curve and high barrier to entry that sports like tennis or golf do. Due to the nature of a pickleball, which contains strategically placed holes similar to those of a whiffle ball, the game is much more about finesse than pure power or athleticism. While you can definitely hone your skills with practice, you’ll start having fun from day one. In addition to being a fun form of exercise, pickleball also offers older adults the chance to socialize with their peers. Leagues often lead to long-term friendships. Courts are small, and each game consists of only four players, making it easy to engage in some casual conversation or playful, competitive banter between points. If you’ve never picked up a paddle, consider joining a league or buying a set for your next family outing. You can introduce your grandkids to a fun new sport — and then school them for the bulk of an afternoon.
A Step in the Right Direction A NEW DISCOVERY IN THE BATTLE AGAINST PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Around 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year, and by 2020, almost 1 million Americans will be living with it. While treatments for Parkinson’s are available, a cure for the disease still eludes us. However, researchers at King’s College London have recently found more diverse treatment options that may slow, and maybe prevent, the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Traditionally, Parkinson’s disease has been associated with a deficiency of a brain chemical called dopamine. Many existing treatments for Parkinson’s work to restore dopamine levels based on this association. But researchers recently discovered a potential link between Parkinson’s and the deficiency of serotonin, another brain chemical. The researchers conducted a study comparing dopamine and serotonin between three different groups of study participants. One group had a genetic mutation, called SNCA, which the researchers had linked with near certainty to a development of Parkinson’s disease. Of this group, half of the participants displayed symptoms while the other half did not. The 65 participants in the second group all had Parkinson’s but not the SNCA gene. The third group was comprised of 25 healthy participants. When the seven participants in the first group (Parkinson’s symptoms and SNCA) and the 65 participants of the second group (just Parkinson’s) were compared with the 25 healthy participants, researchers found both the former groups displayed a deterioration in dopamine and serotonin levels. But, when the seven participants of the first group with the SNCA gene and no symptoms were compared with the healthy participants, researchers found the first group had up to 34% fewer serotonin neurons than the healthy group. If Parkinson’s can be predicted by a deficiency of serotonin and dopamine, the disease could potentially be detected 15–20 years before the first symptoms appear, drastically widening the window for treatment. While the limited parameters of this study may raise questions about the reliability and cost-effectiveness of using serotonin levels as an indicator, some scientists agree it’s a step toward greater knowledge of Parkinson’s and a potential cure. If you have a loved one suffering from Parkinson’s, BrightStar Care of Central DuPage can help. Our in-home care professionals can give your loved ones peace of mind in a familiar environment. We offer clients with neurological disorders several services:
ROASTED CORN SALSA Inspired by Bon Appétit
INGREDIENTS
• 2 medium ears of corn, shucked • 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced • 1/2 red onion, diced • 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped • 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced • Juice of 1 lime • Kosher salt, to taste 1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potatomasher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine. DIRECTIONS
• • • •
A safe environment
Brain stimulating activities
Daily routines
Optimization of existing abilities
Contact our 24/7 hotline at (630) 260-5300 if you have any questions.
5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
www.brightstarcare.com/wheaton
630.260.5300 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator