We're thrilled to welcome Kelli Moore (@LenzKrafters) and Wendy Yip (@wyipjd) as our honorary chairs for the 2024 Michigan Softball Academy. Can't wait to work with you as we March to $2 Million! Info/Register: msoftballacademy.org

Fall: 3 in a row -- Roy Miki (1942-2024), Maggie Ip (1943-2024) & 瘂弦(1932-2024). Look for new stars after the northern lights show. #PacificCanadaStories ⁦@PancouverMedia⁩ ⁦⁦@Transpacificman⁩ ⁦@PatParungao⁩ ⁦@UBCACAM⁩ ⁦@janwalls⁩

This year's Pradel Research Award winner Paola Arlotta of @HSCRB & @broadinstitute has provided key insights into the fundamental principles that guide development of the cerebral cortex. Read about her innovative work this #BrainAwarenessWeek: ow.ly/YjO350QRsXQ #NASaward

Interested in the power and politics behind urban change? So is @bychrischeung from @thetyee . Apply to work with him by Feb. 28: caj.ca/programs/mentorship/

I was so pleased to host a celebration for the 10th anniversary of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health with generous supporters of the Centre, including the Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation, Rudy and Patricia North, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute and ALS BC.

7 bad habits that sabotage your brain health: 1. Not exercising Not exercising on a regular basis is a recipe for brain atrophy. Exercise improves memory by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This helps you form new synapses and improves learning & memory. If you want a healthy brain you need to move your body. 2. Not getting quality sleep Without good sleep habits you can't form or maintain pathways in your brain that help you learn & create new memories. It'll also be harder to be at your cognitive best because sleep deprivation affects the areas of your brain known for decision making and mood control. Long term sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimers and dementia (1) 3. Eating inflammatory foods You are what you eat. A diet high in inflammatory foods (fried & processed foods) can lead to chronic inflammation of the gut, which then affects your brain (2). This includes sugary drinks and ultra processed foods. Eating these on a regular basis leads to memory loss, lack of mood control, confusion, depression & eventual disease. 4. Having a big belly Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh did a study and found that people who were overweight had 4% less brain volume and had brains that looked eight years older (3). Another study involving brain scans of more than 17,000 people, found that as weight went up, blood flow in the brain went down (4) High body fat has been shown to affect the hypothalamus, pre-frontal cortex & the hippocampus. These areas are known for mood control, learning & memory. You don't need to be ripped. Just get your body fat to a level where it'll avoid disease. 5. Not learning new things The brain is like a muscle where it grows & shrinks depending on usage. Learning new skills stimulates neurons & forms new pathways that allow electrical impulses to travel faster. If you don't learn things you allow the brain to atrophy. 6. Not having a purpose Humans are meaning making machines. We need a purpose to keep on living. Studies show that having a meaning in life is correlated with reduced risk of cognitive decline & mental disease. Having a purpose does not fall in your lap. You have to create it. 7. Not having a solid group of friends Good friends can improve emotional intelligence, help you live longer while providing a cocktail of oxytocin, dopamine & seratonin to elevate your mood. Friends are good for overall health. Just make sure they're not toxic. Want to build a healthy brain? Do this: 1) Get daily exercise 2) Fix your sleep habits 3) Eat nutrient dense foods 4) Get healthy body fat levels 5) Learn new things 6) Create purpose in life 7) Have a solid group of friends The brain is the most important organ in your body. Take care of it as if your life depended on it. Sources: 1. academic.oup.com/brain/artic… 2. diabetesjournals.org/care/ar… 3. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/…

Thx @jbrownri for working with us since last August on this program. Gratifying to see it come to fruition with the blessings of HrH @LGJanetAustin & the hard work of @WYipJD & team. @PatParungao #HeartsOfFreedomInBC