Wellness Wednesday

June is the month the Alzheimer's Association wants to bring highlight Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness. It has published a list of 10 Healthy Habits for your Brain.

Here are 10 Early Signs and Symptons of Alzheimer's and Dementia.

The best way to keep your blood pressure down is to know what makes it go up. – Meister Johansen

It’s never too late to take control of your blood pressure and improve your overall health. – Sarah Jenkins

A part of self-care is taking part in community events. Here is a short article that gives us reasons how participating in a social event is positive for your mental health: Why Celebrating is Good for You.

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Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.--Jim Rodin

We all have our reasons for avoiding a checkup or self-check. We're too busy. We don't want to know the truth.  It slipped our minds. It costs too much money. National Self Check Month is a way to concern ourselves with early detection and preventative resources to guide us through healthcare-related fears and concerns.

Even if you are proactive, someone in your life may not be. This is an opportunity for you to sit down with someone to share your concerns and offer ways to better health.

A list of proactive resources and tools can be found on Self Chec.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

Here are 5 tips to make your New Year's resolutions stick.

1. Start with small goals.
2. Make it measurable.
3. Be realistic.
4. Make a plan.
5. Stay positive.

Here are 2 articles, both one-pagers:  Make Your Resolutions Stick and  More Tips on Making Your Resolutions Stick.

“If you’re not staying on top of your money, you’re putting your financial well-being at risk.” – Suze Orman

The beginning of a new calendar year is a great time to look at your financial wellness. Here are many ideas you can use to examine your financial situation: 25 Tips to Improve Your Financial Wellness

We are stronger together when we study our finances.

Wellness begins with self-awareness and self-care.” – Unknown

Here are 8 Must-Do Ideas for all "Educators Self-Care" along with a Self-Care Challenge: Educator Self Care

it's important to find time to have fun with your family. Many of us get caught up in the daily activities of children, work, and family obligations.  Research shows that healthy family relationships encourage security and love. Spending time with family offers the benefits of forming unbreakable bonds.

Here are some publications you can use to find events: Metro Parent, Oakland County Moms, Hour Detroit, Little Guide Detroit, Pure Michigan.  Local newspapers and television stations also feature events.

— Picnic in a Pretty Spot
There are so many great picnic spots all around Michigan. How about a breakfast picnic to get outdoors before it gets too hot and at the same time allows you to avoid crowds.

— Enjoy the Water

We are the Great Lakes State so find a beach, municipal pool or a splash pad. Take advantage of the recreational activities you can do on the water.

— Visit Animals at a Local Zoo or Farm
Kids love visiting animal life. These places provide so many learning experiences, too.  Animals tend to be more active in the early morning or early evening.

— Get Artsy
Head out to a local museum or view some awesome public artwork for inspiration, then make your own creations at home!  Get out your own clay, paints, pencils and supplies to create a masterpiece together.

— Attend Local Concerts
Many municipalities offer concerts in the park for free. Look at community websites for areas close to you and schedule a night out. It's a great way to expose your family to different musical genres.

— Take a Family Hike or Bike Ride
You can’t beat fresh air and some nature exploration! We know it can be hot but you can take a stroll in the early morning or at dusk (take lots of water with you) and pick a spot that takes you near water to cool down.

— Take a Local Family Field Trip
Pop over to Belle Isle or one of the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks for some hands-on learning mixed with tons of fun! If you have passports in hand, cross the river to visit another country.

— Go Out for Sweet Treats
Nothing beats a nice cold treat on a hot summer day. Going out for milk shakes, ice cream sundaes or snow cones offers guaranteed smiles for youngest to oldest.

— Plan a Family Game Night
Playing games is a great way to get away from the screens and lead to personal interactions with one another. Choose board games that are appropriate for the entire family. Don't forget outdoor activities such as tag or hide and seek.

Let's look at safety tips for cycling.

1. Wear a Helmet

Research shows that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious injury by 70 percent. Head injuries are the leading cause of fatal bike accidents. Unfortunately, 97 percent of victims do not wear helmets. Simply wearing a helmet can prevent many unintentional bike deaths.

2. Check Your Equipment Before You Ride

Bicycle equipment malfunctions contribute to a significant number of crashes. You can reduce the risk of an equipment-related accident by checking your bike, helmet, and gear before you hit the road.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Check your reflectors and lights to make sure that they’re working. Inspect your chains and gears for any defects, fractures, or issues. These simple steps can prevent an accident that could change your life.

3. Wear Reflective Materials

A leading cause of bike accidents is limited visibility. If a driver cannot see you, an accident is more likely to occur. This is particularly true at intersections when your paths are likely to cross. While installing reflectors on your bike can help, it’s also important to wear bright and/or reflective clothing. Increasing your visibility will reduce the risk of a bike accident.

