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What can increase your odds of dementia?

By Kirsten Nichols

Lifestyles

Correspondent

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dementia may seem frightening, difficult to understand, and impossible to prevent.

Among the things we can’t do anything about is our age or DNA, but there are a number of things we can do to help ward off the onset of dementia. Eating a nutritious diet, living a healthy lifestyle, getting enough exercise both physically and mentally, and having some social activity all provide some protection against Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. We can inform ourselves about the risk factors for mental decline so that we and our loved ones can take the steps to prevent or mitigate it.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the greatest known factor for developing dementia is the unavoidable fact of getting older. Scientists don’t know exactly why, but the risk of Alzheimer’s rises dramatically as we age, actually doubling roughly every five years after we turn 65. A family history of dementia can point to a shared gene that causes or increased the chance of developing dementia, also.

When it comes to staying at the top of our mental game, choosing a less-sedentary lifestyle and a healthy exercise plan are key factors.

Scientists have identified specific physical indicators that are associated with dementia including:

Lack of exercise: A study a UCLA found that those who exercised more had a higher volume of gray matter than those who were minimally active.

Poor performance on physical tasks: Researchers at UC Irvine found that a slow gait, low grip strength, and impaired balance were associated with increased odds of dementia.

Psychological indicators of developing dementia are less clear-cut than genetic, physical, or other health factors. Late-life depression is linked to developing Alzheimer’s-related dementia and a new study that was reported from the Mayo Clinic, has linked feelings of loneliness to dementia risk.

A healthy lifestyle may be one of the most important changes we can make that has a measurable effect on our physical and cognitive health, which is largely under our control. Several health risk factors that are associated with dementia are: smoking and alcohol use, Atherosclerosis (or buildup in artery walls), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Taking steps to improve cholesterol level and high blood pressure, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and preventing diabetes can help eliminate some of the odds of developing dementia.

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NURSING HOMES

Freeman

Kingsford

Sunday: Lunch/music noon; Uno, 1 p.m.; Coffee social, 2 p.m.; Church, 2:15 p.m.

Monday: Pretty nails, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Bunko, 1 p.m.; Pet visits, 2 p.m.; Ice cream, 3 p.m.; Bingo, 6:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Crochet, 10 a.m.; Reminisce, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Puzzles, 1 p.m.; Kentucky Derby, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; Rosary, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; Golden Throats, 2 p.m.; Movie, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Book Club, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Wii games, 1 p.m.; Bingo with Carol, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; What’s Cooking, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Mass, 2 p.m.; Sing-along, 2:30 p.m.; Happy hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Newspaper, 10:30 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Parlor games, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Iron County

Medical Facility

Crystal Falls

Sunday: One to one church visitors, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Room visits, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Storytelling, 10 a.m.; Bingorama, 2 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Prayer 10 a.m.; Mystery ride, 1:15 p.m.; Wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Current events, 2 p.m.; Comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 9 a.m.; Trivia, 10:30 a.m.; Exercise,11 a.m.; Apostolic Lutheran, 1:15 p.m.; Reminiscing, 2 p.m.; Nite bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m; Bowling, 10 a.m.; Travel film, 1:30 p.m. United Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; Happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; To Tell The Truth, 2 p.m.; Action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee baseball, 10 a.m.; Geri-gym, 11 a.m.; Social hour, 2 p.m.; Card club, 6 p.m.

ManorCare

Kingsford

Wet Your Whistle, 9:30 a.m. (daily).

Movie, 10:45 a.m. (daily) and again at 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gathering place, 11:40 a.m. (daily), and at 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday).

Protestant Church service, Sunday, 3 p.m.

Exercises, 10 a.m. (daily).

Sunday: Just jokes, 10:15 a.m.; Morsels and more, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Did you know?, 10:15 a.m.; Marian Linder entertains, 2 p.m.; Po-ke-no, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Pet visits with Toby, 10:15 a.m.; Resident council/ food committee, 2 p.m.; Movie and a manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Table Talk, 10:15 a.m.; Bocce, 2 p.m.; Flip Five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Popcorn day, ManorCare monthly, 10:15 a.m.;  Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; Chips n Chatter, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; Bingo 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

Sunday: Community service, 8:30 a.m.; Help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.; Nondenominational bible study, 5:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Joke telling, 10:30; Parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Deal or No Deal, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Bingo, 1:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Crafts with Cathy, 1:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary, 8:30 p.m.; Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; Parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; Movie and popcorn, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Helping hands and souls, 2 p.m.; Shopping outing, 2 p.m.; Nickel Jokereno, 6:15 p.m.

Friday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Trivia, 10:15 a.m.; Parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Baking, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Pamper and polish coffee social, 2 p.m.

