Will you take a Step for Dementia?

Kia ora Friend 

The team at Dementia Wellington send their thoughts and aroha to all those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and acknowledge the immense loss that so many people are experiencing right now.

March is International Brain Awareness Month, so there is no better time to take a step to improve your brain health while joining us for our annual fundraiser, Steps for Dementia! We want you to take the challenge to raise vital funds to support Kiwis living with dementia. 

It is well known that adopting simple key lifestyle habits like prioritising sleep, eating well, and looking after your mental health, can reduce your risk of cognitive decline. It's never too late, or too early, to incorporate one of these healthy habits, so why not start now?  

Here's how it works:

Step 1 
Register to participate, choose your challenge for the month of March and create your own unique fundraising page. 
 
Step 2 
Share your page with your friends, whanau and colleagues. Ask them to donate and support you in your brain health challenge. They'll help you stay on target and share in your success when you reach your goals! 
 
Step 3 
Challenge yourself, post updates, help prevent dementia and help Dementia New Zealand. 

Last year the money we raised went towards essential services we provide for people living with dementia and their carers. By signing up, not only are you working on your own health but helping the more than 70,000 people living with Dementia in Aotearoa.

Set a walking goal or get a group to walk in honour of someone you love! Exercise increases oxygen and improves blood flow, which helps our brain work efficiently.

Foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants nourish and protect your brain.  Can you take a step towards a better diet for your brain for a month?

Most of us do not get enough sleep. Can you try to get 8 hours every night during March? Sleep is vital for our body to repair, be fit and ready for another day.

If we don't use it, we lose it! Why not set yourself a challenge to read 10 pages or more a day?

Are you already a runner or keen to set yourself a running challenge? You could aim for the WHO recommended weekly amount of exercise of 150-300 minutes.

Swimming is a great form of exercise for physical health and mental wellbeing and March is perfect for ocean swims! Challenge yourself to a daily swim or a weekly target.

Heavy drinking has proven links to changes in the brain, cognitive impairment and dementia. Can you do dry March or pledge to only drink on weekends for your brain health? 

Do you have a bad habit you want to stop? Smoking, junk food addiction? Reducing or stopping things that you know are not good for your general health, is good for your brain too.

Cycling is a healthy, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It only takes two to four hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your mental and physical health.

We couldn't do what we do without you, thank you for your generous support.

The Dementia Wellington Team

sent by vega.works

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