Burnaby Stroke Recovery Group

08/04/2026

Our annual summer BBQ is coming up this Friday August 7th. If you are a stroke survivor we encourage you to join us at Edmonds Community Park from 10am-12pm for free hotdogs/burgers and an opportunity to connect with other stroke survivors. You are welcome to bring a family member too!

RSVP Aug 5th midnight: https://forms.gle/A5prK2XbrsmF85aD7

We are hosting our annual summer bbq for stroke survivors & family in Burnaby and surrounding areas. Please RSVP by Aug 5th using the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSco_dY-vEwxd8ss5uSHD1RniZJEGlrwMBV8ThUq3S2xQG3Vsw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111055370466911606217

07/31/2026

Last day to apply for a volunteer opportunity with us for September start! 😀

Currently accepting up to 2 volunteers to start September 2026 or earlier. Our application deadline closes July 31 at Noon. Description: The stroke recovery support volunteer will have a direct role in supporting participants with program activities including light exercise, brain games, and support...

07/31/2026

We are hosting our annual summer bbq for stroke survivors & family in Burnaby and surrounding areas. Please RSVP by Aug 5th using the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSco_dY-vEwxd8ss5uSHD1RniZJEGlrwMBV8ThUq3S2xQG3Vsw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111055370466911606217

06/16/2026

Our volunteer applications have reopened for September 2026 start (or earlier).

Deadline to apply for our next intake will be July 31st @ noon.

Currently accepting up to 2 volunteers to start September 2026 or earlier. Our application deadline closes July 31 at Noon. Description: The stroke recovery support volunteer will have a direct role in supporting participants with program activities including light exercise, brain games, and support...

06/05/2026

Stroke Recovery: Why Diet Matters

Diet plays an important role in stroke recovery and prevention. Food cannot cure a stroke, but it can help support the brain, heart, and blood vessels as the body heals.

A healthy diet after stroke should include more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, fish, lean protein, nuts, and healthy oils. These foods provide fibre, vitamins, and minerals that help the body stay strong. Fibre can also help lower cholesterol, which is important for blood vessel health.

One major thing to watch is salt. Too much salt can raise blood pressure, and high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for another stroke. Many salty foods are processed foods, canned soup, sauces, deli meats, instant noodles, and takeout meals.

It is also helpful to limit fried foods, sugary drinks, processed snacks, and foods high in saturated fat. Small changes can make a big difference. For example, choose brown rice instead of white rice, add vegetables to meals, eat fruit as a snack, and use less sauce.

For some stroke survivors, swallowing may be difficult. In that case, they should follow advice from a doctor, dietitian, or speech-language pathologist.

05/25/2026

Neuroplasticity: How the Brain Relearns After Stroke

After a stroke, some brain pathways may be damaged. But the brain has an amazing ability called neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity means the brain can rewire itself by forming new connections. Healthy parts of the brain may learn to help with skills that were affected, such as walking, speaking, balance, or hand movement.

This does not happen overnight. The brain needs repetition. Every time a person practices a movement, word, or daily task, the brain receives a signal: “This is important.” Over time, those repeated signals can strengthen new pathways.

That is why small daily practice matters. Even simple actions, such as standing up, reaching for a cup, saying a word clearly, or using the affected hand, can help train the brain.

Progress may feel slow, but slow does not mean nothing is happening. Sometimes the brain is changing before the results are easy to see.

Stroke recovery is not just about muscles. It is also about the brain learning new routes to do old jobs.

04/27/2026

How Lack of Oxygen Damages Brain Cells

The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen from the blood to work properly. Unlike other organs, it cannot store much energy, so even a short loss of oxygen can be dangerous.

During a stroke, blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. Without oxygen, brain cells cannot make the energy they need. Their normal functions begin to fail, signals between cells break down, and swelling can occur.

If blood flow is not restored quickly, brain cells start to die. This can lead to sudden symptoms such as weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, or vision changes, depending on which area of the brain is affected.

This is why people say “time is brain.” The faster the treatment begins, the more brain tissue may be saved.

The good news is that the brain can still adapt through Neuroplasticity. With therapy, practice, and time, healthy parts of the brain may help take over lost functions.

Every minute matters, but so does hope and recovery.

04/16/2026

How Small Daily Habits Rewire the Brain

After a stroke, the brain doesn’t just “heal” on its own; it adapts. This process, called neuroplasticity, is what makes recovery possible.

But here’s the reality: it’s not driven by big efforts. It’s built through small, repeated actions.

Every time you practice a movement, say a word, or try a task again, you’re sending signals through the brain. At first, those signals are weak or don’t get through at all. But with repetition, new pathways begin to form. Slowly, the brain finds a different way to do the same job.

This is why daily habits matter so much. Brushing your teeth with your affected hand, practicing speech for a few minutes, or walking short distances—these don’t feel like major achievements in the moment. But they’re exactly what drives change.

It can feel frustrating because progress is invisible at first. You’re putting in effort without seeing results right away. But underneath, the brain is adjusting.

Over time, those small actions become easier. Movements feel smoother. Words come quicker.

Recovery isn’t about doing something extraordinary. It’s about doing ordinary things, consistently, until they become possible again.