north Zone NEWS Zone

Your Health Care in Your Community 2015 NOVEMBER

We’re“ very fortunate ... because of the support of the Friends (of society). We have centrifuges, fridges and other new equipment thanks to their hard work

– Karen Bland, laboratory manager with Health Services North Zone Laboratory Services friends you can count on Nichole Blake, a lab technician at the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre, puts blood samples in the new $47,000 complete blood count analyzer, which was recently purchased by the Friends Sharon Larson photo | of Whitecourt for the facilty. PAGE 2 give us the news sink their teeth on Zone News into a good start Zone News needs your help. We’re looking to Good oral health for your children begins long update our product and want you readers to let us before their first tooth appears. And when that know what we’re doing well and where we could momentous occasion happens, we have some improve. Please take a few moments tips for their teeth that will make a to fill out our Reader Survey. PAGE 5 lifelong difference to their health. PAGE 6

GOOD HEALTH ISN’T CONTAGIOUS. INFLUENZA IS. Chances are, you will be exposed to influenza this season. PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT OTHERS Get your influenza immunization. Why chance it?

Alberta’s influenza immunization program is ongoing www.ahs.ca/influenza | Health Link: 811 PAGE 2 l o c a l l e a d e r s good friends in deeds Friends of Whitecourt Society helps fund health care equipment, making a huge difference to care in this northern Alberta town DR. kevin worry shelly pusch Story by Mark Evans | Photo by Sharon Larson North Zone executive leadership team atients and physicians at the Whitecourt anything that is needed at the Whitecourt healthy eating Healthcare Centre now get complete Healthcare Centre and will further the health Pblood count (CBC) tests done more and well-being of the citizens of Whitecourt,” for the holidays quickly thanks to the Friends of Whitecourt says Val Scott, president of the Friends of Society, which recently purchased a new Whitecourt. “We have funded equipment and ood is an important part of many $47,000 blood count analyzer for the hospital. education for staff and community programs holiday celebrations with family and “It’s our most commonly ordered hematology such as Go Girl, which encourages young girls Ffriends, but the foods served at these test,” says Karen Bland, laboratory manager, to try new sports and activities.” occasions are often higher in calories, fat and North Zone Laboratory Services. She For the past 12 years, the Friends of sugar. estimates the hospital in Whitecourt averages Whitecourt has been essential to the As the Christmas season quickly 70 CBC tests per day. endoscopy program at the Whitecourt approaches, now is a good time to start Complete blood count tests are needed Healthcare Centre, investing $1.2 million in planning ahead about how to eat healthy when physicians need to know if their patient equipment and supplies to save residents from over the holidays. has an infection, if their iron levels are low, or if having to travel to other communities to get the they don’t have enough blood platelets. test, which is often done to screen for certain Limit the appetizers The old machine, purchased in 2008, was cancers. Many of these small bites are high in no longer keeping up to demand and often There isn’t a room in the facility that doesn’t calories and fat and are often eaten as extras required repairs. have something donated from the group on top of calories from your regular meals. “We were always troubleshooting it,” says whether it’s the free televisions and telephones Choose a few items that you enjoy, and leave Bland. in patient rooms, the fetal heart monitor, the rest. Try to socialize with friends away When the machine was down, the blood birthing beds or updated furniture. from the appetizer or food table. tests would be quickly shipped to a nearby “There are people new to the community Choose healthy drinks AHS site. But this meant that results were who are amazed by the services provided Many holiday drinks are high in sugar and delayed getting back to physicians. in the hospital because we are here,” says calories, including eggnog, hot chocolate, A new analyzer was identified as a need Scott. n pop and fruit punch. Alcohol may be a part in Whitecourt, and the of the festivities, but can also be high in donation from the Friends calories. The healthiest drinks of choice are group meant patients started water and low-fat milk. You can also choose benefiting from the purchase black coffee, tea, or herbal tea with one per sooner than otherwise cent milk. possible. “This new analyzer hasn’t Build a healthy plate been down since it arrived. Choose a small plate, if possible, to No troubleshooting at all,” help you keep your portions smaller. Fill at says Bland. “We’re very least half of your plate with vegetables and fortunate in Whitecourt fruit, a quarter of your plate with grains, because of the support and a quarter of your plate with meat or of the Friends. We have alternatives. centrifuges, fridges and It’s also important to eat slowly and other new equipment thanks mindfully, practise saying “no, thank you” if to their hard work. They you’re full, and don’t be shy about taking have been very generous some food home if you can’t finish your with all their donations to the plate. Whitecourt Lab.” It can be easy to overeat where there is a The new analyzer is just lot of food around and sometimes the holiday one of the approximately season can bring added stress to a person’s $3-million worth of donations life, also triggering unhealthy eating habits. the group has made over its But with a little planning and self- decades of work supporting awareness, you can make healthy food health care initiatives in the The new $47,000 complete blood count analyzer, purchased for choices and still enjoy holiday celebrations. n community. the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre by the Friends of Whitecourt “We will consider funding Society, has been in constant use since it arrived.

