Research Seminar Series: "Using arts-based interactions to support relationships with minimally communicative persons"
Wednesday, March 4th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (online)
This month's educational event will be focused on the deep potential of embodied and sensorial interactions and presented by Dr. Stefanie Blain-Moraes, who is a biomedical engineer, rehabilitation scientist, and Canada Research Chair in consciousness. During this talk, she will present different ways in which dance, music and therapeutic clowning have been used in her research along with physiologically based assistive technology to support interaction with children in palliative care and adults with advanced dementia. |
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In-Person Workshop: Dancing with Parkinson's Community Class
Tuesday, March 3rd and 10th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (in-person)
In collaboration with Dancing with Parkinson's Canada and Inverso Productions, we are launching a new in-person dance class series, open for not just those living with Parkinson's but anyone who would like to participate. Instructed by choreographer, educator and Artistic Director Lesley Telford, participants will be invited to experience the joy and benefits of moving together to music.
Details
- Location: Jarislowsky Studio at Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street, Vancouver
- All upcoming workshop dates: Mar 03, Mar 10, Mar 31, Apr 07
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In-Person Workshop: Art from the Heart
Monday, March 16th, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM (in-person)
In collaboration with the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, we would like to invite you to an in-person art workshop in Kitsilano. Facilitated by BWP instructor Mady Mooney, this session will let you use colour, shape and imagery to express what is meaningful to you. Discover how the creative process can foster healing and mental well-being. No art skills required! |
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In-Person Workshop: Thank You Card Designing
Monday, March 23rd, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (in-person)
In preparation for UBC Giving Day, we will be decorating cards which will be used to thank our donors for their generous support of our program and showcase the artwork of our participants. There will be no instructor and all materials will be provided (though you are welcome to bring your own). |
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Research Seminar Series: "The Role of Dietary Fats in Brain Health"
Wednesday, April 8th, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (online)
Next month, Dr. Kendra Furber will present about age-related cognitive decline as associated with changes in white matter structures, which are the nerve tracts that connect different areas of the brain, and the biological role of different fats in brain function. She will discuss how different dietary fats influence the lipid species found in the brain and how this relates to healthy brain aging. |
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| Announcements and Updates |
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Nutrition Moments
Nutrition Moments is a collaboration between the BC Brain Wellness Program and UBC Dietetics in which dietetics students share nutrition information and actionable tips at the start of our exercise classes. These brief educational segments cover various nutrition topics, providing quick insights into healthy eating and lifestyle habits. |
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Cognitive Health Screening
Are you concerned about memory decline or cognitive impairment and would like a cognitive health check-up? The UBC Department of Neuropsychology in conjunction with the BC Brain Wellness Program will be offering in-person cognitive health screenings at UBC this summer. There are limited appointments available, so please register by March 31st. |
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| Community Events and Resources |
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Seniors Resource Fair + Free Workshop
The Kitsilano Neighbourhood House will be hosting a seniors resource fair next week! During the event, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Cynthia Friesen will be facilitating a free music workshop titled "A Community Breath and Song Sharing Experience." No registration is required. |
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Join the Helena Choir
The Helena Choir is a new choral program which will be launching this spring, led by Choral Director and BWP's Creative Expressive Team Lead Cynthia Friesen. Based in Vancouver, this in-person choir will be a weekly community program which seeks to foster connection through the joy of music in an intergenerational environment. Fill out the form on their website if you are interested in joining. All singing levels are welcome! |
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Marbling to Heal Workshop
Join the Amir Social Connection & Healthy Aging Society for a hands-on workshop in traditional Persian Abr-o-Bād (Ebru) marbling at UBC. Developed by UBC MD student Parsa Khatami and his father, Amir, a professional artist and brain tumor survivor, this session explores the intersection of art and healing. Participants will engage in "painting on water" to support fine motor skills, mindfulness, and social connection. No experience is required, and all materials are provided.
Details
- Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Location: Policy Lab A & B, CIRS Building (2260 West Mall, UBC)
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| Brain Power Kitchen: Recipe Spotlight |
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| From our "Heart Healthy Cooking" class, click below to find out how to make chimichurri salmon rican gallo pinto and farro salad. |
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| Research Opportunities
Review current research opportunities with the BC Brain Wellness Program, including Impact 360 for Parkinson's Disease and Microbiome and Diet in Parkinson’s Disease.
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| Check out our latest blog post "Oxytocin and the Neurobiology of Friendship" for a neurochemical perspective on the value of platonic relationships. |
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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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