vol. 34, august 2014vepc.bc.ca/public/august_transmitter_2014.color.pdf · the transmitter, vol....

A new study shows that, when properly manipulated, support cells in the brain called astrocytes could provide a new and promising approach to treating Parkinson’s. The research findings demonstrate that a single therapy could simultaneously repair the multiple types of neurological damage caused by Parkinson’s. Given that many different cell types are damaged in the brain, most current research has focused on the recovery of only one cell type. However as explained by Chris Proschel, PhD and lead author of the study, “it is increasingly clear that any successful long-term therapy must both protect the damaged areas of the brain, but also repair dopaminergic neurons as well as other damaged cell populations.”

Using human brain cells, Proschel and his colleagues isolated a cell population found in the central nervous system called glial precursors. Through the careful manipulation of cultured cells, the researchers were able to produce a specific class of astrocytes. The astrocytes acted similar to those found in the developing brain, which are more effective at building connections between nerves and creating a suitable environment for growth and repair. Consequently, the implanted astrocytes acted like a repair crew, restoring the health and stability of the structure and allowing the brain’s nerve cells to recover and resume normal activity. This exciting new research points to new cell therapy approaches that can both restore and heal brain function.

Excerpted from: http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=4002 University of Rochester Medical Centre, January 28, 2014

Contact202-1640 Oak Bay AvenueVictoria BC V8R 1B2Phone: 250-475-6677Fax: 250-475-6619Email: [email protected]: www.headwayvictoria.com

Inside... Message from the Coordinator 2

Vol. 34, August 2014

Upcoming Programs 4-5

Dysphagia during meals 6

Calendar of events 7

Victoria Charity Marathon 8-9

Freezing in PD 10-11

Urinary challenges 12-13

Carepartners Corner 14

From the Executive Director 15

Finding Points to Possible New Parkinson’s Therapy

The Transmitter, Volume 34, August 2014

By Maureen Matthew, BSW

I’m excited to share with you some of our new library editions. You don’t see much on Parkinson’s in book stores anymore. Parkinson’s research is moving along so fast that books can be out of date by the time they are printed. A visit to www.amazon.ca can keep you current on Parkinson’s resources available. Alter Your Course: Parkinson’s – The Early Years, is written by neurologist Monique Giroux & Sierra Farris, a physician assistant. Dr Giroux is an American neurologist trained in Integrative Medicine. Her website www.

drgiroux.com offers holistic brain health information and lifestyle support. You can also check out her Parkinson’s wellness blog through nwpf.org (Northwest Parkinson Foundation).

I share Monique’s passion for honoring the rich skills, talents and life experience that people with Parkinson’s and care partners bring to their journey with this condition. So this book is about framing Parkinson’s within the context of your personal strengths and your power to impact your destiny. (And by the way, it’s never too late to look at how you are framing your Parkinson’s experience and re-think that which isn’t working.) She describes Parkinson’s as an unexpected opportunity to review your priorities in how you live your life. Each person’s Parkinson’s symptoms are personal messengers seeking your attention, which can guide you to set your goals for targeted therapeutic exercise, healthy nutrition, stress management, positive self expression and meaningful life activity.

Dr Giroux balances her description of therapeutic benefits from supplements and vitamins against the latest research developments knowing there is much to be hopeful about and much yet to learn. She views emotional health as equally important to address as movement symptoms and favors a mixed bag of stress management tools including meditation techniques to enhance wellbeing and awareness of one’s rich inner power. How wonderful to know there are specialists in Parkinson’s with her inspirational message of hope and personal capacity.

Another newcomer to our library is Dr Laurie Mischley Natural Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease. She is a naturopath who has been treating people with Parkinson’s for many years. She does a fabulous job of outlining nutritional options important in Parkinson’s. It is wise to use her book as a reference and build on it by exploring additional credible online research sources. As you will see on page 3 of this newsletter, new studies (such as CoQ10 research) can produce unexpected results.

