A new study ranks Colorado sixth in the nation for brain health and maintenance, with the highest consumption of fish outside the coastal states. The top five: District of Columbia, Maryland, Washington, Vermont and Connecticut. The study (sponsored by Martek, a manufacturer of DHA omega-3 products with a research facility in Boulder) looked at diet, physical health, mental health and social well-being, and found that residents of the top 10 brain-healthy states enjoy fish, consume a good amount of DHA omega-3 foods or supplements, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, watch their waistlines, avoid smoking, read for personal interest and put a high priority on education. Boost your brain health by:
Eating DHA omega-3 in fish (salmon or trout), colorful fruits (red grapes, cranberries and tomatoes).
Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.
Playing games, learning a new language or working a hobby job after retirement.
Socializing, volunteering, participating in clubs and attending religious services.
Take a personal brain health quiz at .
Beware the banana split
If you just can’t stay out of the ice cream parlor, nutrition expert Gloria Tsang has some advice on how to avoid blowing the calorie budget:
A cake cone has about 35 calories, a sugar cone, 50; and a waffle cone or bowl has 110-160 calories. Chocolate dip adds at least 120 extra calories plus 8 grams of fat.
Hot fudge topping adds 150 extra calories. Hershey’s chocolate syrup, 75 calories; whipped cream, 45.
Fruits and nuts can add fiber and beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, but cookie dough and brownies add only calories and trans fat.
Ice cream parlor milkshakes contain 1,100 to 1,500 calories! .
Well-armed
This cool armband will hold your iPod, cellphone, keys, meds, whatever you need to keep with you to, from and during a workout. Designed by runners and made from recycled plastic, bamboo and memory foam, the Armpocket comes in black, navy blue, pink, orange, red, beige or fluorescent yellow in three sizes. The Touch-through Window model ($30) allows control of touch- screen devices and the cool audio port lets you set your headphone cord to the perfect length. And it’s washable. armpocket.com
