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Boosting Your Brain With Games

Nothing happens in the body without the brain’s seal of approval. Every physical, sensory, emotional, and physiological process goes through this organ. Although the brain gets lots of exercises, certain activities may help boost brain function and concentration. These activities are essential with the aging adult to protect the brain from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The aging mind is known to lose memory and cognitive function. Brain boosting games can bring back sharpness and focus.

Try the classics

The brain is the seat of memory, intelligence, and creativity. The day’s challenges help to keep neurons firing effectively. Thankfully, exercising the mind can be fun and easy with many quick games. Classic games like checkers, dominos, mahjong and chinese checkers require strategy, concentration, and critical thinking. Older people can play these with grandkids or family members. These games may not prevent the brain from aging. However, the challenge helps keep the brain healthy, alert, and finely tuned.

Get more advanced

Brain training games can help develop focus, short-term memory, and processing and problem-solving skills. Focusing can be viewed as a mental muscle that gets stronger with increased, prolonged use. Games that take more effort and strategy can significantly improve brain function in old age. For example, studies show that chess could help and even slow the symptoms of dementia. Other challenging games include sudoku, crossword puzzles, scrabble, and backgammon.

Apps and video games work too

The apps on a phone or tablet could be one of the best brain-boosting resources of all. Studies show that seniors have improved memory when playing video games. Scientists have recently found that virtual reality (VR) games can also boost long-term memory in seniors. Head over to the app store and download a popular puzzle game. Console games, mainly action and role-playing games, can help with recall, focus, and overall cognitive function.

Have fun boosting your brain

Brain exercises can be as simple as picking back up a favorite childhood game. Games like sudoku, chess, and crossword puzzles are targeted workouts for the brain. Over time, these enhance memory, cognition, or creativity. Games can also help protect the brain from age-related degeneration. People are likely to differ in terms of the brain exercises that are most enjoyable. Try different brain-training activities and games, then stick with those that provide the most enjoyment or reward.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.