Next meeting: August 9, 2010

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The August meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 9th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

Jerry Morle, Minister, will lead us in a discussion of Faith.

Jerry has a diverse background: a BS in Medical Technology from Michigan Technological University and research technician in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Ann Arbor. He held the Procurement Coordinator position with the Michigan HHMI office in 1990. After 10 years in that position, he took a sabbatical from HHMI, and worked briefly as a mortgage broker and Seafood marketer. Jerry moved to Dallas and re-joined HHMI in 2002.

Ordained a Teacher in the Church of Jesus Christ in 1987, Jerry began in earnest to study and teach the scriptures in the local congregation in Michigan. He was ordained a Minister in the Church in September of 2009 at the Fort Worth branch.

What is Faith?
What is the value of Faith?
How do we use Faith?

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Faith:

Main Entry: ¹faith
pronunciation: \ˈfāth\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural faiths \ˈfāths, sometimes ˈfāthz\

Etymology: Middle English feith, from Anglo-French feid, fei, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust — more at bide

Date: 13th century

1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs

synonyms see belief

— on faith : without question on faith>

Note that the discussion is open to everyone and is not based on a particular religion.

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: July 12, 2010

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The July meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 12th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

Lynda Gail Jones will lead us in a session of: Collage as a form of art therapy.

Lynda Gail Jones, longtime member of Lifelines, is also a Housing Recovery Specialist in the Mental Health Field. She works with clients who are challenged by Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder. Some of these clients have also had brain injuries, substance abuse issues, and criminal histories that complicate their lives. Her role is to assist them in stabilizing both housing and mental health through psychosocial rehabilitation skills training.

Lynda Gail is also a brain injury survivor. Now age 63, her first brain was in September 1992 when she was rear-ended. While in the hospital, she started her adventure with collage and ceramics. The arts helped her process things during recovery.

She is an alumni of the Richland College Adult Brain Injury Survivor Program (TRI). From there she mainstreamed into college and earned by Bachelors of Science in Rehabilitation Studies with a minor in Emergency Management focusing on Special Populations. In April 2007 and again in January 2010 she re-injured her brain in car accidents; she was rear-ended by other drivers. She acknowledges the continued brain injury presents a challenge for her daily life.

Lynda Gail and her husband celebrate their 45th anniversary in August 2010. They have three children and nine grandchildren.

Thank you, Lynda Gail for sharing the collage therapy that helped you so much!!!

What is Collage?

The term collage originates from the French word coller, which means “to glue.” The collage is a form of the visual arts and is created by gathering many different pieces or chunks of things. After you’ve gathered a variety of pieces you can then assemble the pieces into one, collective piece of art. This usually achieved by placing the individual pieces and gluing them onto a canvas or piece of paper, for instance, essentially creating a unique piece of artwork.

Read more: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/art-therapy-ideas/get-creative-with-collages/#ixzz0sAU1lg2c

How is this helpful to brain injury survivors?
Collage allows expression of self and perhaps what you are not able to verbalize, you can still express through collage. It also provides eye hand coordination, spacial orientation and physical exercise for an affected limb.

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: June 14, 2010

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The June meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 14th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

9th year anniversary - A celebration of where we've been and where we're going.

It's hard to believe we've been meeting for nine years! Please join us for a group discussion. To help facilitate discussion, please consider the following:

• Name and age
• Where are you in terms of recovery (years out)?
• What deficits do you have?
• What type of rehabilitation have you been through?
• What are you doing now? (employment, any volunteer work)
• What difficulties do you face on a daily basis?
• What has been the most frustrating aspect of your recovery?
• What have you learned about the brain / brain injury and how did you learn it?
• What have you found to be most useful in your own recovery? (treatment, research, books or articles; please bring these with you to share with the group)
• What topics would you be interested in for future support group meetings?
• How do you feel about the world?
• What do you do for fun?

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you. Also note that we are in Haggar Hall.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

General Overview

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

2nd Mondays of the month, 6:30 - 8 PM

Fogelson Building

Haggar Hall

We celebrate our 9th year anniversary in June!!!

Lifelines functions primarily as an educational forum. We also hold group discussions every few months.

Mission Statement Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group strives to address the various issues that arise during the rehabilitation/recovery period through support, information and education. The group serves to educate its members about brain injury, how to improve brain health and the possibility of recovering brain function. Lifelines also provides an open forum where survivors, caregivers and health care professionals may meet and share their experiences. This exchange allows the group to address quality of life issues.

