Secrets for a Sharper Brain, with Dr. Anna Hohler

Leading health experts have declared 2026 the Year of the Brain, and for good reason. Scientists are making exciting breakthroughs in understanding the body’s command center, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. The brain enables us to think, see, learn, move, feel emotions and connect with our fellow humans, so keeping it healthy is essential at every stage of life. For a refresher on all that the brain does for us—and how to keep it performing at its best—we’re joined by Dr. Anna Hohler, Director of Neurology for Northwell Health’s Westchester Region. Dr. Hohler shares insights on brain development and milestones, and explains how exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep and stress relief work together to support a healthy brain. She also shares simple strategies—some that may surprise you—that you can use to keep your brain healthy and strong for years to come.    The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedback. Drop us a line at our social media channels: Facebook// Instagram // YouTube. Get started on your health journey by making an appointment with your primary care physician to know your numbers: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyrelationships Get to know your numbers at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Relieve stress with mindfulness classes at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds. Find healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. Get inspired by fellow members through our Members’ Voices series: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices. Stop by our Benefits Channel to join webinars on building healthy meals, managing stress and more: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos. Visit our YouTube channel to view a wide collection of healthy living videos: youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists. Sample our wellness classes to exercise body and mind: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents.   Guest Bio Anna DePold Hohler, MD, FAAN, is a distinguished neurologist, researcher and educator who recently joined Northwell Health to lead and enhance neurology services for its Westchester Region, as well as launch a new virtual neurology program across the 28-hospital system. An internationally recognized expert in movement disorders, she is deeply involved in research furthering novel therapies to treat Parkinson's disease. Dr. Hohler began her career in the U.S. Army, serving for eight years and achieving the rank of major.