Fitness Manager’s Message

COGNITIVE health

Allison Adams Fitness Manager

When we speak of cognition and cognitive health, we’re referring to brain health. Maintaining a healthy and functioning brain is a priority for quality of life. Brain health therapies are more prominent in recent years, as growing awareness of the many forms of dementia are garnering focus by the scientific community. According to the Oxford dictionary, cognition is “the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses”. As we age, many of us experience changes in our cognitive health, usually when we start to see lapses in our short-term memory, however, there are many processes that can be modified as we age, including attention, language, learning, memory, perception, speed and reasoning of thought.

What does cognition have to do with our physical health? Well, Physical exercise spares age-related loss of brain tissue and enhances functional aspects in the control of cognition (https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC3951958/). It’s relevant to point out that the World Health Organization differentiates physical exercise from physical activity in relation to the topic of maintaining or improving cognitive health. It defines physical exercise as “a subcategory of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and has as a final or an intermediate objective, the improvement or maintenance of one or more components of physical fitness” (https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC5934999/). According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there is much evidence to show that physical exercise “affects brain plasticity, influencing cognition and wellbeing” (Weinberg and Gould, 2015; for review see Fernandes et al., 2017), As a gene regulator, exercise generates structural changes in the brain. You may be familiar with the term, neuroplasticity. It’s become more common to hear this term in current TV commercials promoting a pill to maintain or enhance memory. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s modification to experiences. It refers to the formation and reorganization of synaptic connections through the brain’s experiences. In other words, neuroplasticity can reset our internal systems. Biologically, physical exercise enhances oxygen levels through improved blood circulation throughout the brain. Psychologically, physical exercise is known to decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, hostility, and headaches. Why do we see cognitive decline as we age? Science reports that cognitive decline in aging can be attributed to medical illness, psychological factors, genetic, vision and auditory impairments, as well as lifestyle choices. Those who are more consistently active in life are shown to retain higher cognitive function than non-active persons; those higher fit individuals process information more quickly.

What kind of exercise should we do to positively impact our cognitive health? Aerobic activity has shown to have a larger influence on improved memory and cognition than strengthtraining, not surprising, considering the health benefits of higher oxygen transmission via robust blood circulation, and developed through consistent aerobic practice. Studies have shown that higher intensity exercise increases cognitive health over lower-intensity. It’s important to point out, however, that the key is consistent movement to deliver cognitive benefits. Some may need to start with gentler exercises such as T’ai Chi or Chi-Gong. That’s okay as long as there is a beginning. Although often not as vigorous as many aerobic methods, yoga is proven to be a positive tool to prevent cognitive decline due to its focus on body awareness and meditative nature. If you are starting out slower, over time higher intensity exercise like walking, running, dancing, and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) are great choices. The goal is to be consistent.

The True Meaning BEHIND OUR COMMUNITY

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE, AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS?

The gift of giving is ever-present across the world, including our community. We’ve received some of the greatest gifts. From our Billy Casper and Steve Nash championship golf courses to our state-of-the-art Fitness Centers and Pools, and so much more. We’ve been given the present of living life to the fullest in a resort-like community, thanks to our hard-working staff and volunteers.

YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT

With all the glitz and glam of our offerings, it’s important to understand the true meaning behind our community in order to truly appreciate our vibrant home. It all starts with participation and leadership. With the help of our dedicated volunteers and staff to keep our community a place where members are proud to call home, seven elected individuals lead our community forward, known as the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors makes important, impactful decisions that provide us with some of the greatest gifts we are presented year-round.

GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

This holiday season, four positions on the Board of Directors will soon become available. Consider running for the Board of Directors and receive the gift of giving back to the community. Follow our story for an inside look on what makes our community unique and how you can participate.

WHO

A community run by residents.

Formerly part of Del Webb and later on Pulte, our members adopted Sun City Grand, and is now governed by our community Board of Directors. Each Board member is a resident homeowner, just like you. Day-to-day operations are carried out by our Community Association Management (CAM) team of experienced professionals, headed by our General Manager, who in turn reports to the Board of Directors.

WHAT

The Board of Directors are seven members who work together on behalf of all community members for the greater good.

The Board of Directors provides executive leadership and strategic governance. They oversee the community's short- and long-term goals, including major projects and infrastructure improvements, such as community enhancements, land use, finances, and strategic planning. Each director is elected to serve a two-year term, and this year, four directors are up for re-election.

WHEN

Beginning on December 1st, 2021, Board application packets will be available at the Membership Desk inside the Palm Center,

Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and also available on Suncitygrand.com on the GET Bubble located on the homepage. If you are considering running for the Board, come out to our breakfast with current Board members on December 8th to learn more about what it’s like to be on the Board of Directors (must RSVP by noon on December 3rd to Theresa.fleck@scgcam.com). View the 2022 Board Election Calendar for events, dates, and deadlines.

WHERE Beginning on January 24th, 2022.

Voting will begin electronically at 12:01 AM, and paper ballots will be available at the Membership Desk in the Palm Center, Monday through Friday, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM until January 31st, 2022, when voting ends,

WHY Hear from our current and former Board of Directors on how being part of the Board has impacted their lives.

