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Welcome to the first issue of 2017. New years bring new beginnings. Brain Injury Canada begins 2017 with profound sadness as we mourn the death of Harry Zarins who passed away December 26, 2016. Harry had been with Brain Injury Canada since 2009, coming to us after having spent many years in the world of athletics. His obituary can be found at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ot tawaci t i zen/obi tuary.aspx?n=harry-zarins&pid=183246626&fhid=31106

His leadership will be missed by the board of Brain Injury Canada and particularly by me having worked closely with Harry on conferences across Canada. Harry was kind and engaging to everyone he met. He will be missed but we will carry on with the work he felt so passionately about.

You will find a copy on page 2 in this issue of the eulogy delivered by board member Suzanne McKenna at his funeral.

All that we can know about those we have loved and lost is that they would wish us to remember them with a more intensified realization of their reality. What is essential does not die but clarifies. The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude. ~Thornton Wilder

Rest in Peace Harry.

Barb Butler, Editor

Barb Butler

Message from the Co President and Editor of Impact - Barb ButlerRest in Peace Harry

Harry Zarins 1951 - 2016

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“Like some of us here today, I got to know Harry through Brain Injury Canada and I know I speak for all of his friends/ family and Brain Injury Canada colleagues when I say how very much he will be missed. I’m glad to have this opportunity to share just a few of my memories of Harry with you.

I met Harry through my work in my position as Brain Injury System Navigator here in Ottawa and subsequently as Board member of Brain Injury Canada. Harry was quick to provide unconditional support when he learned that I had a son with a traumatic brain injury which we care for because that’s just who Harry was – quick to befriend and even quicker to provide a helping hand.

His radiant smile and positive outlook on life were truly contagious! Harry was someone who made everyone around them feel perfectly okay with being exactly who they are. And that was what was most special about Harry! Are you even remotely aware of how remarkable that makes you Harry?

I’ve learned that behind every great accomplishment there is great effort, and you, Sir Harry, have accomplished great things. Your efforts brought together professionals from far and wide to share, learn, and grow their knowledge of brain injuries. You built Brain Injury Canada up from grassroots into a nationally recognized association that today gives clear voice to a condition that desperately needed a clear voice. You made it your mission to support people with brain injuries as well

as their families, and as someone on the front lines of that battle, I can wholeheartedly say that you succeeded. You are inspiration, motivation, determination and organization all wrapped up into a rather charming package,

which probably explains much of your irresistibility…… Another reason why we all love you so darn much!

You walked and talked with the mucky-mucks, and sat and honestly listened to the destitute. For thousands, you were the pope of Hope, and the betterment of thousands of lives is directly tied to you.

I’d like share a few statements/quotes from some of Harry’s colleagues,

From Kim McDonald-Taylor,I met Harry through Twitter, believe it or not!

He reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in being on the Board. He had a very gentle manner and encouraged me to do this. I have a very good friend with a brain injury and joining the Board made so much sense for me. I am so thrilled he asked me and I am blessed to have met all the wonderful Board members, including Harry. This experience has enriched my life! And I owe it all to Harry.

Rick Riopelle, Co-Chair of Brain Injury Canada: After you Retire and Before you Expire, Aspire, to Inspire Harry was, and is, an inspiration to us all!

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The eulogy for Harry Zarins delivered by board member Suzanne McKenna at his funeral.

Suzanne McKenna

Harry Zarins 1951 - 2016

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Barb Butler, Co-Chair of Brain Injury Canada: I deeply respected Harry. He was so positive and changed the way I looked at things.

Will Lewis, Brain Injury Association in BC “He was a wonderful man whom I was blessed to have known. He will forever dwell in my heart and mind. Just knowing Harry made me a better person.”

Now I have to speak to you Harry, so I hope you’re listening…..

I have a strong inclination to believe that our purpose in this life to learn and to give. And, that gives me a strong inclination of why I liked you so much Harry. You have opened eyes to beauty, minds to the wonders of life, hearts to those terribly disheartened, and souls to possibility. That sure isn’t what I would call,

“... going silently into the night.” So please rest easy knowing that you touched so many in your time on this earth. Now “Legacy” is a very over-used word these days; it seems that everyone and everything has to have one – but with you Harry, it’s true! You have left behind a very real legacy, which will affect the way we continue to grow at Brain Injury Canada. You have fought a valiant fight, and your legacy has already

been etched into the halls of history. You have learned much, traveled far, shared selfishly, and given generously. Short of growing wings, I’d say you pretty much personified the word ‘angel’. Do you really think, no matter how long you live, that you can top that? You were a good man Harry, and a magnificent spirit. Thanks for all the good you’ve done, and for setting the bar so high for those who follow.”

