Brain Awareness Week

Brain Awareness Week is just around the corner. I realize that  some people might not think it’s up there with Thanksgiving or  even St. Patrick’s Day, but I’m excited. It’s true, there are no big brain food dinners to give thanks at, or even little green brain pins to attach to a shirt while drinking green beer. We under- appreciate our brains until something’s amiss.

Whoops! Where did I put it?

Most of us have an occasional moment when we lose our brains in public. Maybe it’s because politicians spend so much time in public we see them without  one more frequently than the general public. It seems to me that some of them should put their brains at the front door along with their briefcases to make sure it’s right there when they get to congress or open their mouths to give an interview.

What’s a few brain cells here and there, anyway?

I took mine for granted for a long time. Being a genius, I wasn’t worried about losing a few brain cells here or there as a young person. I figured I had a few to spare. I had to sustain a brain injury to fully appreciate how amazing our brain is and what my brain means to me.

I’m lucky. Between good medical  care and my ability to harness my own  mind-body connection, I’ve done well. Most people I meet casually now are surprised if they find out. I take care of myself, meditate, stay calm and relaxed, get my rest and eat for my brain.  Since our brains use over 20 per cent of our bodies’ nutrients, the right food is important if you’re going to be a mental athlete.

Become more aware this month

March is actually Brain Injury Awareness Month, which means a lot more to me now than it did a few years ago. It’s crucially important to protect your brain to prevent injury. Wear a helmet when you’re involved in sports. Understand that a brain injury can be more serious than it seems. If you’ve been knocked out or you feel sick, drowsy, or not quite with it either after a jolt to the head or just all of a sudden, get checked out.

And, learning how to maximize your brain wherever you are in life is equally important. There’s hope for everyone who has had a stroke or other accident. The brain has a greater ability for recovery and development than was ever imagined. Neuroscience is such a young, exciting field. There’s lots  for everyone to learn about.

So, learn something new about your brain this upcoming week. Learn how to feed and care for it properly. Exercise it. Take it for a walk. And remember to take it with you in public.