March 2024- Healthy Mind, Healthy Life Goals for Spring
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The 6-pillars of Brain Health According to the Cleveland Institute
Word of the Month – “Antioxidants” –Antioxidants are natural molecules that help protect cells against harmful free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals may be linked to dementia and other disease processes. Foods rich in free radical fighting antioxidants include leafy greens, nuts and berries.
As we enter spring, consider some goals and plans that include better health. The 6 pillars of brain health may help you navigate some areas of change. Even a few small changes can lead to better health for your body and your brain.
- PHYSICAL EXERCISE – Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 times a week. Physical exercise has been proven to help brain function.
- NUTRITION and HYDRATION – Consider following a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods, fish, whole grains. and healthy fats, such as olive oil. It incorporates less red meat and salt. For proper HYDRATION – consume half of your body weight in fluid ounces daily as is essential to brain and body health.
- MEDICAL HEALTH – Keep regular Dr visits and take medications as prescribed. Make healthy life choices to prevent and manage medical conditions
- SLEEP AND RELAXATION – Aim for 7-8 consecutive hours of sleep a night. Incorporate regular activities that are conducive to relaxation
- MENTAL EXERCISE – Exercise your brains just as you do your muscles. Challenge your brain through brain games, word or jigsaw puzzles, learn something new.
- SOCIALIZATION – Build a strong social network. People who maintain good social support tend to do better cognitively.