What we do:

• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Build events and initiatives that have real impact
• Create a safe space where every voice counts

Your role can be:

• Sharing ideas and perspectives
• Helping shape projects and events
• Supporting with planning, outreach, or leadership tasks (big or small, every bit counts!)

Meetings (last Thursday of each month)

• Meetings will be virtual every last Thursday of each month and In-person once every 3 months (when possible)
• Our first meeting will be on October 30th at 12pm virtually

If you’d like to be part of this journey, reach out to me at ally.potel@flyberryevents.com. Whether you’re a student, professional, retired, new to Vancouver, or simply curious, you’re welcome. 

Let’s build something meaningful together.
 

Brain Health & Dementia Awareness

Joanne delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the importance of maintaining brain health throughout life. The central message was clear: what’s good for your body is good for your brain. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, social connection, and lifelong learning all contribute to keeping the brain strong and resilient.

We were reminded that the brain manages every aspect of life—thought, memory, movement, emotions, and even the beating of our hearts. Yet many people don’t start thinking about brain health until later in life, when they may begin to notice changes. The session highlighted the differences between normal age-related memory changes (like occasionally forgetting names or struggling with a word on the “tip of your tongue”) and dementia, which involves progressive memory loss and language difficulties severe enough to affect daily living.

Importantly, dementia is a disease, not a natural part of aging. While age, sex at birth, and genetics are non-modifiable risk factors, the good news is that many lifestyle choices are within our control. The speaker emphasized the role of cardiovascular health, hearing loss, stress management, and safety habits (like wearing helmets) in protecting brain function. Research into neuroplasticity shows that our brains remain capable of change and adaptation at any age, meaning it’s never too late to start building brain resilience.

Practical strategies included adopting elements of the Mediterranean diet, staying hydrated, engaging in hobbies and new learning opportunities, challenging the brain with creative tasks or puzzles, and staying socially connected. Even small changes—like taking the stairs, walking a different route, or practicing simple brain teasers—can help strengthen memory pathways and cognitive function.

The talk closed with an encouraging reminder that laughter, friendship, and community all support brain health, and that resources like the Dementia Helpline are available for anyone with questions or concerns.