PETER'S PRINCIPLES - August 26, 2007
Tim from Sterling Heights emails asking for help decreasing his chances of developing dementia.
Tim, the key may be in taking care of your heart! A new study followed more than 450 elderly people. They found those with cardiovascular disease showed sharper declines in cognitive function than those with healthy hearts. Researchers believe reduction of blood flow to the brain due to heart disease may be gradually eroding cognitive function.
Doctors say reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol will not only be good for your heart, but will improve blood flow to the brain and help cognitive function.
Florence from Hamtramck says her arthritis is so painful she doesn't want to get out of bed in the morning. What can she do?
Florence, you are not alone, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in Americans older than 15. In fact, 66 million adults, nearly one in three, either have arthritis or are living with joint pain. It does not have to be that way.
Studies found arthritis patients saw a greater reduction in pain when they combine exercise, diet, heat and cold therapy, acupuncture or glucosamine and chondroitin with current pain therapy. But before you start any complementary treatment, discuss it with your doctor to make sure it will help rather than hinder your arthritis management plan.
