Healthcare Ledger

Cognitive Fitness

By Sandra Dias

The old adage “use it or lose it” certainly applies to muscle strength, stamina, and overall physical wellbeing. Research now shows it also applies to brain function.Geriatric specialists say the more you exercise the brain with new, complex and stimulating activities, the healthier your brain will be—better able to stave off memory problems and dementia. Maintaining cognitive fi tness as you age may even provide some protection against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

“There is a lot of evidence that keeping one’s mind active later in life, even once cognitive deficiency has begun, appears to be very beneficial,” said George Kuchel, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and director of the UConn Center on Aging. “Interestingly, we are also seeing that physical activity not only helps to prevent physical decline, it also helps to preserve cognitive functioning.”

Last Updated (Tuesday, 09 March 2010 16:29)

Staying Safe In Winter

By Christopher M. Ajello

During the long winter months in Massachusetts and Connecticut—when overeating, over-imbibing, and inactivity come in equal measure—getting out of the house becomes very important for both mental and physical well-being. Th at being said, however, the dizzying number of winter activities present a host of dangers that interact with those of the winter landscape.

One tends to forget that the body is not well suited for a 30-mile-an-hour run down a mountainside on skis or through a maze of trees headfi rst on a sled. Being so awestruck by snow-laden hills and valleys, at a time when some animals are fast asleep and vegetation is dormant, one tends to forget that leaving home without a warm coat or an extra pair of socks can lead to serious consequences. A few commonsense tips coupled with a few simple preparations can make outdoor winter activity safer and more bearable.

Last Updated (Tuesday, 09 March 2010 16:30)

Love's Chemistry and the Pill: Are They At Odds?

By Abigail Jeffies

When we fall in love, there is mystery, excitement, romance, obsession, anxiety, anticipation, and suspense—to name but of few of love’s many undeniable, though unscientific, manifestations. But when we are lucky enough to find a mate who loves us back, we say there is chemistry.

Though humans have long lived by this truth, scientists are only just beginning to uncover the actual mechanisms that drive the mating game. One surprise: the use of oral contraceptives may throw a wrench into them.

Last Updated (Tuesday, 09 March 2010 16:30)