A third new book in our library is Parkinson’s Treatment – 10 Secrets to a Happier Life. Dr Michael Okun is considered a world authority on Parkinson’s. He is the neurologist Medical Director of the National Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org). He strongly believes that each individual should be an expert on their own symptoms and that once medication begins, timing is critical. “If your condition is changing and your medication dosages and dosage intervals are not changing to accommodate your symptoms, you may not be medically optimized”. He also talks about how anxiety and depression need more direct care and attention to enhance happiness and joy in life. Without mental health support, apathy and lethargy can block regular exercise, which is so critical for wellness

Hope & Possibilities as Theme of New Library Content

The Transmitter, Vol. 34, August 2014

with Parkinson’s. Dr Okun also stressed that deep restorative sleep is fundamental to quality of life and worth the trouble to discover whatever is generating insomnia and fatigue. His final chapter is called “Kindle Hope into Happiness and a Meaningful Life”. Like Dr Giroux, Michael Okun feels that people with Parkinson’s can live long and healthy lives by using their incredible internal strength with the help of a healthy lifestyle, love and support, beliefs that honor their life purpose and an effective team of care providers. Our agency is part of your team, so we welcome you to call us for support in living your best life.

We now have an electronic copy of A Meditation to Help with Parkinson’s. This thumb drive contains a series of three guided vocal meditations by Belleruth Naparstek. She outlines the benefits of meditation to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. Individual segments focus on guided imagery and visualization to attend to the most common manifestations of Parkinson’s. The profound impact of meditation is a cumulative experience through committed practice with great potential benefits. It’s very important to find a meditation process that resonates for you and work with it regularly. Our library includes many excellent CD versions of guided relaxation techniques, which you can sample. There are also many forms of meditation training in the community or you can sample meditation training by registering for our agency’s sessions conducted by physiotherapist Chris Lamb. Please see page 4. Hugs, Maureen Matthew

Coenzyme Q10 has no effect in Parkinson’s disease

Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that has been widely used for Parkinson’s Disease has been found to have no significant effect.

In one study, individuals living with Parkinson’s were given one of the following: a placebo, 1200mg of CoQ10 per day, or 2400mg of CoQ10 per day. Additionally, participants were also given 1200 IU of vitamin E per day. Participants were observed for 16 months or until a disability requiring dopaminergic treatment occurred. The treatments were well tolerated with no safety concerns.

The results showed a worsening of symptoms related to higher dose. Those taking no Coenzyme Q10 worsened by 6.9 points on the UPDRS. Those taking 1200mg

worsened by 7.5 points. Those taking 2400mg worsened by 8.0 points. The results show Coenzyme Q10 is not beneficial, and if anything, can be detrimental.

In other studies Coenzyme Q10 was found to be ineffective in Parkinson’s indaily doses of 200mg, 300mg, 400mg, 600mg, and 800mg. Only one Coenzyme Q10 study has ever shown any improvement in Parkinson’s Disease, using 360mg, but the effects were mild and were only assessed for four weeks. Daily doses of 300mg, 600mg and 1200 mg failed to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s but reduced the rate of deterioration.

Source: http://www.viartis.net/parkinsons.disease/news/140328.pdf


Upcoming HeadWay ProgramsMeditation and RelaxationIn a welcoming and casual environment, the group will practice meditation and relaxation techniques. Chris Lamb will offer ways to incorporate these techniques into daily life, to manage stress and anxiety. Small groups enable dialogue and questioning, and make the practice personal. This program will help you gain a greater understanding of the factors that influence stress and anxiety, and therefore help you to become more astute to your own personal triggers. Date: Wednesdays Sept. 17th - Oct. 15th, 2014. Time: 12:00-1:00pm. There is a $5 registration fee. Please call Lindsay Beal to register 250-475-6677.

