World Brain Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about brain health and neurological disorders. It is celebrated globally on July 22nd every year.
| World Brain Day |
The theme for World Brain Day in 2023 is “Brain Health and Disability: Leave No One Behind.” This international movement aims to bridge the information gap and raise public awareness about brain health impairments. It focuses on improving healthcare, education, and research related to neurological illnesses while highlighting the importance of providing high-quality healthcare to people with disabilities.
Awareness about Brain Health
It is important to raise awareness about brain health and disability because:
- Brain health is the key to our overall health—it’s the agent for all human actions and experiences as a species.
- Conditions affecting the brain and nervous system cause more death and illness globally than any other category of diseases.
- Many brain disorders can be prevented, treated, and rehabilitated by modifying our risk factors, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and learning new hobbies.
- Global brain health awareness can reduce the disability associated with brain disorders and improve the quality of life of those living with them.
- Universal access to care, treatment, rehabilitation and assistive technology is essential for people with brain disabilities, but there are many gaps and barriers that need to be addressed.
- Education increases equity for those living with brain disabilities and empowers them to realize their full potential over the life course.
Take Care of your Brain
There are many ways you can take care of your brain health, but here are some of the most common and effective ones:
- Exercise regularly. Exercise has many benefits for your brain, such as increasing blood flow, stimulating the growth of new brain cells and connections, improving mood and memory, and reducing the risk of dementia and stroke. Aim to exercise several times per week for 30 to 60 minutes, doing moderate aerobic activities that increase your heart rate, such as walking, swimming, or cycling
- Get enough sleep. Sleep plays a vital role in your brain health, as it helps clear abnormal proteins in your brain, consolidate memories, and restore energy and focus. Aim for seven to eight consecutive hours of sleep per night, not fragmented sleep of two- or three-hour increments. If you have trouble sleeping or suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your health care provider.
- Eat a healthy diet. Your diet affects your brain health, as it provides the nutrients and antioxidants that your brain cells need to function properly and prevent damage. Consider following a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats, such as olive oil. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt, as they can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in your brain.
- Stay mentally active. Your brain is like a muscle — you need to use it or lose it. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help keep your brain sharp and prevent cognitive decline. You can do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, reading, playing cards, learning a new language or skill, or anything else that challenges your brain and makes you think.
- Manage your stress. Stress can have negative effects on your brain health, such as impairing your memory, mood, and decision-making abilities. Chronic stress can also increase inflammation and cortisol levels in your brain, which can damage your brain cells and increase the risk of depression and anxiety. To manage your stress, you can practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or tai chi. You can also seek social support from your friends, family, or a professional therapist if you need help coping with stress.
- Take supplements. Supplements can provide additional support for your brain health by supplying essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that your diet may not provide enough of. Some of the supplements that may benefit your brain health include vitamin B12, vitamin D3, magnesium L-threonate , curcumin , ginkgo biloba , phosphatidylserine , and omega-3 fish oil. However, before taking any supplements , consult with your health care provider to make sure they are safe and appropriate for you.
