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Information for Sinemet Users

There  have been some recent announcements regarding Sinemet that our Parkinson's clients should be aware of.  Please read about those changes here as well as about Merck Canada's Sinemet Patient Assistance Program.

 

Save the Date!

Our biennial conference on Parkinson's will take place on Saturday, April 14th and will feature J. Eric Ahlskog, Ph.D., M.D., Professor of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic, and Dr Matthew Farrer, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Neirogentics and Translational Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. Watch for information in the new year!


VEPC Seeks New Board Members

Are you someone with epilepsy or Parkinson’s?  Are you a friend or family member of someone with epilepsy or Parkinson’s?  Do you have skills that could contribute to a nonprofit Board?


The Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre (VEPC) is a vibrant and welcoming non-profit society whose purpose is to strengthen clients’, families’ and communities’ ability to manage the physical, psychological and social effects of Parkinson’s and epilepsy.  VEPC is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of people living with epilepsy or Parkinson’s and professionals with an interest in the two disorders.  Board members are appointed for an initial one-year term followed by two-year terms.  Each Board member is expected to serve on at least one Board committee.  The Board of Directors provides overall direction for the organization and is responsible for ensuring VEPC’s programmatic and fiscal health and accountability. 


VEPC is currently seeking new Board members.  We are particularly interested in individuals with backgrounds in finance, fundraising, and public relations.  We are seeking people with strong ties to the local community and an interest in epilepsy and/or Parkinson’s.  Board members are typically selected by the current Board of Directors and approved by the General Membership at VEPC’s Annual General Meeting.
If you have knowledge and experience that will assist VEPC as it grows to meet the needs of growing populations of individuals with epilepsy and Parkinson’s in the Victoria Capital Regional District, we encourage you to apply to join VEPC’s Board of Directors by contacting us to request an application. 


You can reach VEPC at (250) 475-6677, help@vepc.bc.ca, or visit our website at www.vepc.bc.ca
 

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Get Ready for Purple Day
 
 
 
Purple Day for Epilepsy (Purple Day) is held each year on March 26 and this year on March 24th you can join in and help with Victoria's first annual Plane Pull for Epilepsy. This one day event - the Viscount Air Plane Pull for Epilepsy - will see teams gather together to raise pledges in support of the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson's Centre Society (VEPC) and join in a fun and engaging day of competition and camaraderie at the Viscount Aero Centre, located near Victoria's International Airport.

 

Be a part of the fun of this first time event that will capture the attention, minds and hearts of the community and pull together for a great cause!  See the website at www.victoriaplanepull.ca.

 

 

 

Class Action on Neurontin

Individuals with epilepsy who have taken Neurontin, should be aware of a Class Action law suit currently underway.  Please read more here.

 

Exercise Programs

Regular exercise is an essential component in the management of Parkinson's. While exercise is important for everyone's health, it is particularly important for people with Parkinson's. Exercise plays a major role in maintaining muscle strength, balance, flexibility, ability to walk safely, and ability to carry out activities of daily living. It can also help with some other Parkinson's symptoms, including constipation, sleep problems and anxiety or depression.

If you prefer to continue with your own regular exercise routines following diagnosis with Parkinson's, that's wonderful! If you haven't done much exercise lately or you want to try something different, you may be interested in joining a community program such as water fitness or tai chi. It is always important to check with your doctor to ensure that the activity program you select is appropriate for your functional ability. 

The Centre's Parkinson's Exercise Programs

Monday and Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
For those with mild balance changes, we offer a standing exercise program followed by some brain gym exercises over tea. This joint program is offered at the Saanich Silver Threads Centre, 286 Hampton Rd (near Tillicum Mall), using a skilled instructor and team approach. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
For those who best suit a chair exercise class, this program is run by a skilled instructor and support team at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre in Victoria, 3220 Cedar Hill Road (near Hillside Mall). 

While an attendant and volunteer assistants are on hand to provide additional attention, these programs are designed for those who can follow through on exercises independently. The cost is $5.00 per class for agency members and $6 per class for non-members. The VEPC is happy to help organize HandyDart transportation for those who qualify. Please call Lindsay Beal, Parkinson's Outreach Assistant, to determine your eligibility to register for these programs, at 250-360-2966, or email Lindsay at lbeal@vepc.bc.ca.

Our Clients Tell Us...
"The Parkinson's exercise program works very well for me. The group is fun, and the instructors are so upbeat and encouraging. I look forward to the social connections I have made, and it's so much more inspiring doing exercises with other people than doing them alone at home! Best of all, I've made significant improvements in my strength and balance!"

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