Ella Scott
A medical expert has highlighted the one thing people should introduce into their routine after witnessing something seriously ‘concerning’ within her patients’ brains.
Neurologist Kim Johnson Hatchett, who also works as a public speaker, says that it’s troubling to see career-driven people in their 30s and 40s ‘not taking care of themselves’ and instead pouring time into their jobs and side hustles.
The specialist highlights that more patients should be engaging in sports or movement to help those who are 'frustrated' with their symptoms.
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Dr Hackett claims muscle weakness is one of the things that ‘concerns [her] the most’ as a practitioner.
"So many of my patients are frustrated by their lack of mobility. I ask them about their activity level, and they often admit they aren’t really exercising at all,” she began.
“They truly don’t make the connection that their weakness is due to their lack of muscle movement, and they definitely are unaware of the impact that it might be having on their brain,” she explained in a new interview with Self.
To combat muscle weakness and carve out time for yourself too, the social media star claimed you should start exercising as soon as possible.
Explaining her reasoning, the practitioner said: “Every time you exercise, you secrete nerve growth factor, a peptide involved in regulating neurons in the brain.
“It can also support myelin, the neuroprotective sheath that helps nerve fibres shuttle electrical impulses quickly and efficiently and can degenerate with age.”
Therefore to halt muscle weakness, Dr Hackett claims you need to start exercising ASAP.
“If you want to maintain your mobility and cognitive abilities, one investment you can make is exercising and using your muscles on a daily basis,” she revealed.
“That pop of [nerve growth factor] will just help your brain function better.”
To start incorporating exercise into your life, the professional suggests you sign up for a sports team or perhaps start attending regular workout classes.
If you physically don’t have time to do either of those, then she suggests simply becoming more aware of moving your body.
For example, you could take more steps throughout the day, park your car further away from the grocery store or get off a stop earlier when using public transport.
She concluded her advice with a reminder that people have a lot more ‘control in the ageing process’ than they realise.
"Getting weaker as you age is not inevitable and regular exercise and strength training will pay off in dividends in the end,” she added.