FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON February 29, 2016
FREE Brain Health Fair to Visit Vancouver for First Time
Mayor Robertson Proclaims Brain Health Awareness Day
Vancouver, B.C. -
How much do you know about brain health? People of all ages are sure to learn something new at the 2016 Brain Health Fair, presented by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The free, one-day-only event includes fun, hands-on activities and plenty of opportunities to discover the wonders of the brain. Open to the general public, the fair encourages attendees to interact with some of the best and brightest neurologists in the world. As part of the Brain Health Fair’s keynote address, the AAN will acknowledge “Brain Health Awareness Day” in the City of Vancouver, as declared by Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. The Brain Health Fair is open to all Vancouver neurology patients, caregivers, families, students and anyone interested in brain health. Diseases that will be covered during the event include multiple sclerosis, dementia, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, movement disorders, headache, pediatric neurology and others. Features targeted to patients, families and caregivers: • “Ask a Neurologist” booths—talk to top neurologists • Learn about the latest treatments and research advances • Get prevention and healthy lifestyle tips You can also: • Walk through an inflatable, interactive brain • Hold an actual human brain • View animal brains—from mouse to dolphin • Create brain-inspired arts and crafts • Participate in active games in the sports pavilion • Learn how nerves govern your senses at the cranial nerve stations • Explore “Body Works Exhibits” and “Blow Your Mind Demonstrations” by Science World • Pick up a free bike helmet at the helmet giveaway • See winning videos from the Neuroscience Is…TM Cool Video Contest • View the work of local student scientists at the Science Fair Have a cool brain science project? All Vancouver elementary, middle school and high school students are encouraged to submit their brain, spinal cord, nerve or muscle science project to the Brain Health Fair’s Science Fair. Application deadline is March 16, 2016. For an application, go to BrainHealthFair.com. “There have been amazing advances in brain research and treatments over the past year, making it a really exciting time in brain health,” said Jon Stoessl, CM, MD, FRCPC, FCAHS, Co-Director of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Head of Neurology at the University of British Columbia and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the Brain Health Fair come to Vancouver because it will give residents exclusive access to some of the world’s top neurologists and neuroscientists, as well as the opportunity to learn about brain health in a fun and family-friendly setting.” “We are thrilled to welcome the American Academy of Neurology to Vancouver for one of the city’s biggest conferences of 2016,” said Dave Gazley, vice president of Meeting and Convention Sales at Tourism Vancouver. “It’s wonderful that AAN is engaging the local community through the Brain Health Fair, and we encourage everyone interested in brain health to attend and learn about this crucial issue.” “The 2016 Brain Health Fair is a great example of a positive lasting impact for the people of Vancouver from hosting such a prestigious convention,” said Claire Smith, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Vancouver Convention Centre. “The fair presents an unparalleled opportunity for the public to learn from some of the world’s leading experts in brain health.” The Brain Health Fair is presented by the American Academy of Neurology, which will bring an estimated 12,000 neurologists and health care professionals to Vancouver, B.C., April 15-21, 2016, for its 68th Annual Meeting, the world’s largest gathering of neurologists. About Tourism Vancouver Tourism Vancouver is the official destination marketing organization for Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The not-for-profit, member-based organization represents over 1,000 tourism businesses in Metro Vancouver and beyond. Tourism Vancouver markets Vancouver as a premier leisure, business, meetings and group travel destination in strategic markets around the world. http://www.tourismvancouver.com About the Vancouver Convention Centre Located on Vancouver’s downtown waterfront with a dramatic mountain backdrop, the world’s first LEED® Platinum certified convention centre offers one of the most beautiful settings in the world. The award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre features two connected buildings with a combined total of 466,500 ft2 (43,340 m2) of flexible meeting, exhibition, ballroom and plenary space. The facility is committed to environmental sustainability as well as unparalleled service, technology offerings and culinary excellence.