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WELLNESS
2
q
health talk
IN
TV shows and movies, an older,
absent-minded character can make us
laugh. But it’s hard to deny: Sometimes
the joke hits a little close to home.
Let’s face it. Who hasn’t worried about
keys we can’t "nd, faces we can’t place
or words we can’t coax past the tip of the
tongue?
Is it normal forgetfulness, or is it an
ominous sign of eventual dementia?
Experts on mental health and aging
say that a certain amount of memory
loss comes with the
territory. Just as age
a&ects your muscles
and bones, your
brain also changes
as you get older.
And while that
can lead to occasional forgetfulness,
it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on a
path to Alzheimer’s disease. In fact,
Alzheimer’s occurs in fewer than
1 in 5 people age 65 or older, accord-
ing to the American Psychological
Association.
For many people with age-related
memory issues, the problems are, thank-
fully, more mundane. Perhaps you don’t
learn new things as quickly or remember
information as easily as you once did. Or
you might "nd it harder to do several
things at once or to jump back and forth
from one task to another.
In addition, some memory problems
are linked to speci"c health issues. For
example, anxiety, depression, vitamin
de"ciency and side e&ects from medi-
cation can all contribute to forgetful-
ness, as can disorders of the thyroid,
kidney or liver. O#en, when those
underlying issues are addressed, memory
improves.
M E M O R Y L A P S E
A simple slip or a
serious concern?
Need a doctor? We can help!
Call Fairmont Psychiatric Services
at
304-363-8844
.
What else can help?
To help boost your memory and men-
tal skills:
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Make a list. Write down the things you
need to do, and mark them o& as you do
them.
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Find your groove. It’s easier to remem-
ber routine tasks—like taking medica-
tions—if you do them at the same time
every day.
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Stay physical. Exercise, such as brisk
walking, may help boost and maintain
brain function.
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Listen up. It’s
easier to get con-
fused if you don’t
hear well. Use a
hearing aid if you
need one.
Finally, if you are concerned that
a health issue could be a&ecting your
memory, make an appointment with your
doctor. If a medical problem does exist,
it’s in your best interest to start treatment
as soon as possible.
Fast facts about colorectal cancer
COLORECTAL
cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer among
Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Other facts about this type of cancer:
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It can develop at any age, but most cases occur in people 40 and older.
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A#er age 40, the risk for colorectal cancer doubles every 10 years.
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You’re at higher risk if your family has a history of the disease.
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Besides age, risk factors include a personal history of in*ammatory bowel
disease or colon polyps.
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Colorectal cancer usually starts with polyp growth.
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Symptoms may include rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
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Finding and removing polyps during colonoscopy is an e&ective way to prevent
colorectal cancer.
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Screening for both men and women is recommended beginning at age 50.
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Cancer that is found early is generally most treatable.