Headline Magazine: Spring 2012

BRITISH COLUMBIA’S VOICE FOR THE BRAIN INJURY COMMUNITY

Spring 2012

End Of The Road
Story Page 6

A Run To Remember

2012 Okanagan Conference On Brain Injury
Story Page 10

• Brain Injury • Paraplegia

• Quadriplegia • Spinal Cord Injury

Reduced legal fees on brain injury, paraplegia and quadriplegia cases

WE HANDLE ALL OF THE EXPENSES
FREE Consultation. If no recovery, no legal frees or expenses. Helping brain injury victims and their families for over 40 years.

ICBC claims only
"The efforts of your highly competent legal team resulted in my seriously injured brain damaged son being looked after and nancially secured for the rest of his life. We are most grateful. I particularly appreciate Mr. Simpson coming to Korea to help set up the care for my son"
- J. HWA

BERNIE SIMPSON, C.M.
Member Order of Canada Recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal Eloisa De Lorenzo Awarded in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Brain Injury Survivors

E. ANTHONY THOMAS
Extensive experience in motor vehicle cases for 20 years

LOW LEGAL FEES
Surrey/Delta Office
7253 – 120th Street, Delta, BC

With over 40 years’ experience handling exclusively motor vehicle injury claims

Vancouver Office
808 Nelson Street, Suite 1512, Vancouver, BC

Ph: 604-591-8885
(24 hrs Emergency Service)

Ph: 604-689-8888

TOLL FREE: Throughout BC 1-800-668-3788

www.simpsonthomas.com

Message from the Editor
Janelle Breese Biagioni

Greetings!
Blossoms, blue skies and sunshine are a welcomed sight in Victoria. It’s difficult to really complain as the winter was mild with the region experiencing only one week of snow. Now as time marches towards the end of the first quarter, we look forward to the offerings of spring. How is everyone doing on their goals for 2012? Don’t be discouraged if things are not going as planned. Goals are something to strive for; however, the journey may take a different direction and the end result is somewhere different than you targeted. Along the way, you may decide to adjust or modify the goal – that’s okay! What’s more important, in my opinion, is that you keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t give up. Keep moving forward and you will end up in the perfect place for you. In this issue, we have an overview of the Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference and a piece to wrap up David McGuire’s Run to Remember, which concluded in Victoria, BC. We also have a great article on mindfulness and important information on roof and ladder safety. Spring is the time of year to get enthused about yard cleanup and house maintenance. In planning your chores and timeline to complete home maintenance, allow plenty of time to avoid making mistakes or overlooking the need for ‘safety first.’ In closing, as you pull out the skateboards, inline skates, and bikes, remember your helmet too! Check your helmet for cracks or damage and replace it if necessary. A helmet could save your life – be sure it’s in good repair!

The rules of Sudoku are simple. Place a digit from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Sudoku
9 5 1 7 2

5 3 7 8 2 9 8 7 3 5 6 8 5

5 4 1

2 9 1 3 4 9 8 3 1

Wheel, Walk, Run for Brain Injury Awareness Month June 17th, 2012
Lumbermans Arch (Stanley Park), Vancouver Registration to the event is free of charge. Please visit www.cheshirehomes.ca for more information on the event, and to register for the Wheel, Walk and Run! Contact: 604-540-0686, [email protected]

Cheshire Homes Society of B.C.

Solution on page 20

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headline
is published quarterly by Mike Rossiter 5851 Kittiwake Drive Richmond, BC V7E 3P1 • Editor Janelle Breese Biagioni 2031 Gourman Pl Victoria, BC V9B 6A9 Email: [email protected] • HEADLINE welcomes letters and relevant articles for publication, and reserves the right to edit any accepted submissions for clarity and length. A signature, address, and telephone number are required. Please contact Janelle Breese Biagioni for copy deadlines. • Mike Rossiter and HEADLINE editors take no responsibility for, nor do they necessarily agree with, the opinions contained in articles, letters or advertising. Contact Janelle Breese Biagioni at 250-592-4460 for information.

Government Resources
Regional Health Authority’s ABI Coordinators: Fraser Health - Aquired Brain injury Program-604-520-4175 Interior Health Authority-250-870-4664, Contact Name: Deborah Preston Acquired Brain Injury Program, Northern Health Call 250-565-7393 Vancouver Coastal Health Authority-604-714-4159 Vancouver Island Health Authority- 250- 370-8699, Contact Name: Judith Armstrong Enquiry BC-to locate Provincial Government Departments • Lower Mainland 604-660-2421 • Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-7867 • Victoria 250-387-6121 Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology: Open Learning Information: • In and Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1633 Student Loan Information: • Lower Mainland 604-660-2610 • Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-561-1818- select 1 then 5 Public Guardian & Trustee of British Columbia: • 700-808 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6B 3L3 Victim’s Info Line: • 1-800-563-0808 Adult and Youth Addiction Services: • Lower Mainland 604-660-9382 • Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1441

Community Resources
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities Advocacy Access Program for assistance with provincial and federal disability benefits Lower Mainland 604-872-1278 Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-663-1278

40981507

Bus Pass for Persons with Disabilities and Seniors Lower Mainland 604-682-0391 Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-661-1566 Tim Readman, Executive Director Stroke Recovery Association of BC Phone: 604-688-3603 Toll Free: 1-888-313-3377 www.strokerecoverybc.ca Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Lower Mainland Voice and TTY 604-515-9455 Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-0004

CHANGE OF ADDRESS?
We would like to keep our mailing list up-to-date! If you have moved or would like to be on the mailing list, please contact Mary Lou at: 604-274-1251 or email her at: [email protected]

Community Brain Injury Program for Children & Youth in BC Toll Free 1-877-451-5511 www.cbip.bc.ca Epilepsy BC Lower Mainland 604-875 6704 Outside Lower Mainland 1-866-374-5377 Victoria 250-475-6677 Information Services Vancouver 604-875-6381

(Please put HEADLINE in subject line of email)

