Stay Active, Eat Healthy & Challenge Your Brain
Discover new ways to cope with the familiar, and not so familiar, challenges through specially designed community health classes, support groups, and HealthSpeak - Northridge Hospital's free health magazine.
One prescription for long-lasting health and well being is to: stay physically active, eat healthy, challenge your mind, and stay involved with others. Studies show that people who exercise their body and mind with hobbies, classes and other social and intellectual interests live longer.
Like a muscle, your brain grows when you use it and weakens when you neglect it. Explore a subject that has always interested you. This could be a foreign language, creative writing or playing chess. Variety keeps your days interesting and your mind sharp.
Keep moving.
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. This helps keep your heart fit, your arteries open, your bones strong and your brain clear. Talk with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.
Cultivate friendships. Social contact can help keep the brain active. Volunteer. People who volunteer say that they make new friends as well as help others.
Eat Breakfast. It'll keep your mind sharp. A morning meal can help improve your mood, concentration, and ability to problem-solve. Studies show that students have higher test scores and pay attention better in class when they eat breakfast.
Get enough sleep. The brain needs downtime. If you don't get enough rest, you just don't function as well, mentally or physically.
Light up your life. Natural or full-spectrum light helps your brain function at its best, lifts fatigue and, for many people, eases depression. If you work under fluorescent lighting, take a walk outdoors during breaks or lunchtime. If you use a computer, look through a window and focus on a distant object every 20 to 30 minutes.
The choices are many, and the benefits are excellent. Our online library is your complete guide to being well and staying healthy.
