How to Have a Positive Effect on Future Generations

800x400 8 Steps To Changing Generations In Your Family

Your life is not just about you, it is about generations of you, literally. A new field of genetics, called epigenetics, has exploded onto the scientific scene in the last 20 years. Epigenetic means “above or on top of the gene.” It refers to the recent discovery that your habits, emotions, and environment can turn on or off certain genes, making illness more or less likely in you, as well as in your children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.

Your habits, feelings, and environment impact your biology so deeply it causes changes in the genes that are transmitted to the next several generations. It is these epigenetic “marks” or “etches” that tell your genes to switch on or off or to express them more loudly or softly. It is through epigenetics that immediate environmental factors like diet, stress, toxins, and prenatal nutrition can affect the activity of the genes that are passed to your offspring and beyond.

Once you know this, it is your responsibility to act on it! For you to have a positive effect on others you need to do everything you can to make sure that your own brain is healthy and working in top condition. Here are 8 steps to take NOW:

Keep your brain and the brains of those you love safe by avoiding toxic foods, chemicals, and illicit drugs, and staying away from dangerous activities that could traumatize your brain or theirs.

Stabilize your weight at a healthy level, and gently encourage others to do the same.

Get exercise that keeps your blood flowing – especially to your brain, and preferably do it in a group.

Get sufficient sleep every night and resolve problems like sleep apnea.

Keep your brain flexible and active by exercising it and learning new information.

Resolve issues like ADHD, depression, anxiety, and stress by getting appropriate help.

Surround yourself with a network of supportive people who will encourage your efforts and help you stay on your healthy program.

Take action to be the change you want to see with fun, creative ways of engaging those around you. For example:
- Encourage family and friends to join you for exercise with group walks, hikes, and bike rides
- Teach your children and friends brain healthy recipes you learn
- Start family game night or invite friends to trivia or other memory games
- Make doctor appointments for your family to address any health issues that may be harming brain function if left untreated

These things won’t happen on their own and no one will do them for you. You must be conscientious for your own health. Not only is this for your own good, but for the good of everyone you influence.

And there’s only one time when you can make the necessary changes to boost the power of your brain and improve your health, and that time is right now. Putting it off until tomorrow usually means putting it off indefinitely. How long have you been intending to start living differently? Hasn’t it been long enough?

In keeping with the BrainMD core value of being committed to helping you transform your life for the better by focusing on improving the health of your brain, this information is being shared as a sneak peek into the new book, The Brain Warrior’s Way, by New York Times bestselling authors Daniel & Tana Amen. We are even offering some amazing free gifts to celebrate the pre-order of the book. See all the details here.