Richard Faull ONZM FRSNZ Rutherford Medallist 2007 Presents The Marvels of the Human Brain
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PDFProfessor Richard Faull will hold talks in Timaru on Thursday September 11 and in Nelson on Friday September 12
Professor Richard Faull ONZM FRSNZ Rutherford Medallist 2007 Presents: The Marvels of the Human Brain.
How exercise, sleeping well, managing stress a balanced diet, strong networks and a mental workout can help you brain stay healthy.
Exercise the body
Physical exercise has a protective effect on the brain and its mental processes, and may even help
prevent dementia. Regular exercise promotes cardio-vascular health, boosts levels of brain-protective
chemicals and reduces stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes exercise a day.
Adequate sleep
Sleep recharges the brain and allows the body to rest and heal. While we sleep our brain consolidates
memories. Inadequate sleep affects the way our brain cells function and can raise the risk of stroke and
depression. About 7 to 9 hours a night is ideal.
Manage stress
High levels of chronic stress are not only bad for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other physical
ailments, but it also wears away at brain fitness and overall memory performance. We can't entirely
eliminate stress from our lives, but we can minimize it to improve brain health and memory ability.
Balanced diet
Our brains need a well-balanced, low cholesterol, low saturated fat diet. Studies have shown that foods
rich in Omega-3 are good for the brain so include fish in your diet. Enjoy caffeine and alcohol in
moderation and as a general rule, good nutrition for the body is good nutrition for the brain.
Stay socially connected
Maintaining friends and social networks can help keep our brains healthy as we age. Living life to the
fullest and having fun is an easy prescription to follow.
Mental Workout
Use it or lose it! Keeping the brain active seems to increase its vitality and may build its reserves of
brain cells and connections. You could even generate new brain cells. Stay curious and involved
commit to lifelong learning to keep those brain cells working