Some memory theives.

Do you feel like you are having a harder time remembering things as you get older? Well, it is quite frequent. There are some things that makes it harder for us to remember. Fortunately, there is something we can do about it. Here are nine signs to recognize.
1: Your blood sugar is to high. Memory lapse me be in your blood - specifically your blood sugar. MRI's suggest that high blood sugar might damage parts of the brain that deal with memory. Solution: if there is a history of high blood sugar in the family, have your blood sugar tested. Eat well and stay active with brisk walks that are proven effective in controlling and even preventing diabetes.
2: Pushing to hard. Our brain need sleep. You needn't pull all-nighters trying to get something done. Subjects who got a 6 hours of sleep didn't feel sleep-deprived but performed poorly on tests of short-term memory. Solution: Make adequate rest a priority. Try Micro-naps of six minutes to boost memory.
3: Snoring. You may have sleep apnea where your airway gets blocked during sleep shutting off oxygen to the brain. Men or more likely than women (24% to 9%) to develop apnea. Risks factors are being overweight or over 40. Solution: Get tested for sleep apnea if you constantly feel tired or are a loud snorer. You may need a C-PAP device.
4: You feel manic or sluggish. If you feel out of control or extremely sluggish, it may be your thyroid. Under performing thyroid causes fatigue while a hype-up thyroid will make your heart race and you may feel manic or anxious. Solution: have your hormones checked for hormone therapy.
5: Over 65. You may have a B12 deficiency. It can look a lot like Alzheimer's. Up to 20% of the people over 65 are low in B12. Solution: Get your B12 level checked if you are feeling fuzzy. Also consider getting tested if you are over 65 and a strict vegetarian.
6: Depression. People with depression lose brain cells. Solution: See your doctor. The longer you are depressed, the less likely you are to recover.
7: Allergy or sleeping pills. Many drugs prescribed for insomnia, incontinence, allergies, and gastrointestinal cramps can interfere with crucial brain chemicals. Solution: older patients are susceptible to diphenhydramine and anticholinergic drugs. If you begin these and feel fuzzy, contact your prescribing doctor.
8: You shuffle when you walk. It's called a magnetic gait. Your feet seem to stick to the ground. This could be a sign of normal pressure hydrocephalus which is to much brain fluid. Solution: Again call your doctor for prompt treatment.
9: Taking a lot of medications. If you are on five or more medications, you are at high risk for problematic interactions. You must also consider any over the counter medications as well. Solution: Make sure you medical doctor is aware of all the medications you are taking. Take a list of your medications to appointments with specialists.

"The journey of life is taken on step at a time... none of them should be painful." G.M. Barclay, DPM, AACFAS

Your feet may indicate other health issues.

Your feet me be an early indicator of other health issues.
* Numbness in your feet and toes may be an early indication of diabetes or lower back osteoarthritis.
* Stiff joints, e.g. toes and ankles may be an early indication of osteoarthritis.
* Unexplained swelling may be an early indication of kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension or circulatory disease.
* Discolored or clubbing nails may be an indication of respiratory disease.
Visit your local Podiatrist if you notice any changes in your feet.

"The journey of life is taken one step at a time... none of them should be painful." G.M. Barclay, DPM, AACFAS