Monthly support group for grief and loss, second Monday of the month at 2 p.m.

Weekend pet visits.

Victorian Heights

Crystal Falls

Sunday: Smear tournament with snacks and prizes. Tenants, staff, and public welcome, 1:30 p.m.; Church of Christ service, 3 p.m.; Lawrence Welk, 4 p.m.

Monday: Smear, 10 a.m.; Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Catholic prayer service, 10 a.m.; Cribbage, 10:30 a.m.; Recipe exchange, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Card and stamp store, 10:45 a.m.; Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Apostolic Lutheran Church service, 1:15 p.m.; Jubilee shopping trip, 2 p.m.; Night bingo at Medicare, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Therapeutic adult coloring, 10:30 a.m.; Birthday with hot fudge sundaes, noon; United Lutheran Church service, 2 p.m.; Tabletop bowling activity, 2 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Happy hour, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

Exercise, Monday through Friday at 10 a.m.

Juice time, daily at 10 a.m.

Shopping days: Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.

Sunday: Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Music with Verna, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 2 p.m.; Rosary, 3 p.m.

Friday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health

Services

Florence, Wis.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Cribbage and/or Kings Corner, 2 p.m.; Social hour, 3 p.m.

Monday: Bible study with Dorothy and Wayne, 10 a.m.; Bingo with Bette, 2 p.m.; Room visits, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Phase ten dice game, 10 a.m.; Music by Valri, 2 p.m.; Ice cream social, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Jackpot, 10 a.m.; Uno card game, 2 p.m.; Fitnessize, 3:30 p.m.; Music by Grace and Dave, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason church service, 10 a.m.; Reminisce magazine stories, 2 p.m.; Room visits, 3 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Communion service and rosary, 10 a.m.; Music by Jason, 2 p.m.; Movie night, 7 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Mingle and much with trivia, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

Sunday: Grace church, 10 a.m.; Shopping outing, 10 a.m.; Beauty shop, 2 p.m.; Bean bags, 3 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; Hand massage, 10:15 a.m.; Rosary, 2:30 p.m.; Rummy, 3:30 p.m.; 1 to 1 visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Movie, 10 a.m.; Happy hour, 2 p.m.; Checkers, 2:30 p.m.; Trivia, 3:30 p.m.; 1 to 1 visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Casino outing, 10 a.m.; Birthday party, 2 p.m.; Social circle, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday:  Exercise, 10 a.m.; Aeromatherapy, 11 a.m.; Bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Cards, 3:30 p.m.; 1 to 1 visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Mass, 10 a.m.; Sensory, 10:15 a.m.; Happy hour with Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; Horse shoes, 2:30 p.m.; Mind joggers, 3:45 p.m.

Saturday: Karaoke, 10 a.m.; Tic Tac Toe, 10 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Hang massage, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Note: All centers ask for 24 hour advanced reservations for lunch. If you have meals delivered and will not be home, notify the center.

Alpha-Mastodon

Center

906-875-3315

Meal every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at noon. Reservations requested 24 hours in advance.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Lunch at noon.

Bingo on Tuesdays.

Free meal drawing on Thursdays.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Meals: Monday through Friday.

Cards and games available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Hostess on duty Monday through Friday.

Treats and coffee, 8:30 a.m. through 111:30 a.m.

Center retail store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; volunteers and donations are welcome.

Birthdays acknowledge everyday.

Evening meals are held first and third Thursday of the month. Salad bar opens at 4 p.m. with dinner served at 5 p.m. Donations are $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for 60 and younger. Seating is limited, so make reservations early.

Blood pressure and blood sugar testing, every fourth Wednesday.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook,

Tracy West

906-875-6709

Meals will be served on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 4:30 (a salad bar will be open at 4 p.m.). The dinner donation is $4 for those age 60 and over and $5 for those under age 60. All persons are invited. For reservations, call 906-875-6709. Cribbage will be played on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and be concluded in time for the dinner. Center is closed Thursday through Sunday. A site council meeting is held on the third Wednesday at 3 p.m. Blood pressure taken by request anytime the center is open.

Crystal Lake Center

906-774-5888

The center is closed on the weekends.

The casino bus will no longer be running this season. It is expected to start running again in the spring or summer.

Monday: Woodcarvers, 10 a.m.; Majong in dining hall, noon; Les Artistes Art Club, noon; Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: Billiards, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday: Spinning Spools Quilters Guild, noon; Crafters, scrap bookers, etc. also welcome; Knitting and crocheting class, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Camera Club, 6 p.m.

Friday: Smear, 12:30 p.m.

Last Saturday of the month: Music Jam starting at 1 p.m.

