HSA: Be headstrong at work

Alzheimer's Awareness Week - 1 July 2007

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 www.challengedementia.org.uk.

To view further information on Alzheimer's Awareness Week please click on the link at the end of this release.

Notes.

Alzheimer's Awareness Week is the 1 - 7 July 2007.

Copies of the Alzheimer's Awareness Week brochure 'Be Headstrong.

Challenge your risk of Dementia' are available on request.

For information about Alzheimer's Awareness Week 2007 and activities happening across the country visit www.challengedementia.org.uk.

About the Alzheimer's Society 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia (Dementia UK Report, Feb 2007).

700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease.

In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia.

This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.

1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.

(Dementia UK Report, Feb 2007) The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them.

The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia.

You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.

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