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Person With Disabilities Asks Those In Authority To Accept Challenge
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I, as a person with a disability, would like to invite one or more of those in authority to live as one of us [a person with a disability] for a min. of 3 months. I would like you to feel how we feel with the limitations that those in authority have placed upon us. Persons with disability receive max $906.00 per month depending on the amount of their rent, it could be less. We cannot: 1. Afford to eat properly. We are limited to sale items at Bargain stores or the food banks. Fresh fruit or vegetables are out of the question as they cost too much for us to enjoy. 2. Find a proper home to live in without being penalized. 3. Recreation activities are restricted as everything has a fee. The pool, the theatre, the gym, you name it. IT COSTS MONEY, which we do not have. Even the transportation to get to these places costs money. Walking is free, but what about those of us that have mobility problems or do not live close enough to walk. We are grateful to be able to make $500.00 extra a month without penalty at a part-time job. We are also allowed to apply for the government program for volunteering which consists of $100.00 a month extra. The government program has a waiting list and it’s not easy to find an employer who will hire a disabled person. Choices are few and far between for those of us that live in small rural towns. Our support workers have to first help us an employer who would be willing to hire a disabled person, make sure that person has the ability to do what is required. We need to find transportation to and from work. Lastly, we must find suitable clothing for the job so we must go to the thrift stores. To get a job, a person needs to have a resume. In order to have a resume, we need to have access to a computer. Most of us cannot afford to have a phone let alone a computer. We can access one at the library or the employment center, but there again, the mobility issue. A person can get a taxi or a bus but again there is the money issue. This program is great for the disabled person because: 1. It gets the person out into the community. 2. It shows the community that we can fit in and do the work required with maybe a few modifications, but the job will be done. Headline is also available in PDF format. If you would like a copy sent to your email address contact Mary Lou by email at: [email protected] Please add Headline to the subject line The extra income of $500.00 comes in very handy.....I FEEL RICH. We have heard time and again about those in our governments getting increases in benefits and salaries, while we keep getting our funding cut. Funding cuts may not affect us directly, but when our support workers jobs or hours are cut, we are affected. Without our support workers, we have no idea about what is available to us. In writing you this letter, I extend the invitation to those in authority to live as a person with disabilities does. Live on the amount of monies we receive, so generously, every month. I challenge you to live as one of us for a min. of 3 months. In closing, I want to say, “I AM NOT HANDICAPPED ANYMORE. THIS IS THE WAY I AM NOW”. I am a proud Canadian. I have the right to live, not just “Exist”. I don’t want a quick fix or a huge raise. I just want to live with dignity. Changes need to be made. I hope that one of you has the courage to accept my challenge. Thank you Annette Edwards, Golden, BC

You’re in Good Hands.
Our goal is to assist our clients by obtaining funding for all of their immediate needs in order to maximize their potential for recovery, while we proceed toward obtaining settlement or judgment that allows a sustainable and encouraging new future.

250.360.2500
Personal Injury & Insurance Law www.hom-law.com
#1-505 Fisgard Street Victoria, BC V8W 1R3
For more information, contact: Barri Marlatt or Lorenzo Oss-Cech

JOB #H103-9643 headline CLIENT: HUTCHISON, OSS-CECH, MARLATT INSERTION DATE : SpRINg 2009 pUBLICATION: HEADLINE MAg

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A Run To Remember -Wrap Up Article
by David McGuire

BRITISH

COLUMBIA’

S VOICE

FOR THE

BRAIN INJUR

Y COMM

UNITY

Summer

2011

id McGu raising aw ire is are across Ca ness nad Story Page a 6

A Run to Rememb er Dav

Neurogen esis: Hope Regenerafor tion? Pa
ge 10

After running 7821 km from St. Johnʼs Newfoundland, to Victoria, BC - my faith in humanity has grown again - and I am more proud today to be a Canadian than ever.

physical damage to their brain than me might have a higher level of damage. My years of trying to deal with the “new me” left me frustrated and exhausted. On a trip to my local brain injury association I was very discouraged; however, I left thinking that if I am one of the lucky ones and thatʼs hard for me… What is it like for those that donʼt have the physical, mental, or social functions that I do? I could no longer feel sorry for my lot in life. I had a cause: to bring the awareness of brain injury and the devastation it causes to as many people as I could.

Why did I do it? Because I could; as another person with brain injury said to me “Youʼre running David, because I canʼt.” After my injury I felt like I was in a mental prison. Rather than be limited by what my brain could or could not do, I tried to see how far I could push myself physically. Turns out I can run. A lot. My doctor and I figure we can make millions if we can find out what part of the brain was affected and turned me into this long distance machine.

Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in Canada - and my little 7821 km run -“A Run to Remember” as we called it, was to bring awareness to this serious issue. And bring awareness we did.

I spoke to youth across the country and talked to them about prevention, after all, they are the highest risk for traumatic brain injury. I told them how fragile the brain really is, and that they should wear their helmets when skiing or bike riding. I explained how their brain was to who they are. It defines us; it makes us like the things we like and it makes us laugh at the things we laugh at. Without our brain we are not us. We are different. I am a new me since my brain injury. I got one of my best questions from a young girl in grade 3 who asked “do you like the new you better than the old you?”

I met other survivors across Canada as well, including Captain Trevor Greene in Nanaimo, which is a moment Iʼll never forget, despite my short term memory. I shared my story, and they shared theirs. Brain injuries vary. Itʼs not like any other injury where the results can be predicted. Each brain is unique and so is recovery. There is no cookie cutter approach to repair a brain injury. Someone with less

A Run to Remember would not have been possible without the support of the non-profit organization BrainTrust Canada, who has worked with persons with brain injury in the Okanagan since 1986. We want to thank our corporate sponsors Communicare Michigan, Honda Canada and Harmony Honda Kelowna, Fraserway RV, We Care, BDO, Best Western, Rogers, Vega, WorkSafe BC, Foot Solutions, Boston Pizza, Middlefield, GPS City, BCAA, Smart Risk, Think First, Preventable, and more, which can be found on www.runtoremember.com. And thank you so very much to Brainstreams.ca for their support and for following my journey throughout the year. It has been a little strange getting adjusted to a new routine since I finished the run and I have been hitting the gym almost every day and continuing with the running. I would like to continue being an advocate for survivors, and recently spoke at the Pacific Coast Conference in Vancouver. I am very proud of what we accomplished with A Run to Remember. I wanted to get people talking about brain injury, the staggering amount of brain injuries in Canada, the cost,and the lack of services. As well, I wanted to show people that life still does go on, that we can all be amazing. We can all achieve great things, regardless of our abilities. I’m just a guy with brain injury, but I can run - and I did my part to bring awareness to this enormous issue . . . let’s keep the momentum going.

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CAMPBELL RIVER HEAD INJURY SUPPORT

With our new doors opened this past November 2011, the new Campbell River Head Injury Support Society has a lot to be happy about! Located at 591-9th Avenue, on the corner of Dogwood, it’s hard to miss with its bright orange roof! It is comprised of four apartments up top, an office, boardroom, kitchen and bathroom downstairs. The apartments are housing for people with traumatic brain injuries, who are partaking in our program. Downstairs is open to the public. We run different workshops and programs, such as weekly cooking classes, computer classes, caregivers groups and group meetings. We have a little something for everyone!

