Brain Health Matters

Send us Fan MailWe’re honored and delighted to have Dr. Akil Taher, who has done everything from triathlons to skydiving, hang gliding and scuba diving. He did all of this AFTER going through open-heart surgery at age 61.Since heart disease is one of the major risk factors that can contribute to the likelihood of developing dementia, I just had to invite him to share his story of plant-powered transformation. Some Highlights:2:30 Why older people are happier than young people, despite physical illnesses4:31  How what he called the “See Food” diet and a Type A Personality nearly killed Dr. Taher08:34 How denial sent Dr. Taher on a downward spiral 12:00 the importance of fiber in your diet14:10 why pockets in your colon are NOT normal, despite what North American doctors tell you15:47 Making the choice to be in control19:00 First marathon post-bypass surgery and an amazing gift in a dream22:00 First mountain climbing expedition 1 year post-bypass24:28 Dr. Taher’s Six Pillars of Health31:40 What is broken heart syndrome?33:41 Going plant-powered is delicious and does not have to be complicated 36:00 What exercises are best for your heart (and your brain?)41:39 Dr. Taher’s Book is OPEN-HEARTFollow Dr. Taher on FacebookStart your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!

Send us Fan MailThis week, Kate Kunkel interviews Dr. Nafisa Sekandari, a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in anxiety based disorders.Since mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, are well-known risk factors for dementia, this week’s discussion with Dr. Nafisa Sekandari, licensed clinical psychologist, is very important when considering your brain health.We know that medications prescribed for mental health issues have many serious side effects and do not solve the root of any problem, and the medications themselves can and do have serious effects on the brain.But Dr. Sekandari has a holistic and integrative approach to creating long term control of anxiety, without medication or long-term therapy. You’ll learn some amazing tools to nip panic attacks and overcome anxiety in this inspiring podcast. Dr. Nafisa Sekandari is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety based disorders, and through holistic and integrative interventions, helps her patients and online course students create long term control of their anxiety and OCD symptoms, without medication or long term therapy.  Her recent book "Calm Within: Transform Anxiety Naturally With The 3 Step AIM Program" was recently published and is available on amazon.com and where ever books are sold.   Some highlights of the show: 03:00 Anxiety does not manifest the same in everybody 04:43 The connection between gut health and mental health, specifically, anxiety06:35 Remove the stigma by demonstrating the physical reality of anxiety08:15 Do genetics play a role?10:46 So many kinds of anxiety – what about OCD?16:03 Stress, inflammation and anxiety18:29 How to use positive self-talk to reduce anxiety22:35 The most important hours for the best sleep – this is important!!!24:45 Dr. Sekandari shares powerful tips to get the best sleep26:51 How to stop a panic attack32:06 How to reach Dr. SekandariTo learn about Dr. Sekandari’s Transforming Anxiety Conference (January 2024) visit https://www.transforminganxiety.com/attend  Website: https://www.transforminganxiety.com     Instagram: dr_nafisa_sekandariLinked in: dr-nafisa-sekandariYoutube: @DrNafisaSekandariStart your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!

Send us Fan MailThere are so many ways that being connected to the earth can help improve your sleep, your creativity, and especially your brain health.This week's guest on Brain Health Matters is Dr. Laura Koniver, the Intuition Physician, and she shares many important ways that we can improve our overall health and of course our brains, simply by making that all-important connection to the earth. Some Highlights of the Interview:03:06 Medical evidence of the importance of grounding06:09 How to ground, even if the weather is bad or you’re not in a safe area08:33 The brain benefits of grounding10:55 How grounding can help in the fight against developing dementia15:10 Can hugging a tree help your brain?18:21 The fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. – pharmaceuticals22:55 How grounding can help you achieve better sleep and the importance of reducing your exposure to EMF at night30:44 Creativity and purpose – how they make your brain healthier and you happier34:10 A real-life example of grounding’s benefits to working through a problem35:52 The importance of grounding for the health of the cerebrospinal fluid, in which our brains are always bathed38:54 Learn more from Dr. Koniver here:Laura Koniver’s website: https://intuition-physician.com/Laura’s book, "The Earth Prescription" https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Prescription-Discover-Grounding-Practices/dp/B093N712ZFNOW is the time to start a healthier brain protocol that includes many of the things Dr. Koniver talked about - healthier sleep, purpose, creativity, and of course, connection to the earth. Start your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!

