In a recent edition of the Cincinnati Enquirer, there was a great article on keeping our brains healthy as we age.  The article was based on a report from the Institute of Medicine on “cognitive aging,” which is the “changes in memory, thinking speed, decision-making, problem-solving and learning that most people notice as they age.”

There were essentially three pieces of advice from the expert panel that published this report:

• Get more exercise
• Control your risks for cardiovascular disease
• Be aware of medical conditions and medications that can impair your thinking

Exercising throughout your life is important, but the older you get the the studies indicate an improvement in thinking tests, especially in middle-aged and older adults.  Don’t let excuses prevent you from starting today, even if it’s the smallest of steps.  A healthy lifestyle is a journey, not a destination.

Eating a balanced diet of nutritious food is key to maintaining a healthy weight.  This plays a significant role in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.  Not smoking is another major factor in controlling your risks for cardiovascular disease.  Being acutely aware of what you eat and how you live will help to keep your aging brain healthy.

Did you know that conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea contribute to cognitive decline? And that certain medications such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, and some sedating antihistamines have been linked to this decline as well?  Many of the chronic conditions we face today are simply the result of a poor diet and lack of exercise.  We can reverse this trend by making better choices for ourselves.  Maintaining brain health as we age is very important based on a recent survey that was conducted by the AARP.  93% of the respondents stated that brain health was “very or extremely important” but, ironically, “few knew how to protect it.”

The answer is simple, have an active lifestyle and eat a nutrient rich diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.  Many times it’s that first step that is the hardest, because we’re not sure where to start.  That is when a practice like Damron Chiropractic & Wellness is ideal.  Offering you the resources to take that first step, in an environment that addresses the entire body through not only chiropractic care, but massage therapy, rehabilitation services, and personal training.  Working together we can ensure a proper foundation is in place for long-term health and wellness – especially for your brain.