Brain Injury NS

On June 12 2024, the House of Commons voted unanimously in favour of Bill C-277, An Act to establish a national strategy on brain injuries. You can support Bill C-277 by sending a letter to the Standing Committee on Health. Learn more: https://braininjurycanada.ca/en/bill-c-277/letter/

Thanks to a generous donation, we have seven smartphones (released 2012-2020) available to ABI survivors or family members in Nova Scotia who demonstrate a need for a device.

Phones will be randomly allocated to those who qualify. Applications are due August 11, 2024. Apply now- https://braininjuryns.com/phones

Devices available:
-Asus ZenFone 3 (2016)
-iPhone 5s (2013)
-iPhone 8 (2017)
-Samsung Galaxy S3 (2012)
-Samsung Galaxy S4 (2013)
-Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018)
-Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020)

There is continued focus on the prevalence and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of concussions in sport. But it is equally important to understand what might keep youth sport participants from speaking up — and being removed — when they are hurt. Read more about recent research at Western University: https://braininjuryns.com/research-and-articles/

‘I just want to keep playing:’ Why youth athletes under-report concussion symptoms There is continued focus on the prevalence and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of concussions in sport. But it is equally important to understand what might keep youth sport participants from speaking up — and being removed — when they are hurt.

Emotional effects of brain injury Everyone who has had a brain injury can be left with some changes in emotional reaction. These can be the most difficult effects for the individual concerned and their family to deal with.

Join us on August 15th, anytime from 4 to 6 PM, at Spencer House in Halifax for our Ice Cream Social! Survivors, families, and friends are all welcome. No registration is needed; we hope to see you there!

Drop in and join us on August 15th between 4 and 6 PM at Spencer House in Halifax for our Ice Cream Social and meet others from the ABI community in Nova Scotia. Survivors, families, and friends are welcome. We hope to see you there!

Drop in and join us on August 15th between 4 and 6 PM at Spencer House in Halifax for our Ice Cream Social and meet others from the ABI community in Nova Scotia. Survivors, families, and friends are welcome. We hope to see you there!

Parents of children who suffered a concussion wanted for a research study at the University of Moncton, full details in the post below

**PARTICIPANTS WANTED**

Study: "Parents' Coping and Perceptions Regarding Their Child’s Post-Concussion Recovery"

We are seeking voluntary parent participants for a study aimed at better understanding parents' perceptions and coping mechanisms concerning their child's post-concussion recovery, as well as the parents' health choices regarding the injury.

To participate, your child must be aged 5 to 17 and have had a concussion in the past year. You must reside in Canada and have a good understanding of written French or English.

As a participant in this study, you will be invited to complete a one-time online survey from your own computer or smartphone, at a time that suits you. The questions will focus on your perceptions, your coping strategies, your child’s post-concussion recovery, and your health choices regarding your child’s concussion. This will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Your participation is entirely voluntary. Consent will be obtained in writing (virtually) once you click on the link below. You have the right to refuse to answer any questions and to withdraw completely from the study at any time. The collected data will be processed and stored confidentially to protect your privacy and confidentiality.

Your participation will make you eligible for a draw to win one of two $100 Visa gift cards.

To participate, please click on the following link: https://survey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2mzgxujqpbFdzIG

For any questions regarding this study, please contact: Gloria Kamba, lead researcher, Université de Moncton, by email at: [email protected].

Are you looking for an intimate virtual support option to discuss anything related to brain injury? Join Shelley and Marlee from anywhere in NS on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays monthly for our Virtual Checkpoint! Talk about all things brain injury and hear from others with similar experiences.

If you'd like to receive the Zoom link or for more information, contact [email protected] or visit https://braininjuryns.com/join

Did you know today is National Injury Prevention Day? Wondering how you can prevent injuries? Here are some tips!

WE ARE COMING TO HALIFAX NEXT WEEK

Come join our our National Director, Rabia Khedr, at The North Grove on July 10. She will talk about our latest "Better the benefit" campaign and what you can do to help.

When: Wednesday, July 10th from 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Where: The North Grove, 6 Primrose St., Unit 140, Dartmouth

Light refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP by July 5th, 2024, and let us know about any dietary restrictions and/or disability-related accommodations, by emailing [email protected]

📣 HALIFAX PEEPS📣

Meet our National Director on July 8 at the Halifax Central Library

We have partnered with the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities to hold a community meeting on disability poverty and the urgency of .

Our National Director, Rabia Khedr, will talk about our latest "Better the benefit" campaign and what you can do to help. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: July 8th from 5:30 pm to 7 pm

Where: Halifax Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax

BMO Community Room, 2nd floor.

Please RSVP by July 5.

Let us know about any dietary restrictions and/or disability-related accommodations, by emailing [email protected]

It's important to stay safe during all summer activities. Follow these simple tips to help prevent and recognize concussions. Early recognition is critical to the best chance of full recovery. For more information on concussion symptoms, recovery, and resources, https://braininjuryns.com/concussion/

Researchers found that children aged 5-12 were more likely to experience a concussion from non-sport activities. Yet, those injuries were not assessed by medical professionals until days later compared with sports-related concussions in the same age group. Studies such as this prove the need for increased concussion research and education for children and their parents outside of sports to ensure concussions are recognized and diagnosed as soon as possible to provide the best chance of full recovery. Read more - https://www.chop.edu/news/children-s-hospital-philadelphia-researchers-find-elementary-age-children-experience-more

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Researchers Find Elementary Age Children Experience More Concussions During Activities Unrelated to Sports | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Children between 5 and 12 are more likely to experience worse symptoms and delays in specialist care if injured during recreation or other non-sport activities.

