The sixth-grade class at the Vergennes Union Middle School is wrapping up their unit on the nervous system. This piece is on how we can take care of our nervous system. We think it’s important for everyone to know how to keep their nervous system healthy.

Do you want a healthier nervous system for a healthier life? Did you know that you can be healthier by doing two simple things? Drinking water and exercising!

A couple tips for hydrating properly are:

• Trying to drink around eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, though it may vary per person.
• Eat some foods with water in them like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, tomatoes etc.
• Stay away or minimalize intake of alcohol and drinks with caffeine in them.
• Drink things with electrolytes especially if you are engaging in physical activity.
• If you are outside and it’s hot, take a break. Drink some water, sit in the shade.

Now I’m going to talk about the downsides of dehydration.

• Nerve transmission: Every neuron in your body needs sodium and potassium. These electrolytes dissolve in water, so the more water you drink the more electrolytes are in your blood. So, dehydration and lack of electrolytes can lead to muscle cramps, spasms or numbness.
• Cognitive function: Our brain, which is the boss of our nervous system, is about 75% water. Studies have shown that being even a little dehydrated can affect your mood, memory and concentration. Staying hydrated can increase your mental clarity and efficiency.
• Protective barrier: Water also helps the formation of the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath makes sure that nerve impulses (messages) are safely transmitted. Chronic dehydration can weaken the protective barrier and possibly lead to future nerve damage.

You can also be healthier by exercising regularly. Look below for some tips:

• Try some aerobic exercises like running, swimming, biking, dancing, etc.
• Do some strength training like push-ups, squats, weightlifting, planks, etc.
• You could also try flexibility training like active stretching, yoga, Pilates, etc.
• Try to do vigorous exercises for around 15 minutes for three days a week or moderate exercise for 30 minutes for five days a week.

Some benefits to exercising are:

• Circulation: Exercise improves blood circulation, which means more blood with nutrients and oxygen make it to your brain.
• Synaptic plasticity: Exercise improves your brain’s ability to improve the connections happening inside your head and it helps your ability to remember and learn.
• Neurogenesis: Is the creation of new neurons in your brain. They help us sort information, avoid confusion, and handle stress and emotion.

I hope this article has convinced you to make or improve your habits for a healthier life!

Ansley Montgomery

VUES sixth grader

Addison