ANNOUNCEMENT 1: We have confirmed with the Canadian Alliance of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Regulators and Speech and Hearing BC that our virtual Let’s Talk LOUD program is currently available to residents of British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and the Canadian Territories of Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon.
ANNOUNCEMENT 2: Virtual Info Session for Let’s Talk LOUD for YOPD.
Let’s Talk LOUD is virtual monthly group voice therapy sessions. Learn
about communication and swallowing concerns common in
Parkinson’s disease. Participate in voice training including breath and posture work to help strengthen voice and communication. Learn about the importance of hearing in speech. These sessions are for those already experiencing communication and swallowing challenges as well as those who wish to be proactive in their treatment. One support person is recommended and included for free. *Let’s Talk LOUD virtual services deliver effective, efficient, and safe virtual care, meeting standards of practice and Code of Ethics as outlined by the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and follows the Standard of Practice for Virtual Care.*
ASSESSMENT: The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) meets virtually with potential group members to determine eligibility and fit for the group.
INSTRUCTOR: Emma Cawood, Speech Language Pathologist, LSVT LOUD Certified
HOW IT WORKS: Classes will be offered via Zoom, a free online video conferencing system. Those who have registered in advance will receive a reminder email with a link to the session. Good news is you do not need to download Zoom in order to join in!
DATES/TIME:
Wed + Fri from 11:30am – 12:30pm OR 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Jan 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 (6 classes)
Feb 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 (8 classes)
COST: $160.00 for 8 classes. Cost will be prorated if less than 8 classes are scheduled. Up to 30 min virtual assessment for new clients is $30.00. 1:1 sessions available for $125.00/hr. Minimum of 4 required. Maximum of 8. NOTE: Those having Extended Health Benefits may have coverage for speech therapy and are encouraged to find out.
FOR MORE DETAILS + TO REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
YOGA for PD offers various movements focusing on
flexibility and balance, plus relaxation and meditation, as ways of
managing symptoms. This video will include grounding and befriending
the body, breath work with the intention of reducing stress in the
body and mind, yoga movement in standing, seated on the earth, or
seated in a chair. Coming from a trauma-sensitive perspective,
this session will be about choice, paying attention to what each body,
mind, and spirit most need and that this practice will be unique to
each individual.
INSTRUCTOR: Kelly Ranford, RYT-200, MCP, M.Ed. Kelly also recently completed a Gentle Movement and Relaxation course through Pain BC. She is the owner of Ohana Wellness & Yoga and co-owner of Oxygen Yoga and Fitness New Westminster.
DETAILS: In order to make our wonderful beneficial Yoga for PD class available to everyone with Parkinson’s, instead of paying per session you can now have access to it anytime you want! This project would not have been possible without our yoga instructor, Kelly Ranford, volunteer Aileen Choi, for assisting with the creation of the video and Sue Sayer, one of our amazing clients who sadly passed away in Dec 2019 and gifted us a donation to allow us to offer this for free.
ACCESS VIDEO HERE
Access Slides and Resource List from workshop here.
Due to the nature of symptoms of Parkinson’s, people with the disease are more at risk of falls. Parkinson’s disease affects the parts of the brain controlling balance and coordination. Additionally, some drugs used to treat Parkinson’s can lower blood pressure, causing a feeling of faintness when getting up from a sitting or lying position (called Orthostatic Hypotension). This workshop is intended for people living with Parkinson’s, including family & friends.
DETAILS: In this very important Parkinson’s specific workshop you will learn:
1. The 4 Pillars of Falls Prevention
2. Tips and Tricks for Falls Prevention
3. About Medical and Medication Alert Services available through Lifeline, Fraser Health
DATE/TIME: Friday, February 26, 2021 from 10:00am – Noon
SPEAKERS:
Ronda Field, Physiotherapist, Injury Prevention & Assessment, Fraser Health Shianne Bains, Coordinator, Injury Prevention & Assessment, Fraser Health Marc Villeneuve, Lifeline Coordinator, Fraser Health
COST: FREE although voluntary donations are always welcome. Thank you!
REGISTER: Closed.
The Fraser Health Falls Prevention Mobile Clinic has moved on-line!
DETAILS: The 1:1 Falls Prevention Virtual Clinic offers free falls risk assessments and support for the prevention of falls and fall-related injuries for Fraser Health residents. The clinic includes: A telephone intake interview with Fraser Health office staff, a 90 minute Zoom appointment with a physiotherapist and a separate 30 minute Zoom appointment with a pharmacist. Aspects of fall risk status will be assessed and interventions discussed. A detailed report of all the recommendations is provided to the participant and sent to the primary physician(s) and other members of your healthcare team upon your approval.
