How many times have you searched all over your house for a pair of sunglasses only to find them resting on top of your head? Do you sometimes find yourself standing in a room looking around cluelessly wondering why you walked in there in the first place?

It seems as if memory loss goes hand in hand with growing older. Fortunately, new studies show that B vitamins may help you to stay smart and keep a sharp memory. According to the Journal of Nutrition, researchers recently studied the effects of three B vitamins, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. Scientists wanted to determine whether these supplements have the capability to increase brain power in women of all ages. After taking either a placebo or 750 mcg of folate, 15 mcg of B12 and 75 mg of B6 every day for 35 days in a row, the women subjects were tested for cognitive ability, memory and verbal skills.

The results showed that women of all ages who took the B vitamin supplements displayed increased memory and verbal ability as well as faster information processing, recall and recognition. Scientists say that the B vitamins have this effect because the supplements lower homocysteine, a sulfurous amino acid in the blood. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to both heart problems and cognitive impairment.

Not only can B vitamins help you to immediately improve your memory, but these supplements could possibly prevent you from developing Alzheimer’s in later years. A new study conducted by the Stockholm Gerontology Research Center reveals that low levels of vitamin B12 and folate might be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. During this study, scientists discovered that healthy people over 75 years old who already possess the genetic risk to develop Alzheimer’s suffer from even more severe memory loss if they also have low levels of vitamin B12 in their system.

So stock up on B6, B12 and folate if you want to experience increased memory and ensure a healthier future!

Catch the Aquatic Fitness Wave
Water exercise is skyrocketing in popularity, especially here in Florida where pools are plentiful. And it’s no wonder—these wet workouts offer improved cardiovascular fitness as well as stronger muscles. Plus, water provides protection for those with sore or injured joints. The buoyancy of water offers the body support, decreasing the odds of pulled muscles or aching bones. That means that practically anyone, even those suffering from Osteoporosis, chronic back pain or knee injuries, can participate in water aerobics.

Additionally, you can partake in water fitness whether you’re a strong swimmer or not. Water aerobics classes are usually held in chest-deep water, allowing you to stay on your toes at all times. For the deeper water classes, participants are provided with a flotation device.

The typical water aerobics routine includes dance steps, body movements and stretches performed both under and above the water. The classes, which are generally led by a certified instructor, are often accompanied by upbeat music and vary from beginner to advanced levels.

The energetic movements of water aerobics are certain to get your heart pumping, which helps to improve your cardiovascular conditioning. Additionally, because the water provides resistance against your body, these classes put your muscles to work, resulting in higher strength and flexibility. Water contains higher density than air—therefore, exercises performed underwater generally require more energy than land-based workouts. On average, you can burn anywhere from 450 to 700 calories in a water aerobics class.

Many fitness centers are offering two new water fitness classes—Water Yoga and Water Pilates. These classes adapt the same stretches and strength training exercises of Yoga and Pilates for the pool. Water Yoga and Water Pilates are both designed to improve posture and balance while strengthening the “core,” or abdominal region.

If you’re ready to dive into water fitness, contact your local pool or gym for more information.

Delight in Nature at Its Finest At Bok Tower Gardens
If you’re searching for a scenic, relaxing place to visit, look no further than Florida’s Bok Tower Gardens. Located about 90 minutes from Tampa Bay and just three miles north of Lake Wales, these stunning subtropical botanical gardens span nearly 250 acres and include a breathtaking outdoor cathedral.

At the center of the gardens rests a spectacular bell tower constructed from Georgia marble and Florida coquina rock. Surrounded by a 15-foot moat, the 205-foot tall tower stands majestically on the highest point in Florida, which is 298 feet above sea level. Because of its elevated position, the beautifully imposing tower can be seen from miles away. Poignant music flows from the tower every half hour, and live musical performances are held at the tower every afternoon.

The surrounding gardens encompass brightly striking flowers set against lush, green foliage and picturesque palm trees. A wide variety of plants and trees are scattered throughout the garden, including oaks, azaleas, camellias, buyna-bunya trees, creeping fig, Asiatic jasmine, papyrus, blue plumbago and spider lily. A multitude of gorgeous birds, squirrels and other wildlife take shelter throughout the gardens and can be spotted mingling amongst the brilliant flowers and rich vegetation.

