Ten Ways To Love Your Brain

2/17/2023

Alzheimer's Association shares tips with Lake Granbury Medical Center's Healthy Connections members during Brain Health seminar

The Alzheimer’s Association, in conjunction with Lake Granbury Medical Center’s Healthy Connections program, presented a seminar on Friday, Feb. 17, that focused on 10 Ways To Love Your Brain.

“We are always pleased to offer educational seminars to help enhance awareness,” states Curt M. Junkins, CEO of Lake Granbury Medical Center, “The Alzheimer’s Association provides excellent information that people can take back and share with their family and friends.”

The 10 essential steps discussed at the seminar include:

1. Break a sweat. Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
2. Hit the books Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.
3. Butt out Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
4. Follow your heart Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes — negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.
5. Heads up Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seatbelt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.
6. Fuel up right Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.
7. Catch some Zzz's Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
8. Take care of your mental health Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.
9. Buddy up Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community — if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an after-school program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.
10. Stump yourself Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain.

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit: https://www.alz.org/

To learn more about Lake Granbury Medical Center’s Healthy Connections program, call (817) 579-2979.

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