uggs for kids black friday During a 12K run my niece started our discussion by asking which I would rather lose first, my mental cognition or my physical ability. An odd topic to start our race, but it was one that traveled us several kilometers down the road. Having lost my mother and my sister to Alzheimer's disease I have witnessed the mental decline as brain messages no longer connect and the mind drifts away until no recognition or understanding exists. It is a horrible death with the only positive aspect being that the one with the disease is not aware of the loss, or if so, the awareness lasts for only a few milliseconds. The loving bystanders, however, are subjected to the tragedy of watching someone slip away into oblivion over a period of months, years, and even decades. I love my brain and its miraculous power and I am not willing to relinquish it.

ugg boots for men black friday A former student of mine, a fine, wise, gentle, intelligent man, became ill with ALS. That was another horror to witness as little by little he lost his physical abilities while his brain operated in prime condition. I cannot fathom the dreadfulness of his last minutes of life as he knew full well what was happening and could do nothing about it. It makes me cry to even think about it. Loving bystanders in this case were fully aware of his death and anguished that he also knew it was imminent. Perhaps his family wished that his brain did not function so well.

And so which would I care to lose first? Neither. I cannot even think about such a terrible choice. Instead I will focus on neuroplasticity, the ability of the healthy brain to function fully with easy and automaticity as I tend to its needs. While I am unable to read the cards of the future, I do know that here and now I can take good care of my body and mind and hopefully both will act together in a rhythmic, synchronized pattern that maintains optimal power and delivery. I'd really like to time them to click off together.

ugg boots for women black friday With Alzheimer's disease, there is no cure, no prevention, and no reversal. While this news is dismal and discouraging, I do know there are some things that I can do to work to keep my brain in an excellent state of reasoning and activation. I know that exercise is good for the brain as increased oxygen flow feeds the brain as it fills the lungs and strengthens the body. And just as it feeds and strengthens, physical capacity is augmented making me feel better and more capable through the exhilaration of movement. As I feel healthy and bursting with energy, I can accomplish more. These accomplishments lead to challenges where I must kick up the brainpower to reap successes that in turn pack my positive outlook on life. All of these combine to keep me all-around healthy as they charge the neuroplasticity of each brain cell. It is like a two-for-one sale with the price being my personal dedication and motivation.