FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:
February 20, 2008
Contact:
Mary Ann Schoenberger, Director
Southwest Center, Volunteers of America of Minnesota
Office (612) 822-3194
Email mschoenberger@voamn.org
"Brain-a-thon" Challenges Seniors to Take Charge of Brain Health
Program Emphasizes Importance of Mental and Physical Activity in Brain Wellness
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., February 20, 2008 -- Minneapolis seniors are being challenged to take part in Volunteers of America of Minnesota's "Brain-a-thon," a three-month program aimed at educating seniors about brain health and providing them with low-cost, easily accessible ways to implement the recommendations. Participants are encouraged to acquire at least 26 points by engaging in brain healthy activities, though some participants will join in the competition and earn many more. The goal of the "Brain-a-thon" is to provide participants with good information about the latest research on brain health and motivate them to make lifestyle choices that will continue beyond the "Brain-a-thon." The "Brain-a-thon" program kicks-off on March 5, 2008 at Volunteers of America's Southwest Center with a brain-healthy meal at noon and a program at 1:00 p.m. The program will provide an overview of brain health research, an explanation of how to participate in the "Brain-a-thon," and some fun hands-on brain exercises. The "Brain-a-thon" will conclude on May 28, 2008 with an awards ceremony for everyone who has completed at least 26 activities. There will be special prizes for the top point getters.
Science has revealed that people shouldn't just "hope for the best" when it comes to whether they will develop Alzheimer's or dementia. In the same way that people have worked to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease through diet, exercise, and stress reduction - people need to focus on changes that can improve the health of their brains.
The February 2006 edition of Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association reported that a review of 36 very large, ongoing epidemiological studies indicate that heart health risk factors and lifestyle choices, such as exercise, learning new things, and staying socially connected, are associated with maintaining brain health as we age.
"Research is mounting that people can make a difference when it comes to lowering their chances of developing Alzheimer's or dementia. We're using the 'Brain-a-thon' to get the word out about the importance of mental and physical activity and hope that people will find it a fun way to increase their purposeful brain activity," said Mary Ann Schoenberger, Director of Southwest Center. For the past three years, the Center has hosted a "Brain-a-thon" each spring. Last year, over 100 people participated.
Patricia Marentic, age 66, has participated in two "Brain-a-thons" at the Center. Pat states that the "Brain-a-thon" has helped her to understand how she can make life-style choices that can affect the health of her brain and has inspired her to take part in activities at the Center such as exercise classes and brain games and to do more "brainy" activities on her own - her favorites being crossword puzzles and word searches.
"I've learned a lot about being proactive when it comes to brain health. I'm more likely to go to the exercise classes twice a week because I know that they are good for both my body and my brain. Plus, we get the added benefit of making friends and having a great time while we are exercising. Keeping that social connection is also important. The Center's Brain Games are great ways to keep your brain sharp. It's fun to challenge myself and to do the activities. In addition, I work on a lot of crosswords and other brain benders at home. I have to admit that the points are a motivating factor. Last year, I was one of the "Brain-a-thons" top point recipients and there was a lot of fun competing with the other people to see who could do the most brain healthy activities."
"Brain-a-thon" Points
During the "Brain-a-thon," seniors can earn one point each for any of the following activities at Southwest Center:
1. Attending Brain Games and other "Brain-a-thon" activities (one point for each);
2. Completing a crossword puzzle, Sudoko puzzle, or brain bender activity (one point for each);
3. Participating in other activities that are considered good for your brain such as computer classes, language classes, dancing, and exercise classes (one point for each).
Each participant will receive an individual tally-sheet, which is kept at the front desk. Participants hand in their completed puzzles to the front desk person and inform the receptionist when they attend an activity which qualifies for the "Brain-a-thon" points.
Special "Brain-a-thon" Events
Below are "Brain-a-thon" special events which will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Southwest Center, 3612 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409.
* March 5: "Brain-a-thon" Kick-Off (Learn about the latest research and learn how to participate in the "Brain-a-thon.")
* March 18: Love Your Heart, Love Your Brain
* April 9: Eating Your Way to Braininess
* April 28: Computer Brain Games
* May 16: Concentration
* May 28: Brain-a-thon Awards Ceremony
Ongoing "Brain-a-thon" Opportunities
Below are ongoing opportunities to earn "Brain-a-thon" points at Southwest Center, 3612 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409.
* Strength and Flexibility Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
* Weights: Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.
* Light Aerobics Class: Mondays at 10:15 a.m. (Martin Luther King Park)
* Computer Class: Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.
* Knitting: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
* Scrabble: Fridays at 10:00 a.m.
* Brain Games: Various dates, call Southwest Center for details (612) 822-3194
About Volunteers of America of Minnesota
Volunteers of America of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization founded in 1896 which offers a wide variety of services to more than 33,000 children, adolescents and their families, older adults, students, persons with disabilities and special needs, and ex-offenders each year. It is one of the oldest, largest and most comprehensive human service organizations in the state and has more than 60 programs, 700 employees and 4,000 volunteers. Volunteers of America has a rich history of developing innovative, quality programs to meet emerging social issues and prides itself on sponsoring programs which are able to articulate explicitly the outcomes achieved in its program participants' lives. For more information about Volunteers of America of Minnesota, visit http://www.voamn.org/, or call (952) 945-4000.
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