HOW CAN YOU TELL IF SOMEONE HAS EARLY ONSET DEMENTIA?
Early onset dementia refers to having developed dementia before the age of 65. In some people, problems with balance and strength may be the first signs of dementia. In a six year study of 2,288 men and women over age 65 and over, researchers found that people who initially scored higher in tests of physical function, such as walking, standing balance and grip strength in the dominant hand, were three times less likely to develop dementia over the study period than those with low scores. Balance and walking problems seemed to be the first signs of risk of dementia in people with cognitive impairment, while among people who already showed signs of mild cognitive decline, a weak hand-grip was associated with later dementia, researchers found. The study suggests that physical and mental performance in the elderly are connected. But memory problems that disrupt daily life, such as getting lost on they home from a familiar grocery store or inability to keep track of bills may be symptoms of dementia, as well. Other early signs may include difficulty remembering names and recent events, apathy and depression.
Source: Duke Medicine Health News, May 2017.
PROBIOTICS CAN HELP REDUCE SEASONAL ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Despite its beauty, the spring blooming season is unwelcome among people who suffer from hay fever, who know all too well that allergies can take, including constant runny nose, sneezing, lack of sleep, and post nasal drip, among other symptoms. Unfortunately, available allergy medications have unpleasant side effects, including dry mouth, drowsiness or sleeplessness, or just “wired.”
Relief may be in sight. Simple over-the-counter probiotics, known to enhance the quality and quantity of good bacteria in the gut and help strengthen the immune system, may have other positive benefits, according to a recent trial held at the University of Florida: lessening symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Source: Duke Medicine Health News, May 2017.
MAGNESIUM: AN IMPORTANT MINERAL FOR YOUR HEALTH
Magnesium may not get as much attention as some other nutrients, but it’s a critical mineral for your muscles, bones, brain and heart. Getting more magnesium in your diet is associated with a lower risk of some diseases and even early death, according to a study published in BMC Medicine, December 8, 2016. Researchers who analyzed dietary habits and health records of more than a million people in nine countries found that people who boosted their dietary intake of magnesium by 100mg per day had a 22 percent lower risk of heart failure, a 7 percent lower risk of a stroke and a 10 percent risk of early death, compared with those who did not increase dietary magnesium. While the study was observational and did not show a direct causeand-effect relationship between higher magnesium intake and lowering disease rate, there is no doubt that magnesium consumption is vital to your overall health. “Your brain also needs magnesium for optimal brain functioning, energy production and bone formation, says Jenna Rosenfeld, MS,RD, CSC, a dietitian at New York –Presbyterian/Weil Cornell. “A deficiency in magnesium can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, migraines and even make you feel anxious or stressed.”
Sources of magnesium include cooked quinoa, cooked brown rice, almonds, cooked spinach, Cooked white beans, cashews, soy milk and cooked black beans.
Source: Weill Cornell Medicine Women’s Nutrition Connection, April 2017.
WHY DOES MORTON SALT USE THE GIRL UNDER THE UMBRELLA LOGO?
The logo has been around for decades. One problem with ordinary table salt (sodium chloride)is that it usually contains trace amounts of magnesium chloride, which causes it to become damp and clump together in the shaker during periods of wet weather. This problem is overcome by adding small quantities of sodium silicoaluminate to the salt. The little girl walking in the rain has a box of Morton Salt under her arm that it is pouring nicely, implying that “when it rains, it pours.”
Source: The Book of Totally Useless Information by Don Voorhees
ADD PUNCH TO YOUR GRADUATION PARTY!
I was introduced to White Grape Juice Punch when I moved to Bryan. It is very refreshing but there is one word of caution: Be sure to use Canada Dry ginger ale, not any other brand.
WHITE GRAPE JUICE PUNCH
2 parts white grape juice, chilled (I use Welch brand)
1 part Canada Dry ginger ale, chilled (no substitutions)
1 part Canada Dry ginger ale, chilled
Pour chilled white grape juice into punch bowl. Slowly add ginger ale.
Add ice ring made of white grape juice.
Not a graduation punch but Liquid Sunshine, if serve at a brunch, or Moonlight Madness if served at an evening event, Ernestine Spangler’s punch is an adult-pleaser. Keep in mind that cans are the measuring devices.
LIQUID SUNSHINE OR MOONLIGHT MADNESS PUNCH
1 6-ounce or 12-ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
3 juice cans water
1 can Countrytime lemonade mix
1 can light rum
Mix ingredients together and chill thoroughly before serving.