(ARA)—With age comes the inevitable anxiety of mental decline. A common misconception is brain health is predetermined and can’t be changed—it’s the “you’re stuck with what you got” notion. But experts suggest brain health can be positively influenced throughout different stages in life.

A recent state-by-state ranking, America’s Brain Health Index, delivers data on how well Americans are successfully incorporating the four dimensions of brain health—diet and nutrition, physical health, mental health and social well-being—into their daily lives.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER—Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day to encourage new brain cells and connections to form.

The top-ranked state—Maryland—scored highest on the Index because of residents’ performance on a number of health markers, including high consumption of fish rich in DHA and DHA-fortified foods and supplements, as well as a low incidence of Alz­heimer’s disease-related deaths. Residents of the states that ranked the lowest (Mississippi and Louisiana) can make adjustments to help get their brains in shape. See where your state ranked at www.beautiful-minds.com.

(NNPA)—Using MRIs to document and study the brains of 125 university students in London, researchers have linked the size of specific areas of the brain to the size of a person’s virtual and real social networks.

In the article published last month in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, researchers claim that “findings demonstrate that the size of an individual’s online social network is closely linked to focal brain structure implicated in social cognition.”

WASHINGTON (AP)—Medicare says seniors with high prescription costs have saved more than $1 billion thanks to the new health care law.

President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul provides Medicare recipients in the coverage gap called the “doughnut hole” with a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs this year, and a smaller break on generics. The discounts gradually increase until the coverage gap closes in 2020.

Dr. Jeanette South-Paul’s unfailing fiery passion and undying commitment to making sure that the medical needs of the underserved are met, made her the perfect candidate for the Gertrude Labowitz Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Dr. South-Paul was chosen for the award because she has been a consistent voice for the underserved—including the disabled community—ensuring that the message of full inclusion, trust and respect are heard. This has directly affected and enhanced the quality of life for all people, especially those who are underserved,” said Melva Ledbetter, Chief Professional Officer of the United Cerebral Palsy Community Living and Support Services.

DR. JEANETTE SOUTH-PAUL with UCP/CLASS Board Members Thomas Motley and Dr. Grady Roberts Jr.