By Jenn Watt

Published May 9 2017

Keeping the mind healthy is just as important as the rest of the body says Alzheimer Society public education co-ordinator Carolyn Hemminger and there are tangible things that can be done to improve memory and stay sharp.
“We often hear about looking after our body but not about our brain” says Hemminger who is one of two speakers at an upcoming talk in Minden and Haliburton called Health Brains: How to Keep on Top of Your Mental Game.
“We look at four different areas: a healthy lifestyle challenging our brain being socially active and how to protect our head” she says.
Healthy food choices and reducing stress can do a lot for the performance of your brain she said as can making time for friends and family.
“When people become less social it leads to isolation and can lead to health issues and depression” she says.

Hemminger has been working at the Alzheimer Society of City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton since 2009 and spends a good deal of her working days raising awareness about dementia teaching best behaviours for a healthy brain and talking with those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
She says these kinds of talks are fun to do because they are proactive and encourage people to take a leading role in the health of their minds.
The talk is for all ages but Hemminger says it may be of particular interest to those who have retired or are approaching retirement.
In the process of retirement new ways of stimulating the mind often need to be found to replace the social and intellectual role work plays.
Naturopathic doctor Bryan Knappett of Red Canoe Family Naturopathic will also be speaking at the event which is being organized by the Haliburton County Service Providers Network as one its Need to Know Series sessions.
Admission to the talk is free and there are two chances to hear Hemminger and Knappett on Wednesday May 17. You can catch them in Haliburton at 10:30 a.m. at the Haliburton Museum or in Minden’s Hyland Crest auditorium at 2:30 p.m.
RSVP to Community Support Services 705-457-2941.
There will be refreshments provided.