Article Source: Brain Health Scotland
Last Updated: 25 April 2022 13:08
Keeping your grey matter in good order not only gives you a competitive edge, but also has significant long-term health benefits, the team says.
Sportspeople of all abilities are being encouraged to keep their brains healthy by signing up for an interactive online course that starts today (25 April).
The course is designed to help sportspeople improve their mental and physical health and protect key cognitive functions such as problem solving, focus and decision making.
The free programme will also spell out how exercising can increase your brain’s resilience and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.
Two leading sports figures are backing the initiative. Former rugby international Marcus Horan and Olympic rower Claire Lambe will deliver some of the course content.
The Massive Open Online Course – or MOOC – has been created by the Brain Health Scotland initiative, which is hosted and supported by the charity Alzheimer Scotland.
Also involved are world-leading experts from the Global Brain Health Institute, the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and Trinity College Dublin.
“Whether you are a top athlete, or have just started jogging for fun, it’s hugely important to stay physically active – and this course can help you realise that goal,” says Dr Andrew Murray, Consultant in Sport and Exercise at the University of Edinburgh.
“Being active is not only great for our general health, but also helps manage modifiable risks linked to dementia, such as depression, obesity, hypertension and social isolation.”
The course, which is available through the FutureLearn digital platform, will emphasise how exercise and physical activity can boost people’s brain health at every stage of life.
Participants can learn about the latest research developments and find out about strategies that anyone can adopt to minimise risks to brain health.
The course is being launched in response to calls from athletes and other interested groups keen to source evidence-based information to support brain health.
Content has developed in partnership with athletes, parents, coaches and teachers – all of them involved in sport and recreational activities at different levels.
Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, says: “You don’t have to be involved in elite sport to benefit from the insights and expertise this programme offers.
“It sets out clearly how taking part in regular physical activity – be it sport, gardening or walking to work – can help to keep our brains in good shape.”
The course is backed by the British Journal of Sports Medicine’s Education Stamp of Approval and endorsed by the British Association of Sport & Exercise Medicine.
Find out more at www.futurelearn.com
National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREThe first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORERunners in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a new running track at the On-X Sports Centre in Linwood after a contract was approved by councillors.
READ MOREACCORD Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its annual art exhibition to The Art Department in Paisley between the 26th of April and 10th May.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREDuring the Easter holidays, hundreds of kids across Renfrewshire have enjoyed free school holiday activity camps.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREThe Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August, 2024.
READ MOREEnvironmentally conscious individuals are being asked to volunteer for a new community taskforce to help protect Renfrewshire's rich riverbank habitats.
READ MOREPaisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday the 29th of March until Monday 15th of April.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MORERenfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREPaisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.
READ MOREThe Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREGroups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"