Be headstrong at work

It’s time to Be Headstrong in the office. That was the message released from the Alzheimer’s Society, who have teamed up with healthcare benefits provider HSA to release their top work place tips for reducing the risk of dementia.

‘Be Headstrong’ is the focus of Alzheimer’s Awareness Week 2007 (1 – 7 July), which will promote simple life changes that might protect against dementia while quashing some common myths. And, as a long-standing supporter of the Alzheimer’s cause, HSA is working with the Society to help promote these best practice guidelines in the workplace.

The top tips are:

Take the stairs rather than the lift
Join the work social or sports club
Avoid lunches that are high in salt or saturated fat
Don’t smoke
Get some fresh air – take a walk at lunchtime, or even better, walk or cycle to work.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society says, ‘Evidence shows that many people are worried about developing dementia in their old age but don’t realise they can reduce their risk by making simple changes. You spend most of your time at work so its a great place to start making important changes to your lifestyle.’

A new booklet ‘Be Headstrong’ which tells people how they can reduce their risks is available from today from local branches of the Alzheimer’s Society or from challengedementia.org.uk.