Ring in the New Year with healthier choices
As we approach the new year and indulge during the holiday season, we look ahead to creating and implementing our New Year’s resolutions. Here at Mercer Hill, we employ the nationally recognized S.H.I.E.L.D. lifestyle year-round. Through good food, stimulating programs, a vibrant social life, and great care, we seek to preserve and promote brain health among our residents.
The S.H.I.E.L.D. program was created by renowned neurogeneticist Dr. Rudy Tanzi, Director of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital. So, what does the S.H.I.E.L.D. program stand for and how does it help promote brain health?
- S stands for Sleeping. Aim for 7 to 8 hours every night, as sleep is essential for all brain function.
- H stands for Handling Stress. Meditating, breathing, and walking can help reduce stress and benefit the entire body.
- I stands for Interacting with Others. Loneliness can negatively affect mood and doubles the risk for Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
- E stands for Exercising. Exercise induces new nerve cell growth to strengthen regions of the brain. Getting your heart rate up can also prevent cardiovascular disease.
- L stands for Learning new things. Learning increases the number of synapses in the brain, the connections between nerve cells storing your memories.
- D stands for Diet. Diets low in red meat and rich in fiber strengthen bacteria in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation.
At Mercer Hill, the S.H.I.E.L.D. program is infused into our daily programs, such as art workshops, Tai Chi or Barre classes, and lectures on various topics (often presented by visiting professors).
In our culinary menus, a shield icon designates if a dish falls under the S.H.I.E.L.D. requirements, such as our tasty Mediterranean vegetable wrap or hearty harvest rice bowl with salmon.
With the S.H.I.E.L.D. program in mind, what will your New Year’s resolution be? Learn more at mercer-hill.com.