Last Updated: Monday, October 29, 2007 11:46 AM CDT
Keeping your brain healthy
Think about the health of your brain when you plan meals
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 and playing - even sleeping. The good news is that we now know there's a lot you can do to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Use these tips to make brain-healthy life choices.
First, stay mentally active. Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells.
Second, remain socially active. Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells.
Third, stay physically active. Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells.
It also can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Lastly, 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.
If you need help in getting or staying brain healthy, the YMCA might be the right place for you.
From social groups to fitness classes, the YMCA has everything you need to stay mentally, socially and physically healthy.
The YMCA even has staff that will guide you in a brain-healthy diet.
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Editor's note: For the next three Mondays, The Daily News will run a column written by three high school student-athletes from Rhinelander, Lakeland and Three Lakes. The student-athletes were asked to share their thoughts on anything from sports to what's going on at their high school. This week's column is written by Rhinelander's Stefanie Edwards, who is a member of the Hodags swimming team. READ MORE >
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