Victoria Parkinson’s Wellness GroupThe Victoria Wellness group sessions are facilitated by Maureen Matthew Parkinson’s Coordinator. The sessions are offered on a drop-in basis and will take place at the Salvation Army Citadel 4030 Douglas St. (North of McKenzie)Upcoming Topics for the group include:

Healthy Parkinson’s Self Management This interactive session will be an exploration of the key symptoms calling for your attention. We will review the general principles of symptom management in PD and you will have the opportunity to set goals for improving your function. You may decide to track a particular symptom to discover what makes it worse/better, talk to your physician about your mood or try something new to manage a gastrointestinal problem. Whatever you decide, this workshop is a goal-oriented Parkinson’s-specific educational opportunity. Date: Tuesday September 30th, 2014 Time: 1:30-3:30pm “The Art of Medication Management in Parkinson’s” by Cathy Li pharmacist, with RJH Seniors Outpatient Clinic. Medications for Parkinson’s symptoms are designed to address your current state of function. As this changes over time, your medication may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Cathy can help you understand what to expect from meds, side effects to look for and signs that you may be under or over-medicated. She will also review some of the do’s and don’ts of PD medication, covering possible interactions with supplements, foods and other medications. Date: Tuesday November 25th, 2014 Time: 1:30-3:30 pm. Parkinson’s Support Groups: The Sidney and West Shore groups are facilitated by Lindsay Beal, Parkinson’s Outreach Coordinator. These drop in monthly sessions are rich with personal life experience, caring respect for one another and a wealth of practical information and wisdom.

Sidney Parkinson’s Group meets the first Tuesday of every month (Sept – June) from 1:30-3:30pm at the Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church, 9296 East Saanich Rd.

WestShore Parkinson’s Group meets the third Tuesday of every month (Sept-June) from 1:30-3:30pm at the Alexander Mackie, 753 Station Ave. Upcoming topics for both groups will be:“Power-Up” with Hilary Acosta, PT and Karla Gallagher, PT on September 2 and September 18. Hillary and Karla, both trained in PWR!Moves will lead us through a short exercise routine designed to invigorate and be easily incorporated into our monthly meetings just before coffee break.

“Medication Management in Parkinson’s” by Cameron Lockhart from Sidney Pharmasave and Glen Schoepp from St. Anthony’s Clinic Pharmacy on October 7th and November 18th. Join us for an interactive discussion on the types of Parkinson’s medications, fluctuations in effectiveness, tracking symptoms and “on/off ” periods, interactions with other medications and supplements and complications with other conditions.


Upcoming HeadWay Events

Motion WaysMotion Ways is a movement meditation class for people with neurological conditions that make participation in conventional dance classes challenging. Using music and movement, Lindsay Beal will facilitate a process of exploration, creativity and mindfulness. This is an opportunity to dance without steps, to go at your own pace, and to follow your physical needs. It runs one hour each week for eight weeks. Date: Oct. 24th-Dec. 12th, 2014. Time: 2:00-3:00pm. Registration is required. Cost is $30.00 for this 8 week program. Please contact Lindsay Beal at 250-475-6677 or [email protected]

Special Workshop for Care partners “Exploring How to Get Help When You Need It” facilitated by Maureen Matthew on Wednesday October 22, 2014 from 10am to 2:30pm at The Salvation Army Citadel. Pre-registration is required by calling Maureen at 250-475-6677 or via email at [email protected]. Suggested donation is $10. Planning ahead can be a wonderful way to manage stress. This brown bag workshop will include:

• Types of PD challenges that may benefit from outside help now or later• The role of our agency to assist you in managing PD & care challenges• Knowingwhotocallforservices&whattoaskfor• Privatesourcesofhelpinthecommunity• Anopportunitytohearfromothers’experienceinusingservices.

MaureenGrantisasocialworkerwithIslandHealth(formerlyVIHA).Shehas30yearsexperienceworking in Home & Community Care and she is a gift to those she serves. We are grateful that she will be present to describe current service options and how to maximize benefits available.

