SOSMagJulySeptember2021

Do you find yourself worrying constantly throughout the day? You may have what is known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). If left untreated, GAD can cause damage to your memory. Dr. Carlos Lowell, a local psychiatrist, explains how one can manage their anxiety and live a less worrisome life. Dr. Lowell says, “If GAD is properly diagnosed and treated, a person begins to feel a sense of well-being, along with improved cognition and memory. Their ability to function improves in all aspects of life. Now it’s easier to focus, problem solve and work through life’s situations.” If you are worrying frequently and noticing changes in your memory, it is important that you let your primary care doctor know. “There are a number of things that can cause feelings of anxiety and impaired memory,” says Dr. Lowell. For example, some COPD Treat Your Worries for a Healthy Brain medications have side effects that cause feelings of anxiety and worry. It is also important to not hold off on telling your doctor about what you are feeling. “As doctors, we want to catch things early. Untreated health problems such as diabetes, hyper/ hypothyroidism, and high blood pressure can cause irreversible damage to your memory and cognition that you will never get back.” Dr. Lowell states, “The same can be true for GAD that is left undiagnosed and untreated.” Once properly diagnosed, Generalized Anxiety Disorder can be effectively treated with medication and even counseling. Counseling can help a person see a problem from a manageable perspective. It is also a great way to learn coping skills to prevent you from automatically reverting to seeing a problem as catastrophe. Worrying constantly is not an enjoyable way to live your life. Please know that there is help available. If you are a worrier, talk to your doctor/nurse practitioner today. In the April – June 2021 issue of Serving Our Seniors Magazine, was a story about a Elijah Rogers, who volunteered his time to mow 50 lawns for elderly and disabled for free. One day a man walked into Serving Our Seniors and gave Sue Daugherty a special assignment. Go to Elijah’s house and deliver him their words of admiration and encouragement and give him a gift of money to express their appreciation for the many lawns he has mowed for free. The mission was successfully accomplished by Anthony Pool, QA Manager and Sue Daugherty, Director with pictures as proof. Elijah would like these anonymous people - Mr. X and Mrs. Y and some other person whose hand writing could not be deciphered – to know how much he appreciated the card, the two-page, letter and the gift of money. Elijah Receives Appreciation from Community Admirers Anthony Pool, Elijah Rogers and Sue Daugherty. Elijah reads the card filled with words of admiration. Elijah reads the letter from Mr. X and Mrs. Y. 4