New Year's Resolution: Smart 10 Ways to Boost Your Brain Health This 2019

Listen to this News

Highlights:

• New year 2019 is here with a fresh start, new hopes and new expectations
• Millions of people around the world are excited to celebrate, have fun and make new resolutions to improve their quality of life
• This year for a change, let's take simple resolutions to make our brains happier and healthier

New year 2019 is here, people are always excited to make new resolutions to make their life happy and healthy. For those still searching for the perfect resolutions, here are a few ways that can boost your brain health and improve your mental well-being this year and the following years to come. So, get sharp this New Year by making brain-friendly resolutions.

With people worldwide getting their New Year's resolutions ready, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging individuals to take 10 steps to promote good brain health and healthy aging in 2019.

‘Follow healthy New Year�s resolutions that can improve your mental health and well-being. This year, let's celebrate a brain-friendly New Year 2019 and take time to do things that make our brains happier and healthier.’

"Taking care of your brain is a New Year's resolution that everyone should make and, more importantly, keep," said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's President, and CEO. "Just as we focus on improving other parts of our bodies, we need to look after our minds too. There are steps and lifestyle changes which we encourage individuals to take to support their brain health and wellness in 2019 and beyond."

"The best way to make 2019 a healthy and happy new year is by being proactive about your own well-being," said Bert E. Brodsky, AFA's Founder and Board Chairman. "The brain is one of the most vital parts of the human body; it's so important to keep it in good shape. Start the New Year off �well' by prioritizing your cognitive health."

Simple 10 Steps to Improve Your Brain Health in 2019

AFA urges people to take the following 10 steps for healthy aging:

• Eat Well: Adopt a low-fat diet high on fruits and veggies, like strawberries, blueberries, and broccoli. Take daily vitamins. Limit intake of red meats, fried and processed foods, salt and sugar. In general, foods that are "heart heathy" are also "brain healthy".
• Stay Active: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can also help improve mood and overall wellbeing. Brisk walking benefits brain health, while aerobics can boost your heart rate, and weight training builds strength and flexibility.
• Learn New Things: Challenge your brain by starting a new hobby like playing tennis, learning to speak a foreign language, trying a cooking class, or something you haven't done before. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand stimulates the brain by forcing it to think outside of its normal routine.
• Get Enough Sleep: Getting a consistent sleep every night is key; at least seven to nine hours is ideal. Having a good sleep environment is also helpful. Insomnia or sleep apnea can have serious physical effects and negatively affect memory and thinking.
• Mind Your Meds: Medication can affect everyone differently, especially as you age. When getting a new medication or something you haven't taken in a while (whether over the counter or prescription), talk to your doctor or local pharmacist.
• Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking can increase the risk of serious illnesses, while too much alcohol can affect memory, impair judgment and present safety issues.
• Stay Connected: Social interaction and maintaining an active social life are very important for brain health, cognitive stimulation and mood. Invite friends and family over for a meal, board games, or just to hang out. Engaging in your community and participating in group activities is also beneficial.
• Know Your Blood Pressure: Blood pressure can impact your cognitive functioning. Visit your physician regularly to check your blood pressure and make sure it is in normal range.
• See Your Doctor: Maintain checkups. Health screenings are key to managing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, all of which can impact brain health. Speak with your physician about any concerns or questions you have about your health.
• Get a Memory Screening: Our brains need regular checkups, just as other parts of our bodies do. A memory screening is a quick, easy, non-invasive exam for our brains.

Source: Newswise

Cite this Article ⇣⇡

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

• APA

  Adeline Dorcas. (2019, January 02). New Year's Resolution: Smart 10 Ways to Boost Your Brain Health This 2019. Medindia. Retrieved on May 14, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/new-years-resolution-smart-10-ways-to-boost-your-brain-health-this-2019-184835-1.htm.

• MLA

  Adeline Dorcas. "New Year's Resolution: Smart 10 Ways to Boost Your Brain Health This 2019". Medindia. May 14, 2024. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/new-years-resolution-smart-10-ways-to-boost-your-brain-health-this-2019-184835-1.htm>.

• Chicago

  Adeline Dorcas. "New Year's Resolution: Smart 10 Ways to Boost Your Brain Health This 2019". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/new-years-resolution-smart-10-ways-to-boost-your-brain-health-this-2019-184835-1.htm. (accessed May 14, 2024).

• Harvard

  Adeline Dorcas. 2019. New Year's Resolution: Smart 10 Ways to Boost Your Brain Health This 2019. Medindia, viewed May 14, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/new-years-resolution-smart-10-ways-to-boost-your-brain-health-this-2019-184835-1.htm.