Upcoming HeadWay Programs (cont.)

Falls Prevention ClinicAre you experiencing changes in your balance? Are there times when you save yourself from a fall, but notice that it was more difficult to recover your balance than usual? Have you fallen recently?Are there times when you save yourself from a fall, but notice that it was more difficult to recover your balance than usual? Have you fallen recently? Headway and Island Health offer Falls Prevention Clinics two times a year, providing registrants personal consultations with a nurse and physiotherapist. We aim to:

Reach people before they are at a high risk for falls; •Provide people with tips and strategies for balance problems; •Refer people to appropriate community programs.•

Date: Nov. 7th, 2014 Time: 45 minute one to one consultation. Contact Lindsay Beal to find out more or to register 250-475-6677.

Parkinson’s Inreach Massage at The West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT). The WCCMT students offer student massage services at a cost of $12/hr for those with Parkinson’s and $20 for care partners. Please contact Maureen Matthew to confirm your eligibility and to obtain the required letter.


Is it common to experience dysphagia during a meal?(adapted from Ask The Doctor, Parkinson Report, National Parkinson FoundationSpring 2014, volume 25, Issue One

Question:“I can be really hungry and about half way through the meal I start finding it hard to swallow. What can I do?”

Yes, it’s possible for the muscles to fatigue part way through a meal, thus making swallowing more difficult. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common problem for people with PD. The symptomsmay include frequent coughing during meals, coughing while drinking or taking medications, a wet gurgly sounding voice and unexplained weight loss.

Swallowing difficulties can interfere with your ability to get food and liquids to “go down” as well as to take medications. Swallowing problems can have a serious impact on your quality of life. Dysphagia can also result in aspiration pneumonia, a leading cause of death in people with PD. In order to figure out what’s causing your swallowing problem, you should consult with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and consider a swallowing study.

Ask your physician for a referral to an SLP and choose one who has a lot of experience working with people with PD. In addition to identifying the specific causes of your dysphagia, the speech therapist will recommend treatment strategies (including swallowing exercises) that will help you enjoy your meals and reduce fatigue during eating.Meanwhile, here are some general safe swallow strategies:

• During meals and when taking medications, sit upright with your hips flexed at 90 degrees.• A er a meal, remain sitting for 45 minutes to allow gravity to aid digestion.• Eat smaller and more frequent meals to avoid taxing the swallowing muscles.• Swallow twice a er you eat or drink something.

[Editor’s note: In Victoria, speech & swallowing therapy is available though the VGH Neuro Outpatient Rehab Therapy Clinic. Physician referrals should be faxed to them at 250-727-4075. Your physician’s office can call the clinic for more information at 250-727-4070. There can be long waitlists, so private therapists are available. Call us at HeadWay for details.]

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GoodLife Fitness Victoria Charity Run MarathonSunday October 12th

As a non-profit agency, we depend on the donations we receive from the community. As a community member, your support allows us to continue to provide services for those living in the Victoria area. Thank you!

This year, staff members, Lindsay Beal and Sonya Dudhwal are lacing up their sneakers in support of raising some much needed funds for the agency.

Part of Lindsay’s role here at the agency, is to coordinate the Parkinson’s excercise programs which take place at the Cedar hill Recreation Centre and Saanich Silver Threads. These programs are offered at minimal cost to the public. For those living with financial barriers, subsidies are also available. Lindsay has set a fundraising goal of $800.00 which she hopes will go towards ensuring programs such as these continue to be accessible to all. Help Lindsay meet her goal by sponsoring her or joining her team! Make a donation here:http://www.raceonline.ca/donate/?fg=cc7dacd6-8f56-4937-9729-0190203ecde8

Sonya is our most recent addition to the team, and is filling in for Jennifer Morgan during her maternity leave. The past three months have been a busy time for Sonya as she learns more about the organization. One thing Sonya has learnt is how many of our Epilepsy members are faced with transportation cost issues. For individuals living on a minimal income, bus tickets can be an added expense. Sonya’s goal this year, is to raise 200.00 which she hopes will go towards ensuring our agency can continue to offer bus tickets for those who need it. Make a donation here:

http://raceonline.ca/donate/?fg=413a8273-06ce-4f8e-b4f4-3351a68751c2

The Victoria Charity Marathon is an opportunity to get involved in your community!

