north Zone NEWS Zone

Your Health Care in Your Community 2016 january

making dreams real I had a dream, or a vision, about an event Korie-Lyn Northey, AHS community addiction services that I wanted to hold to help raise administrator, and Walter White, local resident and event awareness about addictions, the stigma organizer, hosted the Walk for Sobriety: Walking the Red Road in on Nov. 20 during National “ around it, and the support that’s available Addictions Awareness Week. The idea for – Walter White the event came to White in a dream. PAGE 3 singing the praises we love the nightlife of grand opry night – all across Things got a little bit country at the Northern Lights What to do on a long winter’s night? Get outside, that’s Regional Health Centre as its cafeteria was transformed what! There’s no better way to kick off those New for the firstG rand Ole Opry Classic Country Night. Area Year’s resolutions than by getting active when the stars seniors went western for an evening are out. Here are our suggestions for of music and dancing. PAGE 5 some great winter workouts. PAGE 6 START HEALTHY. STAY HEALTHY.

Influenza has arrived in Alberta. If you haven’t been immunized yet this season, you and your loved ones are at risk. The good news? It’s not too late. Influenza immunization is still available, free of charge. Start your year healthy, and stay that way.

GET IMMUNIZED. WHY CHANCE IT?

#whychanceit? www.ahs.ca/influenza | Call Health Link 811

File Name: AHS_ZoneNews_StartHealthy4C_10x3_Dec1

Publication: Zone News 202, 12225 – 105 Avenue, , AB T5N 0Y3 Campaign: AHS Influenza Immunization campaign fall 2015 P: 780-702-9888 WWW.KICKMEDIA.CA

Date completed: Nov 30, 2015 Format: PDF Size: 10" x 3" Pages: 1

Publication deadline: Dec 1, 2015 Colour: Color Application: InDesign CC Print ready: Yes Run date: December 2015 Bleed: None Draft: 1 PAGE 2 l o c a l l e a d e r s

Donna Sharman, who after her stroke spent time recovering in Room 1033 of the Foothills Hospital stroke unit, now regularly visits patients on the unit as a volunteer peer supporter.