Philosophy Every individual, whether brain injured or not, has suffered some type of affliction. The emphasis for healing and recovery is not to focus on what has happened but instead to focus on what a person can accomplish in the aftermath of tragedy. What is most important is how a person responds to life's challenges. We are survivors. We are not victims.


Purpose "For human beings adaptation to change cannot take place through instincts. It has to take place through something called awareness, motivation, free will and the ability to anticipate the future." Self-Healing: A Personal History, René DuBos from The Healing Brain, A Scientific Reader, Edited by Ornstein/Swencionis

Goals • To assist patients during the rehabilitation/recovery phase of brain injury by providing education about the brain, brain health and the possibility of recovering brain function. • To identify the “silent epidemic” of brain injury and offer a forum for patients and their caregivers to feel supported and find direction during this period of adjustment. • To allow for exchange of thoughts, ideas and experiences.

Calendar - 2010 meeting dates

January 11 - Sara Hunt Harper, Ph.D. - Animal Therapy (meeting will include live animals)

February 8 - Miller Henry Service Group - Applying for Social Security Benefits

March 8 - Jane Shook, M.S., CCC, SLP - Sensory Integration and The Listening Program

April 12 - Kurt Johnson, Founder, American Power Yoga - Introduction to Yoga

May 10 - Karen Sacks, RN - Stroke Awareness Month - New Treatment for Stroke

June 14 - 9th year anniversary - Discussion - Where we've been and where we're going

July 12 - Lynda Gail Jones, member, health care professional - Collage as therapy

August 9 - Jerry Morle, minister - Group discussion on Spiritual Health

September 13 - Dr. Jonathan Walker - Neurofeedback for brain injury

October 11 - Discussion group, TBA

November 8 - Jane Shook, M.S., CCC, SLP - Sensory Integration and The Interactive Metronome

December 13 - Holiday Social at Cafe Express, Mockingbird Station



For the purposes of our group, the most important thing to realize is that the mechanism by which the brain was injured (automobile accident, fall, stroke, ruptured brain aneurysm/brain surgery, congenital) is most significant during the acute phase of care - hospitalization - and post acute - first stages of rehabilitation. When it comes time to address the physical and cognitive deficits in the recovery/rehabilitation/remediation phase, there are enough similarities between the brain insults that allow survivors to meet under an umbrella group.

Our group members have experienced traumatic brain injury, mild traumatic brain injury, acquired brain injury such as ruptured brain aneurysm/brain surgery and stroke and congenital brain injury. Caregivers, other family members (adults only), friends, and health care professionals also attend the meetings.

The challenges faced by survivors depend on what type of brain injury has occurred, so we have a range in physical and cognitive abilities. We usually have an average of 15 people attending presentations.

Past speakers include Dr. Harold Crasilneck presenting the effects of hypnotherapy, Drs. Gray Atkins, Jonathan Walker, Marvin Sams and Sara Hunt Harper discussing neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback techniques), Tracy Sellers introducing Brain Gym, Betty Erickson (daughter of Milton Erickson) giving a "reality check" with emotionally healthy ways to approach life, Dr. Fran Assaf presenting CranioSacral Therapy, Dr. Steve Lomber detailing how the brain overcomes injury, Roger Stainbrook and Elijah Hawken discussing the benefits of acupuncture, Dr. John-Claude Krusz discussing neuropharmocology, and Dr. Richard Fulbright presenting two lectures - one about neuropsychological testing and the other about psychosocial outcomes following traumatic brain injury.

Note: Additional information is listed under the 2007 posts. For Fun Things to Do, click on June 2007; for Free Things to Do, click on May 2007; for Resource Information, click on May 2007; for information on different therapies/remediating brain injury, click on August 2007.

For more information and/questions about the group, please contact Kimberly at aikmank@gmail.com. Please note that meetings are for adults only - we do not have the facilities to accommodate children.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: May 10, 2010

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The May meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 10th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

Stroke Prevention - Latest Medical Recommendations and Emerging Treatments

Karen Sacks, RN, NP helps facilitate Lifelines, and will share her knowledge and experience with us. She has 31 years of nursing experience. She has been the Coordinator for the Stroke Program at Presbyterian of Dallas since 2002 and has Adult/Geriatric Certification. In the past, she was the nurse practitioner on the Sub Acute Unit and Skilled Nursing Unit at Presbyterian.