Send us Fan MailDr. Heather Sandison is a naturopathic doctor who has dedicated her career to supporting those suffering with dementia. She has created unique, successful solutions for patients and caregivers using clinical, residential, research and educational platforms.Because we are both determined to make dementia rare and optional, I am excited to have her back on the show to shatter common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s and share the results of her successful clinical trial in which dementia patients reversed cognitive decline!Some important points from the interview: 07:11 the results of the clinical trial09:11 Comparing the results of Dr. Sandison’s trial with that of Dr. Dale Bredesen11:58 Why it is so important to acknowledge cognitive decline early13:47 How Alzheimer’s is impacted by diabetes. (For more information, watch Dr. Beverly Yates’ interview on Brain Health Matters. Link:16:11 The first steps toward a healthier brain19:27 Several fun ways to improve brain functionDr. Sandison's Website HEREResults of Dr. Sandison's Clinical trial can be found HERE NOW is the time to start a healthier brain protocol.One way to do that is to join Kate for Tune Up Your Brain. With fun and easy activities that you can incorporate into your everyday life, this program is the fastest way to improve your memory with a beautiful melding of brain science with the healing power of music and sound. Check it out HERE  There are many more episodes of Brain Health Matters along with the latest brain health research on our WEBSITE Start your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!

Send us Fan MailBe sure to subscribe to be among the first to get this important information, and help getting the word out is very much appreciated. Write a review or share our podcast with those who can use some help with brain health. Learn the many ways YOU can take control of your health by visiting BrainHealthMatters.Today or visiting our BLOGThis week's episode: Dr. Beverly Yates is an internationally acclaimed diabetes expert who helps people get control over their blood sugar. Alzheimer's disease has been called type three diabetes. The cognitive symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes are very similar to dementia, and the hormonal dysregulation that comes with diabetes can have a hugely detrimental effect on our brains. In this podcast, you will learn the five lifestyle factors that comprise the Yates protocol, and how important this is for brain health.Some key points:03:15  What will be the social, personal, and financial impact of millions of people suffering with dementia in the next few years?  04:00 The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes 05:45 What does insulin resistance mean? 08:48 Is pre-diabetes something to worry about?  And can it also affect the brain?12:15 The first two of the Five steps in The Yates Protocol15:11 Read labels!16:59: The dangers of artificial sweeteners18:37 Step Three: Sleep. Why is it so important? 20:15 Step Four: Stress can be a hijacker of your blood sugar and your sleep  22:21: Living with Type One diabetes, and what are the twin gremlins?22:06: Step Five: Exercise and strength training are blood sugar sponges, 29:34: Best ways to test and monitor your blood sugar and the benefits of a CGM continuous glucose monitor. 31:05: How some of us react negatively to ordinarily “healthy” foods. 34:09: Dr. Yates' closing thoughts and advice:Dr. Gates contact information:https://naturalhealthcare.com/ https://naturalhealthcare.com/blogs/news https://www.youtube.com/drbeverlyyates Start your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!

Send us Fan MailThis week's gust is Kim Murphy, a certified Plant-Based Health Coach and the founder of Simply Plant Based Kitchen and an Amazon best-selling author of her new book, Plant Powered. She was inspired to start a whole food plant based lifestyle to improve her own health after she lost her Dad to Alzheimer’s.  Kim started her business,  Simply Plant Based Kitchen, because she wanted to help busy & overwhelmed people learn how to make whole food plant based eating simple, easy, and delicious so they can feel amazing and have their best health.Some Key Points from the Podcast:03:11 A powerful inspiration to get healthier08:07 It’s all about the “why” – and Diet vs. Lifestyle 10:25 Eating death12:21 What your body does with processed foods14:20 Why the fat in nuts and seeds is better15:47 Do you really have to steer clear of fruit?18:00 Tips to a successful transition to a whole foods plant-based diet21:46 But what about the cost of eating healthy?24:42 Dealing with a mixed-meal family and the holidays29:10 A gift from Kim: The Ultimate Plant-Based Grocery List           (Hint – There’s a lot more on there than lettuce!)30:19 Plant Based - the bookVisit Kim's WEBSITE Claim Kim's Gift: BUY Plant-PoweredStart your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!