DR. kevin worry shelly pusch North Zone executive leadership team Stroke patient talk to your child grateful about drugs lot of us take the New Year as an for ‘miracle’ opportunity to start fresh and set new Agoals. Maybe you’re determined to lose those last 10 lb., or to save more money, of research but all parents and mentors should commit to AHS provincial strategy integrates having a conversation with the children in their research, innovation in health system lives about drugs. Most young people don’t end up abusing Story and photo by Greg Harris | drugs, but in a world where alcohol, tobacco and other substances are well accepted, the o one has to tell Donna Sharman how “The five priorities and 13 actions we’ve risks are definitely there. The sooner children important it is to have a health care developed will help us create, acquire and use understand the importance of choosing wisely, Nsystem that supports research and knowledge to improve the delivery of health the better off they’ll be in the long run. innovation. and care across the province,” Todd says. “And Parents and mentors can equip children The 59-year-old was at home with her as part of the strategy, we’ll ensure patients, to prepare for and handle the pressures husband Andy two years ago when she suffered clients and families have access to high-quality and influences to use drugs by starting the a life-threatening stroke and was rushed to research studies and innovations that are conversation as early as kindergarten. Foothills Medical Centre. important to them.” Of course, the conversation you have with a Shortly after arrival, doctors met with Andy Championing the patient experience is five-year-old versus a 15-year-old will differ, but and explained how grave the situation was. something dear to Marlyn Gill, who has been having small conversations as they grow up will They also told him about a research study extensively involved with the Patient and help them understand how to face pressures Donna was eligible to participate in, which used Community Engagement Research program when they’re older. a revolutionary surgical procedure to try to (PACER) at AHS. PACER enlists patients Children are exposed to a variety of drugs remove the blood clot in her brain. Minutes later, as researchers to better understand their and may consider experimenting. Perhaps they she was in surgery. perspective on specific health care issues. are curious about what it would feel like, or “There were many miracles associated with “Patients need to be heard,” Gill says. “They they like to take risks. Many young people also the whole day, but having an opportunity to have an important role to play as researchers struggle to cope with school, their emotions take part in the research trial was probably the and as people who are experts on their own and social situations. biggest,” says Sharman, who was in hospital for illnesses.” When having a conversation about drugs, five days and made a full recovery. At the same time, patients who take part in stay calm. Try speaking to your child side-by- “If not for that study, I would not be here, or I research studies also want to hear the results of side instead of face-to-face as it may seem would have a significant disability. I shudder to those studies – something that doesn’t always less threatening. Use facts, not emotions, and think what might have happened.” happen, Gill says. avoid saying everything at once. Be a good Sharman took part in the ESCAPE trial, a Sharman, since her stroke, has also listener, respect their opinion and give them -led international study that tested a clot become an intern with PACER doing patient- the opportunity to ask questions. Tell your retrieval procedure for acute ischemic stroke. engagement research, as well as a volunteer child that you love them and you’re concerned The procedure reduced mortality rates by 50 peer supporter on the acute Stroke Unit at about them and finally, understand that you will per cent and increased positive outcomes from Foothills Medical Centre. have this discussion many times. 30 to 55 per cent, compared to conventional “I had a phenomenal patient experience – and It’s important that they learn about serious treatment. research was part of that,” Sharman says. subjects from you as a parent and that you act Now, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has AHS will next engage staff and external as a positive role model. developed a provincial strategy to ensure that partners to develop an action plan to guide If you’re concerned about your own or the type of research and innovation exemplified decisions associated with the research and someone else’s misuse of drugs, call the by ESCAPE flourishes in the health care system. innovation strategy. The action plan will identify Addiction and Mental Health Help Line “With this strategy, we want to make it easier milestones, deliverables, accountabilities and (available 24/7) at 1.866.332.2322. For for our health professionals, physicians, support measures. Work associated with goals and information about talking to your kids about staff and partners to initiate research studies,” action items in the strategy is underway. drugs, visit www.ahs.ca. n says Dr. Kathryn Todd, AHS Vice-President, To download the strategy and learn more Research, Innovation and Analytics. about it, visit ahs.ca/ResearchInnovation. n

Sprains, cuts and scrapes can hurt a lot, but don’t usually require I am injured the emergency department. You have other health care options If you’re unsure, we’re here to help Call Health Link at 811 Visit albertahealthservices.ca/options

Emergency is here for you if you need it. Use it wisely. 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 Local resident’s vision walking the red road: makes a difference during National Addictions Destination, sobriety Awareness Week Story by Lisa Peters | Photos by Lisa Peters and courtesy J.D. Robert Wiebe Photography |

