Two epidemics are sweeping our society: obesity and dementia. There are currently 500,000 Canadians with some form of dementia, and a study commissioned by the Alzheimer Society estimates that within a generation there will be over a million. According to Stats Canada, one in three Canadian children and one in four Canadian adults are clinically obese.
Obesity and dementia are closely related conditions, with overlapping preventions and cures. Reams have been written about how to stay mentally alert, but underpinning all plans are exercise, diet, and quick decision making, with some socializing thrown in – mainly the same basics as underpin any weight loss program. Royal City Squares supplies all the ingredients needed to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Modern square dancing, the type done by Royal City, is not pre-programmed. Dancers don't know what the next move is until the caller tells them, so dancers are making hundreds of split-second decisions. And every time you move, you're getting fitter and burning calories. A paper entitled Exercise: a behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity (Trends Neurosci. 2002 Jun;25(6):295-301) reported that more is better when it comes to things like dancing, and recommends the activity be done regularly. Every exercise program has the same advice.
On Tuesday April 16, Royal City Squares is holding an open house so you can find out if modern square dancing suits you and your children. Most of Royal City's dancers are adults, but children love this kind of exercise, and it's something they can do for the rest of their lives. Additionally, doing an activity as a family has another whole set of rewards. The open house starts at 7:30 at Paisley Road School. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes and comfortable, layered clothing, and prepare to have some fun. Juice, tea, coffee, and snacks are on the house.
For more information contact Yvonne at 519-836-7289 or yvonnepaterson88@yahoo.com.
