The Harvard Men’s Health Watch is an eight-page monthly newsletter that charges 24 bucks a year for the print version, but gives away the basics of one article online. This month, the freebie is about How to Keep Your Braiin Young. Harvard gives us these nine tips:
* Get mental stimulation: Brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells. Read, draw, take classes, and explore new hobbies.
* Get physical exercise: Exercise increases the number of blood vessels that bring blood to the region of the brain responsible for thought. It also spurs the development of new nerve cells. In one study, for every mile a woman walked each day, her risk of cognitive decline dropped by 13%.
* Improve your diet: A reduced-calorie diet has been linked to a lower risk of mental decline. Also remember your Bs: folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. These can help lower homocysteine levels. High homocysteine has been linked to an increase risk of dementia.
* Improve your blood pressure: High blood pressure in midlife increases the risk of cognitive decline.
* Improve your cholesterol: High levels of LDL (“bad†cholesterol) increase the risk of dementia, as do low levels of HDL (“good†cholesterol).
* Avoid tobacco: According to one study, smoking doubles the risk of dementia.
* Don’t abuse alcohol: Excessive drinking is a major risk factor for dementia. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to two drinks per day.
* Protect your head: Moderate to severe head injuries early in life increase the risk of cognitive impairment.
* Build social networks: One study linked frequent social interactions with a 42% reduction in dementia risk.
that is so totally wierd and boguss.