dream gave Walter White a message that he needed to prevent youth from going Adown the same path that he had with alcoholism. So White, a Grande Prairie resident who was raised in the Enoch Cree Nation near Edmonton, worked closely with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and other community organizations to make a difference during National Addictions Awareness Week, held Nov. 15-21, by hosting the first annual Walk for Sobriety: Walking the Red Road. “I had a dream, or a vision, about an event that I wanted to hold to help raise awareness about addictions, the stigma around it, and the support that’s available,” says White, 37. White says he envisioned walking down a red road with others, taking a stand for sobriety. “I called the AHS office and they put me through to Korie-Lyn Northey, community addiction services administrator, and immediately she was very supportive and interested in my idea.” Northey worked with White to make his vision of the Walk for Sobriety: Walking the Red Road, a reality. This included providing support services, meeting space, and helping him get in touch with partner agencies. Walter White, a Grande Prairie resident, above, hosted the Walk for “I was really happy Sobriety: Walking the Red Road in Grande Prairie on Nov. 20, during to hear from Walter,” National Addictions Awareness Week. White said the idea for the walk says Northey. “It’s came to him in a dream. Inset: helping to make White’s dream a reality not very often we get was Korie-Lyn Northey, an Alberta Health Services community addiction community members services administrator. coming to us with new ideas that they want to be involved became involved in. He’s very engaged and with professional, it wasn’t until i determined.” structured programs became involved White’s path to the red road that my recovery was originally a very rough began,” White says. with professional, road. “These programs structured “I was sexually abused as “ helped me learn how to programs that my a child by a family friend, but live as a normal citizen.” never told anyone or spoke He worked on fighting his recovery began. about it,” says White. “I was addictions and learning how (They) helped me intimidated as child – that’s of to function as a responsible learn how to live as course how predators work citizen, including how to – and the trauma led me to a pay rent and hold a job. a normal citizen dark path.” “These are things I never – Walter White White says he discovered learned growing up on the alcohol at the age of 14 and streets,” he says. Walking the Red Road was a success, with within two weeks had dropped White then moved to Grande about 40 area residents taking part. Held Nov. out of school, left home and Prairie to start a new life. Today, 20, the event kicked off with an open house was on the streets. he is involved with various hosted by the Salvation Army and community “Alcohol was my escape,” Aboriginal community programs partners including the City of Grande Prairie, he says. in an effort to help others. He felt Grande Prairie Friendship Centre and HIV North. When he was 26, White that hosting something during An Aboriginal pipe ceremony and round dance enrolled himself in relapse National Addictions Awareness followed at the Friendship Centre, with local and recovery programs in Week would be good for the residents invited to attend and support sobriety. Edmonton. community. For more information about local addiction “It wasn’t until I The first Walk for Sobriety: services, call Health Link at 811. 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 fairs offer more than Services in the ‘bear’ necessities your community Screen Test Mobile Alberta Health Services’ collaboration with partner groups reaches out Mammography to First Nations and Metis communities in support of their children Screen Test provides mammography screening to women ages 50 to 74 – the Story by Kirsten Goruk | age group most at risk of developing t’s been seven years since the Teddy Bear they can learn about how to brush their teeth breast cancer – in rural communities Fairs launched in First Nations communities properly.” where the service isn’t regularly available. Iaround Alberta and, since then, the events AHS staff attend to reach out to and support The program is coming to the following have grown and adapted to help as many residents in Aboriginal communities. North Zone communities: children as possible. “We want to bring awareness to these • St. Paul: Jan. 4-9. An educational event geared toward parents communities and let them know what services • Cold Lake: Jan. 11-16, 18-23. of young children, the Teddy Bear Fairs began AHS and other organizations provide,” Sack • Whitecourt: Jan. 25-30. as a collaboration between Capital Health and says. “We want to educate everyone about • Barrhead: Feb. 3-6, 8-13. the North Peace Tribal Council as they worked available services in the community in case • Westlock: Feb. 16-20. together to find ways to support children in there are concerns with their children.” Appointments fill up quickly. To First Nation communities. Health Canada, Prevention is another goal of the fairs. Parents book your appointment, confirm dates First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), can be made aware of issues early on and and locations, and to inquire about Alberta Region, and Alberta Health Services receive referrals to follow up on and get their upcoming North Zone stops, call toll-free (AHS) are the present-day sponsors. children the care and support they need. 1.800.667.0604. For more information, “It’s about early screening for children and Through her involvement, Sack has seen the visit www.screeningforlife.ca/screentest. providing information to parents, while also fairs grow exponentially. providing networking opportunities to build “The communities love it and it brings relationships between First Nations community awareness and creates relationships with the staff, AHS staff and FNIHB,” says Rayann community members. We want them to feel Ulvick, Teddy Bear Fair co-ordinator for FNIHB connected to us. It’s an all- Alberta. around good, positive The fairs include stations featuring topics experience.” n on early intervention, public health, health promotion, speech and language development, Erica Reitveld is an audiology, dental care, dietary needs, traffic AHS Home Visit safety, literacy, and occupational and physical Advocate who works therapy. in Fort McMurray Ulvick has seen the fairs grow over the years. and is part of of the Nearly 70 fairs have been held in Alberta since team supporting the 2008, with more than 5,450 children screened Teddy Bear Fairs in Volunteer Services in that time. The events target children ages the Wood Buffalo Alberta Health Services accepts newborn to six, but will help anyone who region. volunteers for a variety of different drops in. programs and opportunities throughout The Regional Municipality of Wood the province. Volunteering can also help Buffalo is one of the you explore different career options newest areas and gain valuable experience, to offer the while developing new skills and fairs in Fort sharpening old skills. Learn about Chipewyan, the volunteer roles offered throughout Fort McMurray the North Zone and the process of First Nation #468, becoming a volunteer by visiting www. Janvier, Fort MacKay albertahealthservices.ca/info/ and Conklin. page10839.aspx, or by calling Stephanie Sack, an the Volunteer Resources Aboriginal liaison worker department at the facility where with Public Health at you’d like to volunteer. AHS helped organize this year’s event in Fort McMurray, which saw more than 230 people attend. Mental Health Help Line “A little passport is given to the children You’re not alone. The AHS Mental to go around to each booth to talk with the Health Help Line is available 24/7 if you professionals. They receive a sticker or need to talk. Get confidential, anonymous stamp for each station they go to,” she says. service, and crisis intervention as well as “Parents fill out permission slips and they go information about mental health programs around with their children talking and getting and services, or referrals to other agencies information from staff. The children can get their that can help. Call 1.877.303.2642. eyes or their hearing tested, for example, or

