Latest news with #Prather
Buzz Feed
29-07-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Common Habits That May Raise Your Dementia Risk
As folks grow older, many health fears come to mind. But one in particular tends to really worry folks. 'One of the most consuming fears of older adults [is] that they might lose their memory and become a burden to others,' said Dr. James Ellison, a geriatric psychiatrist at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia. The specific type of memory loss that's a top fear for many older adults is known as dementia, which is an umbrella term that refers to conditions that cause 'mental loss, cognitive loss that's severe enough to affect daily function,' said Dr. Victor Henderson, the director of the NIH Stanford Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in California. Dementia may make someone forget their address, not remember why they're running a certain errand or no longer be able to pay bills they always pay. It's a scary disease that some folks are genetically predisposed to, but there are thought to be lifestyle habits, too, that can put you at heightened risk. 'Let me begin with a caveat; there are a lot of lifestyle factors that have been associated with the risk of developing dementia. The caveat is that most of these haven't been studied, at least adequately studied, in randomized clinical trials,' said Henderson. Meaning, following the guidance below isn't going to totally prevent a dementia diagnosis, but these are habits that also benefit your health as a whole. So, there's no reason not to follow them, whether they are good for lowering your dementia risk, chance of a heart attack or bettering your mood. Here's what to know: 1. Ignoring the impact food has on your brain health. 'Many of the things that we talk about for dementia prevention or brain health optimization are the types of things that people will be familiar with hearing from cardiovascular and other health initiatives,' said Dr. Christina Prather, director of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. 'We always have said, what's good for the heart is good for the brain,' Dr. Rudy Tanzi, the director of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, previously told HuffPost. Just as the Mediterranean diet ― which is high in healthy fats, lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies — is good for your heart health, it's also good for your brain health, and is a diet that Prather recommends. She also suggest following the MIND diet, which encourages whole grains, beans, berries, leafy greens, fish, olive oil and other foods that are said to have brain health benefits. A plant-based diet is also a good one to follow for brain health, Prather noted. 2. Not managing other health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. You shouldn't shy away from managing your medical conditions, Prather said. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, are dementia risk factors, she said. 'Really aggressively managing those risk factors is well established to be a way of reducing the risk of cognitive health dementia in the future,' Prather said. 'This is particularly important for vascular risk factors like atrial fibrillation or high blood pressure or hyperlipidemia,' Ellison added. Doing so protects circulation, blood supply, and oxygen supply to the brain, Ellison noted. This is important for the prevention of vascular dementia in particular, which happens when blood flow is blocked to the brain. Vascular dementia is a common kind of dementia. 3. Not getting enough restorative sleep. 'People need to sleep adequately because the brain renews itself during deep sleep and lowers its concentration of beta amyloid, which is the toxic protein that contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease,' said Ellison. Prather added that you should also be sure to treat any sleep disorders that are interfering with your rest. 'There is an epidemic of undiagnosed sleep apnea in older adults,' Prather said. And sleep apnea results in poor-quality sleep. Sleep can also be impacted by the use of medications that induce sleep, she noted. 'Those are all signs your body is not getting the restorative sleep that it needs to consolidate memories and to have the most optimal cognitive function going forward,' said Prather. 4. Not making time for friends and family. It's also important to prioritize social connections, said Prather. 'We know that loneliness and depression and isolation are exceptionally negative for health,' she noted. 'They have impacts on cognition as well as mortality,' said Prather. 