Celebrating 4 Years!

It’s hard to believe the Virtual Brain Health Center launched back in October 2020. What started as a way to give back during the global pandemic, knowing the potential brain health risks, has since evolved into a social enterprise serving thousands of individuals worldwide.

I still remember figuring out how to send that first email announcing our launch. The moment I hit "send," it felt like my stomach dropped. I shut my computer and walked away for the rest of the day, terrified that I had just shared my "crazy idea" with the world.

What floored me even more was the response. What began with a small group quickly grew, and within months, we were supporting a city-wide brain health initiative. Now, we continue to engage with individuals, communities, and organizations in meaningful ways, addressing the growing interest in brain health.

Over the past four years, I’ve grown and been challenged in countless ways, but I’m excited for the lessons that are ahead. I’m grateful for the time and creative space to continue innovating new approaches to support the brain health of our ever-growing community.

From day one, our mission has been clear: to promote brain care for all.

Through incredible partnerships and collaboration, we've been able to make a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities around the globe.

Here are some of our proudest milestones:

?? Hosted 400+ live, virtual brain health events on Eventbrite, reaching thousands across 100+ countries!

??? Launched the "Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast" now streaming in 60+ countries with a few thousand listens in just the first year!

?? Published our very first kids' book on brain health

?? Started the Neuro Nook (Book Club), exploring a wide range of topics to help build a better brain!

?? Curated a brain health infographic library to make learning fun and accessible.

?? Developed a searchable resource directory for quick access to essential brain health tools, experts, and resources.

?? Delivered brain health lectures to workplace wellness programs, senior living communities, lifelong learning programs, women’s leadership groups, college student groups, and so much more!

This celebration is all thanks to YOU—our incredible virtual community that champions brain health for everyone!

?? Neuro X Event: Happening next week!

?? Dr. Laura Booi , Dr. Francesca Farina , and I are looking forward to having a conversation about our different training backgrounds and projects that have an impact on neuroscience and society with a focus on brain health with the Dana Foundation and Dana Foundation Career Network in Neuroscience and Society

Won't you join us? Registration information ? https://lnkd.in/gwFj7h5C

?We also welcome questions ahead of time- feel free to message me or the other panelists with any thoughts or insights. ?? We are here for you.

?? World Mental Health Day

This year's efforts highlighted the vital connection between mental health and work. Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health.

?? Our work environments significantly impact our mental health, influencing everything from our stress levels to our focus and attention, as well as, workplace concerns like productivity, job satisfaction, and more.

Although employers have the primary responsibility to protect and promote mental health at work, you can take steps to support your brain wellness.

?? Learn some science-inspired tips for your brain to thrive at work in our infographic below. This is available to download for free on the Virtual Brain Health Center's website.

?? May this encourage all of us to take at least one small action to support our own brain's care each and every day.

> > DOWNLOAD NOW < <

?? Latest Episodes of the "Let's Talk Brain Health!" Podcast

We’re celebrating an exciting milestone— our Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast — turned ONE!

?? Over the past year, we’ve had incredible conversations with experts, shared brain-boosting tips, and explored the latest in brain health and wellness. And we have an exciting line up of guests for 2024-2025!

We are keeping the brain health prevention conversation going among different age groups and have had an international reach of over 60+ countries.

October releases:

• ?? Episode 38: Virtual Reality In Brain Health: Exploring the Science Behind the Tech with Amir Bozorgzadeh of Virtuleap > > LISTEN NOW < <
• ?? Episode 39: Examining Grief and Healing: Dr. Michael Foti, DO 's Journey Through Anxiety and Depression > > LISTEN NOW < <

Stay tuned for upcoming insights from Noga Sapir, Dr. Michal Gruberger (PhD) ??, Jess Brain, Trish Turo , Andrew Campbell , Joy Poskozim DDS FSCD CDP , and more.

?? If you’ve tuned in to at least one episode, would you mind leaving us a review on your favorite place to stream podcasts? It means a lot to us and helps us grow our reach.

?? Thank YOU for being part of our journey!

>> EXPLORE EPISODES < <

?? Neuro Nook (Book Club)

?? Next month the Virtual Brain Health Center's Neuro Nook (book club) will discuss the importance of social health.

?? Thursday, November 7, 2024

?? 12:00-12:45 PM EST

?? Live, online via Zoom

?? The Art & Science of Connection: Why Social Health Is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier by Kasley Killam, MPH

?? Relationships not only make us happier, but also are critical to our overall health and longevity. Research shows that people with a strong sense of belonging are 2.6 times more likely to report good or excellent health. Perhaps even more astonishingly, people who lack social support are up to 53% more likely to die from any cause.

Yet social health has been overlooked and underappreciated—until now.

> > REGISTER NOW < <

NEW! LinkedIn Group- Brain Health Champions

This group aims to be a vibrant community where curiosity meets collaboration! They say "Two brains are better than one," so imagine the possibilities when we bring together a network of brilliant minds!

Whether you're looking to ask questions, share insights, or expand your knowledge, this group is your go-to hub for harnessing the collective brainpower of peers, colleagues, and experts. From tackling tough challenges to exploring new ideas, let's leverage the power of many to achieve more together!

WON'T YOU JOIN US? Share your wisdom and learn from the best in our field.

?? Next Month's Newsletter

We're keeping the brain health conversation going year-round on the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast . If you'd like to be a guest and share your ideas, submit your conversation topics on our website or send me a message on LinkedIn.

I'm also in full event planning mode for Brain Week 2025! If you have a topic you'd like to explore or want to collaborate, feel free to reach out by message, email, or text.

As 2024 winds down, I'm excited to wrap up our final events and launch a few projects that have been in the works. Stay tuned for our upcoming 2024 brain-healthy holiday gift list!