䘀攀渀琀愀渀礀氀 洀愀礀 戀攀 栀椀搀椀渀最 椀渀 琀栀攀 搀爀甀最猀 礀漀甀ᤠ爀攀 甀猀椀渀最⸀ 眀眀眀⸀搀爀甀最猀昀漀漀氀⸀挀愀 www.albertahealthservices.ca There are plenty of health care options available. Learn yours by visiting the AHS website. i n y o u r z o n e PAGE 3

Thanks to Telehealth, Ann Jamieson of , left, is able to meet with nurse Debra Ney, working from ’s Renal Insufficiency Clinic, without the hassle and expense of travelling there.

tuning in to health care In the past, Ann Jamieson had to travel hours to see her doctor for a routine check. Now, she’s still getting face-to-face appointments through Telehealth videoconferencing – saving her both time and money Story by Sara Warr | Photo by Lisa Peters

five-hour trip to Edmonton in the “The specialist or clinician is responsible for dead of winter for a 15-minute routine determining if the appointment can be held Aappointment is a thing of the past for Ann I feel“ just as over Telehealth, and this depends on what Jamieson and many others. comfortable having the the clinician or specialist requires during the “My doctor doesn’t feel like I need to see appointment,” Treppel says. “There may be her face-to-face when we can do it over appointments through specific reasons why Telehealth may not be videoconference,” says Jamieson, who lives in Telehealth as in-person possible. Types of Telehealth sessions can Grande Prairie. ... The appointments are include consultations, followup appointments Diagnosed with poor kidney function five and even family visits connecting families who years ago, Jamieson initially made the five-hour almost identical have been separated due to hospitalization.” drive to her appointments at the Alberta Health But for many patients and clinicians, like – Grande Prairie resident and renal patient Services (AHS) Renal Insufficiency Clinic in Jamieson and her care team at the Renal Ann Jamieson of Telehealth meetings Edmonton, until her care team recommended Insufficiency Clinic, it’s a perfect fit. with her Edmonton care team meeting via Telehealth videoconference instead. “The sort of metabolic issues that people with “The big thing was the cost and time for kidney disease deal with are mostly things that travel,” she says. “If I go to Edmonton, it has to Telehealth has been utilized in clinical settings show up in bloodwork,” explains McKenzie. be overnight because I get tired really fast. Fuel, for more than a decade. As Judy Treppel, “We’ll review bloodwork with them and do food, hotel room – it can cost anywhere between Provincial Manager for Clinical Telehealth an assessment, which is easily done over $500 to $1,000.” with AHS explains, more departments are Telehealth. It’s made our care so much easier in The clinic, offered through AHS’ Northern incorporating Telehealth into their daily practice. many ways; we love it.” Alberta Renal Program (NARP), a division of “We work with a variety of clinical programs As does Jamieson. Alberta Kidney Care, often uses Telehealth to to look at ways they can adopt Telehealth. “I feel just as comfortable having the connect with patients who don’t live near the Mental health, nephrology, neurology, pediatrics, appointments through Telehealth as in-person,” major centres of Edmonton or . pulmonary and cardiology programs are a few of she says. “They’re right there on the screen, they “We do well over 1,000 Telehealth visits per the clinical programs that are utilizing Telehealth. can see me and my colouring. The appointments year through our U of A (University of Alberta Patients are starting to ask clinicians if their are almost identical. We go over the same Hospital) clinic alone,” explains Janice McKenzie, appointment could be held by Telehealth rather things, in the same order – how I’m feeling, my Unit Manager for the Renal Insufficiency Clinic. than travelling into the city,” says Treppel. prescriptions and my medication list – it’s like I’m “Depending on what their level of kidney function Approximately 37,000 patients received care in the room with them.” is, we might want to see them once a month or through Telehealth in AHS’ 2014/2015 fiscal year Unlike Skype or FaceTime, Telehealth sessions every three months. The travel can be quite a alone. Telehealth is not a replacement for face- provide help over a secure connection, ensuring burden, particularly during the winter with poor to-face appointments, but rather an alternative patient confidentiality. To see if Telehealth is right road conditions.” method for patients to receive timely care. for you, ask your health care provider. n

