We can protect our brain!
Protecting your brain is essential for function and longevity. The brain is an amazing organ weighing around three pounds, and it is said that it is the most complex structure on earth. The brain is involved in every aspect of our life, and a few examples include: decision-making, the storage and retrieval of memory, handling data from our senses, digestion, motion and movement, body temperature, and even blood pressure and heart rate. The brain has protective mechanisms to ensure its function and longevity such as the dura matter, the blood brain barrier, and a skull that is "so strong that, if it were placed on the ground and weight were applied very slowly, it could support as much as three tons" (Rolak, 2001, p.403). While all of this is true, the brain can still be injured from internal and external influences. Some examples of internal influences that can cause the destruction of brain tissue include: structural defects such as those that are caused at birth or by specific genes, certain diseases involving movement and balance, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, stroke and even lack of quality sleep. Some examples of external influences that may cause destruction of brain tissue involve trauma, toxic substances, over-hydration and under-hydration, poor diet, stress, sensory deprivation and social isolation. From the research, it looks as if there may be things that we can do to protect our brain from destruction. Simple efforts may include: fall prevention, reducing your stress levels, improving the quality of your sleep, adequate diet and hydration, reducing exposure to toxic substances, and more importantly being active and social with others. |
No comments:
Post a Comment