The impact of reading on cognitive decline
Aging and change go hand in hand. Although some may bemoan the gray hairs that start to arrive or stiffness in the knees that seems to sneak up on a person in middle age, such concerns are not necessarily enough to lose sleep over. However, many people 50 or older are nervous about the
potential for cognitive issues like dementia as they grow older.
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 6.7 million people have Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. The Alzheimer Society of Canada estimates that there were 733,040 people living with dementia in the country as of January 1, 2024. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can rob people of their memories, personalities and abilities to live satisfying, independent lives. While it may not be impossible to prevent all cognitive issues completely, there is reason to believe that reading could be an ally in cognitive care.
The American Academy of Neurology says that reading stimulates the brain and has been shown to slow down cognitive decline in old age. Reading also
may help slow down memory loss.
The powers of reading were noticed more than 10 years ago when a 2013 study from researchers at Emory University measured readers’ MRI scans as they read books. They found the deeper readers went into a story, the more areas of their brains were activated. This activity remained elevated for several days after participants finished their books. The more a person reads, the stronger complex networks in the brain become.
Additional evidence that reading can help the brain was noted by researchers at the Texas A&M School of Public Health.
A 2024 study suggests that older people with mild cognitive impairment who engage in high levels of activities like reading,
hobbies and word games have better memory, working memory, attention, and processing speed than those who do not take part in such endeavors. Furthermore, a 2021 study published in Neurology found that high levels of cognitive activity, like reading and writing letters, can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by five years among those age 80 and over.
Reading can keep brains functioning optimally and potentially delay age-related cognitive decline.
In commemoration of American Heart Month, STHS Heart is raising awareness of heart disease while offering suggestions for leading a heart-healthy lifestyle Heart disease affects approximately 60% of U.S. adults, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with an estimated 121.5 million adults living with from heart disease, which refers to several types of cardiovascular conditions that affect the heart and how it functions.
But that’s not all… One person succumbs to cardiovascular issues every 33 seconds in the United States, per the CDC, making heart disease the leading cause of death in the nation.
While typically associated with the elderly, the number of heart disease cases among younger adults is increasing at a staggering rate in the U.S., per the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, with the rise in chronic health conditions like hypertension, diabetes and obesity – the most common risk factors for cardiovascular issues –to blame for the uptick.
In 2023, the number of young adults with diabetes increased
from 3% to 4.1%, while obesity rates rose from 32.7% to 40.9%, leading to increased rates of heart failure and heart attacks among people under 40.
To help Rio Grande Valley residents keep their cardiovascular health in check and take steps to prevent heart disease in their families, South Texas Health System Heart offers the following suggestions for leading a heart healthy lifestyle:
Choose a healthy eating plan: What you eat can decrease your risk of heart disease, so pick foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. It’s also important to incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet and limit your salt and sugar intake.
Be physically active: Regular physical activity at least two days a week can make a significant difference by helping reduce the stress hormones that tend to put an extra burden on the heart. Studies have also shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer a sudden heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac event.
Avoid alcohol & quit smoking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can
Public Notice
Starr County Invitation for Bids
February 12, 2025
take a significant toll on the heart and increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart failure. Avoiding alcohol and smoking can improve your blood pressure, as well as your overall heart rate. Manage your stress: Chronic stress, anxiety and anger can raise your risk of heart disease. A sunny outlook can be as good for your heart as it is for your mood. Know your numbers: Keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides in check is important for good heart health.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, so manage your weight through diet and exercise. Losing 10-15% of your body weight can lead to significant health improvements, including better blood pressure, improved heart health and reduced risk of diabetes.
Get enough sleep: Sleep apnea and insomnia are linked to heart disease, with adults who sleep fewer than 7 hours a night more likely to have health problems, per the CDC, which can contribute to cardiovascular issues. Sufficient sleep is vital to overall health.
