2020 Events
2020 Events
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Music Therapy and Brain Health
Come lend an ear to songs sung by students in the UBC Opera Ensemble and learn from researchers about how music has an affect on their performance stress. Then flow into insights from a Vancouver Coastal Health music therapist as she guides us through stress management experiences in her practice of rhythmic and melodic engagement.
Speakers:
Dr. Lara Boyd is a Neuroscientist and Physical Therapist at the University of British Columbia. She is an expert in mapping how behaviours, environments and experiences affect brain health and is currently a Peter Wall Institute scholar turning her attention to developing understanding of the importance of the arts for brain health.”
Professor Nancy Hermiston is the Chair of the Voice Division and Director of Opera at UBC’s School of Music. Her career has flowed from performer to director to educator. Professor Hermiston has wondered for many years what happens inside the brain of an opera singer and is delighted to have UBC Opera engaged in an interdisciplinary study with the DMCBH and Dr Boyd for the Wall Opera Project.
Katherine Wright, MA, MTA, RCC, is a Music Therapist and Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience. Katherine loves to explore health issues from all sides, and is the Co-chair of the Disability and Rehab Ethics Committee at Vancouver Coastal Health. She has trained in Neurologic Music Therapy and in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music and has developed a “Music for pain and stress management” group at GF Strong, for all clients.
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The unique skills learned through improv and acting can be invaluable tools for brain health. Join experts Dan Dumsha, Ali Froggatt (TightRope Impro Theatre), Dr. Jonathan Squires (Neurologist, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre), and Dr. George Belliveau (Department of Language and Literacy Education, UBC) to learn about the science, research and application of this creative process.
Dan Dumsha: Director of Improv For Work & Wellness
Ali Froggatt: Co-Founder and Artist Director of Tightrope Improv
Dr. Jonathan Squires: Clinical Co-Director, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre
Dr. George Belliveau: Head and Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia
Miss the event or want to share? Check out the recorded video!
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The role of a care partner is invaluable in maintaining the wellness of people living with a health condition. Join experts Tricia Wallace (Clinical counsellor) Stacey Dawes (Family Caregivers of BC) and Dr. Donna Paproski (Registered Psychologist) to learn about communication, resources and programs as well as the importance of self care as you navigate the care partner journey.
Tricia Wallace - clinical counsellor talking on communicating with health care providers and family
Stacey Dawes - from Family Caregivers of BC talking about resources and programs
Dr. Donna Paproski - self care for caregivers
Miss the event or want to share? Check out the recorded video!
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Join the BC Brain Wellness Program Team for the wrap up of the Summer Brain Wellness Challenge, the official welcome of new Brain Wellness Program Manager, Matt Sachelli, and a preview of the new programs being offered this Fall!
The Summer Brain Wellness Challenge will come to an end on September 6 and we want to celebrate all the participants and donors who made this fundraiser a success. A short presentation will feature the participants who have shared their progress, and the prize winners will be announced. Keep sending your pictures and updates to brain.wellness@ubc.ca to be featured and for a chance to win a prize!
Meet Matt Sacheli, the new BC Brain Wellness Program Manager, who will be sharing a bit more about himself and why he is excited to start with the Program!
Finally, a variety of instructors will be leading short taster sessions to preview the new programs being offered this fall! Megan Walker-Straight will be leading dance, Joanna Wilke will preview Return to Roots, Mady Mooney will showcase Art from the Heart, Vanessa Barron will teach Yoga for the Mind and Body, and Rebecca Gifford will be offering a writing workshop. If you’re looking to try out a new class this fall, you don’t want to miss these sessions!
Miss the event or want to share? Check out the recorded video!
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This summer we invite everyone to join a fundraiser for Brain Wellness! Participate in wellness activities from July 27 until September 6 and be entered into a draw to win a prize! Everyone is welcome and there is no fundraising minimum.
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The BC Brain Wellness Program presents a World Brain Day Virtual Celebration!
Save the date and join us online to learn more about brain wellness and participate in interactive sessions and a Q&A with a panel of experts.
World Brain Day was established in 2014 with an aim to increase public awareness and promote advocacy related to all matters of brain health.
To see our full program for the morning, please click here.
If you missed our virtual celebration or want to share check out the recorded video!
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"Cognition" refers to many conscious and subconscious processes and includes thinking, understanding, learning, remembering, problem solving, language and more.
Join us for a talk about cognition and brain health, including some practical tips for daily life and emotional coping strategies for managing changes in thinking and memory.
Miss the event or want to share? Check out the recorded video!
