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World Stroke Day raises awareness of the serious nature of strokes. Strokes are a top cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. A stroke is a life-changing event, both physically and emotionally.

A stroke is an attack on the brain. It occurs when a blood vessel (also called an artery) ruptures while bringing oxygen and blood to the brain. When this occurs, the brain cells immediately die due to lack of oxygen.

F.A.S.T. Warning Signs

Use the letter in F.A.S.T. to spot a Stroke

• F = Face Drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?


• A = Arm Weakness - Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms...

Water is a short-term guest. On an empty stomach, it will leave your stomach about 10 minutes after drinking it.

The human brain consists of about 80% water, but all parts of the body need water to work properly.

Water keeps the skin looking good, it helps energize muscles, and keeps the kidneys functioning properly. It also helps to maintain normal bowel function, can prevent headaches, and helps to stabilize your heartbeat.

Water is essential in the summer and all year long. You are encouraged to bring your loved one a special container or mug to put their water in. We will refill the container as need and encourage them to stay hydrated.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life, forgetting recently learned information, forgetting important dates and asking the same question repetitively.


2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Tasks such as following a recipe or balancing a checkbook may become difficult.


3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. Tasks such as using the telephone, T.V, or microwave may become difficult.


4. Confusion with time or place.


5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. This may affect the persons balance, reading or the ability to drive.


6. New problems with words with speaking or writing.


7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.


8. Decreased or poor judgement.


9. Withdrawal from work ...

Seasonal Affective Disorder

If you are one of the millions of Americans who finds themselves "in a funk" through the colder and darker months, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder. SAD is a specific kind of depression that affects people seasonally and who are affected during the colder /darker months. For reasons that aren't fully understood, some people develop depression that is considered to be related to less sunlight.

If you think you may have SAD you should talk with your doctor about it. Also, there is some discussion about how vitamin D may be helpful in the treatment/prevention of SAD.

Here are some treatments to consider:

• Make your environment sunnier and brigher.


• Ge...

Dementia vs Alzheimer's

Dementia and Alzheimer's are not the same.

Dementia is a syndrome not a disease. Dementia is the umbrella term to describe symptoms that affect memory, activities of daily living and communication. There are many types of Dementia but the most common form is Alzlheimer's.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease of the brain that slowly causes impairment in memory and cognitive function. The exact cause is unknown and no cure is available.

Both conditions can cause a decline in the ability to think, memory impairment, and communication impairment.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's include difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, apathy, depression, impaired judg...

Tips for communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer's Disease:

• Set a positive mood and tone, always smile and make eye contact.


• Don't talk down or treat them like an infant, always treat the person with dignity and respect.


• Be patient and offer reassurance.


• Speak slowly and clearly, ask one question at a time. Sometimes visual cues can help.


• Engage the person one on one, preferably with little distractions.


• It's O.K. not to always know what to say, your presence is just as important.

Healthy ways to Strenghten your Immune System:

Mostly your immune system does a remarkable job from defending you against disease causing micro-organisms. But sometimes a germ invades successfully and makes you sick. Although there are no scientifically proven direct links to boost your immune system, every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:

• Don't smoke.


• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.


• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.


• Get adequate sleep.


• Try to minimize stress.


• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently.

The start of summer is always a great time to get outside and get active. It's the 26th annual men's Health Month. the facts about Men's Health:

• Men are at a greater risk of death in every age group


• Men have a higher rate of suicide than women


• Men have a higher rate of workplace injuries than women


• Men do not get physical exams from physicians as often as women

Here are some top ideas for celebrating Men's Health Week and promoting male health all throughout Men's Health Month:

1. Excercise - Walk, run, bike, hike, garden, play ball. Find a type of exercise that gets their heart pumping and accompany them for 30 minutes at least several times a week.


2. Examine - Schedule a physical. Setting a health...

Hand Washing is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine - It involves five simple and effective steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap.


2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap.


3. Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the palms, back of your hands, fingers, between your fingers and under your nails for at least 20 seconds.


4. Rinse your hands under clean running water.


5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry them.

Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others.

Please stay safe!!!