Category: Brandpoint Health

2025-06-16T00:01:00

(BPT) – Struggling with a substance use disorder is never easy, and is even more difficult to overcome without substantial help from others. One reason substance use can be so challenging is that many people are coping with a variety of mental health conditions along with their substance use. According to the nonprofit Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 79% of Hazelden Betty Ford treatment center patients have had more than one treatable mental health condition, and on average 3.67 different diagnoses, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma, PTSD and ADHD, to name a few.

Historically, treatment for mental health and substance use were considered as separate issues, requiring people who needed help for both to seek care from multiple providers or clinics at different times — and without adequate or any health insurance coverage. But attitudes toward substance use and mental health have changed over the years, leading to a better understanding of the connection between the two, and resulting in insurance coverage options for treatment.

Providing the best possible care for the many people needing substance use treatment and help with a mental health condition involves much more than just treating them both at the same time, however. It requires a well-integrated program, also called a co-occurring program, that considers the whole person and all of their needs. While the concept of co-occurring care isn’t new at Hazelden Betty Ford or in the industry, the program at Hazelden Betty Ford expands and redefines the depth and scope of what co-occurring care means.

“Substance use rarely happens as a singular diagnosis, and mental health care is a powerful tool in lasting recovery,” said Kelly Lindberg, Psy.D., LP, LADC, vice president of Mental Health, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. “Our expanded co-occurring program is designed as a recovery path that integrates mental health and substance use treatment to help patients brave the layers of co-occurring conditions, with wrap-around support for their families as well.”

A new model of care

To better address the many complex issues around mental health and substance use, Hazelden Betty Ford has drawn on 75 years of experience helping people in recovery to develop a next-generation model of care, using their unique set of resources to improve the quality in mental health and substance use treatment.

Integrating everything a patient might need in one program, including psychiatry and medication management, therapists licensed in both mental health and substance use counseling, holistic care and a community of peers for group learning and support, helps people move from coping with life to living their lives.

Advantages of an integrated approach

The nonprofit treatment center also acknowledges that every recovery journey is unique, which is why Hazelden Betty Ford developed outpatient and inpatient programs that are flexible enough to fit each individual’s needs, motivations and goals in all of its 15 locations across nine states, as well as virtual care.

People seeking help with substance use and mental health concerns, and their families, will benefit from:

• Receiving all their care in one place.
• Combining therapies, community and skill-building, based on the needs of each patient and their family.
• Multi-disciplinary teams including psychiatrists, nurses, mental health and substance use counselors, family specialists, recovery support experts and more — many of whom received training and education at Hazelden Betty Ford.
• Philanthropy-funded services free of charge for families affected by a loved one’s substance use disorder, contributing to the quality of care and outcomes for each patient.
• Emphasis on belonging and community to support lifelong recovery.
• Improved access to care through innovative tools such as Wayfinder, an evidence-based screening and brief intervention tool, and Connection Point, a virtual coaching service to help people find the right type of care and determine their next steps.

“Our nationally standardized co-occurring curriculum is built on decades of expertise and backed by research and proven outcomes,” said Joseph Lee, M.D., president and CEO, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. “To truly overcome the stigma in substance use and mental health, we must consistently raise the bar on quality, which is what we’re striving for with this next-generation model.”

Visit HereWithYou.org to learn more about the integrated model for mental health and substance use treatment.

Resources for teens and families

With mental health becoming an increasing concern for children and teens, it’s more crucial than ever for treatment centers to develop programs designed specifically to meet the needs of younger patients. For teens or young adults struggling with depression or anxiety, who may be withdrawing from friends, family and activities they would normally enjoy, families can encourage them to seek help from experts trained and experienced in providing care and support for young people, such as at Hazelden Betty Ford’s center in Plymouth, Minnesota.

This program is designed to provide integrated support for mental health and substance use in teens aged 12-18 and young adults, 18-25. Patients at the center receive individual therapy, peer connection and medication management all in one program, along with family support.

Each person’s treatment plan is specifically tailored to what that individual needs, and is guided by certified adolescent specialists including addiction board certified pediatricians and psychiatrists, therapists and counselors. Family coaching, counseling and educational services are also provided, along with positive peer groups and extracurricular activities.

