Our community blog page is a collective of stories, articles and important discussion topics put forth by the Headsup Concussion Advocacy Network. We are so grateful to have so many amazing advocates and writers who are passionate about sharing their experiences and perspectives of concussions. Our blog is an amazing lived experience resource that touches upon several different aspects of the concussion recovery experience. Each story will provide you with a unique perspective that may help people going through an brain injury of their own. Please feel free to leave comments on each blog post and give feedback on how the article may have helped you or stimulated curiosity in a new area. Happy reading!
In November 2017, I sustained a concussion while doing an activity I loved, dancing. Ever since that day, my life has changed forever, and my passion has been concussion research, advocacy, treatment, and education. When I sustained my concussion, my family doctor told me I would recover in two weeks and to sit in a dark room with nothing to do. My concussion then took six years to recover. And now, I am here trying to make a difference so no one has to go through what I went through.
Read MoreIn the #concussion space, we felt there was yet to be a concussion resource that appealed to the general publics consuming behaviours and learning style, and this fact is what ultimately led us to using the documentary (docuseries) method for this project.
Read MoreHello, my name is Clayre. I am 20 years old and I’ve decided to break out of my comfort zone and share my concussion journey publicly through HeadsupCAN to bring more awareness surrounding brain injury. I also hope that my story can help folks dealing with brain injury feel a little less alone.
Read MoreOver the last 3-5 years, there has been extensive change in the treatment and support of pediatric concussion. So, what does this mean for our children? How can teachers better support kids with concussions in returning to and succeeding in school?
In this episode of The Sharing Experiences With Concussions/TBI podcast, Ryan Sutton sits down with Stephanie McFarland, an Occupational Therapist at Holland Bloorview Concussion Clinic, to talk about how to effectively accommodate concussions in the classroom. As one of the leading experts in the field of pediatric concussion, Stephanie works with students every day to build strategies for their recovery.
We asked teachers and educators across Ontario to submit their questions and experiences regarding concussion support in the classroom. Listen in as Stephanie answers these questions while busting myths and highlighting her best tips and advice for educators on creating accommodations in the classroom.
Read MoreIn this episode of The Sharing Experiences With Concussions/TBI podcast, Libby Nicholaou, the Manager of Outreach Operations at LoveYourBrain, welcomes Krystal Merrells RD, Vijaya Kantipuly MSW, and Dr. Eric Guillemette to talk about recovery at home after a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Listen in as they break down their special roles in the concussion/TBI recovery process, along with advice and insights on nutrition therapy for TBI patients, at-home concussion rehabilitation exercises and strategies, and the powerful benefits of online support groups for people recovering from brain injuries. You’ll also learn tips and tricks for creating a home environment that is conducive to the recovery process.
Read MoreIn this episode of The Sharing Experiences With Concussions/TBI podcast, Caron Gan, a Registered Psychotherapist and Marriage and Family Therapist, welcomes Anne Sanger, Stacey Campbell, and Madeline Roitman to talk about what life is like for families whose loved one has suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Listen in as they share stories and experiences of caring for their spouse, brother, and child who are recovering from brain injuries. They highlight their initial thoughts and feelings after the injuries, the most significant impacts the injury has had on them and their families, how existing healthcare systems can better prepare families for life after brain injury, and how roles, responsibilities, and communication dynamics have since changed.
Read MoreIn this episode of The Sharing Experiences With Concussions/TBI podcast, Simon Kardynal welcomes May Machoun, Ryan Carey, and Blair Hennessy to talk about brain injuries and head trauma in the military and veteran community.
Listen in as these veterans shed light on their experiences with concussion and TBI, the systemic healthcare problems veterans are facing in Canada, and how we can continue advocating for better treatment of veterans with TBI and improving TBI education throughout the military. Whether you’re a veteran, a medical professional, or a family member of a concussion survivor, you have the power to make a positive change, so let’s do this together!
Read MoreThis week's feature is a new take on a very basic side dish - roasted asparagus WITH crisped prosciutto and soft-boiled eggs!
Read MoreWe will be working on our Side Game! The first side I want to share with y'all is a cinnamon sweet potato hash.
Read MoreIf you couldn't tell by now, I shamelessly use everything bagel spice on lots of different meals :) it is so easy and tastes great.
Read MoreThis is a great & easy weeknight meal when I'm cooking for the family and want to keep it simple. Especially if I'm extra tired or symptomatic.
Read MoreThis is my ALL-TIME favorite spread when I am having friends or family over.
Read MoreHealthy and delicious meals to make at home! As we move slowly back to the restaurant world, I hope we don't lose the built-in family and friends time we have found to cook meals together - and I want to share some of the highlight meals that brightened up our quarantine Thursdays. ️
Read MoreI love this recipe and wanted to share it with Easter on the horizon! My family loves to cook a giant ham for Easter dinner - and each year, we bargain over which soup we will make with our leftover ham bone.
Read MoreI have shopped around for a clean granola option and finally found that making my own was the healthiest route to take.
Read MoreOur second snack of the month is a feature on rice cakes & the many, many ways we can enjoy them.
Read Moremany snacks have sneaky additives, AND whenever I’m at the grocery store 🛒 (name a more stimulating place for concussed people to spend time in...) I get tired reading ingredient labels or searching for healthier snack options.
Read MoreThis week features a smoked salmon platter with lots of fresh goodies on it - cucumbers, lemons, parsley - and a dose of our brain-loving omega 3s from the salmon!
Read MoreThis week features a brain-friendly breakfast hash that I love to throw together with some fried eggs and sliced avocado on top!
Read MoreThis week features one of my go-to breakfasts whenever my symptoms are winning that day and I simply do not feel well enough to get into cooking. I turn to my tried-and-true bowl of oats and feel very free to pile on the brain-friendly foods: walnuts, blueberries, hemp seeds, cinnamon, etc.! 🥣
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