Let's Talk Health and Wellbeing Resources
Doctor holding hands with patient (Source: Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash)
Doctor holding hands with patient (Source: Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash)
How does this align with my curriculum?
Discover a set of resources that will give you the background information you need for the Let's Talk Health and Wellbeing Visionary Symposium.
When you think of health, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you’re like most people, your first thought is likely related to physical well-being. However, being healthy and well involves more than just physical health. In the Let's Talk Health & Wellbeing symposium, we explored the chemical, physiological, and psychological aspects of mental health. We will also consider mental health for a diverse range of individuals, including those residing in indigenous communities.
More about the speakers and their presentations
Dr. Rudolf Uher is a neuroscientist and psychiatrist. He grew up in Prague, Czech Republic, where he completed medical school. He then trained in neuroscience, genetics, and psychiatry in London, UK. In 2012, Rudolf moved to Canada to work as Canada Research Chair in Early Intervention in Psychiatry at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. He works as a medical doctor for mental health (psychiatrist), teaches students at university, and leads research projects to find out how to treat or prevent depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other types of mental illness.
In Rudolf’s presentation, he explored the connection between brain and mental health, and the symptoms and treatments for common mental health concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Dr. Chelsea Matisz is a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Lethbridge. She began her scientific journey at the University of Lethbridge and transformed her childhood fascination with science into a career. With a background in Biological Sciences, she earned her PhD from the University of Calgary, focusing on gut-brain connections and mental health. Chelsea’s research explores the positive effects of parasites on gut inflammation and sheds light on the connection between diet and mental health, offering insights that empower people to make informed dietary choices. Her passion lies in data analysis and sharing scientific insights with the community.
In Chelsea’s presentation, she discussed how gut health affects brain health and mental health, and introduced the role of gut microbiome and the various ways of gut-brain communication.
Dr. Elaine Toombs is an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University. Her research primarily focuses on First Nations mental health using community-based methods, including how eHealth interventions can be used in a culturally-relevant manner with Indigenous people seeking treatment for substance use. As a co-investigator, she has held over 1.5 million dollars in research funding to date, and has published over 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts in a variety of scientific journals on topics related to First Nation mental health, resilience, and wellbeing. In addition to her academic work, Elaine is a registered clinical psychologist at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and provides on-reserve assessment, intervention, and consultation services for First Nation children, adolescents, and adults.
In Elaine's presentation, she discussed the importance of evidence-based research in mental health treatment and the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and First Nation mental health outcomes.
Related Resources
Mental Health
Related Careers
Rudolf Uher
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Psychiatrist
Chelsea Matisz (she/her)
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Postdoctoral Scholar
Nicole Redvers (she/her)
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Associate Professor and Director of Planetary Health
Annie Martin
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Portfolio Manager for the Health Beyond Initiative
Marcia Anderson (she/her)
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Physician and Vice-Dean Indigenous Health, Social Justice and Anti-Racism
Anastasiia Prysyazhnyuk
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Science and Innovation Lead, Health Beyond Initiative