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Maintaining brain health starts with simple habits every man can build into daily life

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Maintaining brain health starts with simple habits every man can build into daily lifebr

What could be more important than brain health?

While men and women share many of the same brain health needs, there are a few key areas men should pay special attention to, especially when it comes to stress and risk-related behaviors.

Jeffrey Rosenfeld, PhD, MD, FAAN, professor of Neurology, director of the Center for Restorative Neurology and Associate Chairman in the Department of Neurology at Loma Linda University Health, says, “The good news is that maintaining brain health often comes down to common-sense habits.”

1. Lifestyle

Regular physical exercise, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and leafy greens, and getting enough quality sleep form the foundation of a healthy brain. Additionally, Rosenfeld emphasizes engaging in novel and intellectual activities that keep the mind sharp. These activities can include:

  • Trying a new hobby or sport

  • Traveling to unfamiliar places

  • Taking a new route to work

  • Reading different genres of books

  • Taking up a musical instrument

  • Solving puzzles or brain games you haven’t tried before

  • Learning a new language

2. Stress management

Men sometimes cope with stress differently from women, but managing it is just as critical. It's important for men to find healthy outlets, like exercising or practicing mindfulness, that can help protect the brain from long-term damage. 

Staying mentally and socially active is just as important as hitting the gym. “Engaging with neighbors, friends, and community can help protect against cognitive decline,” Rosenfeld says. 

3. Safety

If you're involved in high-risk activities, such as biking, construction work, or contact sports, protect your head. Something as simple as wearing a helmet can prevent serious brain injuries. 

4. Overall health

Managing overall health can help support the brain in the long-term. Rosenfeld suggests being aware of the following:

  • Blood pressure

  • Cholesterol

  • Blood sugar 

  • Weight management

For men, prioritizing brain health is about consistency in the basics and a little extra awareness of how lifestyle choices impact the mind. 

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