Zone NEWS Zone

Your Health Care in Your Community 2014 APRIL

whe“n i ... can’t be here, I know someone is with him, snuggling him and giving him comfort and love

– Shauna Meyerson a soft touch New mom Shauna Meyerson cherishes her two-month-old son, Noah, as South Health Campus volunteer Jacquie Verhappen cradles the little one’s head. Verhappen is one of 21 baby cuddlers in the neonatal intensive care unit, offering the comfort and warmth of hugs to the Photo by Paul Rotzinger | ’s tiniest patients. PAGE 3 new clinic puts toxins weighing in on weight in their place and pregnancy After being treated in hospital for carbon monoxide You may be eating for two, but too much weight could poisoning, truck driver Frank Korencik still had worries have long-term health effects for both you and your about his health. But he was able to meet with a baby. A new study is looking at weight gain during toxicologist at a new clinic operated by the pregnancy in the hopes it can guide Poison and Drug Information Service. PAGE 4 women to make healthier choices. PAGE 6

Immunization. Information. Prevention. A visit to an AHS Travel Health Clinic is a prescription for healthy vacationing. Book your appointment today.

Calgary - 403.955.6777 Edmonton - 780.735.0100 - 1.866.408.5465(LINK) PAGE 2 l o c a l l e a d e r s Stem cells offer new hope Story and photo by Colin Zak | lex Petric’s life changed forever last to support those which have survived,” says March. The 29-year-old fractured his Dr. Steven Casha, an DR. francois belanger LORI ANDERSON spinal cord in a diving accident while on neurosurgeon and assistant professor at the Calgary Zone executive leadership team A vacation in Panama. , who is leading the study in “I dove into the water and hit a sandbar. Calgary. “It is possible, theoretically, to completely Here’s Your ticket I was paralyzed immediately from the waist restore a normal spinal cord. However, the to a great trip down,” says Petric, who previously worked as a technology is still in its early stages.” paramedic in Winnipeg. Most patients with spinal cord injuries ith spring in full swing, people Now, a new study transplanting neural stem would have had their spinal cord exposed at start thinking about vacation cells into patients with spinal cord injuries could the time of their injury, explains Casha. The Wplanning. offer hope to Petric and patients like him. The procedure involves re-exposing the spinal cord, One of the most important things to study looks at whether it is safe to inject stem determining the location of the injury, and making consider when going on a trip is getting cells into patients’ spinal cords, and could lead four injections of stem cells: two injections the proper vaccinations. to more studies as to whether the treatment approximately a centimetre above the injury, and Even though your children are could improve sensory and motor function. two a centimetre below. vaccinated in school, many children will Petric was the first patient in North America Seven patients have already undergone the not receive the vaccinations necessary to to participate in the study and underwent the procedure in Switzerland. protect them from diseases found in other procedure in January at . “What we know so far is that two of the first countries. Standards of hygiene vary “I had everything to gain and nothing to lose,” three patients had an improvement in sensory around the world, and many diseases he says. function,” Casha says. “It’s encouraging. This is found in other locations do not exist in The procedure uses neural stem cells – cells something to build on.” However, Casha says the benefit of the . committed to becoming neural tissue – that are derived from donated fetal brain tissue. The brain procedure for patients remains unknown. Vaccinations help prevent some of the cells are harvested, grown, frozen and prepared He says the injections probably provide new diseases you and your family can be for injection by the U.S. firm Stemcell Inc. nerve cells and large insulating cells around the exposed to while on your trip. “The aim of stem cells, and other technologies existing nerves, but this does not guarantee that In the Calgary Zone, there are special like it, is regeneration. Patients with spinal cord those will make functional connections with a clinics for vaccinations for those travelling injuries have lost part of their spinal cord and patient’s existing spinal cord. internationally. In rural areas, travel some of the supporting structures that allow While Petric was pleased to participate in the immunizations are available through it to function. Regenerative strategies want to research trial, he is cautiously optimistic. your local public health office. Travellers’ replace what’s been lost, in term of neurons or “Hope is a good thing – it helps you hold on to Health Services in the Calgary Zone nerve cells and supporting cells, what’s possible,” he says. “At the same time, I deliver comprehensive travel health and provide healthy cells also need to accept the life I have now.” n care, including health advice, disease prevention measures, and recommended, required, and routine immunizations. Health care professionals at the travel clinic or public health office will let you know what vaccinations you need based on where you are travelling, or the activities in which you and your family will be participating. You should plan to visit the travel clinic at least six to eight weeks before travelling to allow time for the vaccines to take effect. Planning for your trip will reduce the risk of the hazards and potential illnesses that are present in a foreign country. Taking preventative steps before you travel increases the chance you and your family will have a wonderful vacation together. For travel clinic locations, please visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/ AHS neurosurgeon Dr. Steven Casha meets with Alex Petric, who was paralyzed from the waist services.asp?pid=service&rid=7568. n down following a diving accident last year. Casha and Petric are involved in an international study to see if damaged spinal cords can be treated with injected stem cells.

