What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. In fact, one of the best things we all can do for our heart and brain is to move.
Dr. Paul Nussbaum, National Director of Brain Health for Brookdale Senior Living recently wrote about this very subject.
Here’s what he had to say:
Exercise has been shown “to increase the volume of our hippocampus, the structure deep inside our temporal lobes critical to memory and new learning.
“Indeed, we have learned that children who exercise regularly earn better grades and reduce their risk of obesity. Middle age and older adults who exercise regularly reduce their risk of dementia and heart disease. A recent study even indicated that our thinking about exercise actually stimulates our A recent study muscles to grow stronger and even help to delay atrophy.
“A brisk 20-minute walk daily can add significant value to our overall health, brain health, heart health, and even longevity.
“Sedentary behavior, on the other hand, can be quite harmful to our body and our brains. Passive and sedentary behavior does not stimulate or challenge the brain and can reduce overall circulation to the brain. Recall that every time the heart beats, 25 percent of the blood goes directly to the brain!
“Movement is so important to our cognitive, emotional, and physical health. Try to use 2015 as a year to be more physically active, to walk more, to dance more, and to think about physical activity more. Your heart and brain will thank you.”