Our members give a big helping hand in fundraising and projects to do with our society, such as our green house project... to be completed this summer. We are building a green house on our property, with the help of our members, for our community garden. We are open 9am-2pm, Monday – Thursday. We encourage dropping in and having a look around. There is always someone here! The picture of the dog is our newest resident, Doc. He belongs to everyone at the head injury society and is being used as a therapy dog. Anyone who wants a cuddle or a walk, come on over!
Photos by James Kay (www.jameskphotography.com)

30 years of experience helping brain injured victims and their families.
Murphy Battista LLP T: 604.683.9621 Toll-free 1.888.683.9621 Fax 604.683.5084 E: [email protected] 2020 - 650 West Georgia Street Box 11547, Vancouver Centre Vancouver, BC V6B 4N7 www.murphybattista.com

Joe Murphy, Q.C.

Joe Battista, Q.C.

J. Scott Stanley Brian Brooke Angela Price-Stephens

Derek Mah Steve Gibson Irina Kordic Kevin Gourlay Alex Sayn-Wittgenstein

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RECIPES FOR A DAY
Healthy eating begins at home. Our favorite foods should be tasty, cost effective, and within the recommended daily requirements for nutrients. The World Wide Web is an endless source of recipes, nutrition plans and creative ways to include more fruits and vegetables into our daily intake. Organizations such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon www.heartandstroke.ca, the Canadian Diabetes Association www.diabetes.ca and the Dietitians of Canada www.dietitians.ca offer free recipes to help improve one’s health. Below are samplings of nutritional recipes for lunch and dinner. Bon Appétit!

3.In a blender, in batches, or with an immersion blender, purée until smooth; return to pot, if necessary. Stir in milk; heat over medium-low heat, stirring often, just until steaming (do not boil). Stir in lemon juice and season to taste with pepper. Per serving: Calories: 143; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Cholesterol: 6 mg; Carbohydrates: 23 g; Fibre: 3 g; Sugars: 9 g; Sodium: 125 mg; Potassium: 651 mg 6 SERVINGS

CHICKEN NOODLE SUPPER
Makes 6 Servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Ingredients 500 g (1 lb) skinless, boneless chicken breasts or legs, cubed 30 mL (2 tbsp) vegetable oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 250 ml (1 cup) sliced mushrooms 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 2 mL (1/2 tsp) dried basil 2 mL (1/2 tsp) dried oregano 2 mL(1/2 tsp) pepper 45 mL (3tbsp) all-purpose flour 750 mL (3 cups) 2% milk 15 mL (1 tbsp) Dijon mustard 750 mL (3 cups) egg noodles, uncooked 1- 300 g (10 oz) pkg frozen mixed vegetables

FRESH BROCCOLI SOUP

1 large bunch broccoli 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 onion, chopped 50 mL (1/4 cup) long-grain white rice Pinch hot pepper flakes 750 mL (3 cups) reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth 750 mL (3 cups) 1% milk 30 mL (2 tbsp) freshly squeezed lemon juice Pepper Directions 1.Cut broccoli stalks from tops; peel fibrous outer layer from stalks and chop coarsely. Cut tops into small florets; set florets aside separately.

Directions 1.In a large skillet, cook chicken in oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. 2.Add onion, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. Cook until onion is tender. 4.Gradually add milk. Cook and stir until sauce comes to a boil and thickens. 5.Add mustard and noodles. 6.Return to boil and simmer 15 minutes, adding frozen vegetables after 10 minutes. Nutrition information per serving: Calories: 330; Protein: 27 g; Total fat: 10 g; Saturated fat: 2.9 g; Cholesterol: 79 mg; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Fibre: 3.5 g; Sugars: 8 g; Sodium: 183 mg; Potassium: 719 mg (Recipe courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Canada ©2010) 7.Stir before serving.

2.In a pot, combine chopped stalks, garlic, onion, rice, hot pepper flakes and broth; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and boil gently for 10 minutes or until rice is almost tender. Add florets and cook, covered, for about 5 minutes or just until broccoli is tender.

3.Stir in flour; cook for 1 minute.

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Brain injury is devastating. Lives are turned upside down. We offer not just a house, but homes for people at all levels of abilities, a foundation to build relationships and be connected to the community. Our transitional and residential rehab programs are developed and guided by rehab professionals, designed for each individual’s unique needs and implemented on a daily basis. CONNECT’s mission is simple...to make lives better. In Langley call Janette Jackman 604-534-0705 [email protected] In Lake Country call Christy McKeating 250-469-9358 [email protected]

Please visit our website at www.connectcommunities.ca
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2012 Okanagan Conference on Brain Injury
Date: May 30, 31, June 1, 2012 Location: Naramata, British Columbia Venue: Naramata Centre Opening Date: January 23, 2012 Closing Date: March 23, 2012

Conference Streams Abstracts will be reviewed according to the following streams: 1.Individuals with Injury & Caregivers Successful strategies to facilitate individuals’ access to community and government services, encouraging and maintaining habits and behaviours that promote better health and an improved quality of life after injury. Rehabilitation programs, advocacy and support and their strategies for caregivers, family members, and health professionals for individuals after injury. 2.Research, Development & Training Research from professionals working in the field of brain injury that are evidence based, evaluation or treatment models with outcomes. 3.Prevention, Awareness & Education Innovative strategies, educational programing and concussion management that promote and facilitate the prevention of acquired brain injury. Abstract Requirements -must indicate the conference stream -must contain brief description of presentation including overall objective, target audience and any

BRAIN INJURY LAWYER
Free home and hospital visits

community therapists
Building skills. Empowering people.TM

• • • • •

Community Integration Driver Rehabilitation Vocational Rehabilitation OTs, PTs, SLPs, RAs GVRD, Fraser Valley, Van. Island, Sea-to-Sky

Phone: 604.681.2500 (Free consultation) www.spechtandpryer.com
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ROBERT PRYER

#612–475 Howe Street Vancouver,V6C 2B3 We can help.

中文服务

#207-5740 Cambie St. Vancouver, BC V5Z 3A6 www.communitytherapists.com

604-681-9293, Ext 153

results, conclusions and/or recommendations -presentation must be no longer then 45 minutes (including a question and answer period if you require one) -multimedia requirements and handout or printing requirements Areas of Interest ABI Addiction Issues Brain Injury & Social Media Aging with Brain Injury Sexuality & Relationships Quality of life Program Evaluation Research & Development Adolescent & Pediatric Issues Injury Control & Prevention Education & Training Submitting Your Abstracts Abstracts must be received by BrainTrust Canada by email or fax by March 23, 2012. You will be notified of your abstract acceptance along with further details by April 2, 2012. Please submit abstracts to: Dana Sarris, Conference Committee Workshop Speaker Lead E: [email protected] F: (250) 861-3008 Sponsorship or Exhibit Opportunities For sponsorship or exhibit opportunities please contact: Devon Loerchner, Conference Committee Sponsorship and Exhibit Lead E: [email protected] P: (250) 762-3233 Ext. 103 Thank you for your interest in presenting at the 2012 Okanagan Conference on Brain Injury. For further information about our conference or to receive a registration package please email us at [email protected], call our office at 1 (888) 762-3233 or check out the conference website at www.braintrustcanada.com.

