Train the Brain 2024
The Brain Coast: A Vision for South Florida

About Train the Brain

Train the Brain is Palm Health Foundation's annual community health campaign that takes place from October 1 - 31. The goal of Train the Brain is to help Palm Beach County residents understand that taking care of the brain is just as important as taking care of the body. Improved brain health leads to better health overall.


Throughout Train the Brain month, Palm Health Foundation promotes brain health messaging and resources, and the community is invited to free experiential and educational events.

2024
The Brain Coast: A Vision for South Florida

Shared vision, determination, science, education, collaboration, and investment can transform a region and change the world. 







Brain function is essential to every aspect of life, and more than 8 in 10 Americans are affected by brain health issues. With world-renowned brain science institutions in our backyard, Palm Beach County is well positioned to leverage our local assets and address this growing need.


In the 20th century, our quest to reach the moon gave rise to The Space Coast and dramatically accelerated our exploration of the universe.


Now, we are poised to realize a vision for The Brain Coast as our next frontier.



The Brain Coast Vision is based on three fundamental pillars that will generate

a thriving brain health ecosystem in South Florida:


 Deepening Brain Science, Education, and Resiliency Through Research

The Brain Coast will advance neuroscience research and push the boundaries of our understanding of the brain, resilience, and mental health.

Engaging the Community 

The Brain Coast aims to foster an informed and proactive community that understands the importance of addressing brain health for healthier lives.

Spurring Innovation to Improve Brain Health, Mental Health, and Community Resilience 

The Brain Coast will be an epicenter for innovation in fundamental brain and mental health research, encouraging the development of novel interventions for neurodegenerative diseases and mental illnesses.

Palm Health Foundation and The Brain Coast

Palm Health Foundation is convening partners, collaborating with fellow funders, and building upon a long track record to advance brain health toward The Brain Coast Vision.


Our Brain Health Innovation Fund, Community Changemakers Fund, NeuroArts Fund, and dedicated community partners and donors support initiatives and projects that advance The Brain Coast Vision:



Watch: The Brain Coast Vision Launch Event




The Well of PBC - October 2024 Issue


The October 2024 issue of The Well of PBC, Palm Beach County’s resource for behavioral health and wellness, features The Brain Coast Vision and our many partners that are working every day to advance local brain health.


The feature story is written by Palm Health Foundation President & CEO Patrick McNamara – check it out!


View Now

Train the Brain 2023:
Advancing Wellness Through the NeuroArts

The NeuroArts represent the convergence between science, the arts and technology. Scientific study has proven that artistic experiences – both observational and experiential – measurably change the brain, body, and behavior, leading to improved physical and mental health, disease prevention, enhanced brain development in children, and more.


Palm Health Foundation’s seventh annual Train the Brain community health campaign drew over 320 attendees to three free community events focused on “Advancing Wellness Through the Neuroarts” during October 2023. The events were held throughout Palm Beach County to demonstrate the connections between the brain, body, and behavior while celebrating the local arts and culture community.

View Outcomes Report

Train the Brain 2022:

Celebrating Human Flourishing Through the NeuroArts Learning Panel

Palm Health Foundation presented an educational panel that explained the connection between the arts, brain health and overall wellbeing, and discussed scientific breakthroughs in brain research.


Panelists:

  • BBT4PD, a Certified Dance for PD ® Program, Boca Ballet Theatre - Cindy Surman
  • The FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute – Dr. Nicole Baganz
  • Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Dr. McLean Bolton
  • Palm Health Foundation/Healthier Delray Beach – Kenya Madison, Ed.S.


"Attending the NeuroArts Learning Panel helped me realize the importance of truly embracing my joy and passion for wellness, meditation and the art of living well on a daily basis in all aspects of my being, professionally and personally." - Participant

Train the Brain 2021: Connecting Brain Science, Community & Care

Palm Health Foundation envisions Palm Beach County as a hub for advancing brain health. This hub will develop by connecting scientific research, community supports and quality care. To reach this goal, the foundation supports local efforts that deepen the community’s knowledge of brain health, including the impact that brain research will have on residents’ wellness and longevity.


During Train the Brain 2021, the foundation promoted information that relates scientific research to practical brain health tips that can help build a better brain, and produced two virtual events featuring local neuroscientists. 

Watch Now!
The Power of Attention: Finding Presence & Purpose

Watch Now!
The New Frontier: The Science Behind Better Brain Health

Brain Health Resources

Train the Brain addresses many areas of brain health, including workplace wellness. Palm Health Foundation knows that building a culture of health—a culture that supports physical, mental, social, and spiritual health—not only benefits employees and their family members in countless ways, it also benefits business. When employees work in places where leadership encourages them to eat well, move more, maintain work/life balance and find joy at work and outside of work, the results extend well beyond better health.


Download our free Workplace Wellness Kit that features resources, statistics and ideas for businesses, non-profit organizations and civic groups to bring better brain health to the workplace.


(Click Image Below to Download)


  • Here are some things you might not realize have a negative effect on brain health:

    • Multitasking can overload the brain and actually cause it to shrink!
    • Too much smartphone and internet use can exhaust your brain and inhibit deep thinking.
    • Sleep deprivation to the brain is the equivalent of being drunk – brain function and response speed worsen.
    • A stressful environment can reduce blood flow in the brain and lower its functioning.

  • But here’s the good news: there are so many brain health activities that can make the brain stronger! Even the smallest of changes to our daily routines and practices can lead to better brain health. For example:

    • Learning a new hobby has been shown to increase brain function.
    • Participating in meaningful social activities (i.e. volunteering, visiting with friends and family) maintains and increases brain function.
    • We can train our brains to think positively and form happy thoughts to drive out negative, harmful ones.
    • Meditation rewires the brain and reduces stress, anxiety and depression.

  • Healthy Behaviors to Incorporate into Daily Life for Better Brain Health:

    • Take a break to stretch every day
    • Try a breathing exercise or meditation
    • Offer a random act of kindness to someone
    • Read or watch something funny
    • Turn off electronics 1 hour before bedtime
    • Choose water over sugary drinks
    • Take a walk in nature
    • Listen to music to relax
    • Think of 3 things you are thankful for
    • Call a friend



Needing help with your mental health is nothing to be ashamed about. According to Scientific American, 80% of people will experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. These crises could be addressed or avoided by practicing daily brain health habits.


While most of us will go through a temporary mental health episode, it’s important to know that 1 in 4 of us has a mental health condition that stays with us our whole lives. Let’s take advantage of the wealth of resources in Palm Beach County that can help us manage our brain health!

Palm Health Foundation's Brain Health Pledge
I will take care of my brain EVERY DAY. I will sleep at least 7 hours, add fruits and vegetables to my meals, get active for at least 30 minutes, calm my mind in a quiet place, spend time with friends and family and show kindness to all people, especially those with mental health conditions.


Questions about Train the Brain? Email info@phfpbc.org