Here’s How you can get involved! Sign up to be a cheerleader • for the runners or walkers on Sunday October 12th.

Join us on Dallas Rd, Victoria and help us to cheer on the HeadWay Team!!!Team t-shirts and wristbands are provided for cheerleaders and runners.

Support the 2014 HeadWay Team•Collect pledges and sponsors and raise awareness for Epilepsy and Parkinson’s services at HeadWay, the Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre. Go online directly to the HeadWay Supporters Team, http://pledge.at/HEADWAY2014 . You can also collect pledges using the form provided. Complete the form by printing clearly including full mailing address and postal code. ** If the information is incomplete, we cannot issue a tax receipt. **

Questions or concerns? Contact Barb Gilmore at 250-475-6677. New to fundraising? We’re here to help! Call us to enquire how we can support you in meeting your fundraising goal!


PD Take 3: How Can I Break or Avoid a “Freeze” in Parkinson’s?

The Movement Disorder SpecialistBlair Ford, M.D., Professor of Clinical Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center and PDF Scientific Editor, New York, NY.

For some people, the problem of freezing can be solved by a simple readjustment of levodopa. But for others, mechanical strategies may be needed.

Avoid known triggers. Freezing is often triggered by space constraints (e.g., a crowded area or a narrow doorway), and can occur when the person is pivoting or approaching a target. Avoid these situations. Wait for crowds to pass before you begin to walk. Instead of trying to execute a pivot, walk in a deliberate circle.

Develop stepping “cues.” Because people with PD sometimes have difficulty generating their own internal cues to prompt a step, using external cues may help to end a freezing spell. The cues can be physical, visual or auditory (e.g., an object to step over, a stripe on the floor, or a rhythmic marching tune).Practice stepping. Attempt a deliberate, exaggerated step, as if you were deliberately moving in slow motion. Practice stepping, even when you are not experiencing a freezing episode.

The Physical TherapistHeather J. Cianci, P.T., M.S., G.C.S., founding therapist, Dan Aaron Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Center, Good Shepherd Penn Partners, Philadelphia, PA.

A freeze, if not handled properly, can be dangerous. One way to find new strategies for reducing the risk of freezing is physical therapy. Focus on yourself — not on the people or things that are around you. Do not worry that you may be delaying someone, or that the elevator may close. Right now,

keep your focus on stopping the freeze — and once this is achieved, safely restart movement.

Never “fight the freeze.” When your feet feel stuck to the ground, your natural instinct may be to force them to move. Resist this temptation. Instead, as soon as you feel the freeze coming on, try to stop, stand tall and take a deep breath. Shift your weight from one foot to the other until you can take one big, complete step at a time.

Use your head — and your feet — but not your hands. Reaching forward during a freeze, or allowing your walker to move too far ahead of you, will move your weight to the balls of your feet, and may lead to a forward fall. Instead, reach backwards, or to the side, to stop yourself. Stay within your walker. Control your movement by “telling” your feet what to do.


The Occupational TherapistStacy Hodges, O.T., Director, Rehab Services, Virginia Gay Hospital, Vinton, IA.

Since freezing occurs in part because of the body’s inability to plan movement, try strategies that make your movement more automatic.

Use an interactive metronome. This therapeutic tool can be used to establish a unique rhythm for each user. After programming the device, place it on a nearby surface. Then, perform tasks — for example, chores or exercise — to its beat. It will help your movements to become more fluid.

