Beat brain fog
These tried and true memory boosters can help you remember more.
Concentrate: Studies show that it takes at least eight seconds for information to move from your short-to long-term memory.
Use crazy fonts: The harder to read, the better. When something is unfamiliar and difficult to read, you exert more effort and thereby remember more.
Chew gum: Studies have shown that the act of chewing seems to keep people more focused and improves their concentration.
Visualize: Associate a picture with whatever it is you’d like to remember.
Sleep with me
With narrator Drew Ackerman, who promises to get more boring and monotonous as he goes along, the Sleep With Me podcast from PRX advertises itself as a bedtime story that will help you doze off.
How hydrating is sparkling water?
Full of tiny air bubbles, which may cause bloating for some, fizzy water does the job of hydrating your body just as well as good old-fashioned tap water. Put other ingredients such as sugars, salts or electrolytes into the mix and water retention goes up (but so does the calorie count).
Enjoy happier visits
Having a little fun makes spending time together more rewarding. Even if your loved one has dementia, you can often enjoy a family outing or encourage participation with grandchildren in one of these activities.
• Make a scrapbook with family pictures or magazine cuttings.
• Brush and comb each other’s hair.
• Play favourite songs and sing along.
• Clip coupons and play pretend shop.
• Colour a picture of the Canadian flag.
• Peel and prepare vegetables for dinner.
• Prepare a fresh fruit salad.
• Bake muffins or cupcakes.
Noisy dining
98 per cent of restaurant-goers think noise levels are too high and negatively affect their ability to enjoy their meal, according to a recent online survey. In fact, almost 70 per cent claimed to have actually left a dining establishment because
it was too noisy.
Source: CBC
Watercress, papaya and peppers
Packing our diet with vibrant foods loaded with antioxidants, essential nutrients, healthy fats and water promises to deliver skin-friendly results that fight wrinkles, fine lines and
dull complexions. Also on the menu: Red peppers, blueberries, almonds, avocados and sweet potatoes.
5 surprising signs of depression
Ask for help if you discover these behaviours in yourself or a loved one.
1. Forgetfulness
2. Shoplifting
3. Binge eating
4. Constant Internet use
5. Shopping sprees
Feeling anxious?
We all experience ups and downs in life, but if everyday experiences cause you intense or constant anxiety then you might need to talk to your doctor. Know that women are more likely to suffer anxiety than men, and that you’re three times more likely to misuse drugs or alcohol if you have an anxiety disorder. Additional contributing factors include:
• A family history of depression or anxiety
• An absent parent for long stretches as a child
• Childhood trauma resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder
• Personality traits such as shyness, rigidity or oversensitivity
Simple tips for self-care
• Go for a walk
• Read a book
• Listen to a favourite piece of music
• Call a friend or family member
Did you know?
Cigarette smoke contains 7,000 chemicals, 250 of which are believed to be poisonous and 70 of which can cause cancer. Quitting isn’t easy, but talking to your physician about how to wean yourself off cigarettes is.
Mobile phone mishaps
If you lose your phone or if it is stolen, contact your provider to report it right away. And be sure to change any passwords to keep your accounts safe, including those for online banking.
