Boosting Your Brain Function with Exercise

Brain function can diminish as we age. A report released by the Institute of Medicine suggests that maintaining physical activity can help preserve memory and attention as we get older. Studies show that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental abilities. They also show a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers believe that the benefits come from increased blood flow and an increase in brain-protecting chemicals. Exercise also seems to counter some of the reduction in brain connections that occur as we age. Doctors are not sure how these processes work or how effective exercise is in preventing mental decline, but they agree that exercise has many positive benefits for seniors and are hopeful that more research will lead to a better understanding of the mind-body connection.

Does Working Longer Help Your Brain?

While most people dread having to put off retirement, there may be a silver lining to working longer in life. Researchers at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research took a look at the health records of almost 500,000 self-employed workers. They found that there was a three percent reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease for each extra year worked after the age of traditional retirement.

Researchers have long known that there are several lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk of dementia. Those include a heart-healthy diet, exercise,  social engagement, and mental activities. They now believe that staying in the workforce can be added to this list.

Americans are slowly moving toward a later retirement age for many reasons. In a survey of 1,000 Americans, about one-third said they planned on  working until age 80 to provide for a comfortable retirement. This may seem to be a reluctant choice for many, but this new study gives some added incentive to those contemplating retiring later.

Cutting the Cost of Vet Care

Every good pet owner wants to provide the best care for their animal companion. But veterinary costs can add up, making it hard to afford quality care. There are some ways to keep costs down while making sure your beloved pet is taken care of. These tips can help save you money on your pet’s  health care.

Get regular check-ups. Don’t skip your pet’s annual exam in order to save money. It can end up costing you in the long run. Yearly exams are a great way to detect problems early instead of waiting for big problems to show up. You will also be giving your pet preventative care instead of only treating illnesses when they happen, which can be costly.

Feed your pet well. High-quality pet food can be more expensive, but will help keep your pet healthier throughout his or her life. This can save you money on health care costs. Also be sure to avoid overfeeding your pet. Not only is this wasting money, but it can cause obesity which can then lead to health problems.

Spay or neuter your pet. There are long-term benefits to spaying and neutering your pet, including a decrease in the risk of uterine, ovarian, and  testicular cancer. Many local shelters offer low-cost or even free spay and neuter services. Call your local shelter to find out if you qualify for reduced-cost services.

Consider pet insurance. Finally, if you know that treating your pet’s injuries or illnesses would be a financial hardship, you should consider   purchasing pet insurance. Getting this coverage when your pet is healthy will ensure that you are better able to meet your pet’s health care needs in the future.

Getting Enough ZZZs

Good rest is a cornerstone of good health. Numerous studies have shown the health benefits of adequate sleep. A chronic state of fatigue can result in more accidents, impairment in attention and reasoning, an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, and increased healing time from injury or illness.

As far as knowing how much sleep you need, there is no magic number. Different age groups need different amounts of sleep, but even within age groups, each person’s needs are individual. Research has shown that adults who get around seven hours of sleep have the best long-term health outcomes.

To increase your chances of getting a good night’s sleep, try to keep a regular schedule. Going to bed at the same time each night and rising in the morning at the same time helps your body know when to sleep and when to be awake. If you are feeling sleep-deprived, it is better to take a short afternoon nap than to sleep in late the next morning.

Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone that helps regulate sleep.  Its production can be altered if your day is spent out of sync with the natural changes in daily light. If you spend much of the day in an office away from natural light and then spend your evenings in front of a TV or computer screen, your body may not be producing melatonin correctly. To help correct this, try to get periods of natural sunlight during the day. At night, turn off artificial light from televisions and computers earlier in the evening.

If you’ve tried to get better sleep, but often feel tired during the day, it may be time for some help. A doctor that specializes in sleep disorders can offer  natural and medication-based strategies to help you get some needed rest.