'Loneliness is an epidemic among older adults, and has a mortality associated with it [that's] similar to moderate smoking,' said Ellison. Keeping your mind socially engaged is also an important way to stay cognitively engaged, Prather said, whether that's by taking part in conversations or listening to stories from loved ones. 5. Drinking too much alcohol. Lots of recent research has found that alcohol is not good for your health. It can lead to liver damage, increase your risk of certain cancers, and it's also not good for your brain health. 'I tell people, if you're having issues with your cognition or you're worried about your memory, one of the first pieces of advice I'm going to give you is to reduce your alcohol use,' said Prather. Just like our body as a whole, the liver is aging and can't handle alcohol the same way it could when you were 21. 'The other piece about alcohol is not only that, it's a direct toxin (we increasingly know it increases risk for almost all cancers), but it can really disrupt sleep,' Prather said. Next time you have a drink before bed, notice how it impacts your sleep, she suggested. And, as mentioned above, it's important to get restorative sleep to reduce your dementia risk. After 65, it's recommended that folks have no more than one standard drink a day and no more than seven in a week, Prather noted. The CDC recommends no more than two drinks each day for men and no more than one for women. 6. Skipping out on exercise. According to Ellison, it's important to both live a generally active lifestyle and get in aerobic and other forms of exercise. This could mean walking to do your errands instead of driving while also making plans to go to a workout class or go for a bike ride. 'It's recommended that older adults exercise 30 minutes aerobically, five days a week, but only about 10% of those over 75 meet that level of activity,' said Ellison. Exercise is good for your cardiovascular health, which, as mentioned above, is also good for your brain health. Prather added that fitness is something you should be prioritizing no matter your age and, 'well before any cognitive changes happen.' 7. Not wearing a helmet. 'One of the things I tell my patients is, if you're bicycling, wear a helmet,' said Henderson. 'There have been a huge number of observational studies linking head injury to dementia,' Henderson added. There is a consistent association that head injuries likely do play a role in dementia risk, he said. How large of a role does it play in someone's dementia risk? 'The answer might be that it doesn't play a huge role at a population level, but on an individual level, it's probably really important,' said Henderson. 8. Ignoring depressive symptoms. 'As a psychiatrist, of course I want to shine a little light on depression,' Ellison said. While severe depression isn't as common in older adults when compared to younger adults, both severe depression and low-grade depressive symptoms can disrupt the things that are important for cognitive health such as socialization, exercise, self-care and diet, Ellison noted. 'So, treatment of depression may be one way of improving cognitive aging,' he said. Dementia rates are decreasing and it may be due to some of these lifestyle habits — but if someone does develop dementia, it's not their fault. 'The number of people with dementia is increasing. I think everyone is aware of that. But it's increasing in part because the number of people living to a very old age is increasing,' said Henderson. Most dementia happens in older folks, Henderson added. But, on the bright side, 'if you look at the actual chance of getting dementia at a particular age, it's actually come down slightly, not a whole lot, but slightly, and it seems to parallel advances in taking care of cardiovascular health,' Henderson said. There are also now disease-modifying FDA-approved medications for the most common form of dementia, which is Alzheimer's, said Ellison, who stressed that it's important to start these medications early on in the disease course. This makes it important to talk to your doctor if you do notice that you have cognitive challenges such as frequently misplacing items, memory changes that disturb your life or have trouble solving problems. 'It's so hard not to be afraid of something when most people have someone in their life that has been touched by this disease, and it feels as though your future risk of it ... is out of your control. But the things that we've talked about, all lifestyle changes that can be done better that are in our control,' said Prather. Still, there will be people who get types of dementia because of genetics or other unmodifiable risk factors, 'and we cannot set up the expectation that they failed to prevent [dementia] through their own actions or choices. That is just not fair,' Prather noted. 'But, for many of us, we can make changes to our lifestyle and know confidently that we've done everything that we can to prevent this,' she said. HuffPost.