Dance. The movements of the waltz and other dances will encourage you to step in various directions, and this will strengthen your muscles and improve both your balance and your ability to step sideways. Dancing can also establish a rhythm or internal beat that your body can follow automatically. By preparing you to start and stop movement without thinking, dance will help reduce freezing.

Ride a stationary bike. Practice interval training, in which you change the direction, or rate, of pedaling in two-minute intervals. Work on stopping and starting the pedals after a rest break of five to 10 seconds. These practices will help improve your strength and motor function, which in turn will help to reduce freezing.

Reprinted with permission from : http://www.pdf.org/spring14_take_three

Freezing in Parkinson’s (cont)

Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)

Headway Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre requests your consent!

Canada’s anti-spam legislation came into force on July 1, 2014, requiring that we obtainyour consent to continue sending you certain types of electronic communications (email). This mayinclude event invitations, updates, announcements, newsletters, publications, or other information of interest to you. If we have your email address, you will receive a request to give your consent. You are a valued member of our community and we hope to continue sharing informative communications about the Centre with you. You may withdraw your consent or update your contact details and preferences at any time by contacting [email protected]


When You’re in Trouble with Urine Troubles (or When you can’t go with the Flow)

by Sandie Jones, RN

For many years the focus of Parkinson’s disease treatment and management was centred on the problems with movement such as tremor, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement. Recently the realization that Parkinson’s is not limited to only impairment of movement has changed the focus and numerous other clinical features are now being examined – features that in fact have nothing to do with movement and as a result, do not respond to levodopa therapy.

Among these “non-motor” features are disturbances within the autonomic nervous system – the system I prefer to call the ‘automatic’ nervous system, because it controls things like our heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, sexual function, as well as gastrointestinal & urinary function – things that for those of us without Parkinson’s we can usually take for granted because they are being controlled automatically and we don’t need to worry about them.

Today I am going to focus on urinary difficulties as they are common and distressing for those who experience these problems.

The bladder is a muscle which gradually expands as urine collects. At the opening, a muscle called the sphincter is usually closed except during urination. Both the bladder and the sphincter muscles are controlled by the brain. When 1-2 cups of urine have collected in the bladder, the bladder starts to have small contractions that signal the brain that the bladder is filling up. Usually, the brain can suppress the contractions and signals until the individual can get to the bathroom at which point the brain lets the bladder contract, the sphincter relaxes and normal urination takes place in the toilet.

With all this talk about signals and messages travelling between the brain and muscles I am sure by now you can see where I am going with all this as we know in Parkinson’s that the communication between the brain and many muscles is disrupted.

Difficulty holding urine is the most common problem. The bladder becomes overactive and irritable and wants to empty even if there is just a small amount of urine present, which results in:

1. Urgency – difficulty delaying urination once the need is perceived2. Frequency – the need to urinate happens extremely frequently3. Incontinence – involuntary loss of urine4. Nocturia – repeated need to get up at night to urinate

Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, as there are medications that can help to relax the bladder muscle and reduce bladder overactivity.

Difficulty eliminating urine, or fully emptying the bladder, is another common problem. It can be caused by a sphincter that wants to close when the bladder is ready to empty or it may be a result of the fact that the bladder muscle is too weak to expel urine.


We offer our compassion to the families who have lost the following loved ones and extend our sincerest

thanks to those who sent donations in their memory:David Roth, Adel Soliman, Morgan Sheila,

Joan Denise Hubbard, Isobel Petts, Gladys Brker, Joe Mons,Lily Hylan, William Corbet, Haldis Sankey.

