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ON THE GO WITH LITTLE TIME TO SPARE? TAKE FIVE MINUTES TO ABSORB THESE FIVE DIGEST VERSIONS OF th r ive's FEATURED ARTICLES FROM THIS ISSUE. BALANCING BEDTIME The body has a natural circadian biological clock that regulates sleep and wake times. Disrupting sleep patterns can affect mood, energy and concentration as short-term issues, but if not addressed, chronic sleep issues can contribute to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. On average, adults under the age of 65 need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Adults over the age of 65 need seven to eight hours of sleep. Setting a specific bedtime each night and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can lead to better sleep. Also, foods with tryptophan like turkey, eggs, chicken and fish are great dinner options to help induce sleepiness. Turn to page 8 to learn more. HEART OF MENOPAUSE Doctors believe that there is a direct connection between menopause and increased chances of heart disease in women. One theory explains that estrogen protects women's heart health. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, rising blood pressure and higher levels of LDL and triglycerides are common. While men are more susceptible to heart disease at earlier ages, women's risk of heart disease begins to match that of men by age 65. Healthy lifestyle choices like eating a balanced diet, exercising daily and not smoking can help lower the risk of heart disease. Read more about the links between menopause and heart disease on page 10. BE GONE, BED-WETTING Most children begin to experience dr y nights around age three, but a small percentage may wet the bed after this age. Causes include constipation, deep sleep, excessive urine production or genetic predisposition. About five to ten percent of bed-wetting is caused by a medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection. Most often, bed- wetting is not a cause for medical concern unless an infection is suspected. Routines like limiting liquids after dinner, using the bathroom before bedtime and scheduling bathroom breaks during the night may help prevent bed-wetting. Bed- wetting alarms may also be effective for some families. Learn more on page 16. MOVEMENT MATTERS Parkinson's disease attacks and destroys neurons in a part of the brain that controls body movement. As nerve cells die, dopamine levels decrease. Dopamine, a chemical produced by nerve cells, communicates to other parts of the body and tells it to move. Most people who develop PD are 60 years of age or older. To treat PD, the main focus is on increasing dopamine levels in the brain with dopaminergic drugs. Beyond medications, deep brain stimulation (DBS) can reduce the abnormal movements associated with PD and allow patients the opportunity to take fewer medications. Get the full story on Parkinson's disease beginning on page 18. SENIOR FALL PREVENTION For some seniors, medications may affect balance, which can create a higher risk of falling. There are many precautions, however, that may help prevent falls at home. Staying active is a great way to maintain or increase balance. If balance is a struggle, the problem may simply be a result of inactivity. Creating a safer home includes making sure rooms are well lit, rugs are taped down to avoid a tripping hazard and grab bars are installed in the shower and near the toilet. Wearing nonslip shoes or socks around the house is another good way to maintain your balance. Assistive devices like a cane or a walker can also help users move about with greater stability and less risk of falling. For more tips, see page 24. SUMMER 2 017/ / W W W.N Y P.O RG / BRO OKLY N 30 T A K E F I V E / YO U R H E A LT H C H E AT S H E E T