INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.
Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, welcomed Dr. Ann Hester to provide another commentary in a series.
The Dr. Ann Hester Commentaries
When most people think about getting older, they may worry about wrinkles, aching joints, or expanding waistlines. But perhaps the most vital organ to protect as we age is one we rarely think about until something goes wrong: the brain.
But, there’s good news, really good news. Your brain is far more adaptable than scientists once believed. Research shows that the human brain can form new connections throughout life. This process is known as neuroplasticity. In other words, many of the choices you make every day can help support your memory, focus, learning, and long-term cognitive health.
Let’s look at some practical ways to keep your brain performing at its best.
Move Your Body, Boost Your Brain
Exercise is one of the most powerful brain-health tools we have, and it’s free. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivers oxygen and nutrients, and may even help stimulate the growth of new brain cells.
Fortunately, you don’t need to become a marathon runner. A brisk walk, dancing in your living room, gardening, or swimming all count. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week), and include strength-training exercises twice weekly, if able.
Feed Your Brain Wisely
Since your brain consumes about 20% of your body’s energy, what you eat matters.
Focus on foods that nourish rather than inflame. Colorful fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats provide nutrients that support brain function. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like walnuts and flaxseeds, may be particularly beneficial.
At the same time, try to reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. What benefits your heart often benefits your brain as well.
Prioritize Sleep
In this high-achieving society, many people wear sleep deprivation like a badge of honor. Unfortunately, your brain disagrees.
During sleep, your brain performs essential housekeeping functions, like consolidating memories and clearing waste products that accumulate throughout the day. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to impaired concentration, reduced memory, and an increased risk of cognitive decline.
Most adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.
Challenge Your Mind
Just as muscles grow stronger when challenged, your brain thrives on learning.
Read books, learn a language, take a class, play a musical instrument, work puzzles, or develop a new hobby. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s stimulation. Novel experiences encourage the brain to create new neural pathways.
Stay Connected
One of the most overlooked brain-health strategies is maintaining meaningful relationships.
Social connection stimulates multiple brain regions and may help protect against cognitive decline. Loving encounters cause the brain to release a hormone called oxytocin, which counteracts the pro-inflammatory hormone cortisol. Make time for family, friends, volunteer work, faith communities, or social groups. A simple conversation can provide more brain stimulation than many people realize.
Manage Stress Before It Manages You
Occasional stress is part of life, but chronic stress is another story.
Persistently elevated stress hormones can negatively affect memory, concentration, and mood. Daily practices such as deep breathing, prayer, meditation, time in nature, exercise, or simply unplugging from technology can help reduce stress levels.
Your brain is your command center. The choices you make today can influence how clearly you think, learn, remember, and engage with life tomorrow. The best time to start protecting your brain isn’t someday—it’s today.
Ann M. Hester, M.D. is a board-certified internist with over 25 years of experience. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Dr. Hester believes when patients are taught exceptional “patient skills,” they become empowered to play a previously unimagined role in optimizing their medical care and minimizing medical costs. Her mission is to share these critical skills by various means, thereby improving patient outcomes and strengthening the U.S. healthcare system. This mission started in medical school when she witnessed the tremendous gap between how patients and doctors think. Over the years, she has written various patient empowerment pieces online and through books. Her latest book is Patient Empowerment 101: More than a book, it’s an adventure! This unique work takes an unprecedented step in helping people think more like doctors and position themselves at the center of their healthcare team.
Learn more at https://www.patientempowerment101.com.
Connect with her through social media:
Twitter: @patientworldnet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patientempowerment101 https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhester/
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