In June of 2016 Ontario MPPs have passed new legislation named for an Ottawa-area high school rugby player who died in 2013 after suffering multiple concussions.

“Rowan’s Law” will establish a committee to work on the 49 recommendations made after the coroner’s inquest into 17-year-old Rowan Stringer’s death.

The recommendations include education for student athletes, parents and teachers, as well as guidelines to ensure a child is removed from play and properly treated if a concussion is

Rowan’s father, Gordon Stringer, says that the coroner’s inquest had determined his daughter’s death was preventable.

“Hearing that is pretty hard as a parent, but

it’s motivated us to move ahead with trying to make these 49 well thought-out recommendations come to fruition,” he said.

“We certainly would not want to have another child experience the tragic result that Rowan had.”

Stringer said concussions are a great concern for many parents, but everyone agrees that an active, healthy lifestyle is important for youth.

“We just have to make sure that they play smart and play safe,” he said.

The law passed with all-party support.This past September Brain Injury Canada, at

their national conference in Toronto awarded Rowan’s Law a prevention Award. This award was presented to Kathleen and Gord Stringer this past week in Ottawa.

The eulogy for Harry Zarins continued

Harry Zarins 1951 - 2016

“Rowan’s Law”

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(This is the second in a two-part series on alcohol and brain injury).

ALCOHOL IMPACTS RECOVERY FROM BRAIN INJURY by Tyrone Bell

Tyrone was 32, three years out of graduate school and enjoying a successful career when brain injury struck. He spent 27 months in three hospitals, in the first three of which, he was totally mute. However, aggressive therapies in a rehab program have worked miracles. Fortunately, his setbacks were temporary and not cognitive. His balance is still compromised, but improving.

After suffering a brain injury, a survivor may go through a rehabilitation program. If that rehab program is very comprehensive, there will be some attention given to what happens with the survivor after leaving the program. The subject of alcohol use or abuse may have some impact on a person’s life before or after brain injury rehab. In fact, the subject was important enough for “alcohol and substance abuse” to occupy a significant part of the information and education sessions of the rehab program of which I was a part.

There have been instances where it was revealed that following a TBI, alcohol use actually worsened, or goes back to pre-injury levels. The increase in use is often noticed about four years post-injury. Unless a deliberate effort is made to counter substance abuse, the survivor is likely to suffer this fate. There is a vicious cycle in place: a survivor has more free time post-injury. Therefore he or she drinks, therefore slowing the recovery process. This provides more free time to drink again. The fact is that brain injury survivors are three to eight times more likely of having another TBI because of (in many cases) a lowered ability to make good decisions.

Another reason why it is only sensible

that a survivor should guard against alcohol consumption after a brain injury is that there are chemical reactions between alcohol and prescribed medications. There are a number of biochemical complications, brought on by interactions between some commonly prescribed medicines and alcohol. These interactions often reduce the effectiveness of many antidepressants. Other prescribed drugs may have their effectiveness dangerously magnified. Examples include painkillers and antianxiety medications. Alcohol-related drug interactions have resulted in deaths of people who were not mindful of the potential problem.

When I was in the rehab program at the hospital, there was a case which clearly pointed to how the use of alcohol may negatively affect a brain injury survivor. She was a college instructor in her sixties. At first, she was patient in the Psychiatric Unit of the hospital. She recovered and went home. It was while there, that she got back into drinking alcohol. This is always an unwise combination. Her choice placed her back in the hospital, but this time, in the Brain Injury Unit… The hospital has a Substance Abuse Unit that works very closely with the Brain Injury Unit. The two sometimes transferred patients between units.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit The Cridge Centre

by Janelle Breese BiagioniOn October 1, 2016, the Duke and Duchess

of Cambridge visited The Cridge Centre for the Family as part of the 2016 Royal Tour to British Columbia and the Yukon.

The purpose of the visit was so the Royal couple could learn more about The Cridge Centre programs. A theme of ‘Overcomers’ was adopted and we prepared to introduce the Duke and Duchess to overcomers in each program. Each program submitted the name of an overcomer who had been a part of The Cridge Centre and benefited from our individualized services. The clients were asked to share their story of what life was like before coming to The Cridge, which services they accessed, and how this made a difference in his or her life. Our brain injury survivor had the chance to tell his story of his life before and after his injury – and how The Cridge Centre has been an important part of his recovery.

The Duke and Duchess were genuinely interested in our programs and how services benefitted each client. Their interest gave us validation and hope on so many levels. For The Cridge it validated our good work and brought hope that in some way our best practices would be brought to other charities doing similar work. For our clients, their interaction with the Royals validated that their hard work had paid off.

