12 Mar 09 CARE OF THE BODY’S INDIVIDUAL PARTS: BRAIN
The brain is the master organ of our bodies, and it is not surprising that nature had to evolve a system of defences to guard this amazing three-pound structure against injuries. Thus, the bony skull protects the brain. The scalp is a tough wrapping outside the skull that can absorb blows. Inside the skull, a tough membrane called the dura mater protects the brain. Also, the brain has an additional protective device against blows and falls: it is encased in fluid and ‘floats’ in liquid that helps to absorb traumatic shocks. But nature cannot provide infinite protection for the brain. The motor car and other modern devices can deal terrific blows against which even the admirable natural defences we enjoy cannot shield us.
We can help nature by protecting our brains against severe trauma. Young people should know the hazards of boxing, football, diving, and other sports, and act to avoid skull injuries. Employ recognized safeguards learnt from your athletic coach. Using safety measures does not make you a sissy; it stamps you as a resourceful, rather than a reckless, human being. Drivers should remember the terrible consequences of brain injuries when indulging in reckless speeding and other unsafe practices. Workers must learn the physical as well as the chemical hazards on the job to prevent brain and nerve injuries. Alcoholics should realize that excessive drinking can injure the brain. (See also the entry alcoholism in the encyclopaedia section.)
Suppose you are now alerted to protection of your brain against injuries from blows and accidents; what other protection can you give it in your daily life? You can let it operate at maximum efficiency by providing sleep, which rests and revitalizes the brain. You can help the brain by not overstimulating or depressing it with too much caffeine from coffee, soft drinks, and tea, or by too frequent use of sedatives such as barbiturates or bromides. And never go in for pep pills such as Benzedrine without the consent of your doctor.
The brain works best when it is free from anxieties, fears and other mental conflicts.
Do you need special ‘brain foods’ and tonics to keep your brain in good working order? No.
Remember, too, that the mind and emotions react quickly to diseases in other parts of the body. Headaches, dizziness, fainting impaired memory, and other brain symptoms can be due to conditions in and around the brain, such as sinus trouble or a tumour; or these symptoms can be the result of poisons because damaged kidneys are not removing toxic materials from the blood. In other words, brain symptoms call for a complete medical check-up by your doctor.
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