Visit WeGotYou.org to learn more about how a teen or young adult can receive the care they need.

This integrated approach, for teens and for adults, is an expanded model of care that’s setting a new standard of quality for treatment, with a focus on the whole person.

2025-06-13T08:01:01

(BPT) – Just like our muscles, our brain functions at its best when it’s given a “workout.” Challenging your mental acuity — whether through reading, playing word games, completing puzzles or taking on math challenges — is a great way to keep your brain in top shape. Staying sharp as we age, though, is a whole-body activity. While changes in brain structure and function can potentially slow us down, declining coordination and “reduced ability to modify movements to respond to changes in the environment” can also impact our ability to react.

AARP members can use their member benefits to save money while focusing on healthy lifestyle habits from head to toe and inside and out:

“So many wonderful tools are now available to help us keep our minds and bodies sharp at any age,” said Doug Armstrong, Vice President of Health Products and Services at AARP Services, Inc. “AARP Services strives to connect members with as many of these as possible, from apps and online services to insurance options and more, making it easier than ever to prioritize health and wellbeing.”

1. Home in on hearing

Difficulty with hearing can make us feel disconnected from the world around us. Ensuring we’re hearing at our best not only enables us to stay in the conversation but also helps keep us safe. Particularly when there is a person, vehicle or danger nearby.

AARP provides hearing care solutions that help make it easy to get your hearing checked and address any issues. With AARP^® Hearing Solutions provided by UnitedHealthcare Hearing, members can save an average of $2,000 per pair on prescription hearing aids and 15% on accessories plus up to $200 off over-the-counter hearing aids. Members also receive a free hearing exam and consultation, with personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. No insurance is needed to use the program.

2. Check out your eyes

Look out! Healthy vision is a critical component to maintaining strong spatial awareness and depth perception. Good vision enables you to accurately perceive the spatial relationships between objects and their surroundings like navigating steps, driving or playing sports. Healthy vision also means you can continue to get around on your own, whether by car or on foot, enabling you to maintain your independence.

Maintain good vision health through regular checkups with an eye care professional, and be sure to take any necessary steps to address problems before they get worse.

AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that include individual and family plans featuring annual eye exams, glasses and lens enhancements, such as progressives and anti-glare coating, and more.

3. Stay agile

An object in motion stays in motion. To stay agile and quick on your feet, it’s important to get regular exercise and, if possible, build your strength and flexibility. If you’ve been sidelined by an injury, procedure or recurring pain, physical therapy can help with recovery and resilience. It can even teach you a few moves that will help you stay sharp for years to come.

Members and non-members can receive at-home physical therapy from AARP^® Physical Therapy At Home™ by Luna. Most insurances and Medicare are accepted by Luna. A prescription may not be needed to start.

4. Maintain a healthy mouth

Simply focusing on your health and wellbeing is a major step toward staying sharp. All the systems of our body are connected in some way. Take your mouth, for example. Studies have increasingly found a link between dental issues like plaque, gum disease, gingivitis and other more serious conditions in the body, including memory loss.

To help keep these ailments at bay, brush and floss daily, and schedule regular dental visits to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. AARP members can find information on dental insurance options that include individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures.

5. Get regimen reminders

Sometimes, medication might be needed to help us stay sharp, and even those with the quickest minds might need a little help remembering to take it. If your regimen requires multiple medications taken at specific times, it’s a good idea to get assistance with tracking them.

Hero Smart Pill Dispenser stores, sorts and dispenses up to a 90-day supply of 10 different medications. The connected medication management app helps you manage medication routines, track your supply and understand your adherence. AARP members get exclusive savings on a Hero subscription.

6. Monitor your mental wellness, too

Being in a positive mental state, relaxed and stress-free, can help you stay focused and ready to seize the day. With Dario, members have free access to self-guided programs that include meditations, activities and self-care tips — all designed to support your mental wellness. You can also find content and tools that may help you relieve stress, sleep better, lift your mood and more.

Advancing in age doesn’t have to slow you down, mentally or physically. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, staying on top of your regular check-ups, and staying active and engaged with the world around you, staying sharp can be simple. To learn more about AARP member benefits, visit aarp.org/benefits.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2025-06-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – A nurse’s compassionate care leaves an ever-lasting impact on a dialysis patient.

