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SRABC and MODC News

Art After Stroke


Please save the date for our third annual Art After Stroke Event -- October 9 and 10th at the Roundhouse Arts and Recreation Centre in Vancouver. 

That's right -- it's a two-day event! We have heard your suggestions and, in addition to the evening gala and showcase of music and art by stroke survivors, we are adding daytime activities for people who prefer not to attend in the evening. Stay tuned for more details!
 

Take Your Next Steps With Us -- Now in Abbotsford!

We are so so happy to announce we have started a Next Steps Program in Abbotsford!

Next Steps is a fun, friendly walking group for stroke survivors. Participants walk at their own pace and distance indoors, with easy access to washrooms, seating areas and other amenities. Groups meet once a week to keep active, maintain mobility, and socialize with others in the community.

Meet us any time between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Fridays at the concession area at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre. (Look for our coordinator with the Next Steps table sign).

We will be walking around the indoor track. The program is very individualized and suitable for every level of fitness!

ARC has required every participant who uses the track to pay a $25 yearly fee for the use of the track. If you’re already a member at ARC, you don't need to pay again. 
 

Young Stroke Survivors of BC: March Meeting

YSS BC 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.

Our next session is on April 25 at 5pm. Josh Poirier from the Watson Centre Society for Brain Health will discuss how your brain functioning can impact your personality. 

Josh will be discussing some tips on how to maximize brain health after an injury as well as personality clues we can take from how our brain is functioning behaviorally to understand where we can focus our efforts in recovery. The phrases "cognitive plateau" or "get used to the new you" or "compensatory strategies" will NOT be used in this presentation as science is showing us that the brain has a remarkable ability to improve for the better over your entire life!     

Whether you are joining in person or via videoconference, we encourage you to join the meeting between 4:30 an 4:45pm. This will enable us to get everyone settled in time for our speaker to start at 5pm.

Join in person: 
In Vancouver, in the Multipurpose Room at Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way.
In Victoria, at the MODC / In Focus office at 721 Kings Road.

Join via Videoconference:
Email us and we'll send you the link. 

There is no need to RSVP! Just come if you can.
If you aren't available on April 25, Email us and we'll send you the link to a recording of the session.

Did you miss last month's session on Driving After Stroke? Watch in on demand!
 
Recovery, Prevention and Treatment

Improve Your FAME -- Fitness and Mobility Exercise -- Now in West Van and Richmond

Babylon: A Doctor in your Pocket


TELUS has introduced Babylon, a mobile app that allows you to check symptoms, see a doctor and easily access your clinical records all through your phone (doctor consultations are for BC residents who are covered under the Medical Services Plan).

The App is designed for people who don't have a family doctor, who need a doctor for a non-emergency after hours, or simply need a more convenient health-care option than visiting a doctor's office. 

Learn more about the app here.
 

Can Music Help Your Recovery from Stroke?

Here's a link to a Podcast that explores the question: can music therapy help to aid recovery from physical illness? Katie Haylor spoke with Alex Street, music therapist and researcher at the Cambridge Institute of Music Therapy Research in Cambridge, who also works on the stroke ward at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
 

Would You Like to Connect With Other Stroke Survivors or Caregivers Online?

Our friends at EnableMe Australia have developed a great website for survivors and caregivers to connect with others online. This is especially important for those living in remote and rural areas.

Do you want to talk to others about something that you're facing or a thing that's on your mind? This is the place, because the community in Enableme 'get it'

Visit the Enable Me Community Forum to learn more. 
 

New Study Suggests Effective Rehab Possible for Chronic Stroke Patients

Chronic stroke patients continue to benefit from intensive rehabilitation over a much longer period than previously thought, a UCL-led study has found. The finding could have “huge implications” for future treatments.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, assessed 224 patients (median time post-stroke 18 months), who took part in an intensive three week programme with 90 hours of therapy, at the Queen Square Upper Limb Neurorehabilitation clinic, based at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, part of UCLH.

This is a much higher dose of rehabilitation than previously tested, however researchers found that patients, despite having a range of impairments and fatigue levels, were able to complete the full programme, and saw significant clinical improvements in arm and hand function. Keep reading!
 

What is the Link Between Diabetes and Stroke?

People with diabetes have a higher risk of stroke than those without it. But a person can reduce their stroke risk by controlling their diabetes well and making certain lifestyle changes.

For an individual with diabetes, the chances of having a stroke are 1.5 times higher than in people who do not have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. This is because frequent shifts in blood sugar levels can affect the cardiovascular system.

This article discusses the link between diabetes and stroke. It also looks at ways of preventing or lowering the risk of a stroke.
 
Research and Tech

Stroke Recovery: The Gut Reaction Might be Key

Tumult in the bacterial community that occupies your gut -- known as your microbiome -- doesn't just cause indigestion. For people recovering from a stroke, it may influence how they get better.

Researchers are investigating how having a stroke can disrupt the microbiome. These bacteria can interact with the central nervous system and may influence stroke patients' recovery. Read more here.

Scientists Seeking Ways to Reduce Vision Loss After Stroke

Each year, approximately 265,000 Americans have a stroke that causes visual impairment. New research sheds light on how the damage in the brain caused by a stroke can lead to permanent vision impairment. The findings could provide researchers with a blueprint to better identify which areas of vision are recoverable, facilitating the development of more effective interventions to encourage vision recovery.

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!

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Stroke Recovery Association of BC · 301 - 1212 West Broadway · Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) V6H 3V1 · Canada

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