Have you ever wondered what you could do to improve your brain health? Do you think - if Alzheimer’s runs in my family will I have it too?
Is there a class on these topics? Yes, there is. The University of Missouri Butler County Extension office is offering the Boost Your Brain and Memory class from 2-3 p.m. June 5. The classes will continue weekly through July 17.
John Fuller will be the instructor through this course. Fuller is the human development and family specialist for the University of Missouri Extension
“Each Monday for six sessions, we will be covering a different topic as it pertains to brain health,” Fuller said. “The class is full of activities, videos, and information. The first class will cover an overview of the class and what to expect. You will learn things about your brain and memory. Things you may have never thought of.”
The following weeks will be over the areas that seem to make an impact in brain health, Fuller said. There will be memory tips. Many people talk about how it bothers them that at times remembering names is difficult.
“We will address that subject in the class and give you some pointers,” Fuller said.
According to Mather Institute, the developers of the program, “The goal of the program is to talk about our brain health and why researchers now believe that there is a lot that we can do to reduce our risk for dementia and improve our memory, regardless of our age.
Fuller said, “We will also talk about the changes we can make in several areas of our lives that can improve our brain’s fitness.”
Session 1 is an introduction to the program and how physical exercise can impact your brain health.
“We will be discussing some key concepts of the program and how incorporating exercise can improve one’s brain health,” he said. While you are here for the class you can find out about our Matter of Balance class or Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class.”
Session 2 is about emotional health.
“We will be talking about how emotions play a role in our daily lives,” he said. “What happens when our body are in a fight or flight response vs. rest and digest response. Identifying those negative health impacts of chronic stress. This session will also cover mindfulness. If you are wanting to learn how to gain tools to take control of your emotions and stress, ask us about our Taking Care of You class.”
Session 3 will cover intellectual activities. What ways do intellectual activities help your brain. This session covers the ACTIVE Study and Hebb’s Law. Come learn ways to challenge your brain to get the most out of challenging activities. You could ask about the WITS Workout program.
Session 4 talks about nutrition. How does nutrition and brain health relate? What about the Mediterranean Diet? What are antioxidants and omega-3s? Are there benefits from drinking caffeine and water? How does alcohol affect my brain health? This session will help answer these questions. Before you leave, pick up some recipe cards to try at home.
Session 5 is about the benefits of spiritual activities. Did you know that spiritual activities have good health benefits? These activities are good ways to reduce stress, create social connections, open doors for other intellectual engagements. This session is even for people who are not spiritual or religious. Find out when the next Tai Chi class will be available.
Session 6 is the final session that covers social engagement and concludes the class. Being socially active is another way to reduce stress, improve mood, and help keep one socially engaged. Being socially isolated is linked to higher production of stress hormones.
If you would like more information on how you can be a part of this class, you can call or stop by the office and register. There is a $40 registration fee for this class. You must register to attend this class. Seating is limited and this tends to get a good response. The telephone number is 573-686-8064.