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Physical activity helps your brain, but did you know even some sedentary activities can ward off cognitive decline? Creative crafts, reading, and puzzles such as Sudoku or Scrabble keep your brain mentally stimulated. Try word and number games rather than TV or gaming. So, when you rest your body, make sure you're still engaging your brain.
Summary: New research highlights that some sedentary activities, like reading or crafting, are better for brain health than others, such as watching TV or gaming. A study of 397 older adults found that mentally stimulating and socially engaging activities support memory and thinking abilities, while passive screen time is linked to cognitive decline.
This insight is crucial, as 45% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. Researchers suggest swapping passive activities for more engaging ones to protect brain health, even during indulgent holiday marathons.
Key Facts
Source: University of South Australia
It’s that time of the year when most of us get the chance to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved down time. But whether you reach for the TV controller, or a favourite book, your choice could have implications for your long-term brain health, say researchers at the University of South Australia.
Assessing the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 older adults (aged 60+), researchers found that the context or type of activity that you engage in, matters when it comes to brain health. And specifically, that some sedentary (or sitting) behaviours are better for cognitive function than others.
When looking at different sedentary behaviours, they found that social or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, listening to music, praying, crafting, playing a musical instrument, or chatting with others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities. Yet watching TV or playing video games are detrimental.
Researchers believe that there is likely a hierarchy of how sedentary behaviours relate to cognitive function, in that some have positive effects while others have negative effects.
It’s a valuable insight that could help reduce risks of cognitive impairment, particularly when at least 45% of dementia cases could be prevented through modifiable lifestyle factors.
In Australia, about 411,100 people (or one in every 1000 people) are living with dementia. Nearly two-thirds are women. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million people have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases each year.
UniSA researcher Dr Maddison Mellow says that not all sedentary behaviours are equal when it comes to memory and thinking ability.
“In this research, we found that the context of an activity alters how it relates to cognitive function, with different activities providing varying levels of cognitive stimulation and social engagement,” Dr Mellow says.
“We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadn’t directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behaviour for another.
“We found that sedentary behaviours which promote mental stimulation or social engagement – such as reading or talking with friends – are beneficial for cognitive function, whereas others like watching TV or gaming have a negative effect. So, the type of activity is important.
“And, while the ‘move more, sit less’ message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, our research shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function.”
Now, as the Christmas holidays roll around, what advice do researchers have for those who really want to indulge in a myriad of Christmas movies or a marathon of Modern Family?
“To achieve the best brain health and physical health benefits, you should prioritise movement that’s enjoyable and gets the heart rate up, as this has benefits for all aspects of health,” Dr Mellow says.
“But even small five-minute time swaps can have benefits. So, if you’re dead set on having a Christmas movie marathon, try to break up that time with some physical activity or a more cognitively engaged seated activity, like reading, at some point. That way you can slowly build up healthier habits.”
This research was conducted by a team of UniSA researchers including: Dr Maddison Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Assoc Prof Ashleigh Smith; with researchers from the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle.
Author: Annabel Mansfield
Source: University of South Australia
Contact: Annabel Mansfield – University of South Australia
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Should We Work Smarter or Harder for Our Health? A Comparison of Intensity and Domain-Based Time-Use Compositions and Their Associations With Cognitive and Cardiometabolic Health” by Maddison Mellow et al. Journals of Gerontology Series A
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Living with hip pain can be frustrating, limiting your movement and affecting your overall quality of life. If hip discomfort is interfering with your daily activities, your primary care provider can help determine the cause and guide you toward the right treatment.Signs Your Hips Need AttentionSymptoms of hip deterioration that patients might first notice are a loss of motion, such as bending over to tie shoes. Another indication of hip injury is a sharp pain in the groin area. The first step to healing is scheduling a thorough exam with an orthopedic specialist specializing in hip repair.You don't have to be older to experience hip or joint pain. These issues can affect anyone, including active adults and athletes. At AdventHealth, our expert specialists use physical exams and diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, to better understand the cause of your discomfort and recommend the treatment options that best fit your unique needs and lifestyle.Will I Need Surgery, or Are Other Treatments Available?Only your doctor can determine if surgery is a good option for you, and they might offer other treatments to alleviate pain, such as cortisone injections. Its important to note that hip replacement surgery is completely your choice. Some treatments dont require surgery, like anti-inflammatory medications.Depending on the severity of your condition, there may be lifestyle changes you can incorporate to alleviate your pain, such as a weight-loss program or low-impact exercises.Another option for some patients is physical therapy. Sometimes, our muscles and joints get unaligned, and it takes the help of a trusted physical therapist to help you walk pain-free. They may also recommend heat therapy, which increases blood flow to the applied area and improves flexibility.Who Needs Hip Replacement Surgery?The good news about hip replacement surgery is that its very common. There are roughly 350,000 hip replacements in the U.S. every year. Patients