In addition to meeting with clients, their Royal Highnesses were joined by the Board President, Val Fuller, Shelley Morris, Cridge CEO, Premier Christie Clark, and The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of BC on an outdoor stage to unveil a beautiful sculpture created by local artist, Steve Milroy. This magnificent work of art is dedicated to those who overcome the challenges set before them and to those who yet will overcome, and permanently marks the occasion of the Duke and Duchess’ visit.

As the formalities came to an end, the Royal couple

wended their way back to their limousine through a sea of excited Cridge children and adults holding flags and teddy bears. They stopped frequently to exchange handshakes and smiles with the little ones and parents. It was a dream come true for many and the memory of a lifetime for all!

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LILT: A new RX for concussionsIf my children wanted to play a sport that

involved head contact, would I be concerned?

You bet I would. And I’d encourage them to think twice about their decision.

But concussions can also occur after a car accident and in unusual circumstances. To date, taking time off to smell the roses for months has been the usual medical treatment. Now, a study shows that Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT), is producing amazing results.

To learn more about this procedure, I interviewed Dr. Fred Kahn, an international authority on LILT, in Toronto.

Dr. Kahn’s clinic has been using LILT for years to treat arthritis, sport injuries, wounds and dermatological diseases. This year he will also treat 500 cases of acute and chronic concussion with a greater than 90 per cent improvement rate.

Kahn explains that laser therapy utilizes superluminous and laser diodes to irradiate traumatized tissue with photons. These particles of energy are absorbed by mitochondria, the power plants within the human cell. This triggers a cascade of complex physiological reactions which results in a return to normal cell structure and function. It also enhances the immune system. Studies at Johns Hopkins University report that it does not need a hockey blow to trigger a concussion. For instance, in the U.S., there are annually 1.7 million concussions reported and 75 per cent are mild.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also report a disturbing trend. The number of cases of concussion in older people is increasing as they fall and strike their heads. Today, many seniors are also taking blood thinners that increase the risk of brain hemorrhage when they fall.

Dr. Kahn described several cases of concussion that were treated in his clinic. A 17-year-old girl developed a concussion after heading a soccer ball. Later, while skiing downhill, she collided heads on with another skier. This was followed

by daily headaches, memory loss, inability to concentrate, sleep disorders, fatigue and blurry vision. Prior to seeing Dr. Kahn she was treated by acupuncture, massage, osteopathic manipulation, and chiropractic therapy, none of which provided any benefit.

After ten treatments with LILT, all of her symptoms had disappeared, and her memory loss had decreased by 80 per cent.

Another patient, a 53-year-old bank marketing executive, developed a concussion in a most unusual way. Someone told her a hilarious joke. In reaction she threw her head backwards in laughter. Her head hit a hard wall. The noise could be heard two offices away, and she had not been able to work for four years. She suffered from short and long term memory loss, chronic fatigue, found it difficult to find the right words, could not concentrate, and had fuzzy vision. And a variety of anti-depressants had caused more depression.

This case is particularly interesting because all of the doctors who initially saw her diagnosed a severe sprain of the neck. None considered the diagnosis might be concussion.

continued on next page

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LILT: A new RX for concussions - continuedDr. Kahn’s treatment consisted of LILT twice a

week. After eight weeks the majority of symptoms had disappeared. With her recovery 85 per cent complete, she can return to work within the year.

In another situation, a medical secretary fell down a flight of stairs causing a fractured skull and brain hemorrhage. She remained unconscious for eight hours. Fortunately, she was sent home from hospital after seven days along with an ample supply of Percocet. But the painkiller did not help her. In addition, she lost her sense of taste and smell, developed vertigo, bouts of nausea and depression. After 10 treatments of Dr. Kahn’s LILT, the patient showed 90 per cent improvement. Three weeks later, she returned to work.

Hockey star Sydney Crosby would tell you that, in the past, concussions have required long periods of rest in hopes that the brain will recover. But “smelling the roses” is time-consuming, frustrating and does not quickly relieve symptoms.

So LILT now offers a new exciting therapy. But new medical treatments are not easily accepted. As one wise sage once remarked, “All truth passes through several stages. First, it is ridiculed, then violently opposed, and finally it’s accepted as being self-evident.”

Dr. Ken Walker (Gifford-Jones) is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Harvard Medical School. He trained in general surgery at the Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University and in gynecology at Harvard. His column is published by 70 Canadian newspapers, as well as internationally. For more information, visit docgiff.com or email info@docgiff.com.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT), previously used in the treatment of arthritis and dermatological disease, is recently showing promising results in the treatment of concussion.

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Message to Google Maps: Help people with mobility challenges. Make your maps accessible!

Multiple sclerosis landed me in a wheelchair in 2006. Suddenly a too-narrow door, or one step outside of a restaurant turned the daily activities I had always taken for granted into huge obstacles. When most people plan to go to a restaurant they don’t have to worry about whether they’ll actually be able to get in the door to meet their friends, or whether they’ll be able to get into a bathroom stall. Many of us just choose stay home rather than face these challenges - there’s got to be a better way.