The Hill
02-07-2025
- Science
- The Hill
Scientists show how smarter flight decisions could help fight climate change
A team of University of California researchers say they have developed a tool that could help steer the aviation sector toward making smarter decisions when it comes to climate-related impacts. The Global Warming per Activity tool, highlighted on Wednesdaay in Nature, measures how long and how strongly each aviation activity affects the atmosphere — whether that activity lasts hours or a century. The scientists also quantified uncertainty in every component, enabling users to assess risk by calculating the probability that a given tradeoff would help mitigate warming. 'This new decision tool uses the information to provide accurate risk quantification for climate tradeoff decisions,' lead author Michael Prather, a professor of Earth system science at UC Irvine, said in a statement. For example, airlines could decide to reroute flights to avoid conditions that generate contrails — the line-shaped vapor trails produced by engine exhaust — but in doing so, they might need to consume more fuel. If the contrails were reduced sufficiently, however, there could be a net positive gain for the climate, according to the study. In general, civil aviation contributes to global warming via carbon dioxide from fuels, nitrogen oxides that impact ozone and methane levels and the creation of lingering contrails. Although each pollution source plays a role in trapping atmospheric heat, efforts to reduce one offender typically increase another. Using the new metric, the scientists determined that if aviation choices led to even a 3 to 5 percent decrease in contrails or in nitrogen oxide emissions, these declines could outweigh a 1 percent surge in carbon dioxide emissions over a 100-year period. Careful strategies that might increase fuel usage, they observed, could therefore bring a potential reduction in the long-term climate impacts of flying. The researchers stressed, however, that they considered only climate change tradeoffs and not economic costs. Nonetheless, they touted their method for its abilities to empower airlines and regulators to make smarter decisions, with more accurate, activity-based comparisons. By quantifying the probability of a positive climate outcome, the authors said they aimed to provide a way to evaluate climate tradeoffs with confidence and equip policymakers with clearer insight into the consequences of their actions. The tool could also be applicable to climate-related decisions made in other industries, such as shipping, agriculture or manufacturing, the researchers noted. 'This is a win for both science and society,' Prather said. 'Our findings show that we don't have to choose between reducing carbon emissions and tackling other warming pollutants. We can find a balance that leads to meaningful progress.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big Brother Big Sisters of Siouxland appoints new executive director
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland will soon have a new executive director. Ciarra Prather will be taking over as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland (BBBS), as Kristie Arlt will be relocating to Omaha. Prather brings a background in sales, leadership, marketing, public relations, strategic communication, and community engagement into her new role. Some of this experience was fostered here at KCAU 9. 'Originally from Utah and raised in Iowa, I've always felt connected to the values of hard work, integrity, and community,' said Prather. 'I'm honored to lead Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland and look forward to building on the strong foundation Kristie has created.' Story continues below Top Story: Local band to be featured on Saturday in the Park Main Stage Lights & Sirens: Part of roof collapses during fire at Dakota City boat dealer Sports: Construction of multi-sport complex west of Lewis and Clark Park proposed Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here Prather's appointment will be effective starting on June 30, and Arlt will be around until the end of July. Arlt voiced support in BBBS's decision. 'After nearly seven incredible years leading Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland, I am moving to Omaha with a heart full of gratitude,' Arlt said. 'It has been the greatest privilege to witness the impact our mentors have made on the lives of so many children. As I pass the baton, I am filled with confidence and joy knowing that Ciarra will lead with the same passion, determination, and heart. Her experience, energy, and vision will be an amazing gift to the organization and the community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Winthrop Police officer credited with saving man's life while on vacation in Spain
