Brain health session on Nov. 4 deals with basics of general health

The second in a series of monthly sessions on Brain Health will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at Luverne Community Education.
The series started Oct. 7 as an effort by local advocates with #Luv1LuvAll to end stigma and encourage conversations about mental health — like physical health — toward improved quality of life.
The first one addressed depression, and the next one is about “Basics of Brain Health,” led by Angela Nolz, integrated health therapist at Sanford Luverne.
“We’ll talk about signs and symptoms of the most commonly diagnosed brain health conditions, like anxiety and depression,” Nolz said.
“And we’ll provide information on things you can do to help yourself and support someone else with a brain health diagnosis.”
 
Diet and exercise help the brain as they do other physical organs
For example, she said brain health — like all facets of physical health — is affected by diet, exercise, social engagement and activities that promote a sense of purpose.
However, this isn’t to say all brain health ailments are preventable and medication provides valuable relief.
“We work so hard to encourage people to seek help, and we don’t want to discourage people from using medication,” she said.
In fact, the January session (there isn’t a December session) will address the role of medications in brain health.
Nolz said the first session on Oct. 7 drew more than 40 people, and feedback indicates that the discussion was productive.
“Many said it helped them understand brain health and will help them with conversations about brain health in their own lives and in the lives of their family and friends,” Nolz said, adding that many are participating in order to help someone else.
“We all know somebody who’s currently struggling or who has a brain health condition … It’s not just about you; it’s about how you can support a loved one or a neighbor.”
 
Attitude shift
The overall goal of the Brain Health series is to shift attitudes about mental health to practical approaches to brain health.
“I really do think it is about increased dialogue about the fact that it’s OK to not be OK,” Nolz said about the series. “That way we can move toward treatment options to be well.”
Evidence shows that people are less likely to seek treatment for anxiety or depression than they would for asthma or some other physical ailment.
That’s what Nolz and #Luv1LuvAll are working to change.
“What I get excited about is we have community members and local professionals who see this as worth their time to share their expertise,” she said.
The Brain Health classes meet from 7 to 8 p.m. the first Monday of the month through May (no December class) at Luverne Community Education.
The monthly classes, free and open to anyone, each address different components of brain health, with different community professionals spearheading each one.
Upcoming sessions address medication, coping skills and resiliency, chemical awareness, healthy relationships and mindfulness.
 
Start conversations early
Meanwhile, Luverne’s sixth-graders are tackling a parallel Brain Health series.
“The idea is that if we start educating them young enough, they can start having conversations as they get older,” Nolz said.
Working through the school guidance counselor, Nolz said she hopes to help students struggling with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
“It is the hope that these sessions start the conversation and end the stigma of opening up about any struggles our youth may be having,” she said.
“It is my personal hope that the message is clear that help is out there and change is possible. We also hope that these topics can assist in keeping kids well.”
The students will learn about brain health during their flex time at school.
 
Free and open to the public
The public sessions at Community Education are free, but registrations are requested in order to plan adequate space and accommodations. Call 507-283-4724.
Nolz said the first session nearly overfilled a Community Education room, so she said registration is helpful. Also, Sanford will provide “brain healthy” food next week and would appreciate knowing how much to bring.
Certificates of attendance will be available.