Eight years ago, George Godoy arrived at a DaVita center in Texas to learn about home hemodialysis (HHD). His goal was to shift from in-center treatments to a home modality that would empower him to reclaim time for the activities he loved. As George walked through the front door, he was greeted by a kind nurse. Little did he know she would profoundly impact his kidney care journey and his life.

Her name was Sylvia.

The connection was immediate, and George compares their early interactions to the dynamic between a teacher and a student, saying, “She had so much knowledge; it was like attending a masterclass in dialysis. I appreciated the way she was so direct and authentic. Sylvia built trust with me from the very beginning.”

Not only did Sylvia make a great first impression, but she also made space for George’s questions as they began to meet more frequently. She listened to his ideas and concerns and, above all, remembered the little things. “I quickly learned that George loved riding his motorcycle and was a talented woodworker,” said Sylvia. “He has a zest for life, and it was always fun hearing about his bike travels or what he was creating in his workshop. As a nurse, my goal is to make patients feel comfortable, and part of that involves treating individuals compassionately as a whole person. No patient, no matter what they’re battling, wants to feel like a number.”

Over time, George maintained a successful at-home dialysis program, and the teacher and student soon blossomed into close friends. Then, one day, George looked to Sylvia for career advice. He decided to become a patient care technician (PCT) at DaVita.

George reflected, “I remember thinking how she made me feel supported at my lowest moments and always helped me maintain a positive outlook. Being a patient myself, I know that sometimes, it can feel like ‘us against the world.’ Sylvia taught me the importance of a strong and compassionate care team, and that stayed with me. Ultimately, it’s about human connection. We need to remember that we’re all in this together.”

Today, George and Sylvia work in different centers, but that doesn’t prevent George from checking in on her. “I’ll stop by Sylvia’s clinic to grab supplies, and yes, we’ll talk about my treatment progress. But most of the time, it’s two friends catching up about our families and what television shows we’re watching. You could say that we’re pretty inseparable at this point.”

Seeing George in scrubs and talking about his patients with the same empathy she offered him fills Sylvia with joy. “George is a very special person who will change the way others receive kidney care treatment. He’s taught me so much about myself and life. I feel blessed that our paths crossed so many years ago, and I’m even more grateful to call him a lifelong friend.”

George and Sylvia’s story serves as a reminder that healthcare can and should be more than treatment plans and test results. Sometimes, a simple connection can change a patient’s life and even shape their future.

Learn more at davitaforward.com/difference.

2025-06-04T10:25:00

(BPT) – For the fourth year in a row, men’s grooming company Wahl^® is looking for men who do good while looking good. What does that mean? If you have a beard and you’re involved in a charity, you could win $20,000 for that charity and $5,000 for yourself. It’s all part of the Wahl^® Benevolent Beards Contest, which recognizes and rewards those who embody the company’s philosophy of making the world a ‘bearder‘ — or better — place to live.

“Wahl^® has a long history of serving communities and supporting causes, and we are excited to reward men who share in our dedication to spread positivity and goodwill,” said Steven Yde, Vice President of North America Consumer at Wahl^®. “This contest is a great way to find men who are generous with their time, talent and treasures, while also shining a light on the charities they’re passionate about.”

Last Year’s Winner

The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has — just ask last year’s winner Rodney Smith Jr. from Huntsville, AL. Smith’s talent to trim his beard also extends to lawns; through his charity Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Inc., kids from across the country have joined his mission to provide free lawn care services to the elderly, disabled and veterans. “To date, more than 400 kids have completed the ’50 Yard Challenge,’ and I’m so proud to present each one of those kids with lawn equipment to help them continue their goodwill. Winning this contest has allowed me to reward even more kids for their hard work,” explained Smith.

How to Enter

From now until July 6, 2025, men with beards can submit a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/BenevolentBeards2025. They can also get to the page by visiting @WahlGrooming on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. What kind of charity? As long as it’s a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities will be considered. So, whether you’re an animal advocate or helping humans, you have the chance to put your good grooming toward goodwill.

