NIAGARA, Wis. — By now, most of us are all too familiar with how much more effort we need to put into maintaining our health as we age. Physical chores take us longer, and we begin to have aches and pains from doing them. We tire more easily, but sleep eludes us more often than we like to admit — unless, of course, it is in the middle of the afternoon, and we have decided to simply “take a break” in our favorite recliner.

Or as my husband always claims, “I am not sleeping, I am just resting my eyes.” Our annual physical exams begin to lead to more appointments with other medical professionals to check into one thing or another that our family doctor uncovered this year. And, we begin to forget things that we never forgot before.

My husband and I are both now 70; he will soon be 71. Until this year, our annual physicals were a single appointment that checked our weight and blood pressure and shared the results of blood tests. We got answers to any of our “is this normal” questions and went on our way.

This year, however, that single visit led to so many additional appointments with other specialists for both of us that it became a challenge to keep them all straight. Even our annual eye exams and dental check-ups led to additional appointments. I got in the habit of taking my calendar book with me just in case I had to schedule another trip somewhere else to get the latest problem fixed.

Between the two of us, we saw our family doctor, a dermatologist, a cardiologist, a urologist, an endocrinologist, our regular eye doctor, two different ophthalmologists for two different issues, and our dentist for our annual oral exams. I thought that at least I’d had a “normal” trip to the dentist until I received a follow-up call from him a couple of weeks later. He asked me how I was and then answered his own question when he said, “About as good as you can be after receiving a call from your dentist.” Bingo!

I am happy to report that we are both doing fine. Everything that was discovered was fixable. My family doctor had found a heart murmur that led to an echocardiogram and a Holter monitor that discovered a sticky tricuspid valve. My cardiologist said, “You really need to lose weight or risk a future stroke.” Suddenly, potatoes and pasta lost their appeal. A trip to the dietitian and the adoption of a Keto lifestyle has helped me to lose nearly 40 pounds.

I can now see without glasses — most of the time — thanks to recent cataract surgery. We spent four days in Appleton, Wis., getting both my eyes done with a day of rest in between procedures. It was painless, and I now see better than I have in a long time. My husband is scheduled for an “eyelid lift” next month in Green Bay, so his vision will be improving as well. And that call from my dentist led to a completely pain-free procedure to replace a crown. He now uses a laser that is not nearly as scary as the old drill had been. And I have to compliment him on his skillful use of Novocain.

My greatest concern comes from memory lapses because there is so much we do not know about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — except, of course, that there is no cure or even an effective treatment that comes with the diagnosis. I read an interesting article recently that discussed the seven worst habits for your brain. I share them here so we can at least try to avoid those things that are harmful in the hopes of preserving our brain’s health for as long as possible.

1. Dwelling on negative thoughts, which includes holding grudges and resentments. Besides keeping us in a pessimistic mood, negative thinking has been linked to a decline in both memory and the ability to learn. Negative thinkers have more amyloid and tau deposits in their brains, which are the biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, let’s concentrate on things for which we can be grateful.

2. Skipping vaccines. Ignoring the importance of these well-researched and effective precautionary steps to better health opens the door to dementia. For people between the ages of 75 and 84, the flu vaccine was associated with a reduced likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. People 65 to 75 were found to have benefitted from the pneumonia vaccine with a 25% to 35% reduction in their chance of developing dementia. While more specific studies are needed in their relationship to brain health, vaccinations remain one of the most-studied and well-tested preventive health strategies.

3. Drinking sugary beverages, such as sweet tea and soda, takes its toll on brain function. And fruit juices contain a great deal of sugar without the benefit of fiber. Our brains do much better when we eat the entire piece of fruit rather than simply drinking its juice.

4. Unhealthy sleep habits should be recognized and avoided. Adhering to good sleep hygiene is critical to a good night’s sleep. And if you have any signs of sleep apnea — a condition which deprives your brain of enough oxygen — make a beeline to your physician’s office for the necessary diagnosis and treatment. Inadequate sleep takes years off of your life, so do not procrastinate getting professional help for it.

