CanPlan is a software application that makes it possible for users with cognitive challenges to break down virtually any task into a sequence of easy-to-follow photos photos. The user goes through an activity with a support worker or family member. Together, they take pictures of each step in a task (with or without text and audio prompts) and then save it under a particular category in the program. Along with this sequencing feature, the app also includes a scheduler to ensure each activity is completed on time. CanPlan works on Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
To download or learn more details about CanPlan, please visit the App Store.

CanAssist at the University of Victoria recently let us know that their innovative CanPlan software app is now available.
CanPlan is a task management aid that helps people with a range of cognitive challenges to complete activities with greater independence and confidence. Virtually any activity can be broken down into a sequence of easy-to-follow steps, illustrated by photos and reinforced with optional text and audio. Scheduling and reminder components ensure each task gets done on time. CanPlan operates on Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices.

The free version of CanPlan supports a maximum of 3 tasks, while the full version supports an unlimited number, and is available for purchase from within the free app on Apple’s online App Store.

CanAssist is dedicated to developing customized technologies and programs for people with disabilities. While most their services focus on clients in B.C., they have recently begun making their software technologies more widely available. Revenue from the sale of these technologies – including CanPlan – will be used to support the continued development of services for people with disabilities.

This is the only Pan-Canadian multi-organizational, family-based mental health campaign consisting of walks, runs, rides and other activities.

Physical activity such as walking, running and social interactions have a positive effect on our mental health and helps tackle depression. These events across Canada are the perfect way for family, friends, co-workers and persons who are affected by depression to all come out and support positive mental health!

On Sunday May 26, we want you to take a walk, run, bike ride or any other activity for mental health. Simply register here, set up your own campaign page (it takes 5 minutes – and is very easy) and move for mental health along with thousands of other Canadians.

You can run, roller blade, bike ride, run on a treadmill, hula hoop, or take part in any other fun activity that you can think of. Take a walk in the park or in the mall, play baseball, throw a frisbee, whatever you do – take part in the campaign! Send in your photos and share your stories, and get your family and friends to join too! Challenge others to take up the cause and get involved.

The campaign is about getting actively engaged against depression and fighting stigma. The campaign raises crucial funds to support local mental health organizations provide direct services to persons with mental illness and their families. We are so proud of the dedicated volunteers who are working collaboratively on this campaign in their communities.

Mental health organizations and dedicated local coordinators/ volunteers are hosting Defeat Depression events in dozens of communities across Canada. Walks, runs and rides are being set up by people and groups of friends who have seen their family members and others struggle with depression. No matter where you live in Canada, you can be a part of this campaign and help our efforts!

Registering online is so easy and you will have your very own personal page that you can send out to all your friends and family that shows how you are taking a stand and helping to Defeat Depression. Let everyone know you care about depression and other mood disorders, and that you are going to make a difference.

Last year, thousands of Canadians came out and took part in events across the country. This year, let’s double these numbers and really make a statement together that mental illness, depression and other mood disorders are health priorities that need to be addressed and supported. Together we can make a direct impact!

Funds raised will go to the local mental health organizations that are taking part in the campaign and will also help provide depression resources, research and materials to spread the campaign and these resources to even more communities.

We need to help our loved ones through the recovery process. It is time that we all talk about depression and other mood disorders openly, honestly and often. We need to stand up against stigma, and help community non-profit mental health organizations in their work.

Be Part of the Campaign 

Here’s how…

1. REGISTER TODAY to Defeat Depression and Move for Mental Health. Online registration is easy, and takes just a couple of minutes.
2. LOOK FOR AN EVENT in your community, join their campaign, either individually or form a team.
3. HOLD YOUR OWN ACTIVITY if there is no event currently in your town or city. Do it on your own, or form a team. Don’t leave your town off our map!
4. SETUP your personalized campaign page. If you wish, add a personal reason why this campaign is important to you and your family and friends, share a picture if you want to.
5. SET A FUNDRAISING GOAL. Your personal site will allow you to set a fundraising goal and lets you send out emails and social media updates directly from your personalized page. Your family and friends will love following your progress.
6. SUPPORT your community mental health organization that is hosting the local event, and help the Defeat Depression Campaign that provides all the resources and supports for all the local organizations across the country. Your donations make a difference and will go to resources and services for local families that need your support.
7. SPREAD THE WORD, and invite your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to join the campaign. Form a team from your workplace, school, local club or organization.
8. VOLUNTEER at the event and help coordinate the activities in your community. As well, businesses are welcome to promote the event and donate giveaways to participants. Contact the event in your city or town today!

Sponsor the Campaign today!  Donate Here 

    Spring has finally arrived, and soon the bicycles, motorcycles, and summer sports will be in full swing. PLEASE, Wear a Helmet, and Save a Brain.

“There are those whose lives affect all others around them. Quietly touching one heart, who in turn, touches another. Reaching out to ends further than they would ever know. ”

William Bradfield –

The balancing act between, calcium & magnesium, sodium & potasium, copper & zinc

Your body will balance itself no matter what you think, do or say. This is one of the many things they don’t teach us in school. And not much is written about it.

For instance, your body insists the calcium in your body be balanced with the magnesium in your body. Well, everybody’s heard about taking calcium to protect your bones, so we take extra calcium not realizing that it may not be doing us any good. Most of us have a magnesium deficiency. As long as your magnesium level is low, your body will keep dumping calcium out of the body until they balance. Well, not entirely. Some of the calcium seems to get lost on the way out and ends up where it doesn’t belong-in our arteries. It appears we get enough calcium through diet and shouldn’t supplement with calcium at all, and what is really needed is extra magnesium so that our bodies will us the calcium we already have in our diet.

There’s also the deal where the body wants to balance sodium and potassium. When you swear off salt, your body dumps potassium, which raises your blood pressure. So the doctor says to really, really cut out salt, which ends up lowering your potassium even more. and thus increases your blood presssure. Ditch table salt, though. They process the life out of it, then bleach it, then add bad stuff to it. Use sea salt. You get good sodium-plus more than 80 trace minerals our bodies need.

And how about copper and zinc? They also have a ratio to maintain. But birth control pills-and other sources of bogus estrogen really raise women’s copper levels big time and effects our copper/zinc ratios. A whacked out copper/zinc ratio leads to thyroid problems big time. Half the population has thyroid problems, but most don’t know it.

So what do we learn?

Magnesium will help your body take up and use calcium. If you have a calcium problem, it might mean you are lacking magnesium. Try it and see if it helps.

If you have a potasiuim problem, (thnik high blood pressure) it might mean you need a little more sodium in your diet. Try it with your potasium and see if your HBP reduces.

If you have thyroid problems due to high copper levels, take extra zinc and see if you feel better.

Perhaps one of the most commonly missed and often the most valuable tax credit available to people with disabilities is the Disability Amount. This credit is most often called the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).  It is a non-refundable tax credit which can reduce the amount of tax that a person with a disability has to pay.

If the DTC is not required by the person with a disability to reduce their taxable income to zero, then it may be transferred in whole or in part to a family member who supplied some or all of the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter and clothing to the person.

This can save you THOUSANDS of dollars and is retroactive!