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Boost brain health with Mind Aerobics continued from page 1
Geriatric Care Manager and Mind University Program Coordinator Angela Popoff said, “Most activities are paper and pencil tasks, but in some levels of Mind Aerobics classes we offer more hands-on tasks that utilize various manipulatives.” She continued, “Participants love the activities and
the idea that they are exercising their brain. They also really enjoy the social aspects of the program and actually become a support network for one another.”
Oakland County resident Louise Marcella Hutcherson just completed the Lively Mind program that ended in January. “I just love it,” she said. “I enjoy the challenges and have noticed a big difference from the first session until now.”
In 2003, Louise was fully immersed in her career as an ophthalmic surgical assistant, spending off-hours centered on family and church when the unex- pected happened. At age 58, Louise suffered a triple whammy: an aneurysm, heart attack and a stroke. “I thank God I’m alive and I give him all the glory every day,” she said. This succession of health threats left her paralyzed on the left side, but Louise emphasized,
“I can still move everything on my right side.” She spent six years recovering
John and Louise Hutcherson, married 26 years, have found new hope with the help of the Mind Aerobics Lively Mind program Louise attends. According to John, "I think Louise's mind is becoming sharper because I notice that she's been reminding me when she has a class. She really enjoys it."
in a nursing home. Through physical therapy Louise learned how to function using her right side, though coordination was very challenging especially for fine motor skills like writing.
Today, Louise lives at home with husband John, who noted that his wife got really excited about the Mind Aerobics classes. “I think Louise is
sharper now because she hasn’t been asking me as many questions as before,” he said, and mentioned Louise is now doing a lot of things on the computer. “She’s looking up words to find their meanings; looking up history facts; she’s even checking out things she might like to buy (laughs), but the point is that she’s doing all that on her own, instead of asking me to do it.”
There are many mind fitness programs offered in local classrooms and online, but what distinguishes Mind Aerobics from the rest is that it’s an evidence- based program. The NECC gathers information from nationwide Mind Aerobics programs for efficacy studies. Using that data, the NECC evaluates and determines the results and benefits. For example, what’s the retention rate when a participant completes all 24 sessions of their program? “Studies pertaining to maintenance for the Mind Sharpener program show that participants retain 80% of their cognitive gains one year later,” said
Popoff, adding the NECC has also found that geriatric depression scores for participants are reduced.
By combining these studies with recent gerontological, neurological and cognitive research, the NECC is able to consistently create new activities and programs for centers, like Mind University, across the country.
“Mind University is an overall cognitive wellness education and out- reach initiative,” said Popoff. “In addition to Mind Aerobics classes, we offer a monthly workshop series focused on brain health and wellness. Families can also arrange for individual consul- tations with Mind University staff to discuss brain health and related caregiver concerns.”
The cost of the Mind Aerobics series of 24 sessions is $480 and is currently not covered by Medicare or private insurance. For more information about Mind Aerobics or Mind University through JVS call 248-592-2313.
help of a life coach continued from page 1
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development coach. In fact, Twiss emphasized, “If someone has chronic or deep emotional problems, or behavioral patterns that interfere with their ability to function effectively in life, they should definitely seek the services of a therapist. Most coaches are not trained as therapists, and even if they are, these coaches must be cognizant about which hat they are wearing.” She added that coaching can be a supplement or follow-up to therapy.
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Berg, from Huntington Woods, is an ICF PCC who also holds a Ph.D. She explained, “A well-trained coach will inspire you to explore future possibilities and expand your horizons by uncovering untapped potential.” Berg’s clients commit to self-assigned homework between sessions that encourages action in meeting goals.
“The most fascinating thing about being a life coach is watching clients achieve things beyond their imagination, moving to a whole new level of success, self-confidence, self-awareness and self-love.”
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