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Getting Healthy with Joy
Boosting Your Brain Power
Thank you for your feedback on my last four newsletters (Water, Weight Management, Physical Activity and Lifestyle
Changes). I'm glad you are finding the topics informative and helpful because that's my goal. I strive to keep the
newsletter brief, while also giving you food-for-thought so you are motivated to make decisions that can improve
your health.
Besides my thoughts on certain topics, in upcoming newsletters you'll read a variety of information from different
perspectives. I may read an interesting article and share some of it with you, or I will interview holistic and
medical doctors, or other health professionals, about health related matters I feel you should know about.
Today, we'll talk about Boosting Your Brain Power. I've selected some references from an article written by Dr.
Jordan K. Davis, M.D. "Six Ways to Save Your Brain." According to Dr. Davis, who is a neurosurgeon, brain cells
can be regenerated - especially with the right "brain food" and lifestyle choices. Here are a few tips on keeping
brain cells going strong for a lifetime
1. USE IT OR LOSE IT
Keep your brain active by learning new things; play chess, take piano lessons, take dancing lessons, or challenge
your brain with word, math, and crossword puzzles.
2. GET MOVING
Walk for a minimum of 15 minutes at least three days a week. Doesn't have to be outside, you can walk inside.
3. HYDRATE YOUR DAY
Drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Try swapping those coffee or soda breaks for water, or keep a liter
bottle of water on your desk or counter top, and make it a goal to drink two bottles a day.
4. EAT AN ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LOW-GLYCEMIC DIET
Focus on low GI foods, such as whole grains, and cruciferous and dark-green leafy vegetables; foods highest in
antioxidants include small red beans, wild blueberries, artichoke hearts, and cranberries. Insulin plays a
major role in long-term brain health. A hormone essential for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, insulin
is important to human health. Antioxidants protect the cells components by neutralizing free radicals. Insulin
can damage cells crucial to cognitive ability, memory and long-term health.
5. TAKE B VITAMINS
B vitamins dissolve in water; the body doesn't store them, so they require constant replenishing. The B vitamins
are enormously important in preserving your health. Among their many functions, they help maintain optimal brain
function by fighting homocysteine, which is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
6. STRESS LESS
Whatever the source of stress in your life, the overall toll is the same - wear and tear on your body and brain.
Stress can be a positive influence when it forces people to change their lives and their outlook and forge a
balance for the better. But, stress acts as a negative influence that is reflected in anger, depression, distrust
or rejection. This is where the mind and body clash: headaches, hypertension, insomnia, ulcers, etc. One of the
best strategies for managing stress is reflecting on the good things in your life.
Sounds like we covered a lot of this material in previous newsletters, but it don't hurt to revisit or reconfirm
information. On August 23, I'll share information from my interview with Alan Tillotson, Chrysalis Natural Medicine
Center, Wilmington, DE.
Joy
Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition and Wellness Adviser
Send questions or comments to:
Exercise with Joy
P.O. Box 11964
Wilmington, DE 19850
edwards@delaware.net
Disclaimer: The information and opinion provided in the above article is believed to be accurate
and presented for informational purpose only and is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any
illness or condition. The author assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any
liability assumed by the author for damages resulting from the use of or the information contained
herein. Information presented in this article should never take the place of consultation with
your personal physician.
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Announcements
Are you a young poet wanting to be heard?
If so, please contact Renay A. Mercer, Community Programs Manager at the Delaware Art Museum, 302-571-9590,
ext. 545 or rmercer@delart.org. We are in search of young people (under the age of 18 years old)
to perform their own material in downtime during our ArtSpeaks program Friday,
September 7, 2007, 6:30-8:00 pm. There is no cost to perform, and it is great exposure.
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Calling All Young Leaders (ages 10-18)
All youth in New Castle County ages 10-18 are welcome to participate in NULITES. NULITES is the National Urban League
Incentives To Excel & Succeed nationwide youth initiative. This program focuses on community service, leadership development,
and college/career opportunities. Please contact Deea Ellis (deea_ellis@yahoo.com) or call (302)622-4300 for an application.
Completed applications are due August 15, 2007.
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FREE. Community listings include churches,
alumni associations, community groups, non-profits, and
fraternities and sororities.
Events posted to our
calendar are FREE for
businesses and community organizations listed in our
directory.
Interested in submitting an article regarding an issue that affects African
Americans in Delaware or an article for an upcoming event? Email Us!
Tell us what you think! Problems? Questions?
Email:
info@delawareblack.com
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Upcoming Events
8-24 Elite Women 4th Anniv. Celebration - Special Event
8-25 Free Pampering Event - Community Event
8-26 Harambee Festival - Community Event
8-26 The August Quarterly Festival - Community Event
8-28 Bringing Healthy Back - Seminar/Workshop
9-07 Art Speaks FINALE - Poetry/Spoken Word
9-29 AKA-Sigma Zeta Omega Women's Business Expo - Comm. Event
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