Contents - 3 minute read:

• Inform - You can reduce your risk of Alzheimers by 40% with these lifestyle tips

• Educate - Practice your balance with a new set of exercise tips

• Motivate - Meet the pensioners who completed the Great North Run this year

• Celebrate - 10 Great North Run Facts

September is World Alzheimers’ Month and this year Alzheimer’s Disease International launches it’s never too early , never too late campaign. Alzheimer’s involves parts of the brain that affects thinking, behaviour and emotion. It can affect people in a variety of ways and we now know that the onset of memory issues can start many years prior to the onset of noticeable symptoms . There are strategies to assist with delaying disease progression and there is huge potential to minimise your risk at any age in life. The Alzheimer’s Disease International Shares the lifestyle modifiers in a useful infographic

Lets review some of the lifestyle modifications that you can implement today 😃 

• Physical Activity - As well as being good for your heart and overall health, physical activity is one of the best ways of reducing your risk of dementia. The World Health organisation recommends 150 minutes of moderate (increased breathing rate) exercise per week

• Overall wellbeing - excessive alcohol, smoking and obesity all add to the risk factors. If you are planning some lifestyle changes, what better time to start

• Social connection - Those who socialise are less at risk of getting dementia. This is thought to be due to stimulation. There are multiple ways to increase your network, through family , looking up old friends or starting a new hobby - Make it a priority

• Hearing - Not being able to hear means that you are detached from conversations and this can mean you withdraw and lose that much needed social connection. If you are struggling to hear, then promise yourself to take action.

The Great North Run has been around again with approximately 60,000 people taking part. The run is from Gateshead to South Shields and is a half marathon 21km or 13.1 miles . The beauty of this run is that it attracts both the professional serious runner, such as Mo Farrah , who came 4th, and amateurs from all walks of life who are inspired by the challenge or want to raise money for good causes.

The oldest man to complete the race was 102 year old Bill Cooksey from County Durham who has trained by walking 2 miles each day. He walked to raise money for his preferred NHS charity. He finished in 5 hours and 41 minutes Check the link below to see him cross the finish line.

Other inspirational runners in the 80 + category took part with 21 participants completing the course with 19 male athletes and 2 female competitors. 26 competitors took place in a wheelchair and there were numerous stories of people running following serious life events. Andrew Leather completed the run 10 years after having a stroke and Caroline Quibell who, at age 83 years completed the run despite a recent hip replacement .It just goes to demonstrate the indomitable human spirit

The Great North Run is one of the most iconic and beloved events in the world of long-distance running. It is held annually in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and attracts thousands of participants from all walks of life Here are some fascinating facts from fact.net about the Great North Run:

1. The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world, with over 57,000 participants 

2. The inaugural Great North Run took place in 1981 and has been held every year since then

3. The course takes runners through famous Newcastle landmarks such as the Tyne Bridge and offers breathtaking views of the coastlines of South Shields

4. The race attracts elite athletes from around the world, including renowned runners such as Mo Farah, Paula Radcliffe, and Haile Gebrselassie 

5. Over one million spectators line the route to cheer on the runners, creating an incredible atmosphere of encouragement and enthusiasm

6. Participants of the Great North Run collectively raise millions of pounds for various causes each year, contributing to charitable fundraising efforts

7. As a special highlight, the world-famous Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, performs a flypast just before the start of the race, thrilling both participants and spectators

8. The success of the Great North Run has led to the establishment of similar events around the world, including the Great South Run and the Great East Run

Are you active and would like to feature here? We would love to hear from you! Get in touch, preferably with a picture so we can celebrate and promote you living your best life. Just reply to this newsletter