A career in health care can be extremely rewarding. Visit the AHS website for career details. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 4 a t y o u r s e r v i c e paramedic goes these kids who Services in ... are battling your community the extra mile cancer ... see life through a Screen Test Mobile ... per hour “ Mammography different lens Screen Test provides mammography AHS staffer’s passion for motorsports – paramedic screening to women ages 50 to 74 – the Brent Thorkelson, who is raising age group most at risk of developing helps fight childhood cancer money to help fight childhood cancer breast cancer – in rural communities Story by Francis Silvaggio | where the service isn’t regularly available. The program is coming to the following rent Thorkelson is a self-proclaimed do anything to deserve it.” North Zone communities: adrenalin junkie. Since 2012, Hands Together for a Cure has • Redwater: Nov. 13-14, 16. B The paramedic of 25 years and former raised nearly $55,000 by giving donors a chance • : Nov. 21, 23. competitive race-car driver is driven to succeed, to ride with Thorkelson in his Porsche 911 GT3 at • : Nov. 24-27. attacking every challenge like the high-speed the annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb in Kelowna, Appointments fill up quickly. To courses he used to race on. B.C. The fundraising event also gives young book your appointment, confirm dates “I like the idea of having to make critical cancer patients and survivors a chance to buckle and locations, and to inquire about decisions, thoughts and processes on the fly,” in beside Thorkelson for the ride of their lives. upcoming North Zone stops, call toll-free says Thorkelson, Senior Staff Development Officer “I meet some incredible families and some 1.800.667.0604. For more information, for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with incredible kids,” says Thorkelson. “These kids who visit www.screeningforlife.ca/screentest. Alberta Health Services. are suffering from cancer and are battling cancer “And in this (EMS) profession, especially in this or are in remission see life through a different lens. day and age, we can make a tremendous amount They are amazing individuals.” of difference to patient outcomes in a very short Thorkelson is already preparing for next year’s period of time.” event. n Four years ago, Thorkelson shifted gears and combined his passions to head in a different direction. “My son and I always wanted to raise awareness for kids’ cancer, but the problem is that when we’re competing … it’s Volunteer Services just nonstop,” he says. Alberta Health Services accepts “So we never really had volunteers for a variety of different the time or opportunity programs. Explore different career options to mix competitive racing and gain valuable experience, while with a good cause until developing new skills. Learn more about now.” the volunteer roles offered throughout Along with his son the North Zone, and the process of and wife, Thorkelson becoming a volunteer by visiting www. set up Hands Together albertahealthservices.ca/4296.asp, for a Cure, an annual or by calling the volunteer resources fundraising event that department at the facility where you’d like supports the Kids Cancer to volunteer. Care Foundation of Alberta, which provides important funding for Addiction Services research and education, Community addiction counselling as well as hospital and services are available to adults or youth outreach programs. seeking help in overcoming problems “I personally have a really associated with alcohol, drugs or tough time with children gambling. Counsellors and clients design who have been afflicted by a personal treatment plan and followup. cancer,” says Thorkelson. Referrals can be made to detoxification “There are few things in programs and residential addiction this world that can be treatment, where appropriate. All addiction considered accidents. services, including outpatient services, There’s always a cause are voluntary, confidential and free of except when it comes to charge. For 24/7 addictions help, call the a child with cancer. That Brent Thorkelson sits behind the wheel of his Porsche 911 GT3, which Addictions Helpline at 1.866.332.2322. is an accident. They didn’t he uses to raise money to fight childhood cancer.

