Page 18 - The Regent Digest Volume 13 Issue 3

Medical Corner IT IMPROVES YOUR FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION:

A single workout can help improve your ability to shift

and focus attention. This is an immediate benefit that
can last for at least two hours after 30 minutes of ex-
ercise. Activities that increase your heart rate, such as
brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis
HOW DOES or jumping rope are highly recommended.

IT PROTECTS YOUR BRAIN FROM AGEING:
EXERCISE Imagine your brain as a muscle the more workout you

put into it, the stronger it gets. While exercising won’t

completely prevent or cure normal cognitive decline in
BENEFIT YOUR ageing, doing it consistently can help reduce or delay

the onset of it.
BRAIN? IT IMPROVES THE GROWTH OF NEW BRAIN CELLS:

Researchers have discovered that one of the key ad-
vantages of exercise is its ability to foster neurogenesis,

which is the formation of new brain cells. This process
is crucial for enhancing cognitive function. Exercise also
can improve the health and function of the synapses
By Ajetunmobi Mercy between neurons in this region, allowing brain cells to
Oduduwa Matron/ Nurse better communicate.

hen we consider the advantages of exercise, we typically think of improved
sleep, increased energy, weight management, enhanced muscle strength, and What’s the minimum exercise needed to

Wa healthier heart. While all of these are valid, we often overlook the immediate see these benefits?
impact that physical activity can have on our most crucial organ: THE BRAIN.

You don’t need to become a triathlete before getting
Engaging in physical activity is among the most impactful ways to enhance cognitive
these benefits. Try to do at least three to four 30-minute
functions, including learning, thinking, memory, concentration, and reasoning. These im-
workout sessions a week. You’ll also get the most ben-
provements can contribute to greater intelligence and longevity.
efits out of aerobic exercise, which increases the heart
IT DECREASES FEELINGS OF ANXIETY: rate and pumps more oxygen into the brain.
Studies have shown that, Whenever you move

your body, various beneficial neurotransmitters, If 90 to 120 minutes per week sounds daunting, start with
such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, a few minutes a day, and increase the amount you ex-
and acetylcholine, are released into your brain. ercise by five or 10 minutes every week until you reach
These chemicals can help alleviate feelings your goal
of anxiety and depression, acting like a neuro- Always remember to exercise and stay healthy!
chemical “bubble bath” for your mind.

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