Send us Fan MailThis week’s inspiring interview was with plant-based dietician Juliana Hever.  chatted about what it means to have a healthy weight and how to achieve that. But you may be wondering why that is so important for the brain? Well, studies have shown that, a high BMI, or Body mass index, which is our weight-to-height ratio, is linked to slightly lower brain volumes. That’s one issue, but more concerning for many people as we age, is the waist-to-hip ratio. High BMI AND high waist-to-hip ratios appear to correlate to lower grey matter brain volumes than people who do not have a high waist-to-hip ratio.  Why is this important? Because grey matter in the brain contains most of the brain’s nerve cells and includes brain regions involved in self-control, muscle control and sensory perception. That can mean that it is more difficult to do the very things that we need to be able to do to keep our brains healthy – like making good dietary choices, exercising, and even learning new things from sensory input.Links to the several studies are included in this blog post: https://katekunkel.com/blog/f/weight-loss-brain-gainJuliana Hever is a passionate and leafy green-loving author, Registered Dietitian, and fitness expert. She is also a best-selling author of books including The Choose You Now Diet and lectures and counsels with the goal of educating and guiding people towards optimal health.Juliana's website: https://plantbaseddietitian.com/Some highlights:Today she joins us to share the incredible healing and energizing power of a whole foods, plant-based diet so that you can achieve and maintain an optimal healthy weight. 04:00 How to bridge the gap between knowing what to do (information) and actually executing a healthier lifestyle. 06:43 – the One-sized fits-all diet for a healthier weight 10:34 – We are what we eat, and we get to choose with every fork11:44 – You’re not broken - Why losing the same weight over and over again is so mentally and physically challenging12:50 The dangers of the “health with every size” mantra that is current today14:20 The best way to dump a sugar addiction18:35  Helping parents feed their children, from infants to picky toddlers, all the way to the teenage years Learn more about Julieanna's book HERE To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s book, Don't Let the Memories Fade. And The Vegan BrainCheck out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!Start your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!