We don’t really want to raise the roof, but we do want to get people talking about affordable, safe housing for survivors of brain injury throughout British Columbia. There is a tremendous need for supports for individuals upon discharge from hospital. In years past, the person often returned home to their family or to live on their own. As programs evolved there have been group homes, family care homes, and independent apartments with supports. Many agencies have developed successful programs to facilitate the person’s recovery when he or she returns to the community. Organizations such as Cheshire Homes, The Cridge Centre for the Family, Connect, and Campbell River Brain Injury Society are currently operating successful rehabilitation programs to help survivors move toward independence. These programs are extremely cost effective in comparison to the price of a hospital bed ($1,100 per day) or prison ($323 per day) or the immeasurable cost to the person and their families should they become homeless. Headline would like to suggest these groups come together to begin a dialogue for the purpose of sharing program information (successes and challenges), to determine what is needed provincially, and to brainstorm on how this can be achieved. Those interested in participating can email us at [email protected] to let us know. We are happy to work with everyone to organize a ‘coming together of great minds’ for this worthy cause.

Headline Wants To Raise The Roof

Suite 400 - 601 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 toll free 1.800.590.SALT t. 604.871.4306

Group Homes Support Home Sharing Rehabilitation

health

www.saltgrasshealth.com

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~Janelle Breese Biagioni, RPC Dreamwork is fascinating. A dream is a gift from your subconscious mind. Dreams are creative, imaginative and they may have plot twists that rival any soap opera. And you can have private screenings every night of your life, at absolutely no charge! Working with dreams is also beneficial for personal growth, emotional and spiritual healing and therapy. for patterns or trends in one’s life. Again, if dream analysis is something you feel would be beneficial to resolving serious issues or working through past wounds like trauma and sorrow, it is best to do so under the guidance of a trained professional.

Uniqueness of Dreams

Dream Analysis

Working with a trained therapist to analyze dreams gives a person insight into areas of life where they have unresolved issues or problems. Dream interpretation or analysis is used by therapists to help their patients uncover/reveal the disguised meanings in the dream by studying noticeable symbols in the dream . This is extremely important and beneficial work; however, when used as a therapy it should be under the guidance of a trained professional. For the purpose of this article, I am writing about the generalities of dreams and how one can use them to work through day-to-day issues, to problemsolve, to be more creative, and to examine them

Dreams can be methodical and predictable or nonsensical and vague. They can be scary, sad, humorous, or sexual. Dreams are as individual and as unique as each of us. Dreams may be so real that we may wake up laughing or sobbing uncontrollably and wondering if the dream actually happened because it felt so real. Dreams can be wildly entertaining! We may become a wild character with super powers or we can be living the life of our dreams (no pun intended) with a famous actor/actress that we find attractive in real life. In dreams our persona may be completely unlike who we are in the real world. Our fantasies can come to life: you may dream that you are on stage performing with the likes of Madonna or riding shotgun alongside Clint Eastwood. You may dream of being romantically involved with a co-worker or friend, yet you have never felt physically attracted to them when awake. Don’t worry – although you may feel slightly embarrassed when you sit next to your co-worker in the lunch room, the dream isn’t necessarily a prediction of the future or an indicator that you have latent feelings for this person.

Personal Injury • ICBC Medical Negligence
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Bill Morley
604 631 3127
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Common Dreams

Vancouver Calgary Toronto Montreal Quebec New York London Johannesburg

Dreams have common topics. It is not uncommon to dream that you are naked in public or your teeth are falling out, or that you are being chased, or you are flying or taking a test/exam. How that topic relates to the dreamer is individual. Many dreams can be tied to anxiety or an issue we are struggling with in our life. Having said that, what takes place in a dream should not necessarily be taken at face value. It’s not always the obvious – you may have to dig deep within to figure out what is really going on. For example, years ago I had a dream where I was in a huge house with multiple floors. On every floor there was a deep pool – so deep that I was afraid to get into it. Eventually I made it to a floor where the pool appeared as a tub. I was handed a baby. The

Tenacity Persistence Determination

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baby was filthy and really needed a good bath. As I gently put the baby in the water, the tub morphed into a deep pool filled with hot water. I panicked. People around me panicked. We all knew the bath water had to be tossed. I started yelling about ‘not throwing the baby out with the bath water.’ I knew that I had to save the baby and the only way to do it was for me to jump into the pool and grab the baby, so I did. It was a very disturbing dream for me. If taken at face value, one could interpret the dream to mean that I had a fear of bathing a baby or that I would drain the water and the child would disappear too. I knew it was more than that so I spent a great deal of time analyzing it. I discovered that it was my anxiety about an organization that I was involved with and very passionate about (e.g. my baby) which needed to undergo a major restructuring (a good bath). I had avoided getting too involved with orchestrating the change (e.g. getting into the deep pool) for a lot of reasons. So, long story short, I learned the dream was about my anxiety in pushing for change. For the record…after analyzing the dream and addressing my fear of failure, I jumped in the pool and fought for change.

documentation where individuals had a dream and it came true. There is also documentation of others, who because of a dream, made a different choice (e.g. didn’t get on an airplane) and their life was spared or changed because of it. It is really important that we understand dreams are complex. We can’t always take them at face value. I am not implying that predictions don’t come to us in dreams because in fact, it has happened to me. What I do want to encourage is that you examine each dream individually and see how it may apply to your life or if it has any meaning at all. Moreover, as mentioned several times, our anxieties and fears can play out in a dream. If you dream that tragedy befalls a loved one, it may mean you have anxiety about something happening to them, but it doesn’t mean it is going to happen.

Dream Dictionaries

Nightmares and/or Recurring Dreams

Not all dreams are happy. Some are fraught with fear and terrifying events that have either happened to us or to someone we know, or it is something we are afraid will happen. It’s beneficial to dissect these types of dreams so that unfounded fears, unpleasant memories of the past, unresolved issues and doubts can be released. Recurring dreams are really an issue attempting to get your attention. If there is something that you need to deal with, but keep attempting to suppress, it can easily surface through a dream. Pay attention to repetitive dreams and start working with them to see what the hidden messages are. You don’t need a therapist to assist you in resolving all the issues that come up in dreams. However, I can’t stress enough, when dealing with trauma, violence, sexual abuse etc. it is important that dream analysis be done with the guidance of a qualified therapist.

