Mental strength
KEEPING the five Ms at the front of your mind can help keep your memory sharp. Dementia expert Tamar Krebs said sticking to them could reduce the risk of dementia. To stick to them daily, remember: movement, such as yoga or walking; meals, including sticking to a Mediterranean diet; mates, socialising is essential to keeping a sharp mind; music; and mental stimulation through games like Soduko, crosswords and family board games.
Cholesterol risk
MORE than 27 per cent of Cairns people have been assessed as being likely to suffer heart disease, about 6 per cent higher than the state and national average according to Galaxy research. One of the main factors in maintaining heart health is managing cholesterol, but not enough Queenslanders are getting their cholesterol checked. The make sure your cholesterol levels are in a healthy range, make sure you visit your doctor once every two years for a cholesterol check.
Fitbits’ fitness failure
FITBITS have been one of the biggest exercise revolutions of the past decade, but their reach doesn’t quite extend to young people. New research published in Sport, Education and Society shows they might even have negative long-term impacts on teenagers. Deakin University Health and Physical Education’s Professor Chris Hickey said the research proved that getting kids to be more active wasn’t as simple as a one-size-fits-all solution. “The effective application of fit bits, or other personal health technologies, needs to be integrated as part of a wider curriculum strategy, and not seen as a stand alone solution,” he said.
Ditching red meat
QUEENSLANDERS are being urged to reduce their meat intake to improve their health. Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan said a diet high in fatty, red, or processed meats could increase a person’s risk of chronic disease and some cancers. It’s recommended that adults eat no more than four pieces of lean red meat per week and stick to two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables per day. Only 7 per cent of Queenslanders currently hit that target.
Heatwave health
AS the Far North gets steamy it’s important to remember to stay hydrated and to check on family and friends, particularly babies, people who are sick and the elderly. QUT’s Professor Gerard FitzGerald said the early summer posed a risk to Queenslanders.