4. Keep Your Hands on the Bike

You may have a great sense of balance but think twice before riding hands-free, particularly when you’re sharing the road with other vehicles. If your hands aren’t on the bike, it will take you much longer to react to unexpected circumstances, such as a pedestrian in your path or debris in the road. As a result, you’re more likely to either fall off of your bike or cause an accident because you cannot brake in time.

5. Know Your Signals and Use Them

It’s important to make sure that you’re fully familiar with bike hand signals. You need to be able to communicate with nearby drivers and other cyclists. A driver cannot anticipate what you’re going to do unless you provide fair warning. Make sure that your hand signals are obvious and clear to others.  For a detailed description of hand signals, refer to Basic Bike Hand Signals.

6. Limit Your Distractions

It can be  dangerous to ride a bike while distracted. In fact, since you’re already more vulnerable to serious injury and death, distracted cycling can be even riskier. Take full advantage of your bike ride by stashing electronics in your bag or pocket. If you need to drink, opt for a water bottle that’s easy to operate with one hand. Keeping your eyes on the road and tuning into your surroundings will help to keep you safe.

7. Ride As If You’re In a Car

You may be able to reduce the likelihood of an accident if you act like you’re driving a car. Studies show that drivers become used to the patterns and behaviors of vehicles on the road. Cars don’t weave in and out of traffic, ignore traffic signals, or cut across multiple lanes at once. When you ride a bike, it’s easier to do these things. However, you’re more likely to catch a driver by surprise or limit your visibility when you do. Keep yourself safe by riding predictably and mimicking the behaviors of larger vehicles whenever appropriate.

8. Ride With the Flow of Traffic

Always ride your bike with the flow of traffic (travel in the same direction as other vehicles on the road). Accidents are much more likely to happen when you go against the grain. If an accident does happen when you’re riding against the flow of traffic, you’re more likely to be at fault for the crash.

9. Stay Off of the Sidewalks

Sidewalks may seem like a safe alternative when you’re riding alongside larger vehicles. Sidewalks belong to pedestrians. You’re more likely to crash into a pedestrian or lose control when the sidewalks are crowded. Sidewalk pavement is more likely to be uneven than asphalt on the road. You can hit a crack or bump in the sidewalk and go flying. Cars don’t expect to see a bicyclist enter the road from a sidewalk. You’re more likely to take a driver by surprise and get hit when you use the sidewalk. Remember, drivers are used to behaviors of other cars.

10. Use Dedicated Bike Lanes

An increasing number of cities and municipalities across the country are embracing dedicated bike infrastructure. However, protected bike lanes can only keep you safe if you ride in them. Whenever you see a bike lane, make sure to use it.

Want a way to improve your mood, find some stress relief, and improve your health all at the same time? Hop on a bike (they're not just for kids). Cycling, while being eco-friendly and great on the wallet, is a way to raise your spirits and it's "heart-smart".

• Improved Mood: Cyclists can experience a similar euphoria to "runner's high" thanks to the release of endorphins during exercise. These feel-good chemicals flood your brain, lifting your mood and boosting your overall sense of well-being. Even a short bike ride in the morning can leave you feeling energized, happier, and more optimistic about the day ahead. Plus, the sense of accomplishment from completing your ride can provide a lasting 
• Improved Mental Clarity: Physical activity stimulates blood flow to the brain, increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to support cognitive function. As you pedal along, your mind has a chance to wander and process thoughts free from the distractions of screens and schedules. This mental clarity can lead to greater creativity, problem-solving abilities, and productivity to tackle your to-do list.
• Connection with Nature: Biking offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the environment around you. Whether you’re weaving through tree-lined streets, cruising along river paths, or enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline, each ride becomes a mini-adventure filled with sensory experiences. Breathing in fresh air and soaking up sunlight can have a profound impact on your mental well-being, fostering feelings of peace, gratitude, and interconnectedness.
• Stress Relief: Studies have shown that regular exercise, like biking, can reduce levels of stress hormones in the body, leaving you feeling more relaxed and centered throughout the day.
• Community and Social Interaction: Biking can help you forge connections with like-minded individuals and strengthen your sense of community. Whether you’re joining a group ride, participating in bike-to-work events, or simply exchanging friendly waves along your route, biking fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging. These social interactions provide opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and the cultivation of supportive relationships, all of which are essential for maintaining good mental health.
• Health and Fitness: Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level. It only takes two to four hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your health.
• Low impact – it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.
• A good muscle workout– cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal.
• Easy – unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill. Most people know how to ride a bike and, once you learn, you don’t forget.
• Good for strength and stamina– cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.
• As intense as you want– cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a demanding physical workout.
• Decreases sitting – as a mode of transport, cycling replaces sedentary time spent driving motor vehicles or using trams, trains or buses with healthy exercise.