World Brain Day 2023

The World Federation of Neurology was the first to establish World Brain Day as a worldwide commemoration. This society was founded on the 22nd of July 1957 in Belgium and is now one of the most prominent promoters of neurology and brain health research in the world. It designated this day as "World Brain Day”. It is celebrated in over 40 countries around the world, with various events and activities dedicated to educating people about the importance of taking care of their brains. The activities involved range from using online campaigns and seminars, education drives, charity walks to donation drives.
This year 2023, the World Brain Day theme is "Brain Health and Disability: Leave No One Behind”.

Why World Brain Day is Important

The nervous system is the most intriguing part of the human body. It was beyond the reach of the common man. During the last few decades, there have been so many breakthroughs in neurosciences, helped us understanding some of the complexities of the human brain. And as we speak, neurosciences are constantly making discoveries in medicine

With ever increasing in incidence of brain stroke, there has been exponential rise in expenditure at both local and national levels. Brain health has become an urgent issue. Many of the diseases and medical conditions most prevalent today are directly related to neurological issues. To fully combat these issues, basic measures of neurological safety must be adopted.

AIMS: Brain health is a human right that applies to everyone

1.Prevention: 80% of brain stroke can be prevented. Brain disabilities can be prevented, treated and rehabilitated.

2.Awareness: The people should be made aware of modifiable factors which can cause brain stroke directly. This will help to reduce the disability associated with brain disorders.
3.Access: Brain diseases, particularly brain stroke is an emergency. It is vital to have access to treatment, rehabilitation and assistive technology, particularly developing country like us.

4.Education: Education to the understand the disease, it’s preventive measures and disabilities associated with it is important.

5.Promote neurology research

The following tips can help in having a healthy brain.

1. Maintaining a minimum sleep of seven hours on a regular basis.

2. Exercise regularly 10,000 steps a day is ideal and minimum.

3.Taking precautionary steps while driving (wearing helmet/seatbelt).

4.Seeking medical attention in case of depression and anxiety.

5.Avoiding screen time, two hours prior to bedtime/sleep.

6.Avoiding the intake of stimulants such as nicotine, alcohol and caffeine at least six hours before going to sleep.

7.Avoiding multitasking, as it has proved to reduce efficiency of brain.

8.Taking a healthy diet such as green vegetables, beans, seafood, nuts, seeds etc.

9. Screen time can interfere with everything from sleep to efficiency or creativity. Blue light-emitting screen devices like smartphones before bedtime can disrupt sleep pattern by suppressing secretion of the hormone melatonin, which is required for a sound sleep. Online education and various digital media distractions, particularly the online games has become a real point of concern. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, screen time should be avoided for kids under age 2 and older children should be allowed maximum 2 hours of screen time a day.