Google Maps has the ability to help people with disabilities across the world. Currently Google Maps has different options -- you can add traffic info, bike info or weather info to your maps. People with mobility challenges like me need Google Maps to include an accessibility option so that we are able to find out in advance which buildings, transit stations etc. are accessible to us or not!

No one wants to discriminate, but accessibility isn’t something most people have to think about ever, thankfully. Most of the time I just need to point out why something is inaccessible for people in wheelchairs and

people spring into action. I’m hoping that’s the case with Google. After all, their motto is: don’t be evil.

Google already designs their products to be accessible for blind and deaf people, so we know they already care about accessibility.

When I first lost the ability to walk, I felt invisible. I had been an industrial millwright mechanic for 30 years and suddenly couldn’t do that anymore. But I decided to see my disability as a new challenge. I went back to college to study Community and Justice Services, and I developed a passion for helping others.

I started this because I know that not only would an accessibility feature on Google Maps change the daily lives of people with disabilities around the world, but more importantly, it would be saying that people with accessibility challenges matter too.

Sign my petition and spread the word!

Thanks,

Randy McNeil

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION

New speakers announced for Saint John conference!

www.braininjurycanada.ca.

David A. Grant“Traumatic Brain Injury – A Lifetime of Recovery”See over for details.

Jeff Sebell“My Brain Injury is not the Boss of Me”See over for details.

Kara Stanley, Simon Paradis and Joe Stanton - Halfmoon Bay, B.C.Fallen: A Musical Journey of Trauma and Recovery. See over for details.

Shawn Jennings session is Locked In Syndrome: Reflections on my Journey

Jason Harps - This is one employer’s story of how hiring a person who suffered a TBI changed his work culture and his personal life. He will share how, his work culture, along with his own personal views have been radically altered by one man, Justin McKenna.

David A. Grant“Traumatic Brain Injury – A Lifetime of Recovery”David A. Grant will outline the details of the 2010 cycling accident that resulted in his traumatic brain injury. Additionally, he will discuss challenges presented by conflicting outcome predictions by members of the medical and professional community.

Jeff Sebell“My Brain Injury is not the Boss of Me”Jeff focuses on developing a new relationship with our brain injury so that it is not the boss of us and does not control us, and we can move forward with our lives.”

Kara Stanley, Simon Paradis and Joe Stanton - Halfmoon Bay, B.C.“Fallen: A Musical Journey of Trauma and Recovery.”In 2008, Simon Paradis fell, severing his spinal cord, fracturing skull bones and suffering global trauma. A professional musician prior to his accident, Simon has once again returned to playing music live with his good friend Joe Stanton, forming the duo Stanton Paradis. Together they will musically accompany Kara as she narrates their story, outlining in this interactive and embodied presentation.

www.braininjurycanada.ca.

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Impact Pathways Aheadis here to serve the readers and is published four times a year (Editor - Barb Butler).

We invite submissions: professional articles on rehabilitation, acquired brain injury, and injury prevention, personal interest, provincial and local association news, and profiles of courage.

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Harry Zarins, Executive Director • Phone: 613-762-1222www.braininjurycanada.ca

In an instant a life is changed, forever. Every day, we participate in activities that produce endless risks for sustaining a brain injury: car accidents, a fall from a bike, or a blow to the head. It is estimated that thousands of Canadians incur a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as a concussion, each year, the majority being young adults. Statistics indicate that the incidence of brain injury is two times greater in men. Brain Injury Canada strives to raise awareness of the incidence of acquired brain injury (ABI) in Canada.

A brain injury may make it necessary for the injured person to require full time assistance. Families often become the primary caregiver and support person. Many families are left to cope on their own. They sometimes have little understanding of the effects of the injury and the demands that will be made of them by an injured family member. Families need support from others who understand the effects of acquired brain injury. Brain Injury Canada provides a shared forum for the support of both families and survivors, and also advocates for the enhancement support services.

Prevention through public education, and safety legislation is the key to the reducing the occurrence of ABI amongst Canadians. Brain Injury Canada engages

in extensive public education initiatives through its many local community associations across Canada.

Medical and safety research is another key to addressing ABI. Brain Injury Canada endeavors to support and promote research in Canada and internationally.

About Our Cause: Acquired Brain Injury

Please note: The opinions expressed in Impact, the newsletter of the Brain Injury Canada are those of the respective authors and not necessarily those of the Brain Injury Canada. Brain Injury Canada will not be liable for any damages or losses howsoever sustained, as a result of the reliance on or use by a reader or any other person of the information, opinion, or products expressed, advertised or otherwise contained here in. Where appropriate, professional advice should be sought.

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