| Good morning!I recently started a new habit that has multiplied my happiness and I didn’t even know that was possible.Biking to work.Almost all of us are unable to bike to work for a million reasons, but, if by any chance you are able to find a bike? Maybe you could commute part of the way to a trail?Probably less than 1% reading this – but if you’re the 1%? Oooh, it’s so fantastic.We’re not here to talk about that, however.We’re here to talk about this. This Monday, as I walked in with my supercool helmet in my right hand, I see two women (one in 30’s and one in 60’s), sitting, waiting for the elevator.I’m going up the stairs when I hear the 60’s tell the 30’s,”Yeah, they’ll probably come up with the cure for Alzheimer’s after we’re both gone.”LADIES!!!! – I scream in my head.WE HAVE A CURE FOR ALZHEIMER’S!!!Don’t we?Walking up the stairs, I’m second-guessing.C’mon David, that’s crazy – you’ve taken this walking thing too far.Walking can’t wipe out half of Alzheimer’s?It’s impossible that an intervention as simple as literally a walk in the park cures HALF of Alzheimer’s?Then Google directs me to this.Oh, yeah baby!! I guess it can. Skeptics may say, ‘not a cure’. First of all, it is for half the people, and secondly…As we’ve shared, in 6 months (?) we’re going to have a likely cure for COVID and only 50% of us are going to take advantage of that.Aren’t we comparing apples to apples?Okay, so with walking we cut our risk in half.Ridiculously good news.Wonder what the prevalence is? An estimated 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2020. One in 10 people age 65 and older (10%) has Alzheimer’s dementia.Worldwide, at least 50 million people are believed to be living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. According to the United Nations, that is more than the population of Columbia. If breakthroughs are not discovered, rates could exceed 152 million by 2050. (www.alz.org) Breakthrough?WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!WE HAVE A FREAKING BREAKTHROUGH!PLUS. PLUS!!! Look at all the other things that add to that number.What if you and a friend decide to split some avocado toast and play a game or knit?60%? 75%? What are we talking, here?I hate to sound like I need to speak to the manager, but am I missing something here?Just a second, please.Didn’t work. PEOPLE! As Rachael says, “What is going on right now?!?!?” How in the world have we not already decided as a committed group of citizens that everyone needs to take 20 minutes/day to walk/roll/something? Yes, I’m sorry. I DO want to speak to the manager! The common number for people getting enough exercise in the US is 23% -Uh uh, no way.Not what I see.Maybe 5%?Are the survey people counting what they do at work?Many of the patients I talk to, are (were) moving around throughout the day which is better than a desk job – absolutely.Not exercise, tho. Alzheimer’s? Most all of us know someone close to us that’s had it. Devastating. Absolutely crushing.We need a plan.We have a plan. If this walking stuff is new and intimidating? Look, totally get it.Let’s start by walking to the end of the driveway.Seriously.We talked about this last week. Gold star for end of the driveway.Do that until you are comfortable enough to fly the coop. Tomorrow or October.I don’t care.Everyday.The habit will be ingrained and you’re off to the races. One could argue that we all have a social responsibility .Do you want to become a healthcare hero by saving someone’s life?We can do that by getting our loved ones and neighbors up and walking.If you love your neighbor, I don’t want to hear about it.This is not the time nor the place. You’re preventing a lot more than Alzheimer’s btw.We’re worked up because we care.We have the cure. |
| During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular health remains a top public health priority – with heart disease and stroke continuing to be the #1 and #5 leading causes of death in the U.S. In fact, there is a significant relationship between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease, including more deaths fromcardiovascular disease during the COVID-19 pandemic and serious heart conditions associated with an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. We are joining the CDC Million Hearts initiative and health organizations across the nation in spotlighting the importance of maintaining your heart health, especially during COVID-19. Check out this CDC-approved PSA reminding Americans to guard their heart health, especially during this pandemic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d65HUqRsLec&feature=youtu.be |