Your brain relies on a steady flow of oxygen and nutrients delivered through your blood vessels. That’s why conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol matter more than you might think. Over time, these chronic conditions can damage blood vessels, affecting circulation and increasing your risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
The good news? Managing these conditions helps protect your brain. Keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol in a healthy range supports memory, focus, and overall long-term brain health.
- Get an annual checkup. Work with your doctor to regularly monitor your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels. If your numbers are high, discuss medications and healthy habits that can help keep you in a healthy range.
- Practice healthy habits. Small daily habits make a big difference. Start with one habit that feels doable from the list at right and build from there.
- Partner for success. If you’re living with diabetes, the Livongo Diabetes Management program can help you monitor and manage your blood sugar more easily. Staying within your target range not only benefits your heart—it also reduces risks to your brain. To learn more about Livongo, go to Join.Livongo.com/Bledsoe (registration code BLEDSOE).
Your brain works hard for you every day—taking care of it is one of the best long-term investments you can make.
Small Habits, Lasting Impact
- Stay mentally active. Set screens aside every day and do something that engages your mind, such as reading, playing a musical instrument, making crafts, or learning something new.
- Move your body. Aim for 30 minutes a day: regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain.
- Eat brain-healthy foods. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like those in olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon).
- Sleep well. Develop a night-time routine that helps you wind down and sleep soundly for 7–9 hours every night.
- Stay socially connected. Schedule regular calls or visits, join clubs or classes, volunteer locally, attend community events, and nurture meaningful friendships consistently.
- Manage stress and health conditions. Practice self-care strategies and get support when you need it. (Learn how your benefits can help here at bledsoehealthtrust.org, Medical & Behavioral Health.)