The Alzheimer’s Association has set June as National Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
This holiday month has been established not just to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, but to promote healthy lifestyles that lead to healthy brains, and an overall better level of physical and mental health.
And that’s a great thing. Too often, we neglect our brains when we think about our overall physical health. You may be trying to eat healthily or exercise more – but when was the last time you thought about the health of your brain?
That’s what we thought! But the health of your brain is absolutely critical to your overall well-being.
So read on, and see 5 of the simplest ways you can ensure that your brain is happy and healthy. These tips may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life, and aid you in maintaining a healthier mind and body.
- Get Moving!
Exercise is one of the single most important ways you can fight back against Alzheimer’s, and develop a healthier brain.
A simple, low-impact exercise regimen as simple as walking 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk for issues like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a variety of other factors that have been shown to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
So if you want to keep your brain healthy, get out there – and get moving!
- Keep Your Heart Healthy
The heart-brain connection has often been overlooked – but understanding how the heart and the brain are linked is critical when it comes to maintaining a healthy brain.
Simply put, your heart is responsible for pumping blood all throughout your body, and that includes your brain. Because of this, heart problems can have a serious negative effect on your brain.
Issues like high blood pressure, uncontrolled blood sugar, high cholesterol, and other heart conditions have been shown to dramatically increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life, and lead to an overall lower level of brain health.
So if you have had heart issues in the past, or are worried about your risk of developing heart disease, take the appropriate steps to get treatment. Your heart – and your brain – will thank you.