T.J. Samson | Destination Health | February 2019

February 2019 5 8 7 Stay social. Connecting with others helps improve brain health and also your overall sense of well-being. So exercise with a neighbor, make a lunch date with an old friend or invite a co-worker over for dinner. You might volunteer too, since working with others builds bonds while you’re doing something meaningful. And if your circle of friends and family is fairly small, you’ll meet other people with shared interests and values. Don’t ignore a TIA. That stands for transient ischemic attack , which you might know as a mini-stroke. During a TIA, blood flow to the brain is blocked for often less than five minutes— much less time than in a major stroke—and usually there’s no lasting damage. But don’t let the word mini lull you into complacency. About 15 percent of all major strokes are preceded by a TIA. Strokes and TIAs share these signs and symptoms, though they pass quickly in a TIA: ●  ● Numbness or weakness in your face, arm or leg, especially on one side of your body. ●  ● Trouble talking or understanding what others are saying. ●  ● Trouble seeing out of one or both of your eyes. ●  ● Loss of balance or coordination. ●  ● Severe headache for no known reason. Call 911 if you experience any of these signs or symptoms, no matter how fleet- ing. A TIA is a medical emergency. You need to be evaluated. And while it’s a red flag for a future stroke, it is also a chance to work with your doctor to help prevent one—and protect your brain. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Heart Association; American Stroke Association; Alzheimer’s Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HelpGuide; Mental Health America; National Institute on Aging 6 Challenge your mind. Mental stimulation is a real brain booster. So challenge yourself by learning a new skill or hobby. Do mental mathematics rather than reaching for a calculator. Play a strategic game like chess. And consider signing up for a course at a nearby college or community center. Formal education, in par- ticular, can help keep your brain healthy. With every mental challenge, you’re establishing what’s called cognitive reserve, which means you’re helping your brain become more adaptable to some mental func- tions. As a result, your brain can compensate for age-related changes and health con- ditions that may affect it. 5 Get enough shut-eye. Too little sleep can hamper your memory and thinking. You’re coming up short if you’re not getting seven to nine hours of ZZZs every night. To get the rest you need, wind down with a calming bedtime routine like soaking in a warm bath. And stick to a sleep schedule by tucking in and getting up at the same time, even on weekends. Volunteering is a great way to stimulate your brain and help keep it healthy. We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers. To learn more, call 270-651-4191 .