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Brain Health: How You Can Make A Difference
If you’re like most people, you’ve noticed differences in the way your mind works over time. The good news is that understand- ing the potential threats to brain health can help you make smart choices to strengthen mental alert-
ness.Threats to Brain Health Some health conditions can negatively affect your brain. Heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes can alter or damage blood vessels throughout your body,
including the brain.
Some medications and combi-
nations of drugs, as well as alcohol use, may affect thinking.
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of demen- tia harm the brain, too. While no one knows how to prevent dementia, many approaches that are good for your health in other ways, like exercise and a healthy diet, are being tested.
Actions That Help Your Brain
• Get regular health screenings.
• Manage diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the medications you take and any possible side effects.
• Try to maintain a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats (including fish and poultry), and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Monitor your intake of solid fat, sugar and salt and eat proper portion sizes.
• Drink moderately, if at all, because avoiding alcohol can reverse some negative changes related to brain health.
• Be physically active be cause doing so may improve connections among your brain cells. Older adults should get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week.
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• Don’t smoke. Quitting at any age will be benefi- cial to your mind and body. Nonsmokers have a lower risk of heart attacks, stroke and lung diseas- es, as well as increased blood circulation.
• Be safe. Older adults are at higher risk of falling and other accidents that can cause brain injury. To reduce your risk, exercise to improve balance and coordination, take a falls prevention class and make your home safer.
• Keep your mind active by doing mentally stimulating activities including reading, playing games, teaching or taking a class, and being social. Volunteer.
• Visit an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). These community-based agencies provide a welcom- ing environment for older adults and caregivers interested in learning about services from meals, transportation and in-home care to volunteer opportunities and classes to keep them healthy and engaged.
Free Brochure: For more information and a free brochure containing strategies to promote brain health, call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov.
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