Brain Health Education

Brain health is a vital part of living well yet is often overlooked. We know diet and exercise will make your heart healthy, but what can be done to make the brain healthy? The brain is a powerful organ that can be kept strong and vibrant through five important health interventions. If these interventions are practiced, many experts and specialists agree the brain will stay healthy longer. These interventions include:

• Exercise

• Diet

• Lifelong Learning

• Socializing

• Restfulness

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Exercise

Consistent exercise, about 150 minutes each week, is recommended for brain health. According to BrainHQ, exercise increases heart rate, which pumps more oxygen to the brain. Suggestions for brain-healthy exercise include swimming, biking, walking, or jogging, dance classes, jumping jacks, a workout that raises the heart rate.

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Diet

This refers to a way of life that includes a brain-healthy diet. It emphasizes fresh, plant-based food prepared simply. The National Institute of Health reports the Mediterranean diet can add up to 3.5 years against the progression of dementia diseases.  Memory Matters’ volunteer chef, Kim Baretta, recommends eating more fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. She also bakes and sautés with olive oil using fresh herbs, dried spices, fresh garlic and citrus juice, and very little salt. Kim believes good protein is fish and seafood. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating red meat twice a month. 

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Lifelong Learning

The ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or

professional reasons contribute to a healthy brain. Even exploring new ways of doing routine tasks challenges and stimulates the brain like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand.

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Socializing

Conversing purposefully with friends and family is an important part of keeping the brain healthy and alert. This can be done in person with neighbors and friends, community groups, or on the phone with family and friends who live miles away.

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Restfulness

Take 20 minutes a day and let the brain cool down. This can be achieved by meditating or sitting quietly letting your brain completely relax.

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