Bout of Pneumonia Leads to Shocking Breast Cancer Diagnosis

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 73-year-old wife has been diligent in getting her mammograms done, plus blood tests and doctor’s visits every three months. In November 2021, she came down with what seemed like a very bad cold that was actually confirmed by X-ray to be pneumonia. After two rounds of different antibiotics, she had lost 35 pounds, and it left her with weakness and a lingering cough. A CT scan later indicated that she “either has cancer or had cancer in the past.”

Multiple tests later, it was determined that there was a tumor at the 12:00 position in her breast and a tumor in her stomach that had spread to her pelvis and bones in her legs. She started taking letrozole and Ibrance, and although extreme fatigue is the most common side effect, they appear to be working.

My question is, how could this initial breast cancer have gone undetected for some time with all of the regular testing and not set off alarms? As bad as the pneumonia was, it allowed her to receive a diagnosis of a disease that eluded detection by current screening methods and very good physicians. -- Anon.

ANSWER: I am so very sorry to hear about your wife. Breast cancer is not just one disease. We think of breast cancer as something that can be easily cured if it is found early, but if you wait too late, it becomes difficult or impossible to cure. Some breast cancers do act that way, but others are much more indolent -- they grow slowly and may never get to the point where they threaten a person’s life.

Unfortunately, there are some breast cancers that can become metastatic (spreading to different sites such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver or lungs) before they are detectable at all by even the most sensitive tests, such as a mammogram or MRI. By the time they are found, because of symptoms, they are incurable by surgery and require systemic treatments like chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

Most metastatic breast cancer is incurable, but newer treatments have improved life expectancy, with the average being three years. Screening for breast cancer is unable to save all lives. More effective treatment, in combination with regular screening, will be necessary to continue to progress against this horrible disease.

***

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

© 2023 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Albion

SummerSolsticeSoiree- June 23, 5-9pmatTheCobblestoneMuseum(14389RidgeRd.W,Albion) offersaneveningofmusic,art& conversationatthisSummerSolsticeevent.ExhibitsincludeVictorianMourningArt,TomZangerle artand19thc.paintingsbyseveral localartists.Glassofwineand scrumptiousnibblesincludedin ticketprice.$20Pre-sale/$25door. Call585-589-9013orvisitwww. cobblestonemuseum.orgformore informationandtopurchasetickets.

Attica

GolfingforGatewayHome Comfort Care attheQuietTimes GolfCourse.BasketAuction,Raffles,50/50.HeldThursday,July 27th.Startsat10am. Allproceeds fromtheeventswillbenefitGatewayHomeComfortCareinAttica.

JunkyardReunion-Antiqueand Classic CarShow attheVincent AlmeterMemorialPark,Varysburg. BasketAuction,50/50,Food.Held Sunday,July30thfrom11am-4pm. Allproceedsfromtheeventswill benefitGatewayHomeComfort CareinAttica.

StrawberrySocial! Trinity United MethodistChurch,75MainSt., AtticaonThursday,June22nd, 4pmuntilsoldout.MenutoincludeStrawberrySundae, StrawberryShortcake,HotDogs, Hamburgers,Sausage,Chicken Breast,BakedBeans,SaltPotatoes, MacaroniSaladandBeverages.Ala Carte.Eatinortakeout.Handicap Accessible.Questions, 585-813-4227.

Batavia

Homegrown!ConcertSeries 2023 - LivemusicconcertsatJacksonSquare,JacksonSt.inBatavia onJune23and30,2023from 6-9pm.Featuringupcomingtalentedyouthartists,localfavorite performersandoriginalmusic performancesbyOldHippies, Ghostridersandmanymore!

