Health

 Experts have warned that the latest Covid wave could be one of the worst since the vaccine was introduced.A "nasty" bout of coronavirus is said to be circulating in the UK amid low levels of immunity among the population, while official health statistics show that cases continue to rise.Positive cases of the virus are currently spiking across the country, with 5,975 people testing positive in England in the seven days leading to December 9 - an increase of 38.6 per cent compared to the week before.Scientists specializing in immune systems have said Covid is still causing infections that could be worse in their symptoms than previous waves.

Are you eating enough protein? A growing number of experts say many older adults may need to get more protein than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) to help preserve muscle mass, bone health and strength as we age. Some studies also suggest that sufficient protein may help protect mental skills. Insufficient protein can affect factors like poor sleep, insufficient physical activity, stress and anxiety. Read this article to learn how much protein you should be eating. There are many foods that are high in protein—try this breakfast taco recipe to start your day right! Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, for more information on brain health.

I know many will not understand our grief following yet another mass shooting... but we are feeling very lonely and maybe many don't know we feel these events to our core; every time this happens it touches us deeply and personally! When Columbine happened, we, there, knew something needed to happen to end that madness. Now, 23+ years later, we still know something needs to happen! How do we do this? PLEASE!

During the holidays, we often feel stressed when planning get-togethers, gift giving and meals. We get so caught up in organizing events that we forget to enjoy them. The Being Present challenge introduces techniques, including meditation and mindfulness, to help you focus more effectively, relieve stress and develop the practice of staying in the moment. Discover what you can learn in just 15 minutes a day over seven days to impact your overall well-being. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

They are a superfood that isn't as well-known as chia seeds, and is more like a lowly cousin of kale or kombucha.After a recent viral TikTok video suggested that applying flaxseeds topically to your face could minimize wrinkles just as well as Botox injections, flaxseeds gained some attention. However, experts argue that despite their questionable skin-care advantages, they should be given more credit for their high nutritional content.Alpha-linolenic acids, or A.L.A.s, are a form of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants and referred to as a “heart-healthy fat.” According to Dr. Selvi Rajagopal, an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, flaxseeds are one of the best sources of A.L.A.s. Although certain studies indicate

....government website that lists recalls for food, medicine, more...links not working...If you just Google, "government recalls," the page comes up...

...from NBC news...Lead poisoning linked to applesauce pouches reported in more than 60 children, FDA saysThe agency is continuing its investigation into the source of the lead, including visiting a manufacturing facility in Ecuador.Link not working, can Google article title to find details...

   In November, 2023, I ordered Kirkland B12 5000mg vitamins from Amazon.  The vitamins I received         expired 7/23. I called Amazon and was advised it was from a 3rd party.  Amazon requested a full             refund which I did received, and  Amazon advised the seller I had received an expired bottle.         I had to place the order again.  I received the next B12 vitamins which were due to expire before I           even finished the vitamins.  I returned the vitamins for a full refund.      Please, check the expirations dates and the date you purchased them from Amazon to make sure the     B12 vitamins aren't expired.  

Managing your emotions, even in stormy times, may help you think more clearly and stay more centered, so you can be the person you want to be. Learn about the roots of emotion and the pathways to emotional agility in The Power of Emotions challenge from Staying Sharp, part of the Mental Well-Being challenge series. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.        

If you think of Pilates as exercise for your physical core — that prime stretch of real estate between your rib cage and your pelvis — you are not wrong. But there are five reasons to think these popular workouts might do some good for your mental core, as well. If Pilates is not a good fit for you, explore other forms of exercise including yoga or tai chi — or create your own exercise routine. The important thing is to keep moving! Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

There are plenty of holiday memes about overeating. This year, try something different to minimize the many leftovers from a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Check out our Eat right recipes and consider a different main dish such as Stuffed Peppers With Ground Turkey, Cranberry-Stuffed Turkey Cutlets or Pineapple Turkey Kebabs. There are plenty of healthy side dishes and desserts in our recipes as well. If your heart is set on a traditional turkey meal, try our Herb-Roasted Turkey. And don’t forget to take a nice long walk after your meal. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Resilience is the ability to rebound from hardship and approach each day with determination that you’ll do more than survive — you’ll thrive. Resilience comes from within, but you can learn ways to build it. The Building Resilience challenge from Staying Sharp offers tools that will help you question your thinking, adjust your attitude and recognize your strengths. These tools may help you cope with challenges — and also inspire you to approach life in a way that leads to growth and positive change. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

As we deal with aging parents and other family health issues, the idea of becoming a caregiver has become a reality for many. But learning to care for yourself while caring for others is essential. Explore content on AARP® Staying Sharp® with information that focuses on resilience, staying calm and more during the month of November. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

