Classic cartoons depict a whack on the head as a humorous and harmless gesture, causing nothing more than a few birds to fly around, followed by an immediate recovery. Unfortunately, this is not the way it works in real life. Concussions and head injuries are a serious matter that can have severe effects on the body and brain.

Learn more about concussions

Check out our brain training exercises!

A. Nonny Mouse Writes Again! By J. Preslutsky, 1993

What Brain Up! is All About

Brain Up! is a comprehensive brain education program brought to you by the Winter Park Health Foundation. It was developed in response to recent research that revealed fascinating new truths about our brains. We have long believed that the human brain is hard-wired and immutable. The latest findings prove otherwise. The scientific community can now agree that the human brain has plasticity, that brain function is shaped by environmental input and lifestyle and that brains can and will continue to develop and express late in life – but we have to work on them now.

That’s why we have created Brain Up!

To promote public understanding of brain health.
To raise awareness of how important it is to become brain healthy.
To inspire people of all ages to engage in and commit to a brain healthy lifestyle.

Current Brain Champions

May 7, 2018/by Beverly Engel

Brain Champions Melodie and Howie Griffin

Not many mothers and young sons are exercise partners which is why you need to meet Melodie and Howie Griffin.

June 25, 2017/by Beverly Engel

Brain Champions Nanci Adler and Don Crowell

October 21, 2016/by Beverly Engel

Brain Champion Justin Marcano

February 15, 2016/by Beverly Engel

Brain Champion Cathy Michaelson Lieblich

December 26, 2015/by Beverly Engel

Brain Champion Bob Kodzis

December 26, 2015/by Beverly Engel

Brain Champion Heather van Dyk

Who is your Brain Champion?

Nominate yourself or a friend or colleague to be our next Brain Champion. A Brain Health Champion must be active in at least two of the six Brain Health Commandments.

Learn More

The right foods will keep your brain running strong.

Hearty Potato and Lentil Salad

You can enjoy this versatile recipe as a vegetarian entree or adapt it by adding some chicken for a heartier meal.

Eat Smart Archives

Flexing those muscles also strengthens your brain.

A Lifestyle Change Could Keep Your Brain Young

A Concordia University study shows there are everyday simple steps you can take to keep your brain healthy. Make this change in your life and you can significantly slow down grey-matter aging in your brain.

Work Out Archives

Lowering your stress levels sends brain activity soaring.

Can a Nap Boost Brain Health?

Short day-time naps are restorative, brain-boosting and don’t have to interfere with a good night’s sleep.

Chill Out Archives

Great brains love great company.

How Curiosity Changes Your Brain

Become more curious. Your brain can help you do it.

Hang Out Archives

A happy brain is a hard-working brain.

For a Better Brain, Learn Another Language: The cognitive benefits of multilingualism

It doesn’t matter if it’s Spanish, Arabic, French or even sign-language. Concentrated efforts to learn a second language will be rewarded with new cognitive skill acquisition and a delay of cognitive decline in old age.

Challenge Yourself Archives

Living a meaningful life keeps your brain engaged and active.

How to Figure Out Your Life’s Purpose

How do you define your life’s purpose? This article provides some thought-provoking questions to get you started.

Find Your Purpose Archives

Sign the Brainifesto

CALLING ALL BRAIN OWNERS!

Get ready to rev your MENTAL ENGINES, fire up those neurons and learn tips and tricks for keeping your brain strong all life-long. Show the world that you’re serious about being brain healthy. Sign your name to The Brainifesto today, and kick off your commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development.

Download a PDF of the Brainifesto.

In The News

May 25, 2018/by Beverly Engel