Take Brain Health to Heart | South Carolina Department of Public Health

Brain holding up yellow sign that reads 'Take Brain Health to Heart'

We all want to stay healthy and independent as we get older. Some health choices that you make now can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Cognitive decline refers to the gradual loss of mental abilities, such as thinking, learning, and remembering.

To see different ways to reduce risk of cognitive decline, click on the topics below:

Heart and Brain Connection Strong Body and Healthy Diet Quitting Smoking Avoiding Social Isolation Head Protection Other Ways to Protect Your Brain Resources

The Heart and Brain Connection

Heart and Brain both with thought bubble that reads 'We're in this together'

Lowering your chance of heart disease and stroke can positively impact your brain.
Keep your blood pressure low to reduce your risk of heart attack and increase blood flow to your brain.
Diabetes may increase your risk of dementia. Visit your doctor regularly to actively manage your diabetes.
Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity in middle age may cause problems that disrupt the blood supply needed for a healthy brain.

Strong Body and Healthy Diet

Heart runnign and brain lifting up weight and apple

Get regular physical activity that raises your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body.
Eat a balanced diet with less fat and more fruits and vegetables.
Enjoy an active lifestyle by walking with friends, dancing, or gardening. With every step, you help reduce your risk for cognitive decline.

Quitting Smoking

Brain and heart both gray because they are smoking cigarettes

Smoking may increase your risk of cognitive decline, and the use of other tobacco products may cause heart problems, high blood pressure, and feelings of depression or anxiety.
It’s never too late to quit smoking. Quitting at any age benefits the health of your brain and body.
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Avoiding Social Isolation

Social Isolation and being disconnected has a comparable health risk similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.¹
In South Carolina, more than 50% of people that have subjective cognitive decline also reported feeling socially isolated.²
Recreation centers, faith-based groups, and volunteer programs for seniors can help decrease your risk of feeling lonely and depressed, while also improving your brain health.

Head Protection and Brain Injury Prevention

Recognize the signs of a brain injury, such as confusion, headaches, or changes in behavior and seek medical attention.
Wear a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike or motorcycle.
Use seat belts and pay attention to traffic safety signs warning you of hazards and construction.

Other Ways to Protect Your Brain

Brain with question marks and lightbulbs above signifying learning

Sleep Well! Invest in good quality sleep and create a restful environment.
Mental Health Matters! Prioritizing your mental health is the first step in self- care and may help reduce your anxiety and stress.
Benefits of Nutrition! Read food labels, learn about healthy vitamins and minerals for your brain, and be aware of how many calories you need per day to manage your weight.
Stay socially active and keep learning new things!

Resources

DPH

External

Citations

For more information on DPH’s Take Brain Health to Heart initiative, please contact BOLD@dph.sc.gov.