The County of Starr is requesting bids for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, supervision and performance of all work required for the reconstruction of single family residential homes. The following homes to be reconstructed are:
109 Juarez St, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 169 Garceno Loop, Roma TX 78584 600 E Dr Martin ST, Rio Grande City, TX 78582
Project Type: Reservation System Participant, RSP Agreement #2024-0003; Starr County Contract Number #1003549/1003550.
Bid Documents (Project Manual) may be obtained in person from Starr County Court House Annex at 100 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX, between the hours of 8:00a.m. & 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). Bid packages are limited to one package per contractor. For further information contact Connie Cantu, Project Manager at 716-4800 ext. 8115.
Sealed Bids will be accepted by the Starr County Federal & State Programs Staff at Starr County Annex suite 220 at 100 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX. Until 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025. Bids not received prior to the date and time set forth above will not be accepted for consideration. Starr County will consider the lowest responsible Bid.
Bids may be held by Starr County for a period not to exceed 90 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.
Pre-Bid conference will be held at Starr County Courthouse Annex 100 N. F.M. 3167 Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 20, 2025. All Perspective Bidders are encouraged to attend.
All Bidders/Contractors must be registered with the sam.gov and secretary of the State website. Bidder/Contractor shall be an Equal Opportunity Firm and practice nondiscrimination. All Bidders/Contractors must present proper documentation of capability, adequate staffing and experience to perform the tasks required. Starr County supports the submission of Bids from historically underutilized businesses. All qualified Bidders will receive consideration for selection without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and handicap or as otherwise provided by applicable law.
Senator Adam Hinojosa Votes For Historic Property Tax Cuts (SB4
Proposed Homestead Exemption Raised to $140,000 and $150,000 for Seniors
Senator Adam Hinojosa, representing Senate District 27, proudly announces the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 4 (SB4) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2) in the Texas Senate, marking a major victory for Texas homeowners by increasing the homestead exemption for school district property taxes.
SB4 and SJR2, which Senator Hinojosa joint-authored, work together to provide the largest property tax cut in history. SJR2 proposes a constitutional amendment to raise the homestead exemption from
$100,000 to $140,000 giving homeowners additional savings on their property taxes with senior citizens having their exemption raised to $150,000.
Additionally, SB4 would ensure that school districts are protected from revenue losses by providing state funding to offset the tax cuts.
“I am proud to stand alongside Lt. Governor Patrick, Senator Bettencourt, and my colleagues in delivering historic property tax relief to Texas homeowners.
The unanimous vote on both SB4 and SJR2 shows our dedication to providing real savings to Texas homeowners,” Senator Hinojosa said. “This is just the first steps. We now need to undergo the hard
and SJR2)
work of ensuring these tax cuts are not eaten up by the rising appraisal values. I look forward to working with my colleagues on addressing this, but for now we are celebrating another historic win for Texas.”
With both bills now moving to the Texas House of Representatives, and SJR2 requiring voter approval in the next election, Senator Hinojosa urges swift adoption and passage to make this relief a reality.
LEGAL NOTICE SE RENTA APARTAMENTO (para una o dos personas) 2 rec., 1 baño, A/C, ref. y estufa. En RGC 956-735-6582 • 844-6898
DRIVEIN , to be located at 778 FM 2360, SUITE D, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.
PUBLIC
Pursuant to the provisions contained in ARTICLE V, Section Five (5) of the Texas Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, we are serving notice to the owners and/or lien holders that the below described motor vehicle, has been taken into custody by Triple J Wrecker Service, and will be sold. Failure of an owner or lien holder to claim vehicles within thirty (30) days after date of this notice and make payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from the placing of vehicles in custody shall constitute a waiver of the right to reclaim vehicle. Contact Juan J. Lopez, Jr. at 956-735-5144, 6511 E. US Hwy 83, Unit A, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 for information concerning vehicles.
NOTICE 2024 COLEMAN B200R COLOR: RED VIN# L9NLTNBR6R1807483
