Our guest speaker was Doctor Helena Popovic who spoke to us about “Boosting Your Brain”. Helena was introduced by President Peter.
Helena advised us that neuro scientist had recently discovered that our brain can change its structure in response to the function it is performing. This ability is called neuro plasticity.
Helena suggested that by people boosting their brain we could address the modern day plagues of anxiety, depression, obesity, heart disease and diabetes. She advised us that the brain is like a muscle and posed the question “Why do wild animals have 15-20% bigger brains?”
Whilst working as a doctor Helena discovered that 80% of consultations with doctors related to lifestyle based diseases and realised that educating people would be much more beneficial than treating their diseases.
THE 10 BRAIN BOOSTING PRINCIPLES
1. Don’t fall off ladders and don’t fall into illegal drugs: head injury and heroine are not good for the brain.
2. Cut it out – the word “can’t”
3. Put it out – the cigarette
4. Be good to your heart
I) Get sober
II) Get cracking
III) Get colourful
IV) Get moving
V) Get laughing
VI) Get smiling
5. Feed it the finest: get excited
6. Use it or lose it
I) Get curious
II) Get adventurous
III) Get challenged
7. Get focused: don’t multi-task
8. Practise pressing pause
I) Get sleep
II) Get still
9. Get friendly: stay socially active
10. Get practising: put the principles into practice
After answering member’s questions Helena was thanked by PDG Harley Tarrant. Harley also noted that Helena had been a Rotary Exchange Student and that we were proud of her achievments.