Dream dictionaries are books that list dream topics from A-Z and provide a generalized meaning for each one. This can be an entertaining way to examine a dream; however, one cannot accept it as the truth. It’s no different than horoscopes. I love reading my horoscope, but the reality is that what is written today is written for every other person who shares the same birthdate as me. It may or may not apply to me. In fact, I have been known to not like what my horoscope says for Libra, so I read the rest of the zodiac signs and choose something different for the day! Why not? Dreams are individual and YOU are the expert of what your dream means for you. Even when working with a therapist, he or she can only help guide you to find the meaning that is fitting for you. They can’t tell you. YOU will know if it has meaning for you.

Dream Recall

Everyone dreams; however, not everyone remembers their dreams. It may take some training and focus to recall dreams, but it can be done. Initially you may remember only bits and pieces, but if you keep at it, eventually your dream recall will be spot on. It is said that within five minutes of waking, we forget about 50% of what has occurred in a dream. Within ten minutes we forget about 90% of what transpired. Probably the most logical reason for this is that dreams can be abstract and vague and often are one-off so without the repetition and association, it is less likely we will remember them.

Predictions in Dreams

It is not uncommon to have a dream about something happening to someone you love (i.e. parent, child, partner). Sometimes these dreams show your loved one dying or leaving you. These are not necessarily predictions. There is a plethora of

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Tips for Working with Dreams

• Keep a notepad or journal, pen and a mini-flashlight by your bed. If you wake up in the middle of the night from a dream, it is helpful to record it immediately or to make short notes for later. If you have writing materials beside your bed it’s easy to jot it down. • Don’t get up if you can help it. As we start to move about for the day, the details of our dreams can escape us. If at all possible, write about your dream while you are still in bed. This is important if you are having trouble recalling your dreams: write them down immediately until you train your mind to recall dreams easily.

• If you do get up, try to record your dreams right away. The details will be fresh and vivid in your mind. If you don’t have time to write out the dream in full, make short notes to help you remember for later. Use the five senses: sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste. • Record dreams in the present tense. Write the details as though you are still in the dream, not in past tense. Include colours, taste, smells, expressions, appearances and locations.

• Cluster with symbols. Take symbols in your dream and write each individually in a circle and then use free association to reveal the meaning of the symbol to you. Once you have exhausted the free association, write about what you have written. Begin with what is written in the first circle and then add to it. One thing leads to another and then another and then another.

• Dialogue with dream characters or symbols. Write out a conversation with a character or symbol in your dream to reveal the meaning and/or to resolve an issue. The key is you will be writing both parts of the conversation. It may feel fake or made up to you, but just go with it. It can fun and enlightening! • Make a dream collage. Glue pictures, words or phrases from magazines to recreate your dream. Write about the pictures and words you have gathered. Tape or glue the writing to the back of the picture. Include the date.

• How does this dream relate to your life as you are living it today? Sit and take time to reflect on this question. How does what you dreamt relate to what is going on in your life today? Or not going on? Is it important? Only you will know for sure.

• Always DATE your dream and give it a title. This will help to reveal trends or patterns and recurrences of dreams.
Corey, Gerald (2005) Theory and Practice of Counselling & Psychotherapy ( Pg. 71) Retrieved from: How Dreams Work (Dream Recall) http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/human-biology/ dream4.htm Feb. 17, 2012

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BCCPD’s recently updated CPP-D self-help guides are now available in Chinese and Punjabi as well as English. The CPP-D guides include a checklist, Application Guide and Appeal Guides to help people apply for or appeal the denial of CPP-D. The checklist offers information on other programs CPP-D recipients may be eligible for. To order a free copy of these guides, contact Val at 604-875-0188 or by email at feedback@bccpd. bc.ca Headline is also available in PDF format. If you would like a copy sent to your email address contact Mary Lou by email at: [email protected] Please add Headline to the subject line

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esources R
Headline is a proud supporter of Learn Connect Find
Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference www.pcbic.org BC Brain Injury Association www. bcbraininjuryassociation.com Campbell River Head Injury Support Society www.crhead.ca Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association www.fvbia.org Brain Trust Canada www.braintrustcanada.com www.protectyourhead.com Nanaimo Brain Injury Society www.nbis.ca. Powell River Brain Injury Society www.braininjurysociety.ca Prince George Brain Injured Group Society www.pgbig.ca Brain Injury Resources www.braininjuryresources.org Ontario Brain Injury Association www.obia.on.ca Brain Injury Association USA www.biausa.org South Okanagan Similkameen BI Society www.sosbis.com Victoria Brain Injury Society www.vbis.ca The Perspective Network www.tbi.org The TBI Chat Room www.tbichat.org G.F. Strong Rehab www.gfstrong.com BC Eplilepsy Society www.bcepilepsy.com Headway Centre Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society www.howesound.net Northern Brain Injury Association www.nbia.ca www.thinkfirst.ca www.brainstreams.ca

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Find the following hidden words: activity eating April eggs basket exercise bran garden broccoli gluten bunny happiness chicken healthy chocolate hunt conference ladder cooking mindfulness easter recipes