A Winthrop Police officer is being recognized for his heroic efforts while on a family vacation last month. Officer Guy Prather is being credited with saving a man's life on April 28 in Arcade, Spain. According police, on that day around 9:45 a.m. Central European Time, Prather and his wife were on a hike when they noticed a man had fallen and was bleeding from his forehead. After approaching the injured man, Prather realized the man was in cardiac arrest and had no pulse. Prather immediately began CPR, providing chest compressions for six minute until paramedics arrived at the scene and took over. He also continued to assist with a bag valve mask until additional medical units arrived. The man regained a pulse and was taken to a local hospital via medical helicopter, according to police. Prather and his wife continued their hike and heard nothing of the man's condition, until a day later. On Tuesday, April 29, in the town of Caldas de Reis, Prather and his wife were approached by two men who were friends of the victim. They told Prather the victim, Alberto, survived, and that Prather's application of CPR likely saved his life. According to police, Alberto was part of a group of hikers who were participating in the same multi-day hike to the Cathedral of Saint James in Santiago. After exchanging contact info with Alberto's friends, Prather and his wife were able to meet up with him and spent two days with Alberto and his wife, Ana, even going out to dinner with them and some friends. 'This was a truly incredible, emotional experience,' said Prather. 'I feel lucky to have been in the right place at the right time to help.' Prather was presented with two badges from friends of Alberto, who work as police officers in Spain. In return, Prather intends on sending them Winthrop Police patches. 'I couldn't be more proud of Officer Prather, and the example that he sets for others,' said Chief John Goodwin. 'Even off-duty, our officers remain committed to saving lives and helping others.' Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fort Myers, Jacksonville make list of 10 best dinner theaters in United States
USA Today just announced its 10 best dinner theaters in the country — and two of them have Southwest Florida connections. Fort Myers' popular Broadway Palm came it at No. 10. And another dinner theater owned by the same company — Fort Myers-based Prather Productions — made it all the way to No. 3: The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Prather Productions CEO Will Prather, who also manages Broadway Palm, says he has 'no idea' how they got nominated, but he appreciates what he calls 'a very nice accolade.' 'Our family's been in this industry now for multiple decades…' he says. 'It's a testament to how resilient our family's been.' The ranking was announced Wednesday by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, an ongoing series that highlights the best in travel, dining and lifestyle. For the series, USA Today invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorites in a wide variety of categories. Then 10Best editors select the nominees to be presented to the voting public for four weeks. Broadway Palm wasn't the only Florida place to land in USA Today's 10 best dinner theaters. Jacksonville's Alhambra Theatre & Dining took the top spot at No. 1. Not bad, considering there are only three professional dinner theaters left in the state, according to Prather. Naples Dinner Theatre along Immokalee Road closed in 2007 after opening in 1975. He says he appreciates the national attention for an industry that used to be much more widespread. There were 10 dinner theaters in Florida, he says, when he moved to Fort Myers in 1993. 'It was nice to see our industry acknowledged,' he says. 'These dinner theaters have survived all these ups and downs —- and the recessions, and COVID — and they've been able to keep their doors open and they're growing. They're maintaining their customer base.' USA Today's announcement described dinner theaters as 'a brilliant fusion of culture, cuisine, comfort and community.' 'There's no pairing more iconic for an evening out than dinner and a show,' said the article announcing the winners. 'And dinner theaters provide both fine dining and top-shelf entertainment under one roof.' Here's what the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards had to say about Broadway Palm, the Dutch Apple and the Alhambra: The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre has been putting on dinner theater shows for more than 30 years. Buffet meals are served before each show, and guests can order plated dinners on Friday and Saturday nights in the Main Theater. Menu offerings change with each show, and there's even a special kids' menu for productions in the Children's Theatre. The Main Theatre puts on concerts and Broadway shows like "Annie" and "Legally Blonde: The Musical." Since 1987, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre has entertained the people of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The theatre's dining room only seats 320 people at a time and presents shows that range from "A Chorus Line" to "Hairspray" and "The Full Monty." Buffet-style meals include a wide range of options, and there's a full-service bar on hand as well. America's longest continuously-operating dinner theater, Jacksonville's Alhambra Theatre & Dining began putting on shows back in the 1960s. With a winning combination of concerts and Broadway favorites like "My Fair Lady" and "West Side Story," the theater's season runs year-round. They offer three-course gourmet meals, which are served as soon as the theater is open to seating. Many shows sell out quickly, so if you're going to Jacksonville on vacation, be sure to plan ahead for this much-beloved local experience. The News-Press and Naples Daily News are owned by Gannett, the same company that owns USA Today. Both papers are part of the USA Today Network. Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 or email crunnells@ Follow or message him on social media: Facebook(@ Instagram and Threads (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells) This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 10 best dinner theaters: Fort Myers, Florida's Broadway Palm makes cut
