What’s really important? Never take your health for granted!
Dr. Aubrey Bottom, Our Cover Model
by Annette Pinder
Early in the pandemic, Dr. Aubrey Bottoms, reflected on the positive aspects of the COVID pandemic, thinking that she now had more time to exercise and stay healthy. She also had more time to make phone calls and maintain connections with those who had now become lifelines of hope and joy. She thought about having more time for her family despite balancing a busy work schedule.
Aubrey says COVID-19 changed her appreciation for what really matters. Interestingly, whether she knew it or not, I could tell what mattered to Aubrey, and why I asked if she would be on our cover. I knew how much she loved her job, playing with her kids, spending time with her husband, teaching exercise, expressing her thoughts on motherhood and womanhood, and helping other women. I knew because I had been following what she had been writing on social media and was captivated by her willingness to express some of her deepest thoughts with others.
When I interviewed Aubrey for this article, she told me she has come to realize that a simpler life can be more fulfilling. “The COVID-19 pandemic has really highlighted what’s important, how we are spending our money, and has motivated us to make changes. While we support local restaurants, we realized spending $80 on dinner is ridiculous, and that take-out once a week is perfect. No longer are each of our three children in three different activities to keep them occupied. Instead, they play creatively in nature’s playground every day, finding things to do in our own backyard.”
Aubrey listens to, talks to, and shares her thoughts with all kinds of people. Her family jokingly tells her, “You talk to random strangers, you could even talk to a rock!” It makes sense that she would pursue a career involving people and how they think. A board-certified clinical neuropsychologist at Dent Neurologic Institute (DENT), Aubrey evaluates patients with known or suspected neurologic disorders, such as dementias, Parkinson’s disease, seizure disorders, and problems associated with strokes. She assesses patients’ cognitive ability, emotions, memory, attention span, processing capabilities, and executive function by reviewing their medical records, brain imaging, blood work, and conducting cognitive testing.
Aubrey also counsels women struggling with pre and postpartum issues, such as infertility and miscarriage. Some of the evidence-based techniques she uses to help improve a woman’s egg quality and ability to conceive include sleep modification, exercise, visualization and meditation, nutrition, and supplements. Aubrey emphasizes the importance the mind and body being in sync with one another and says she has seen wonderful results. “When a patient tells me she is pregnant, we cry together,” says Aubrey, who had her own fertility issues and understands the magnitude of that grief. She tells women, “You may successfully conceive, and you may not. You will hopefully overcome the post-partum depression you are experiencing. Together we will strategize and work on helping you to become the best version of you that is possible.”
Interestingly, Aubrey began her career as a math teacher in Lancaster High School before obtaining a master’s degree in school counseling from UB where she first learned about and developed an interest in the relationship between brain and behavior. That interest led her to pursue a doctoral degree in neuropsychology from UB, an internship at Brown University, and a two-year fellowship through what was then Jacobs Neurologic Institute. Thereafter, she accepted a position at Pennsylvania State University, and then returned to Buffalo after being offered her position at DENT.
Aubrey’s husband Jonathan is competitive triathlete, triathlon coach, and a three-time finisher of the infamous Ironman World Championship race that takes place each October in Kona, Hawaii. Their five-year-old daughter Andie, and sons Bryson four and Ryker 20 months, keep both of their parents busy and motivated to stay healthy. Aubrey, who also enjoys running, conducts virtual health and fitness groups during which she offers daily motivation, tips, nutrition, mindset, and victories. Simply follow her on Facebook or Instagram @bottombits to learn more.
COVID has, indeed, changed everything, and Aubrey’s message to everyone these days is to never take your health for granted. To make an appointment for pre or post-partum counseling, call 716-250-2000.