Earle Greenberg, current Board President

Being on the Board has created many new friendships for me as we all work together toward making our community the best that it can be and successfully carry it forward for the next 20+ years.

Rene Mitchell, current Board Member

Volunteering to serve our community is a privilege. It's an opportunity to apply my past skills and knowledge and a way to give back to the community.

Carol White, current Board Member

I enjoy being able to look at the community as a whole, with all our competing interests and ideas, and trying to figure out how to best serve those needs and desires as we go forward.

Ellie Brooks, former Board President

Without a doubt, you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your community when you serve on the Board.

Be part of our community story by running for the Board of Directors and/or voting during our Board election. GET the latest updates by signing up for our News of the Day online at www.suncitygrand.com.

2022 BOARD ELECTION CALENDAR

SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Dec. 1 Wed Application Packets Available at the Membership Desk Daily 8:00am-4:00pm or on SCG Website

DATE DAY FUNCTION TIME

Dec. 8 Wed Breakfast with the Present Board & Potential Board Candidates only. 9:00am-10:30am RSVP to: theresa.fleck@scgcam.com no later than 12 noon Dec.3 Palm Center Lobby

Dec. 31 Fri Record Date of Voter Eligibility

Jan. 7 Fri Required Candidate Meeting: Palo Verde Room–Sonoran Plaza. 10:00am Attendance Is Required to be Considered as a Board Candidate

Jan. 10 Mon Application Deadline-Return to Membership Desk–Submit Online 12 Noon Electronic Statement; Written Statement and Flyers Due for Approval. Photos taken by Communications Department–Appointments to be Announced.

Jan. 11 Tue General Manager Completes Certification of Candidates

Jan. 13 Thu Campaign Begins – All Candidates info up on Website. Jan. 18 Tue Q & A — In-Person Sonoran Ballroom 7:00pm

Jan. 20 Thu “Happy Hour” with the Candidates–Village Center–Candidates will 3:30pm-5:30pm be Available to Meet with Residents to Answer their Questions In an Informal Setting.

Jan. 24 Mon Voting Begins Electronically: 12:01am

Paper Ballots are Available at the Membership Desk in Palm Center 1:30pm-3:30pm Only until Voting Ends @ 12:00 Noon on January 31, 2022 Monday through Friday

Jan. 31 Mon Voting Ends: Mail-In Paper Ballots Must be Received by Vote Now 12:00 Noon EST by 12:00 Noon EST;

Drop Off Paper Ballots: Return to the Palm Center Membership Desk 12:00 Noon by 12:00 Noon Arizona Time; Arizona Time

Deadline for Voting Electronically is also Jan. 31 by 12:00 Noon Arizona Time 12:00 Noon Arizona Time

Feb. 1 Tue Results Announced via “News Of The Day”

Feb. 3 Thu Cadidate Debrief: Palo Verde Room–Sonoran Plaza 10:00am

We are looking for SCG men and women volunteers to help with Vacation Watch and Evening Patrol. We will supply vehicles and training. Call (CAM) 623-546-7468 or the C.H.A.P.S. office 623-546-7553 and leave a message if you are interested in joining us! You may also find more information about C.H.A.P.S. (including an application form to join) at suncitygrand.com – volunteer central – C.H.A.P.S. Resident Patrol

KEEPING US SAFE

Our Surprise Police Department is committed to maintaining a safe community by providing extraordinary law enforcement service with an emphasis on professionalism, accountability, and respect. They do their part, we can do ours too!

The volunteers in C.H.A.P.S. care, perhaps more than most, about the safety of all of us here in our little piece of paradise, Sun City Grand. It isn’t a coincidence that our neighborhoods are safer than most. They are safer, because you take the time to look out for your neighbors and volunteers to be of service to your neighbors by joining us in C.H.A.P.S. As the weather cools, and we open our windows and doors and enjoy the fresh air there are some common sense things you can do to stay safe. n Make sure your security door is locked during the day. n Make sure you’ve locked all windows and doors before you go to bed. n Don’t spread your business to strangers.

The good guys may be listening to you about your next trip, but so are the bad ones.

n Be cautious about trades people you let into your home and do not leave them alone in your home. If you do hear something go bump in the night, remember that you can keep your extra key fob on your nightstand. If you hear your neighbor’s horn go off, call 9-1-1, your neighbor is in crisis! Likewise, if your neighbors hear your horn blaring, they will call 9-1-1 for you! This easy alarm system is a great idea especially for those who live alone. If you would like to join us, at a C.H.A.P.S. meeting, we meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1:30 P.M. in the Sonoran Plaza (the exception is December, we do not meet in December). You can also find out more about C.H.A.P.S. by visiting Volunteer Central https:// www.suncitygrand.com/grandlifestyles/volunteer-central Be safe out there!

NOTES FROM FACEBOOK ON CAR ALARM

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn if off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. After a few seconds, all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. P.S. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. This may save a life!

*C.H.A.P.S.: Community Homeowner Association Patrol Service C.H.A.P.S. MEETS THE 4TH TUESDAY EVERY MONTH (except December) AT 1:30 P.M. IN THE SONORAN PLAZA. EVERYONE IS WELCOME. MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH C.H.A.P.S.