Parkinson Canada has partnered with the Davis Phinney Foundation to publish the latest edition of the Every Victory Counts® manual, creating a resource brimming with the information Canadians need to live well with Parkinson’s.

The Canadian Edition is now available!

This world-renowned resource has reflected the state of Parkinson’s in the USA since its release in 2010. For the first time ever, Canadians will have access to a fully Canadianized version of this invaluable book.

Not only is it a resource that touches upon all aspects of living with Parkinson’s, but it does so on a peer-to-peer level. You won’t find any complicated medical speak without a simply put explanation alongside it.

In anticipation of this exciting partnership for Parkinson Canada and the community, we spoke with Joe van Koeverden, who is both a Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassador and a member of the Parkinson Advisory Council.

“They’ve thought of everything,” Joe says. “It’s a complete, easy-to-read manual that covers what you need to know about Parkinson’s. From your diagnosis through to the progression of the challenges you may face on your journey with the disease. The chapters are planned and written by some 50 recognized Parkinson’s experts. It contains everything from managing physical and emotional symptoms, to treatments and therapies, nutrition, social connections and community.”

Why a Canadian version?

Canadians have long made use of the Davis Phinney Foundation’s Every Victory Counts® manual as it is the gold standard resource for living well with Parkinson’s. However, there are many differences in the health and social service systems between Canada and the US, and as a result references to statistics, programs, treatments and resources in the original manual may not be available or fully relevant to Canadians. The Canadian edition has been adapted to ensure that Canadians will be able to utilize the Every Victory Counts® manual to the same extent as their American counterparts!

Whether you’re new to the Every Victory Counts® manual or a previous edition has been on your coffee table since your diagnosis, here’s what you can expect to discover in this new edition:

Throughout the entire book, Canadian Parkinson’s statistics are accompanied by testimonials and quotes from Canadians who are managing a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms.

• Chapter 7: Medications, have received a full overhaul to provide the most accurate information about treatments available in Canada and medications approved by Health Canada while respecting that availability can differ from province to province as well.
• Chapter 15: Home care, long-term care, and financial planning has been thoroughly updated to reflect the options Canadians have regarding long-term care and legal preparations. While many of the sentiments and struggles with the financial impact of Parkinson’s know no borders, how we prepare ourselves and the legalities involved are country-specific. The Canadian edition of the Every Victory Counts® manual equips Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s with the information needed to make the necessary plans that are right for them.
  Joe shares how the book has also been adapted to a digital format.

“Previous versions of the Every Victory Counts® manual had a lot of useful worksheets, checklists, and assessments in the back, like a survey of how to prepare for your next doctor’s visit or what you should be asking your dentist about oral health,” explains Joe. “These forms will be shifted online to make them as useful as possible – users can conveniently access and fill them out digitally or print them as needed.”

This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding all aspects of Parkinson’s, but everyone’s experience is unique. Just as there are no clear beginnings or ends to Parkinson’s stages, the book doesn’t need to be read from beginning to end. It’s a guide that lends itself to be picked up and referenced when you need information, empowering Canadians to lead their own care team.

This patient-centric approach puts you at the center of your care team to make sure the professionals you work with all exchange their findings with one another. Sometimes that means you debrief your care team, and sometimes it means having them communicate with one another on your behalf.

The Every Victory Counts® manual is one of the best resources for enabling Canadians with Parkinson’s to advocate for themselves and play an active role in their care. The book gives personal accounts of patient-centric wins and gives direction to those who want to become more self-managed in their Parkinson’s.
“I have actually given this book to medical professionals, my family doctor specifically, and he, who was so impressed by it he asked for more copies,” said Joe. “It’s also beneficial for care partners to see the Parkinson’s journey holistically and to learn what to expect.”

Our upcoming book launch webinar will provide empowering tips for Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s to take charge of their own care (or lend support as a care partner) and provide nitty-gritty spoilers and discussions about the book’s popular sections so you know what to expect from this new resource.

Be sure to order your copy ahead of time so you can ask our panel of experts any questions you may have after your time with the book!

Get your copy of the Every Victory Counts® Canadian Edition Manual