Access Falls Prevention Programs in your BC Health Authority here.
Access Falls Prevention Programs in Vancouver Coastal Health here.
DATE: Call to book.
FOR MORE INFO: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP!
DETAILS: LEARN about the diet/microbiome connection, testing available for people with Parkinson’s, eating a plant-focused diet, and how diet affects Parkinson’s symptoms and medication with speakers Dr. Caroline Coombs (ND), Wendy Wells (Choices Markets, RHN) and Robyn Murrell (Founder of IMPACT Parkinson’s). IMPACT Parkinson’s is proud to be a Choices Markets Community Partner in Wellness.
DATE: TBA
COST: Stay tuned (registrants will receive two $10.00 Choices Markets Nutrition Bucks). Partial proceeds being donated to Parkinson Society British Columbia.
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
CANCELLED: DEPRESSION and SELF-CARE for PARKINSON’S – Friday, March 20, 2020, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Depression is the most common mood disorder that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are diagnosed with in their lifetime, with an occurrence of 30-40%.
DETAILS: Learn from Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez (psychiatrist and consultant at the Parkinson’s Research Centre at UBC)about a new clinical trial for people with PD who have depression.
Learn from Amy Ma (Education & Support Services Coordinator, Parkinson Society British Columbia) about all the support services available through the Society such as free consultations, counselling and peer support plus information on support groups and resources.
Learn from a representative from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in New Westminster about why massage is beneficial for PD and about their low cost Parkinson’s Specialty InReach Clinic.
COST: By donation to IMPACT Parkinson’s with partial proceeds being donated to Parkinson’s Society British Columbia.
DATE: Friday, March 20, 2020 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm
LOCATION: IMPACT PARKINSON’S, #103-450 E Columbia St, New Westminster
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
Painting for Parkinson’s will bring people together virtually to share a stimulating and enriching art experience! Active art will also address various physical and cognitive symptoms of Parkinson’s and help participants feel active and part of a community “event”. This event will also help to educate others about Parkinson’s which in turn will help create understanding and support between friends, neighbours and the community at large.
This FREE event is made possible by United Way Lower Mainland. One of our wonderful volunteers nominated us for a Local Love Award via UWLM! So huge thanks to both of them.
ARTWORK: The artwork for this event is very special as it is based on a gift to the Founder of IMPACT Parkinson’s, Robyn Murrell, from one of her Parkinson’s fighters, Sue Sayer, who passed away last December at the age of 56. Sue had a particularly rare and aggressive form of Parkinson’s called Multiple Systems Atrophy. She moved to New West in 1995 and was very active in the community such as with the Hyack Festival Association and served as President in 2008.
One of her many passions was crafting of any kind. One of the last projects she created was a tote bag she sewed to carry her pink boxing gloves to the specialized boxing classes she attended with Robyn as her coach. This artwork will be a special way to honor and remember Sue’s amazing courage, laughter and smiles. Huge thanks to our artist Ceci Lam for recreating the artwork on the tote bag.
PLEASE NOTE: This Local Love Award is intended for people living in the wonderful city of New Westminster.
HOW IT WORKS: Each participant will receive a paint kit provided by Opus Art Supplies that contains all the supplies you need to create such as a canvas, paint brushes and paint. This means you must be able to pick up your kit in New Westminster, BC. (If this is not possible we may be able to deliver!) Included in the kits will be info about Parkinson’s and how you can support moving forward.
ZOOM: Each participant will receive a Zoom link prior to the event to view and follow along with the artist. We recommend using a large screen to make it easier to see although an iPad will work.
MEET THE ARTIST: Ceci Lam
REGISTER: Eventbrite
Join IMPACT Parkinson’s for a new arts and crafts program for people with Parkinson’s and their family and friends. Enhancing life through creativity and expression, art making can also be used therapeutically to address specific symptoms of Parkinson’s.
DETAILS: Sign up for one or all three;
CLASS 1. Exploring Creativity using Collage/Mixed Media
ARTIST: Tatiana A. Bobko
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 21, 10:00am – Noon.
COST: $30.00
CLASS 2. Poppy Felting with “The Poppy Project”
ARTIST: Anne Whitmore
DATE/TIME: Friday, October 18, 12:30pm – 2:00pm.
COST: FREE!
