5 Ways to Stop Trouble Before It Starts

Nov 17, 2025 2 Min Read
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Simple shifts that help you prevent problems

Good news. Bad news. 

Let's do the bad news first:

  • Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke (other countries will likely be similar).
  • Stroke is the number 5 cause of death.
  • 80% of brain disease can be linked to cardiovascular disease.
  • 3 out of 5 people will develop brain disease in their lifetime.
  • 99% of people have at least one of 7 cardiovascular health risks. 

Your healthy body is key to keeping a healthy brain and sharp mind! Take care of your body and your brain will thank you. Take care of your brain and your body will thank you.

It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

The good news:

As you age, a healthy body is key to a healthy brain and sharp mind. Staying healthy and active may help reduce your risk of stroke, heart disease, memory loss and difficulty with thinking and learning. Do your best to get these 5 things right:

Related: Get 5 Surprising Benefits from This Simple Activity

5 Ways to Stop Trouble Before It Starts

1. Eat healthy

Every bite counts! Increase fruits and veggies. Reduce sodium, processed foods, sugar, and saturated and trans fats. 

Tip: Whole foods that are deeply coloured are brain foods.

2. Move more, sit less

Try for 25 minutes of daily exercise. 

Tip: Build "exercise snacks" into your day. A minute here a minute there add up fast! 

3. Protect your sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Children and teens need more. 

Tip: If you wake up in the middle of the night do not check the clock. 

4. Think smart

We become what we pay attention to. 

Tip: Replace 80% of your 'news' consumption with good books, or great conversations. 

5. Be people smart

Seek out and spend time with positive, engaged and engaging people. We become like those we spend the most time with. 

Tip: Try to go a whole week without complaining once. Complaining isn't great for your brain (more about this in my next BB.)

Remember, it's never too late to make healthy choices. 

Good health is not something you can buy, but it's a valuable savings account. 

The best and most efficient pharmacy is within your own system. ~ Robert C. Peale 

Thanks for reading. You are a genius!

This article was first published in Terry Small's Brain Bulletin newsletter.


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Terry Small is a brain expert who resides in Canada and believes that anyone can learn how to learn easier, better, and faster; and that learning to learn is the most important skill a person can acquire.

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