Page 3 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - August 2019 - 26-08
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NUTRITION IMPACTS BRAIN HEALTH
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
Nutrition impacts just about everything we do from the way we digest food to companionship. It can have an impact on chronic conditions as well as helping to reduce risk for others. It also means that our food choices may vary signifi- cantly based on intent. The bottom line is that the food we consume can be beneficial to our system or can create challenges.
• “Feel” like eating that food.
• Want to feel emotionally better.
• You’re bored.
• Eating is what you do when watching TV. • You’re hungry and you want what’s easy. • Food is your emotional savior.
• Someone made it for you.
• Want to have better gut health.
• Want to feel physically better.
• Want to reduce risk for chronic conditions. • Want to increase immune system function. • Want to impact brain health.
• Want to increase healing.
• Want to loose weight.
• And for some, weight gain.
No matter the reason, most of us need to stand up and take responsibility for our food choices. You choose to have good days, cheat days, or even party days. If you need help with your choices ask a friend, head straight to the nutritionist, or ask your healthcare provider.
You may be surprised to read that 20-30 percent of your caloric intake supports brain function. It only makes sense then that what we eat could be very important in how our brain functions. Repeated research supports this concept.
Even if you’re visiting with others, there is
EARN EXTRA MONEY AS A DEALER AT
THE ALLEN ANTIQUE BARN
It’s both fun and rewarding when you become a dealer
at the Allen Antique Barn. Now all the garage sale hunting, collecting over the years and results of the antique auctions you’ve attended can turn into extra cash for you.
Join our family of dealers occupying over 300 booths with 25,000 square feet of antiques, furniture and collectibles. It’s fun and rewarding!
BENEFITS TO CONSIDER:
• Booth space as low as $26 • No commissions taken
• No work days
• Special promotions
• Elevator & stairs to upper floor
• Open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm
JOIN US NOW! BOOTH SPACE FILLS QUICKLY
Call 517-869-2888 or stop in and see for yourself / www.allenantiquebarn.com Take the Coldwater exit off I-69, then 10 miles east on US 12 to the Big Red Barn. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Are you choosing food because you:
As part of my brain health quest, regular exercise is important to me, not just because it’s good for me but because I enjoy it.
Senior Times - August 2019 Page 3
a way to eat the foods necessary based on your personal needs. It could be as simple as telling others, or maybe you have to bring your own when visiting. Oftentimes it seems that friends and family are more receptive to your changing food choices when you can blame it a health condition. Maybe your health condition is sim- ply to be more healthy.
We learned last year at the Miles for Memories research update that weight-bearing exercise is the most beneficial for the person seeking to decrease their risk for dementia. But all types of movement can make a difference, such as swimming or chair aerobics.
One of the most important reasons for me to choose my foods is how it impacts me tomor- row, next month, and next year. Don't get me wrong, I also choose cookies, pie with ice cream, chips, or donuts from time to time too. Not to mention my love of chocolate. But for the most part my food choices are designed for opti- mal mental health and focus. Which by the way, also benefits my cardiovascular system, and keeps all my health indicators at healthy levels. It really surprised me that once my primary diet changed, I actually began to crave a salad, or fruit, or water. Wow. But I do have to work more diligently at keeping on task when traveling.
The Community Stroll Celebration will be held on September 14 in downtown Battle Creek at Wave Square. Join us a sponsor, as part of a team, or as a volunteer. No matter which, just join in to help create solutions for those impacted by dementia in Calhoun County.
So what might be on my brain-healthy list? Green leafy salads with lots of additional veg- gies and protein, as well as some fruit; meats
are mostly chicken, beef, white fish, and limited salmon; lots of berries and other fruits in the evenings; as well as limited grains, dairy, sweets,
Your lifestyle choices can have an impact, reducing your risk for dementia by nearly one third. Consider ways to live healthier and more engaged, and to reduce or eliminate foods and activities that you know to not be beneficial for your overall health. If necessary, be sure to con- sult with your physician before any significant change in exercise or diet. If you need help get- ting started... reach out.
cheeses, and fried food. My favorite snacks are chocolate, almonds, and apples with almond butter (and cookies). And for those of you that know me, coffee is a staple, along with water, and Zevia Cola. Is it perfect for everyone? Not at all, but it works well for me. And I enjoy all the foods on it, which really makes a difference for me.
For more details on Miles for Memories events visit their website at www.milesformem- ories.org, check them out on Facebook, or call (269) 979-1412 ext. 305. They are working hard to meet local needs.
ALLEN ANTIQUE MALL MICHIGAN’S LARGEST
Over 200 booths
Dealers from 6 states
Limited dealer space available Grill and restaurant on grounds Home of primitive connections Home of country junction
Bus tours welcome
Campgrounds close by
Open 7 days, 10am - 5pm PH (517) 869-2788
N
I-94 Marshall
I-69 Coldwater Exit 13
Old US 12 Indiana
Ohio
9011 W. Chicago (US 12) • Allen, Michigan 49227
Allen
