BRAIN HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
WHY DO WE NEED BRAIN HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH?
Brain Health Awareness Month is a month to remind people to take care of their brains because the brain controls everything in one’s body.
Taking care of one’s brain involves healthy habits like eating nutritious food, making time for regular exercise to improve blood flow to the brain and learning new things.
Reading, writing, making puzzles, playing a musical instrument, singing, creating art and crafts are common ways to keep one’s brain active. Learning a new language is a great way to create new learning pathways in the brain.
Protecting one’s brain is also very important for brain health. Falls are the leading cause of brain injury, followed by striking or being struck by an object. Wear helmets when playing any sports that involve moving quickly or using a ball or puck. Wear a hard hat when working at physically active jobs. Following standard safety rules is an important way to protect one’s brain.
Start the habit of ensuring that your brain is protected each time you head out to get physically active.
Take time in March to start something NEW to keep your grey matter sparkling.
KEEP YOUR GREY MATTER SPARKLING
Download your “Keep Your Grey Matter Sparkling” Book Mark today for printing or sharing on social media!
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF BRAIN HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH?
Spreading awareness is one of the most important steps we can all take to reduce the prevalence of brain injury and increase the public’s understanding of those affected by it. Brain Health Awareness Month presents a vital opportunity to start a conversation about brain injury on a larger scale through local and national media as well as the various events and campaigns held throughout the country.
Having a month dedicated to brain injury awareness also promotes solidarity in the face of what is often an invisible disability. It reminds those affected by brain injury that they are not alone and directs them to the support programs available to them.
Community outreach in Saskatchewan schools. Photo courtesy of SBIA.
HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO BRAIN HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH?
With your help, we can de-stigmatize brain injury, educate the public on how to prevent them, and provide services for those living with them.
Here are a few ways that you can get involved and really make a difference:
Donate to the BrainLove campaign and help fund vital education and prevention initiatives as well as support programs for brain injury survivors. Click here to donate online.
Organize an event to fundraise for your local BrainLove partner or another brain injury-focused charity. You could also invite a speaker to present to your school, workplace, or sports organization to increase awareness and promote prevention.
Volunteer at an organization dedicated to preventing brain injury and supporting those affected by it. Click here to volunteer for BrainLove campaign.
Share your story about brain injury, whether it be your own experience as a survivor or as the loved one of a survivor. You can also share campaign materials and use the hashtags #BrainLoveCA and #BHAM in your social media posts to widen their reach. Click here to download a full-sized Brain Health Awareness Month poster (PDF). Click here to download a smaller Brain Health Awareness Month graphic for use on social media (PNG).