Staying Healthy

Calm your emotions

• Find ways to be in charge of your emotions and work on developing a positive, hopeful mind set.
• A few slow, deep diaphragmatic breaths will help relax those tense muscles and calm you down.
• Having a good laugh is also a good release.
• Take care of your mental health. Bounce back provides community based self-help strategies, for people with only minimal thinking problems, to help cope with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. C.O.M.H. has online resources for positive coping with health conditions, relaxation, depression and suicide. 
• If you are having a lot of trouble with your emotions, e.g. anger or depression, then talk to your doctor.

Take care of your health

• Sleep is healing to your brain and body. If you have trouble sleeping check out sleep hygiene tips. If you are still having problems, talk to your doctor.
• Eat a healthy diet, drink water and stay at a weight that is healthy for you. If you want more information about food and healthy food choices check out the Dieticians of Canada interactive site.
• Follow the recommendations by your healthcare team. Keep in contact with your health care providers, as needed.
• Use medicine as it is prescribed.  You should understand what you are taking and why, and the possible side effects.  Make sure to report any problems to your doctor. Try to go to the same pharmacy each time and carry a list of your medicines with you. Read the knowledge is the best medicine booklet, down load and fill out the medication record book.
• Take care of health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and seizures (epilepsy)
• Stop smoking and reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.  Get help with drug abuse. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs can slow down your recovery and make your health issues worse. Talk to your doctor about resources. The SUBI client workbook (Substance use / Brain Injury Bridging Project) has some useful strategies that you can learn with the help of a counsellor.
• Get advice about your non emergency health concerns from Health Link BC or call 811