Dementia Advice Available through Health Link

A project of the Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network.

www.albertahealthservices.ca Do you have concerns about your health? Visit the AHS website for symptom information. & r e a d e r s u r v e y PAGE 5 Visit Us Online Zone NEWS FACEBOOK READER SURVEY She’s just 11 years old, but ear Reader: Alberta Health Services produces five editions ofZone News each month – already knows all one for each health zone in the province (see map on page 8). In it, we want to tell Albertans about bravery in about what we are doing to improve your health by featuring stories about technological the face of cancer. improvements, up-to-date research, local programs and services, and the people on our front Now, she hopes her lines. We are looking to update Zone News and would appreciate your feedback on what we areD doing well and areas we could improve. words will inspire Please take the time to fill out this reader survey and mail it to: other kids to be brave as well. Read our Alberta Health Services, Communications department, Passion for Health blog post written by guest 10301 Southport Lane S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2W 1S7. Attention: Kit Poole. Natasha Rose Gould: bit.ly/1OCMtJz. Or go online and fill out the survey at https://survey.albertahealthservices.ca/zonenews & 1. In which Alberta Health Services zone do you live? o Calgary. o Edmonton. o Central. o North. o South. YouTube 2. What is your gender? o Male. o Female. Pediatric resuscitation: new research 3. What is your age group? o Over 65. o 50-64. o 35-49. o 20-34. o Under 20. shows training in teamwork and 4. Are you an Alberta Health Services employee? o Yes. o No. communication leads to better performances 5. Where do you get your copy of Zone News? by those who respond to pediatric cardiac o Online. o In a health care facility. o In a grocery store. o In drug store or pharmacy. emergencies: http://bit.ly/1LMLJzQ. & 6. When you see the Zone News masthead, do you immediately identify it with Alberta Health Services? o Yes, I understand it’s an AHS publication. o No, the name should change. 7 What type of features do you prefer? n AHS executives’ columns on projects and updates to facilities in your zone (page 2). Passion for Health blogs are an o Always read. o Sometimes read. o Never read. opportunity to introduce Albertans to the n Profiles on AHS staff (page 2). people behind AHS who care deeply about o Always read. o Sometimes read. o Never read. providing them the best possible care. The n How surgical procedures have changed the lives of patients subjects range from personal stories of (pages 3-5). triumph, to healthy recipes, to active living. o Always read. o Sometimes read. o Never read. For some of our latest blogs, visit www. n New research and clinical trials and their potential for albertahealthservices.ca/blogs/pfh. improving health (pages 3-5). o Always read. o Sometimes read. o Never read. n How AHS services and programs have helped clients (pages 3-5). pinterest