In 1921, Edward R Bok, the editor of Ladies Home Journal, discovered Florida’s highest point when he was vacationing in Lake Wales Ridge. Bok commissioned Frederick Olmstead to design Bok Tower Gardens, requesting a bird sanctuary and “a spot of beauty second to none in the country.” Olmstead faced quite a challenge considering that location was nothing more than a dry hill of sand at the time. However, Bok had complete faith in Olmstead seeing as the talented designer was famous for creating New York City’s Central Park, the Jefferson Memorial, the White House gardens, the National Zoo in Washington D.C. and the National Cathedral. In 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Bok Tower Gardens as a National Historic Landmark.

Bok Tower Gardens is located at 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853. For more information, contact (863) 676-1408 or visit www.boksanctuary.org.

Remove Burden from Your Loved Ones— PrePlan for an Enduring Memorial
The last thing most people want to think about is planning for something that seems so far off in the future. However, it is extremely important to make decisions about your memorial options as early as possible.

The Kindest Decision
Preplanning your memorial arrangements is one of the most generous things you can do for your family. Making these decisions early on will prevent your loved ones from having to make difficult choices or suffer financially and emotionally during an already painful time. Preplanning memorial arrangements provides your loved ones with the comfort of knowing they are respecting your wishes.

The Financial Benefit
Another advantage to preplanning is locking your arrangements in at today’s prices. Funeral prices continue to increase due to the nature of inflation, but if you make prearrangements you will pay only what your memorial options cost today—even if your time doesn’t come until 90 years from now!

The Mobility of Today’s World
Because we rarely stay in one place throughout our entire lives, good preplanning programs offer flexibility. With these more accommodating programs, you can move your memorial plan with you if and when you move.

The mobility or “ease of reach” your actual memorial offers is also important to your loved ones. It’s comforting for your family to have their lost loved ones nearby—but considering how frequently we move around these days, this is a difficult task for those who choose burial. That is precisely why more people are choosing cremation.

Preserve the Memory of Your Loved One Forever
A company called LifeGem® is taking the “ease of reach” principle a step further. An increasing number of families are choosing to memorialize their passed loved ones with a LifeGem®. The LifeGem is a certified, high-quality diamond created from the carbon of your loved one as a memorial to their unique life. These commemorative diamonds offer a beautiful way for you to embrace your loved one’s memory day by day. 

The LifeGem® may just be the most distinctive, timeless memorial ever available to honor the irreplaceable life of a loved one. These stunning diamonds are perfect for those who desire an everlasting connection to someone they have lost. The LifeGem memorial offers lifelong comfort and support and a lasting memory that endures just as long a diamond does—forever.

The procedure used to create a LifeGem diamond is simple. The typical cremation process is used, and upon completion eight ounces (about 1/10) of the cremated remains are sent to the LifeGem facility where the diamond creation process begins.

LifeGem offers a wide variety of colors, carat sizes, and cuts, tailored to fit the desires of each individual. These incredible diamonds are available in brilliant yellows and blues, carat sizes ranging from .25 carats to over 1 carat, a large selection of cuts, including round, princess and radiant, and dazzling clarity ratings. LifeGem also offers an exclusive lifetime guarantee.

Additionally, LifeGem offers superior prefunding options. By securing your memorial diamond now, you will be locked into current prices without having to worry about inflation. When the time comes, the diamond(s) will be provided to your family without any additional payment necessary. LifeGem even offers a monthly payment option so that you can spread the cost over a number of months.

Countless people are discovering that the LifeGem is the perfect way to memorialize their life and offer a loving, enduring keepsake to their families after they pass. The LifeGem is doubtlessly the most exquisite memorial available, and these gorgeous heirlooms last as long as the memory of a departed loved one—forever.

For more information about LifeGem, call 866-LIFEGEM (543-3436) or visit www.LifeGem.com.

Back to Top