humour for health poster presentation: boston2006
DESCRIPTION
This poster was presented at the American Spinal Cord Injury Association\'s annual conference held in Boston in 2006.TRANSCRIPT
A Leisure Education Series For People With Spinal Cord Injuries
A Lesson in Humour
Approaching life with humour can be challenging after a life altering disability. The Humour for Health series was created to help people with SCI to identify and develop skills necessary in building a more positive perspective about life.
Research shows that humour and social connections have positive effects on all aspects of health. This series of workshops was developed by a recreation therapist to show ways of challenging perspectives, approaching problems differently, and finding rewards in reaching out and sharing with others. Humour for Health is a forum for coping with disability and providing peer support during the rehabilitation process. Sessions are led by a Recreation Therapist.
These interactive workshops have been tailored for specific needs of inpatient, outpatient, and community groups.
The Humour for Health series of workshops takes place four times a year at GF Strong Rehab Centre in Vancouver. They have been offered throughout British Columbia in community and care facilities. Sessions in the community have been supported by the BC Neurotrauma Fund.
Research is underway to study the impact of the sessions in promoting positive changes through: 1. decreasing free time boredom 2. enhancing life view3. increasing perceived freedom in leisure 4. increasing recreation and leisure involvement 5. decreasing the amount of TV watching.
Mary Clark, BA Recreation Therapist, G.F. Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
Participant Numbers: April 2004-June 2006
Comments from participants:
“Helped me focus on the positive”
“Lots of interaction and sharing”
“I learned to take life a lot easier”
“Great suggestions and practical strategies”
“It was fun, informative, and thought provoking”
“Learned ways to channel happiness into daily
life”
“Learning how others achieve happiness
and overcome challenges”
Series description:
Six 1.5 hour Workshops
1. Laughter Is the Best Medicine
2. Humour and Your Body
3. Humour Is What You Focus on
4. Humour Sticks People Together
5. Humour Is Your Steering Wheel
6. The Last Laugh
Spinal Cord Injury Inpatients: 51
Spinal Cord Injury Outpatients: 111
For more information, please contact Mary Clark, Recreation Therapist at 604.737.6261 or email: [email protected]
“Excellent plan on how to use humour
more in both personal and professional
lives”