By Jason Brown, Nonfiction Librarian

Staying healthy is important. Millions of people go to the gym to give their bodies a workout, but it’s just as important to keep your mind healthy. Have you ever thought of giving your brain a workout?

The Hoover Public Library has a new resource that allows residents to do just that.

BrainHQ is an online system designed to give your mind a boost through more than two dozen exercises in areas such as attention, brain speed, memory, intelligence, people skills and navigation. As you get the hang of each exercise, the difficulty increases, allowing you to hone and master your newfound skills.

BrainHQ works on your schedule. The exercises are fast, each taking only about five minutes, and easy to complete on your PC or Apple devices. Play your favorite exercises whenever you want, for as long as you want.

BrainHQ can also create a customized training regimen for you. In just 20 minutes a day, work through targeted exercises to reach weekly goals.

Posit Science, a company founded by a team of neuroscientists, created BrainHQ to be the culmination of 30 years of research in the science of neuroplasticity. While it was once believed that brain development ended in early childhood, science has since proven that our brains are much more adaptable and, with the proper training, we can continue to improve brain function even into old age.

According to their website, the benefits of BrainHQ have been proven through hundreds of clinical studies. In one major study, their exclusive speed training exercise was shown to lower dementia risk by up to 48%. Another study found that brain exercises helped cancer survivors reduce the symptoms of stress, fatigue and anxiety that often result from chemotherapy.

Other possible benefits of brain training include more self-confidence, better mood, better hearing in noisy places, lowered risk of depression and better overall health.

Visit www.hooverlibrary.org and click on the BrainHQ button to set up an account, then you can download the BrainHQ app from the Apple app store. Call (205) 444-7840 for more information.