Welcome to our newly Strategic Clinical launched Kidney Networks (SCNs) Health SCN. Alberta’s engines of innovation. www.ahs.ca/scn

www.albertahealthservices.ca Do you have concerns about your health? Visit the AHS website for symptom information. h e a l t h c a r e h e r o e s PAGE 5 Shana Strickland, clinical co-ordinator for the Visit Us Online continuing care unit at Northern Lights Regional drumming up wellness Health Centre, left, goofs Check out a new Alberta Health Services around with Denise Because You Cared video: Drumming Up Wilkinson, area manager Wellness. It tells the story for seniors health in Fort of Julien Lepage and McMurray during the Allen Rees, both of Grand Ole Opry Classic whom work within Country Night. Mental Health and Addictions in acute care and have developed a program called opry Drumming Up Wellness that is improving the health of night patients, staff, volunteers and community members. Visit www. simply youtube.com/watch?v=7HYKO4Aw8Y0&fe ature=youtu.be. grand Story by Kirsten Goruk | FACEBOOK

he cafeteria at Northern Lights Regional for parking, with escorts to help them into the Do you have questions about influenza or Health Centre (NLRHC) was transformed building. influenza immunization? Watch our Health Tone night, as seniors from the community “Everyone was encouraged to dress up in Matters videos on AHS’ YouTube channel: came dressed in their country finery, ready for a Grand Ole Opry-style, so it was a little bit country http://bit.ly/1OPlhIm. night of music, dancing and fun. with a little bit of elegance,” Wilkinson says. The firstG rand Ole Opry Classic Country Night “It was wonderful. It was so well received. We proved to be a smashing success. As Denise had around 70 people attend. We had a photo YouTube Wilkinson, Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) Area booth, which was free and everyone was dressed Manager for Seniors Health in Fort McMurray, up, used the props and got pictures taken.” Patients with vascular conditions now have explains, the idea for the event sprung from a Frank Gibot, 61, has been a resident of the access to more comprehensive treatment desire to bring seniors in the city together. continuing care unit for over 10 years. In that than ever before with the opening of the first “It really started with AHS staff looking at mental time, he’s never had a night quite like the Grand phase of the redeveloped Vascular Centre health and then it became Ole Opry. of Excellence at Peter Lougheed Centre about seniors and how we “I quite enjoyed it, it was in Calgary. Go to www.youtube.com/ can support seniors who good,” Gibot says. “One of watch?v=kw_4CHah5ks. might be isolated in the the singers was really great community,” she says. and we danced quite a bit. From there, AHS staff It would be nice to have pinterest in seniors care, health another one. It was a really promotion, mental health and good, new idea.” Follow us on Aboriginal health partnered Wilkinson says that she Pinterest for with St. Aidan’s Society and and the other organizers healthy living info the Office of TrafficS afety were happy with how it all and more: www. to bring the event to life. came together. pinterest.com/ And that teamwork meant “It was everything we ahsbehealthy. everything, says Wilkinson. wanted and more. The “It’s critical. I don’t think organizers got so much anyone of us could have out of it too. It was so nice TWITTER done it on our own, but to see everyone enjoy together we’re quite the themselves. Because it was Follow your zone at AHS_NorthZone: formidable force.” Continuing care resident Frank at the hospital, it was open • The flu shot can’t give you the flu, but On the big day, it all came Gibot, 61, says he loved the Grand to everybody,” she says. chances are, you’ll be exposed to someone together. Seniors from the Ole Opry Classic Country Night, “We all got asked about who can: #whychanceit? www.ahs.ca/ community joined residents including the western photo booth. when the next one would influenza. of the NLRHC’s long-term be. The seniors feel that this • To find anA ddiction and Mental Health site care unit in the cafeteria and is something new, that they near you, call Health Link at 811 or visit www. were treated to live music from several local didn’t have access to and we’re so glad we were albertahealthservices.ca/amh/amh.aspx. bands, plenty of dance space and coffee, tea able to fill that gap. • A #MedList can save your life. Get the and snacks. Those coming from outside the “I think we’re going to aim to have the next one AHS app to find how to make your own list: hospital were even offered a special valet service around Easter.” n www.albertahealthservices.ca/mobile.asp. 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 enjoy a long winter’s night