CLASS 3. Introduction into Neurographica
ARTIST: Alina Smolyansky
DATE/TIME: Saturday, November 16, 10:00am – noon.
COST: $30.00
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.
CANCELLED: IMPROV for PARKINSON’S FUNDRAISER – Saturday, March 28, 2020, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
DETAILS: Enjoy the acclaimed Dirty Little Secrets Improv Show, created by co-producer Dan Dumsha who is proud to call Vancouver TheatreSports League his home! Dan recently led two improv workshops for those living with compromised brain health including Parkinson’s. You may even see some of his Parkinson’s troupe on stage with the professional improv comedians plus a surprise guest from the UBC Movement Disorders Clinic at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health!
DATE: Saturday, March 28, 2020, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
LOCATION: The Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster
TICKETS: Tickets via Eventbrite are only $30.00/person for a 120 min show with intermission. Food and drinks are extra. You are welcome to come early to order your food/drinks and get your seats then settle in for an interactive fun-filled show! You can still order during the show. The Heritage Grill opens at 10:00am!
Ticket proceeds benefiting IMPACT Parkinson’s and Parkinson Society British Columbia:
IMPACT Parkinson’s: Your participation will help ensure IMPACT has the resources in place to support existing programs in addition to develop and deliver new programming for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson Society British Columbia: Your participation will help fund research, grow support networks and improve quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s.
Everybody can play the game of Lawn Bowls! It is a low impact game that is extremely accessible and great for any age. One of the best parts about the sport is that anyone can play no matter their skill level. You don’t have to be able to jump high or run fast to enjoy the sport. It is hand eye coordination and allows everyone to start at the same level. Friends and family are welcome!
Our session includes a lesson and demo from club members and lunch!
LUNCH INCLUDES: Burger or Veggie Burger, Salads, Dessert, Tea/Coffee, Cold Drink
COST:
Bowl + Lunch: $40.00
Bowl Only: $20.00
Lunch Only: $20.00
LOCATION: New Westminster Lawn Bowling Club, 710 8th St, New Westminster
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/lawn-bowling-lunch-for-parkinsons-tickets-63162443569
For info and questions email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
Thank you to New West Lawn Bowling Club + New West Firefighters Charitable Society for supporting this event! Follow along on the Facebook Event Page here.
Huge thanks to Me-n-Ed’s Burnaby for partnering with IMPACT!
Thank you to everyone for supporting and ensuring IMPACT Parkinson’s has the resources in place to support existing programs in addition to develop and deliver new programming for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s!
Everyone welcome!
DINNER INCLUDES:
COST: $25.00 (includes tax + tip)
LOCATION: Me-n-Ed’s Burnaby, 7110 Hall Avenue, Burnaby
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pizza-beerwine-fundraiser-for-impact-parkinsons-tickets-64404487556
For more info email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
Huge thanks to Me-n-Ed’s Burnaby + Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society for supporting this event. Plus all the individuals + local businesses for donations for the Silent Auction and Toonie Toss! Follow along on the Facebook Event Page here.
BOXING GYM HELPS PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISORDER. A gym tucked away in a New Westminster strip mall serves as more than just a place to work out -- it's a place where people with the debilitating disease can be themselves.
IMPACT PARKINSON’S ADDS ART WORKSHOPS TO ITS ‘MIND-BODY-SOUL’ APPROACH. Three workshops coming to Sapperton this fall are aimed at people with Parkinson’s and their family and friends. Enhancing life through creativity and expression. That’s what a new arts and crafts program offered by IMPACT Parkinson’s...
ME-N-ED'S IN BURNABY HOSTS PARKINSON'S FUNDRAISERBurnaby firefighters stepped up to donate $500 for IMPACT Parkinson's Society at a fundraiser held at the local Me-n-Ed's pizza parlour.
We are so grateful for the Rotary Club of New Westminster for supporting IMPACT Parkinson’s with a donation to our new Art Therapy for Parkinson’s program starting in Fall 2019… Thank you so much. Stay tuned for details!
“The team has also decided to donate partial proceeds from certain menu items to IMPACT Parkinson’s, a New Westminster-based non-profit that supports people living with Parkinson’s disease.” Metro Vancouver has a new plant-based restaurant to look forward to. Amaranthus is the name of the vegetarian and...
UBC Canada reports that one out of every 500 Canadians is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which equates to 100,000 people in the country. Leah Bolton from JoyTV visits IMPACT Parkinson’s and highlights Parkinson’s Awareness Month….
