Saturday, May 03, 2025

You Ocean's Eleven - PPE and Lifestyle

Your team

Tips to Protect Brain Health

Click on any cell to reveal the doctor who suggested the tip. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment.

Tip Domain How it helps
Wear a Helmet
Dr. Eva Feldman
PPE
Dr. Eva Feldman
Head injuries from trauma can cause long-term cognitive issues and even dementia. Wearing a helmet during activities like biking or skiing greatly reduces this risk. Helmets are critical even when not required by law.
Dr. Eva Feldman
Put in earplugs when you’re mowing the lawn
Dr. Elizabeth Bevins, Dr. Shlee Song
PPE
Dr. Elizabeth Bevins
Hearing loss has been strongly associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Using earplugs or earmuffs around loud noises helps preserve hearing and protects the brain's auditory processing areas. Regular hearing checks and using hearing aids consistently can further support brain health.
Dr. Elizabeth Bevins
Get your eyes checked
Dr. Shlee Song
Lifestyle
Dr. Shlee Song
Vision impairment has been linked to increased risk of dementia. Eye exams and corrective measures like glasses or surgery help keep visual input active and engaging. The brain performs better when all sensory systems remain in use.
Dr. Shlee Song
Take a walk, and swap your chair for a stool
Dr. Cyrus Raji, Dr. Kevin Bickart
Lifestyle
Dr. Kevin Bickart
Physical activity improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. Even brief exercise like walking half a mile daily offers protective effects. Minimizing sedentary behavior and using core-engaging seating supports brain function further.
Dr. Cyrus Raji, Dr. Kevin Bickart
Manage your cholesterol
Dr. Fernando Testai
Lifestyle
Dr. Fernando Testai
High LDL cholesterol can harden arteries and limit blood supply to the brain, increasing stroke and dementia risk. A diet rich in legumes, fruits, and vegetables helps maintain healthy levels. Exercise, weight control, and medications like statins are also beneficial.
Dr. Fernando Testai
Floss every day
Dr. Shlee Song
Lifestyle
Dr. Shlee Song
Oral infections can lead to sinus issues and even brain-related complications. Gum disease is also associated with higher dementia risk. Daily flossing, brushing, and dental checkups help prevent such issues.
Dr. Shlee Song
Join a book club
Dr. Jessica Choi
Lifestyle
Dr. Jessica Choi
Social isolation can lead to depression and faster cognitive decline. Joining clubs or even monthly dinners keeps social circuits active. A strong support system is linked to better health outcomes.
Dr. Jessica Choi
Wear a mask on smoggy or smoky days
Deborah Cory-Slechta
PPE
Deborah Cory-Slechta
Airborne pollutants can reach the brain and cause chemical changes that affect cognition. Wearing N95 or surgical masks and using indoor air filters reduces exposure. This is especially important on days with poor air quality or wildfire smoke.
Deborah Cory-Slechta
Watch your neck
Dr. Shlee Song
PPE
Dr. Shlee Song
The neck supplies essential blood flow to the brain, and injuries can cause clots or oxygen deprivation. Avoid aggressive massage techniques or sudden neck movements. Always wear a seatbelt and see a doctor if injury is suspected.
Dr. Shlee Song
Sleep well
Dr. Eva Feldman
Lifestyle
Dr. Eva Feldman
Sleep consolidates memories and clears toxins from the brain. Poor sleep is linked to cognitive decline. Addressing sleep disorders or disturbances can yield major brain benefits.
Dr. Eva Feldman
Be Food Smart Lifestyle Inflammatory foods may negatively affect brain health over time. Getting tested for allergies and reducing sugar can be helpful. Understanding your caffeine tolerance also supports restful sleep and cognitive clarity.

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