Story by Mike Fisher | Photo courtesy Ryan Bray, Parks Canada lberta winters are cool! And the best way to enjoy them is outside on brilliant sunny afternoons or frosty, starry nights. When you find an activity you Aand your family like, you’ll rarely feel the cold and you’ll feel better for spending time outside. Squeeze fun out of winter nights by getting out and having an adventure, even if you only have a few hours. Here are some family-friendly activities across the province. Sledding and sleighing (Feb. 12-21) Silver Skate Festival. The festival’s see some of the 200 billion stars in our galaxy is nighttime programming features live music, It’s a paws-itively perfect way to enjoy the end to get outside your town or city to escape light roaming performers and a lantern walk. of a winter’s day. Canmore-based Mad Dogs & pollution. The less artificial light around you, the Calgary’s Olympic Plaza, across from city hall, Englishmen Sled Dog Expeditions offers a winter more the stars will shine. attracts skaters throughout the winter. Warm up dogsled under the stars experience. Mush! is one of the best places in Canada with a hot chocolate in Arts Commons, just a few Get cosy beneath blankets during the Sunset to view the stars. From September to March – steps from the ice surface, or grab something Sleigh Ride at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or weather permitting – the Lethbridge Astronomy from the many eateries along Stephen Avenue. take a 45-minute sleigh trip with Discover Banff Society holds public observing sessions on the Tours at Warner Stables. last Saturday evening of each month. In Red Deer, Heritage Ranch’s Sleigh Night Nighttime skiing Around Fort McMurray is one of the best Date offers a private (and romantic) 30-minute Mount Norquay in Banff National Park features places to view the aurora borealis phenomenon. sleigh ride through the ranch, followed by a the only weekly night skiing in Banff-Lake Louise, The area is within the zone of maximum aurora gourmet dinner with wine. Long-stemmed rose including a fully lit terrain park. events during nighttime hours. Alta-Can Aurora and box of chocolates? Check. has torchlight dinners Tours shows visitors the northern lights at a well- and skiing for adults and children; visit skilouise. equipped site. Skating beneath the stars com for details. Wood Buffalo National Park is the world’s Downhill ski, cross-country ski and snowboard Lace up and lighten up at Grande Prairie’s largest dark sky preserve. Restrictions on at night at Calgary’s (COP) skating pond in Muskoseepi Park, Olds’ skating light pollution protect nighttime wildlife and let or Edmonton’s Rabbit Hill Snow Resort. pond in Centennial Park, or at one of Medicine Albertans see the stars and northern lights in Hat’s free, public outdoor skating locations. Sky gazing their full glory. Jasper National Park is the world’s Among Edmonton’s many outdoor skating Just bundle up, grab a mug of hot chocolate second largest dark sky preserve and Parks rinks, William Hawrelak Park features the 10-day and look up, waaaay up. The easiest way to Canada features interpretive programming. n