NYSPathThroughHistory: HLOM Warof1812Encampment- AspartofNewYorkState’s PathThroughHistory,theHolland LandOfficeMuseumwillbe hostingaWarof1812EncampmentSaturday,June17,10am4pm.Featuringreenactors, encampment,andotherdisplays bothinsideandoutsideofthe museum.Thereenactorsarefrom thelocalGeneseeMilitia,which wasstationedinBatavia.Batavia wasthelocationthatUSforcesand refugeesfromBuffaloretreatedto afterthevillageofBuffalowas burnedinDecember1813.The eventisincludedwithregular admissiontothemuseum.For othergreateventsvisit-https:// www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/ path-through-history/

FridayNightFoodTruckRodeo Batavia! June16th! Thesecond ofsixFridayNightFoodTruckRodeoisscheduledforFriday,June 16thattheGeneseeCountyFairgroundsinBatavia.FoodTrucks fromalloverWesternNewYork willbereadytoserveyoufrom4 PMuntil8PMorsoldout.Thisisa freeadmission,freeparking,cash onlyevent.StopinsayHiandgrab abitetoeat.FridayNightFood TruckRodeoissponsoredbyGeneseeCountyAgriculturalSociety, Inc.

2ndAnnualJudyRussellMemorial GolfTournament attheBataviaCountryClub.BasketAuction, Raffles,50/50!Saturday,July15thStartsat1pm. Allproceedsfrom theeventswillbenefitGateway HomeComfortCareinAttica.

Morganville Cemetery Association

Annual Meeting

Plot Owner Families & Friends

PLEASE JOIN US

7pm • ursday, June 29, 2023

We encourage you to attend to provide your input and learn how the cemetery operates.

Morganville United Church of Christ Community Building 8466 Morganville Rd, Sta ord, NY For information contact: Rick Branton, President 585-201-3145

Dine-To-DonateatSettler’s Family Restaurant tobenefit CrossroadsHouse.Tuesday,June 20,2023from4pm-8pm.Settler’s willdonate20%oftheevenings pre-taxreceiptstoCrossroads House.Settler’sislocatedat353 WestMainStreet,inBatavia. CrossroadsHouseis“AGiftToThe Community,MadePossibleByThe Community”www. crossroadshouse.com

HLOMJavawithJoeE.:Erica Wanecski, “Shopping Malls:From FountainstoFoodCourts”.The HollandLandOfficeMuseumis proudtoannouncethenextedition ofourJavawithJoeE.morning presentationseriesonThursday, June22at9am.Themuseum welcomesvolunteerandlocalpresenterEricaJoanWanecski,asshe presents,“ShoppingMalls:From FountaintoFoodCourts”onthe history,evolutionandfutureofthe shoppingmallsofWesternNew York,includingthemallherein Batavia.Admissionisfree,and donutsandcoffeewillbeprovided. Pleasecontactthemuseumat 585-343-4727or hollandlandoffice@gmail.comif youwouldliketoattend.

TheGeneseeAreaGenealogists will beholdingtheirnextmeeting onTuesday,June20at7pmatthe HollandLandOfficeMuseumin Batavia.Thespeakerwillbe RhondaHoffmanandhertopicwill be:YouhavedonetheDNAtest andgottenyourresults.NowWhat ??Comejoinusandlearnmore aboutthisfascinatingtopic.

Brockport

BrockportSymphonyOrchestra Outdoor SummerPopsConcertSunday,June25,2023,at4:00PM atTheMorgan-ManningHouse, 151MainStreetintheVillageof Brockport.DirectedbyJonathan Allentoff,thisfamilyconcertwill featurevocalartistsMaryWojciechowskiandMichaelDeLuca.Admissionisfree,anddonationswillbe gratefullyaccepted.Theaudienceis invitedtobringlawnchairsand blankets.Inthecaseofrain,the concertwillbeheldattheFirst PresbyterianChurchofBrockport, 35StateStreetintheVillageof Brockport.Foradditionalinformation,pleasevisitwww. brockportsymphony.org.

East Bethany

GuidedDogWalks-Bringyourbest friend forsomegreatsocialization andexerciseonaguideddogwalk throughthepark!Walkstakeplace onthefirstSaturdayofeachmonth fromApriltoAugust.Dogsmustbe keptonaleashatalltimes.Aggressivedogsarenotallowed!Genesee CountyPark&Forest,11095BethanyCenterRoad,EastBethany. InterpretiveNatureCenter,Feeis $5perdog;allproceedsbenefitthe GeneseeCountyAnimalShelter. Pre-registrationisrequiredbycalling(585)344-1122.

