|
Young Stroke Survivors of BC
|
|
|
|
The Young Stroke Survivors of BC (YSSBC) is a volunteer-led community of people who are living life after stroke. Everyone's experience with stroke is different. Together we learn, share and grow by supporting one another along the road to recovery.
YSSBC is evolving. For 2019 we are planning a series of presentations that you can attend in person (in Vancouver or Victoria to start – more locations may be added if there is demand) or live via videoconference. If those options don't work for you, each presentation will be available on demand on our website.
Presentations will be delivered by experts in their fields, and will focus on the unique needs and priorities of people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s who are living life after stroke. (However – age is just a number. If you identify as a young stroke survivor then you are welcome to join us!).
The in-person and live videoconference presentations will be held on the 4th Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. In Vancouver, we will meet at Creekside Community Centre, and in Victoria, at the March of Dimes Canada office, at 721 Kings Road.
Here's the lineup so far. Please note that the schedule is subject to change! We will also keep you posted via our Facebook page and Twitter, and you can email us to join the YSS group list to receive updates (including the link and login information to participate by videoconference).
February 28 – What's So Great About Videoconferencing Anyway?
You are welcome to join us in Vancouver and Victoria, as well as by videoconference. The only agenda is to get familiar with the videoconferencing system. You'll see how it works and learn how to interact even when you're at home by yourself. Meet some other YSSBC folks and have an informal chat.
March 28 – Driving
OTs from JR Rehabilitation Services will speak about licensing, insurance, the Enhanced Road Assessment, the Functional Driving Evaluation, driver's rehabilitation services, and possible modifications to your vehicle.
April 25 – Brain Health
The ED from the Watson Centre for Brain Health will present.
May 23 – Sports and Leisure
A Recreation Therapist will speak about getting back into sports (like walking soccer!) and other activities.
June 27 – Working
The GF Strong Practice Lead for Vocational Rehabilitation will speak about getting back to work.
July 25 – Sexual Health and Relationships
Presentation by sexual health clinicians at GF Strong.
|
|
Driving After Stroke
This informative piece from the American Stroke Association is a good overview for those who are starting to think about driving after stroke. Here's a link to the article.
Marriage After Stroke
In this article, a University of Alberta researcher offer tips for couples to adapt to their new reailty after one partner has a stroke. Read more here.
Parenting After Stroke
For those in the Lower Mainland, there is an ABI Parent Support Group on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. The group meets at the Strive Centre (in East Vancouver near Joyce Skytrain Station).
The goals of the group are to:
- provide and receive emotional support, sharing of information and resources
- provide a safe space for parents with an ABI to share experiences, successes and challenges
- share and discuss effective strategies for balancing family and work life
- connect with other parents with an ABI
- find new partners to engage in leisure and recreation activities.
A referral is required to attend. For more information, contact Courtney Stebbe, Recreation Therapist at the GF Strong ABI Outpatient Program: 604-737-6468 or email courtney.stebbe@vch.ca.
Goal-Setting After Stroke
We LOVE the Australian Stroke Foundation's EnableMe site for its wealth of information and resources. We especially love the goal setting feature. If you click on this link, the first thing that happens is you're offered the choice of Easy English (Aphasia Friendly) or Standard English. Then it walks you through a straightforward – and fun – goal setting activity. Don't take our word for it – try it!
Fridays After Stroke
The Watson Centre Society for Brain Health in Burnaby has a fantastic series of FREE Friday programs (mornings and afternoons) for adults, including: Restorative Movement for Brain Health, Nutrition Talks, Mindfulness for Cultivating Resilience, Brain Bending Research Reviews and more.
You can find dates and times and register on Eventbrite, or contact them for more information: 604-725-6634 or info@watsonbrainhealth.com.
|
|
How Your Diet Can Help Your Brain And Heart
Your diet plays an essential role in your health and the right nutrition can go a long way in helping your heart and brain. The Canada Food Guide was recently released, and there's a lot you can learn from it. This article looks at some of the important takeaways from the new guide. Read the article here.
Absentmindedness May Be An Early Warning Sign of Silent Stroke
A study has found that adults who often lose their train of thought or become sidetracked may be displaying earlier symptoms of cerebral small vessel disease, also called 'silent stroke.' Learn more about the study here.
Visual Effects of Stroke are Often Undetected
This blog by the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association states that two out of three stroke survivors will experience visual impairments related to their stroke. These can include diminished central or peripheral vision, eye movement abnormalities or visual perceptual defects. The author, Jonathan Jenness, OD, states: "Sadly, it is not uncommon for me to see patients who are still struggling with undiagnosed vision problems months or even years after a stroke." Read the whole article here.
|
|
Novel Stem Cell Trial for Stroke Disability
The first U.S. patient to participate in a global study of a stem cell therapy injected directly into the brain to treat stroke disability was enrolled in the clinical trial this week at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). Read the article here.
Robots Taking Over Rehab
Take this one with a grain of salt, as it comes from a tech-focused publication. A study indicates that worldwide rehabilitation robots are expected to grow exponentially as robots take over human work in physical therapy. Read more here.
Cerebellar Stimulation May Help Improve Gait and Balance Recovery in Stroke
In patients with hemiparesis resulting from ischemic stroke, the use of cerebellar magnetic stimulation together with physical therapy may help improve gait and balance functions by the promotion of cerebellocortical plasticity. Read more about this study here.
|
|
|
Community Workshops 2019
*Please note the change of date for the Holy Family summer meeting
Building Community Connections
Get to know the resources available to you and your family in your community. Hear from other survivors as they share their personal journeys. |
GF Strong Rehab Centre
Social Services Seminar Rm 189
3-5 pm - Tuesdays
April 9th, 2019
October 8th, 2019 |
Holy Family Hospital
Multipurpose Room
3-5pm - Thursdays
February 14thth, 2019
April 18th, 2019
July 25th, 2019
September 26th, 2019
October 31st, 2019
December 12th, 2019 |
For Questions and Registration
Call Gina at 604.734.1313 ext. 6280 or email gina.galway@vch.ca |
For Questions and Registration
Call 604.322.2622 |
Free Consultation with Expert Therapists
- Are you recovering from a stroke?
- Have you endured brain injury?
- Do you feel you have a physical, cognitive or neurological impairment?
If you answered YES to any of the above, then you're invited to a free consultation by expert Occupational Therapists, led by Amit Kumar. These free consultations are offered on the first Tuesday of every month. Caregivers are welcome to attend.
Where: Neurofunction Rehab 105-17660 65A Ave, Surrey, BC
When: First Tuesday of every month, 2pm – 4pm
Pre-booking is required.
Contact: Email or Phone: 604-574-1255 (clinic) | 778-384-4503 (cell)
|
|
 To make a donation, call us at 604-688-3603, email us or visit our website. Thank you for your support!
|
|
|
|
