http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/national+brain+strategy+mind+Canadi
ans/4480871/story.html

A national brain strategy is top of mind for Canadians

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Joyce Gordon, National Post . Mar. 22, 2011 | Last Updated: Mar. 22, 2011
4:04 AM ET



Walk into any bookstore and you're sure to find tables of books dedicated to
the human brain. For some time,we have known about the brain's role as the
command centre forthe human experience,but onlynowarewe beginning to talk
about what's really going on "upstairs".

The brain is a major health, social and economic issue facing individuals,
families and communities across Canada-one with complex policy implications
for all levels of government. Approximately 11 million Canadians are living
with a neurological or psychiatric condition today. That's one in three
living with a brain disease, disorder or injury for which there are limited
treatments and no cures-a startling statistic for our knowledge-based
economy.

DISORDERS CAN STRIKE AT ANY AGE

Some brain conditions are present at birth, others develop during childhood;
some appear suddenly during prime earning and child-rearing years, others
progress slowly as we age. Regardless of diagnosis or the age of the person
affected, living with a brain condition presents remarkably similar needs
and issues.

Canada needs a national brain strategy, a comprehensive and coordinated
approach to tackle the most challenging issues facing more than 30 percent
of our population:

- Integrated care and support services

- Caregiver support

- Income security

- Research

- Prevention

- Public awareness

For a person living with a brain condition, access to health care and
support services can make the difference between maintaining their
independence and requiring costly long-term care.Limited access to
specialists, innovative medications and treatments not covered by public
programs,and insufficient support in the community, compromise a person's
ability to remain healthy, productive and engaged.

A FAMILY BURDEN

Informal caregivers fill these gaps at great risk to their own health and
thefinancial stability of their family. Ensuring that caregivers are
properly supported is essential to maintaining this volunteer work force
that our communities rely upon. This includes income security measures to
ensure that families do not experience poverty as an added consequence of
living with a brain condition.

Research offers the hope of uncovering more effective treatments and a
better understanding of cause and cure. Canadian neuroscientists are the
best in the world, but they require increased and sustained investment to
find ways to help people live better today and prevent people from facing
brain conditions in the future.

A STIFLING STIGMA

With one in three Canadians affected, it's plausible that every family in
Canada has been touched by a brain condition. Improving our knowledge about
brain health, our recognition of brain conditions and our understanding of
how to be helpful to those around us is fundamental to reducing the stigma,
discrimination and isolation that many Canadians experience every day.

March 2011 marks Canada's first National Brain Awareness Month, an important
first step in raising awareness about brain health and the issues facing
millions of Canadians living with brain conditions today.

MY BEST TIPS

EAT WELL FOR BRAIN HEALTH

1 Consume food with high levels of naturally occurring
antioxidants(dark-skinned fruits and vegetables) to minimize free radical
damage.

UP THE OMEGAS

2 Omega 3 Fatty Acids support brain function (walnuts, kiwi fruit and cold
water fish including halibut,mackerel,salmon,trout and tuna).

HEALTHY MIND AND BODY

3 Avoid trans fats and saturated fats-they are linked to cognitive decline.

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