The symptoms of difficulty eliminating are:

• Weakurinarystream• Dribblingorleaking• Feelingthatthebladderhasnotcompletelyemptied

Thebiggestconcernwiththesesymptomsisthatincompletebladderemptyingcancauseaccumulationofurine,andthegrowthofbacteria.Thisresultsinaurinarytractinfection,whichcanhappeninbothmenandwomen.Whilepain,changesincolororsmellcanbesymptomsofaurinarytractinfection,sometimestheremaybenosymptoms.However,havinganinfectioncancauseproblemswithlevodopa,andapersoncanappeartohavesuddenlyworsenedwithPDsymptoms.

AreferraltoanurologistmaybenecessaryinordertodeterminethecauseoftheproblemsanddecideiftheyarerelatedtoyourPDorsomethingelse.Insummary,pleasespeaktoyourdoctorifyou are experiencing:

1. Leakageofurinesignificanttocauseembarrassment2. Inabilitytourinatewhenbladderisfull3. Unusuallyfrequenturinationwithoutaprovenbladderinfection4. Needingtorushtothebathroomorlosingurineifyoudon’tarriveintime5. Painrelatedtourination6. Feelingthatthebladderisnotemptyingcompletelyorweaknessoftheurinarystream

Therearemedicationstotreaturinaryfrequencyandurgency,butbeforeinitiatingthese,adoctormustmakesurethatsomeunrelatedprocesssuchasenlargedprostateisnotresponsiblefortheproblem.

Source:LiveWire,ParkinsonSocietyCentral&NorthernOntario,Fall&Winter2013,pg8

Urine challenges (cont)


Care Partner’s CornerCaring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be both richly rewarding and stressful. HeadWay Victoria has a monthly group for Parkinson’s care partners to attend for mutual support and information. Referrals to this group are through Maureen. And, as listed on page 5, Maureen Matthew is co-facilitating a Parkinson’s care partner workshop on Wednesday October 22 on How to Get Help When You Need It. Registration is required.

Upcoming Family Caregivers’ Network (FCNS)WebinarsFCNS is a fabulous local service agency. Here is a descriptor of fall programs that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home. Register for FREE by either:• callingtheCare-ringVoiceNetworkat1-866-396-2433• or,registerthroughwww.careringvoice.com.Webinars are offered through your computer and telephone. If you don’t have a computer, you can listen by phone.

Empathy: A Key Skill for Family Caregivers This session will be an exploratory look at how to use empathy to reduce frustration and resentment towardsyourcarerecipientandotherfamilymembers.Monday,Sept29from7-8pmwithBarbSmall,Program Development Coordinator, Family Caregivers’ Network Society

Rules, Roles and Responsibilities: Working Effectively with Your Case Manager Maureen Grant will offer insights into how the Home and Community Care Program operates and how to best work together with the case manager to access the necessary resources for the person you arecaringfor.Thursday,Oct9from6:30-8pmwithMaureenGrant,CommunitySocialWorker,IslandHealth

The Reluctant Caregiver: Are You One? With this unique webinar, you will have the opportunity to vent, receive compassion, and be respectfullychallengedbyaskilledcounselor.Wednesday,Oct15from6:30-8pmwithAllisonReeves,Registered Clinical Counsellor

Cultivating Balance: Self-Nurturing For Family Caregivers Together we will explore the seeds of balance that are pathways to well-being. We will explore consequences of imbalance and identify those areas needing our attention. Tuesday,Oct21from6:30-8pmwithJuleBriese,EducatorandPersonalEnrichmentWorkshopFacilitator

How to Have Those Difficult Conversations: Tips for Family Caregivers Is it no longer safe for your parent to be driving? Are you feeling that you can’t do it all anymore, but your parents are resistant to letting anyone else help them? In this webinar you will learn how to managetheseandotherdifficulttopicsmoreeffectively.Monday,Nov3from6:30-8pmwithAllisonReeves, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Managing the Ongoing Losses of Caregiving This webinar is about learning to appreciate the benefits of allowing sadness and recognizing when it is valuable to transform it. Tuesday,Nov18from6:30-8pmwithAllisonReeves,RegisteredClinicalCounsellor


From the Executive DirectorIt’s been a busy time since the last newsletter. The public awareness months in March for epilepsy and April for Parkinson’s; the International Kite Festival in May; and the HeadWay Charity Golf Classic in June kept all of us as staff and our many volunteers extremely busy. Those efforts are very much appreciated and went a long way to increasing community education and awareness of HeadWay.