Here’s what happens in your brain when you’re trying to make or break a habitDid you set a New Year’s resolution to kick a bad habit, only to find yourself falling back into old patterns? You’re not alone. In fact, research suggests up to 40% of our daily actions are habits – automatic routines we do without thinking. But how do these habits form, and why are they so difficult to break?Habits can be likened to riverbeds. A well-established river has a deep bed and water is likely to consistently flow in that direction. A new river has a shallow bed, so the flow of water is not well defined – it can vary course and be less predictable.Just like water down a riverbed, habits help our behavior “flow” down a predictable route. But what we are really talking about here is learning and unlearning.What happens in the brain when we form a habit?During the early stages of habit formation, the decision parts of your brain (pre-frontal cortices) are activated, and the action is very deliberate (i

It’s easy to lapse into all-or-nothing thinking at mealtime: Spend hours preparing a healthy feast or grab takeout or pop in a frozen pizza. The truth is, there are quick and simple ways to eat nutritious foods at every meal. Small diet tweaks can benefit your health, including brain health. Read this blog to see what 3 foods you should consider adding to your diet. Interested in adding new recipes to your collection? Explore hundreds of brain-friendly recipes on AARP® Staying Sharp® today.

A conversation about your health isn’t complete if it doesn’t include your brain. Use this guide to help start the conversation with questions for your doctor and follow-up steps for future appointments. Explore more content on how to talk to your doctor about brain health, including information on requesting a cognitive screening. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on  .

The Dehydration BluesMy wife’s recent debilitating bout of dehydration reminds me of a harrowing experience I once had at Emerald Isle, North Carolina. During one very humid scorching summer afternoon, I spent nearly six hours chopping down dead limbs in my steep overgrown front yard, hoisting the remains into trash bins, and then lugging the detritus to a dumping spot far down the street. I took a few breaks in which I drank what I considered to be a sufficient amount of flavored water.Pruning the foliage by itself was plenty of exercise for the day; but when I was done with my handiwork, I decided to work out at the deserted gym as twilight approached. Big mistake! Within a couple of minutes, I felt excruciating pain in my chest. Immediately, I stopped the treadmill and waited for the severe tightness in my chest to subside.  Even though the pain persisted and I was scared that I was going to die, instead of calling 911, I ever-so-slowly trekked back to my house. As I did so, my

Sugar cravings are hard to resist, especially if all you have to snack on are cookies and candy. Want to know how too much sugar can affect the brain? Watch this video to understand why you crave sweets and potential health risks if you overdo them. Then, the next time you go shopping, visit the fruit section before you head for the snack aisle and buy some strawberries to make this luscious Strawberry Nice Cream, a healthy ice cream alternative. It's all fruit, dairy-free, vegan and contains no added sugar. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

My first post as a new member - hope it meets the guidelines. My concern is whenever I see or hear a commerical by Prevagen, I get furious. They claim it improves memory - even says it in bold right on the product IMPROVES MEMORY These claims are nothing more that what you would hear from a snake-oil salesman. These claims have not been proven and the FDA has not substantiated these claims. There is NO SCIENTIFIC proof that this product works to improve memory and yet I see it pushed to the elderly evey day. Is there nothing that AARP can do to stop this company from gouging millions of eldery of their hard-earned money for this basically sugar pill? Thanks

If you have a lot of squash or pumpkin, use it to make bread. Instead of water,  grind it, add enough flour to make a dough, then add yeast or sourdough starter.  Other vegetables will work too.

Never played an instrument or sang? No problem. Learning as an adult can bring joy — and stimulate your brain. Singing in the shower is fun, but joining a community or church choir can have the added benefit of socialization. As for instruments, check out your local thrift store to find deals on portable keyboards and other instruments. Find more health tips at AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, today.

If you haven’t been active, the idea of a long walk or hike may feel overwhelming. But not every walk has to be 5 miles. It can be 5 minutes, just enough to get you out the door and into some fresh air — especially if you’re near a park or walking path that connects you with nature. Watch this video to learn about the benefits of walking, from burning calories to boosting your spirits. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

Just found this amazing video: "Daily Affirmations for Aging Well From Sheryl Lee Ralph"  "Be good to yourself..."

Here's an example of brain exercise.  Maybe it will start some thinking and friendly discussion. I found this in an old notebook from the 1970's that found its way back to me only because my mother chose to toss it in a box rather than throw it in the trash decades ago. I reread, reconsidered and rewrote it...just for exercise:Genesis Adam and EveA possible interpretation of the story of Adam and Eve that remains valid regardless of the scriptural source.The story of Adam and Eve and their exile from the garden of eden is traditionally presented as the curse of Original Sin (Except in The Koran where Adam alone, not his offspring, is held responsible for his choice) and condemnation of humanity to a life of toil, sweat and conflict. A curse that leaves Humanity's existance perpetually indebted to and entirely dependent upon a mysteriously jealous, vengeful yet merciful diety. A diety that while reported to be infinitely advanced beyond human comprehension is also guided by th

Folks at work were talking about this so much I looked some things up...looks like these people are going to be treated worse than we treated our own brothers and sisters in New Orleans after Katrina. B&A Satellite Images of Derna  ...guess I can't make any more jokes about how stupid conspiracy theorists are for not jumping all over Climate Change. This is Genocide by mismanagement...and not just local mismanagement.