth. Taste and add sweetener if desired. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for about six hours until firm.

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Heads Up HOW TO APPROACH HEAD INJURIES

I

BY GARETT DICKINSON t first happened at a friend’s birthday party when I was 7 or 8-years-old. I tried to go down a slip n’ slide while standing on my feet. Gravity had other plans. I fell and hit my head on the ground. I don’t remember that part, but I remember the splitting headache and immediate vomiting. I remember my pupils being tested for dilation and then staying awake for 24 hours.

This would be my first head injury, but not the last. I’ve bumped my head over the years, and accumulated a couple concussions in the process. As research into traumatic brain injuiries or TBIs advances, it's important to know how to prevent and recover from these types of injuries.

IMPACTS & INJURY

Inside a skull, the brain is surrounded with cerebrospinal fluid, which helps keep it safely cushioned inside our cranium. Impacts can cause the brain to twist or collide with the inside of its protective casing, potentially damaging cells and blood vessels. This is a very common cause of traumatic brain injuries or TBIs. Injuries from from blast pressure have also become common in the military. Though less understood overall, these injuries to the brain have been well documented. However, regardless of cause, a cautious recovery is paramount.

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Signs of TBI vary, and the absence of a concussion does not mean that an injury did not occur. Immediate signs of head trauma include, but are not limited to, dizziness, loss of consciousness, headache, confusion and nausea or vomiting. Those suffering long-term symptoms may experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability and more.

REST & RECOVERY

After experiencing head trauma, a few things can be critical in promoting recovery. Preventing a secondary injury to the already vulnerable brain is vital. This means avoiding activities that put you at risk to allow for proper healing before returning to regular recreation.

Staying hydrated during the recovery process will reduce inflammation.

Another option patients suffering from head injuries can seek is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Mountain Hyperbarics owner George Glass said HBOT increases the oxygen in the blood supply, promoting the development of new capillary beds in the injured area. In turn, this helps to heal the neurons and glial cells. Though the treatment is not currently approved by the FDA, many doctors across the nation are advocating for the treatment to be approved.

L I V I N G

Studies also show promise for some types of mushrooms to be used as a natural recovery tool. Founder of Colorado Mushroom Company Rayne Grant said some varieties, like Lion's Mane and those containing psilocybin and muscimol, have nerve growth factor inducing enzymes that safeguard nerve cells while promoting new nervous tissue. Although decriminalized in some U.S. cities, psilocybin and psilocin are still federally illegal.

USE YOUR HEAD

As with most health matters, prevention is key. Proper hydration not only helps with neurological processes, but also reduces inflammatory effects and assists in the proper functioning of our brain’s protective system. This helps diffuse impacts that occur.

Helmets are another crucial, but often neglected prevention measure.

When engaging in an activity where a helmet could be used for protection, it is vital to not only wear the helmet, but to be sure that it is appropriate for the activity, in good condition, sized correctly and secured properly.

Because information is power, it’s recommended that you seek prompt medical attention if you believe you may have suffered a TBI. A correct diagnosis can lead the way to a restful recovery, and modern technology allows us to retroactively check for some past injuries. It’s never too late to inquire with a professional about the health of your brain.

Aesthetics and Wellness of Durango is a premier Medical Spa offering the best anti-aging and rejuvenation treatments to restore your glow and slow the aging process. Botox, Dermal Fillers, Ultherapy Skin Tightening, PDO Thread Lift, Medical Grade Facials, Lasers, and more are some of the amazing treatments offered. www.aestheticsdurango.com

·

Sarah Packard Normand Chloe Lindsey, RN, BSN, Owner CLT, LE

555 Rivergate Ln Unit B2-134, Durango, CO

(970) 799-3610

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES AND POST CONCUSSIVE SYNDROME I. Every year nearly 2 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries and another 3.8 million reported concussions in the U.S. every year. Approximately 50% go unreported bringing the number to approximately 10 million.

