10 STEPS to BETTER MEMORY

[Guest guest]

Having problems with my memory is one of the

things I find most annoying about either my age (47) , the meds I am on

or the Rheumatoid Arthritis, or a combination of the three. I do #2, 3

and 10 all the time and the only thing I watch on TV is the The Red Sox

(gotta see Manny being Manny) but I know #1 is where I need the most

improvement. I have a set of exercises I am susposed to do 3 days a

week given to me by my physical therapist by no way to get to the Y to

use their pool to do them. And 4 is a joke, I can't sleep more than

3-4 hrs a night before Mr. Pain is hammering on my hips, knees, and

shoulders and forcing me from bed, sometimes in tears. But this was

written for "normal" people so those of us with RA or other chronic

conditions can use of it what we can.

1. Exercise regularly: Studies have shown that aerobic fitness

may reduce the loss of brain tissue common in aging.

2. Stick to a healthy diet: Avoid sugar and saturated fat.

And eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as

blueberries, spinach, and beets. The magnesium found in dark green,

leafy vegetables appears to help maintain memory.

3. Learn new things: Mastering activities you've never

done before, such as playing the piano or learning a foreign language,

stimulates neuron activity.

4. Get enough sleep: Too little sleep impairs concentration.

5. Devise memory strategies: Make notes or underline key

passages to help you remember what you've read. Invent mnemonics

formulas to help you remember things.

6. Socialize: Conversation, especially positive, meaningful

interaction, helps maintain brain function.

7. Get organized: Designate a place for important items

such as keys and checkbooks. Keep checklists for things such as daily

medications or items to pack when you travel.

8. Turn off the tube: Experts say too much TV watching weakens

brain power.

9. Jot down new information: Writing helps transfer items from

short, to long-term memory.

10. Solve brainteasers: Crossword puzzles, card games, and

board games such as Scrabble improve your memory.

Ila in Maine mailto:sewcraftyila@...

"I'm Halloween's answer to Santa Claus."

— King

[Guest guest]

Dear Ila- Hips Huh? Do you use a Foam 2 " mattress topper? If not, do get one at walmart. A lifesaver!!!! Bone density test for osteoporosis in hips, not just RA. If you have that in spine and hips it can be agony until you treat it. Are you taking enough Pain Medication at night. I mean Darvocet or Extra Ibuprofen? Remember to think of yourself as princess and the pea. I use two pieces of foam put into a pillow case between my knees and bunch up a blanket around my ankles and feet so they dont touch one another. It makes a huge difference. I literally cant have my bones touching one another. Its just agony. Keeping your pillow built up helps too so all your weight doesnt fall on your shoulders when you sleep on your side. Cushion everything that touches anything in bed. Mattress pad and a small pillow or foam between your knees and ankles. I put a blanket and foam pieces under my pillow and it helps alot. My spine and hips are aligned then and what a difference. I know what you mean about memory. Its terrible!!!! I play games online to keep my mind agile. I would love to meet you sometime to compare notes. I can come closer to you if you wanted. I know how hard a trip in the car can be when you are in pain. Hugs, Deborah

On 5/19/06, Ila <sewcraftyila@...> wrote:

Having problems with my memory is one of the

things I find most annoying about either my age (47) , the meds I am on

or the Rheumatoid Arthritis, or a combination of the three. I do #2, 3

and 10 all the time and the only thing I watch on TV is the The Red Sox

(gotta see Manny being Manny) but I know #1 is where I need the most

improvement. I have a set of exercises I am susposed to do 3 days a

week given to me by my physical therapist by no way to get to the Y to

use their pool to do them. And 4 is a joke, I can't sleep more than

3-4 hrs a night before Mr. Pain is hammering on my hips, knees, and

shoulders and forcing me from bed, sometimes in tears. But this was

written for " normal " people so those of us with RA or other chronic

conditions can use of it what we can.

1. Exercise regularly: Studies have shown that aerobic fitness

may reduce the loss of brain tissue common in aging.

2. Stick to a healthy diet: Avoid sugar and saturated fat.

And eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as

blueberries, spinach, and beets. The magnesium found in dark green,

leafy vegetables appears to help maintain memory.

3. Learn new things: Mastering activities you've never

done before, such as playing the piano or learning a foreign language,

stimulates neuron activity.

