A Recount of Memorable Steps 2022

September is world Alzheimer’s Month and it is used as a time to spread awareness about dementia and other diseases that shrink a person’s cognitive capacities. With the intention of preventing and controlling the disease through increased know how about Alzheimer’s, the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) initiated a programme titled ‘Memorable Steps’ where teams of four or five were requested to walk 115,500 steps per person within a maximum span of 21 days starting from the 1st of September.

Given the close interaction CL Synergy; my current employer has with LAF and given that my own interests in Scrabble have led me to the foundation on multiple occasions in the last ten years or more, I joined one of the teams that signed up from office. I enjoy walking and I have been a part of ‘Run for Their Lives’ on many occasions and ‘Trail SL’ in both its legs from the South to the North and from the North to the South; so this seemed to suit me fine.

It took me 18 days to clock in the required steps as one has to carry the mobile for the footfall to be counted. Of late, my own public transport adventures have reduced as I have learnt to manage with the household quota of fuel.

This recount is to say thank you to my family, colleagues and friends who made each one of those 115,500 steps memorable and I also hope that this article helps LAF in its endeavour of increasing awareness of the disease.

On multiple occasions I took to a walking path in and around Colombo and was greeted with beautiful vistas of the setting sun, the moon or the silhouettes of gorgeous buildings and the illusions created by lamps that dot the paths. The pink and purple skies that reflected off the Diyawanna as I stepped out on day 18 (the day I completed the 115,500 steps) stole the show and my heart. In spite of being a wordsmith (or liking to think so of myself), I was at a loss for any sort of word or phrase when I stood by the fence and breathed the beauty of the sky and the water that gurgled at my feet. The image does some justice to what I witnessed, but probably only to a certain extent.

On some days the walks were vigorous and on other days they were more relaxed with time spent drowning in the beauty of the moon, the sky and the stars. On days that I knew I would not be able to make it to a walking path, I would carry the phone on my person as much as possible and let every tiny step count. However, more than the steps that I took towards completing the walk as the 40th, I understand that my role is to be an ambassador for LAF, to speak out loud and clear about this disease which though uncurable can be managed and controlled to minimise the impacts and deterioration of those affected.

Those 115,500 beautiful steps that I took behold memories that I will cherish, each footstep gave me an opportunity to reflect on myself, gave me time to have meaningful conversations with people close to me and helped me to unwind.

Keeping one’s mind active and healthy are essential to prevent Alzheimer’s. There is widely accepted belief among the experts that close bonds, social interactions and brain stimulating discussions play a significant role in keeping the disease at bay. A healthy walk stimulates the flow of oxygen and blood to brain cells, which again ensures the longevity of the brain. Among a number of other healthy habits, doctors specifically advise people to avoid any sort of head injury.

All of these are doable and require little effort from our end. Head out for a walk, enjoy the skies, the breeze, the dew drops and the exercise for a mentally and physically healthier tomorrow.

A big thank you to LAF for initiating Memorable Steps 2022 and engaging the wider community.