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Investigating the Effectiveness and Acceptability of MBCT in ABI
By Anna Marson, M.A. Counselling Psychology Candidate As part of my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria, I recently completed a study investigating the acceptability and effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), for individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI). I was fortunate enough to conduct such research at The Cridge and VBIS, where my research team and I facilitated three “mindfulness groups”. To provide greater background, mindfulness is the simple practice of paying attention to what is happening in the present moment –in the mind, body, and surroundings— in a nonjudgmental, curious way. MBCT helps individuals identify common ways people often try to escape difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations, such as turning to substances, food, television, etcetera. In doing so, MBCT teaches acceptance, nonjudgement, and coping strategies to deal with difficulties more effectively. MBCT is largely based upon Kabat-Zinn’s mindfulnessbased stress reduction (MBSR) program, which was developed in medical settings for populations with a wide range of chronic pain and stress-related disorders. MBCT is distinct from MBSR in that it employs mindfulness skills based on meditation techniques as well as techniques from cognitive therapies (Baer, 2003). MBCT groups comprise eight to twelve participants who meet weekly across eight weeks for approximately two hours of psychoeducation around stress and coping, and practice in mindfulness meditation skills. Participants are assigned weekly homework; for example, participants are encouraged to practice meditation for 30 to 45 minutes daily with instructional CDs in order for such skills to become part of a daily routine, and ultimately, a way of life. A number of underlying factors motivated my research on MBCT in ABI. Namely, the fact that ABI is well recognized as a serious public health concern (International Brain Injury Association, IBIA, 2011), yet little focus is given to the longer-term living and coping with ABI (Kreutzer, 2010). More specifically, while typical phases of recovery generally include acute medical treatment, subsequent physical and cognitive rehabilitation, followed by life-long or “chronic living” (Tasker, 2003), the current medical model of rehabilitation does not adequately address issues related to life-long living once the acute and post-acute treatment services have been rendered (Tasker, 2003). Various psychological concerns, such as depression (Tacon, Caldera, & Ronaghan, 2004) and anxiety (Soo & Tate, 2009) may persist indefinitely following ABI (Fraas & Calvert, 2009) and impose significant challenges to longer-term adjustment and reengagement of life for survivors (Malia, Powell, & Torode, 1995). Nonetheless, few therapeutic interventions have been used and tested as appropriate supports for psychological recovery following ABI (Kreutzer, 2010). This implies the need for greater research and therapeutic efforts to address such issues. At the same time, MBCT has been found to be an effective treatment for depression (Ma & Teasdale, 2004) and anxiety (Evans et al., 2008) among other psychological conditions commonly implicated in ABI. Mindfulness-based therapies have been associated with increased coping strategies (Baer, 2003) and a greater internal sense of personal agency or

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empowerment –also referred to as internal locus of control (Tacon et al., 2004)— which are correlated with better outcomes following ABI (Lubusko, Moore, Stambrook, & Gill, 1994). This is relevant because survivors of ABI commonly feel a lack of control over their circumstances; thus, an approach that helps individuals gain a sense of greater control and agency in their lives can help restore motivation and coping efforts. Similarly, MBCT is thought to increase self-awareness and self-regulation (Brown & Ryan, 2003), which are common deficits in ABI that can greatly impede treatment and recovery (Prigatano, 2005). For instance, if a survivor does not possess sufficient self-awareness of their deficits, they may not seek the appropriate support required, and likewise, may not be able to use self-regulatory coping strategies if they do not recognize the need to. Therefore, therapeutic interventions that foster increased coping and self-awareness can be very helpful in these circumstances. Although MBCT has been shown to address all such issues related to ABI, very few studies have investigated the utility of MBCT as a treatment for promoting psychological recovery in ABI. Accordingly, my hope for this study was to extend the present knowledge concerning the effectiveness of MBCT among individuals with ABI in an effort to establish a beneficial therapeutic treatment for this population. Overall, this proved to be a very meaningful study that provided much learning, personal growth, and continuous inspiration from my participants. Although this research represents a preliminary study among many further studies that are needed, the results demonstrate MBCT as an acceptable and effective approach for decreasing depression and denial; increasing positive-reframing, active coping, and self-regulation –all helpful coping strategies; and improving self-awareness among individuals with ABI. I am very thankful to the participants of this study and to The Cridge for allowing me to continue working with an approach I truly believe in.
References Baer, R. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 125-143. doi: 10.1093/clipsy/bpg015 Brown, K., & Ryan, R. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.822 Evans, S., Ferrando, S., Findler, M., Stowell, C., Smart, C., & Haglin, D. (2008). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22, 716-721. doi:10.1016/j. janxdis.2007.07.005 Fraas, M., & Calvert, M. (2009). The use of narratives to identify

characteristics leading to a productive life following acquired brain injury. American Journal of Speech-Language, 18, 315–328. doi: 10580360/09/1804-0315 International Brain Injury Association. (2011). Brain Injury Facts. Retrieved from http://internationalbrain.org/?q=Brain-Injury-Facts Kreutzer, J. (November, 2010). Recovering relationships after brain injury: A guide for survivors and family members. Keynote address at the 21st Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference, Victoria BC, Canada. Lubusko, A., Moore, A., Stambrook, M., & Gill, D. (1994). Cognitive beliefs following severe traumatic brain injury: association with post-injury employment status. Brain Injury, 8(1), 65-70. Retrieved from http://www. neuropsychologyarena.com/brain-injury-0269-9052 Ma, S., & Teasdale, J., (2004). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for Replication and exploration of differential relapse predepression: Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(1), vention efforts. Journal of 31-40. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.72.1.31 Malia, K., Powell, G., & Torode, S. (1995). Coping and psychosocial function after brain injury. Brain Injury, 9(6), 607-618. Retrieved from http://www.neuropsychologyarena.com/brain-injury-0269-9052 Prigatano, G. (2005). Disturbances of self-awareness and rehabilitation of patients with traumatic brain injury: A 20-year perspective. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 20(1), 19-29. Retrieved from http://journals. lww.com/headtraumarehab/pages/default.aspx Soo, C., & Tate, R. (2007). Psychological treatment for anxiety in people with traumatic brain injury.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, 3. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005239.pub2 Tacon, A., Caldera, Y., & Ronaghan, C. (2004). Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in women with breast cancer. Families, Systems, & Health, 22(2), 193–203. doi: 10.1037/1091 7527.22.2.193 Tasker, S. (2003). Acquired brain injury: Meaning making out of lived trauma. Illness, Crisis & Loss, 11(4), 337–350. Retrieved from http://www.baywood.com/authors/ia/il.asp?id=1054-1373

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The 22nd Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference

Real People with Real Lives: It Takes a Village
Written By Anna Marson

The 22nd Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference (PCBIC) was held at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, February 15 – 17, 2012. This year’s conference continued to impress its audience by offering an array of influential and groundbreaking speakers. Among them were Val Lougheed (brain injury survivor and author of Be Still), Kerry Goulet (former professional hockey player) and Keith Primeau (former NHL and Team Canada hockey player) on behalf of their website www.stopconcussions.com, and David McGuire (brain injury survivor and marathon runner/spokesperson for A Run to Remember). David spoke of his remarkable experience recovering from a head injury, and subsequently, running a marathon a day across Canada from April 1, 2011 in St. John’s N.F., to October 2011 in Victoria B.C. in an effort to spread awareness about brain injury. This year also saw the return of Captain Trevor and Debbie Green (Canadian Forces reservist who suffered a brain injury while serving in Afghanistan), along with neuroscientist Dr. Ryan D’Arcy (Head and Senior Research Officer of NRC’s Institute for Biodiagnostics in Halifax) to present their astounding gains in research on neuroplasticity. It was especially inspiring to witness Captain Trevor Green’s personal triumphs achieved since last year. This year’s PCBIC also included the addition of a theatrical performance, entitled After the Crash, presented by Ruckus Ensemble. As a collaboration between the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the University of Toronto, the play was developed as part of a research project on “research-based theatre,” and was initially intended to sensitize doctors to the experiences of brain injury survivors. Indeed, the play seemed to resonate with the crowd by occasionally moving some to tears, and vividly

