One of the biggest excuses people give themselves for not exercising is a lack of energy.

The petting zoo and pony rides used to be the highlight at EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Brewster’s annual carnival on Cape Cod. A new main attraction will burst onto the scene at this year’s carnival on Aug. 20 from 1-4 p.m. Dancers from the African dance troupe Marafanyi will perform. ...

Scientists can now predict whether a patient will develop Alzheimer’s using a spinal-fluid test, according to a recent New York Times article. The presence of specific proteins in the fluid allowed researchers to accurately predict the onset of Alzheimer’s in 100 percent of the 416 patients involved in the study. This ability to predict whether a patient will develop Alzheimer’s has significant implications for treatment and further research into a cure for the disease. …

The Harwich Council on Aging on Cape Cod has tapped the EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Harwich rehab team to present at its next monthly breakfast meeting on Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. EPOCH therapists will discuss home safety, including strategies for maintaining independence and preventing falls. The monthly breakfast presentations are held at the Harwich Community Center.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It’s a good time for seniors in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and around the U.S. to make sure they’ve had their shots and are safeguarded against common illnesses.