Elba

ElbaBettermentConcertsinthe Park 2023- Ourfirstconcertis Thursday,June29,featuringThe Nitetones.Thisawesomesixpiece bandfeaturesentertainerand croonerTommyPantone.You’re gonnawanttogetupanddance, butitwillalsobeagreatnightto justsitandlisteninourbeautiful VillagePark.So,bringachairand getreadyforarelaxing,funfilled night.Themusicstartsat6:30,but comeearlyandhavedinnerfrom ourfoodtrucks.BEST(BuildingElba SchoolTogether)willbethereservinguppopcorn,andour50/50 rafflewillbenefitthemandthe wonderfulactivitiestheyprovide forourECSstudents.

Leroy

SummerLunchforChildrenand Teens - St.Mark’sSummerLunch ProgramforchildrenandteensbeginsonMonday,June26for8 weeks.Freelunchesareservedat thechurch’ssidedooronChurch St.onMondays,Wednesdays,and Fridaysfrom11:45-12:45.“Nextdaylunches”arepackedwiththe mealsonMondaysand Wednesdays,andmenusare postedonline.Allarewelcome.St. Mark’sEpiscopalChurchislocated onthecornerofEastMainand ChurchSts.inLeRoy.Moreinfoat https://stmarksleroy.orgorbycalling585-768-7200.

MorningWalk- St. Mark’sEpiscopalChurch,1EastMainSt., LeRoywillbehostingaMorning WalkonSunday,July2at9:15am. Thisneighborhoodwalkwillbe underamileandcanbewalkedat yourownpace.Itwillincludetidbitsoflocalhistory,ascavenger huntforchildren,andrefreshments following.Allarewelcome!Meet atthesidedooronChurchSt. Futurewalksareplanned.https:// stmarksleroy.orgor585-768-7200 formoreinformation.

Oakfield

“We’veOnlyJustBegun”Sr. Luncheon (Open tothepublic) June20,2023attheSo.Alabama Firehall11:30-1:30pm.ALUMNI Celebration!Juneisgraduation month,sowearegoingtocelebrateALUMNIthisyear.Please bringANYGradeSchoolpictureof yourselfandwewilltrytomatch everyoneuptotheirpicture.Wear yourschoolcolors,bringmemorabilia,etc.etc.Comeandbringyour favoritedish-to-passandenjoy lunchandafternoonoffunwith oldandnewfriends.ContactpersonLaNoraThompson(630) 888-8966.

Father’sDayRetroJam& Musician’s Reunion! SUNDAY, JUNE18th,2023-“LIVE”MUSIC 1PM-7PM.Foodavailableforpurchase-BYOlawnchair,coolerand popup.Hostedby:TheCommittee ofAreaMusiciansandTheOakfield RodandGunClub.Location:The OakfieldRodandGunClub,3199 MaltbyRd.,Oakfield.Bands appearing:GhostRiders,TheDoubleImageBand,FrontPorchPickers,Rock-A-Bully’s,Prospect, SoundsGoodandBadSign. Band schedulesubjecttochange.GOOD FANS,GOODFAMILIES,GOOD FOOD,GOODMUSIC,GOOD FRIENDS,GOODTIMES!Donations acceptedfortheCenterFor H.O.P.E.-supportingourveterans.

Oakfield

Yoga: Come joinusonWednesday eveningsat6:00pmforYoga. Theseclasseswillhelpincreaseyour balanceandstrengthandareFREE thankstoanawardfromUnivera. HeldatTheGOOSECommunity Center,33SouthMainSt.,Oakfield.http://www. warriorhouseofwny.com

Pavilion

TheGeneseeValleyCivilWar

Roundtable willmeetWednesday

June21at7pmatthePavilion UnitedMethodistChurchatthe cornerof63&19inPavilion.Joyce Thompson-HoveywilldoapresentationonLincoln’sHighTech War.Comejoinus.