4. Get enough sleep: Too little sleep impairs concentration.

5. Devise memory strategies: Make notes or underline key

passages to help you remember what you've read. Invent mnemonics

formulas to help you remember things.

6. Socialize: Conversation, especially positive, meaningful

interaction, helps maintain brain function.

7. Get organized: Designate a place for important items

such as keys and checkbooks. Keep checklists for things such as daily

medications or items to pack when you travel.

8. Turn off the tube: Experts say too much TV watching weakens

brain power.

9. Jot down new information: Writing helps transfer items from

short, to long-term memory.

10. Solve brainteasers: Crossword puzzles, card games, and

board games such as Scrabble improve your memory.

Ila in Maine mailto:sewcraftyila@...

" I'm Halloween's answer to Santa Claus. "

— King

[Guest guest]

I almost forgot. Since necessity is the mother of invention and you cant get to the Y, Think about using a giant metal or Plastic container like the ones they use in water gardens. Even a kids Pool that you can submerse yourself in will help. If you can use the tub, add epsom salt and just soak in hot water. The bouyancy and zero gravity environment will relieve the strain on your skeleton and also relax the muscles in your body. Heated water pool is the only kind for Arthritis. Sending you to a cold water pool is useless. You can also join a whirlpool somewhere near you if there is one. A gym or workout place maybe. I love watching my sox win. More Hugs to you.....

On 5/20/06, Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote:

Dear Ila- Hips Huh? Do you use a Foam 2 " mattress topper? If not, do get one at walmart. A lifesaver!!!! Bone density test for osteoporosis in hips, not just RA. If you have that in spine and hips it can be agony until you treat it. Are you taking enough Pain Medication at night. I mean Darvocet or Extra Ibuprofen? Remember to think of yourself as princess and the pea. I use two pieces of foam put into a pillow case between my knees and bunch up a blanket around my ankles and feet so they dont touch one another. It makes a huge difference. I literally cant have my bones touching one another. Its just agony. Keeping your pillow built up helps too so all your weight doesnt fall on your shoulders when you sleep on your side. Cushion everything that touches anything in bed. Mattress pad and a small pillow or foam between your knees and ankles. I put a blanket and foam pieces under my pillow and it helps alot. My spine and hips are aligned then and what a difference. I know what you mean about memory. Its terrible!!!! I play games online to keep my mind agile. I would love to meet you sometime to compare notes. I can come closer to you if you wanted. I know how hard a trip in the car can be when you are in pain. Hugs, Deborah

On 5/19/06, Ila <

sewcraftyila@...> wrote:

Having problems with my memory is one of the

things I find most annoying about either my age (47) , the meds I am on

or the Rheumatoid Arthritis, or a combination of the three. I do #2, 3

and 10 all the time and the only thing I watch on TV is the The Red Sox

(gotta see Manny being Manny) but I know #1 is where I need the most

improvement. I have a set of exercises I am susposed to do 3 days a

week given to me by my physical therapist by no way to get to the Y to

use their pool to do them. And 4 is a joke, I can't sleep more than

3-4 hrs a night before Mr. Pain is hammering on my hips, knees, and

shoulders and forcing me from bed, sometimes in tears. But this was

written for " normal " people so those of us with RA or other chronic

conditions can use of it what we can.

1. Exercise regularly: Studies have shown that aerobic fitness

may reduce the loss of brain tissue common in aging.

2. Stick to a healthy diet: Avoid sugar and saturated fat.

And eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as

blueberries, spinach, and beets. The magnesium found in dark green,

leafy vegetables appears to help maintain memory.

3. Learn new things: Mastering activities you've never

done before, such as playing the piano or learning a foreign language,

stimulates neuron activity.

4. Get enough sleep: Too little sleep impairs concentration.

5. Devise memory strategies: Make notes or underline key

passages to help you remember what you've read. Invent mnemonics

formulas to help you remember things.

6. Socialize: Conversation, especially positive, meaningful

interaction, helps maintain brain function.

7. Get organized: Designate a place for important items

such as keys and checkbooks. Keep checklists for things such as daily

medications or items to pack when you travel.

8. Turn off the tube: Experts say too much TV watching weakens

brain power.

