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Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. Start now. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

Break a sweat: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Hit the books: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.

Butt out: Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

Follow your heart: Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.

Heads up! Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.

Fuel up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.

Catch some Zzz’s: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking. Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

Buddy up: Staying socially engaged may support brain health.

Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community. If you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.

Stump yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and longterm benefits for your brain.

BRAIN FITNESS IDEAS

Learn a dance.

Take a cooking class.

Learn to play an instrument.

Be Social! Friendships are important.

Sing in a group.

Learn a new word each week and use it.

 Move! Keep the blood moving through the brain. Exercise is important!

Take up a creative hobby, especially one with fine motor skills like knitting, drawing or painting.

Do things differently such as the way you drive home;  use opposite hand, put pants on opposite leg first.

Learn a new sport.

This article reprinted from Whitewater Seniors in the Park June Newsletter, submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater SITP.  New members are always welcome.  Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer French at 262 473 0535.

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) announced the names of five scholarship recipients who were selected to receive $2,000. The FCCU scholarship was developed in 2019 as a reflection of FCCU’s mission statement: “To help our members be in a better financial position than when we met them.” These scholarships will help members achieve their educational dreams.

This year’s scholarship committee reviewed the applications submitted by our member graduates. “There are so many talented seniors in the surrounding communities,” Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development, said, “It is a challenge to select only five recipients when plenty more demonstrate great character and achievement.”

The FCCU scholarship recipients for the 2022-2023 school year included:
• Lauren Lescohier, Fort Atkinson High School graduate, plans to attend UW Whitewater to pursue a degree in elementary education.
• David Ganser Jr., Jefferson High School graduate, plans to attend UW Stout to pursue a degree in construction management.
• Noah Clifton, Jefferson High School graduate, plans to attend Madison College for liberal arts with plans to pursue a degree in construction management.
• Cali Kopecky, Whitewater High School graduate, plans to attend UW Whitewater to pursue a degree in business.
• Alex Martin, Whitewater High School graduate, plans to attend UW Whitewater to pursue a degree in music education.

Walworth County to Host Dedication of the Nancy Russell Trail Network at White River County Park on June 24

Dedication Coincides with Founders’ Day Event

At its February 2023 meeting, the Walworth County Board of Supervisors voted to rename the White River County Park trail network the Nancy Russell Trail Network in honor of former County Board Chair Nancy Russell.

“Nancy Russell was instrumental in the acquisition and development of White River County Park,” says Walworth County Board Chair Rick Stacey. “Because of Nancy, generations of Walworth County residents will be able to enjoy this beautiful park. Renaming the trail network in her honor acknowledges that legacy.”

The dedication of the Nancy Russell Trail Network will take place on Saturday, June 24, at 9 a.m., at White River County Park, 6503 Sheridan Springs Rd., Lake Geneva. County Board Chair Rick Stacey and Walworth County Parks Committee member Merilee Holst will speak before unveiling the new Nancy Russell Trail Network signs.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Friends of White River County Park will host its annual Founders’ Day picnic, with guided walks, family-friendly activities, and history and information about the park. The group will also provide grilled lunch. The event is free; goodwill donations will be accepted.

To learn more about White River County Park, visit www.co.walworth.wi.us/828/White-River-Park.

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing his beautiful photography with us again.

Hunter Martin, of Whitewater, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Law from Wisconsin Lutheran College. Hunter is a graduate of Whitewater High School.

Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) is an independent, residential, nationally ranked Christian college in Milwaukee that serves nearly 1,100 undergraduate and graduate students through its on-campus and online programming. The college, which prepares students for lives of Christian leadership, is recognized for its academic excellence and superior student experience. Caring, Christian faculty work directly with students, who benefit from numerous research, service, and co-curricular opportunities designed to enhance academic and spiritual growth. Learn more at wlc.edu.

“Boy Erased”

Tuesday, June 13, 1 p.m.

(Biography/Drama) Rated R (language, sexual content) 

1 hour, 55 minutes (2018). 

A current topic of discussion is conversion therapy. In this thoughtful, well-acted film, the son of a Baptist minister participates in a church-supported gay conversion therapy program after being outed to his parents. Starring Lucas Hedges, Russell Crowe, and Nicole Kidman.

Tourism in Walworth and Jefferson Counties generated $887 million and $195 million respectively in total economic impact in 2022 helping Wisconsin break an economic impact record. 