Send us Fan MailWant more strength? Want more brainpower? Want to feel more alive? Want to banish depression and/or brain fog?Then you need to watch this episode of Brain Health Matters, because Kate Kunkel's guest, Erik LeHane, is a dedicated physical therapist who has devoted his life to helping active seniors STAY active and healthy.As the visionary founder of the Gaitway Group, Erik has established an exclusive practice that places a special emphasis on preventative physical therapy, aimed at extending the health span and improving the overall quality of life for active seniors.He has helped countless seniors regain their physical vitality and has also set a new standard for care in the industry. With a deep understanding of the unique needs of aging individuals, Erik's work goes beyond traditional rehabilitation. He specializes in developing tailored programs that empower seniors to live their lives to the fullest, enabling them to maintain their independence and mobility for years to come.Some Key Points:05:47: It's not just about movement, it's about quality of life and having a positive attitude toward aging09:07: Why seniors are not getting the proper care and advice to prevent loss of physical and cognitive strength12:50: If there was a pill you could take, and there was a 50 to 70% chance it would prevent you from ever having to deal with depression, loss of strength, cancer, neurodegenerative disease or diabetes, would you take that pill?14:50: A great exercise you can do right at your kitchen counter19:23: The elevator test to determine your functional mobility25:00: Where do you want to be five years from now? 32:50: Easy ways to incorporate quality exercise into your every day routine35:27: Claim your Gift of the 10 Essentials Home Circuit Erik's WEBSITEFollow Eric on Social Media: YouTube, Facebook, InstagramWrite to Eric: erik @ eriklehane.com   (eliminate the robot-defeating spaces when you write to him!)To learn even more about the power of exercise for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s book, Don't Let the Memories Fade.  Start your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Brain Health matters – I just KNOW you are going to love this interview this week.Kathy Fester, a long-time music educator and advocate joined me to talk about the importance of music education and music engagement at ALL ages. Her enthusiasm and sheer joy made this one of my favorite interviews of all time.Whether you’re a parent trying to decide if it’s worthwhile to spend money on music lessons, or a senior struggling a bit with loneliness or some cognitive decline, you will be sure to find this conversation enlightening, entertaining, and inspiring.  As Kathy says, “Music puts a smile in the heart.” Kathy Fester began teaching music when she was just in grade 7 and has been teaching music in the public school system for the past 32 years Her passion for music advocacy has put her in leadership roles in many associations and  inspired her to complete her Masters Degree from Simon Fraser University to expand on the knowledge of all the Arts as they affect the brain. The “Power of Music” in our lives is a passion that lives in the heart and mind.  Kathy continues to advocate daily to bring music into the curriculum of our schools to the level of being a ‘core subject’ equal to reading and writing in our school system rather than a “frill”.   Music isn’t just something that we listen to – it is the “heart of soul” of humanity.Some Key Points:5:23 How music helps students learn better problem solving and working as a team, learning to accept that you learn through making mistakes. 7:51 Music changes the brain structurally and what that means for success later in life 14:00 Listening to Music: essential for emotional and mental health, but creating music is so much more16:00 For parents and educators: recommendation of a fantastic book to understand the many reasons music education is essential for brain and mental health and success. Music education can even help you learn to read better.  21:00 Why you don’t have to learn as a child to get the benefits of learning a musical instrument 23:00 How music benefits stroke patients and those who are suffering with dementia28:27 Music puts a smile in the heart30:25 Why are humans so wired for sound? 34:52 Why it’s important for everyone to follow their heart and play music – any music, any way.Recommended book: The Music Advantage.Kathy’s websites: Gratitude and Appreciation Summit Promptings: To learn even more about the power of music for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s book, The Musical Brain.Start your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome to Brain Health Matters, a series of courses, programs and podcasts designed to help you become healthier so your brain can become happier and stronger. In this week's podcast with host Kate Kunkel, we explore the the importance of a positive attitude and the many ways a healthier brain can give us a better career and, of course, a better life. You won't want to miss this beautiful conversation with fellow brain health coach, Allison Liu.Allison Liu is an Amen Licensed Brain Trainer and Brain Health Coach who helps women in midlife to improve their mood, memory and mental sharpness. Allison successfully overcame brain fog and overwhelm by increasing her own ‘brain reserve’, and now coaches women to achieve the same so that they can better handle life’s challenges and face the future with confidence. Her motto: Stay sharp for life!Allison’s website is Allison Liu Coaching Key Points:0:46The financial, emotional and physical challenges created by dementia.09:22What exactly IS brain fog – How does it manifest and how can we dispel it?14:01Overwhelm can make any lifestyle change hard – but especially your brain. What is the best way to start?18:00Explaining the BRIGHTMINDS mnemonic to understand the risk factors that can impact our brain health now and put us at risk for dementia later. 20:59Why retirement is a risk factor for dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.24:17Where genetics fit into the puzzle of brain health.29:00 The frightening number of toxins that have been introduced into our lives since the Industrial Revolution and how they affect our brains.39:29The importance of looking at the risk factors and mitigating all of them. One small action is good, but that won’t turn around cognitive decline.41:38How dementia truly impacts your life and that of your loved ones. Hint – it’s not just about memory loss. 43:11Do the brain health assessment HERE, then Book a consultation with Allison.Start your Brain Health Journey with Five Easy Things you can do Right Now to Improve Your Brain https://harplady.lpages.co/five-steps-to-a-better-brain/To learn even more about the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet for a healthier brain, check out Kate’s books, "Don't Let the Memories Fade", "The Vegan Brain" and "The Musical Brain" Check out the Brain Health Matters BLOG for many more ways to improve your brain and your life!