Bardutz Brain Health

09/04/2026

Welcome to the September edition of Holly’s monthly newsletter!

September arrives with a subtle, crisp shift in the air. Even when our formal school days are long behind us, that nostalgic "back-to-school" energy remains deeply wired into our collective psyche. The transition into autumn naturally invites a sense of fresh starts, prompting a quiet desire to sharpen our pencils, open a clean notebook, and begin anew.

This instinct to seek out fresh knowledge is far more than just a seasonal habit—it is a vital catalyst for our brain health.

As highlighted in this month’s featured research from the American Psychological Association and recent scoping reviews on later-life learning, our capacity to adapt, form new neural connections, and build cognitive reserve remains active throughout our entire lives. True learning at this stage of life is liberated from the pressure of grades or exams; it is about the sheer joy of discovery, building real-world skills, and staying connected with others.

Inside this edition, you’ll find:

The Science of Later-Life Learning: Breakthrough insights showing why hands-on, practical skill-building beats "brain games" every time.

Upcoming Fall Events & Workshops: Free and interactive online sessions exploring the breath-brain connection, a modern approach to osteoarthritis pain with Dr. Tasha Stanton, and why September is the ultimate reset for your mind.

Special Program Preview: Early bird access to Sacha Wolfson’s 5-Week Mindfulness & Breathwork course.

Community Impact & Research: Promising new data from the University of Saskatchewan showing how our community members maintain long-term brain-healthy habits years after participating in our programs.

The message this month is both inspiring and grounding: the classroom of life has no graduation date, and our capacity to grow, adapt, and thrive is limitlessly renewable.

Here’s to a season of discovery, active minds, and the joy of continuous growth!

Welcome to the September edition of Holly’s monthly newsletter! September arrives with a subtle, crisp shift in the air. Even when our formal school days are long behind us, that nostalgic "back-to-school" energy remains deeply wired into our collective psyche. The transition into autumn

09/03/2026

When stress hits or racing thoughts take over, it can feel like your brain is running the show and you're just along for the ride.

The good news? You already hold the remote control to your nervous system. It’s your breath.

Join Sacha Wolfson and me for a free 45-minute workshop where we combine accessible brain science with direct, practical experience.

Here is what we’ll explore together:
- The latest research on how intentional breathing shifts your body out of stress mode.
- A simple slow-breathing technique to quiet a frantic mind.
- A guided deep-rest practice to restore your energy.

You’ll leave with tools you can put to work immediately to support better sleep and ease daily tension.

The Breath-Brain Reset
- Thursday, September 10
- 2:00–2:45 p.m. CST
- Live on Zoom
- FREE (Recording provided to all registrants)

Register here: https://www.bardutzbrainhealth.com/events/the-breath-brain-reset-with-sacha-wolfson

(Note: This session is also a gentle peek into our upcoming 5-week deep dive starting October 1st!)

Back to All Events The Breath-Brain Reset with Sacha Wolfson Thursday, September 10, 2026 2:00 p.m. 2:45 p.m. Google Calendar ICS Register for FREE A Free Online Session with Dr. Holly Bardutz & Sacha Wolfson Most of what your body does runs quietly in the background without your conscious effo...

09/01/2026

🧠 Brain health doesn't require perfection. Just tiny steps.

Did you know that according to the scientist-backed MIND diet, simply eating a serving of berries twice a week significantly benefits your brain? 🫐

Protecting your mind isn't about making major, stressful life overhauls. It’s about these easy, everyday habits.

What’s one small change you can make today?

Subscribe to my newsletter and don't miss all the brain health news: https://www.bardutzbrainhealth.com

08/31/2026

If you’ve ever been told your joint pain is just "wear and tear," you might be missing a huge part of the picture.

Contemporary science shows that severe structural damage on an X-ray doesn't always equal severe pain—and vice versa. On September 17, I’ll be joined by Dr. Tasha Stanton for an insightful session on how modern pain science is reshaping our understanding of osteoarthritis.

We’ll dive into why pain is far more complex than simple joint damage, how systemic inflammation and psychology play a role, and why your body’s capacity for adaptation (bioplasticity) is key to feeling better.

If you’re ready for a fresh, evidence-based approach to joint health, this is a talk you won't want to miss.

Time to Think Beyond the Joint? A Contemporary Understanding of Osteoarthritis Pain and Its Management
- Thursday, September 17
- 7:00–8:00 p.m. CST
- Live on Zoom. Recording available if you can’t attend live
- Registration: $30

https://www.bardutzbrainhealth.com/events/time-to-think-beyond-the-joint

Join us for this empowering discussion and learn how movement and modern science can work together for active recovery.

Back to All Events Time to Think Beyond the Joint? A Contemporary Understanding of Osteoarthritis Pain and Its Management with Tasha Stanton Thursday, September 17, 2026 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Google Calendar ICS Register Now ($30/Ticket) While it is tempting to think of osteoarthritis pain as a si...

08/26/2026

We Were Made to Move! 🏃‍♀️🧠

When we think about exercise, we often focus on the benefits from the neck down.

But your brain needs movement too.

As a brain health researcher, I want to remind you that regular physical activity is one of the important things we can do to support brain health throughout our lives.

Aerobic exercise—such as walking, cycling, swimming or dancing—is a great foundation. But strength training matters too. 💪

When our muscles contract during exercise, they release signaling molecules called myokines and other factors that help communicate with the rest of the body, including the brain. These muscle–brain signals are being studied for their role in processes such as neuroplasticity, metabolism and cognitive health.