Following the entry period, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity and a Wahl^® PRO SERIES™ High Visibility Trimmer. Things get exciting in August when public votes help determine which finalist wins the Grand Prize of $5,000 for himself, $20,000 for his charity and a visit from the Wahl^® Mobile Barbershop to do a grooming event where barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims.

No Beard, No Problem

Don’t have a beard? You can still be part of the excitement. Spread the word about the contest to your bearded friends. Vote for your favorite facial-haired finalist. Or, get on the benevolent bandwagon and find ways to volunteer yourself. No matter your talents or interests, there are so many charities that would love your help.

2025-05-30T12:01:00

(BPT) – Are you currently a freelancer or gig worker, or thinking about becoming self-employed? If so, you know that being self-employed means enjoying more freedom and autonomy, but also involves missing out on getting a benefits package from an employer. To help you better manage your finances today and plan for the future, here are ways you can set up your own self-designed benefits package — and a few tools to help you get started.

Get your health insurance covered

One of your first steps should be taking good care of yourself, so be sure to check out the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace online at HealthCare.gov to see what coverage options are available in your state.

Depending on the work you do or organizations you belong to, you may also be eligible for coverage through certain local associations, such as some nonprofit associations, or through unions like SAG-AFTRA, which provides health insurance for qualifying performers or media professionals. It’s worth doing research to discover what’s available to you at low cost.

Prioritize eye health

Most health insurance plans don’t cover vision, so it’s crucial to have coverage for this vital aspect of your overall health and productivity, whether or not you currently wear corrective lenses. An affordable vision plan like a VSP^® Individual Vision Plan ensures that you’re safeguarding your eye health, even when you’re your own boss. VSP’s affordable, same-day coverage ensures that you can maintain clear vision and eye health without unexpected expenses.

The best thing is, you can purchase a vision insurance plan with VSP year-round — at any time — with no need to wait for open enrollment or waiting periods. Typical savings is more than $350 annually with affordable full-service coverage you can purchase on your own. With a VSP vision insurance plan, you simply visit an eye doctor in the VSP network and you’ll get customized coverage for an annual eye exam, and new glasses, including a generous frame allowance, and savings on lens enhancements like progressives. VSP members also have access to over $3,000 in savings with Exclusive Member Extras.

Visit VSPDirect.com to find the best vision plan for you. You’ll be able to compare insurance plans and find the one that best meets your needs.

Optimize bookkeeping apps

One of the trickiest things about being self-employed is keeping track of your income and expenses, so you’re not only on top of your taxes, but you can also keep an eye on how your business is performing over time. And, because self-employed workers generally need to pay estimated taxes each quarter, being consistent with your recordkeeping is more important than ever.

It’s advisable to consult a tax professional to ensure your bookkeeping is done correctly, but there are also a variety of bookkeeping apps and accounting software on the market that are user-friendly and can help you easily track your income, deductions and expenses in real time, making it simpler for you — and your tax advisor — to stay on track all year.

Plan for the future

No matter your current age, it’s always a good idea to start planning for the future now. Actions you can take include opening a health savings account (HSA) or a Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA) for your retirement savings.

An HSA offers certain tax advantages, and can be a valuable tool for helping you manage your health care costs down the road, especially when you don’t have employer-sponsored health care. If you’re on an ACA health plan, you’ll need to enroll in an HSA-eligible High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), then choose an HSA provider and make contributions to the account.

Advantages of a SEP IRA include the fact that contributions to a SEP are tax deductible, and that your small business pays no taxes on the investment earnings. You are also not locked into making contributions every year, if you choose not to. You can find information about opening a SEP IRA on the Department of Labor website. Again, consulting a tax professional is always recommended for making decisions that may impact your tax liability.

Going the self-employed route has several advantages, but also is most successful when you’ve done your homework and planned for what you need, now and into the future. By making the most of these tools that are at your disposal, you can enjoy your hard-earned success for years to come.

2025-05-21T15:31:00

(BPT) – Do you think about your home’s water quality? From daily showers to brewing your morning cup of coffee, you use water for so many everyday tasks, including ones that can impact your well-being. That’s why it’s important to learn more about the water quality in your area.