The City of New Westminster has proclaimed April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month and the new Parkinson's wellness centre in Sapperton has some special announcements, workshops and events planned. Starting with a new name, IMPACT Parkinson's, and website launching on World Parkinson's Day, April 11 (www.impactparkinsons.com) plus receiving their Incorporated Non-Profit Society status.
UBC Canada reports that one out of every 500 Canadians is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which equates to 100,000 people in the country. Leah Bolton highlights Parkinson's Awareness Month.
The City of New Westminster has proclaimed April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month and the new Parkinson's wellness centre in Sapperton has some special announcements, workshops and events planned. Starting with a new name, IMPACT Parkinson's, and website launching on World Parkinson's Day, April 11 (www.impactparkinsons.com) plus receiving their Incorporated Non-Profit Society status.
Interview with Robyn Murrell of Impact Parkinson's at the Festival de Bois on Tri-Cities TV.
After running a successful Rock Steady Boxing program in New Westminster for three years, and recently founding IMPACT Parkinson’s Society, Head Coach, Robyn Murrell, says “I am excited to be able to help more people living with Parkinson’s by bringing this program to Abbotsford in April 2019.
In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s I explore a variety of exercises in search of one or some that I can commit to. I lace up boxing gloves for a Rock Steady Boxing class in at Impact Parkinson’s in New Westminster. Trainer Robyn Murrell takes people with Parkinson’s through circuit training,
My husband and I participated in the Let's Talk Loud program at IMPACT. It was extremely helpful for me. I was reminded of the importance of speaking up: I just had to be aware. It was very useful to have lessons twice a week. Working with the others in the group created a real bond among us. I found it extremely rewarding.
Robyn is the most supportive and caring trainer I've ever met! I'm fully benefiting from her fun and creative classes and always look forward to the next session. Her dedication and real concern for our wellbeing is impressive!
I’ve never joined a program specifically for people with Parkinson's before. I participated in the yoga class and have now signed up for more. Our guide, Kelly, creates a safe and supportive atmosphere. I swear I can feel my ‘noisy’ body become quiet after a session. Recommend it! Namaste!
Robyn is the ideal boxing coach for anyone with Parkinson's. She "gets us"! During class, Robyn has the ability to recognize a fighter's capability for that particular day and seamlessly adjust their workout or form as required. Classes flow at a perfect pace for all participants regardless of skill level or experience. We are truly proud and grateful to have her in our corner...
I was introduced to Rock Steady Boxing in Arizona at a voice therapy group. When I returned to BC, I went to see the facility at IMPACT Parkinson's and discovered that in addition to boxing there were many other programs available from speech therapy to lawn bowling outings! Having now sold my home in AZ I expect this facility will become more important in slowing the progression of my PD and symptoms. They have a great group of staff and volunteers that really care.
I started volunteering with Rock Steady Boxing New West in January 2019 shortly after my wife’s Parkinson's diagnosis was confirmed. Originally I only wanted to support her, and that remains my primary concern, but it is now more than that. I have no previous experience with Parkinson’s or helping in a gym setting. I am learning something new every week being a volunteer in classes and I like to think I am being useful to the leaders and the fighters. More than anything, we meet great people and we have a lot of fun!
First time I tried Rock Steady Boxing with Robyn I was hooked! It has been nothing short of fantastic, improving my quality of life a ton. I'm healthier than I was ten years ago. Rock Steady has increased my mobility, my fitness, my cognitive thinking, my strength, my balance, flexibility and focus. I can't recommend the program any stronger. It is so much fun. I can't imagine a time when I won't be doing it. The people I've met are all top drawer too. I'm also thrilled that my wife Cathy is a volunteer in class!
I was diagnosed 10 years ago. I have been attending Rock Steady Boxing since Robyn started this program three years ago. It has helped me in keeping a positive attitude, good physical strength and balance. Robyn and her volunteers always make the classes fun to attend and, offer all of us, a lot of encouragement. This program also helps us to interact with many other people with Parkinson’s, so we can learn from each other, and create a support system. I think that this is a great program. Go Fighters!!!
I can’t say enough good things about Robyn and the IMPACT Parkinson’s Team. To say IMPACT Parkinson’s cares about its program users would be a huge understatement. They have truly created a loving, caring, supportive program environment. Such as their Rock Steady Boxing program that provides not only physical work out components matched to the individuals’ capabilities and needs, but also focuses on other PD challenges like dexterity and voice fluctuation. It’s also a great environment to bond with other PD individuals who share similar symptoms and understand what your daily challenges look like. I highly recommend IMPACT Parkinson's for all the “ the movers and the shakers” in our Parkinson’s world.
