The Beadle County CFEL held its Fall Council meeting and meal Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Senior Center. Registration began at 5:30 p.m., with the meal following catered by Doug Stevens.

Dr. Wayne Carr, and Ashley Curnow from Carr Chiropractic Clinic were the speakers for the evening. They spoke on the Issue: Minds Matter.

They stressed the importance of listening to your body, getting plenty of rest, exercise and following a good diet. They talked about how your brain works in regard to fatigue, memory loss, mood changes and the cognitive decline. They shared different stages people go through with dementia and memory loss.

Things you can do to stimulate your brain, are socializing, learning, word games, reading, anything to help stimulate the brain. The American Heart Association stresses to avoid tobacco, exercise, maintain an ideal weight, and eat a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit and protein.

Some foods that will help keep the brain functioning are almonds, nuts, fish, blueberries, broccoli, coconut oil, and spinach.

They used the SHIELD sample: sleep eight hours, handle stress, interact socially, exercise, learn (word search, suduko) and diet.

The program was very informative. Dr. Carr said that with patients with dementia, you need to just listen, even if they say, ask or tell you the same things over and over.

President Diana Barton called the meeting to order. Deanne Ness led the flag salute, South Dakota State flag Pledge, CFEL Creed, and Mission Statement. Secretary, Julie Boomsma asked roll call of members attending. Deanne gave the treasure’s report. Lynette Spanbauer, read the minutes of the Spring Council/Area meeting. Music was provided by Dianne Perry and Julie Boomsma.

Discussion was held on whether any club wanted to decorate a tree for the Crossroads Event Center. A monetary donation will be given to the Senior Center for the use of the building.

Maggie Cameron was elected vice president. Those attending the State CFEL Convention held in Huron in September gave a report and asked for any comments on the convention.

Alison Dennis handed out certificates for reading and volunteer hours. Beadle Country was also given the Gold Seal from the state, for meeting the criteria for a gold seal.

Deanne reminded members that the dues for State will increase next year and are due to her so she can get them to the State by Dece. 1.

The Area meeting/Spring Council will be held Saturday, April 12, at the Senior Center. The State convention will be held Sept. 19-20, in Spearfish.

Door Prizes were given out. The meeting was adjourned.