She has a Bachelors degree in Social Work (1974) and Nursing (1979), a Masters in Nursing (1985) and completed her post graduate nurse practitioner training in 1995.

Thank you, Karen, for everything you do for our group and for sharing your expertise with us!!!

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you. Also note that for this meeting we are in Classroom A, not Haggar Hall.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Upcoming events

Center for Therapeutic Strategies

is pleased to present a workshop on:

Sensory Integration Dysfunction and Learning Disabilities

Friday, April 16th

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

by Elizabeth "Betty" McBride, OTR, SIPT Certified, Trained in CranioSacral, Lymph Drainage, Visceral Manipulation, and Myofacial Release

Mrs. McBride will explain how sensory processing affects self-regulation, a skill needed for learning and understanding information. She will also address symptoms of sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) and cutting edge treatment options that reorganize the way the body integrates sensory information by resetting the inner ear’s vestibular system.

Attendees will learn practical and therapeutic strategies to create calm, focused attention needed for learning, working, and social relationships. Mrs. McBride will give guidelines for when to seek sensory integration therapy by an Occupational or Physical Therapist.

Who Will Benefit from this Workshop?

Mrs. McBride will address how Sensory Processing Dysfunction (SPD) affects the following conditions:

• ADD/ ADHD

• Auditory Processing Disorders

• Dyslexia & other Learning Disabilities

• Autism, Asperger’s & other Developmental Delays

• Neuro-Behavioral disorders

Ways to Register: Call (972) 233-9019 or Email us at jane_slp@swbell.net

Cost:

Cost of the workshop is $20.00 per person or $35.00 per couple. Payment is due at the door in the form of cash, check, Visa or Mastercard.

Note:

Seating is limited. Please R.S.V.P. as soon as possible to ensure your spot will be reserved.

Location:
Center for Therapeutic Strategies
6330 LBJ Freeway #136

Dallas, TX 75240

Directions:

From LBJ Freeway, take the Preston Road Exit to the South, service road heading EAST. Pass Hughes Road. Turn RIGHT into Concourse Office Park.

___________________________________________________

Stroke therapy conference May 8th at Baylor University Medical Center

On May 8th, Baylor University Medical Center hosts the conference "Latest Advances in Ischemic and Hemorraghic Stroke Therapy" on the 17th floor of Roberts Hospital, 3500 Gaston Avenue. The conference is divided into two separate educational tracks: "Advanced Stroke" and "Core Stroke" topics. Advanced registration ends April 23rd . As the first Certified Primary Stroke Center in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the Neuroscience Center at Baylor recognizes that emerging research goes hand in hand with clinical treatment. Physicians from Baylor and the Mayo Clinic will speak on topics such as Case Discussion/Panel Debate - Clipping vs. Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysms, Imaging the Acute Stroke Patient - Basic Techniques to Advanced Concepts, and Communication with Families in the Setting of Serious Brain Injuries.

Dr. Kennith F. Layton, Program Co-Chair and Director of Interventional Neuroradiology at Baylor, states, "Ultimately, our goal for this conference is to improve the outcomes of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients from the time of diagnosis through hospital discharge. It is our hope that health care providers attending this conference will become better equipped to treat stroke patients when they return to their daily practice."

For more information about the conference, click here.

Next meeting: April 12, 2010

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The April meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 12th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).


We are honoured to have Kurt Johnsen, founder of American Power Yoga, as our speaker.

Kurt Johnsen has spent a lifetime studying health and happiness and specializes in optimal performance. He is the founder of American Power Yoga and is the official yoga instructor of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboy’s Cheerleaders. He created and hosted 40 episodes of the nationally televised Yoga for Life. His latest DVD, the Dallas Cowboy’s Cheerleader’s Body Slimming Yoga was awarded “Best Yoga for All Levels” in Fitness Magazine February 2010. He has over 7,500 teaching hours and has trained over 100 American Power Yoga instructors. He is a master (5^th degree black belt) in Tibetan Kung Fu and is well versed in ju jitsu, tai chi, chi gung, herbology and acupuncture.

Remember to wear comfortable clothes that you can move in, as Kurt will be demonstrating some poses you might be interested in learning.

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you. Also note that we have moved into a bigger space - Haggar Hall (across from Classroom A).

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.