Brain Health Initiative

Building a brain healthy Suncoast

Brain Boosts

Supporting Our Brain Health!

On behalf of the Brain Health Initiative (BHI) we are sending positive thoughts of wellness to each of you. The COVID-19 pandemic could, directly and indirectly, impact every person in numerous ways, including brain health at the individual and community level. As the Brain Health Initiative team came together to think through how best to provide support during this crisis, we were driven by the numerous stresses (brain health risk factors) individuals are and may experience and need to build resilience against.

During this time of uncertainty, BHI remains firmly committed to our mission of promoting and protecting brain health and fighting brain illness across the lifespan, through science, innovation, education and action. A trauma like the coronavirus outbreak, and the resulting stress, can threaten brain health in the moment and also can create numerous long term risk factors for future brain illness. With this awareness, the Brain Health Initiative is working to bring preventative resources and action steps to the Florida Suncoast region.

Boosting brain health is always essential, and especially during times of distress. The question is not whether we will get through the ordeal that lies ahead— because we will. The important questions, from the Brain Health Initiative perspective, are how well we can work together to protect the greater good, to promote brain health during this period, to prevent the potential spiral of brain illness, as well as how much we will learn from this unprecedented challenge and make necessary changes for the future.

Brain Health BOOSTS: What You Can Do Today To Protect Your Brain Health
  • Brain Health Boosts are organized by brain health pillar (protective factor).

Cognitive Stimulation

Emotional Well-being

Future Protective Factors

General Health

Home, Nature and Environment

Meaning and Purpose

Nutrition

Physical Activity

Positive Impacts

Sleep

Social Connection

Stress Resilience

Music and Film to Boost Brain Health

Other

Support for Professional Caregivers

Mindful Moments — Mind Body Exercises

Lakewood Ranch, in collaboration with the Brain Health Initiative and their meditation expert, Trish Hart of Hart Mind Body Solutions, will be providing weekly ‘mindful moments’ throughout April to help kick-off your week with a healthy brain boost!

10-15 minute video clips featuring Trish Hart who will provide a ‘mindful moment’ to implement into your Monday routine.

‘Mindful moments’ will include brief meditations, affirmations, short readings, yoga practice tips, and more!

RSVP and invite your friends and neighbors to be notified when a new video is posted on Monday mornings.

Go to Mindful Moments

Brain Health Playlists

Film Recommendations
  • Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
  • Boyhood (2014)
  • Movies that feature music or musicians: Walk the Line (2005); The Blues Brothers (1980); Love and Mercy (2014); Almost Famous (2000); A Star is Born (1937; 1976; 2018); Amadeus  (1984); or Sound of Music (1965).
  • Movies about perseverance: Finding Nemo (2003); Finding Dory (2016); Free Willy (1993)
  • Wizard of Oz (1939)
  • Movies that celebrate mothers: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993); Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002); StepMom (1998); Forrest Gump (1994); Little Women (2019)
  • Movies that Teach Gratitude: Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995); It Could Happen to You (1994); It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Harvard Based Public Health COVID-19 Lectures and Resources

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health calendar of weekly lectures

McClean Hospital, Harvard School Affiliate COVID-19 Mental Health Resources and Webinars

Harvard Medical School COVID-19 Webinars (especially for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers)

Harvard School of Graduate Education- Confronting the Coronavirus Outbreak

Other Resources and Upcoming Events
  • –Art Works Anywhere, sponsored by Van Wezel
    Van Wezel Professional Teaching Artists create simple, how-to videos. New videos are posted to the channel weekly. Whether it’s for creative expression, or to support school-based learning online, #ArtworksAnywhere is a perfect way for families to engage and learn together.


#maskupmanatee
Mask Up Manatee! is the name of a coalition and campaign committed to COVID-19 education and prevention across Manatee County (FL). The coalition is diverse and includes partners from across the community spectrum: health care, local government, schools, businesses, nonprofits, NGOs and more. The campaign encourages every member of the public to take the steps that the CDC recommends to prevent the spread of COVID-19: wear face coverings in public, wash hands properly and often, social distance and wipe down and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly. The campaign makes use of mass print and broadcast media, as well as social media, to spread the message. For more information, check out #maskupmanatee.


Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Center – First Steps of Sarasota

In a matter of days, we increased our telehealth capability to 42 therapists/ counselors/ prescribers to assure the provision of ongoing services.If you or your loved one is experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact our Crisis Center at 941.364.9355.

Those seeking inpatient detox from substance use should call 941.366.5333.
For Residential Pathways Program please call 855.822.4265 or visit http://www.pathwaysfl.org
Outpatient offices of First Step of Sarasota can be reached at 941.366.5333.
The Behavioral Health Access Center for assessment and referrals please call 941.552.1950.
For our Compass Residential Center for boys and girls ages 13-17 please call 941.639.5535.

The dedication of our staff is a ray of hope for our community, in these most trying times with changing challenges and demands, we continue to serve the most vulnerable who need our caring and compassion. First Steps of Sarasota




  • Changing Lives Together – CareLine 
    It’s common to feel stressed or anxious during these challenging times. Many people are experiencing increased levels of stress, fear and anxiety. The need for social distancing makes it harder to access our normal social supports. Being in contact with people who can relate to your experiences is comforting. Centerstone’s CareLine can help you learn about coping skills, find resources, and feel supported. If you or someone you know needs to talk, the team at Centerstone is available to help:
    Free and Confidential
    24/7 CareLine
    941-782-4300
    #CstoneNeverQuits
     


Tidewell Community Hope LineTo help meet the emotional-health needs of the community during COVID-19, local hospice provider Tidewell Hospice is offering the Tidewell Community Hope Line. This is not a crisis hotline but a “hope” line for people who need help dealing with today’s challenges. The service is available 24/7 and is staffed by Tidewell grief specialists, social workers, and spiritual care advisors. The line can be reached at 855-930-HOPE (4673) or 941-556-HOPE (4673). (La Línea de Esperanza para La Comunidad esta disponible en Español.) Assistance is also available via email at communityhope@tidewell.org