Healthy Brain, Healthy Body, Healthy You Symposium set for June

For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age.

During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement. Learn strategies and activities to incorporate into your plan for healthy aging. Join all sessions or just those that interest you most.

Healthy Brain, Healthy Body, Healthy You Symposium
Presented by Sharon Towers
June 13-16 | 12:15 – 1:15 PM DAILY

Monday June 13 | Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research program

This program is designed to offer you research based recommendations about taking care of our brains and our bodies in order to age as well as possible. There are many aspects of aging over which we do have some degree of control. These aspects of aging include the lifestyle or environmental factors associated with how we age. Even in families with genetic predispositions toward particular conditions, there are lifestyle and environmental interventions that may alter the course of those conditions significantly. We can start by adopting habits to potentially improve overall health. These habits may help keep our bodies and our brains healthy as we age. Participants will get an overview of four aspects of healthy aging: physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement.

Presenter: Cheryl Greenberg, Ed.D., The Age Coach & Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator

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Tuesday June 14 | Making “Sense” of Therapeutic Horticulture: How Plants Can Help You Thrive

Even if we are not avid or expert gardeners, we know that gardening provides opportunities to develop new skills, work our bodies, and engage with others. In this program, participants will learn about the history and benefits of therapeutic horticulture for improving well-being and health outcomes, and how therapeutic horticulture is much more than “playing in the dirt.”

Basil is a strong aromatic plant used in cooking, but can also promote scent memory and reminiscence. Hens-and-chicks (sempervivum) is a resilient plant that can handle challenging conditions and create more of itself from its resources of water, nutrients, and sun, which can be a metaphor for self-care. In a demonstration and optional plant-along, participants will learn how to take cuttings from basil plants to create new plants, and how to propagate hens-and-chicks from a stock plant.

Participants will leave with therapeutic horticulture resources and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Presenter: Amy Bruzzichesi, MSW, horticultural therapist, private practice

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Wednesday June 15 | Prep Like A Pro

We know that a healthy fueling of the body benefits brain function. Research in the area of the relationship between nutrition and cognitive functioning points to the benefits of two approaches in particular: DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean. It’s never too late to adopt a heart-healthy approach to how we cook and eat. Studies show that making these changes, even in later life, may have benefits for your brain health.

We also know that preparations can be cumbersome. Grocery lists, shopping, cooking and clean up take time and money! Learn manageable ways to eat healthy while prepping like a pro! Get tips for preparing the basics in advance to enjoy a variety of easy to cook meals throughout the week, how to save money on our groceries and ways to reduce food waste.

Presenter: Geri Bushel, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at North Carolina State University & Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator

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Thursday June 16 | Becoming Mindful

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and physical awareness. Mindfulness has positive effects on physical health, mental health, and cognitive function. Breathing techniques and yoga are examples of tools and practices to achieve this. Participants will learn health benefits such as mitigating stress, as well as, tips for adopting these practices.

Presenter: Amy Baumann, Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator

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Register today for all sessions or only the ones that interest you:.

OR by phone – 800.272.3900.