The Fountain of Health

supporting communities and clinicians to thrive

The Fountain of Health™ is a national non-profit dedicated to sharing the science of brain health and resilience and moving knowledge to action to promote well-being. Founded by Dr. Keri-Leigh Cassidy of the Geriatric Psychiatry Department at Dalhousie University, the Fountain of Health aims to increase public awareness about the science of the brain and preventative medicine to promote well-being.

When you support the Foundation of Health, you are:

Enhancing Wellness
Clinicians using the Fountain of Health Behaviour Change toolkit report improved well-being (85%) and high levels of goal
attainment (89%) in their patients.

Increasing Longevity
People with more self-perceptions of aging outlive those with negative views by 7.5 years.

Improving Cognitive Function & Memory
Older adults who are physically active are less likely to experience cognitive decline than those who are not.

Fountain of Health Thrive Learning Centre

offers tools and training to help you to thrive

The THRIVE© Approach to Wellbeing uniquely integrates key findings from science of well-being, brain neuroplasticity, resilience, preventative medicine, and behaviour change. In the Thrive Learning Centre, participants learn about the brain’s capacity to form new neurons and connections in response to our activities. The latest from Preventative Medicine guides where to focus efforts. Effective behaviour change techniques and tools from evidence-based psychotherapy, support participants to succeed.

The results are in from over 2000 clinicians and 1500 participants delivered individually or in groups. 80% of people using the tools in 4 weeks, at least partially attained their goal, and had improvement in well-being and health behaviours and attitudes.

6 WAYS TO BOOST BRAIN HEALTH & WELLBEING

Six key actions help optimize brain health and wellbeing: Thought habits that are positive; Health habits of physical activity and good nutrition; Relationships that are close and trusting; Interests and new learning habits; Values-based, meaningful goals; and Emotion habits that care for your mental health. The good news! Only about 25% of human life expectancy is accounted for by family genes - much more is due to things we can change: outlook and lifestyle!

Fountain of Health Thrive Model

THOUGHTS

Our thoughts play an important role in overall health and resilience. Positive thinking doesn't mean wearing "rose-coloured glasses", ignoring real difficulties, or pushing away important feelings. It's about finding balance; noticing what is good in ourselves and focusing on what we can change when problems arise and being kind and compassionate to ourselves and others.

EMOTIONS

Being able to notice, label and accept emotions allows us to settle our nervous system and improve our well-being. Noticing feelings also allows us to increase and savour positive emotions: joy, pleasure, love, and contentment. Early detection and treatment of mental illness are key to maintaining well-being. Be willing to talk with your doctor about your emotions and mental health in the same way you look after your physical health.

VALUES

Setting goals that are meaningful and match our values will help us achieve them. Ask yourself, what matters most to me? When I am at my best, what am I doing? Setting meaningful goals that are aligned with our values – and that are achievable and measurable – sets you up for success

HEALTH HABITS

Staying healthy through physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your brain and your body. Physical activity is a strong promoter of neuroplasticity - your brain's ability to grow and form new connections. Exercise also boosts your brain's resilience: the ability to cope with life's challenges and bounce back from stress. Healthy eating impacts our overall health, including our brain. Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats can increase mental focus and slow cognitive decline

RELATIONSHIPS

Having a person in your life whom you trust is highly protective for your well-being. Loneliness and social isolation contribute more to your health than even cholesterol and blood pressure! Research shows feeling socially connected and supported is a key factor in overall health across the lifespan.

INTERESTS

Due to brain “neuroplasticity”, you can shape, rewire, and grow new neural connections throughout your life. Challenge your brain with a new hobby and build your "cognitive reserve". Time flies when you are absorbed in interest or engaging activity.