ine ‘PROGRAM HELPS CLIENTS NAVIGATE THEIR NEW REALITY § $ Continued from page 1 } late in my brain like I used # to.” He remembers standing before a cashier unable to 2 di Ww al & which ceinst to hand her for 2 z my memory," said Mann, holding his left hand uptoa video camera, palm marked in ink ‘vith written Remember tot {ake me- dication, to food. Nothing stays ie my been anymore," he said, re- counting the tragic conse- quences of his traumatic brain injury. Mind Forward Brain In- jury Services is a charita- ble t non-profit agency that supports those afflicted with life-altering challeng- es through ABI. Funded by the Ministry “For most who are impacted, it's an invisible injury, one that can lead to stigmatization and discrimination when interacting with the community,” - Mind Forward's Barhara Gilchrist of Hi Health and Long-Term and Ontario Health, Mina Forward has its head office in Peel, but there are many partnerships within the regions of Halton and Dufferin providing servic- ms lu tion to those touched by I. Acquired brain injuries can be sustained through accidents, assaults, suicide attempts as well as stroke, and can result in complex cognitive and behavioural challenges. More than 500, 000 people are impact- in Ontario each year, said Barbara Gilchrist, Forward's program manager ofseniors and day services. Mind Forward has more than 400 clients — 100 of those in Halton — as well as an assisted living home in Oakville, a Halton day services program at Oak- ville's St. Luke's communi- cent plus senior ser- vices partnerships with Al- lendale Long-term Home in Milton and Post Inn Village in Oakville. Because each client has unique needs, Mind For- ward uses a team approach Barbara Gilchrist photo Barbara Gilchrist of Mind Forward Brain Injury Services. and individual _ service plans, said Gilchrist. “For most who are im- pacted, it's an invisible in- jury, one that can lead to stigmatization and dis- fee with ty when interact- with the community," said Gilchrist. fore awareness of ABI is needed to increase un- derstanding and empathy, she added. Both Mann and Eleanor Lummis —also of Oakville, who suffered a debilitating stroke — give credit to Mind Forward for support- ing them as they navigat« their difficult new reality. i to "My entire life changed from the traumatic brain injury. I went from being a strong, fit, woman to being in a wheelchair with half my body paralyzed, no lon- ger functioning ard allowed them opportunities to ex- plore new _ challenges nel for Mann's post-ABI in- terest in art and eased him out of "depression and the basement," he said. "Ive had to re-invent myself, as the activities that once brought me joy, I was no longer able to do, ac: livities such as Tae! kwon- aid Li "But J haves now written mand pe formed stand-up comedy a a couple of times in front of a live audience. I've also be- gun to play golf, one hand- ed." Mann said he wakes up “every day trying to makea positive outcome of this ac- cident and relearn every- thing again, because I for- get fast." For more information on ABI, visit https://mind- forward.org/ STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Upon learning Halton resi- dents live with a brain injury, we wanted to exam- ine how an organization like Mind Forward helps sufferers regain a sense of independence and quality of life. Advertorial Live Well Exercise Clinic changes lives Motivation is one of the keys to beginning an exercise program and sticking to it. Live Well Ex- ercise Clinic in Oakville is a place where motiva- tion comes in many shapes and forms: Personal attention from staff, customized and supervised programs from clinical exercise physiologists, and camaraderie and friendship. For Live Well member Jackie Rooke, this expe- rience has been life-changing. What got Jackie through the door initially was a desire to improve her overall health and well-being and to get re- lief from the pain of arthritis in her knee; but the positivity and encouragement has kept her com- ing back. “The reason | decided to join is the account- ability. It’s a huge positive. Interaction with my fellow members is therapeutic and makes me more motivated. Building the relationships keeps me coming, says Jackie. Kira Pattison, Live Well co-owner, is a regis- tered kinesiologist and has seen how exercise has improved members’ lives: “Our kinesiologi: tal Ito your health history, medications, injuries, and other concerns when creating your exercise pro- grams. Our clinicians coach members along their fitness, nutrition, mental well-being health jour- neys” explains Kira. insidehalton.com LIVE WELL EXERCISE CLINIC Live Well offers a unique sense of community, a place where everyone knows your name. There's. a personal relationship between staff and mem- bers and between the members themselves who often go out for coffee together. Classes have a member-to-staff ratio of six to one, ensuring in- dividual attention that includes monitoring goals and progress, and any concerns. Jackie's husband Chris joined to support his wife but quickly found out that he needed to work on his balance and coordination. Regular sessions at the clinic have proven to Chris that exercise improves overall well-being and vitality. “| liked how the focus was on doing the exer- cise properly and having the oversight to help me progress,” recalls Chris, who recently celebrated his one-year anniversary as a member. Jackie and Chris have realized that sharing exercise has. added to their relationship, too. “It is great to do something as a couple,’ explains Jackie. “It helps my mental well-bein; According to Live Well co-owner and registered Kinesiologist Ryan Wight, the most common rea- son for coming to the clinic is weight loss. Condi- tions like high blood pressure and diabetes are also common motivators for joining. Even though a lot of people don’t make the association, Ryan observes that regular exercise, especially in a supportive group setting “really helps with their mood and anxiety’. “It's really rewarding to see people get better and see their progress,” explains Ryan. In addition to nutrition coaching during ses- sions at the clinic, there are online education modules available to members that cover topics like nutrition and blood pressure. Live Well was founded in White Rock, BC in 2011 and has 15 locations across four Cana- dian provinces. The Oakville franchise has been open at its Bronte location on Lakeshore Road since 2018. While in-person sessions flourish, virtual classes that were developed during the pandemic are also popular. The on-line sessions provide continuity for members who spend sum- mers at their cottage and for snowbirds who are away for the winter. Many members are women who are approach- ing retirement or have retired and are finally tak- ing time to prioritize their own health. Live Well is often their first experience with an exercise program. They typically sign up for two classes Oalwville’s Jackie and Chris Rooke celebrate their wins. a week and benefit from motivational group ses- sions and individual attention from a personal trainer. “It's not intimidating? Jackie recalls of her in- troduction to Live Well. Live Well emerged from cardiac rehab pro- grams. Its founders created a fun, engaging and personal approach that equips members to take control of their health and make lasting changes. “It's one of the best things I’ve done for my- self? Jackie says.