About the Lockdown Learning Series
In the early days of the Coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Pearson started seeing an increase in anxiety-related calls to his practice. During challenging times it is critical to connect with others and practice self-care. So, recognizing that we faced several months of physical distancing and at-home isolation, he teamed up with experts in the fields of medicine, fitness, nutrition, psychology and education, to deliver a live e-Learning Series that would bring us together and keep our minds and bodies strong—all while providing some much needed connection.
The full six webisode series is available for viewing on-demand below and although the we’re no longer in full lockdown, there are lots of great tips that can be applied during this transition period—and all the time. We’ll be back in the fall with more events and new content. Follow us on social or sign-up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about what’s new!
Lockdown Learning Series 2020: Full Season
Webisode 6:
Supporting Loved Ones Living with Dementia & Living in Long Term Care during COVID-19
Long term care residents are some of the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus – and patients living with dementia have been especially impacted, as the significant changes to their routines can increase their responsive behaviours. With experts agreeing that a second wave of the virus is not a matter of “if” but “when”—long term care residents, families and staff must be prepared for longstanding changes.
In webisode six, Dr. Pearson was joined by seasoned long term care administrator and registered nurse, Kelly Batson, and Christine Wright, Education Coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Society, to discuss Supporting Loved Ones Living with Dementia and Living in Long Term Care. People with loved ones in long term care can feel particularly helpless and we hope this session provided you with needed support.
What we covered:
The impact of COVID-19 on long term care residents – particularly people living with dementia
Managing responsive behaviours in dementia with cannabinoid-based medicines — including patient case studies
What has changed in long term care & what to expect in a post-Covid world
Advice for family/friends on how you can support your loved one through this extended period of change
**Additional resource sheet available HERE.
Originally aired: Wednesday July 15th, 2020: 7:00 PM EDT
Webisode 5:
Caring for Individuals Living with Disabilities during the Pandemic
The physical and psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are wide-reaching and have affected every one of us in personal ways. For adults and children living with disabilities, this has brought its own unique challenges: disrupting the routines that help our loved-ones thrive, cancelling much-needed support programs, and adding undue pressure onto the shoulders of already overextended caregivers.
In webisode five, Dr. Pearson was joined by entrepreneur, disabilities advocate and mother of a child with autism, Jessica Moran, for a real talk about how the pandemic has impacting disabled children, adults and their families, and shared practical advice to help you get through this strained time.
What we covered:
The impact of COVID-19 on children and adults living with disabilities
Advice & resources for supporting your loved ones
Self-care & support for caregivers & siblings
Practical tips from real families
**Additional resource sheet available HERE.
Originally aired: Wednesday June 24th, 2020: 7:00 PM EDT
Webisode 4:
Managing Chronic Pain and Musculoskeletal Pain during COVID-19
One in six Canadians suffer from severe chronic pain that limits their daily activities and reduces their quality of life. As a result of the new policies implemented to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, many surgeries, patient visits, injections, infusions and other pain management services have been postponed or cancelled altogether. This has a huge effect on chronic pain patients, many of whom are older and at a higher risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
In this session, Dr. Pearson was joined by chiropractor and acupuncture practitioner, Dr. Michael Anning and physical therapist, Ryan Cross, to take an interdisciplinary look at medical and physical pain management strategies and how to ensure quality of care during challenging times.
Together they discussed the best management and self-treatments for chronic and musculoskeletal pain during the pandemic, as well as the use of cannabinoid-based medicines in the treatment of chronic pain, where appropriate. They also provided at home instructions, exercise & stretching options, and general tips to better manage pain at home.
**Additional resource sheet available HERE.
Originally aired: Wednesday May 20th, 2020: 7:00 PM EDT
Webisode 3:
Coping with major life changes and relationship stressors resulting from COVID-19
Due to the overwhelming interest from our session on Coronavirus-related chronic stress, in webisode three, we dove even deeper into the mental and emotional side-effects the virus is having on individuals, couples and families everywhere.
Dr. Pearson was joined by clinical therapist, Meaghan Ferguson, M.A., PhD(c) of the Change Clinic in Toronto, Ontario. Meaghan has extensive experience counselling individuals, couples and families and shared her insights on how to manage the massive relationship stressors and major life changes many of us are facing right now, including:
Outlining the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare practitioners and patients
Strategies for creating space & separation and enhancing communication
Strategies for dealing with increased generalized/health/financial anxiety
Strategies for talking to children & how to address common parenting challenges
**Additional resource sheet available HERE.
Originally aired: Wednesday May 6th, 2020: 7:00 PM EDT
Webisode 2:
Chronic Stress: The Hidden Side-Effect of the Coronavirus Pandemic & What You Can Do About It
One of the hidden side-effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic is the increase in chronic stress & anxiety amongst our communities. Ongoing, chronic stress, can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems, including depression and anxiety, high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, gastrointestinal problems, skin issues and more. It can also lead to insomnia which can reduce your immune response and impact your mental state.
In webisode two, Dr. Pearson and Dr. Matthew Clifford, who runs a large family practice in Southwestern Ontario, addressed the often-hidden symptoms of stress, the impacts of chronic stress on your overall health and simple steps to take to start improving your mindset.
**Additional resource sheet available HERE.
Originally aired: Wednesday April 22nd, 2020: 7:00 PM EDT
Webisode 1: Boosting your Immune System
In our first session, Dr. Pearson & nutrition and fitness expert, Adam VanHoogenhuize from O2 Fuel, shared their top tips for boosting your immune system, managing pain, and adding a little activity into your day, while you’re not able to take part in your regular activities.
Learning something new and engaging in activities you enjoy are the foundation of self-care and key to helping you stay positive & healthy at this time. We enjoyed connecting with you at our first event!
*Please note that due to an error with the video file, we have included the presentation and audio below.
**Additional resource sheet available HERE.
Originally aired: Wednesday April 8th, 2020: 6:30 PM EDT