Mayo News Source - June 2002

Friday, June 28, 2002

Your body's in great shape, but are you worried about your mind?

It's OK if you've lost your keys. It's not OK if you don't remember you have keys!

Many boomers, begin to worry about this after they turn 50. Dementia is much more than just forgetfulness, though. So most people who occasionally forget things just have too much on their mind.

According to MayoClinic.com, here are some ways you can do your best to prevent memory loss:

Exercise your mind – Just as physical activity keeps your body strong, mental activity keeps your mind sharp and agile. Your brain continues to grow, literally, if you continue to learn and challenge yourself.

Stay active – Exercising daily for 30 minutes can help improve blood flow to the brain. And chances are you'll sleep better, too. You'll be more awake, alert and quicker on the mental draw.

Eat fruits and vegetables – These contain antioxidants that protect and nourish brain cells. And drink eight glasses of water a day. Dehydration can leave you tired and make concentration harder.

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Just How Much water do we really need to drink?

You've heard it a thousand times: Drink plenty of water to stay healthy. But how much is enough? And how do you know if you've had enough? In our hot desert environment, water not only makes a difference in life and death; it keeps your body running smoothly and can help prevent certain diseases.

Checking the color of your urine can be a ballpark measure to see if you're getting enough water in your day according to MayoClinic.com. If your urine is pale yellow, you're probably drinking enough fluids. If your urine is a darker yellow and has a strong odor, you probably need to increase your water intake. Or if you go to the bathroom less than four times a day, you probably need to drink more fluids.

You can also meet part of your water requirement through other fluids such as milk, juice and soup. When it comes to water, play it safe and keep hydrated!

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