Wellness Wednesday: "Women in Mind: Understanding Womens’ Brain Health Risks & Prevention"
Wednesday, May 27, 12:00-1:00 PM
In the spirit of Women’s Health Week, Dr. Sherri Hayden will provide a review of science on women’s brain health risks for various neurological and mental health conditions. Emerging research related to the role of female sex-hormones, such as estrogen, in such brain health risks will be discussed. Information on preventative practices will also be provided. |
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Ask the Expert
Wednesday, June 3, 1:00-2:00 PM
During this event series, participants are encouraged to come with their own questions and engage directly with our team’s experts. Each session features rotating experts of Kinesiologists, Physiotherapists, and Registered Dietitians.
These sessions are designed to be participant-driven, meaning you can ask questions in the chat or speak directly over the Zoom call. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone can hear others' experiences and learn through shared discussion. |
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In-Person Workshop: Improv for Brain Health
Friday, June 5, 11:15-12:45 PM at Douglas Park Community Centre
Join us for another in-person Improv for Brain Health workshop, where you will connect with others, exercise your brain, and share some laughs! Through fun games and exercises, participants will learn improv skills and explore how they can be applied to life and fostering wellness. No improv experience is required, everyone is welcome!
Please note that this workshop will take place at a new location. Thank you to the Douglas Park Community Centre for this collaboration. |
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Creative Expressions: Techniques in Painting
Fridays, June 5 & July 3, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Join us for a new series of virtual workshops with professional artist Sabine Fedder. This class will focus on painting techniques in acrylic and watercolour, and explore landscapes, still life, abstract, realism, shading, and foundational shapes.
For our June workshop titled "Painted Skies", you will create a vibrant sunset painting while learning how to blend colours and build strong contrast through a variety of watercolour techniques. This workshop will explore colour mixing, layering pigments, and creating detailed silhouettes through shapes and composition.
Under the title “Still Life in Watercolour”, the July workshop will be a calming still-life watercolour workshop which explores the art of truly observing an object. Through careful study, participants will begin to notice details, tones, and reflections they may not have seen initially. This process becomes a form of mindfulness while also introducing foundational watercolour techniques, including colour mixing and different methods of applying paint. |
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In-Person Guided Walk: VanDusen Botanical Garden Tour
Wednesday, June 17th from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM
Join us for our annual VanDusen Botanical Garden fieldtrip! Enjoy the beauty of nature as either VanDusen guides or a mindfulness facilitator will lead you through selected parts of the garden. Participants will split into smaller groups to enjoy the walk based on mobility, walking speed, and preferences. After the tour, you may enjoy the rest of the garden at your own leisure.
Details
- Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
- The admission fee will be waived thanks to the generosity of the VanDusen Garden! This event is free of cost.
- There will be four different tour options, so please consider which one will be most suited for you. See the event page linked below for more detailled information.
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In-Person Yoga Workshop: "Cultivating Connection to Breath, Body and Community"
Tuesday, June 23, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
A one hour yoga class to help you connect to your body and breath in person! There will be a combination of seated and standing poses, no inversions.
Participants should be able to get up and down from the floor easily to participate in this class. If you have your own equipment (i.e., yoga mat, block, strap), please bring it. If you do not have your own, please contact us ahead of time.
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Wellness Wednesday: "Progress Over Perfection: Building Healthy Habits That Last"
Wednesday, June 24th, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Most people know that healthy eating and regular exercise are important, but actually making those changes and sticking with them can feel incredibly challenging. In this talk, Dr. Megan MacPherson will explore why behaviour change is so hard, why motivation alone often isn’t enough, and what research tells us about creating habits that last. Attendees will learn practical, evidence-based strategies to support healthier routines while also developing a more compassionate and realistic approach to setbacks and progress. |
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| Announcements and Updates |
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Virtually together: New study finds benefits of online group singing
The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health has just released an article about our Creative Team Lead Cynthia Friesen's virtual singing class and its benefits: In addition to increasing mood and feelings of social connection, online group singing was found to decrease self-reported pain levels and stress. Beyond healing the mind, it seems that music might be healing the body too. Click below to read the full feature. |
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| Community Events and Resources |
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| Lift 2026: Inverso's Intergenerational Dance Festival |
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Inverso's LIFT Intergenerational Dance Festival is based on a belief in dance as a means to connect beyond words towards a greater depth of understanding across generations, to highlight the diversity of our collective lived experience and to inspire a fresh view on aging in society. The BC Brain Wellness Program is a partner of this festival for two events:
Dancing With Parkinson’s Community Class
June 3rd, 12:00-1:00 PM
In collaboration with Dancing with Parkinson's Canada and BC Brain Wellness, Inverso is hosting another community class! Taught by Shana Wolfe, this research-backed class is specifically designed for people living with Parkinson's and older adults; but is beneficial for all older adults who wish to experience the joy of moving to music as well as physical and emotional benefits.
Arts and Health Panel
June 3rd, 1:30-2:30 PM
Join us for a conversation exploring the intersection of arts and health. Dr. Grace Park, Dr. Stefanie Blain-Moraes, Cynthia Friesen and Lesley Telford will discuss​ the transformative potential of the arts in enhancing the lives of older adults. They will speak about how creative practice can support well-being, foster human connection, and complement traditional approaches to care. |
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| Helena Choir Spring Song Showcase |
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You are invited to the Spring Song Showcase by The Helena Choir, which is a community choir initivate led by BWP's Creative and Expressive Team Lead Cynthia Friesen. Please invite your family, friends, and community to share in the joy of music with us on June 14th.
RSVP's are encouraged via the website linked below, or alternatively via email (helenachoir@healtharts.org) or phone (778-385-4552). |
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| North Shore Seniors' Health Expo |
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| The eighth annual North Shore Seniors' Health Expo will be happening on Friday, June 19th. This event will feature exhibitors, innovative speakers and researchers focusing on cognitive, physical, social, financial, and nutritional well-being. The BC Brain Wellness Program will be presenting as well. |
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Seniors' Services in West Vancouver
The Seniors' Activity Centre in West Vancouver is offering a range of programs, such as fitness classes and social and creative programs designed for those who seek to stay healthy, make new friends, try something different, learn new skills, or connect with others in the community.
Browse their free and low-cost program below to learn more about their vibrant centre and the many services, amenities, programs, and volunteer opportunities available to members and guests.
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| From our Brain Power Kitchen class themed "Heart-Healthy BBQ", click below to find out how to make coleslaw and salmon patties. |
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Review current research opportunities with the BC Brain Wellness Program, including the Microbiome and Diet in Parkinson’s Disease and the Audio PD Study.
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| Check out our blog post titled "All This, in Less Than a Year" to read a powerful testimony on the impact that the BC Brain Wellness Program has had on Norman and Sylvia's lives. |
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| Donate
The BC Brain Wellness Program is an entirely donor funded program and would not be possible without donors like you. A gift today will ensure the ongoing development and delivery of classes. Thank you for your support.
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| Feedback
We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions regarding the program. If you wish to submit anonymous feedback, please fill out our Feedback Form on the Contact Us page.
If you would like to inquire about technical issues or any other feedback requiring a response, please reach out to us via email or phone. Responses on the feedback form are anonymous.
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