What affects water quality

Tap water goes on quite the journey before it reaches your home. Water from natural sources like lakes, rivers and groundwater flows to municipal water treatment facilities where it is cleaned and purified. While these treatments make water safe to drink, some minerals and chemicals can impact the taste of your water and affect your skin and hair.

After it’s treated, the water flows to storage tanks and then pipes before it enters your home. During its travel, the water can pick up sediments and other contaminants that impact your water quality. Luckily, there are various technologies you can easily install in your home to filter the water you use every day.

Better, tastier drinking water

Does your tap water have a chlorinated or metallic taste? This is a common problem with a relatively simple solution. Installing an under-sink water filtration system can reduce the contaminants responsible for this taste, as well as other chemicals and sediments that negatively impact water quality.

When looking for a filtration system, consider a reliable, certified system like the Delta^® Clarifi™ Tankless Under Sink 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System. Using six filtration stages, the system removes more than 90 contaminants from your drinking water, including chlorine, chloramine, microplastics, PFAS, lead, arsenic, heavy metals, chemicals, nitrates, pharmaceuticals and more.

The system is certified against National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards and is designed for reliable, easy-to-use in-home water filtration. The carbon and reverse osmosis filters have a two-year life span with indicator lights so you know when a filter needs changing. The simple twist-and-lock mechanism doesn’t require water shutoff, so when it’s time to replace the filters, you can do so in minutes. You can even customize your water with an optional remineralizer that adds good-for-you minerals like electrolytes, calcium and magnesium back into your filtered drinking water.

Say hello to a hair and skin upgrade

In your bathroom, unfiltered water contains impurities that can strip the natural oils from your skin and hair, causing dryness and dullness. A simple fix is to upgrade your current shower head with a filtration attachment. Just like your under-sink filtration system, a shower head with a water filter can reduce common contaminants.

For the perfect DIY shower upgrade, consider picking up the Delta^® Clarifi™ Premium Shower Filter Attachment. The lightweight and durable attachment is easy to install and can be concealed behind your existing shower head. Simply attach between your current shower head and supply line to reduce impurities that may cause dry skin and hair.

Not only does the filter reduce chlorine and sediments from your water, but it looks good doing it, too. Available in seven finishes, including Matte Black, Chrome, Champagne Bronze and Polished Nickel it’s easy to find one that matches your existing aesthetic.

Are you ready to improve your water quality?

Improving your home’s water quality doesn’t have to be complicated. The right products can instantly improve your water so you can drink, cook and shower with confidence. To learn more about water quality and solutions, visit Delta Faucet’s Water Quality Resource.

2025-05-19T05:01:00

(BPT) – Is heart disease on your radar? While the subject can be scary, the good news is that medical advancements have found new and efficient ways to manage the risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

Take coronary atherosclerosis, for example. This condition occurs when fats, cholesterol and other substances build up in blood vessels, creating plaque on artery walls. Over time, the plaque narrows the arteries, blocking blood flow, which can lead to more serious conditions like heart attack or stroke.

Inflammation plays a substantial role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Managing and reducing inflammation can go a long way in managing coronary atherosclerosis and slowing the progression of cardiovascular disease.

That said, what if you could do more? What if, instead of merely slowing the progression of cardiovascular disease, you could actually turn back the clock on damaging arterial plaque? A recent clinical study suggests that a once-daily oral low-dose medication has the potential to address coronary inflammation and even shrink existing plaque.

Addressing plaque instability and reversing damage

Newly released results from the EKSTROM trial offer powerful evidence that low-dose colchicine has the potential to fundamentally change how clinicians combat heart disease.

Low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg, is indicated to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death in adult patients with established atherosclerotic disease or with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This anti-inflammatory medication addresses the root cause of heart disease by targeting inflammation, helping stabilize “vulnerable” plaques prone to rupture.

According to the EKSTROM trial findings, the anti-inflammatory treatment improved several measures of plaque volume changes over a period of 12 months in patients with stable coronary artery disease compared to a placebo. The study also found that low-dose colchicine doesn’t just slow the progression of plaque but also offers meaningful regression of non-calcified, fibrous and fibro-fatty plaque.

