Body fat testing

Body fat testing

SALEM — The Salem Community Center, 1098 Ellsworth Ave., is offering free body fat testing from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 16. To register, call (330) 332-5885.

Holiday luncheon

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services Board annual holiday luncheon is at noon Friday at the Holiday Inn in Boardman.

Three awards will be presented: The Doyle O. Houston Excellence in Service Award to recognize a volunteer; and the Professional of the Year Award to recognize an employee in the Mahoning County network of alcohol and drug addiction service providers.

Also, the second annual Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest winners will be announced for grades kindergarten through 12. Copies of the winning posters will be on display.

Free foot screenings

AUSTINTOWN — Austintown Podiatry Associates is offering free diabetic foot screenings, which include a Doppler vascular examination and neurological screening. Diabetics interested in the free exam can call (330) 792-6519 for an appointment. The firm has offices in Austintown, Boardman and Warren.

La Leche League meeting

LISBON — The Salem-Lisbon La Leche League will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the WIC office, 7876 Lincole Place. The discussion will be on nutrition and weaning. Pregnant or nursing mothers and their babies are welcome. Call (330) 427-2155.

Trumbull LifeLines grant

WARREN — Trumbull LifeLines, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board from Trumbull County, has received a one-year grant of $191,593 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The money will finance programs at several agencies to treat clients who have been dually diagnosed with alcohol and drug or substance abuse and mental illness.

Senior health event

WARREN — WellnessOne of Warren and area SCOPEs are offering a day of health and wellness for Mahoning Valley seniors. The event is Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1553 Niles-Cortland Road (state Route 46), Howland, where free spine and health checks, and free refreshments and health care information will be provided. Call (330) 505-3515.

Fighting Alzheimer’s

Diet, stress, exercise and exposure to chemicals may affect your chances of getting Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases, a new report by two environmental health advocacy organizations has found. The report — by Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Science and Environmental Health Network — is just in time for National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month this month. The key to reducing your risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s seems to be in leading a nutrition-conscious, active lifestyle. Here are some more tips:

UAvoid saturated and trans fats, and fill your diet with fresh fruits and veggies. Get plenty of omega-3s from eating fish regularly, but limit your consumption of fish that tend to be high in mercury (swordfish, king mackerel, and albacore and fresh tuna).

UGo ahead, have a glass. Red wine — as well as green tea — has important antioxidants. Caffeine may also reduce your risk of Parkinson’s.

ULimit your exposure to lead and pesticides. They are known to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and diabetes, which also comes with a risk of dementia.

UStay socially and physically active, and exercise your brain regularly with crossword puzzles, word games, chess and other activities that require critical thinking. These measures reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you age.

To see the full report online, visit www.agehealthy.org.