Thursday, June 19, 2014

The Power of a Positive Attitude - Mind, Body & Spirit

If there is power in positive thinking, you will feel the energy when Mary Anne Cappellino walks in the room. Bring a friend and learn how to harness the power of positive thinking to enhance your mind, body and spirit. For more than 20 years, audiences of all ages have learned, laughed and been inspired by Mary Anne’s creative and unique presentations. What: Women’s Health - Better Than Ever: Mind Body and Spirit Presented By: Mary Anne Cappellino When: Thursday, June 26th Time: 9:00am – 11:30am Where: The Dale Association 33 Ontario Street, Lockport, NY Mary Anne’s presentation is sure to be lively, informative and thought provoking. She has an engaging style and contagious personality that relates to all attendees. Mary Anne speaks from the heart and her positive attitude shines through. Among her many certifications, Mary Anne holds credentials from the American Association for Fitness and Aerobics, the Cooper Aerobic Research Institute, Zumba Fitness, Body Recall Older Adult Exercise and Silver Sneakers Health Care Dimensions. She’s also received the New York State Physical Activity Coalition Chairman’s Award. Mary Anne actively promotes good health – appearing on TV and radio and inspiring thousands through her seminars and presentations. As a fitness coach, Mary Anne preaches the benefits of an active lifestyle and the importance of a fit mind. The public is invited to this free event, sponsored by BlueCross Blue Shield of Western New York. A light breakfast will be provided and each attendee will receive a complimentary duffel bag (one duffel bag per person, while supplies last). Mary Anne will speak to the group using her creative and unique style, and then guide the group in some gentle exercises. If you’d like to participate in some gentle exercises, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Additionally, information will be available from BlueCross Blue Shield of Western New York about Silver Sneakers, Medicare Advantage Plans, wellness, prescriptions, health coach, and disease management. This event is for educational purposes. Please RSVP online at bcbswny.com/betterthanever or by calling 1-800-248-9296 (TTY 711)

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Dementia Risk and a Woman's Body Clock

A woman’s “body clock” might affect her dementia risk according to a new study. The timing of an older woman’s sleep/wake cycle (also known as circadian rhythms) and the levels of daily physical activity was also linked to odds for mental decline, the study found. It found that the risk of dementia or "mild cognitive impairment" (a state that sometimes precedes dementia) was higher in older women with weaker circadian rhythms who are either less physically active or more active later in the day, compared to those who have a stronger circadian rhythm and are more active earlier in the day. "We've known for some time that circadian rhythms, what people often refer to as the 'body clock,' can have an impact on our brain and our ability to function normally," lead author and scientist said. Findings suggest that future interventions such as increased physical activity or using light exposure to influence body clock cycles could help influence cognitive mental health in older women. Data was analyzed from almost 1,300 healthy women, over age 75, who were followed for five years. At the end of that time, 15 percent of the women had developed dementia and 24 percent had some form of mild cognitive impairment. Women with weaker circadian rhythms who had lower levels of physical activity or who were most active later in the day were 80 percent more likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment than those with stronger circadian rhythms who were active earlier in the day. "To our knowledge this is the first study to show such a strong connection between circadian activity rhythm and the subsequent development of dementia or mild cognitive impairment," researchers said. The finding marks an association only, however, and cannot prove cause-and-effect. "The reasons why this is so are not yet clear," he added. "The changes in circadian rhythm may directly influence the onset of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, or the decrease in activity may be a consequence, a warning sign if you like, that changes are already taking place in the brain. Identifying what the reason is could help us develop therapies to delay, or slow down, the development of brain problems in the elderly.