I love all the programs at IMPACT! The programs have all been worth it - Urban Poling,Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program, Falls Prevention Workshop and Clinic,Yoga, T'ai Chi and Rock Steady Boxing. I've never felt pushed. Always giving it my all. I’ve met some awesome people. I love getting emails from Heidi. You never know what’s next! I’m in the Monday/Wednesday Rock Steady Boxing classes and I am keenly aware how much better I feel Monday to Thursday vs over the weekend. I couldn’t live without my Rock Steady boxing group!!!!
Tim and I would like to thank you very much for including us in the Parkinson's Falls Prevention clinic. The information we got from the home safety forms with suggestions for further safety will be very useful. The assessments at the three stations were very thoroughly and respectfully conducted and we learned a lot for going forward with Tim’s safety. Thank you so much for the concern you showed us.
I have just completed a Let's Talk Loud session at IMPACT Parkinson's with Mia, Speech Language Pathologist. The group voice therapy is designed to allow us to speak LOUD. Mia is an amazing therapist -- she has the ideal balance of professionalism and being social. I was reticent at first to "AHHHH" at my strongest level, but Mia's way of presenting knowledge with humour made me "AHHHH" happily in no time!
There is a life after Parkinson's and Robyn and Heidi helped me discover that. Rock Steady Boxing has helped me in every way to deal with a difficult diagnosis. Physically I am stronger. My balance and coordination have improved. I have developed a support network that has supported me emotionally. My neurologist is impressed with my progress and I contribute much of that to the individualized, self paced, respectful boxing program that Robyn offers. IMPACT offers a number of programs designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s and I highly recommend them. To not participate in physical activity is to give into the disease and that is just wrong!
I remember it vividly five years ago - the neurologist saying, “It is Parkinson’s - but you won’t die from it”. After that, lots of tears and the “why me” question. I was looking for answers and found support from Parkinson’s Society BC. Through PSBC I found Robyn, the second person with the same attributes of understanding and kindness. She is our ROCK - she guides, challenges and makes us feel “normal” again. She puts her heart into this cause and we appreciate her. It will be three years now and I would not want to miss classes at IMPACT Parkinson's, especially the boxing, for anything! Thank you Robyn!
We recently participated in the group voice therapy at IMPACT called Let's Talk Loud workshop. It was so informative. Mia who taught the class brought up things that hindered speech that I had never thought of before. I highly recommend caregivers taking it as well the PWP. Speech is so complex. I would recommend that people take this course before speech becomes a big problem…it is easier to work on it at that level. As a caregiver I now have a better idea how to help my husband.
I think that it is altogether too easy for a person with Parkinson’s to lapse into a sedentary life style. In my case ,I was becoming addicted to movies. The only exercise that concerned me was getting out of my chair for meals or other biological needs. The family doctor suggested that I give something called “Rock Steady Boxing" for people with Parkinson’s a try. I was a little apprehensive at first. After all, the situation in my mind was “Me! : Boxing?!” Robyn Murrell, the person behind the Boxing program and Head Coach, quickly set me at ease and convinced me to give it a try. As it turned out, the boxing sessions consist of boxing techniques and exercises aimed at increasing strength, dexterity and balance. All this under the watchful eye of Robyn and an amazing group of very helpful volunteers. For me, one of the distinct plus's with this program is not having to be embarrassed in any way when the Parkinson’s symptoms show up. We all shake and stumble. We’re all in the same boat. One last comment re: Rock Steady Boxing.....IT’S FUN!!!!!
We have read a lot about Parkinson’s and exercise of some sort is encouraged by most of the sources we have found so I have taken that to heart. I exercise five times a week which includes two days with Rock Steady Boxing New West at IMPACT Parkinson's. Also, I recently bought a set of walking poles, another way to exercise while enjoying the fresh air. Boxing helps me to maintain my balance and will help me to become stronger and more flexible. It is a great workout with caring, empathetic and knowledgeable leaders - but they don’t let us slack off, it is a workout after all! I also enjoy the company of the other fighters, we all have the same issues but their encouragement and camaraderie helps a lot. I have also participated and benefited in other programs at IMPACT such as Yoga and the Chronic Conditions Self Management Program. IMPACT Parkinson’s calls us fighters, not boxers. It would be so easy to stay home and think about this illness and do nothing, but with the love and help of our families, and the encouragement of others with PD we can push back and continue to enjoy ourselves and lead full lives. Keep Fighting!