tobogganing gets a safety update ashing downhill through the snow is a favourite are to the head,” says Valerie Cook of Alberta Health winter pastime for people of all ages. Services’ Provincial Injury Prevention Program. D It endures in Alberta because most people Choose a ski or hockey helmet that’s Canadian practise safe sledding (although every year about 500 Safety Association (CSA) approved. Albertans end up in an emergency department with a Check that the hill you are tobogganing on is free sledding-related injury). of obstacles such as rocks, fences, poles and trees. “The most important thing to do when you toboggan is Use a proper sled and avoid inner tubes, which are to wear a helmet because the majority of serious injuries difficult to control. 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

Randal Bell, a consultant with Alberta Health Services Provincial Addictions & Mental Health, above left, and his ‘mo bro,’ Darren Anquist, with AHS Marketing and Resource Development, raised $2,208 for team ‘AHS Tom Sellecks.’ Far left and far right: Bell’s and Anquist’s finest ‘mo’-ments! Whiskers raise thousands hair’s lookin’ at you! for men’s health Story by Kerri Robins | Photos by Shelly Willsey t was a ‘hairy’ good time in November at Cancer Society estimates that one in eight Mark your Alberta Health Services (AHS), when 49 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate Istaff members put the razors away to raise cancer in their lifetime, making it the most calendar more than $20,000 in the second annual AHS common cancer in men. mar19 Movember Mojo Network Challenge, supporting Last year, Randal Bell, a consultant with the SPRING FLING men’s health through the Movember Foundation. AHS Provincial Addictions & Mental Health The Northern Lights Health Foundation is hosting a Spring Fling, presented by Growing for the gusto, money raised by the team, started the network that pulled the teams Syncrude Canada Ltd. Proceeds raised will AHS staffers’ seven teams will fund projects together, raising more than $60,000 since its fund priority health care needs in the Wood involving prostate and testicular cancer research, inception. Buffalo region. Takes place at Shell Place in mental health and physical inactivity. “We had seven teams participate in this year’s Fort McMurray, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $250. For more information, visit www. And this year, the foundation announced the challenge from around the province, and we northernlightshealthfoundation.ca. University of Alberta as recipient of a $200,000 broke it down into three moustache categories – grant for prostate cancer biomarker research. the extra bushy, the few and far between and the Led by Dr. Roger Zemp, a biomedical engineer pencil thin,” says Bell. and professor at the University of Alberta, the Teams included: Services – “UAH Protective Services.” research is intended to help improve ways of • AHS Addictions & Mental Health – “The AHS Teams vied for one of the top three spots diagnosing prostate cancer by looking at genetic Tom Sellecks.” that saw “Team CCI” take top honours, raising profiles created by biomarkers – particular • Cross Cancer Institute – “Team CCI.” $11,894. “Stache Infections” came second, molecules that indicate the health of a tumour. • Information Technology – “Stache Infections.” raising $4,268 and “AHS Tom Sellecks” rounded “We’re excited about this research because • Edmonton Zone (Community and Rural) – out third, raising $2,208. not only will it help with earlier diagnosis, it will “AHS Protective Services.” “It’s great seeing everybody come together for improve how we diagnose the disease,” Zemp • Nutrition, Food, Linen, and Environmental a cause that we know will make a difference,” says. “Our research will provide more information Services – “Stache & Burn.” says Bell. “The fundraisers have been great for for doctors, and therefore improve treatment • AHS Community & Seniors –“Moustached team-building and I think next year will bring decisions by applying different therapies.” Gentleman’s Coalition.” more teams, making it our biggest yet.” This is good news because the Canadian • University of Alberta Hospital Protective Claire Lamont, National Director for the Movember Foundation, is pleased with the support. movember to help cancer research “Efforts like this make it possible to fund The Movember Foundation announced the all new cancer cases in men in 2015. programs like the prostate initiative being led by University of Alberta will receive a $200,000 • 4,100 men died from prostate cancer. Dr. Zemp and his team,” Lamont says. grant for prostate cancer biomarker • On average, 66 Canadian men were The Movember Foundation was created in research. diagnosed with prostate cancer every day. 2003 and, since then, more than $677 million According to the Canadian Cancer Society • On average, 11 Canadian men died from has been raised for men’s health. The foundation it is estimated that last year: prostate cancer every day. supports more than 1,000 programs. • 24,000 men were diagnosed with • 1,050 Canadian men were diagnosed For more information, or to find your local prostate cancer, representing 24 per cent of with testicular cancer. health foundation, visit www.albertahealth services.ca/give. n