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The Clinic for Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders is thrilled to invite you to their 2020 Update on Alzheimer’s Disease. The annual forum is an opportunity to share ongoing work at UBC towards new therapies and diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and provide expert advise on various aspects of dementia care.
The event is being held online via Zoom.
For more information and to register, please visit https://www.ubcalzheimerforum.ca/
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Stress and anxiety are draining on their own, but they can also lead to depression-like symptoms that can make it harder to manage your day-to-day life. Practicing mindfulness can help you identify your thoughts and feelings, and manage them in a way that reduces stress, which in turn can help reduce your blood pressure, improve your sleep, and enable you to better focus your attention. Join mindfulness experts Dr. Andrea Grabovac, Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, and Kris Beech, former professional hockey player and founder of AIM Mindfulness to learn how you can incorporate mindfulness practices into your day in order to improve quality of life and your sense of well being.
Miss the event or want to share? Check out the recorded video!
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The BC Brain Wellness team is doing a second taster to showcase more of our spring programming! This will give everyone a better idea of what our programs entail. Feel free to spread the word to your friends and family so they can check out all that the Brain Wellness Program has to offer! Our second taster will be offered online and each instructor will spend 10-15 minutes introducing and explaining the following programs: Book club, where a new book or poem is read each month; Artful living, where participants discuss ways of being creative, such as through art, cooking, and gardening; Yoga, where an instructor leads you through a yoga class with a focus on breathing and tension release; Music and Motion, where you can form a connection through singing.
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The BC Brain Wellness team has been hard at work getting our programming up and running online with exciting new spring classes. We know that while some people have expressed interest in our programs, they haven’t signed up yet because they aren’t sure if it’s something they want to commit to. That’s why we thought it would be a good idea to do a “taster” as a way to give everyone a better idea of what our programs entail. Feel free to spread the word to your friends and family so they can check out all that the Brain Wellness Program has to offer!
The first taster will be offered online and each instructor will spend 10-15 minutes introducing and explaining the following four programs: Improv, where participants enjoy activities that foster the skills of presence, listening, spontaneity, teamwork and co-creation; Exercise for Brain Wellness, where an instructor leads you through at-home exercises; Music and Motion, where you can form a connection through singing; and Living Your Best with a Chronic Condition, a class focused on self-managing your health. A second taster exploring more programs is also being organized.
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Join us for a one hour discussion on strategies for well being during the times of COVID-19, starting at noon led by a panel of healthcare professionals.
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Cultivating and maintaining social connections can improve happiness and wellbeing as we age. Hear from experts in social connectedness, stress reduction, and community building and learn how you can boost your social life (and your brain health)!
Speakers:
Dr. Annalijn Conklin
Dr. Conklin’s research examines the broader social-level factors that influence nutrition-related behaviours and outcomes among adult populations, with a strong policy interest in better designing and evaluating interventions to prevent and manage chronic conditions.
Dr. Nancy Sin
Dr. Sin’s research focuses on biological and behavioural pathways linking daily well-being and stress to health. Her work has shown that emotional responses to daily stressors are associated with inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and autonomic mechanisms that are implicated in the development of aging-related conditions, including cardiovascular disease. Dr. Sin is particularly interested in daily positive events as protective factors for stress processes and health.
Amie Peacock
Amie Peacock is a chief storyteller for social connectedness while changing the face of loneliness and social isolation. She is the creative, innovative founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Conversation and Liminal Change Consulting. Her formal training includes BCIT and Capilano University.
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Are you interested in learning more about how technology can help in your everyday life? Come hear from an occupational therapist about the various devices, both low and high tech, that can help you with everything from writing, doing up buttons to controlling your home from your smartphone. You will have an opportunity to review and trial specific tools as well as learn about the principles behind why they may be effective for you. No experience with technology is required!
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Denise Kendrick, OT Reg (BC) is an occupational therapist (OT) and graduate of the Master of Occupational Therapy program, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia. She has spent the last 5 years developing a student-enhanced OT program in the UBC Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinic. With the help of more than 30 students, Denise has harnessed the intersection between her clinical practice and research work to develop OT programs build upon the principles of self-efficacy. These programs provide clients with the tools and strategies needed to effectively self-manage their MS and mitigate the impact of symptoms on their daily life. Denise also holds a position as Clinical Assistant Professor within the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy which has provided opportunities to teach and supervise students in a classroom learning and research capacity. She considers herself lucky to work in this unique role where she learns every day from her research, clients, and students, and applies this into practice to help improve daily function for persons with MS.
