Many people think of inflammation as a bad thing. But the body's inflammatory process - redness, heat, swelling, pain in the case of a wound, for example - is the immune system's defense against any invading pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and worms). It basically helps us fight off any unwanted invaders and keeps us alive. There are cases, however, where inflammation can be too much of a good thing. Sometimes, the inflammatory process persists and this can lead to disease (or worsen existing problems). It could be that the invaders are persistent, or that certain proteins are formed which the body perceives as dangerous and therefore keeps on attacking.

Walking, hiking, swimming and cycling all provide physical benefits. But did you know that simply spending time outdoors—no matter where you live—can also have a huge impact on your overall well-being? We gathered expert insights and tips to help you reap the benefits of health-building nature experiences.

Each year on June 1, we promote Intergenerational Day – a celebration of the mutual benefits of building relationships across generations.

Over the past few months, members of the BC Brain Wellness Program “Crafters for a Cause” group created comfort mitts for people living with dementia who are in hospital.

Celebrate with us! It is Brain Awareness Week 2021

In honour of Brain Awareness Week - DMCBH presents the Annual Distinguished Neuroethics Lecture with Dr. Nir Lipsman (neurosurgeon and scientist) from the University of Toronto titled "Hacking the mind: how technology is changing the way we view our brain and ourselves” on March 16 from 4:00-5:00pm. See the link below for more details and to register.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-distinguished-neuroethics-lecture-hacking-the-mind-registration-140113269561?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mar3

For many people new to the practice of yoga, the terms and language associated with it can seem a bit overwhelming. I also experienced this in the first class I took when I had just moved to Vancouver. It was fast-paced, and everyone seemed to follow along with many terms that were unfamiliar to me. No introduction, no cueing, and as I desperately tried to keep up with what my classmates were doing, it was clear that I had no clue! Needless to say, I didn’t continue with that class for very long. I did however keep coming back to the practice of yoga and tried different teachers and types of classes until I found what was right for me.

We discuss the Anniversary Effect, sometimes called the Anniversary Reaction, as we approach the year marker of the pandemic really reaching our lives

What makes love last?

Looking for something meaningful to do to combat the challenges of the winter months? Consider joining a group of likeminded people and craft for a cause! Members of the Brain Wellness Program Craft Circle are combining their efforts to make comfort mitts for people living with dementia.

Let’s gear up this month and fight the winter blues! It is important to keep moving and stay warm during the chilly holidays. Here are some ways to stay active…

10 Helpful Time for Self care during the holiday season

Excerpt of poetry from the Express Yourself: Writing as a tool to cope and thrive as a caregiver class

November is National Family Caregivers Month! It is a time to honor the millions of caregivers/care partners around the world who provide care to aging parents, ill spouses or other loved ones who are living life with a health condition.

Throughout the month of September, over 200 people joined together in a global virtual choir celebration marking the 15th anniversary of the Parkinson Voice Project (PVP).

Hi, I’m Dan Dumsha and I’m the director of Improv for Work & Wellness at Tightrope Theatre in Vancouver. Since the pandemic started, I’ve led more than 50 virtual improv workshops — for Public Speaking, Brain Health, Dementia & Alzheimer’s, and for Parkinson’s Disease. My biggest take away is that these workshops build CONNECTION. I believe meaningful connection is the central benefit of improv… for individuals, for teams, for everybody.

Since launching last year, we’ve provided over 200 hours of free classes involving over 450 participants in over 20 different types of activities!

Get down to some fall reading with a little help from our list!

A wrap up of the 2020 Brain Wellness Summer Challenge!

Vanessa Barron, yoga instructor with the BC Brain Wellness Program, shares her personal journey of why yoga has become so important to her.

We talk to Roberta Beiser, a BC Brain Wellness participant who will be matching funds raised for our Summer Challenge! To learn more about the challenge and to register, please click HERE.