The message is clear on physical fitness and exercise, we hear it daily. But how often are you lectured on the active exercising of your brain?

Preoccupation with general wellness should always include an approach to keeping a healthy brain. When you begin to forget things, the natural fear is that you could be developing Alzheimer's Disease. The reality is that most memory loss is not caused by Alzheimer's but by other causes like the medication you take, or not getting enough rest.

Fear not! There are methods you can use, starting today, to successfully improve your health and fight aging.

Use the 7 steps to a healthy brain outlined by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of Fox News Channel, to improve your general wellness.

1. Maintain "normal" cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Normal blood pressure values fall into the following categories: Less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. This would typically be phrased as 120/80.

Systolic pressure is defined as the peak pressure in the arteries. Diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure in the arteries. These pressures are never static but constantly changing from heart beat to heart beat through various activities during the day.

2. Sleep adequately.

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation affects the immune system and hinders the healing process.

In 2007, a study on lack of sleep during a continuous period of time was found to have a strong negative affect on working memory. Your working memory is like the RAM of a computer. It holds information for further processing and easy access. Working memory also sustains decision making and reasoning functions.

3. Have a healthy breakfast each morning and add more Omega-3 and Omega-6 to your diet.

High doses of Omega-3 fatty acid have been shown to create a protective effect against the dopamine related causes of Parkinson's Disease in the same way it does for Alzheimer's. This research was enough to encourage further study of Omega-3 in the prevention of Parkinson's. Omega-3 and Omega-6 support the brain and is lacking in most diets.

4. East more vegetables and fruit.

Everyone knows that fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet. They contain fiber, vitamins and minerals essential to good health. Consuming generous amounts of both reduce the risk of chronic disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke and some cancers.

5. Stay active socially. Read a newspaper or magazine every day or do crossword puzzles and sudoku.

The British Association Festival of Science reported that seniors who engaged in crosswords and sukodu puzzles could help keep the brain nearly 14 years younger.

Reading is vital. It exposes new concepts and different ideas that urge our brains to make new links to the world. This stimulates the brain which in turn furthers brain health.

6. Avoid drinking too much alcohol.

Some studies have shown that even moderate consumption of alcohol may shrink the brain and harm cognitive functions. Study of alcoholics in treatment reveals that excessive consumption affects difficult memory tasks, abstract thinking and perception without damaging overall IQ.

7. Engage in regular physical exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

Exercise fuels growth of blood vessels connected to the brain and new brain cells. This adds to mental alertness, especially if you are over 60.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture note that a minimum of 30 minutes of daily physical exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

Maintain your brain just as you do your body. Modern medical science has opened the door to longevity and you must emphasize brain health in order to enjoy a long, happy and healthy life.

So follow these 7 Steps to a Healthy Brain and know you are engaging in a workout routine that will keep you sharp, productive, and feeling great. How can you resist?