are often good candidates for hip replacement surgery if they have:Benign tumorsContinued chronic pain even while sitting or asleepExhausted all other forms of treatmentHip dysplasiaMaintained an active lifestyleRheumatoid arthritisTotal hip replacement surgery does come with some risks and should be taken into consideration. Hip replacement is better tolerated than other joint replacements, and they can last a lifetime with appropriate care. Its important that you speak with your doctor to know if surgery is the best option for you.What Should I Expect Before and After Surgery?Your care team will start by performing a physical exam, including some tests before your surgery. They note all your symptoms and check your pain level and range of motion.Once your medical team recommends surgery as an effective option for treating your chronic hip pain, your primary care provider or orthopedic specialist will work with you to ensure that hip replacement surgery is safe.The surgery typically lasts one to two hours, with an additional two hours for prep and recovery in the operating room. During hip surgery, doctors may use the direct anterior approach, which is muscle-sparing with smaller incisions, ultimately leading to a faster and easier recovery. This surgery can be life-changing for patients who have lost mobility to injury or arthritis.Hip surgeries are typically outpatient procedures, allowing you to go home that same day. In some cases, you may need to stay overnight for your care team to examine the results.Hip replacement surgery is extremely effective at restoring your mobility and helping you get back to the life you love. Trust our leading orthopedic experts at AdventHealth to be there for you with a compassionate spirit and pioneering surgery options dedicated to getting you back on your feet.Will I Need Physical Therapy After Surgery?Physical therapy after surgery is essential to recovery. In just four to eight weeks, with physical therapy, you can be back on your feet with considerably less pain. The normal healing process takes about 16 to 20 weeks, as soft tissue takes longer to heal. As for scarring, the incision is only as big as it needs to be. Special care and concern are taken to minimize scarring related to the procedure.Live Pain-Free AgainOur hip replacement surgery experts are here to help you get moving through life comfortably again. To learn more about our orthopedic care services or to schedule an appointment today, visit AdventHealthPortCharlotte.com.
At times, it can feel easy to navigate our physical health. But sometimes, we can feel like we don't know where to turn. Whether youve been injured while seeking adventure or experienced an illness with severe symptoms, youve likely wondered where you should go. Knowing where to seek emergency medical attention can make all the difference in getting proper care.Did you know that there are different types of ERs? Onsite ERs are those connected to a hospital. Offsite, or freestanding ERs, stand independently and operate from an isolated location.While both ERs provide emergency care, there are some differences between them. Keep reading to learn the differences and benefits. While we hope youll never have to go to the ER, its good to be prepared should the need arise.What is an Onsite ER?An onsite ER, or a hospital-based ER, is an emergency room department staffed by medical professionals trained to care for life-threatening conditions. These ERs are physically connected to a hospital location and offer leading-edge technologies and treatments. If you have an emergency requiring surgery or extensive intervention, full-service, onsite emergency rooms are where you should go.Onsite emergency rooms offer access to specialists and advanced imaging, like MRIs, and can provide the expertise and support required to treat patients at high and ICU levels of care.Onsite ERs are also more traditional and widely known, and many patients tend to visit their local onsite ER for most emergencies. However, know that our hospital-based ERs follow a prioritization process with our patients known as triage. This process prioritizes patients who face life-threatening or critical conditions. Sometimes, patients who arrive after you in the ER may get treatment before you to ensure they get the immediate, specialized care they need.What Is an Offsite or Freestanding ER?When you think of an emergency room, you might immediately picture a hospital. However, our freestanding ERs, also referred to as mini ERs, are structurally separate from our hospitals as standalone buildings. Theyre designed to offer the same expert care as our hospital-based emergency rooms, but with added benefits like pediatric emergency care, locations closer to home, convenient parking and shorter wait times. When the unexpected happens, our freestanding ERs are ready to serve you and your family at a moments notice.Although our freestanding emergency rooms arent physically connected to our hospitals, theyre connected to our AdventHealth network. Their services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. Be comforted knowing youll receive the same high-quality care you need.Benefits of Freestanding ERsWe understand that seamless and coordinated care matters in an emergency. Thats why each of our facilities is equipped with state-of-the-art [HT1] technology to give our patients quick and accurate treatment and answers on their paths to recovery. Our freestanding ERs enhance our ability to provide lifesaving care quickly and efficiently by aspiring to provide shorter wait times than traditional ERs in a hospital setting. This allows us to meet the growing health care needs of our communities.Our freestanding emergency rooms are open 24/7 and are staffed with expert teams of emergency physicians and highly trained providers who compassionately and effectively treat your medical needs. Were delighted to have board-certified ER physicians, critical care nurses, chest pain experts and stroke specialists staffed at our facilities to meet your needs while keeping your whole health in mind.When you need emergency care for your little ones, you can trust theyll be in great hands with us. Each of our freestanding ERs is backed by the nationally recognized AdventHealth for Children. We take the extra steps to ease the stress of an ER visit and ease your mind as a parent or guardian. We offer dedicated pediatric rooms designed to be extra comforting for kids.Your Ever-Present Health PartnerWe know you may feel shaken and uncertain when an emergency arises, but were here to provide solid support. Our state-of-the-art onsite and freestanding emergency rooms provide comprehensive and accurate results, giving you access to advanced care in a safe environment with the compassionate approach you deserve.To learn more about our emergency room care, or find a location near you, visit TheERExperts.com.