Evening meals have a salad bar beginning at 4 p.m. with the meal beginning at 4:30 p.m. A donation of $4 is accepted for seniors (60+), but not required. Those 59 and younger are required to pay $5. Please call the center ahead of time to make reservations. The even meal schedules include:

Jan. 24: Beef stroganoff over mashed potatoes, dinner roll, scandinavian veggies, homemade dessert, with soup and salad bar.

Transportation is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Call the center to book your ride.

Felch Center

Director: Norma Dixon

906-246-3559

Meals served Monday through Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Bingo on the first and third Wednesday of each month after lunch.

Congregate jigsaw puzzle done daily.

Please call for meal reservation.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County

715-528-4890

Director: Lori Friberg

The suggested donation for those ages 60 and older is $4. The meal cost for those under 60 is $7. You may also contact the ADRC to request a menu or resources at 1-855-528-2372.

Three senior dining locations are listed below:

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

Meal at noon on Wednesdays only. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

715-528-4261

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations are requested.

Jigsaw puzzles, cards, cribbage, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are requested. Jigsaw puzzles, cribbage, cards, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Meal is Monday through Friday at noon. Suggested donation is $3 for those 60 and older and $7 for those under 60. Call a day in advance before 12:30 p.m. to place a meal order 906-498-7735.

Fifteen games of bingo are played each Tuesday and Friday.

Monday: Rides to Iron Mountain during the day.

Tuesday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Cards played in the afternoon

Thursday: Rides to Escanaba during the day.

Friday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday: Walking in the gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A treadmill is also available.

Once a month going to Menomonee, would have to call in advance.

Iron River Center

Directors: Katherine Bortolameolli and Brian Kassa

906-265-6134

Meals served Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $4 (over 60) and $5 (under 60).

Evening meal is on Thursdays with a salad bar at 4 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.

Bingo is on Sundays at 2 p.m. (doors open at noon) and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.

Cards are played on Thursdays, 1:15 p.m.

Bus trip to Iron Mountain is on the third Friday of the month.

Dance on the second Saturday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cover charge is $6.

Pancake Day is on the third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Transportation is available Monday through Thursday with the bus running 8:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. $4 (over 60), $5 (under 60), $6 (wheelchair).

Bingo every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Doors open at noon.

Salad bar with Thursday meal, 4 p.m. and dinner at 4:30 p.m.

Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center

Meal site manager: Corrie Maule 715-251-1603

Center director: Jill Anderson 715-251-4154

Noon meals served Monday through Thursday.

Bingo once a month.

LCR tournament after lunch on Jan. 17.

50’s and 60’s reunion will be on Jan. 18.

Transportation to the meal site from the Niagara area is offered.

Wii games, cards, puzzles, and board games available to play for your enjoyment.

Senior groups who would like to use our meal site as their meeting place may join us for lunch and stay to have their meeting or social time.

Norway Center

Director: Susie Slining

906-563-8716

Monday through Thursday: Meals served at noon with salad bar. Soup is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please sign up early for means. (Meal donation is $5)

Two special theme noon meals each month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.

Two evening meals (5 p.m.) on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.

Cards are played daily after the noon meal.

Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.

Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays

Puzzles always worked on.

Senior coloring class meets daily. All are welcome. Some materials will be provided.

Telephone reassurance is available. If you are a senior who doesn’t get out much and would like a friendly daily phone contact, the center will have someone check in to see that all is well.

Note: A CSFP food card (green card) is available to income-eligible seniors. Make an appointment to get signed up. File of Life packets available at the center.

Note: Ask about the Medicare Savings Program. This program helps people pay their Medicare part B premium. You may be eligible. Your local MMAP Counselor can be reached at 1-800-803-7174, or dial 211.

Jan. 18 — Blood pressure clinic from 11 a.m. to noon

Jan. 18 — Noon meal featuring chicken rice casserole, carrots, fruit, juice, salad bar and dessert.

Jan. 18 — Evening meal at 5 p.m. with German items of pork schnitzel, braised red cabbage, and dessert. Soup and salad bar will be ready at 4 p.m.

Jan. 19 — Birthday Club celebration for those with January birthdays.

Jan. 23 — Michael Miller of the Office of Veterans Affairs will be at the center from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Jan. 24 — January Thaw dinner at noon. There will be savory steak with mushrooms, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots, fruit, dessert and juice. Soup and salad bar is ready at 11 a.m.

Center membership cards are available for $5 at the front desk.

Sagola Center

Director: Connie Secrist

906-542-3273

Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:45 a.m.

Cards: Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday.

Commodities every other month and quarterly commodities are every three months.

Puzzle table for all to enjoy.

Volunteers are always welcome.

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