PATIENT POWER Health Insights for Seniors, Loved Ones and Caregivers
Heart Risks = Alzheimer’s Risks New info from the American Heart Assoc. (AHA), says middle agers who have issues that increase heart risks (e.g., smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure) are increasing Alzheimer’s risk. See: http:// bit.ly/2mggsj5
Exercise Can Help Brain After Stroke… A study found the right poststroke physical fitness—in as little as 12 weeks—can improve brain function. See: http:// bit.ly/2mgG93o
…But Why Wait? Another study found that even if arteries narrow, certain blood vessels can reroute healthy circulation. The key: exercise! Exercising mice ultimately had the same abundance of collateral vessels at their age 70 as those only age 16. (Different ages in mouse years of course!) So ask your doc about safe aerobics for you before stroke. See: http:// bit.ly/2mgDK8L
Patient Power
photo: JayPitsby on Flickr.com
Celebrating the American Red Cross It was March of 1943 and the world (almost literally) was at war. In yet another amazing burst of genius, FDR issued the first “Presidential Proclamation” naming it “Red Cross Month.” On their website, the American Red Cross notes that it brings “help and hope to people in need,” and they do so “every eight minutes.” Wow! They don’t do it alone. Volunteers at various levels play crucial roles hither and yon. Whether you can be amazingly physical or need other roles, trust me; they’re there. Here are a few: 1. Give blood—One of their best-known (and always critical) needs. Whether it’s due to something genetic (like sickle cell anemia) or accidents or reasons not totally clear (like certain types of cancer), the ARC notes “every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.” Every two seconds! No matter where you are in the U.S., there are centers for blood donations of all kinds. 2. Get Medical Training—No, you don’t have to be a doctor. But how about basic First Aid? Bee stings, sunburn, nosebleeds, WM Medical Communications
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