Exploring Brain Health Through Reading and Book Club Engagement with LeAnne Stuver and Heather Elwell
In this episode, we delve into the incredible benefits of reading for brain health with guests Leanne Stuver, a nurse educator and Director of Lifelong Learning, and Heather Elwell, CEO of Brain Health Mentors.
Learn how reading stimulates multiple brain areas, enhances social connections, and supports lifelong learning.
Discover the advantages of different reading formats, genres, and even how book clubs can enrich your cognitive and social wellbeing.
Join us as we discuss the science behind reading, offer practical tips, and share personal favorite book recommendations.
This episode is filled with insights and strategies to help you integrate reading into your brain health routine.
Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on how to make reading a key component of a happier, healthier life.
00:41 The Brain-Boosting Power of Reading
01:09 Meet Our Guests: Leanne Stuver and Heather Elwell
03:14 How Reading Impacts the Brain
07:30 The Benefits of Book Clubs
10:00 The Neuro Nook Book Club
22:04 Books vs. Audiobooks: What Science Says
26:05 Genres and Their Unique Brain Benefits
34:09 Rapid Fire Book Recommendations
41:03 Final Thoughts and Tips for Better Brain Health
Resources
- Learn more about the Neuro Nook (Book Club)
- Explore the Neuro Nook (Book Club) Reading List
- View Our Neuro Nook Rx Infographic
Director of Lifelong Learning
Mind: LeAnne has a master’s degree in education with a focus on health education. She has over twenty years of experience planning and implementing educational programs for adult learners. She is also a registered nurse with 10 years of hospital experience. She has first-hand caregiver experience with her live-in aging parents, helping them to maintain their quality of life despite complex health care needs. She is passionate about educating the community in practical ways they can learn to support their brain health and wellness.
Body: LeAnne walks three miles every morning with a friend. She is also trying to develop a consistent yoga and meditation practice – but this is a work in progress!
Heart: LeAnne loves to read (several different genres) and binge watch television series online (medical, law or family dramas). She and her husband Ron are avid soccer fans, having followed their two adult sons through all levels of youth, high school, and college soccer. Her older son is a local high school assistant soccer coach and her younger son is a professional soccer player – so the journey continues.
Speech Language Pathologist | Brain Health Coach
Heather Elwell, M.S., CCC-SLP is the Co-Host of the Neuro Nook (Book Club) and the Founder and CEO of Brain Health Mentors, where she supports people with proven lifestyle strategies to reduce the chances of getting dementia, improve mental clarity, and decrease brain fog. Drawing on her experience as a speech-language pathologist for over 25 years and as a health and wellness coach, she is passionate about teaching strategies to improve brain health. Heather has had the privilege to also be a speaker on brain health to organizations such as AARP, Raymond James, Tampa General Hospital, and the largest retirement community in the US, The Villages.
