Printer FriendlyOur Team
CF Team members (right to left): Kim MacFadyen, Sheri Rose, Michele Brake, Paula Barrett and Martha Greechan
Paula Barrett: Nurse Coordinator
Michele Brake: Social Worker
As a social worker my main purpose is to provide support and information to you and members of your family. I am able to meet with you on a one to one basis or sometimes you may want family members to attend. We can discuss various problems that come up and this does not have to involve CF.
Dealing with a chronic illness like CF is sometimes frustrating and stressful. I am able to talk about your experiences. We can also spend time discussing ways to cope and plan for the future. When it comes time to move onto university and the adult clinic, I will assist with the transition and also share information on funding for school.
I am able to meet during clinic appointments and during travelling clinics, but I can also meet you outside of clinic in my office. Our visits are confidential. The only time I would break this rule is when you are doing something illegal or harmful to you or someone else - otherwise, our conversations and e-mails are private.
If you would like to get a hold of me please remember, my hours are MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. My e-mail is michele.brake@iwk.nshealth.ca. My telephone number is (902) 470-8077. The IWK Health Centre has a toll free number 1 888 470-5888. Just ask the switchboard operator to connect you with Michele Brake in Social Work.
Dr. Dan Hughes: Physician
Kimbly MacFadyen: Physiotherapist
My primary role as a physiotherapist is to ensure that each person has and is consistently completing a physio routine that maximizes their lung function. Whether you are in hospital, out of hospital, at home or away from home physio is a daily requirement that has to be a part of your daily life!
When people with CF think of physiotherapy, they usually think of percussion (clapping). However, physio also includes:
- PEP mask (Positive Expiratory Pressure)
- autogenic drainage
- flutter
- huffing
- posture
- active cycle of breathing techniques
- HiPEP
- exercise
- diaphragmatic (belly) breathing
- expectorating sputum
In my practice, I promote exercise and breathing control. If you can move the air, then you can move the mucous! Of course, exercise makes you breath deeper, strengthens your muscles (even those responsible for breathing), and makes your entire body (lungs included) work better.
When exercise is done regularly it can improve your PFT’s! There are so many ways that you can ‘exercise.’ It simply involves fitting activity into your day - join a gym, play on a community or school sports team, play basketball after school, go swimming, ride your bike, walk places, take the stairs instead of the elevator and the list goes on. Also, singing in a choir or by yourself or playing an instrument (one that you have to breathe to play) helps your lungs and also improves your breathing control. These activities are important not only for treating CF but also in helping you lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
The other issue I focus on is individualism. Physio should be specific to you. No two people with CF are exactly the same, we all lead different lives, and with so many physio options you should have a physio routine that keeps you as healthy as you can possibly be with the least amount of disruption to your daily life.
If you want more information or want to talk ‘physio’ you can contact me. I am available Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. You can reach me by phone 470-8440 or email kimbly.macfadyen@iwk.nshealth.ca
Sheri Rose: Nutritionist
As a nutritionist/dietitian, my primary role is to monitor your growth, weight, enzymes, ADEKs and to get the “scoop on poop!”
We can discuss how to take the correct amount of enzymes to prevent mal-absorption and weight loss. We can talk about the foods that provide the best amount of energy and calories for you. Sometimes you may need nutritional supplements, which I can help with choosing, and we can discuss the importance of vitamins and taking your ADEK.
At times you will be frustrated because you will be eating lots of food but are still unable to gain weight. Even though you are taking your enzymes you may still have increased gas and many trips to the bathroom. There may be times when you are eating your parents out of the house or other times when you have no appetite at all. I can assist you with solving these issues.
We will also discuss general healthy nutrition. Together we can come up with ideas for you to overcome some of these frustrating issues. I am able to meet with you in the CF clinic or we can make a separate appointment. I can also be reached by e-mail and telephone. (902)470-7875 or sheri.rose@iwk.nshealth.ca
