THINK BRAIN-HEALTHY

When people think about staying fit, they generally think from the neck down. But the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing — and even sleeping. The good news is that emerging evidence suggests there are steps you can take to help keep your brain healthier as you age.

Like other parts of your body, your brain may lose some agility as you get older. It can deteriorate even more if you don’t take care of it. Science is unlocking many of the mysteries of the brain, but we don’t have all the answers yet. You can do everything “right” and still not prevent brain disease. 

Below are some of the most up-to-date tips available on how to achieve having a "healthy-brain"

• Stay Physically Active:  Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells.

• Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet:  Research suggests that high cholesterol may contribute to stroke and brain cell damage.  A low fat, low cholesterol diet is advisable. And there is growing evidence that a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants, may help protect brain cells.

• Remain Socially Active:  Social activity not only makes the physical and mental activity more enjoyable, but it can also reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells. 

• Stay Mentally Active:  Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells. 

Research shows that people who are regularly engaged in social interaction maintain their brain vitality. But again, the combination of physical and mental activity with social engagement — and a brain-healthy diet — is more effective than any of these factors alone.