In this section  Body: Introduction  Body: Exercise  Body: Stress reduction and sleep  Body: Nutrition  Body: Critical health indicators  Body: Help in setting your goals  Print the Healthy Brain worksheet  Back to main Healthy Brain page

Your cholesterol ratio (total cholesterol to "HDL", or "good" cholesterol) is a good indicator of heart health and, by extension, brain health. (A ratio of 4 is ideal. Between 4 and 6 puts you at a moderate risk of heart disease, while a ratio greater than 6 indicates a high risk.)

• Blood pressure level is essential to reducing risks of dementia, as well as reducing risks of heart attack and stroke. There was once a belief that blood pressure typically increased with age, but that has since been proven to be untrue. Optimal range for your blood pressure is 120/80.
• Average is 130/85.
• Above Average is between 130 and 139 over between 85 and 89.
• High Risk is 139/89.

Your glucose levels are critical because high levels indicate a risk for diabetes. Diabetes is a very significant risk to brain health. The recommended level used for blood sugar in Canada is 7 millimoles per litre (7 mmol/L).

For more information about blood glucose monitoring, visit the Canadian Diabetes Society.

These three critical levels can be naturally regulated by regular exercise, good body weight, low salt consumption, low stress, spiritual pursuits, and medications.

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