News Collaborative Program in Canada Offers Exercise and Social Sessions During Pandemic Collaborative Program in Canada Offers Exercise and Social Sessions During Pandemic by Mary Chapman | April 28, 2020 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link Niyazz/Shutterstock During the COVID-19Ā pandemic, a University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine initiative is offering a free virtual exercise and social connection program to individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions, according toĀ a press release. Called NeuroSask, the initiative is in collaboration with the MS Society of Canada, Parkinson Canada, Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan, Office of the Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Chair, and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. The nine-week program began April 23. It uses the Zoom video-conferencing app, and runs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. CST. Each session begins with a 30-minute movement class led by a physiotherapist, and is followed by a 30- to 45-minute āconnectā portion that varies weekly. The program employs evidence-based knowledge about physical activity, mental health, and social support for people with MS, Parkinsonās disease, and spinal cord injuries. On Thursday (April 30) Knox will talk about approaches to common neurological symptoms, including spasticity, pain, and sensory changes. In the first session, held April 23, a physiotherapist led seated participants in a movement class. After that, there was an āAsk the Expertsā panel featuring Saskatchewan physicians and neurological specialists Alex Rajput, Gary Linassi, and Michael Levin. Upcoming social connect topics will include mental health, diet, musical entertainment, mindfulness, and caregiver support. Participants need to registerĀ only once for the entire program. Registrants will receive an email each Monday and Wednesday evening outlining the upcoming session and providing a link. Up to 1,000 people can register. The program is free. Questions and program suggestions can by emailed to [email protected]. Globally, more than 2.3 million people have MS. With an estimated 77,000 patients, Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. In related news, a large review study published in the journal BMC Neurology suggests that exercise can ease fatigue in MS patients, and should be part of patient rehabilitation programs. Ā Print This Page About the Author Mary Chapman Mary graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in journalism. She began her career at United Press International, then spent a decade reporting for the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (now Bloomberg Industry Group). Mary has written extensively for The New York Times, and her work has appeared in publications such as Time, Newsweek, Fortune, and the Chicago Tribune. Sheās won a Society of Professional Journalists award for outstanding reporting. Tags Canada, COVID-19, exercise, movement, MS Society of Canada
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