Whitewater, WI (June 6, 2023) – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2022 economic impact data, showing the tourism industry generated a record-breaking $23.7 billion in total economic impact. The highest-ever overnight visitation helped fuel the growth, with communities like Whitewater playing a pivotal role.

The 2022 total economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. Walworth County also surpassed the previous record $790 million set in 2021. Jefferson County surpassed its previous record of $185 million set in 2019. Additionally, last year, Walworth County tourism supported just over 7,000 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $70.9 million in local tax revenue, a 7.5% increase. Statewide, tourism generated $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $620 to maintain the current level of government services.

Whitewater contributes to the state’s overall tourism success by providing travelers with  quintessential Wisconsin outdoor adventures,” says Kellie Carper, executive director for Discover Whitewater. “As an Ice Age Trail community in the Kettle Moraine State Forest located conveniently on the “Mad-Waukee” corridor, Whitewater is a great place for a fun day trip or an adventurous family vacation.”

In 2022, there were 111.1 million visits in Wisconsin, which was up 8.8 million visits, or 8.7%, over the previous year. This includes a record 45.4 million overnight visits, or a 13.8% increase from 2021. Overnight visitors, on average, spent nearly three times as much as day trip visitors.

Whitewater also saw a sharp increase in overnight stays and room tax revenues in 2022 seeing a 42% increase over 2021 and more than doubling revenues collected in 2019. Part of this increase is due to the newest hotel in Whitewater. The Fairfield Inn & Suites, a Marriot Silver Circle hotel, saw a 10% increase in room nights over 2021 with a total of 16,952 room nights in 2022. According to Karin Silvius, General Manager at the Fairfield, Silver Circle award winners are ranked in the top 20% of recommended properties in the US & Canada, a reflection of their excellent level of service and amenities.

“Tourism is both big fun and big business. I’m so grateful for the innovation and dedication of the folks who make up Wisconsin’s tourism industry. Each one of them played a role in setting this record,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “Aided by strategic marketing, Wisconsin convinced more visitors to stay longer so they could add more activities to their itinerary, delivering a deeper economic impact. I congratulate the entire industry on an incredible record-breaking year.” 

To learn more about Wisconsin tourism’s record-breaking year, view the 2022 economic impact data, including a county-by-county breakdown, at industry.travelwisconsin.com/research. To learn more about Whitewater and the wonderful opportunities for adventure awaiting you visit our website at http://Discoverwhitewater.org

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About the Discover Whitewater Tourism Council:

The mission of the Whitewater Tourism Council is to market the Whitewater area as a regional tourism destination promoting new and existing attractions and events to travelers. We believe that, whether travelers are visiting our trails, waterways, or the university, Whitewater is the perfect place to experience outdoor adventures, cultural events, and rich local history. By marketing our community across multiple channels and establishing collaborative partnerships we play a significant role in generating economic impact for the community and the areas surrounding Whitewater.

About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
The mission of theWisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. Because we believe in the power of exploration and travel, we work to market the state as a premier travel destination. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. Learn more at industry.travelwisconsin.com.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. School’s out and its officially summer! That means that Whitewater’s largest city park with soon be bustling with activity; kids on the playground and ball games at Treyton’s Field of Dreams complex. This view of Starin Park is a post card produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Enjoy the summer!

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(5534PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Are you curious about the plant-based eating trend? Certified plant-based health coach and physical therapist Michele Stamn will share the whys and hows behind her own transition to a plant-based diet. Through both personal experience and education, Michele has learned lots of tips and tricks for making this healthy way of eating fun, easy, and delicious – and she will share them at a free workshop, Getting Started with a Plant-based Diet, held at the at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s Community Room on Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m. Michele will also share her favorite plant-based resources to help participants get started. 

Stamn has been a physical therapist for over 30 years and she states that, “I’ve worked with so many people who did not have to be in the health situations they’re in. With just some simple changes to their lifestyles a few years earlier, they could have avoided the amputation that came from diabetes, the stroke that came from high blood pressure, the heart attack that came from high cholesterol. In fact, that’s exactly why I decided to become a plant-based health coach. Instead of waiting to help people after they’re seriously ill and in need of long-term care, it’s my hope to connect with them BEFORE their health deteriorates — to help them improve and restore their health through the power of a plant-based diet.” You can learn more about Stamn on her website, www.wellness-empowered.org.  

The workshop is for adults and teens. There is no cost or registration to attend. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782.