NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — For Healthy Aging Month, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) wants to share five brain-healthy habits.

These habits are designed to not only promote healthy aging but also reduce the risk of developing dementia.

“Building good habits, even incrementally, goes a long way towards promoting healthy aging and good brain health,” said Allison B. Reiss, a member of AFA’s Medical, Scientific, and Memory Screening Advisory Board. “Taking a few simple steps, in ways that work for you, will make a positive difference, and Healthy Aging Month is a great time to start.”

The first thing people should do is get out of the house. People shouldn’t be sitting in front of the TV or computer all day, but rather, they should be getting fresh air and spending time in nature.

The second thing is to get some vitamin D since it’s important for the brain. People who have low levels of the vitamin are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Sunlight is actually the most common source, but many people avoid sun exposure. Milk is a good source, but yogurt brands are not, so people should check labels. Mushrooms are another great source.

The third thing is to avoid empty calories from sweets and other junk food. Good calories for snacking include strawberries or banana slices (bonus if they’re dipped in chocolate), a peanut butter and chocolate combination, a mix of nuts and chocolate, and brownies made with beans or zucchini.

The fourth thing people should do is avoid head injuries because they can increase the risk of developing dementia which is a problem that can be prevented with care, helmets and other headgear, seatbelts, and measures that prevent falls.

The final thing is to keep in touch with friends and family and nurture relationships. Connections can enhance your life and keep you thinking, but it helps combat loneliness.

To learn more about healthy aging and promote good brain health, you can visit this website .

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