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Every June, Brain Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder to deepen our understanding of brain health and neurological diseases — especially Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. Raising awareness about Alzheimer’s helps promote early detection, better care, and ongoing research toward treatment and prevention.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is classified as a form of dementia, a broader term that describes a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s accounts for approximately 60% to 80% of all dementia cases worldwide

At its core, Alzheimer’s disease disrupts communication between brain cells due to abnormal buildups of proteins called beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These protein accumulations impair neuron function and ultimately lead to brain cell death. This damage manifests as memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, changes in mood, and loss of independence.

Why Is Brain Awareness Month Important?

Brain Awareness Month highlights the significance of brain health across all ages and emphasizes the impact of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. It encourages education, early detection, and support for those affected by cognitive decline. Understanding the disease also empowers families and caregivers to better navigate the challenges involved.

Risk Factors: What Increases the Chance of Alzheimer’s?

While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s remains under investigation, several factors are known to raise the risk:

• Age: Risk rises significantly after age 65, with the majority of cases occurring in older adults.

• Genetics: Family history can play a role. Certain genes, such as the APOE-e4 variant, are linked to increased

• Health Conditions: Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking also contribute to risk.

• Lifestyle Factors: Physical inactivity, poor diet, and social isolation may influence brain health.

Although some risk factors are beyond control, many can be mitigated by a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, cognitive engagement, and managing chronic health conditions.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal aging, making awareness crucial:

• Memory Loss: Difficulty recalling recent events, repeating questions, or misplacing items.

• Disorientation: Confusion about time, dates, or familiar places.

• Language Problems: Struggling to find the right words or follow conversations.

• Impaired Judgment: Poor decision-making and difficulty managing daily tasks.

• Mood Changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from social activities.

Early diagnosis allows for better care planning and access to treatments that may slow progression and improve quality of life.

The Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s progresses through stages, typically starting with mild cognitive impairment and advancing to severe dementia. As the disease worsens, individuals may lose the ability to perform basic functions like dressing, eating, or recognizing loved ones. The course and speed vary widely among individuals.

Treatment and Support

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments exist to help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Medications can temporarily enhance memory and cognition or address mood and behavior changes. Equally important is the role of supportive care — including therapy, social support, and creating safe environments — to maintain dignity and quality of life for those affected.

Ongoing research continues to explore new therapies aimed at targeting the root causes of the disease and ultimately finding a cure.

How You Can Help During Brain Awareness Month

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn the facts about Alzheimer’s and share them to reduce stigma.

• Support Caregivers: Recognize the challenges they face and offer assistance.

• Advocate for Research: Support organizations funding studies and clinical trials.

• Promote Brain Health: Encourage healthy habits that may lower risk.

Although summer is a season many look forward to, it brings its own set of risks—especially for Seniors. According to the National Library of Medicine, people aged 65 and older are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to changes in the body’s ability to regulate temperature. As the temperatures rise, it is important to stay prepared and take steps to reduce risks caused by extreme heat.

Whether you’re a senior yourself or care for someone who is, having a plan in place is essential. Heat waves and high humidity can be dangerous, especially for those with chronic conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 85% of adults 65 and older in the U.S. live with at least one chronic illness, which can raise the risk of heat-related complications. Additionally, power outages caused by summer storms or high energy demand can limit access to cooling resources and healthcare.

To stay prepared, take time to assess your needs, build a seasonal safety plan, and lean on your support network. Below are important tips to help you stay safe and healthy during the warmer months.

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

When temperatures soar, make sure to:

• Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting a library, mall, or community cooling center.

• Drink plenty of water—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if you go outside.

• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.

• Use fans with caution—fans create air movement but do not reduce body temperature in extreme heat.

• Plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening.

Recognizing the Signs of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Heat stroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. Symptoms include:

• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

• Confusion or slurred speech

• Rapid pulse or dizziness

• Nausea or fainting

• Body temperature above 103°F

If you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 right away. While waiting for help:

• Move the person to a cooler, shaded area

• Apply cool, damp cloths to areas like the neck, armpits, wrists, and groin — where blood vessels are close to the skin

• Use fans or ice packs if available

• Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious or disoriented

Medical Conditions and Hot Weather

Certain chronic conditions can worsen in the summer heat. Be mindful if you or someone you care for lives with:

• Heart disease: Hot weather can strain the heart and circulatory system.

• Respiratory illnesses: Air pollution and pollen levels may rise, triggering symptoms.

• Diabetes: Dehydration can affect blood sugar levels and medication effectiveness.

• Cognitive impairments: Conditions like dementia may make it difficult to recognize or communicate symptoms of overheating.

Some medications can increase sensitivity to the sun or heat. Talk with your doctor about whether any of your prescriptions could impact your ability to stay cool.

Staying Safe Indoors

The National Institute on Aging reports that many heat-related illnesses happen at home. To stay safe inside:

• Set your thermostat to a comfortable and safe temperature—ideally below 78°F.

• Use fans with open windows in early mornings and evenings to circulate fresh air.

• Avoid using ovens or stoves during the hottest parts of the day.

• Keep cold drinks and light snacks on hand.

• Sit in a shaded area or use cooling wraps to stay comfortable.

• Take frequent breaks from household tasks that cause you to overheat.

