Love Your Brain

The Big Brain Exhibit provides an interesting and engaging platform for students to learn about the different structures of the brain and how those structures function. After learning the basic functions and structures of the brain, students are then taught how to recognize seizure symptoms.  

The Big Brain is engaging for all ages!

Students K-3 are given a tour of the brain by a Love Your Brain Now staff member.

Students 4th-12th are given handouts with questions about the brain and are challenged to find the answers that are given on cards hung in and around the brain

All Students are given a training in seizure first aid by the end of the Big Brain visit. 

In the News

Studio Santa Clarita: Epilepsy Day; Singing Nurse

Click on the Photos for Gallery View

Please note that we are extremely limited on how frequently the Big Brain Exhibit is able to travel out into the community.

To make a request or inquiry, please contact Patricia Leyva, Program Manager, Email, 310.846.9260.

Love Your Brain Inspiration

This initiative was inspired by the millions of individuals affected by epilepsy, one of the most common serious brain disorders in the USA and worldwide. Seizures can strike suddenly and unexpectedly at any point in one’s life and it is estimated that 1 in 26 individuals will be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime. Men, women and children of all races, cultures and income levels have epilepsy. Epilepsy affects about 350,000 families in California, about 2 million families in the USA, and about 65 million families around the world. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, epilepsy is the most common, serious neurological disorder in the world, but it remains the most under-funded and the least understood and, hence, the most stigmatized. Seizures steal moments and memories and can change lives, impact development, affect learning and even result in early death. There are no known cures.

The Need

Everyone can see when an athlete breaks his leg. Everyone can see when a child gets a scar from a fall or accident. But not everyone can tell when someone has suffered brain trauma. Many times, people are apt to shake off brain trauma as no big deal and get right back to work or back in the game. More often than not, this comes from public encouragement that ‘you’ll be alright’ or ‘be tough and get back in there’. It takes a little more time and effort to recognize when someone may be suffering from a concussion or brain illness.

Important Messages

Everyone has a brain. Seizures come from the brain. So everyone needs to know how to care for the brain.Caring for the brain can help to: (1) Prevent brain trauma and seizures, and (2) Reduce seizures if you have epilepsy.

Read below for some important ways to care for the brain.

Anyone can have a seizure at any time, so everyone needs to know how about Epilepsy and Seizure First Aid.
Read below for simple and detailed instructions on Seizure First Aid.

How Kids and Adults can “Love Your Brain”

1 – The Head First
Good health starts with your brain so don’t take it for granted. Your brain is one of the most important body organs. Your brain needs care.

2 – Feed Your Brain
Eat a good diet.  Eat a low-fat, low cholesterol diet that features vegetables and fruits, foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, folate and Omega-3 fatty acids. It’s good for the brain.

3 – Work Your Body
Physical exercise keeps the blood flowing and encourages new brain cells. Keep both body and brain active.

4 – Rest Your Brain
Get proper sleep. Sleep is very important to restore the brain.

5 – Heads Up! Protect Your Brain
Take precautions against injuries. Use your car seat belts, unclutter your house to avoid falls, and wear a helmet when cycling to protect your head and brain.

6 – Use Your Head. Use your Brain.
Avoid unhealthy habits.

7 – Take Brain Health to Heart
Prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.

8 – Your Numbers Count
Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.

9 – Connect With Others
Enjoy activities that combine physical, mental and social elements. Play, be social, converse and volunteer.

10 – Jog Your Mind
Keeping your brain active and engaged increases it vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections. Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles.

Simplified Seizure First Aid:  Know the 4-S Words of Seizure First Aid
If you see someone having a seizure, you should tell an adult and then:

1.)  Turn them on their Side,
2.)  Put something Soft under their head,
3.)  Stay with them, and
4.)  Make sure they are Safe.

Comprehensive Seizure First Aid: Know the More Detailed Rules of Seizures First Aid

DO

• Protect from nearby hazards.
• Loosen tight clothing, like tie or collar.
• Cushion head to protect from injury.
• Turn on side to keep airway clear.
• Look for medical identification.
• Call 911, if multiple seizures or seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
  Stay with the person until he/she is alert.þ Stay calm and keep track of time

Do NOT

X  Do NOT hold down or restrain the person.
X  Do NOT put anything in person’s mouth.