Baycrest

12 BrainMatters FALL/WINTER 2019 WINTER weather is coming – stay active all year round " Summertime and the livin' is easy," sang Ella Fitzgerald. During these temperate days, many of us enjoy being outside, spending time with friends and family, and participating in outdoor activities. However, when summertime ends and the cold weather sets in, we can become more sedentary. We retreat indoors and reduce our physical activity. While exercise is important for everyone, maintaining our health as we age is even more important, both for our physical and brain health. 1 Sylvia Davidson, Hospital Manager, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Therapeutic Recreation at Baycrest, notes that even moderate activity for short periods of time has an impact on our overall health. "Exercise promotes blood flow throughout the body including to the brain. As you exercise, brain cells are firing and getting more oxygen from the blood. That improves general brain function." During our cold Canadian winters, we can remain active by taking part in some of the following activities: WALKING Free and easy, walking is an activity most of us can participate in. Even during winter, short, brisk walks around the neighbourhood can provide a daily boost of exercise. Many people are hesitant to walk outdoors due to icy conditions. Consider using crampons, devices that can be attached to your shoes, to help maintain your grip on icy surfaces. These lightweight, binding mechanisms are easy to store in a purse or bag and can be used as needed. When the weather prevents you going outside, visit a shopping mall to clock your steps or your local community centre or gym to walk around the track. Find a friend and count those laps! Having others around can keep us motivated, offer a bit of a challenge for those of us who have a competitive streak and keep us connected socially. Socialization is a key to brain health, keeping us stimulated and engaged, and helping us live longer, with better quality of life. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING Cross country skiing is frequently touted as one of the best exercises. Davidson agrees. "It's low impact, so it's easy on your joints, yet you're moving your arms and legs, and getting your heart rate up. It's also good for your respiratory system because you're taking nice, deep breaths of fresh air and connecting with nature, which has been proven to improve cognitive functioning." Toronto and surrounding areas have several idyllic spots to strap on your skis and connect with nature, including High Park, the Kortright Trail and Albion Hills. "Even moderate activity for short periods of time has an impact on our overall health."

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