And strength training has benefits that go beyond muscle. By helping us maintain strength, mobility, balance and physical independence, it also supports the conditions that allow us to stay active and engaged as we age.

So exercise isn’t simply about building a stronger body.

Every time you move, you’re doing something good for your brain, too. ❤️

Your brain was built to move.

So let’s move it! 🧠💪✨

08/25/2026

Your body is constantly working behind the scenes. Your heart pumps, your body heals, and your digestion runs—all without you asking it to.

You can’t just tell your heart rate to slow down through sheer willpower. But you can slow down your breath, and the moment you do, your entire nervous system begins to listen.

On September 10, I’m joining Sacha Wolfson (of Wolf Sun Wellness) for a free live session: The Breath-Brain Reset.

We’ll break down the practical science behind the breath-brain connection and walk you through two simple, gentle practices you can use that very night to quiet a busy mind and ease evening tension.

No experience needed—if you can sit in a chair and breathe, you’re ready for this.

The Breath-Brain Reset with Sacha Wolfson
- When: Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 2:00–2:45 p.m. CST
- Where: Live on Zoom

Cost: FREE (Can’t make it live? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording!

Link to register: https://www.bardutzbrainhealth.com/events/the-breath-brain-reset-with-sacha-wolfson

Come learn why your breath is your most accessible tool for calming your brain and body.

Back to All Events The Breath-Brain Reset with Sacha Wolfson Thursday, September 10, 2026 2:00 p.m. 2:45 p.m. Google Calendar ICS Register for FREE A Free Online Session with Dr. Holly Bardutz & Sacha Wolfson Most of what your body does runs quietly in the background without your conscious effo...

08/20/2026

❌ Let’s debunk a massive myth: Your brain does NOT have to get worse as you age.

There is a huge misconception that cognitive decline is inevitable. But the science shows you can maintain, and even improve, your brain health all your life. 🧠

Take this incredible study: researchers took a 90-year-old woman living in a nursing home, using a wheelchair, and put her through a brain-training program. Guess what? She grew new brain cells and significantly improved her cognitive function.

📍 If a 90-year-old in a wheelchair can rewire her brain, anyone can. It is never too late.

Subscribe to my newsletter and don't miss all the brain health news: https://www.bardutzbrainhealth.com

08/19/2026

A single blood pressure reading only gives you a snapshot. To truly support long-term wellness, understanding your long-term trends and tracking accurately at home makes all the difference.

On August 25, I’m hosting Dr. Jyotpal (Joe) Singh for Know Your Numbers: The Story Behind Blood Pressure.

In this 60-minute session, you’ll learn:
- What your systolic and diastolic numbers actually reveal about your heart and brain health.
- How to avoid common home-monitoring pitfalls that distort your data.
- The power of tracking long-term trends over single clinic visits.
- Practical lifestyle adjustments to protect your cardiovascular health.

Know Your Numbers: The Story Behind Blood Pressure
- Tuesday, August 25
- 10:30–11:30 a.m. (Regina time)
- Live on Zoom
- Recording available if you can’t attend live
- $30

https://www.bardutzbrainhealth.com/events/know-your-numbers-the-story-behind-blood-pressure

Secure your spot today and get the practical knowledge you need to take charge of your vital health metrics!

Back to All Events Know Your Numbers: The Story Behind Blood Pressure with Dr Jyotpal Singh Tuesday, August 25, 2026 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Google Calendar ICS Register Now ($30/Ticket) Blood pressure is one of the simplest health measurements we can take, yet it offers a powerful window into our...

08/14/2026

Want to boost your mood and protect your mind? It all starts in your gut! 🍏🧠

It might surprise you to learn that 80% to 90% of your serotonin, the chemical responsible for making you feel happy and balanced, is made by your gut, not your brain.

This is why diets like the Mediterranean and MIND diets are so powerful at reducing your risk of dementia. As I show with my two toy friends here: feed your body processed junk, and your brain suffers. Feed it real, whole foods, and you're quite literally growing and protecting your brain!

What did you feed your brain today? 👇

08/11/2026

When we think of blood pressure, we usually think of heart health, but did you know it plays an equally critical role in protecting your brain health and cognitive function as you age?

On August 25, Dr. Jyotpal (Joe) Singh and I are hosting an interactive session dedicated to understanding your blood pressure beyond the clinic walls.

Together, we’ll explore how blood vessel health directly impacts brain function, why relying on isolated clinic readings can be misleading, and how everyday habits directly influence your numbers. Whether you're managing your own health or supporting a loved one, you'll walk away with evidence-based, practical tools for preventive care.

If you’re interested in supporting your brain and cardiovascular health for the long haul, you won't want to miss this session.
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Know Your Numbers: The Story Behind Blood Pressure
- Tuesday, August 25
- 10:30–11:30 a.m. (Regina time)
- Live on Zoom
- Recording available if you can’t attend live
- $30

https://www.bardutzbrainhealth.com/events/know-your-numbers-the-story-behind-blood-pressure

Register today to secure your spot and start tracking your vital stats with confidence.

Back to All Events Know Your Numbers: The Story Behind Blood Pressure with Dr Jyotpal Singh Tuesday, August 25, 2026 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Google Calendar ICS Register Now ($30/Ticket) Blood pressure is one of the simplest health measurements we can take, yet it offers a powerful window into our...