55+SeniorLuncheon- Join uson Thursday,June29that11:30amat thePavilionFireHall.Pleasebring yourplate,utensils,drink,anddish topass.Nodesserts.Everyseniorin thesurroundingareasarewelcome.

Spring forever appears the soothing music part of lyrics unspoken. It thaws the frozen fears, mends the wounded heart that Winter has broken.

~Aarno Davidson

Stafford

LeRoyStaffordSeniorCitizens

May Luncheon -Willbeon Wednesday,June21stat12:30PM atOurLadyofMercyParishCenter, 44LakeStreet,LeRoy.Lunchwillbe providedalongwithdessert,ata costof$5perperson.Pleasebring yourownbeverage.Entertainment tofollow.ContactRosemary #506-5233,Lucy#721-6073orSue #861-0422.

TheStaffordHistoricalislooking fornewmembers. Doyou likehistory,wanttohearandlearn moreaboutourtownandarea? Wehaveashortprogramonthe 4thWednesdayofthemonthat 7pmintheTownHallonRt237, pleasecomecheckusout.Formore informationcallLindaat 585-409-6191.Hopeyoucanjoin us!

York

68thAnnualYorkLeicesterField Day andFireworks -Saturday,July 1st(raindateJuly2nd).The communitysponsoredeventis scheduledfrom7to11pmonthe groundsofYorkCentralSchool andfeaturesgames,prizes,music, refreshmentsandfreetreatsfor youngsters.Admissionisfreebut donationsareappreciatedatthe gatesorstands.Asuperfireworks displaywillbeginatdusk.The eventishandicappedaccessible.No alcoholicbeverages,smoking,pets, oroutsidevendorsarepermitted ontheschoolgrounds.Formore info.:Betty585-243-0184,Bill 585-382-3460orConnie 585-243-4042.Bringalawnchair orblanketandenjoyourcelebrationofIndependenceDay.

GUIDELINES FOR HOMETOWN EVENTS:

Events should occur on a specific date at a specific time. Due to the increasing number of submissions, we will no longer be able to publish the following items:

• Businesses/schools seeking registration for classes or program

• Organizations seeking crafters or vendor

• Organizations seeking donations of items

Genesee Valley Penny Saver reserves the right to approve/reject events for publication. Events are published as space allows.

Event deadline is Monday, 2 weeks prior to publication date

REGISTER AND SUBMIT YOUR EVENT ONLINE AT Log in to your account or register on our website to start submitting your events today! www.gvpennysaver.com under ‘Share With Us’

Events may also be submitted at: 1471 Route 15, Avon, NY 14414

•Non-Smokingcomplex

•Seniors62yearsorolder&disabled/handicapped (18yearsorolder)

•1&2bedrooms/Accessibleunitsavailable

•Limitedsubsidizedrentalavailabletoquali edapplicants

•Incomelimitsapply•Professionallymanaged

•Laundryfacilitieson-site/off-streetparking/Communityroom

•Appliancesincluded:fridge,electricstove

•Weacceptsection8vouchers

•1smallpetwelcomewithrestrictions&deposit

•Wemaintainlandscaping,trashremoval,commonareacleaning &snowremoval

“Equalopportunityprovider&employer”

TABLETOP GAS BBQ PRO GRILL. Good condition. Just needs cleaning: 585-671-2598

PLAYER PIANO w/BENCH and MUSIC ROLLS. Geneseo area. Must be picked up: 585-243-4894

DOUBLE KNIT FABRICS and RIBBINGS, 12 pounds, including some reds, blues, kid prints: 585-584-3015

KIMBALL PUMP ORGAN works; needs TLC. Beautiful case and seat. It was a great family instrument! You pick up: 585-624-9169

Several EGG CARTONS. Geneseo area. You pick up: 585-243-2173

Used brown camo SOFA/HIDE-A-BED & RECLINER. Great for cabin, college apt. You pick up. Text only: 585-813-4270

High quality Kate Farms NUTRITIONAL DRINK (like Ensure or Boost). Vanilla flavor. Approx. 200 11oz containers. Exp Nov 2023: 585-451-8868

CPAP MACHINE, approx. 10 years old. In working condition - includes case and related accessories: 315-871-8312