Health Advisory Councils Your health. Your community. Your voice.

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

Giving is healthy: contact your local foundation or Health Advisory Council today. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 i n b r i e f Clothes make the volunteer olunteers at various Alberta Health uniforms are helpful to staff and patients alike. Services (AHS) sites throughout the North “It’s sometimes hard to tell who’s who at the VZone are now more easily identifiable. hospital,” Townson explains. “Volunteers typically New Volunteer Resources uniforms have have lanyards, but those can be hard to read been made available, replacing older, outdated from far away. With these new uniforms they smocks in places including Grande Prairie, Fort really stand out as volunteers.” McMurray, Peace River, Fairview and Westlock. Mavis Mintenko, volunteer co-ordinator for The blue, pinafore-style vests come clearly Grande Prairie and area, says many of the old labeled with the AHS logo, identifying the wearer uniforms have been repurposed. as an official AHS volunteer. “Here in Grande Prairie, we’ve given the old Wendy Townson, AHS Volunteer Resources outfits to local teachers, so the students can Grande Prairie volunteers Aditya Sharma, left, manager for the North Zone, says the new wear them for painting,” she says. n and Janet Cook model their new vests.

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 • Slave Lake • Devon • Morinville • Athabasca • Fort McMurray • Lac la Biche • Smoky Lake • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • Fort Vermilion • La Crete • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • Beaverlodge • Fox Creek • Manning • Swan Hills • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • Mayerthorpe • Thorhild Saskatchewan • Spruce Grove • Bonnyville • Grande Cache • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • Grande Prairie • Medley • Valleyview • Cold Lake • Grimshaw • Onoway • Vilna calgary zone • Conklin • High Level • Peace River • Wabasca/ • Edson • High Prairie • Peerless Lake Desmarais Population: 1,544,495 • Elk Point • Hinton • Radway • Westlock • Life expectancy: 83.5 years • Hospitals: 14 • Fairview • Hythe • Rainbow Lake • Whitecourt Communities: • Chestermere • Nanton • Falher • Janvier • Redwater • Worsley • Airdrie • Claresholm • Okotoks • Fort Chipewyan • Jasper • St. Paul • Zama City • Banff • Cochrane • Stavely • Black • Cremona • Strathmore Diamond • Didsbury • Turner Valley • Calgary • Gleichen • Vulcan central zone • Canmore • High River Population: 470,490 • Life expectancy: 80.1 years • Hospitals: 30 Communities: • Galahad • Mundare • Sylvan Lake • Bashaw • Hanna • Myrnam • Three Hills SOUTH zone • Bentley • Hardisty • Olds • Tofield Population: 298,169 • Breton • Hughenden • Ponoka • Trochu • Camrose • Innisfail • Provost • Two Hills • Life expectancy: 79.9 years • Hospitals: 14 • Castor • Islay • Red Deer • Vegreville Communities: Pass • Milk River • Consort • Killam • Rimbey • Vermilion • Bassano • Foremost • Oyen • Coronation • Kitscoty • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • Fort Macleod • Picture Butte • Daysland • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • Bow Island • Granum • Pincher Creek • Drayton Valley • Lamont House • Wetaskiwin • Brooks • Irvine • Raymond • Drumheller • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • Cardston • Lethbridge • Redcliff • Eckville • Lloydminster • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • Magrath • Taber • Elnora • Mannville • Sundre • 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.

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