Brain Awareness Week 2003 Runs March 10-16

Posted March 05, 2003


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 5, 2003 2003-03-05-OTHER
Brain Awareness Week 2003 Runs March 10-16

Did you know that regular physical activity generates the growth of new
brain cells? Learn about this and exciting new advances in research at Brain
Awareness Week (BAW) March 10-16. BAW activities will let you brainstorm
about new things, learn interesting brain facts at the public lectures and
try hands-on activities at the Brain Show.

The Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network (SNN), a group of more than 140
neuroscience researchers, hosts BAW to inform the public about exciting
strides in unraveling the mysteries of the brain. The theme of the week is
"Take Care of Your Brain."

The week will feature two public lectures beginning at 7 p.m. at the Frances
Morrison Library:

- "Exercise - It's good for your brain!" - Dr. Bruce Reeder (Dept. of
Community Health and Epidemiology, U of S) - Monday, March 10

- "Psychiatric consequences of brain injury." - Dr. Sherif Meguid (Dept. of
Psychiatry, U of S) - Tuesday, March 11

Activities will wrap up with the popular Brain Show on Sunday, March 16 from
10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Saskatoon City Hospital Atrium. Attractions this
year include:

- A model MRI unit for children to explore

- Speaker's Corner featuring topics such as music and the brain

- "Jump Rope for Heart" demonstration by students from Holy Family School at
2 p.m.

- Informational displays by participating agencies and researchers

"Current research shows that one in three North Americans will experience
some form of mental disorder at some point in their lives," says U of S
neuroscientist and SNN member Sergey Fedoroff.

"We hope to raise awareness of the importance of neuroscience research and
inform people of some advances in brain research. We can do that through the
public lectures and the popular Brain Show."

Visit the SNN Brain Awareness Week homepage at www.usask.ca/snn/baw03.html
for additional information.

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For more information, please contact:

Erin Taman
Communications, University Advancement
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-6919
E-mail: erin.taman@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/communications/

Dr. Sergey Fedoroff
Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4080
E-mail: sergey.fedoroff@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/snn/baw03.html