Box of MEDICAL NEWSLETTERS (Mayo Clinic, UCLA & Cleveland Clinic). NUTRITION

ACTION MAGAZINES and an envelope of OLD RECIPES. Fairport: 585-388-0318

Several swatches of ASSORTED FABRIC, YARN, KNITTING NEEDLES, EMBROIDERY THREADS and a large bag of assorted SILK FLOWERS. E. Pembroke area: sbly5722@gmail.com

CANON PRINTER INKS box set, also have separate box of the 220PGBK ink: dsmith60@rochester.rr.com

Old AT&T PUSH BUTTON PHONE from 1990s, perhaps someone likes nostalgic items: dsmith60@rochester.rr.com

4” aluminum 90-degree adjustable ELBOW DRYER PIPE: dsmith60@rochester.rr.com

GUITAR MAGAZINES dating back to the ‘90s. Also, SMITHSONIAN and FINGER LAKES MAGAZINES: 585-229-2100

Eleven boxes of 12x12 GREY TILES, 10 in each box: 585-743-5773

Old ESQUIRE MAGAZINES, January 2008 to September 2010. Good condition: 585-671-2598

BABY GRAND PIANO with BENCH. 585-739-0888

Assorted size OLDER WINDOWS from old barn. One lg crank out, six lg skylights, ass’t others & panes. TEXT: 585-354-3346

CERAMIC and CLAY FLOWERPOTS, GARDEN TOOLS, MIRACLE GROW, POTTING SOIL, MULCH, and more! Pick up, Fairport: 585-388-0318

Oldies but goodies – large collection of VHS TAPES, DVDs and CDs: 585-582-2011

DOCK SECTIONS - Sixteen 10’ long pressure treated with legs. Pick up Conesus: 585-346-2390

VARIETY OF CRAFT ITEMS. Pick up Lima: 585-624-2633 or najhedanglis@gmail.com

Working WINDOW AIR CONDITIONING UNITS for refugee family in Canandaigua area. Text or call: 585-754-1275

Looking for an ATV or DIRT BIKE that is running or not for father son project. Call/Text Matt: 315-576-1278

CPAP MACHINE, used or unwanted, for low-income senior with sleep apnea: 585-506-8125

GOLF PUSHCART: ndirisio@verizon.net

VINTAGE MOOG ANALOG SYNTHESIZERS & ACCESSORIES. Parts or whole, working or not. Mini, Micro, Sonic, Taurus, & Poly: 585-599-3142

TWIN BED FRAME with HEAD/FOOT BOARD FUTON in good condition. For refugees in Canandaigua area. Call or text: 585-754-1275

Food grade 55-GALLON BARRELS WITH LIDS: rsmckernan@frontiernet.net

WEBER GRILL you are no longer using. Call or text Matt: 315-576-1278

CPAP. Gently used: 585-313-4315

VINTAGE ELECTRONICS - Tubes, tube testers, stereo equipment, Vintage radios, test equipment, speakers, turntables, Ham Radio, Advertising, Early TVs, records, communication, parts: greg3151@ymail.com

Elderly disabled mechanic looking for a good VEHICLE to go to doctor appts., grocery shopping, etc. Minor repairs okay: 585-883-7387

BOX TRAILER and working MINI FRIDGE: 585-323-1762 (leave message)

Old TABLETOP MANUAL MEAT GRINDER in useable condition (sometimes worded vintage): 585-201-6001

Two disabled veterans would like a CAMPER TO FIX UP: dobstarczyk@hotmail.com

COOPERSTOWN DREAMS PARK TRADING PINS and DISPLAY BOOK for granddaughter who will play in one tournament this summer: 585-334-6134

Looking for a decent GARAGE DOOR, 85”x9’: 585-298-0040

TRUCK for low-income Senior Citizen. Road-worthy, for transportation of elderly mother, and general handy work/yard work. Soon to be urgent need! 585-483-1054

Looking for CLEAN PINE NEEDLES: 585-520-3819

Looking for any OLD/NEW VIDEO GAMES/CONSOLES or COMPUTERS. High school student looking to learn. Can be working/not working. Text 585-450-1172

