Talking to people with memory loss
Speak clearly. When talking to a person with memory loss, speak slowly and with purpose so that you’re easy to understand.
Speak only as loudly as you need to. Don’t speak louder than you need to, or you may insult the individual and make them frustrated.
Give them time. Give the person ample time to formulate a response, and don’t interrupt.
Avoid distractions. Find somewhere to talk that doesn’t have background noise such as television or pets, so you don’t have to compete for attention.
Talk about one thing at a time. Don’t confuse the individual by rapidly changing the conversation. Break up topics and alert the person to conversational changes.
Source: RN Central
Healthy heart quiz
Answer “true” or “false” to the following statements.
Q. Taking the blood pressure in both arms may reveal a higher heart-attack risk.
True: You should measure blood pressure in both arms. A difference of 10 points or more means a 38 per cent greater chance of having a heart attack something you should talk to your doctor about.
Q. If you are taking aspirin daily for your heart then coated aspirin is better.
False: If you’re taking daily aspirin for your heart, don’t use coated aspirin. It won’t protect your stomach AND not all of the aspirin will get into your bloodstream. You’re better off with chewable “baby” aspirin.
Q. Dietary fat wreaks havoc on your heart and your memory.
False: Not all dietary fat is damaging. Saturated fats (found in butter and red meat) can be harmful, while monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil and fish) actually improve memory and heat function.
Source: health.harvard.edu
Any workout will do
A global study that looked at rates of cardiovascular disease in individuals from urban and rural settings, and across income groups, found that intensive workouts aren’t strictly necessary to help prevent heart disease. It’s enough, suggests the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, to have 150 minutes of activity a week or 30 minutes a day to raise the heart rate. And it doesn’t have to be back-breaking. Regularly walking to work or doing active household chores can be just as beneficial for cardiovascular health as strenuous gym workouts.
Source: fhs.mcmaster.ca
Regaining language skills after a stroke
Recovery following a stroke can be a slow and uncertain climb but, fortunately, most people can regain their communication skills. In fact, research shows that a proactive recovery plan and high-intensity speech–language therapy can significantly speed up positive outcomes.
Source: McMaster Optimal Aging
After the fall
If you’re the victim of or witness a fall even a seemingly harmless one—be aware that there could still be after-effects. Arrange to see a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms either at the time or in the days that follow:
• Loss of consciousness just before or after the fall
• Injuries
• A strong or lingering pain
• Dizziness and nausea
• Overall weakness or unsteadiness
• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Drowsiness
Sometimes a fall can be the sign of an illness or caused by a reaction to medication. By telling your doctor about a fall, they can check if the incident is linked to an illness, prescribed medication or over-the-counter drugs.
Source: Public Health Agency of Canada
Night owls and early birds
People who stay up late and sleep in in the morning tend to be smarter, science says. Although night owls are often thought to be unproductive, that’s not what evidence shows.
Researchers at the University of Liège in Belgium have found that an hour after waking up, early-risers and their nocturnal contemporaries show approximately the same degree of alertness. Tested again 10.5 hours after waking, it was the night owls who were more alert. So much for the early bird catching the worm!
Source: entrepreneur.com
Staying safe online
Use an antivirus program and keep your software up to date.
• Ensure you have a strong email password.
• Think carefully about what you share online.
Source: getcybersafe.gc.ca