“Our findings demonstrate how low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg, can prevent heart attack and stroke in high-risk patients with established cardiovascular disease by reducing plaques in the coronary arteries,” said Matthew J. Budoff, M.D., lead clinician of the EKSTROM trial, investigator at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center and program director and director of Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT), Division of Cardiology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

This isn’t the first time researchers have studied the potential therapeutic benefits of low-dose colchicine. The EKSTROM trial is the third major study suggesting that low-dose colchicine can regress and stabilize plaque, following key findings from a clinical trial in acute coronary syndrome (the COLOCT study) and an important systematic review in JAMA Cardiology.

By directly reducing inflammation — a key contributor to plaque instability — low-dose colchicine could help prevent heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients, reduce hospitalizations and possibly cut long-term health care costs. Together with statins and antihypertensives, this anti-inflammatory therapy now stands poised to become a vital pillar in cardiovascular disease management.

Determine your risk

Do you have atherosclerosis? If you’re not sure, you can find out with just three simple, universally available tests that measure your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. These tests can detect the risk of vascular atherosclerosis decades before a life-threatening heart attack or stroke.

While you may be familiar with LDL and Lp(a), you may not have heard of hs-CRP, an inflammation biomarker. Should the test reveal that you have high hs-CRP levels, your doctor may recommend you take once-daily low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg, in addition to your current treatment regimen.

To learn more about low-dose colchicine, its role in reducing inflammation and to check your own risk using our risk assessment quiz, visit CVDInflammation.com.

2025-05-08T16:33:00

(BPT) – By 2030, more than 20% of the U.S. population — about 71 million Americans — will be over the age of 65. With age, many of us may notice changes in cognition — things like misplacing our keys or forgetting a neighbor’s name. While we expect our bodies to change with age and aren’t alarmed when they do, many people assume the worst when their memory or cognition changes. It’s important to understand that our brains age just like our bodies.

Cognitive aging or brain aging is not a disease. It’s part of an ongoing process that begins at birth and continues throughout the lifespan. In early childhood, our brains grow and develop at a rapid pace. As we grow older, changes in the brain due to aging can affect things like learning and memory. Processing speed, decision-making and memory are often some of the first cognitive abilities to decline due to aging.

Cognitive aging is normal, and it happens to all of us. You can’t prevent your brain from aging, but you can take action to optimize your brain and cognitive health.

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation’s Brain Works initiative aims to educate the public on cognitive aging as a critical step to reducing fear and encouraging behavior change to promote healthy brain aging. Learn more about the steps you can take to optimize your brain health below.

Tips to Optimize Your Brain Health:

Remember the old adage: Healthy heart, healthy mind

Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart and your brain by maintaining a healthy weight and managing your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Keep your mind active

Challenging and activating the mind with activities like learning a new language, instrument or skill, helps keep your mind sharp. Doing puzzles and playing games are also good ways to encourage strategic thinking.

Find your purpose

What motivates you and lights your world each day? Whatever it is, having and building a sense of meaning and purpose in life can bring countless psychological and physical health benefits! Having a sense of purpose has been linked to a lower risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment. Having purpose is also linked to a longer and healthier lifespan and better well-being in older age.

Prioritize your mental health & manage stress

Mental health is an important component of overall brain health, so it’s not surprising that depression is linked with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Managing stress and seeking medical attention for symptoms of depression, low mood, anxiety or other mental health concerns will help maintain your brain and cognitive health later in life.

Stay social

Social interaction isn’t only fun; it’s important for your brain health. Pursuing social activities you enjoy and find interesting will help you build and maintain social connections with friends and people in your local community. Volunteering at an animal shelter or food pantry, getting involved with activities at your church, or sharing the games and activities you enjoy with friends and family are all great ways to get and stay social.

Follow a healthy diet

Eating a healthy and balanced diet that’s rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products can reduce inflammation, the risk of disease and help support brain health. For peak cognitive health, also stay hydrated, limit alcohol consumption and reduce your intake of solid fats, sugar, sodium and highly processed foods.

Take a walk

A daily walk is a perfect way to get in the physical activity needed to maintain good brain health. Aim for 30 minutes a day and break it into shorter sessions if needed. Several studies have linked regular physical activity with a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Even simple exercises using your body weight or a few light weights can pay off!

