A Proactive Brain Health Lifestyle Can Keep Your Mind Young and Sharp
By Paul D. Nussbaum, Ph.D.

The single greatest most miraculous part of you is your brain. Weighing 2-4 pounds, comprised of 60% fat, and demanding 25% of the blood from each heartbeat, your brain produces your every thought, movement, and emotion. Your brain is also the seat of your identity and holds your life story.
Your brain can be shaped for health if you lead a proactive brain health lifestyle. My brain health lifestyle® includes five domains: Physical Activity, Mental Stimulation, Socialization, Spirituality, and Nutrition. Consider engaging in some of the following research-based activities on a daily basis:

Physical Activity
• Walk 10,000 steps daily
• Dance
• Aerobic Exercise
• Knit
• Garden

Mental Stimulation
• Learn a new Language
• Sign Language
• Travel
• Play an Instrument
• Board Games
• www.Fitbrains.com
• Read and Write

Socialization
• Remain Involved in your Community
• Do not Isolate
• Make new Friends
• Be Forgiving
• Do not Retire
• Have a Reason and Purpose in Life

Spirituality
• Slow your Life Down to Reduce Stress
• Learn Relaxation Procedures
• Meditate
• Pray Daily
• Attend a Formal Place of Worship Regularly
• Get More Sleep

Nutrition
• Consume more Fish such as Salmon and Herring
• Consume 5 servings of Fruits and Vegetables
• Eat less Processed Foods
• Eat less Tran fatty Foods
• Eat less
• Eat with Utensils
• Have one sit down Meal a Day

A proactive brain health lifestyle® can help to shape your brain for health across your entire lifespan. While we do not have a cure or even a prevention for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s we can all learn more about our brains and begin to take care of the most important part of us!

Dr. Paul Nussbaum is a neuropsychologist and international expert on brain health. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He can be reached at drnuss@zoominternet.net or (412) 471-1195 or visit www.paulnussbaum.com.

Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health. All rights reserved.