Kathryn McKall, OT Reg (BC) is an occupational therapist (OT) and graduate of the Master of Occupational Therapy program, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia. She has been working with neurological populations since 2013, in both a rehabilitation setting and community contexts. Kathryn has practiced with a wide range of populations, as an OT, mentor, researcher, and case management since graduating in 2010. Kathryn is committed to make OT assessment and intervention accessible for all clients, which is reflected in her approach and professional goals. Kathryn holds a position as Clinical Instructor within the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy which has provided excellent opportunities for her to collaborate with students and faculty to facilitate evidence based practice in her clinical role. She values the relationships her work yields, and recognizes it is a privilege to support clients in their rehabilitation. Kathryn has a special interest in Parkinson’s disease (PD) populations, currently working in the movement disorder clinic and coaching boxing in the community. ‘Once you know one person with Parkinson’s disease…you know one person with Parkinson’s disease’; it is this diversity in clinical presentation which intrigues Kathryn and commits her to continuing to work on occupational performance issues within the PD community.
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Creation of any kind has a meditative quality, and can help you clear your mind, figure out how you feel, or document your history. Whether you create for yourself or for other people, expressing yourself through the visual or literary arts confers benefits to your brain health and emotional well-being. Join our experts in journaling, storytelling, art and education as you learn how to document your life or express your thoughts and feelings in a way that leaves you feeling inspired. Everybody has a story: start today by building a toolkit for telling yours!
Jean Ward (Coach, clinical hypnotherapist, and art instructor: coachjeanward.com/art-with-pd)
Taslim Jaffer (Writer, writing instructor, and Peace Arch News columnist: taslimjaffer.com)
Roz Belle (Educator and storyteller)
Elaine Book (Social Worker, Movement Disorders Clinic, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and the BC Brain Wellness Program)
Download the presentation (video).
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Do you want to take the fear out of conversations about driving? Are you curious what your options are if you feel you’re not safe to continue driving? Are you a family member or caregiver of someone who may benefit from a driving evaluation? Come hear from an occupational therapist who can answer these questions, as well as provide information about driving with a neurological condition and the process of assessment.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Denise Kendrick, OT Reg (BC) is an occupational therapist (OT) and graduate of the Master of Occupational Therapy program, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia. She has spent the last 5 years developing a student-enhanced OT program in the UBC Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinic. With the help of more than 30 students, Denise has harnessed the intersection between her clinical practice and research work to develop OT programs build upon the principles of self-efficacy. These programs provide clients with the tools and strategies needed to effectively self-manage their MS and mitigate the impact of symptoms on their daily life. Denise also holds a position as Clinical Assistant Professor within the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy which has provided opportunities to teach and supervise students in a classroom learning and research capacity. She considers herself lucky to work in this unique role where she learns every day from her research, clients, and students, and applies this into practice to help improve daily function for persons with MS.
Kathryn McKall, OT Reg (BC) is an occupational therapist (OT) and graduate of the Master of Occupational Therapy program, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia. She has been working with neurological populations since 2013, in both a rehabilitation setting and community contexts. Kathryn has practiced with a wide range of populations, as an OT, mentor, researcher, and case management since graduating in 2010. Kathryn is committed to make OT assessment and intervention accessible for all clients, which is reflected in her approach and professional goals. Kathryn holds a position as Clinical Instructor within the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy which has provided excellent opportunities for her to collaborate with students and faculty to facilitate evidence based practice in her clinical role. She values the relationships her work yields, and recognizes it is a privilege to support clients in their rehabilitation. Kathryn has a special interest in Parkinson’s disease (PD) populations, currently working in the movement disorder clinic and coaching boxing in the community. ‘Once you know one person with Parkinson’s disease…you know one person with Parkinson’s disease’; it is this diversity in clinical presentation which intrigues Kathryn and commits her to continuing to work on occupational performance issues within the PD community.
Source: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/driving-with-a-neurological-condition-how-do-changes-in-your-abilities-affect-your-driving-tickets-88750165133
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Exercise is an essential part of living well and sustaining mobility and cognitive function as we age. Join us for a lively, interactive session featuring talks from experts in falls prevention, rehabilitation, and healthy aging.
Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose (Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, UBC; Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity, Mobility, and Cognitive Health; Research Director, Vancouver General Hospital Falls Prevention Clinic;(www.fallsclinic.ca) and Director of the Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health).
Dr. Lara Boyd (Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, CIHR Delegate & Health Research Advisor to the VP Research, UBC; Director of the Brain Behaviour Lab and the Integrated Electrophysiology Suite at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health).
Sally Stelling (Registered Physiotherapist, Vancouver Coastal Health and Marpole Physiotherapy Clinic).
Wellness Wednesdays is a new monthly educational series from the BC Brain Wellness Program.