What’s the easiest, quickest way to increase your brainpower?

Stand up right now and go for a walk. But, read this first. A new study recently found that going for a 30 minute walk every day can cut your risk of memory loss and Alzheimer’s by a whopping 50 percent!

How come? Walking maintains your brain size. Increased blood flow and oxygen supply to your neurons prevents brain shrinkage that can occur as you age.

Also, consider this: 

• Walking is free. 
• Walking does not stress your joints. 
• When you travel, walking is the best way to explore. 
• Regular walking lessens your chances of diabetes. 
• Walking perks up your mood and adds energy. 
• Walking is good for your heart. And, what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. 
• Regular walkers have fewer strokes than their sedentary peers. 

The relationship between walking and brain health is clear. So, here’s what I did: I read several times that 10, 000 steps are needed every day for basic brain and heart health. I wasn’t really sure how many daily steps I was getting. So, I got a pedometer. My pedometer cost 35.00. It has a motion detector and I just put in my front pocket and off I go. Here’s the interesting part. The first few days I got in around 10, 000 steps. I was quite pleased when I hit 12, 000 one day. Then, the number started heading up and it kept going. It is rare now that I don’t get in 20, 000 daily steps. And, it doesn’t seem like I’m doing anything different. Just having the pedometer in my pocket seems to nudge by lobes to get up and move more.

Remember, speed matters. Pick up the pace a little…… Even simply standing up is good for your brain: Stand Up for your Brain!

This Brain Bulletin was brought to you by, Terry Small, “the Brainguy”, Learning Skills Specialist and partner of Cezars Kitchen.