Alzheimer's Association to share healthy aging tips in Palm Coast

Palm Coast residents are invited to attend “Healthy Living for the Brain and Body,” a free and educational program to be hosted Thursday, March 19, by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Led by Milva Ballester, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter, the program will share tips from the latest research on how changes in diet, physical activity, social engagement and cognitive use may lower one’s risk of developing dementia.

“For years, we have known that a healthy lifestyle can lower one’s risk of developing diseases like cancer and heart disease,” Ballester said. “What recent research has indicated is that the same may be true for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 560,000 Floridians.

“Here in Florida, we have the second-highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s in the country,” Ballester noted, “so it is especially important that we continue to raise awareness of this disease and the precautions people can take to lower their risk of developing it.”

“Healthy Living for the Brain and Body” will be held from 5-6 p.m. at Market Street Palm Coast, which is located at 2 Corporate Drive. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register online at www.alz.org/crf or by calling (800) 272-3900.

For additional information, contact Milva Ballester at (904) 299-7034 or mfballester@alz.org.