SSAA NSW

26 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Dr Alec McHarg has presented across the world on the impact of urban lifestyles on mental and physical health, particularly in the aging population. His blog, and preventative solutions to aging, can be found at http://alecmcharg.com/ The Dementia epidemic is generally a non-reversible condition and is sweeping unabated across Western Society, it leads to a decline in thinking and memory skills and is severe enough to affect a person's daily life. When impulsivity and difficulty controlling emotions, such as irritability or outbursts are included, the holding of a gun licence and the activity of shooting are placed under a grey cloud for a person with Dementia. This not only effects their immediate loved ones, but includes a loss of a profound sense of comradeship and passion gained from the love of their sport. Whilst some Dementia conditions are manageable to some degree, generally there are no second chances with Dementia, it does not, 'go away', like the common cold after a few days. In some circumstances, dementia can be bad enough to require Power of Attorney to be given to a loved one, and could result in your firearms being given up and your licence cancelled. NSW Legislation clearly states that "The Commissioner may revoke a licence if the Commissioner is satisfied that it is not in the public interest for the licensee to continue to hold the licence." Given that SSAA NSW encourages sustainable connections with the natural environment and a sense of discipline and respect with others who share similar core values, members still have to practise positive health and lifestyle practises that help to avoid dementia. Obliviously, most people and especially those over 45, will argue that their current health and lifestyle practises will protect them from Dementia in the future. It would be reassuring if this were the case. Sadly, however, it is not. There is a need to access knowledge from many sources, about the resources the body needs and about how the body actually works and any impacts upon it. We also need to consider how we select and link those resources in the right order that will result in maximising our cellular performance. We are aware that cells and their reactions play a central role in sustaining life and the building of the body's structural and functional components. For example, the long term impact of inflammatory compounds are linked to cell damage, which impacts on the body's immune defence. We are creating an environment of future conditions of Dementia, when we ignore the challenging consequences of the impact of numerous, problematic destructive elements. These consist of questionable dietary choices, restrictive muscular movements, constricted breathing techniques and negative social connections. When cognitive and environmental challenges, such as toxic elements and influences of a chemical and electromagnetic nature, (with Wi Fi being an example), are included in the issues that people have to deal with, then the need to be vigilant about one's welfare is obvious. This is where the sport of hunting can provide a useful outlet to avoid the onset of Dementia. Free range and organic meat, fresh air, removal from electronic devices and reception and stimulation of the mental faculties all assist in maintaining healthy brain function. One of the major negative influence on cellular performance is the extensive consumption of carbohydrates. They can do horrible things to our internal organs through to our emotions and beyond, (especially through acidity). Excess protein intake can excite the over-production of cellular growth, which has its own negative outcomes. The way we breathe, (and mostly incorrectly), influences so many parts of our anatomy that it places us in danger of intercellular oxidative stress. The toxicity of our environment because of the use of pesticides etc. plays a major role in acquiring Dementia related conditions. This includes, 'outgassing', often generated by our daily usage of so-called safe products. By following a naturally orientated lifestyle, such as that promoted by hunting, the ravages of Dementia could be largely avoided. However, this requires dedication and commitment to understanding the purpose of implementing sustainable health and lifestyle practices, just as we must be conscious to ensure hunting remains a sustainable pursuit. Dementia

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