Circles of Care is a non-profit foster care/adoption agency located in Salado, TX.  Our Mission Statement is: “To enhance children, youth, and families’ ability for effective living and growth through comprehensive social and mental health services”.

Brain exercises are now considered perfectly normal. It seems that everywhere you go these days you will come across people doing crosswords, Sudoku and various types of activities to keep the brain in shape but not so long ago the idea that the brain needed exercising would have met with derision or scepticism. A healthy lifestyle has the potential to prevent around a third of all dementia. Even people in the early stages of the disease can still make a difference if they make changes beneficial to the health of their brain. Although it is not by any means conclusive, medical science and research have proved that a healthy lifestyle makes a difference to the health of our brain. You can click here and learn more about memory impairment.

A substantial body of research has revealed that we can indeed influence and improve the way our brains function on many levels. Several factors contribute to how the brain alters and adapts as we age. We can encourage positive changes by using some of the same strategies we depend on for our physical health, while adding on activities designed for brain health.

A healthy diet is as essential for our brain as it is for our body. Many of the nutrients needed for physical health also support brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, are known for their heart health benefits. Recent research shows that they additionally play an important role in the brain’s structure, and also in balanced cognitive functioning. Similarly, vitamin D supports bone strength, but also appears to be linked to mental health. Medical experts now believe that many people diagnosed with depression have a deficiency of vitamin D. Brain and body really are inseparable. What you put into one you put into the other. Research shows that eating a wide variety of different foods, and focusing on a largely plant-based, whole foods menu, is one of the very best ways to ensure both brain and body health.

[Read more…] about Circles of Care collecting gifts for foster children