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Do You Know Your Family Health History?
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This topic is so important that I felt it was worth discussing again. So, if you didn’t gather your family health history during Thanksgiving then don’t worry but do it before 2011. You have 4 weeks to complete this assignment!
We are now in the holiday season, and I can’t believe that 4 weeks from today is New Year’s Day 2011! With that in mind, I have an important task for all of you. Since we gather together with our families during the holiday season, it’s an excellent time to get your family health history. Do you have a family history of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, thyroid disease, or any other chronic disease? Did you know that with any of these diseases you have an increased risk for developing memory problems and other cognitive deficits?
By doing a little research into your genes, you have the ability to map out a more healthy lifestyle. It’s never too late to make positive lifestyle choices whether you’re a senior, a baby boomer, in your 40’s or 30’s, or in college. Find out the age of your oldest living blood relative. By the way, mine was 114, 115, or 116. I find that truly amazing! Try to brainstorm as a family what this relative did to achieve such healthy aging and longevity. Don’t be surprised to discover that these people probably have some things in common. They were active and kept moving, stayed engaged and connected with people, and consumed a healthy diet. No junk food or fast food on a regular basis. Strive for that kind of senior aging, health, and fitness! Why not take advantage of every possibility to lessen your chances of developing memory loss or suffering a cognitive decline? Remember, memory loss does not have to be a part of the normal aging process! Be in command of your health and your life!
So, take charge of your health! Engage your brain with challenging brain fitness activities. Let’s build your cognitive reserve through some mentally stimulating activities. Learn a new game, learn a new language, participate in a social group, and EXERCISE! Try our Brain Boosters! One of the secrets to longevity is to achieve a healthy balance between a healthy mind, body, and spirit!
Let us know the age of your oldest relative, too! Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year! Make 2011 the year YOU commit to your health!
Walnuts are Wonderful!
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I really hope you like walnuts! Are you aware of the many health benefits associated with walnuts? Let’s begin with the obvious. Walnuts are shaped like brains so therefore must be good for your brains! Right? Remember, if something is good for your heart then it’s also good for your brain. Guess what, if it’s good for your brain, then it’s good for your heart.
Here are some of the many health benefits of walnuts. Walnuts are high in protein and vitamin and nutrient loaded! They are a healthy fat and recommended as a part of the Mediterranean diet lifestyle, which includes fruits, vegetables, fish, and of course cold pressed olive oil. Walnuts are loaded with omega 3’s which improve brain function. Our brains need omega 3 fats to function properly, so why not have walnuts? They also contain antioxidants and fiber. Walnuts promote anti- aging. All of these good ingredients contained in walnuts help our bodies handle stress better, too. This amazing food has also been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL values. But wait, there’s more. Did you realize walnuts have been linked to weight management and even help with weight loss?
Walnuts are most definitely an amazing, healthy, anti-aging, brain food!
Here is a recipe I created for spiced walnuts. Enjoy!
Spiced Walnuts
Ingredients:
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
2-2 1/2 cups walnut halves or pieces
1/2 cup sugar and stevia mixture
2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons nutmeg
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice-if available
Preheat oven to 250* and line a shallow baking dish with foil
In a bowl, combine egg white and water-beat until foamy. Mix the walnuts in and stir until coated. Put the mixture in a colander to drain for 3-5 minutes.
Combine sugar mixture with all the spices in a paper or plastic bag and shake. Add the walnuts, close the bag and shake so all the walnuts are coated with the mixture.
Spread the walnuts on the foil lined shallow baking in a single layer.
Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
After removing from the oven, let the walnuts cool completely. Store in an air tight container. Enjoy!
BrainMasters 