At our clinic, we believe that brain health is the cornerstone of a healthy quality of life. We are proud to be the first clinic to integrate comprehensive primary care with Dr. Dale Bredesens protocols, offering a groundbreaking approach to living a longer, independent life.Dr. Dale Bredesen's protocols are designed to prevent, treat, and reverse cognitive decline. These protocols are based on extensive research and focus on addressing the underlying causes of cognitive impairment.Initial Assessments and Screenings: We begin with a series of detailed tests and screenings to evaluate your current cognitive status. These assessments help us identify your potential risks for cognitive decline.Personalized Care Plan: Our clinical team collaborates with Dr. Bredesen to create a customized care plan tailored to your specific needs. The care plan not only addresses your current risks but also focuses on your overall health to ensure a holistic approach.Ongoing Support and Monitoring:We provide continuous support and monitor your progress to make necessary adjustments to your care plan. Our goal is to help you maintain and improve your cognitive function over time.Who Can Benefit? Our program is designed for individuals who are looking to:Prevent cognitive decline , Treat existing cognitive impairment, Reverse symptoms of cognitive decline, Take Charge of Your Brain Health.By combining comprehensive primary care with the innovative Bredesen protocols, we offer a unique solution for enhancing brain health and overall well-being. Join our program to take proactive steps towards maintaining your cognitive function and living a healthier, more independent life.
At our clinic, we believe that brain health is the cornerstone of a healthy quality of life. We are proud to be the first clinic to integrate comprehensive primary care with Dr. Dale Bredesens protocols, offering a groundbreaking approach to living a longer, independent life. Dr. Dale Bredesen's protocols are designed to prevent, treat, and reverse cognitive decline. These protocols are based on extensive research and focus on addressing the underlying causes of cognitive impairment. Initial Assessments and Screenings: We begin with a series of detailed tests and screenings to evaluate your current cognitive status. These assessments help us identify your potential risks for cognitive decline. Personalized Care Plan: Our clinical team collaborates with Dr. Bredesen to create a customized care plan tailored to your specific needs. The care plan not only addresses your current risks but also focuses on your overall health to ensure a holistic approach. Ongoing Support and Monitoring: We provide continuous support and monitor your progress to make necessary adjustments to your care plan. Our goal is to help you maintain and improve your cognitive function over time. Who Can Benefit? Our program is designed for individuals who are looking to: Prevent cognitive decline , Treat existing cognitive impairment, Reverse symptoms of cognitive decline, Take Charge of Your Brain Health. By combining comprehensive primary care with the innovative Bredesen protocols, we offer a unique solution for enhancing brain health and overall well-being. Join our program to take proactive steps towards maintaining your cognitive function and living a healthier, more independent life.
At our clinic, we prioritize brain health as the cornerstone of a healthy and fulfilling life. We are proud to be the first clinic to integrate comprehensive primary care with Dr. Dale Bredesens protocols, offering a unique solution for achieving longevity and independence.The Bredesen protocols are specifically designed to address the prevention, treatment, and even reversal of cognitive decline. Our approach begins with a series of thorough tests and screenings to assess your current cognitive status and identify any potential risks of decline.Our clinical team, in collaboration with Dr. Bredesen, then develops a personalized care plan tailored to your individual needs. This plan not only addresses your current risks but also focuses on optimizing your overall health and well-being.Whether you're looking to prevent cognitive decline, treat existing issues, or even reverse decline that has already occurred, our program is designed to meet your needs. We are committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal brain health so that you can enjoy a longer, more independent life.