Southwest Rehab

Q Which foods or nutrients can help strengthen my immune system this winter and make me more resistant to whatever bugs are going around? A It’s as inevitable as the return of the pumpkin-spice latte. As the weather turns cooler, stories on “immune-boosting foods” start popping up in magazines and on the internet. Unfortunately, the evidence that specific foods can lower your susceptibility to infection and strengthen your immune system is a lot flimsier than these articles m

1. Regular exercise Exercise transforms the brain by stimulating the release of growth factors — chemicals in the brain that influence the health, abundance and survival of new brain cells and the growth of new blood vessels. Exercise can also help improve our mood, sleep patterns and stress level, all of which contribute to cognitive impairment. For years, experts have been aware that exercise causes a spike in a unique group of chemicals called endorphins, although little h

Simple diet changes can have a powerful effect on brain health. Research shows that antioxidant-rich foods, moderation, and eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, healthy fats, and choosing whole grains over refined grains help us retain cognitive function as we age. Recently, Baycrest Health Services at the University of Toronto published a Brain Health Food Guide. The downloadable guide is based on studies of adults 50 years of age and older who changed their d

You love working out, and morning runs have become an essential part of your day. Problem is, your knees aren’t in agreement. Rather than hanging up your running shoes, consider incorporating strength training exercises into your workout routine. While strengthening certain muscle groups may not entirely eliminate knee pain, it can help minimize it. A traditional workout routine of squats and lunges is not the place to start. Instead, begin with specific movements to target b