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

September 26, 2018/by Beverly Engel

Phylis Moore, Altruistic to the Core

Who is Phylis Moore? When you first meet Phylis Moore, her soft-spoken…

May 7, 2018/by Beverly Engel

Brain Champions 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

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.

Bring on the Beans for a B-Vitamin Boost for the Brain

Why bring on the beans? Because they are one of the best sources of B vitamins and these vitamins are critical for a healthy brain.

Eat Smart Archives

Flexing those muscles also strengthens your brain.

How Weight Training Changes the Brain

In animals, weight training appeared to promote the creation of new neurons in the memory centers of the brain.

Work Out Archives

Lowering your stress levels sends brain activity soaring.

How Your Breath Controls Your Mood and Attention

New research explores the relationship between the pace and intentionality of your breathing, and the brain networks involved in mood, attention, and body awareness.

Chill Out Archives

Great brains love great company.

Why Spending Time With Friends Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Health

When it comes to overall well-being and mental health, your social connections are just as important as your physical health says a new study.

Hang Out Archives

A happy brain is a hard-working brain.

Memorizing is a Lost Art, But Should It Be?

Even though information is a click away on your iPhone or iPad, memorization still matters.

Challenge Yourself Archives

Living a meaningful life keeps your brain engaged and active.

Why Attitude Is More Important Than IQ

New research shows that your attitude is more important to how you do in life than your intellect.

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

September 25, 2019/by Beverly Engel