Based on the most recent research, 1.6% of Canadians will suffer a concussion annually, and ~22% of concussions will have symptoms lasting more than a year. Everyone likely knows someone impacted by the long-term effects of a concussion, whether you realize they're struggling or not. Concussion symptoms are "invisible," meaning that while you may not see the injury in those around you the same way you may see a broken leg, it doesn't make the symptoms any less real.

Many survivors struggle with headaches, anxiety, depression, sensitivity to light or noise, and more for months or years after a concussion. Always believe those around you when they share their symptoms or limitations, and be there to support them however you can.

For more information & resources, including signs & symptoms of concussions, visit https://braininjuryns.com/concussion

Many concussion recovery guides are built around a return to school, sport, and work, but we understand these may not be the end goal for all who suffer concussions, making it difficult for many to know how to recover post-injury. This is why we created our Return to Daily Life guide; use this easy-to-follow, 6-step guide to help lead your return to life post-injury.

To view all of our concussion resources, including our Return to Sport, Work, and School guides, visit https://braininjuryns.com/concussion

Followed by women over 65, children under the age of 5 are the demographic most at risk for suffering a concussion. This is why all parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc., must ensure they are up-to-date on the possible causes, signs, symptoms, & treatment of concussions. Early identification and proper rest immediately after the injury are key for the best chance of full recovery.

For more information & resources, including signs & symptoms of concussions, visit https://braininjuryns.com/concussion

A Canadian longitudinal cohort study found adults with concussions died by su***de at three times the population norm. Concussions can cause an array of complex symptoms, with more than 50% of survivors experiencing personality change, irritability, anxiety, and depression after a concussion. Ensuring survivors have access to mental and physical health resources as well as a compassionate support system of friends & family are vital to helping survivors adjust to life post-injury.

For more information & resources, including signs & symptoms of concussions, visit https://braininjuryns.com/concussion

Are you looking for information on concussion identification, symptoms, recovery, and more? Check out our Concussion Information Cards, made in consultation with brain injury professionals in NS, to include the most up-to-date information available. Available on our website and in health facilities across NS. For downloadable PDF versions and all of our concussion resources, visit https://braininjuryns.com/concussion

Join us every Monday for our free Yoga for ABI via Zoom! Whether you're a complete yoga beginner or a pro, all can benefit and are welcome. See how yoga can help you from the comfort of your home; you only need a soft surface (mat, blanket, rug, etc.) and a chair nearby. If you'd like to receive the Zoom link or for more information, contact [email protected] or visit https://braininjuryns.com/join

In a recent survey, 78% of caregivers reported that their role has impacted their mental health. Caregiving is rewarding but challenging - and understanding what goes into caregiving helps people understand how vital caregiver support is.

To view our resources, training sessions, and programs available for caregivers and family members, visit https://braininjuryns.com

Did you know that there is an increased risk of a person developing a diagnosable mental illness after acquiring a brain injury? They have experienced fundamental changes to their brain, self-identity, and abilities. The brain injury community needs reliable and equitable access to mental health diagnosis, services and supports.

Know you are never alone, and support is available to you. Hearing others share similar experiences and connecting with others in the ABI community can be invaluable post-ABI. To view all of our programs, supports, and resources available at no cost, visit https://braininjuryns.com

Over 75% of IPV survivors experience symptoms of brain injuries. Within that figure, 75% of those women will not seek medical attention, often mistaking symptoms as emotional distress brought about by the abuse or out of shame or fear of reporting the incidents.

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, visit https://sheltersafe.ca to connect with the nearest shelter that can offer safety, hope, and support.

For more information and resources on brain injuries: https://braininjuryns.com

HAPPENING TOMORROW - RSVP now for our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 26, from 5:30-6:30 PM via Zoom.

RSVP by emailing [email protected]. Those who RSVP for the AGM will receive the agenda, additional documents and reminders. We hope to see you there!

~10% of Canadians over 65 have suffered a stroke in their lifetime, and strokes are the third most common cause of death in Canada. However, mortality rates have been steadily declining in recent years, with raised awareness and recognition being some of the primary drivers of this change.

Being up-to-date on the signs and symptoms of strokes and brain injuries could be life-saving for yourself or those around you. For more information on brain injuries, including signs and symptoms, visit https://braininjuryns.com/about-brain-injury/

Listening to and playing music induces neuroplasticity changes in your brain, promoting emotional healing and ongoing recovery from a brain injury. Which is why we offer FREE Music Therapy for brain injury survivors via Zoom- you can participate even if you do not have any instruments at home!

We are happy to offer two groups for our virtual Music Therapy program; the details are in the attached image. Sessions occur on Wednesdays at 10 AM (Group 1) and 11:15 AM (Group 2). If you'd like to receive the Zoom link or for more information, contact [email protected] or visit https://braininjuryns.com/join

Hear what concussion survivors want you to know, from members of our Concussion Cafe Group. Always believe someone when they share a symptom or limitation and show compassion rather than judgment.

For more information on concussions and to view our free resources: https://braininjuryns.com/concussion/

Traumatic brain injuries occur every 3 minutes in Canada and are a risk at all phases of life, but research shows that brain injuries are the leading cause of traumatic death in infants under two years old.

For more information and resources on brain injury, visit https://braininjuryns.com

Recent studies have shown that 200,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with a concussion yearly, and many more will go undiagnosed and untreated. As concussions can't be diagnosed using scans or bloodwork, it's vital to be aware of concussion signs and symptoms to recognize concussion symptoms in yourself or someone close to you.

For more information on concussion symptoms, recovery, and resources: https://braininjuryns.com/concussion/