FOLD-UP TREADMILL. Can pick up: Breit11763@gmail.com

All DC and MARVEL COMIC BOOKS; any year, any issue, any condition: timpani_m@yahoo.com

MANNEQUIN or MANNEQUINS. Used or unwanted for school project. Will pick up: stujaxon@yahoo.com

THE CHOSEN SERIES: braduns@yahoo.com

Small SUV or PICKUP needed for disabled veteran for transport to appointments and errands: bhaizlip@rochester.rr.com

Guidelines:

Submissions published as space allows. We reserve the right to decline/edit/omit info. We assume no responsibility for submissions. Submissions must include phone # or email. Noncommercial use only. 20 word limit. Please call to remove listing once item is taken/received.

Submit at www.gvpennysaver.com under Share With Us - Give & Take or call 226-8111 x 111

CHIMNEY/REPAIR

CLIP & SAVE

$250 off any new stove or fireplace purchase Expires 7-2-23. Some restrictions apply.

RegencyFireplaceCo.com

We're a full line Regency dealer. Call for appointment. We o er sales and service on wood, gas, & pellet stoves. Chimney cleaning, crowns, liners, dampers, caps. 42' li service.

Call/Text: 585-356-5567 dhw202@yahoo.com fireplaceandchimneyservice.com

CLIP & SAVE

Portable vs. Standby Generators

Prepare your home for a power outage (Family Features) Understanding the distinction between these options will help any family determine which is the better choice for their home.

• A portable generator is an immediate, but temporary, solution. A portable gas generator is less expensive than a standby unit and doesn’t require installation time. Its benefits have limits, as it can only power a few home appliances for a few hours before needing refueling.

• A standby generator with an automatic transfer switch provides a seamless and permanent backup power solution. It is professionally installed outside the home and can power more of your home’s appliances for long periods of time. Powered by natural gas or liquid propane, recent power management technology has allowed homes to still receive whole-house backup electricity, but with a smaller, more affordable generator than in years past.

George Herbert

With an emergency kit on hand and the right backup power source available, the frustration of weathering a storm can be greatly lessened.

CNC Tree Service

DID YOU KNOW?

Hiring a landscape architect may beasmartmoveforhomeowners who are planning major overhauls of their properties. “The Operational Outlook Handbook” defines a landscape architect as “a person who designs parks, outdoor spaces of campuses, recreational facilities, private homes, and other open areas.” Landscape architects typically must be licensed and many hold degrees in landscape architecture from accredited schools. Architects who work on residential spaces often work with homeowners to design gardens, plantings, stormwater management, and pools. Landscape architects design spaces to do more than merely look good. Designs also are about functionality and meeting the needs of the homeowner. Outdoor spaces are designed after considering what the homeowner wants to experience and how homeowners want to use a given space. Landscape architects often do not plant and maintain these spaces. Rather, architects collaborate with other landscaping professionals to produce the final results.

$290,000 (B1475601)

UNDER

Open House!

Sat. 6/17 12-2pm

3470 Drake St. Rd., Oak eld Country Ranch on nearly 1 acre. Features include 2 bedrooms & 2 remodeled full baths, central air, gas replace, w/b stove & backup generator. ree-car garage w/ workspace & shelving. Large backyard with shed. Other updates include a Trex front deck, granite countertops & hickory cabinets, metal roof in 2022, all new windows in 2012, attic insulated in 2019, and much more.

$249,900 (B1477254)

Jaden Ohlson (585) 993-1220

Open House!

Sat. 6/17 11am-1pm

7506 Lewiston Rd, Oak eld. Ranch in the town of Oak eld with stamped concrete patio & fenced backyard. Remodeled kitchen w/granite countertops & so close cabinets. Bathroom with tiled shower & oating bathtub. Partially nished basement. Updates include metal roof, furnace/central air & double wide blacktop driveway.

$199,000 (B1476844)

Aryne Abdella (585) 815-5949

BRAIN-HEALTHY HABITS TO EMBRACE

Cognitive decline is a condition that is often associated with aging, but even middle-aged people can experience memory loss or cognition issues.

