"Boost Your Brain: 5 Essential Habits for Healthy Aging"

 Five brain-healthy habits to adopt during Healthy Aging Month  

September is Healthy Aging Month, and in celebration of this, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America has suggested five brain-healthy habits that promote healthy aging and reduce the risk of  dementia. 

"Building good habits, even in small increments, can go a long way to promoting healthy aging and good brain health," said Dr. Alison B. Reese, a member of AFA's Medicine, Science and Memory Screening Advisory Committee, in a press release. . "A few essential steps that work for you can make a positive differentiate. Sound Developing Month is the come full circle time to start."

AFA empowers people to take the taking after five brain-healthy steps: 

- Get out of the house. Don't sit in front of the TV or computer all day. Get some fresh air and enjoy some time in nature. 

– Vitamin D is important for your brain. People with low Vitamin D levels  are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The most common source of Vitamin D is sunlight, but many people avoid it. Milk is fortified with Vitamin D, but many yogurt brands are not. So, check the label. Mushrooms are also a good source of natural Vitamin D, making them a great nutritional option, especially for vegans. 

– Avoid empty calories. If you have a sweet craving, make sure it contains at least some nutritional value and ingredients that give you a feeling of fullness, rather than just eating sweet or junk food. Good examples include strawberries or banana slices dipped in chocolate (this at least gives you  fruit),  peanut butter and chocolate combinations, nut and chocolate mixtures, brownie recipes with beans and zucchini, etc. 

– Avoid head injuries. Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of developing dementia, but it is a big problem that can be avoided by caution, helmets and other headgear, seat belts, fall prevention measures, etc. People who have had a concussion should follow all the protocols provided by their doctor and take all precautions to avoid having a concussion again. 

- Stay in touch with friends and family. Nurture relationships. These connections enrich your life and give you something to think about. Combat loneliness with a support network.