Many thanks to Alicia and Ross Young for generously creating 2 Headway banners; one for HeadWay and one for the HeadWay Charity Golf Classic. They’re perfect!

Cheers and praise are extended to the 2014 Charity Golf tournament committee for their past year’s efforts; Pat Fafard, Ron Gaudet, Bill Pettinger, Murray Scharf, Ken Langdon, David Medler , Della Cronkrite and Monica Powell. They managed to get $49,000 in sponsorships including Peninsula Co-op title $15,000 and a silent auction table worth almost $18,000. With most expenses accounted for, it looks like HeadWay revenue will be about $40,000. Monica Powell, event coordinator, worked diligently with the committee and the event would not have been a success without her and Ken Langdon of Olympic View golf club.

The 2013-14 Annual Report and 2013-14 Audited Financial Statements reflect the highlights and financial transactions of the past year. They were presented at the Annual General Meeting June 26th and are available to view on our website http://vepc.bc.ca/about_us/annual-report.html.

I would like to express my thanks to David Medler who has been the President of the Board of Directors for the past 3 years. He resigned at the end of May 2014 and Ross Young (Vice President) has taken the role. Thank you to everyone for responding to the Society’s summer donation campaign. You will have received your letter in the mail early July talking about planned monthly giving. Personal, individual membership donations are more than a quarter of our budget revenue, which is quite significant and so very much appreciated. Remember we are Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre for all cheques. (do NOT include HeadWay or VEPC).

I hope everyone has enjoyed this summer weather and sunshine and has had time to pause from events. Thank you again to the wonderful recent and long-time volunteers that care for and support theVictoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050532Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:

Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre Society202-1640 Oak Bay AvenueVICTORIA BC V8R 1B2

IMPORTANT CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE - To reduce agency costs for newsletters returned with incorrect addresses, please keep us informed of any change in your address so that we can ensure you receive the newsletter

“The Transmitter”Published seasonally

Editor: Sandra GrahamCanadian Mail Publications

Agreement #40050532

DIRECTORS:President - Ross YoungVice president- Andrew TrinderTreasurer - Fiona BaylissSecretary - Sheri D. WelsfordAlanna HolroydNathan LampardDr. Alex Henri-BhargavaMatt PeulenCharles MeadowAndrew TrinderJohn Pereira

STAFF:Executive Director -Barbara Gilmore MPubRelParkinson Program Coordinator -Maureen Matthew, B.S.W.Epilepsy Program Coordinator Sonya Dhudwal, MSW, RSWParkinson’s Outreach Coordinator - Lindsay Beal, M.EdCommunity Awareness Coordinator - Sandra Graham, B.S.WAccounts- Della Cronkrite

EDITOR’S NOTE: Our newsletter and education meetings provide a range of information which does not necessarily reflect the views of our agency. Please use your discretion and consult your physician.

Newsletter Support provided by:

Advertising GuidelinesAcceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre of the products or services listed.Distribution: 800 Victoria & Vancouver Island Seasonal Issues: Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer

For ad rates, format, deadlines and payment options please contact Della Truitt, VEPC Office Manager, at (250) 475-6677 or email: [email protected]

Confidentiality GuidelinesWe respect your right to privacy, so please be assured that our agency does not share our membership list with outside individuals or organizations. Occasionally we may ask you to volunteer some information so that we can better understand our clients’ needs and improve our services.

Please Note: Our website is now www.headwayvictoria.com but is being quickly redirected to www.vepc.bc.ca while we change over. We remain the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre (not VEPC/ not HeadWay) for any cheque payments.

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