Improve your mental health use your brain

IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH - use your brain

By Dr Jason Culp, Research and Development Director, Chiva Som Health Resort, Thailand.

If you had to choose between good physical health or good cognitive function, which would you choose? It may come as surprise that more people fear losing their mind than their physical health.

Those who’ve had the unfortunate experience of witnessing a loved one slip away from Alzheimer’s disease, understand too well about the major detriment that cognitive decline has on all aspects of health and wellbeing. Although we can’t be certain of the future, the great news is there are simple and practical ways of promoting brain health and cognitive function. Additionally, there are specific lifestyle practices which can help to ‘grow the brain’ (or at least form new nerves and neural connections in the brain). This phenomenon is known as “neurogenesis” (neuro meaning nerve, and genesis, create new).

Here are 5 simple and effective ways to promote brain health and help preserve cognitive function:

Types of Dietary Fats: Laboratory tests suggest that excess consumption of foods which contain high amounts of trans fats – a form of damaged fat found in over processed and oxidised foods – can significantly decrease neurogenesis in the brain’s memory storage center, the hippocampus. Fortunately, a diet that’s high in unsaturated fats, such as Omega 3, 6, and 9, can help promote the production of new neurons in the brain. Omega fats can be found in salmon, tuna, raw walnuts, cold-pressed olive oil, and freshly-ground flax seeds.

Physical Activity: Exercise has been shown to elevate moods and improve cognition as well. Just 30 minutes per day of sustained, aerobic activity can have a positive impact on nerve growth and brain function. Other forms of physical activity have demonstrated protective effects against dementia onset, but only sustained aerobic activity promotes neurogenesis.

Adequate Sleep: Studies show that sleep is crucial for learning retention by promoting the growth of new nerve connections. This process is called “neuroplasticity” and takes place each time we learn a new skill or habit. Sleep deprivation – not enough sleep – is one of the most powerful inhibitors of new nerve growth

PAPAKURA

257C Great South Road, Papakura

THE SAME DAY DENTURE

Using modern technology and the latest materials our team can have your new dentures made within one day!*

*Conditions apply

BOMBAY

362 Hillview Road, Bombay

and connection. The suggested amount of adequate sleep is between 6 – 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Non-Dominant Hand Exercises:

Using your non-dominant hand to do simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, drinking your coffee (not too hot!), or messaging on the phone, can help form new nerve connections. These cognitive exercises, also known as neurobics, strengthen the connection between the nerve cells in the brain. The practice of nondominant hand exercises has also been shown to improve emotional health and impulse control.

Learn a Musical Instrument:

It’s long been acknowledged that music has a positive impact on the brain but, in recent times, we’ve been able to visualise the effects of music using brain scans. Studies have demonstrated greater connectivity between different brain regions in musicians. The combination of movements with sounds and visual patterns leads to enhanced neuroplasticity (nerve connections) as well. Therefore, pick up a new instrument and practice daily to help preserve brain health!

You get the capital gain. It’s only fair.

At Karaka Pines Villages we believe it’s only fair that if you sell your home, you should be the one to benefit from its growth in value - not us. Homes at Karaka Pines Lifetyle Estate are of highquality and feature generous living spaces - especially good if you like to look after ‘little visitors’ both now and in the future. If you like the sound of all of that and want to protect your investment, why not visit one of our brand new show homes and see the new standard in retirement living. Just follow the flags to find us.

SHOWHOME NOW OPEN

MON-FRI 9AM-4PM OR CALL FOR A PRIVATE TOUR

KARAKA LIFESTYLE ESTATE | 333 BREMNER ROAD, DRURY | CHRISTINA 027 208 9515 Karaka Pines Villages in Auckland | Rototuna | Hamilton | Tauranga | Rotorua | Christchurch

All Welcome

FRANKLINS RESTAURANT

Fantastic meals at club prices! Featuring Surf n Turf, Snapper and Chips, Gourmet Burgers plus pasta and weekly specials. You don’t need to be a member of the Club to enjoy a meal in our restaurant, everyone is welcome! Bookings preferred. Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

The Franklin Club 7 East St, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 9465 www.franklinclub.co.nz

KAT7221-v2

SUNDAY MARKETS

Weddings – Birthdays or any special occasions

RED SHED PALAZZO

WINNER Rural Cafe of the Year. Recommending this cafe is easy – the food and service are that good and directions couldn’t be more straight forward: head along Karaka Rd and look out for the big... red shed! Along with their team, Paul (a chef with 30 years’ experience) and Kristina Smith serve quality food amidst beautiful, family and animal friendly, garden surrounds. Creative breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas, gourmet-style lunches and moreish cakes are all on offer at this fully licensed slice of rural paradise. OPEN 5 days 8.30am-4.00pm Wednesday-Sunday

16 Jesmond Rd (just off Karaka Rd), Drury Phone 09 294 6687 www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

PalazzoRed Shed SAY IT WITH GUYLIAN

There’s nothing like the unforgettable taste sensation of famous sea shell Guylian Chocolates! Originating from an exceptional blend of West African cocoa and using 100% pure cocoa butter to provide a rich, creamy, melt in your mouth texture, Guylian Chocolates should be savoured slowly. The signature toasted Hazelnut Praliné filling, invented by founder Guy Foubert, is still used today – fresh Mediterranean hazelnuts gently roasted until they reach the perfect level of caramelisation – delicious! You’ll know a true Guylian sea shell chocolate by its G-stamp of quality. Available from a store near you.

CON0097-v3

STAMPEDE BAR & GRILL

Stampede Bar & Grill is an authentic Western-style Bar and Restaurant in an exciting saloon-style environment. Try our mouth watering menu on western saddle seats in an authentic Wild West décor. Let loose with a boot stompin’ boogie to one of our DJs and bands and enjoy the most elaborately themed bar in town! Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am till late with DJ’s every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For the best steaks in town, a fantastic wine list, large open fire and two big screens for sports matches. Come along and enjoy!

238 Great South Road, Papakura Ph 09 297 8991 www.facebook.com/StampedeNZ