In early 1999 I was hospitalized for four weeks with herpes simplex encephalitis. During that time my family searched the library and the Internet in vain, to learn more about encephalitis.

I created Encephalitis Global in late 1999, sharing information and support between encephalitis survivors, caregivers and loved ones. Encephalitis Global, Inc. now has over 1,500 members worldwide and exchanges more than 300 messages posted weekly, making it the most active encephalitis forum in the world.

Rare Disease Day 2012 is an international event held on February 29th 2012. In recognition of this Encephalitis Global has released FIGHTING ENCEPHALITIS, our entry in the American Academy of Neurology’s Neuro Film Festival 2012.

Wendy Station, President
Encephalitis Global, Inc.
www.encephalitisglobal.org
www.encephalitis.ca

Bicycle Helmet Recall from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is the global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research.

In preparation of the Council of the Federation starting today in Victoria, please read the news release from the Canadian Medical Association (pdf) on a new public opinion poll showing that Canadians overwhelmingly agree that governments should adopt principles to make the health care system more centred on the needs of patients. Full results and questions can be accessed at: http://www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=5469.

Regards,
François Lessard
Senior Advisor, Advocacy and Public Affairs│Conseiller principal, Représentation et affaires publiques
Canadian Medical Association│Association médicale canadienne
613 731-8610 │800 663-7336 ext./poste 2261
francois.lessard@cma.ca
www.cma.ca
1867 prom. Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa ON K1G 5W8
Faites-vous entendre : www.transformationsante.ca
Have your say: www.healthcaretransformation.ca

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) today announced that 14 patient advocacy groups are raising their voices in support of a set of common principles developed by Canada’s physicians and nurses to guide the transformation of the health care system to make it centred on the needs of patients. The news release is attached.

-Growing Support for principles to guide transformation of the health care system (pdf)
-Appui croissant en faveur des principes devant guider la transformation du système de santé (pdf)

Regards,
François Lessard
Senior Advisor, Advocacy and Public Affairs│Conseiller principal, Représentation et affaires publiques
Canadian Medical Association│Association médicale canadienne
613 731-8610 │800 663-7336 ext./poste 2261
francois.lessard@cma.ca
www.cma.ca
1867 prom. Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa ON K1G 5W8
Have your say: www.healthcaretransformation.ca

Brain Injury Association of Canada encourages widespread common sense

OTTAWA _ The Brain Injury Association of Canada invites Canadians to keep their heads up over the holidays and avoid close calls that could turn catastrophic. “Making sure that Canadians are aware of their surroundings,” said Harry Zarins, executive director of the national nonprofit. “Drive safely, be aware of icy conditions in a vehicle and on foot, and wear a helmet for all winter recreational sports.”

Of the 18,000 hospital stays every year due to traumatic brain injuries, 6,500 Canadians are permanently disabled, with total costs estimated at more than three billion dollars.

Youth, young adults and seniors are most at risk. In the majority of cases there is no turning back.

Heads Up Holidays 2011-2012 Audio

Zarins said hockey and sport has created an opening for dialogue that allows for freer discussion about a wide spectrum of brain injuries and the often far-reaching effects.

“It takes a long time to recover … and we do still have a lot to learn.”

Harry Zarins
Executive Director
Brain Injury Association of Canada
613-762-1222
info@biac-aclc.ca

Open the above images as a single PDF file: Acquired Brain Injury Research Lab, Improving the quality of life of persons with acquired brain injury (pdf)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Please listen to this 30 second message about the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims. Download audio file (CHES-CROSBIE-DAY-OF-REMEMBRANCE.mp3)