Taking Care Of Your Brain...

Most important organ of our body " Brain". 

Taking care of your brain is very important for healthy life. 

Here are the 10 ways to take care of your brain...

1. Remember to…practice good nutrition. 

We can choose foods that help protect our brains. The good news is, if you are one of the many adults who try to follow a "heart smart" diet, you are also on track for "brain smart" menu choices. A 2010 study by Columbia University researchers confirmed that a high level of "good cholesterol" (HDL) is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Avoid: cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats. Choose: fish, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil or canola oil. Take a multivitamin—but don't take megadoses that could be toxic. Even on a day-to-day basis, nourishing meals improve alertness and help us retain memories.

2. Remember to…stay physically active. 

Just as a "heart smart" diet helps protect the brain, heart-strengthening aerobic exercise improves memory and even lowers the risk of dementia. A National Institute on Aging-funded study this year showed that moderate aerobic exercise can actually increase the size of the area of thebrain involved in memory formation. Indeed, according to a study by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee researcher J. Carson Smith, "If you are at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, the benefits of exercise to your brain function might be even greater than for those who do not have that genetic risk." Talk to your healthcare provider about an exercise program that is right for you.

3. Remember to…sleep well. 

You've probably noticed that when you don't get enough good quality sleep, it is harder to concentrate the next day. And did you know that memories of the day are "filed away" in the brain while we sleep? People who suffer from sleep disturbances often experience memory problems. But many sleep disorders are treatable, so speak to your healthcare provider if you experience trouble falling asleep, bothersome wakeful periods during the night, or snoring (which might suggest sleep apnea—a disorder that causes interruption in breathing during sleep).

4. Remember to…treat depression and avoid stress.

 Both cause chemical changes that can damage the brain. If you are feeling overly stressed, or if depression is making it hard for you to focus and concentrate, talk with your healthcare provider. Counseling, meditation and other relaxation techniques can all help.

5. Remember to…quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. 

Many substances found in cigarette smoke damage the brain and impair memory. A 2010 study from Kaiser Permanente demonstrates a startling 172% increased risk of dementia among heavy smokers! And while a number of studies suggest that drinking in moderation might actually be beneficial, having more than a drink or two per day can be toxic to the brain.

6. Remember to…challenge your mind and memory.

 Mental stimulation encourages new connections between brain cells…so when it comes to the memory, "use it or lose it" isn’t just a cliché. Seek out a variety of mentally challenging activities. Learn a new skill—take up an instrument or study a foreign language. Join a club, volunteer, find extra ways to increase brain-protecting social interaction. Visit a museum or work a difficult puzzle. Passive activities, such as watching TV, don't offer the same benefits.

7. Remember to…have a memory fitness strategy. 

It is actually possible to increase memory sharpness through training. Visualization, concentration and other effective memory skill techniques skills improve the retention and accessing of memories. And people of every age now use supplemental technology—everything from simple sticky notes to voice recorders, personal organizers, day planners…the possibilities are endless.

8. Remember to…use seatbelts and wear a bike helmet. 

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Head injury can cause catastrophic damage to the brain and memory. And whether on the road or at home, take proactive steps to protect against falls. Remove clutter that might trip you up, install handrails by stairs and in the bathroom if needed, and ask your healthcare provider about a fall prevention class.

9. Remember to…bring up memory concerns at your next healthcare appointment.

Share with your doctor if you have experienced problems, especially disorientation, forgetting recently learned information, or a sudden inability to complete familiar tasks. While it's tempting to be in denial about memory impairment, early diagnosis of conditions such as Alzheimer's or mini-strokes allows treatment to begin right away. And when problems stem from a reversible or controllable condition, the sooner treatment begins, the better!

10. Remember to…have your healthcare provider review your medications.

 Our lives are improved and extended by many of the medicines we take—but overmedication and the side effects of some drugs can dull the memory. Common culprits: tranquilizers, sleeping pills, pain medications, high blood pressure drugs. Your physician may switch you to a different drug or dosage to lessen the effect.

Why add stress to your life by worrying about your memory? Learn about the normal memory changes associated with aging, do all you can to take care of your brain, check out memory compensation strategies…and relax, knowing you're doing everything you can to keep your memory strong through your later years.

Stay healthy andTake care... Thank You.