Trouble focusing? Brain fatigue? Frustrating forgetfulness? Is this you? If it is, you know all too well how difficult it is to live well if you don't have a fully functioning brain to do it with. In short, if your brain is not well, you are not well. 

The Alzheimer's League tells us that more than 500,000 Canadians presently suffer from dementia. No one plans for cognitive decline, but  it certainly happens. Luckily, neuroscience has answers and there is great hope and optimism for people of all ages.

If you've ever heard that you use only 10 percent of your brain or that you can't grow new brain cells or that your brain can't change, you've been misinformed. These statements are simply not true. They are old myths.  Don't believe them.

Two great discoveries are changing the way we live: neurogenesis and plasticity.

Neurogenesis and plasticity
Now a widely accepted theory, neurogenesis means that your brain can grow new brain cells.  When? Absolutely everyday and at any age. The easiest and simplest way to grow new cells is through movement and exercise. Neuroscientists are piling up research that clearly states that physical movement and aerobic exercise are absolutely necessary for achieving optimal brain functioning and good health.

Plasticity is the new frontier of hope. It means that your brain is constantly changing.  You have a choice between brain wellness and fitness or disease and pathology.

Brain research is the hottest science on earth. Find out more and avoid the wave of dementia sweeping the country.  You are responsible for your brain. There are no magic pills.  Prevention is the key. 

Tips for brain health
Drink up. Since your brain is made up of mostly water, sip clean, filtered throughout the day.  Brain dehydration is a huge, underestimated health problem. 

Gets lots of oxygen. Air is a key element for brain health.

Feed your brain with a nutritious, life supporting diet of fresh, natural foods.

Keep life interesting. Your brain craves novelty and challenge. Novelty keeps your brain fully functioning by keeping the regulatory system for plasticity working. 

Sleep well. Over time, sleep deprivation destroys the bio-integrity of your brain.

Laugh a lot. A laughing brain is a healthy brain.

Keep learning. To grow your brain, you have to use it.  If you are not learning, your brain does not grow.

Get moving. The brain needs your body to move. Get physical and enjoy aerobic exercise.

Gary Anaka is a brain-based learning facilitator. He believes in wellness through education. His latest book is Brain Wellness: The Secrets for Longevity.  For more information visit www.braincoach.ca or call (250) 753-0688.

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