January 16, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 11 Memory loss is often considered to go hand-in-hand with aging. As a person ages, conventional wisdom suggests memory will begin to fade. But sometimes memory loss has nothing to do with aging, and a lot to do with a brain that isn’t sharp because of an unhealthy lifestyle. The following are a few ways men and women can improve their memory. Get some sleep. Men and women who aren’t getting enough sleep can almost certainly blame that lack of shuteye for at least some of their memory loss. When you don’t get enough sleep, your brain’s ability to think critically, solve problems, and even be creative is compromised con- Easy tips that can help improve memory siderably. In addition, research has shown that memoryenhancing activities occur during the deepest stages of sleep, further highlighting the importance of getting a full night of interruption-free rest. Hit the gym. Exercise is another activity that can improve memory. Daily physical exercise increases the amount of oxygen that gets to your brain while reducing the risk for certain disorders, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which can lead to memory loss. Manage stress effectively. Stress has a host of negative side effects, not the least of which is its impact on your memory. Chronic stress that goes untreated can destroy brain cells and damage the region of the brain that deals with the formation of new memories and the retrieval of older memories. Numerous studies have shown that men and women cite their career as their primary source of stress. Since quitting your job is likely not an option, find ways to manage your stress more effectively. This may mean finding a way to make the most of your time, be it working more efficiently, emphasizing planning ahead, or even vowing to stop procrastinating. Other ways to manage stress include making time to relax and recognizing that you have limits while seeking the help of others. (continued on page 13)