The Brain Health Bulletin - October Edition
Welcome to the October edition of Holly’s monthly newsletter!
The air is crisp, the leaves crunch underfoot, and October brings a mix of cozy comforts and mysterious surprises. It’s the season of glowing pumpkins, early sunsets, and a little extra mystery in the air.
Just as Halloween reminds us that things aren’t always what they seem, this month is a perfect time to uncover the hidden strengths of your brain. Fall invites us to slow down, reflect, and sharpen our focus, while still leaving room for curiosity and play.
Whether you’re enjoying warm drinks, picking up a new routine, or leaning into the magic of the season, October is a beautiful time to walk in nature with the cool, fresh air and all the gorgeous change of colors.
Inside this bulletin, you’ll find resources to help you stay energized, balanced, and ready for all the tricks and treats the season brings.
Let’s welcome October with clarity, curiosity, and maybe just a touch of spookiness. 🎃🕸️
Did You Know?
An article from Harvard Medicine Magazine shows that taking a simple walk in the woods can do more for your mind than just offering a breath of fresh air. Researchers found that spending time in natural environments has measurable benefits for brain health and mental well-being.
Here’s what the research highlights:
Walking in nature reduces stress levels and lowers activity in the part of the brain linked to rumination, helping to ease anxious or negative thoughts.
Time spent outdoors improves mood and emotional balance, creating a sense of calm and focus.
Exposure to natural surroundings can support attention and memory, giving the brain a restorative reset compared to time in busy, urban settings.
This study underscores that one of the easiest ways to protect your brain is also one of the most enjoyable—simply stepping outside and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Quick Tip: Make the most of fall’s crisp air and colorful landscapes. Whether it’s a stroll through a pumpkin patch, a walk among autumn leaves, or even a “haunted” evening walk with friends, getting outside is a simple way to lift your mood and support brain health.
We’re Getting Ready for an Exciting Fall!
We have many more events coming your way, each filled with fresh insights and practical tools for your brain and body health.
Visit our events page to see what’s coming next and save your spot today:
Sugar-Free, But Not Risk-Free:
Artificial Sweeteners and Cognitive Health
A new article from Neuroscience News highlights research linking artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharin, to potential risks for cognitive decline.
Key Highlights:
What the research shows: Artificial sweeteners may interfere with brain function by disrupting gut-brain communication, which can contribute to memory and learning problems over time.
Why it matters for brain health: While often marketed as “healthy” sugar substitutes, these sweeteners may come with hidden risks. Protecting cognitive health means being mindful not just of calories, but of how ingredients impact the brain.
A closer look at the science: The study points to changes in neurotransmitter signaling and brain metabolism when artificial sweeteners are consumed regularly, suggesting that they may have long-term consequences on brain health.
This piece is a reminder that what we put into our bodies plays a direct role in how our brains age, and that choosing natural, whole-food alternatives may be a smarter path for long-term cognitive vitality.
Bring a Friend, Save 50% on a Future Event!
We want Holly’s knowledge to reach as many people as possible, and you can help us make that happen.
If you know someone who hasn’t joined our community yet and would enjoy this event, or any of Holly’s talks, invite them so they can secure their spot!
Here’s how it works:
You and your friend each book your tickets for this event.
Once your tickets are booked, send us an email at holly@bardutzbrainhealth.com.
In the email, include your friend’s name.
After we confirm your bookings, we’ll send both of you a 50% off code for any future event we host this year.
If you have any questions, please email us. We’ll be happy to help.
Recent Research & Recognition
This month, we’re excited to spotlight a significant piece of research led by members of our own community. Dr. Jyotpal Singh (Dr. Joe), who many of you will remember as a guest speaker at our September event, collaborated with cardiologist Dr. Payam Dehghani and fellow University of Regina researcher Dr. J. Patrick Neary on a study examining how repeated concussions can affect not just the brain, but also the heart.
Published in The Conversation, their article explores the critical connection between the brain and the heart, known as the heart–brain axis. Their findings reveal that concussions can alter heart activity, showing that the effects of these injuries extend beyond neurological symptoms alone. This research underscores the importance of looking at concussions through a whole-body lens, recognizing that brain health is closely tied to cardiovascular function and overall well-being.
We are proud to see Dr. Joe, along with his colleagues, advancing the conversation on this vital area of health research. His contributions, both in the lab and as part of our community events, help bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and public understanding.
Dr. Holly Bardutz with Dr. Jyotpal Singh collaborating on brain health research.
From Holly and all of us at Community & Company, we hope you’ve enjoyed this month's edition of The Brain Science Bulletin!
If you know someone who would find this newsletter helpful, feel free to share it with them. They can also join our mailing list by signing up at the bottom of our website’s Contact Page.
Thank you for being part of our community. We appreciate you! See you in the next edition.
Warm regards,
Holly Bardutz and the Community & Company Team
“You make your brain, then your brain makes you!”
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or treatment.
