52 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • OCTOBER 26, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
health
Make the most of your brain as you age
It is important to remember the health
of our most complex organ: our brain.
While the brain constantly changes
throughout our lives, it’s critical that we
take steps to help us stay on top of our
game as we age.
Help give your brain a boost in the
right direction by implementing these 10
brain-healthy habits.
Get moving
Studies show that being physically
active may help reduce some risks to your
brain health. It doesn’t matter what activity
you do as long as you get your heart
pumping for 30 minutes most days.
Eat up
By watching your diet, you may be able
to help increase your chances of staying
engaged as you age. Try eating a healthy,
low solid-fat diet - one that is low in saturated
and trans fats - with lots of veggies
and fruits.
Know your blood pressure
High blood pressure in midlife can have
serious eff ects on your brain health down
the road. If your blood pressure is high,
talk to your doctor about how to get it
under control.
Drink moderately, if at all
Alcohol may aff ect older adults differently
than it had previously and even
make them feel “high” without increasing
the amount they drink. Th is can make
you more likely to become confused or
have accidents.
Get some shuteye
Poor sleep can not only have serious
physical eff ects but can impact memory
and thinking, too. Seven to eight hours
of sleep a night may help you keep your
brain healthy.
Discover a new talent
When you learn new things, you engage
your brain and help reduce some risks to
it. Challenge your brain on a regular basis
by trying something you haven’t done
before.
Stay connected
Regular engagement in social activities
may be good for your brain. Stay connected
and make it a point to keep in touch
with your family and friends.
Talk to your doctor
As you age, changes in brain function,
including short-term memory loss,
are expected. If you have questions or
concerns, ask your doctor at your next
appointment.
Mind your meds
A medication that didn’t trigger side
eff ects in the past can cause an abnormal
reaction and even change your cognitive
function as you age. Talk to your doctor
about all of your medications.
Maintain your balance
Regular balancing and strengthening
exercises may help reduce your chances
of a fall-related head injury. Work to
improve your balance and talk to your
doctor if you fall.
To learn more about steps that may
help keep your brain healthy, visit
BrainHealth.gov.
Courtesy BPT