Which would be more effective for your brain functioning – computer training or a gym membership?

          How useful are crossword puzzles and other mental activities for exercising your brain?

          These and other questions will be answered during the next televideo presentation at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center. The event, which is free and open to the public, is set for 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24 in the St. Dominic Room at St. Rose.

          “In this program, we will compare the ‘brain benefits’ from mental activities with the cognitive effects of physical exercise,” said Moira Mulhern, PhD, who will lead the discussion. “There are certain activities that keep you cognitively sharp as you age.

          “We want to encourage people to find brain exercises they can enjoy,” Mulhern elaborated. “This could be playing bridge, solving crosswords, playing a musical instrument, reading about new topics or taking classes – or any combination. Audience members also will be reminded that staying physically active helps keep the brain fit.”

          The presentation at St. Rose is part of the Midwest Cancer Alliance (MCA) series of health and wellness events for cancer patients and other members of the community. St. Rose is a member of MCA, the outreach arm of The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

          Mulhern is co-founder and chief executive officer of Turning Point: the Center for Hope and Healing, which provides speakers for the events.

          St. Rose is part of Centura Health, which connects individuals and families across western Kansas and Colorado with more than 6,000 physicians, 15 hospitals, seven senior-living communities, physician practices and clinics, and home-care and hospice services.