The most sophisticated capable computer in the world weights approximately 3 pounds (or 1.36 kg), is the size of a cantalope, has a protective shell and is totally transportable. Guess what we all have one, it is our brain. Our brain has any number of interesting characteristics, for example the right side of the brain affects the left side of our body and the left side of our brain affects the right side of our body how crazy is that. The brain body partnership affects us for our whole life, so any brain injury has serious long term repercussions. Concussions, Organic Brain Injury, Acquired Brain Injury (accident to the head from falls/road/sports accidents), strokes either blood clots or bleeding all damage the brain. It can be confusing to understand if a part of our brain is damaged to know which part of our body is affected. To see a brain body partnership map go to my web site click on the title “In the News” then click on the drop down category “Articles” Another wow site is – Brain “The Inside Story” currently an amazing exhibit at The American Museum of Natural History in New York City. November 2010 to August 2011 interactive informative with great videos. Check it out at www.amnh.org

In September 2009 Dan Richards president of Clientinsights and columnist for the Globe and Mail asked me to make some videos on elder care for his clients.  They are now posted on my web site www.seniorcareoptions.ca under the heading in the news – videos.  In the first video we discussed assistive devices.  These are items people use to adapt their living environments for safety and independence.  In Canada each province and territory has its own assistive devices program.  In Ontario there are 2000 item covered by the assistive devices program (ADP).  Some items are fully funded for example oxygen therapy, some are funded on a percentage basis for example wheelchairs and most are funded on a fixed fee basis.  For more information on the Ontario program Assistive Devices Program call 1-800-268-6021 or if calling from the Toronto area 416-327-8804. The web site is www.health.gov.on.ca.  Canada Mortgage and Housing also has a program for household adaptions it is called Home Adaptions for Seniors’ Independence (HASI).  For more information call 1-800-668-2641 or visit CMHC’s web site www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca  I’ll write more about the videos on my next posting