Some stress is natural and can actually be helpful. However, when too much stress begins to affect you on a daily basis it can become damaging to your health. Take a look at the following video from Ted Ed which explains how chronic stress can affect your brain and your overall health.
Books Can Boost Your Health
There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. Reading is something we encourage in children from a very young age for many reasons including building language skills, developing speech and more. Taking time to read is something we should continue to encourage, especially in our adult years. From cognition to mental health and everything in between, reading has fantastic benefits at all ages. Take a look at the following from Alive Magazine that delves deeper into the health benefits of reading.
Online Autism Resources
Check out Interacting With Autism, a fantastic resource dedicated to information about Autism or other Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Be There For Someone Who is “Still Here”
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in 2011, 747,000 Canadians were living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias – which represents 14.9 per cent of Canadians 65 and older. January is Alzheimer’s Awareness month and the Alzheimer Society has launched a powerful campaign reminding us to be there for those who are “Still Here.” Check out this campaign and learn about the many ways to be there for someone you care about.
The Gifts of Music
Studies show that playing a musical instrument, at any skill level, can benefit your health in many ways including: lowered stress, increased concentration, heightened math and reading skills, and more. However, access to musical instruments can be difficult based on cost and availability.
Learn how one man’s legacy is inspiring instrument lending libraries across Canada aimed at helping others gain access to this excellent and healthy hobby.
The Globe and Mail: Instrument-lending programs spreading at libraries across Canada
Reducing Cognitive Decline
The following interview with Dr. Heather Snyder, Director of Medical and Scientific Operations at the Alzheimer’s Association, discusses some of the things to focus on for brain health, improving memory, and reducing cognitive decline as you age.
Is Multi-Tasking Good For You?
We all multi-task from time to time and while many feel this can improve productivity and their mental abilities, the following from Inc. Magazine states otherwise. Check out the following article and let us know if you agree or disagree.
Eating Well Can Reduce Cognitive Decline
Eating well is important at all stages of life for many reasons. As we age, healthy eating becomes increasingly important to lower risk of heart disease, reduce the risk of diabetes, provide energy– the benefits are endless. And now, a new study shows that eating well as you age can help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Check out the following from CBC Hamilton which discusses the study in depth and provides additional motivation to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet.
CBC Hamilton: Healthy diet for seniors tied to lower risk of cognitive decline
Pack A Balanced School Lunch
Today most elementary schools in Ontario have a “balanced day” lunch. This means that instead of the traditional long lunch period mid-day, students have 2 nutrition breaks allowing them to eat in the morning and afternoon. This is helpful for both the mind and body as it helps regulate blood sugar, continuously fuel bodies, and heighten concentration. The following from Eat Right Ontario discusses more of the benefits of a balanced day lunch program and provides you with helpful tips for packing a healthy lunch each and every day.
Eat Right Ontario: Food for a Balanced School Day
Music and Memory
Music is extremely powerful. Music can rev you up, or quiet you down. It can be linked to certain memories, and become the soundtrack of your future. Music can also be therapeutic. Check out the following from Dr. Sanjay Gupta to see how music is working to bring back memories and improve cognition in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.