Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

I am 60 years old and having problems with my memory. I may be doing something in the kitchen and forget about it and I leave the kitchen. I am wondering if I am developing dementia.

- Carol

Dear Carol:

Some degree of memory problems come with ageing. However, there are certain medical conditions that can cause memory problems. You therefore need a physical assessment as well as some laboratory investigation. The tests will help the doctor to determine the possible cause of your memory impairment.

Sometimes our body lacks certain vitamins, minerals or nutrients, and so we need to take supplements. These supplements include multivitamins and minerals. In addition, some people would need to take vitamin B complex, vitamin C as well as omega oils.

As we age, we need to have memory aids. You may need a diary to keep track of your activities, commitments and schedules. Each night you need to make a list of activities or plans for the following day. Have a 'to-do' list and as the activities are completed you put a line through to show that it's finished. Try to decrease the amount of activities being done all at once. Multitasking is problematic if you have memory impairment. Tell your friends and family to remind you of activities or plans.

Cutting weight for the new year

Dear Counsellor:

It is a new year, and I have made some resolutions with respect to my weight. I am overweight and have diabetes mellitus. I have started a diet and exercise programme. As you know, we have difficulties making changes in our lives. I am hoping I will be able to persist with the regime.

- Margaret

Dear Margaret:

Making changes in our lives can be challenging and we need to be highly motivated and willing to persist to the end. It is good to have support from friends and family. Your support system should encourage you to stick with the weight management programme and you can discuss your successes and your failures with them. Be prepared to have days when you don't feel like doing any exercise. People's motivation tends to vary and is dependent on certain issues. To keep going you need to reward yourself for persisting with the programme. Celebrate small successes appropriately and share highlights of your programme with your friends and family. Having someone acting as a coach is good to help you persist with the programme.

There is a lot of information on the Internet about weight loss and exercise. There are nutritionists and exercise trainers who can work with you to lose the excess weight. In Jamaica, there are a variety of fruits, ground provisions and vegetables from which you can choose your meals. It is recommended that you have servings of fruits and vegetables. There are also a variety of exercise programmes. Whatever programme you choose, make sure you include walking half an hour per day. You need to increase your activities at home so that you are kept active.

Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson; call her at 791-1778 or 978-8602; Email:yvonniebd@hotmail.com.