reminding others of their experiences during recovery. It masterfully conveyed multiple perspectives of brain injury, from those of survivors and caregivers, to rehabilitation staff alike, all while interweaving anecdotal emotional undertones into the plot. Certainly it was a welcome addition to the conference. Another profound presentation was conducted by Dr. Gabor Maté, who elucidated the connection between addiction and brain injury. This riveting talk provided an informative, scientific, and yet comprehensible discussion about the underlying features of addiction, and offered a more holistic approach to treatment. The 22nd PCBIC also included a multimedia presentation for the one-year anniversary of brainstreams. ca. This website remains the first in Canada to offer substantial support and information resources online about brain injury. Brainstreams.ca exhibited their recent work with Vancouver Film School Digital Design students by showing short films promoting information about brain injury and hope for survivors. A complete listing of conference speakers and presentations may be found at www.brainstreams.ca. A tremendous thank you goes out to the PCBIC Conference Steering Committee, including Patti Flaherty, Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference Society Chair, and Geoff Sing, Chair of the Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference. Much appreciation is extended to the proficient team at Sea to Sky Meeting Management Inc. for their meticulous and professional coordination of this successful event. Also, thank you to the onsite staff for all their contributions. Lastly, much gratitude is extended to the PCBIC advertisers, sponsors, and conference attendees who remain integral to the conference’s success each year – THANK YOU!

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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK IN CANADA
April 15-21, 2012
Volunteers are everywhere! Communities couldn’t survive without them. From community health care to sports and recreation to disaster relief, each year approximately 12.5 million Canadians give freely of their time and skills to make a difference. Now it’s time to say thank you. These caring individuals are often the glue of a community whether it’s a village, town, or city. Their drive and passion ensures the continuation and success of school programs, little league sports, festivals, literary arts programs, church programs, recreational programs and most importantly, nonprofit organizations. One can’t deny it – volunteers are a precious commodity! Volunteers come from all walks of life. They vary in age from the young to the elderly, and they come from either gender. The tradition of setting aside one week a year to recognize and celebrate these individuals goes back to 1943. Groups can show their appreciation for non-paid workers by hosting a party so the volunteers can enjoy some fun and get to know one another, or by holding an awards night to recognize their skills, length of service and support. If you have a monthly newsletter, dedicate some space in April to profile those who serve you. By setting up an exhibit at the local mall or by submitting newspaper articles to profile an organization’s volunteers and programs, a group can increase their exposure in the community. In fact, you may even attract some new volunteers! No matter the budget, saying thank you is an absolute must! Volunteers enjoy even the simplest gesture like receiving a certificate or letter of appreciation. To learn more about National Volunteer Week in Canada, visit www.volunteer.ca

Headline is also available in PDF format. If you would like a copy sent to your email address contact Mary Lou by email at: [email protected] Please add Headline to the subject line

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Ladder Safety
The Economic Burden of Injury (2009) stated that the annual cost to Canadians for intentional and unintentional injuries is an estimated $19.8 billion. Included in the unintentional injuries are falls. In 2003, Statistics Canada reported five deaths in 100,000 Canadians from elevated falls. Elevated falls include falls from ladders. Step ladders and leaning ladders are common equipment on worksites and in the home. Whether you are changing a light bulb or cleaning the gutters, going up and down a ladder safely is important. The following safety information is available on the World Wide Web by visiting: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/portable_ladder_qc.html Portable Ladder Safety Falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. • Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder. • Avoid electrical hazards! – Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment. • Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded. • Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closed position. • Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose. • Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing. Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing (see diagram). • Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder levelers, jacks or hooks) for their designed purposes. • Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet. • Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement. • Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. • Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder. • An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support (see diagram). Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder. • The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface (see diagram). • A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep traffic away from the ladder. • Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged. • Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the ladder’s load rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or equipment.
For more complete information: U.S. Department of Labor www. osha.gov or www.thesafetybloke.com/portable-ladder-safety/ or http://www.safetyathome.com/home-safety/home-safety-articles/ going-up-and-down-safely-tips-for-ladder-use/. For information on safety in the workplace visit: www.ccohs.ca.

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Heads Up

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE PROVINCE

BRAINTRUST CANADA BrainTrust Canada is hosting the 2012 Okanagan Conference on Brain Injury, May 30th – June 1st in Naramata, BC. The committee is currently seeking abstracts in the topic areas of ABI and Addictions, Brain Injury and Social Media, Aging and Brain Injury, Sexuality and Relationships and more. Abstract submissions may be submitted by email or fax to (250) 861-3008. Deadline is March 23, 2012. For more information on the conference and programs offered by BrainTrust Canada, please call (250) 762-3233 or visit www.braintrustcanada.com. BULKLEY VALLEY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION BVBIA offers case management services, and assistance with accessing rehabilitation programs, one-on-one emotional support, family support, and social and recreational activities. For more information, call 250-877-7723. CAMPBELL RIVER HEAD INJURY SUPPORT SOCIETY CRHISS provides education, advocacy, support, and fellowship. For more information, call 250-287-4323. COMOX VALLEY HEAD INJURY SOCIETY CVHIS welcomes Cathy Stotts as the new Executive Director. CVHIS hosts a weekly drop in luncheon for a nominal cost to survivors and their families. For more information, call 250-334-9225 or visit, www.cvheadinjury.com . FRASER VALLEY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION FVBIA are hosting their 4th Annual Pathway to Hope Gala on March 31st and the FVBIA Annual Brain Injury Classic on July 11, at 11:00 am. For more information on these events and programs with FVBIA, call 604-557-1913 or (toll free) 1-866-557-1913 or email [email protected]. HOWE SOUND REHABILTATION SERVICES SOCIETY Coming up in June 2012 is Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society’s 5th Annual Acquired Brain Injury Awareness BBQ. The Acquired Brain Injury Community of the Lower Mainland is inviting you to the annual “A.B.I. Awareness B.B.Q.” There will be entertainment for all ages, educational information and inspirational speeches to help spread the word to our fellow community members about acquired brain injuries. To receive more information on updates regarding details about the BBQ email your contact info to: Gabrielle Pape, Headway New Westminster at [email protected] KAMLOOPS BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION (KBIA) KBIA offers many services and programs, including case coordination and life skills support. For more information, call 250-372-1799.

