Brain health is a major contributor to many other aspects of health and nurturing or neglecting it can greatly influence future health.
On May 14 and 15 the Humboldt Connections Suicide Prevention Task Force and Age and Dementia Friendly Winnemucca are partnering to host the first ever Brain Health Summit at the Winnemucca Convention Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gini Cunningham, Project Coordinator for Respite, Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness, and Age and Dementia Friendly-Winnemucca (ADF-Winnemucca) said that the purpose of the event is “To expand knowledge of taking good care of your brain so that it can take good care of you. To increase awareness of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to enhance understanding and potential courses of action.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), brain health plays a considerable part in preventing some kinds of cancer, type two diabetes, heart disease, decreasing cognitive decline and much more.
Humboldt Connections Suicide Prevention Task Force Chair Pauline Salla said “This event will feature informative sessions and expert speakers sharing their stories and tips on keeping your brain in shape. Regardless of your interest in learning, this summit has something for everyone. Take advantage of this opportunity to attend!”
According to Salla, there will be panels representing the six pillars of brain health—Brain Wellness for First Responders, Lived Experience Panel, Anticipatory Grief and the Effects on our Wellness, Brain Health, and Living Ideation, Mind in Motion: The Connections Between Movement and Brain Health and other informative sessions.
Lunch will be provided each day along with opportunities to network, resource tables, and much more. Attendees should register using the QR code and reserve their spot for $50. Registration ends on May 14 and for registration fee assistance, email pauline.salla@humboldtcountynv.gov.
NHL player and coach, mental health advocate, author, and public speaker Clint Malarchuk will be presenting on Tuesday the 14 on his experiences and mental health, PTSD, depression, his own battles, philosophies on leadership and overcoming life strategies.
Doctors, medical and law enforcement first responders, and many more experts will also be present and discuss how brain health benefits not only individuals, but the community as a whole. From grief, education, and support, to movement and mobility, the event will touch on key aspects of brain health.
“The brain is the ticker for mental health and cognition. With a variety of presenters and many topics, every attendee will gain insight into the importance of guarding the power of the brain,” said Cunningham.
According to Cunningham, Winnemucca has hosted some similar events in the past that have highlighted the importance of brain health, but Humboldt Connections Suicide Prevention Task Force inviting them to participate this year and it will be the first Brain Health Summit quite like this.
“Age and Dementia Friendly Winnemucca has offered brain health presentations for several years. Some focus has been on Alzheimer's and other dementias but we have also concentrated on all actions and reactions, birth through the end of life, that keep the brain — and thus the body and soul, strong and vibrant,” explained Cunningham.
Nationally, May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Summit is a part of an even broader message as the Humboldt Connections Suicide Prevention Task Force organizes stigma-smashing and brain health recognizing events around town to support the community. For a full calendar of events, visit the Humboldt Connections Suicide Prevention Task Force Facebook page.
Salla said “Our brain controls every aspect of your life, so keeping it healthy is essential!”