GRAY MATTERS
LEARN NEW HOBBIES
Everyone faces the prospect
of growing older. When it comes to aging, people’s primary concerns include aches, pains, and changes to their physical appearance. But perhaps even more
Do you want to reduce memory loss by 40–50 percent? Dan Buettner, a researcher and best-selling author on studies about happiness and longevity, suggests learning a new hobby. Whether you learn to knit, paint, or discover a new board game, you’ll enjoy improved mental health. Get your hands moving, and your mind will surely follow. (Note: Watching TV as a hobby doesn’t count! People who regularly watch TV may suffer up to 50 percent more memory loss.)
important is mental health. Fortunately,
SOCIALIZE
there are ways to keep your mind sharp as you age so you can enjoy your retirement.
If you want to maintain mental health, make socializing a priority. Having an active social life increases your resistance to mental diseases and improves your mood. Furthermore, a healthy social network of friends and family (and we’re not talking Facebook here) helps give you a support system to fall back on when times get tough.
EXERCISE
TAKE A BREAK
Working out is inextricably tied to wellness in all its forms. A simple, light workout now and then not only maintains physical
Take a step back from your everyday life and enjoy the small things. Set aside time to sit down with a good book or another activity you enjoy. While on that 5-mile walk, why not take a few moments to slow down your pace and look at the world around you? As the famous saying goes, “Stop and smell the roses.”
health, but it also boosts your mental well-being. A 5-mile walk once per week can increase brain volume and prevent mental diseases, including Alzheimer’s. It’s no wonder exercise is the go-to solution for maintaining wellness.
Bettina Ponce, our office manager, joined the team in 2016 and fit in immediately. Graduating from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, she has years of experience in the health care field. Bettina has worked in a variety of physical therapy settings. She was amazed by the level of personal connection offered at North County Water and Sports Therapy Center. “I love being able to work closely with both therapists and patients,” she says. “Here, we have a total team environment where everyone is working toward providing the best care for our patients.” In Bettina’s eyes, this patient-first approach is what makes North County an exceptional practice. “Our patients get a full hour with their therapist,” she notes. “The attention and connection makes all the difference. Our patients are our neighbors and friends. We make sure their treatment meets their personal needs.” When she’s not busy building relationships with patients, Bettina enjoys working out, running, and spending time with her family in Northridge. “We are lucky to live in a beautiful place, so I try to take advantage of it by getting outdoors as often as I can,” Bettina says. She’s also something of a crafting expert, using her trusty Cricut Maker to craft beautiful banners for Office Manager, Runner, and Crafter Extraordinaire BETTINA PONCE
Bettina (third from right) with her family
birthdays and other events. If you’ve ever seen a cool banner at one of our events, you can thank Bettina for her handiwork.
“I love crafting,” says Bettina. “It’s a creative outlet, and it’s fun to make things that put a smile on people’s faces.”
Speaking of smiles, Bettina brings a positive attitude and insane organizational skills to our office. In fact, it’s hard for us to remember what our practice was like before she arrived. She’s the glue that holds all of us together, and she keeps us on track.
www.waterpt.com 2
Made with FlippingBook HTML5