o Always read. o Sometimes read. o Never read. Visit www.pinterest.com/ahsbehealthy. n Profiles on AHS volunteers in facilities and programs in your zone (page 5). o Always read. o Sometimes read. o Never read. n Lifestyle and wellness features (page 6). o Always read. o Sometimes read. o Never read. n Features on how foundations are making a difference (page 7). o Always read. o Sometimes read. o Never read. 8. Zone News offers two informative columns every month. One is ‘At Your Service’ that lists services and programs in your area. The other is ‘Visit Us Online’ and throws to AHS website stories, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter news. n Do you find the ‘At Your Service’ items (right hand side of page 4) ... o Interesting. o Helpful. o Sometimes helpful. o Don’t read. n Do you find the ‘Visit Us Online’ (right hand side of page 5) ... o Interesting. o Helpful. o Sometimes helpful. o Don’t read. 9. What would you like to see changed in Zone News? TWITTER o Nothing, it’s great. o More feature stories. o Briefs on what is happening in other zones. o More AHS staff news. o More columns from executive staff. Follow your zone at AHS_NorthZone: • Dementia advice is now available through COMMENTS: ______Health Link in the North Zone of #AHS. Go to http://bit.ly/1VmYUs1. ______• Check out the schedule for Better Choices, Better Health’s chronic disease ______self-management workshops: http://bit. ly/1ME9Ijc … #healthyliving. ______• MyHealth.Alberta.ca’s resources include & the Symptom Checker: http://bit.ly/1ludj3u. Emergency Wait Times | Flu Shot Locations | Track Your Meds All on the go H Get the AHS App ahs.ca/mobile

For the latest health news updates in your zone, visit the AHS website. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 6 l i v i n g w e l l First teeth Good oral health begins long before your child’s first tooth appears Story courtesy the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta | Main photo by Kat Gill, Catch Studios | Visit applemag.ca

rom birth, you can be wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp facecloth. Doing Fthis every day, for example at bath time, helps your baby get used to an oral care routine that becomes increasingly important as your baby grows. Melanie Garrison, a dental hygienist who has worked with children for more than 20 years, warns that pooled milk or formula in an infant’s mouth can increase the growth of bacteria and cause tooth decay. “Dental problems are the leading reason for children’s emergency surgeries,” Garrison says. Keeping your child’s first set of teeth healthy has lifelong implications. With preventive care, early teeth are less likely to decay, break or need to be removed. Maintaining healthy baby teeth helps with eating, speech development, self- image and the positioning of permanent teeth. “Children with less decay will be adults with fewer dental and other health problems,” Garrison says. Here are some tips for a strong start.

Start routines early 1. Wipe your infant’s gums from Day 1; keep oral hygiene routines throughout childhood. Take charge 2. of the toothbrush An adult can set a good example for good oral health care habits at home. That includes helping a Parents need to brush their children’s teeth child brush his teeth until he can do it on his own, around the age of seven or eight. from the appearance of their first tooth to the age of seven or eight, when children can do it themselves. Play safe Seek advice 6. Wear proper, well-fitted safety gear 8. Ask a dentist or dental hygienist See a dental professional and mouthguards for all sports and activities to about introducing fluoride toothpaste to children 3. A first visit is recommended when avoid dental injuries (at any age). under age three. If your child is under three, he your child is a year old or six months after his is at risk of tooth decay and the use of a fluoride first tooth appears. Prevention is key toothpaste is recommended. The amount of Good oral hygiene is less expensive fluoride toothpaste used only needs to be about Set the example 7. than repairs or surgeries; ensure your the size of a grain of rice. 4. Children like to copy the grownups child uses a fluoridated toothpaste. It’s the No. 1 in their lives; they need to see you brushing way to prevent problems. 9. Teach them well and flossing (and being For children aged three and brave during dental older, place only a pea- appointments). sized amount of fluoride toothpaste Eat on their toothbrush. 5. well Supervise brushing Set the right to discourage path for lifelong swallowing good health toothpaste. Teach habits; avoid your child to spit sugary snack out all excess foods and drinks. toothpaste after brushing. n