The Alzheimer’s Association says that more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. By 2050, that number could rise to as high as 16 million people. More than 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, says the Canadian Alzheimer’s Association.

Although there is no definitive way to prevent dementia, living a long, vibrant life may be possible by encouraging some healthy habits for the brain. It is never too late or too early to begin health and lifestyle changes.

Exercise: Becoming more active can improve brain volume, reduce risk for dementia and improve thinking and memory skills. The journal Neurology found that older people who vigorously exercise performed better on cognitive tests than others of the same age, placing them at the equivalent of 10 years younger. Increased blood flow that occurs with physical activity may help generate new neurons in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with learning and memory.

The Harvard Medical School says aerobic exercise may help improve brain tissue by improving blood flow and reducing the chances of injury to the brain from cholesterol buildup in blood vessels.

Quit smoking: The Alzheimer’s Association indicates that evidence shows smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline. Smoking can impair blood flow to the brain and cause small strokes that may damage blood vessels.

Eat healthy foods: Foods that are good for the heart and blood vessels also are good for the brain. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Neurologists state that, while research on diet and cognitive function is limited, diets, such as Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to a lower risk of cognitive issues.

Consume caffeine: Caffeine may help boost memory performance and brain health. A Journal of Nutrition study found people ages 70 and older who consumed more caffeine scored better on tests of mental function than those who consumed less caffeine. Caffeine may help improve attention span, cognitive function and feelings of well-being. Information from Psychology Today also indicates caffeine may help in the storage of dopamine, which can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. In addition, compounds in cocoa and coffee beans may improve vascular health and help repair cellular damage due to high antioxidant levels.

Work the brain: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can create new brain connections and more backup circuits, states Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. Working the brain through puzzles, reading and participating in social situations can stimulate the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule essential for repairing brain cells and creating connections between them.

A good way to combine these lifestyle factors is to take an exercise class with friends, mixing the social, stimulation and exercise recommendations together.

Cognitive decline can come with aging, but through healthy habits, people can reduce their risk of memory loss and dementia.

Influential Jazz Musicians

Scott Joplin (c. 1868-1917): Born into a musical family that included his mother, a singer and banjo player, and his father, a violist, Scott Joplin grew up in Texarkana, learning to play the guitarandlaterthepianoatavery youngage.BythetimeJoplinwas a teenager, he was working as a traveling musician and eventually becametheforemostcomposerof ragtimejazz.Biography.comnotes that Joplin was a true student of music, studying at the George R. Smith College for Negroes in Missouriduringthe1890s.Though one of history’s most celebrated jazz musicians, Joplin also composedballetsandoperas.

PAW’S CORNER

By Sam Mazzotta

My Cat Follows Me Everywhere

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I adopted a cat from a shelter just before anksgiving of last year. Blue is a beautiful boy who settled right into my home. He’s very well socialized and doesn’t even claw the furniture. However, he follows me everywhere! Even to the bathroom -- I have to close the door in his face. At night, he meows and paws at my bedroom door. He runs under the bed when I leave the house, and he sulks for quite a while when I return. How can I stop his clingy ways? -- Beth in Syracuse, New York

DEAR BETH: ere’s a ne line between “cuddly” and “clingy,” and Blue has hopped right over it. If it helps, know that you’re not alone. Studies over the past decade show that cats bond to their humans much more strongly than we thought. Underneath that aloof exterior is a loyal heart of gold.

Cats who’ve had to spend time in a shelter may become overly clingy once they reach their forever home. ey’re nally with a forever family, and they don’t want to let go! It’s also tempting to give in to their demands for treats or to take over your bedroom to make up for their lost time.

Keep enforcing boundaries, but try to introduce positive stimuli before and a er you shut him out of the bathroom or bedroom. Two important factors to be aware of are: 1. A daily routine and 2. Combatting boredom. Commit to spending time with your cat before leaving for work, a er returning and before going to bed. Incorporate play, using toys or laser pointers that he can chase.

Don’t give up. You and Blue will gure out a routine and comfort level that works for both of you. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.