II. The most common Physical symptoms are loss of consciousness, mild to severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, dilated pupils, loss of coordination, sleep disorders, convulsions, dizziness, fatigue, loss of balance, sensory symptoms, visual disruptions, ringing in the ears, loss of smell, and sensitivity to light and sound. Mentally, people may experience memory problems, inability to see words or read, speaking disorders, inability to write, mood swings, depression and anxiety and PTSD. III. HBOT helps prevent the premature death of brain cells due to oxygen deficiency in the tissues by dramatically reducing inflammation and oxygenating the blood supply with 100% pure oxygen. 80% of the conditions Mountain Hyperbarics treats are brain injuries.

100 Jenkins Ranch Rd, Suite D Durango, CO (970) 880-4799 mountainhyperbarics.com S U M M E R

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To register or find more information about the event, contact contest director Jordan Wildman at (970) 903-8509 or go to www.crossfitsoteria.com/bodostrongman-showdown.

News & Briefs WWC CONNECTS UNINSURED WITH LIFESAVING SCREENINGS

PARTICIPATE IN THE LOCAL WALK TO END ALZHIEMER’S

Axis Health System now offers a Women’s Wellness Connection program (WWC) in Montezuma County, which provides breast and cervical cancer screenings free of charge to women between age 20 to 64, living in Montezuma or Dolores counties if they are uninsured, underinsured or have Medicaid. Services include breast cancer screenings, cervical cancer screenings, pap tests, pelvic exams, mammogram referrals and access to health navigators.

All services are free to eligible patients.

The Alzheimer’s Association hosts an annual 2-mile walk to raise awareness and funds to support research efforts.

This year’s walk takes place Sept. 25.

Register online before the event or the day of the event at 10 a.m. at Rotary Park in Durango. The event begins with a short ceremony at 11 a.m. and the walk starts at 11:30 a.m. There is no cost to register, but donations are accepted. For more information, see www.alz.org.

STRONGMAN SHOWDOWN REGISTRATION OPEN

The annual WholeExpo, a forum for raising awareness of health and sustainability, will take place Sept. 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It brings a variety of holistic and ecological professionals, products, services and seminars to the La Plata County Fairgrounds, allowing attendees to engage with like-minded individuals. Admission is $5 for adults,

Registration is open to the public for the first Strongman Showdown on Aug. 14 hosted by Bodo Athletics. This nonsanctioned event begins at 9 a.m., and the cost to register is $60. It includes divisions for a variety of weight classes and awards for the top three participants.

ANNUAL WHOLEEXPO SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER

while children 12 and under get in for free, and the cost covers attendance for both days and includes all seminars.

Visitors can enjoy live music, educational events, samples of products and services and shopping opportunities. For more information about vendors and seminars, visit www.wholeexpo.com.

AXIS HEALTH SYSTEM OFFERS RESILIENCY PROGRAM

The Community Counseling Assistance Program (CCP) team took part in the Adult Resilience Curriculum (ARC) training provided by Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (MHTTC), acquiring new skills and credentials to teach other adults how to be more resilient. The curriculum covers six core concepts with special focus on identifying the relationship between stress and wellness, creating healthy environments, understanding personal values, adapting mindfulbased practices, making meaningful connections and establishing a customized personal wellness plan.

Those interested in learning more about ARC or receiving ARC training by the CCP team at Axis Health System can call (970) 828-6004.

CANCER CENTER CLINIC We are open for scheduled appointments

For nearly three decades, we have been the hub of Cancer and Hematology services in the Four Corners area.

We provide a complete range of diagnosis, chemotherapy, and support services.

Visit our website for more information. www.sanjuanoncology.com

970-335-9261 505-564-6850 1305 Escalante Dr., Unit 102 and 103 • Durango, CO 81303

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Located in a quiet residential neighborhood of Cortez, Colorado Madison House Assisted Living is designed for older adults who need a supportive setting that maintains their independence and personal choices in life.

MEDICAID ACCEPTED and ALL-INCLUSIVE PRIVATE PAY OPTIONS between $3,275 and $3,450

FEATURES:

• Affordable large and small units available for immediate move-in! • 24-hour staffing • Medication Administration • Personal care services • Home-cooked meals • Housekeeping • Wellness activities • Outdoor walking/ garden Areas • All Inclusive Pricing Starting at $3275 • Voted Best Assisted Living in Montezuma County for

10 years running!

To learn more and to apply, please visit seniorhousingoptions.org or call 970.565.2047

120 South Madison Street Cortez, CO 81321