www.albertahealthservices.ca Looking for a physician in your area? Visit the Alberta Health Services website for information. o u r p a r t n e r s PAGE 7 McHAPPY talk about mickey and magic McDonald’s fundraiser helps kids like Avery get the speech therapy they need from the pros in Allied Health at Northern Lights Three-year-old Avery Regional Health Centre Bellows, right, poses with Story by Kerri Robins | his five-year-old brother Photo courtesy Emily Gale Photography Ethan behind a sign to raise autism awareness. Avery hree-year-old Avery Bellows has a speech has a speech and language and language delay resulting from autism, delay resulting from autism, but fortunately for Avery and children T but received help and like him, there is support from Allied Health, a support at the Northern multidisciplinary health care team at the Northern Lights Regional Health Lights Regional Health Centre. Centre. Just in time for pre- With their help, Avery completed 15 months school, the past 15 months of speech therapy and one of the first words in speech therapy have he learned was the name of his favourite toy − helped improve Avery’s Mickey Mouse. vocabulary. “It was a magical moment when Avery said ‘Mickey’ because we’d been working with him trying to master his words, and Mickey is his constant companion,” says mom Melanie Bellows. also really excited for him because school will be a “And I just happened to capture it on video.” positive challenge.” Mark your Thanks to a Northern Lights Health Foundation The Northern Lights Health Foundation has donation of $17,000 to Allied Health from partnered with McDonald’s for the past 10 years, calendar McHappy Day in Fort McMurray on May 6, the which has raised more than $170,000 for the Christmas is coming early to Allied Health team is feeling pretty McHappy these foundation in support of community health care. the North Zone, with a variety of days. McHappy Day, McDonald’s Restaurants’ Five McDonald’s restaurants in Fort McMurray events helping to raise funds for signature fundraiser, raised $24,560 locally. participated, donating $1 from the sale proceeds “We’re thrilled with the support our foundation of every Big Mac sandwich, Happy Meal and health care. gives us,” says Una Quinsey, Manager of Allied McCafe beverage throughout the day. nov GRANDE Health at the hospital. “The money we received In addition to the donation to Allied Health, the 14, 20-22 PRAIRIE this year will help buy equipment, such as remaining $7,650 of the $24,560 donation will go The QE II Hospital Foundation is hosting therapeutic toys, enhancements for the sensory to pediatric acute care at the health centre. its annual Festival of trees, Nov. 14 (gala room, and books promoting speech and language Susanne Chaffey, Executive Director of the evening), and Nov. 20-22 at the Entrec to help kids like Avery.” Northern Lights Health Foundation, believes in this Centre in Grande Prairie. Proceeds The Allied Health team provides rehabilitation fundraiser. go to support the foundation. Visit services for both adults and children, including “Ronald McDonald is a staple in our lives; it qe2hospitalfoundation.com. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social would be hard finding someone who didn’t know nov FORT McMURRAY work, recreation therapy, audiology, and speech- his name, so it’s a natural fit for our organization to 20-22 language pathologists. It helps more than 300 support families and children’s health,” she says. Northern Lights Health Foundation is children annually. “A big McThanks to you, Ronald McDonald.” hosting its annual Festival of Trees, And Bellows can attest to its benefits. With preschool, Avery’s begun a new chapter in Nov. 20-22 at MacDonald Allen “After starting with sign language and PECS his life. Park’s Suncor Community Leisure (Picture Exchange Communication System), “We’ve seen big changes since Avery started his Centre in Fort McMurray. All funds Avery’s begun speaking more, and his co- program, and his team has always been there for raised support health care in the operation has greatly improved, along with his eye him with their help and encouragement,” Bellows Wood Buffalo region. Visit www. contact,” she says. says. “They’re like family.” northernlightshealthfoundation.ca/ “Avery’s progress is impressive and, while I’m For more information, visit www.northern festival-of-trees. a bit nervous with him in preschool this year, I’m lightshealthfoundation.ca. n

Health Advisory Councils Listening to Communities. Join the Conversation. Connect today: 1-877-275-8830