9. Jot down new information: Writing helps transfer items from

short, to long-term memory.

10. Solve brainteasers: Crossword puzzles, card games, and

board games such as Scrabble improve your memory.

Ila in Maine mailto:sewcraftyila@...

" I'm Halloween's answer to Santa Claus. "

— King

[Guest guest]

Hi Deborah , ila , Yes I know what you are talking about , one thing I have trouble telling the differance between pain from my hips and my SI joints ? I have sever pain in my hips I think or thought but every time I complain to my rhumy and show him where he tells me no thats my SI joints and thats a bad place for RA or rather one of the places it hits hard frist , But theres never anything he can do for it and since i cannt tell the differance I wonder if you or any can give me a pointer on it It still feels like my hips after walking about ten mins I'm down to about a crawl wondering if I will make it back to the house or car ! And it runs down my leg and knee on the right side allso . feels like a very low back thing and hips ? just wondering but above is my rhumys take on it ,he's done hip and si xrays both , but looked good not much changes at all there

.. Deborah Bargad <dbargad@...> wrote: Dear Ila- Hips Huh? Do you use a Foam 2"mattress topper? If not, do get one at walmart. A lifesaver!!!! Bone density test for

osteoporosis in hips, not just RA. If you have that in spine and hips it can be agony until you treat it. Are you taking enough Pain Medication at night. I mean Darvocet or Extra Ibuprofen? Remember to think of yourself as princess and the pea. I use two pieces of foam put into a pillow case between my knees and bunch up a blanket around my ankles and feet so they dont touch one another. It makes a huge difference. I literally cant have my bones touching one another. Its just agony. Keeping your pillow built up helps too so all your weight doesnt fall on your shoulders when you sleep on your side. Cushion everything that touches anything in bed. Mattress pad and a small pillow or foam between your knees and ankles. I put a blanket and foam pieces under my pillow and it helps alot. My spine and hips are aligned then and what a difference. I know what you mean about memory. Its

terrible!!!! I play games online to keep my mind agile. I would love to meet you sometime to compare notes. I can come closer to you if you wanted. I know how hard a trip in the car can be when you are in pain. Hugs, Deborah On 5/19/06, Ila <sewcraftyila@...> wrote: Having problems with my memory is one of the things I find most annoying about either my age (47) , the meds I am on or the Rheumatoid Arthritis, or a combination of the three. I do #2, 3 and 10 all the time and the only thing I watch on TV is the The Red Sox (gotta see Manny being

Manny) but I know #1 is where I need the most improvement. I have a set of exercises I am susposed to do 3 days a week given to me by my physical therapist by no way to get to the Y to use their pool to do them. And 4 is a joke, I can't sleep more than 3-4 hrs a night before Mr. Pain is hammering on my hips, knees, and shoulders and forcing me from bed, sometimes in tears. But this was written for "normal" people so those of us with RA or other chronic conditions can use of it what we can. 1. Exercise regularly: Studies have shown that aerobic fitness may reduce the loss of brain tissue common in aging.

2. Stick to a healthy diet: Avoid sugar and saturated fat. And eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, spinach, and beets. The magnesium found in dark green, leafy vegetables appears to help maintain memory. 3. Learn new things: Mastering activities you've never done before, such as playing the piano or learning a foreign language, stimulates neuron activity. 4. Get enough sleep: Too little sleep impairs concentration. 5. Devise memory strategies: Make notes or underline key passages to help you remember what you've read. Invent mnemonics formulas to help you remember things. 6. Socialize: Conversation, especially positive, meaningful interaction, helps maintain brain function. 7. Get organized: Designate a place for important items such as keys and checkbooks. Keep checklists for things such as daily medications or items to pack when you travel. 8. Turn off the

tube: Experts say too much TV watching weakens brain power. 9. Jot down new information: Writing helps transfer items from short, to long-term memory. 10. Solve brainteasers: Crossword puzzles, card games, and board games such as Scrabble improve your memory. Ila in Maine mailto:sewcraftyila@... "I'm Halloween's answer to Santa Claus." — King

[Guest guest]

