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MIND&BODY SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE T O SIGN UP FOR EVENTS LIS TED IN THIS ISSUE. UPCOMING ELDER LAW BOOT CAMP SESSIONS March 27 at 9:30 am in the Cinema: “What Else? Long-Term Care & Financial Planning” THINK & DRINK: PLATELET RICH PLASMA Learn about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), the amazing “liquid gold” that every person has flowing through their veins at this very moment, on April 12 at 6:30 pm. Carey Coco, nurse practitioner at Keep Moving Health, will explain how PRP is a widespread and very popular treatment for a variety of conditions including joint pain. She will explain the process behind this innovative treatment and answer any questions that you may have. You don’t want to miss this very intriguing medical Think & Drink, so sign up online today! Everyone will receive a free glass of wine at the event. Tea and water will be available as well. GENTLE YOGA WITH GINA Instructor: Gina Krall Thursdays, 11 to 11:45 am at the HFC. Everyone welcome. No charge. Mats or chairs available or bring your own. Slow, gentle poses with long holds. Positions shown for beginners, intermediate and experienced. YOGA SHARE Facilitator: Sally Winfrey (316-516-2815) Come join us in the Clubhouse Ballroom at 8:45 am Wednesdays for a relaxing hour of stretching, strengthening, and meeting new friends. There is no charge. 32 Know Thy Health By Lynda Hadley The Endocrine System: Hormones Most of us don’t realize the role that the endocrine system plays in regulating our body processes. As we age, there is a decrease in our fat-burning hormones, and an increase of our fatstoring hormones. Growth hormone is involved in building lean tissue and burning fat. It also builds collagen (youthful skin), enhances immune function (keeps you healthy), and stimulates cartilage growth (increased bone density). As it declines, along with testosterone, we tend to pack on fat which lowers these hormones even more and starts the cycle of weight gain. Cortisol increases with stress and age and leads to increased abdominal fat. The effects of increased cortisol include slower metabolism (we burn less calories), reduced lean tissue (we lose muscle), loss of energy (we become lethargic). As women age their estrogen levels decline. The effects of lower estrogen levels include increased appetite, reduced fat burning, redistribution of fat to the belly area, and decreased energy. Progesterone also declines with age, altering the progesterone-to-estrogen ratio and causing a condition known as “estrogen dominance.” This can lead to irritability, depression, sleep problems, water retention, increased appetite, and sugar cravings. Testosterone is important for weight management because it helps build and maintain muscle. It also burns fat and increases energy. As testosterone declines with age, the result is loss of lean tissue and muscle tone. Lower mental energy and increased visceral fat. Exercise is the key to activating hormones and countering cortisol’s effect on our waistline. Exercising at least 3 times per week for 45 minutes can increase secretion of hormones and put you back in control of your health and fitness goals.

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