5. Hearing loss makes us two times more likely to develop dementia. Protect your ears from loud environments. And if you suspect you have already sustained a hearing loss, do not hesitate to get properly diagnosed by an audiologist who can fit you with hearing aids.

6. A wide array of prescription drugs contributes to the development of dementia by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a brain chemical essential for learning and memory. The offenders include antidepressants, some overactive bladder medications and some over-the-counter antihistamines. If you regularly take one of these drugs, don’t panic. But if you take more than that, check with your physician for a substitute.

7. The lack of a sense of purpose. That longed-for freedom of responsibility that comes with retirement and aging has a dark side in that we may lose our reason for getting up in the morning. It is healthy to feel needed as it gives us more meaning and definition in our lives, which, as it turns out, diminishes the likelihood of developing dementia. We all need a reason to be alive, so find a club to join or volunteer to help with a cause that inspires you.

We cannot control the fact that we are aging — the years fly by no matter what we do. But the good news is that we do have control over our ability to age well. Pay attention to what your changing body is telling you, see your physician regularly, and ask all the questions you have. And most important … do what he or she tells you to do. Take charge of your health to get the most out of every year you have left.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No information currently available.

Manor Care

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services take place five days each week. Please note that scheduled visits are conducted in the front living room or outdoors and are by appointment only. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and “Jeopardy,” 10:30 a.m.; tailgate party, Packers vs. Steelers, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10:15 a.m.; Jan and Gino — smell the cinnamon, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; pumpkin mandalas, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30; kick ball, 10:15; travel club — Germany, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; short stories, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:30 a.m.; Netflix movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated areas only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. Residents have resumed some small group activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; Packers vs. Steelers, 3:25 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; craft class, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Mass (channel 66.1), 11 a.m.; coffee social, 2 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 and 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Omelets for 200, 8 a.m.; color contest, 10:30 a.m.; Oktoberfest, 2 p.m.; bunco, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Shopping, 10 a.m.; rosary on radio 66.1, 2:30 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables, lettuce

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe, baked beans, cucumber salad

Thursday: Pasties, mixed vegetables, coleslaw

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork ribs, sauerkraut, potatoes, carrots

Tuesday: Stuffed peppers, mashed potatoes, green beans

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, sweet potatoes, dinner roll

Thursday: Chicken alfredo, mixed vegetables, breadstick

Friday: Pollock, parsley potatoes, broccoli with cheese

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dining in or take out — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pick up for take-out meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Homemade spaghetti and noodles, garlic toast, vegetables

Wednesday: Chicken, rice, vegetables

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham sweet potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, spiced applesauce

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, asparagus, macaroni and cheese, spinach salad with dressing

Wednesday: Barbecue pork sandwich, fries, corn cake

Thursday: Pork chop, rice, Italian blend vegetables, Jell-O

Friday: Broccoli and cheese soup, turkey cheese sandwich, carrots with ranch dressing

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Fried pork chops, cheesy potatoes, fried cabbage, cornbread

Tuesday: Omelet, sausage, hash brown potatoes

Wednesday: Chicken pot pie, fried apples, salad

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef noodle casserole, beets, dark green salad, fruit

Tuesday: Chicken tortellini vegetable soup, egg salad sandwich, lettuce and tomato, tropical fruit

Wednesday: Pork steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, apple crumb cake

Thursday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, dark green salad, garlic bread, fruited Jell-o

Friday: Baked chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, corn, dark green salad, fruit cocktail with whipped cream

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980 — RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

715-674-2320 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken cordon bleu casserole, asparagus, breadstick, fruit, milk

Tuesday: Fish, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, fruit, milk

Wednesday: Italian bake dish, wax beans, breadstick, fruit, milk

Thursday: Beef stew, cheddar biscuit, dessert, milk

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Take-out meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Monday: Bacon-lettuce-tomato wrap, fries and sugar snap peas.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and Brussel sprouts.

Wednesday: Stuffed green peppers, carrots and biscuit.

Thursday: Spaghetti or polenta, California blend vegetables and breadstick.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Roast pork, mashed potatoes, green beans, pineapple

Wednesday: Hot ham and cheese slider, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, applesauce

Thursday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, pears

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.