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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), also known as H.R. 1 or the budget reconciliation package, was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The new law will result in cuts to federal spending on Medicaid and programmatic changes in the coming years.
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Celebrating World Brain Day: July 22

By Anne T

Each year, on July 22, the global community unites to celebrate World Brain Day, an initiative led by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). This day focuses on raising awareness about brain health and emphasizing the importance of neurological research, education, and advocacy.

My personal journey with brain health began on July 1, 2013. I was thrown from a utility vehicle and struck the back of my head against the curb of a cement path, resulting in a brain hemorrhage and skull fracture – a traumatic brain injury (TBI). After a stay in the ICU, I was released to navigate life with a damaged brain that caused impaired cognitive function, loss of taste and smell, and chronic vertigo.

Over the past twelve years, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge about my brain and how to enhance its function. As I grow older, this becomes increasingly crucial. Research shows that moderate and severe TBIs can elevate the risk of dementia by 2- to 4-fold. However, I’m not as daunted by this statistic as I might be because I’ve discovered that I can actively engage in activities that promote brain health.

I personally try to encourage others to engage in activities that promote brain health by sharing my own experiences and the positive impact intentional activities have had on my life. I emphasize the importance of staying mentally active through hobbies like art, reading, puzzles, and learning new skills. Whenever I meet someone who is struggling with cognitive challenges or simply wants to improve their brain health, I suggest they explore different activities to find what resonates with them. By being open about my journey and the strategies that have worked for me, I hope to inspire others to take proactive steps toward enhancing their own brain health.

One of the most transformative activities I encourage is meditation. It has been my saving grace. Through meditation, I’ve uncovered a better version of myself. Not only has it strengthened my brain’s neural pathways, but it has also helped maintain my emotional well-being, even during challenging times. The chronic vertigo eased after a couple of years and over time, I have restored my senses of taste and smell, and my cognitive function has improved dramatically.

My personal journey has deepened my appreciation for the brain’s complexity and resilience. The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, responsible for controlling every function, from our thoughts and emotions to our movements and senses. Despite its critical role, brain health often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. World Brain Day aims to change that by highlighting the prevalence of neurological disorders and the need for better prevention, treatment, and support.

World Brain Day serves as a poignant reminder of my journey and the immense knowledge I’ve gained about my own brain. Reflecting on how far I’ve come, I am filled with gratitude for the resilience and adaptability of the human brain. This day reinforces my commitment to advocating for brain health and supporting ongoing research and education. I hope that through these efforts, everyone can experience the profound benefits of a healthy brain.

Resources

WORLD BRAIN DAY – July 22, 2025 – National Today

Dementia Resulting From Traumatic Brain Injury: What Is the Pathology? – PMC