- Get a bone density. You probably have osteo porosis. Get on Glucosamine Chondritin Maximum amount. It strikes men really fast since there is no estrogen preventing that damage. Hip Erosions didnt show up on xray. Bet your bone density comes back full of porosity. If you arent on actonel or fosamax start. Cushion your hips and use ice packs on either side also. You might be experiencing a host of nerve problems also sciatic related. Get a foam topper as I told Ila and try to get to a heated pool for therapy. If you cant, make a bath with epsom salt. It will feel amazing because like the dead sea- it creates a completely ZERO gravity environment. Hugs, Deborah

On 5/20/06, john stratton <kentuckycowboy2@...> wrote:

Hi Deborah , ila , Yes I know what you are talking about , one thing I have trouble telling the differance between pain from my hips and my SI joints ? I have sever pain in my hips I think or thought but every time I complain to my rhumy and show him where he tells me no thats my SI joints and thats a bad place for RA or rather one of the places it hits hard frist , But theres never anything he can do for it and since i cannt tell the differance I wonder if you or any can give me a pointer on it It still feels like my hips after walking about ten mins I'm down to about a crawl wondering if I will make it back to the house or car ! And it runs down my leg and knee on the right side allso . feels like a very low back thing and hips ? just wondering but above is my rhumys take on it ,he's done hip and si xrays both , but looked good not much changes at all there

.. Deborah Bargad <

dbargad@...> wrote:

Dear Ila- Hips Huh? Do you use a Foam 2 " mattress topper? If not, do get one at walmart. A lifesaver!!!! Bone density test for

osteoporosis in hips, not just RA. If you have that in spine and hips it can be agony until you treat it. Are you taking enough Pain Medication at night. I mean Darvocet or Extra Ibuprofen? Remember to think of yourself as princess and the pea. I use two pieces of foam put into a pillow case between my knees and bunch up a blanket around my ankles and feet so they dont touch one another. It makes a huge difference. I literally cant have my bones touching one another. Its just agony. Keeping your pillow built up helps too so all your weight doesnt fall on your shoulders when you sleep on your side. Cushion everything that touches anything in bed. Mattress pad and a small pillow or foam between your knees and ankles. I put a blanket and foam pieces under my pillow and it helps alot. My spine and hips are aligned then and what a difference. I know what you mean about memory. Its

terrible!!!! I play games online to keep my mind agile. I would love to meet you sometime to compare notes. I can come closer to you if you wanted. I know how hard a trip in the car can be when you are in pain. Hugs, Deborah On 5/19/06, Ila <sewcraftyila@...

> wrote:

Having problems with my memory is one of the things I find most annoying about either my age (47) , the meds I am on or the Rheumatoid Arthritis, or a combination of the three. I do #2, 3 and 10 all the time and the only thing I watch on TV is the The Red Sox (gotta see Manny being

Manny) but I know #1 is where I need the most improvement. I have a set of exercises I am susposed to do 3 days a week given to me by my physical therapist by no way to get to the Y to use their pool to do them. And 4 is a joke, I can't sleep more than 3-4 hrs a night before Mr. Pain is hammering on my hips, knees, and shoulders and forcing me from bed, sometimes in tears. But this was written for " normal " people so those of us with RA or other chronic conditions can use of it what we can.

1. Exercise regularly: Studies have shown that aerobic fitness may reduce the loss of brain tissue common in aging.

2. Stick to a healthy diet: Avoid sugar and saturated fat. And eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, spinach, and beets. The magnesium found in dark green, leafy vegetables appears to help maintain memory. 3. Learn new things: Mastering activities you've never done before, such as playing the piano or learning a foreign language, stimulates neuron activity. 4. Get enough sleep: Too little sleep impairs concentration. 5. Devise memory strategies: Make notes or underline key passages to help you remember what you've read. Invent mnemonics formulas to help you remember things. 6. Socialize: Conversation, especially positive, meaningful interaction, helps maintain brain function. 7. Get organized: Designate a place for important items such as keys and checkbooks. Keep checklists for things such as daily medications or items to pack when you travel. 8. Turn off the

tube: Experts say too much TV watching weakens brain power. 9. Jot down new information: Writing helps transfer items from short, to long-term memory. 10. Solve brainteasers: Crossword puzzles, card games, and board games such as Scrabble improve your memory. Ila in Maine mailto:sewcraftyila@... " I'm Halloween's answer to Santa Claus. " — King