[email protected] www.albertahealthservices.ca/hac.asp

Giving is healthy: contact your local foundation or Health Advisory Council today. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 i n b r i e f Award a rewarding one for RN Grande Prairie registered nurse has been surprised to find out the LPNs on her team felt for all that she does.” recognized for her efforts to integrate that she was deserving of the recognition. LPNs work in the Fast Track Alicensed practical nurses (LPNs) into “The front-line staff don’t usually see what I’m and Urgent Treatment chair the emergency department at Grande Prairie’s doing behind the scenes,” says Scorgie. “So sections, which were added SCORGIE Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. it’s gratifying to know that they recognize and when the department underwent renovations in Shelley Scorgie was this year’s recipient appreciate my work.” 2011 to help optimize patient flow. of the College of LPNs of Alberta (CLPNA) LPN Joyce Rossiter works in the Fast Track “When we were looking at new ideas within the Interprofessional Development Award area of the emergency department – a role that department, like the Urgent Treatment chairs and recognizing non-LPN health care professionals Scorgie helped develop with LPNs in mind. the Fast Track area, there really was no reason who support LPNs through their leadership. “Shelley is always there advocating on behalf why we couldn’t put LPNs in those roles,” Scorgie is the unit manager of the QEII Hospital of LPNs,” explains Rossiter. Scorgie says, adding the new processes have emergency department. She was pleasantly “We thought she deserved to be recognized improved efficiency and patient flow. n

North Zone executive leadership team: NORTH local Dr. Kevin Worry zone leadership Shelly Pusch AHS embraces local leadership and zone-based decision-making. Right here in northern Alberta, front-line physicians and other clinical leaders at every level of the organization have joint planning and decision-making authority with operational leaders, meaning faster decision-making closer to where care is provided. DR. KEVIN SHELLY WORRY PUSCH

alberta: zone by zone edmonton zone Population: 1,295,164 • Life expectancy: 81.9 years • Hospitals: 14 north zone Communities: • Gibbons • Stony Plain Population: 478,979 • Life expectancy: 79.7 years • Hospitals: 34 • Beaumont • Leduc • Thorsby Communities: • Fort MacKay • Kinuso • • Devon • • Athabasca • Fort McMurray • Lac la Biche • • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • Fort Vermilion • La Crete • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • • Fox Creek • Manning • • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • Mayerthorpe • Thorhild Saskatchewan • • • Grande Cache • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • Grande Prairie • Medley • Valleyview • Cold Lake • Grimshaw • Onoway • Vilna calgary zone • Conklin • • Peace River • Wabasca/ • Edson • • Peerless Lake Desmarais Population: 1,544,495 • Elk Point • Hinton • Radway • • Life expectancy: 83.5 years • Hospitals: 14 • Fairview • Hythe • Rainbow Lake • Whitecourt Communities: • • Nanton • • Janvier • Redwater • Worsley • Airdrie • • • Fort Chipewyan • Jasper • St. Paul • Zama City • Banff • Cochrane • • Black • Cremona • Strathmore Diamond • Didsbury • • Calgary • Gleichen • Vulcan central zone • Canmore • Population: 470,490 • Life expectancy: 80.1 years • Hospitals: 30 Communities: • Galahad • • Sylvan Lake • Bashaw • Hanna • Myrnam • SOUTH zone • Bentley • • Olds • Population: 298,169 • Breton • Hughenden • Ponoka • Trochu • Camrose • Innisfail • Provost • Two Hills • Life expectancy: 79.9 years • Hospitals: 14 • Castor • Islay • Red Deer • Communities: Pass • Milk River • Consort • Killam • • Vermilion • Bassano • Foremost • • Coronation • Kitscoty • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • • • Daysland • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • • Granum • • • Lamont House • • Brooks • Irvine • Raymond • • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • • • Redcliff • • • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • • Taber • Elnora • Mannville • • Crowsnest • • Vauxhall

Zone News Editor, Layout and design: Kit Poole here’s north Zone: Sara Warr IMAGING: Michael Brown FSC LOGO Phone: 780.830.3523 (printer places on) Email: [email protected] Zone News – North Zone is published Mail: 2101 Provincial Building, 10320 99 St., monthly by Alberta Health Services to This paper has been certified to meet how to Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8V 6J4 inform Albertans of the programs and the environmental and social standards services available to them, and of the work of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) To see North Zone News online, please visit being done to improve the health care and comes from well-managed forests reach us www.albertahealthservices.ca/5824.asp system in their communities. and other responsible sources.

New number. Same trusted health advice.

MyHealth.Alberta.ca/811

www.albertahealthservices.ca Be sure to visit our website for health advisories around the province.