News and Articles - Sheridan Community Hospital


How Can I Boost My Memory?     By: Nicole Falatic DNP, FNP-C  |  May 11, 2021

Boost My Memory

I like to think of the brain as another muscle of the body. Like other muscles, in order for them to increase in size and strength, they need to be worked out or exercised. The same principles can be applied with the brain, not necessarily in a physical capacity, but a mental one. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Brain boosting measures include tasks that are new, challenging, and create the opportunity for learning. This could be learning to play a musical instrument, learning a new sport, or learning a new game. These activities stimulate the formation of new neural pathways and can also build upon existing ones.

Physical activity in general is also helpful in keeping your mind sharp. Through exercise we increase the flow of blood and oxygen to our cells, as well as, the production of helpful brain chemicals, which can promote and decrease stress. Research has shown that long term/chronic stress can lead to the destruction of brain cells and damage an area of the brain called the hippocampus, which is responsible for the formulation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones. Other ways to reduce stress include spending time with friends and loved ones, and partaking in hobbies or activities that you enjoy. Laughter is also a great stress reducer.

Sleep is essential for the promotion of memory, as well. I recommend 7-8 hours as a rule of thumb. Sleep is an important part of memory consolidation and occurs during the REM cycle, which is the deepest aspect of sleep. Remember how you functioned the next day after you got 3-4 hours of sleep due to a sick child, a new puppy, or completing a work project. Lack of sleep affects memory, creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking abilities.

A balanced and healthy diet will also help to boost memory. Omega 3 is especially beneficial to the brain and can be found in fish and fish oil supplements. Fruits and vegetables produce great antioxidants that prevent brain cell damage. Research has also shown reducing your saturated fat (red meat, dairy) has proven to reduce the risk of dementia and improve concentration and memory. It has also shown that red wine in moderation (1 glass per day for women and 2 glasses per day for men) can boost blood flow to the brain as it contains a flavonoid called resveratrol. Yes you read that right, the one and only time it will be encouraged, red wine! Other options include grape juice and cranberry juice.


How Does Sleep Impact My Health?     By: Ashley Saylor, FNP-C  |  May 4, 2021

Sleep Impacts My Health

Sleep is crucial to health, both physical and mental. It is recommended that adults get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night, more for infants, children, and teens. Lack of proper sleep can lead to serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which can in turn, lead to an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Lack of sleep can also contribute to poor mental health and can increase one’s risk for depression.

There are some sleep recommendations that may improve sleep. Having a routine sleep schedule, ensuring a dark room, not browsing on the phone or internet prior before bedtime, and not watching television prior to bedtime can all increase the chance of better sleep. Avoiding caffeine approximately 5 hours prior to bedtime, avoiding sugar a few hours prior to bedtime, and avoiding alcohol a few hours prior to bedtime can also contribute to better sleep. Finally, if you are still having sleep issues or feel excessively fatigued, it would be important to follow-up with your PCP to make sure that there is not some other health issue going on.

Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). High blood pressure. CDC Website


Visitor Restrictions – Effective April 6, 2021

Due to the recent increase in COVID-19 positive patients in Montcalm County, the surrounding counties, and Michigan, Sheridan Community Hospital and Sheridan Care has updated their visitor restrictions. Visitors will NOT be allowed until further notice, with the exception of the provided situations.

We do not want patients to delay care; our facilities are safe.

Click Here to read the full statement.


Sheridan Hospital Offers Rezum Water Vapor Therapy – March 27, 2021

Sheridan Community Hospital has the ability to provide an advancement in technology to the local community. The hospital’s Specialty Clinic offers the Urological procedure, Rezum Water Vapor Therapy. Rezum Water Vapor Therapy is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), not just the symptoms.

Click Here to read the full article.


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