For more resources on cognitive aging, including questions to ask your doctor, brain health tips, and the latest research findings, visit the McKnight Brain Research Foundation’s Brain Works resource hub at: https://mcknightbrain.org/brainworks/.

About the Brain Works Campaign

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation launched the “Brain Works: Optimize Your Brain Span” campaign in March 2024 to educate the public on cognitive aging and offer tips to help maintain optimal brain health with age. The campaign features information on cognitive aging, including an online hub of tools and resources from the McKnight Brain Research Foundation and other reputable organizations with cognitive health expertise. Visit the resource hub and learn more at: McKnightBrain.org/BrainWorks.

2025-05-05T09:01:00

(BPT) – No matter your age, you should be aware of how you can reduce your risk of stroke. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), strokes affect more than 800,000 people each year in the U.S. and remain a leading cause of death and long-term disability.

Although nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65, young adults now make up 10%-15% of stroke cases. Also, according to NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), there is a noticeable rise in strokes among adults under 45, making prevention and awareness at every age critical.

The good news is that there are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from stroke. In honor of Stroke Awareness Month, NINDS offers six everyday steps you can take this May and beyond to reduce your risk of stroke.

1. Exercise and be physically active

Getting exercise and being physically active are beneficial for your whole body’s health, including your brain. According to an NIH-funded study published in the Stroke journal, regular, moderately vigorous exercise, enough to break a sweat, was linked to reduced risk of stroke.

NINDS’s Know Stroke Initiative suggests getting about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Whether you hit the gym, take a Pilates class, or simply walk around the neighborhood, carve out time to move in a way that makes you feel good and is good for you.

2. Treat high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a serious health concern. When you have high blood pressure, blood in your arteries flows with too much force, leading to damage over time that increases your risk of developing other conditions, including stroke.

Symptoms of high blood pressure are not always apparent. See your doctor to determine if you have high blood pressure and discuss strategies to manage it, such as lifestyle changes and medication.

3. Eat healthy

What you eat can help or hurt your risk of stroke. For example, eating too much salt (sodium) can raise your blood pressure, increasing your risk of stroke. On the other hand, increasing your potassium intake can help you keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.

Take stock of your diet and see where you can improve it. Make sure you’re regularly eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins and fats that provide all the nutrients you need to live well and protect your health.

4. Control cholesterol

Keeping your cholesterol in check is important to reducing your risk of stroke. Although your body needs cholesterol to function, excess cholesterol can build up in your arteries. This buildup of cholesterol creates plaque that narrows blood vessels and can form blood clots, leading to heart attack and stroke.

The next time you visit your doctor, talk about your concerns and get a blood test to determine if you have high cholesterol. From there, you can decide with your physician how you want to manage your cholesterol through diet changes, medications, or other strategies.

5. Manage diabetes

Did you know that diabetes can damage your brain’s blood vessels? It’s a common misconception that diabetes only affects the body’s ability to use sugar. However, the disorder can cause sugars to build up in the blood, damaging blood vessels and preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching your brain. It’s also common for people with diabetes to develop high blood pressure.

If you have diabetes, make sure to talk with your doctor about how you can best treat your condition.

6. Quit smoking

If you’re a smoker, the best thing you can do to decrease your risk of stroke is to quit. Smoking increases your risk of developing many diseases and conditions and stroke is no exception. According to NINDS, smoking on its own — without any other stroke risk factors — almost doubles your risk of an ischemic stroke, the most common kind of stroke.

However, the risk of stroke decreases significantly about two years after a person quits smoking. By five years, the risk decreases to the level of nonsmokers.

Know the signs and act F.A.S.T.

Now that you know what increases your risk of stroke, it’s time to learn the early warning signs of a stroke. NINDS’s Know Stroke Initiative has a handy acronym to learn the signs so you know what to look for and can act F.A.S.T.

• Face: Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Is one arm weak or numb?
• Speech: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?
• Time: Call 911 immediately.

When it comes to a stroke, every second counts. The more you Know Stroke, the better you can prevent it. Learn the signs, symptoms, and ways to lower your risk of stroke by visiting NINDS.NIH.gov/Health-Information/Stroke.