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Dear Students,
We hope you're doing well! We’d like to kindly remind you of two important steps:
Enrolling in classes: Just to remind you that if you were on a waitlist and were sent a permission number, you still have to enroll in classes. If you want to take any classes at this time, you will need to get a permission number from the instructor. This must be completed by 9/21 at the latest. If not, you will not be able to enroll and may lose access to BrainHQ.
Logging into Canvas: Please Make sure you are able to log into Canvas to access course materials and updates.
Step-by-Step Guide to Log In to Canvas (The attached image walks you through each step).
🔗 Go directly to: http://sdccd.instructure.com
1. Sign in using your student email.
(If you don’t know your student email, please contact your instructor directly.)
2. Enter your Portal password, then click “Sign In.”
3. Complete the two-step authentication:
o Select “SDCCD Application Use Notification.”
o You will receive a verification code via the phone number on file.
o Enter the code.
o When prompted, select “Yes” to stay signed in.
⚠️ Important Reminder:
SDCCD will never ask for your password via email, phone, or any other method.
Stay safe and protect your account information.
If you are having any difficulty logging into Canvas, contact student support at:
· Email: support@student.sdccd.edu
· Call: 619-388-1140
They are really helpful.
Last Week: Latest Advances in Brain Research
We explored how age-related cognitive decline is not inevitable. Research shows that everyday habits—such as regular exercise, a brain-healthy diet, quality sleep, managing blood pressure, staying socially connected, and treating hearing loss—can significantly support brain health. Landmark studies like U.S. POINTER and SPRINT-MIND demonstrate that combining these strategies is especially effective.
We also looked at how breakthroughs in neuroscience and technology, including early detection tools, FDA-approved treatments for early Alzheimer’s, and digital health devices, are transforming how we protect cognition. Together, lifestyle and innovation are empowering older adults to stay sharp, independent, and engaged.
Please take a moment to complete this short quiz by clicking the link below. It’s a simple way to reinforce your learning and memory of what we covered last week.
No need to worry about your score—this is just for practice and review! Quiz Link
Thank you for participating and keeping your brain active!
This week: How Stress & Socioeconomic Pressure Impact the Brain
This lesson explores how chronic stress, and financial or social pressures affect brain structure, memory, and emotional regulation. Grounded in the science of allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative wear and tear on the body resulting from repeated stress, we examine how long-term exposure to adversity reshapes the brain. Students will also learn practical, evidence-based strategies to support brain resilience and recovery over time.
Topics Zoom Sessions
Monday, 9:30 - 11:30 AM (Erika Peralta, Instructor)
Tuesday, 10-12 PM (Minoo Pakgohar, Instructor)
Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30 AM (Minoo Pakgohar, Instructor)
Wednesday 6:30 – 8: 30 PM (Charisse Winston, Instructor)
Thursday 10 - 12:00 PM (Charisse Winston, Instructor)
Thursday 1:00 - 3:00 PM (Sharon Gregory, Instructor)
Friday 9:30 - 11:30 AM (Erika Peralta, Instructor)
Special topics (separate registration)
Brain Fitness Lab: Cognitive Wellness Through Hands-On Exercises and Living Stories, Monday 10:00 – 12:00 PM (Yael Lorberfeld, Instructor)
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Insights and Strategies for Care and Support, Tuesday 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Minoo Pakgohar, instructor, you’ll need to register separately to receive the Zoom link and join the session)
Diverse Approaches to Brain Health, Tuesday 6:00 - 8:00 PM (Mindy Sloan, Instructor)
Remember, as a Brain Fitness student you are welcome to attend any of the Brain Fitness classes, even more than one a week.
Quick Links (all blue colored & underlined words are live links)
Course website: bfclass.com
BrainHQ site: https://v4.brainhq.com/
Student site with schedule and more: sdcestudent55.com
Site to enroll in classes: myportal.sdccd.edu
Official SDCCE site: sdcce.edu
Enjoy a brain-healthy week! We look forward to seeing you in our new semester.
Mindy, Yael, Sharon, Erica, Charisse, Desiree & Minoo
Mindy Jo Sloan, Ph.D.
msloan@sdccd.edu
Yael Lorberfeld. MA
Yloberfeld@sdccd.edu
Sharon Gregory
sgregory001@sdccd.edu
Erica Peralta, MS
eperalta@sdccd.edu
Charisse Winston, Ph.D.
Desirree Harguess, DPT
Minoo Pakgohar, Ph.D.
mpakgohar@sdccd.edu
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