NANAIMO BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY NBIS offers rehabilitation and case management services, disability benefits assistance, and workshops focusing on issues ranging from trauma recovery to life skills strategies and anger management. For more information, call 250-753-5600 or visit their website at www. nbis.ca. POWELL RIVER BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY PRBIS www.braininjurysociety.ca provides support and services for persons with acquired brain injury, spouses, family members and caregivers included. For more information, call 604-485-6065 or toll free 1-866-499-6065. NORTH OKANAGAN-SHUSWAP BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY Please take note: Our email addresses have changed to: [email protected] and [email protected]. Please make the necessary changes in your address books. Contact us for information on programs and services. SOUTH OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY SOSBIS provides the following services: Case Management, Psychosocial Recreation, Peer Support – Cognitive Enhancement, Family Support, Stroke Recovery Support, Education, Personal Support, Women’s Support and Prevention and Education. For more information, visit www.sosbis.com TRI-CITIES BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP As months have gone by, Tri-Cities Brain Injury Support Group continues to have its meetings every 1st Thursday of each month from 2 - 4 pm. At our meetings, friends get together and discuss interesting topics and do fun activities. We meet at the Coquitlam Public Library - Poirier Branch on 575 Poirier Street. For more information, please contact Sandi Caverly at 604-916-5027 or stcaverly@shaw. ca or Martin Granger at [email protected]. New members are welcome! VICTORIA BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY VBIS offers individual and group programs to survivors and their support system. Programs offered include: Peer Support, ABI 101, Coping Skills, Personal Enhancement, Creative Arts, a Family Support Group and Education & Awareness seminars to community groups. For more information call 250-598-9339 or visit www.vbis. ca.
Cheshire Homes Society of British Columbia

Acceptance, Empowerment, Independence, Opportunity
Providing Transitional, Slower Stream and Apartment Based Rehabilitation Programs for Acquired Brain Injury since 1984.
Cheshire Homes Society of BC, Head Office #202 – 625 5th Avenue New Westminster, BC, V3M 1X4 Phone: (604) 540-0686 www.cheshirehomes.ca

a member of the Leonard Cheshire Disability Global Alliance

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Reflections
By Janelle Breese Biagioni

“First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.”
~ Thomas Kempis, Catholic Monk (1380-1471) Each of us understands what it means to keep the peace in our communities and in the world. It’s not only important, but it is also the law. Learning to keep the peace within ourselves should be equally as important. I am often asked how I stay calm and push through a list a mile long without getting myself frazzled. To be honest, I am no different than anyone else. I have the ability to appear cool as a cucumber on the outside, yet I can be twisting and turning on the inside. While I may appear to move calmly through the day while accomplishing a lot, I can also end the day feeling exhausted, tense or agitated when I don’t pace myself. It’s not a peaceful feeling and I certainly don’t have anything left to give to my loved ones when that happens. However, when I take time for myself throughout the day and stay mindful as I move through the task at hand, I do feel a calm and peacefulness within… and everything that NEEDS to get done does. If you are calm and peaceful within, you bring that peace others. How? Have you noticed when you are with someone who isn’t easily rattled that they tend to have a calming effect on the people they are with? Likewise, if a person is nervous, scattered or agitated, that is the energy they bring to the room and others. Which energy do you prefer to be surrounded by? There are many techniques available to teach us how to be peaceful and to stay calm. Meditation, exercise, mindfulness and/or spiritual practice are some of the options available. While these all work, each person must determine which one is best for them. Regardless of which technique we choose, there is one universal technique that works every time, for everyone, and that is to breathe. Simply stop what you are doing, take a deep breath in and slowly release. Do this several times. Just breathe. You will calm down and feel a sense of peace. In this state, you will accomplish all that you need to and at the same time, you will bring peace to those around you.

ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY (ABI)?
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BC BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATIONS &
*This list updated Spring Issue, 2012.
Abbotsford Acquired Brain Injury Society of the Yukon Alberni Valley Head Injury Society/Port Alberni Barriere/Merritt British Columbia Brain Injury Association Brain Trust Canada Brain Trust Canada - Vernon Contact Bulkley Valley Brain Injury Association Burnaby Chinese Brain Injury Support Group Campbell River Head Injury Support Society Caribou Brain Injury Society Chilliwack Comox Valley Head Injury Society East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association Golden East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Kamloops Brain Injury Association KBIA - Salmon Arm/Shuswap Contact KBIA - Barriere/Merrit Contact Langley/Aldergrove Brain Injury Support Group Maple Ridge Support Group Mission Nanaimo Brain Injury Society New Westminster Headway B.R.A.I.N. (Brain Resource, Advocacy & Information Network) North Okanagan Shuswap Brain Injury Society (Salmon Arm/Shuswap) Northern Brain Injury Association Peace Country Society for Acquired Brain Injury Powell River Brain Injury Society Prince George Brain Injured Group Society Sechelt/Sunshine Coast Brain Injury Support Group South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society Terrace Brain Injury Support Group TriCities Support Group Vancouver Headway Vancouver Survivors Support Group Victoria Brain Injury Society West Coast Support Network West Kootenay Brain Injury Association

Support Groups
604-557-1913 867-668-5283 250-724-6772 250-372-1799 604-465-1783 250-762-3233 250-307-6064 250-877-7723 604-877-8606 250-287-4323 250-392-7772 604-557-1913 250-334-9225 250-417-6220 604-557-1913 250-344-5674 250-372-1799 250-833-0369 250-372-1799 604-557-1913 604-944-9030 604-557-1913 250-753-5600 604.520.0130 604-540-9234 250-833-1140 1-866-979-4673 250-782-7519 1-866-499-6065 250-564-2447 604-885-8524 250-490-0613 1-866-979-4673 604-916-5027 604.732.4446 604-873-2385 250-598-9339 250-726-7459 250-304-1259 TF 1-866-564-2447 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913

Carol Paetkau Anne-Marie Yahn Linda Kenny Terry-Lynne Stone Deborah St. Jean Laurie Denton Marcie McLeod Joan LeClair Angela Kan Shelley Howard Stacy Turcotte FVBIA Cathy Stotts Susan Barth Carol Paetkau Debbie Gudjonson Terry-Lynn Stone Teresa Wolfe Terry-Lynn Stone FVBIA Ian Moore FVBIA Mark Busby Gabrielle Pape Tina Suter Robyn Coatta Carmen Jose Linda Proctor Deborah Dee Alison Hagreen Susan Goddard Dave Head NBIA Sandy Caverly Leah Pentilla Lillian Wong Barbara Erickson Wanda McAvoy Kelly Johnson

*Please email name and phone number changes to [email protected] to ensure this list is kept as up-to-date as possible.

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