T.J. Samson | Destination Health | October 2019

October 2019 5 Wellness Would you believe better health is yours for the taking? It’s true. If you have a pair of sturdy shoes and 150 minutes to spare each week, you won’t pay a dime for these health benefits: ●  ● Lower blood pressure. ●  ● Reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. ●  ● Improved cholesterol levels. ●  ● Reduced risk for certain cancers, including breast and colon. ●  ● Reduced risk for type 2 diabetes. But wait, there’s more! Just 20 minutes a day hiking your neighborhood or striding through the mall can re- duce stress and help ensure a good night’s sleep. You’ll also be building stronger muscles and bones to support healthy aging. IS WALKING RIGHT FOR YOU? Walking is safe for almost ev- eryone. And as long as you’re moving forward at a brisk clip for at least 10 minutes at a time, you can spread your 150 minutes out over the week.That means you’ll be hoofing it for a little more than 20 minutes each and every day—or 30 minutes a day if you want weekends off. Here’s how to know if you’re moving at a brisk pace: If you can talk but not sing, you’re doing the right thing. Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Exercise: Find out how one of the best things in life can be free 1 Immunization is the No. 1 best way to prevent the flu. With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months and older needs a yearly flu vaccine. 2 The flu can bring miserable symptoms and lead to missing work or school. 3 Influenza makes some people seriously ill. Every year, flu complications lead to hospital stays—and even deaths. 6 Flu vaccines have a solid safety record. Vaccines can’t give you the flu—and serious side effects are very rare. STEP UP FOR YOUR PROTECTION! Visit our flu shot clinic. For more information, go to tjsamson.org or call 270-651-1111 . 7 Shot or spray? You can have it your way. Flu vaccines are available as shots or nasal sprays.* 5 Be ready—get vaccinated as promptly as possible. 4 Viruses tend to change each flu season. Scientists review U.S. flu vaccines yearly to make sure they best match circulating viruses. *The nasal spray is an option for healthy people ages 2 through 49 years who are not pregnant. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza spreads. Spare yourself. Without delay! 7 great reasons to get your flu vaccine Is it aging or Alzheimer’s? You’ve misplaced your car keys— again. Or you can’t remember a word you’ve used many times, yet it’s right there on the tip of your tongue.The older you get, the more likely you’re apt to wonder: Are memory slips like this early signs of Alzheimer’s disease? The first thing to know is that mild forgetfulness can be a nor- mal part of aging.The concern is when memory problems become serious—you can’t retrace your steps and find those car keys, for instance. Or you don’t eventually come up with the right word. KNOW THE SIGNS Alzheimer’s is a disorder of the brain that affects memory, thinking and reasoning. It gets worse over time. Most people display their first signs and symptoms when they’re in their mid-60s.Those signs and symptoms can include: ●  ● Getting lost in familiar places. ●  ● Having trouble paying bills or managing money. ●  ● Misplacing things in odd places. For example, putting mail in the freezer. ●  ● Repeating questions. ●  ● Taking longer to complete nor- mal daily tasks. ●  ● Losing track of the day or year. ●  ● Having trouble following a conversation or recognizing famil- iar people. ●  ● Having difficulties carrying out multistep tasks, such as getting dressed. ●  ● Engaging in impulsive behavior, such as undressing at inappropri- ate times or places or using vulgar language. GET HELP If you or a loved one has memory problems, or you’re concerned about changes in memory and behavior, your first step is to talk to a doctor. It’s important to know that these signs and symptoms may be caused by problems other than Alzheimer’s, and the right care could improve or reverse them. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. But there are medications that might delay progression of the disease. Act- ing quickly is to your advantage. Sources: Alzheimer's Association; National Institute on Aging