Pennsylvania Ranks in the Middle for Best Brain Health

As life expectancy increases, maintaining a healthy brain becomes more and more important to both mental and physical health. With that as a backdrop, a study by Life Extension discloses that Pennsylvania ranks 26th overall among the states for the best brain health. Some individual statistics reveal that approximately 70 percent of Pennsylvanians eat fruit and vegetables every day, and nearly 76 percent exercise on a regular basis, but 39 percent do not get enough sleep.

In addition, the CDC reports that nearly 6 million Americans suffer from dementia, and while there is no cure, augmenting brain health may help prevent it.

Some ways to do that include:

• Maintain healthy eating by following the Mediterranean diet – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats from fish, olive oil, avocado, and nuts

• Supplement where necessary with vitamins and minerals

• Make it a priority to get not just enough sleep, but quality sleep

• Accept the challenge of learning something new – a new language, a new instrument, a new hobby – to keep your mind sharp