“Brain Burps and Beyond” Conference on Brain Health June 4
Focus on How the Brain and Memory Work, How to “Maintain Your Brain™

The Alzheimer’s Association encourages all Americans to live brain-healthy lifestyles and is hosting a half-day conference, “Brain Burps and Beyond,” Saturday, June 4, for everyone interested in how the brain and memory work, and how to live a brain-healthy lifestyle.  The Conference will be at the Stonegate Conference Center, 2401 West Higgins Rd., in Hoffman Estates, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Registration is $20 per person, including a continental breakfast and a Resource Fair.  Register online at www.alzheimers-illinois.org or call 847.933.2413.

“The health of our brains plays a critical role in almost everything we do, from thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing and even sleeping,” said Melanie Chavin, vice president of programs services for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter.  “The good news is there is a lot we can do to help keep our brains healthier as we age.  The Alzheimer’s Association encourages baby boomers and all Americans to live a brain-healthy lifestyle as increasing evidence shows that healthy lifestyle habits, such as being heart smart, eating a brain-healthy diet, staying physically and mentally active, and staying socially involved contribute to healthier aging and also may decrease the risk for Alzheimer’s.” 

Conference presentations include:

•  “Your Memory: An Owner's Guide to a Healthy Brain,” by Victoria Braund, MD, FACP, assistant professor at Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago

• “Maintain Your Brain,™” a workshop with tips, how-to information and inspiration for getting brain-healthy, by Molly L. Henry, MSW, director of the Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter Professional Training Institute

• “Stand-Up Radio,” featuring WGN AM720 Radio talk show hosts Kathy O’Malley and Judy Markey.

During the Maintain Your Brain™ session, participants will hear about the latest insights about how to make brain-healthy choices and lower their risk for Alzheimer’s.   The workshop offers the following features: research-based advice from experts at the Alzheimer’s Association; strategies for reducing brain health problems, including memory loss; nutritional and lifestyle information (what foods are best for your brain?); interactive exercises and activities; and participant workbook and reference materials.

The Maintain Your Brain™ workshop is part of the Association’s national campaign to change the way Americans think about Alzheimer’s disease, including:

• Learning more about what is known about Alzheimer’s disease.

• Understanding what medical research has accomplished.

• Joining the Association in advocating for a renewed commitment to research and improved care for those with Alzheimer’s.

“We really like the work of the Alzheimer’s Association and try to support them in any way we can,” said Kathy O’Malley, co-host of the Kathy & Judy Show weekday mornings on WGN Radio (720-AM). “We’ll be at "Brain Burps and Beyond," and we hope you will be, too!  All proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Hope to see you on June 4th!”

10 ways to Maintain Your Brain™

1. Head First – Good health starts with your brain so don’t take it for granted. It’s one of the most important body organs and needs care and maintenance.

2. Take Brain Health To Heart – Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s. 

3. Your Numbers Count – Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.

4. Feed Your Brain – Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet that features dark-skinned vegetables and fruits, foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins E and C, B12, foliate and Omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Work Your Body – Physical exercise keeps the blood flowing and encourages new brain cells. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous activity; do what you can – walking 30 minutes a day – to keep both body and mind active. 

6. Jog Your Mind – Keeping your brain active and engaged increases its vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections.  Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles.

7. Connect With Others – Leisure activities that combine physical, mental and social elements are most likely to prevent dementia.  Be social, converse, volunteer, join.

8. Heads Up! Protect Your Brain – Take precautions against injuries.  Use your car seat belts, unclutter your house to avoid falls, and wear a helmet when cycling.

9. Use Your Head – Avoid unhealthy habits.  Don’t smoke, drink excessive alcohol or use street drugs.

10. Think Ahead - Start Today! – You can do something today to protect your tomorrow.