Energy and Food Assistance Programs for Seniors

You may qualify for assistance to stay safe and cool this summer:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help cover your cooling bills or offer support during energy-related emergencies.

• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) may help improve your home’s insulation and reduce cooling

• Learn about food assistance programs and eligibility at USAGov – Food Assistance for Older Adults.

To learn more about local support services, call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org.

There is always time to get ready for Summer. By planning ahead and following simple safety steps, you can enjoy the season while protecting your health and well-being. Let’s stay safe, cool, and connected all summer long.

May is Employee Health Stay and Fitness Month — a perfect time to refocus on your personal wellness. As summer approaches, longer days and warmer weather open up even more opportunities to move your body, get outside, and recharge. Staying active during the summer months doesn’t have to mean training for a marathon or spending hours at the gym. Small, sustainable steps can make a big difference in how you feel both on and off the clock. Here are a few simple ways to stay fit and energized this summer.

Take Your Workouts Outside

Warmer temperatures and sunny days offer a natural invitation to get moving outdoors. Try trading the treadmill for a walk or jog around your neighborhood or a local park. Even a 20-minute brisk walk at lunchtime can boost your mood, increase focus, and help meet your daily fitness goals.

Stay Hydrated

Higher temperatures mean your body loses fluids more quickly. Dehydration can sneak up fast, especially during outdoor activities. Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day and aim to drink consistently rather than waiting until you’re thirsty.

Break It Up

If you’re finding it hard to carve out an hour for a full workout, break it up into shorter sessions. A few 10-minute movement breaks — think stretching, bodyweight exercises, or a quick yoga flow — can add up over the course of a day and still deliver real benefits.

Make It Social

Physical activity doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Organizing a friendly walking group with coworkers or scheduling an active outing with friends can turn fitness into a fun, social event. Plus, you’re more likely to stick with it when it’s enjoyable.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Protecting your skin keeps you healthier in the long term — and helps you avoid uncomfortable sunburns that can derail your summer plans.

Listen to Your Body

Summer heat can be intense. Pay attention to how you’re feeling, and don’t push too hard during the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or evening workouts may be a better option when temperatures are cooler.

Small Steps Lead to Big Gains

You don’t have to overhaul your entire routine to see the benefits of staying active. Incorporating simple, mindful habits into your summer schedule can help you feel stronger, more energized, and better equipped to handle the demands of everyday life.

Employee Health and Fitness Month is a great reminder that your health is a priority — and every step you take matters.

Managing a Chronic Condition That Affects Millions

Arthritis is often misunderstood as a byproduct of aging—an inevitable ache in the joints that we must learn to live with. But arthritis is far more complex than that. It encompasses more than 100 different conditions, affects people of all ages, and remains one of the leading causes of disability in the United States.

While it can’t always be prevented, arthritis can be managed—sometimes effectively enough to prevent significant loss of function. But managing arthritis starts with understanding what it is, how it develops, and the many ways it can be treated.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single disease, but a broad term that refers to inflammation of the joints. The most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis: Is the more prevalent of the two, is a degenerative condition in which cartilage gradually wears away.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues, causing widespread inflammation and, if untreated, joint damage.

Other forms—such as psoriatic arthritis, gout, and lupus-related arthritis—affect smaller portions of the population but present their own complications.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Joint pain is the most recognizable symptom, but it’s not the only one. Individuals with arthritis may also experience:

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
• Swelling in one or more joints
• Decreased range of motion
• Fatigue, particularly with inflammatory types of arthritis
• Warmth or redness around the joint in more active stages of inflammation

Symptoms may develop slowly or appear suddenly. And while arthritis can affect any joint, it most commonly involves the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

Treatment Options: Beyond the Basics

For many, arthritis management begins with a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers and lifestyle adjustments. But treatment rarely ends there.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Controlled movement keeps joints flexible, strengthens supporting muscles, and can reduce overall pain. Patients are often surprised to learn that regular low-impact activity—like swimming or walking—can be more effective than rest.

Diet

Diet also plays a critical role, particularly in forms of arthritis with an inflammatory component. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats—has been shown to help reduce inflammation and support joint health.

Medication

When symptoms become more severe, prescription medications such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologics may be necessary. These treatments can slow the progression of disease and help prevent permanent joint damage in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

In certain cases, especially where joint deterioration is advanced, surgical options such as joint replacement may be considered.

When Basic Interventions Aren’t Enough

For individuals whose arthritis symptoms significantly limit mobility or make daily tasks difficult, more advanced care may be needed. This is especially true for older adults who may also be managing additional health conditions.

In such cases, care can extend beyond outpatient visits and self-management. Skilled nursing facilities, for example, can offer a higher level of care, including 24/7 nursing support, structured physical and occupational therapy programs, and coordinated pain management.

These settings are particularly valuable after arthritis-related surgeries, like joint replacement, where recovery requires both medical oversight and structured rehabilitation.

Looking Ahead

There is no cure for arthritis, but that doesn’t mean people must simply “live with it.” Early recognition, thoughtful treatment, and access to the right type of care can make a substantial difference in quality of life.

As researchers continue to explore the underlying causes of joint inflammation, there is hope that new therapies—targeted, effective, and personalized—will emerge. In the meantime, understanding arthritis for what it is—not just a part of aging, but a medical condition that can and should be treated—remains essential.