Do you know someone with a passion for health?

Apple magazine’s new column, A Passion for Health, celebrates inspiring Albertans who are improving the health and well-being of people in their communities. Nominate or vote for someone you’d like to read about in our next issue by emailing [email protected] or calling 403-943-0052. be healthy | be well | be informed applemag.ca

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 It’s a program that’s been welcomed with, well, open arms. In the New mom Shauna Meyerson holds South Health Campus NICU, baby cuddlers are giving comfort her baby, Noah, and joy to the hospital’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients beside nurse A healing Jackie McGinn. touch Story by Janet Mezzarobba | Photos by Paul Rotzinger | acquie Verhappen is a cuddler, and proud of it. J As one of the 21 volunteer baby cuddlers in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the South Health Campus, the cuddler program offers touch, hugs, and comfort to newborns in the NICU when parents are unable to be there. “Coming to do my volunteer job gives me a sense of peace, hope and love,” says Verhappen. “I look down at these sweet babies’ faces and wonder who they will be, and what they will accomplish.” The cuddler program, active in Calgary for more than 25 years, provides proven benefits to premature him comfort and love. I can see he’s calmer cuddler does one, three-hour shift a week. or unstable newborns on their and more responsive when he’s been held and Cuddler training involves classroom learning, Verhappen path to health and wellness. cuddled. I’m so thankful for these volunteers and one-on-one time with educators, and hands-on “Babies need as much human contact as this program.” experience before they are even permitted on the possible,” says Jackie McGinn, NICU nurse And McGinn concurs. NICU unit. clinician and a trainer within the volunteer “The cuddlers are here when parents can’t “This is one of the most coveted volunteer cuddler program. “Babies who are held more be. Sometimes parents have other children at positions in the hospital, but we need to ensure often grow faster, build trusting relationships with home, or need to go to work, and we are here to we get the right volunteers who are best for the others, have better cognitive development, and provide comfort for the babies and the families role,” says McGinn. “It’s important that cuddlers are more likely to meet their social milestones,” when that happens.” know how to read a baby’s behaviour so they she says. “Human contact enhances every The cuddlers also provide benefits to staff can understand both what a baby wants and aspect of a premature infant’s development.” within the NICU. needs, and what to do to accommodate this.” Mom Shauna Meyerson knows the benefits “One of the biggest bonuses on top of the But for Verhappen, it’s more than just a job. of baby cuddlers first-hand. Her first child, son benefits these cuddlers provide to the babies She says volunteering has enhanced her life. Noah, was just 4 lbs. when he was born on is the support they provide the nursing staff,” “I am a small part of each of these infants’ lives Jan. 19. Meyerson praises the volunteers who says Kim Thomas, NICU manager. “We want to and feel so much hope for who they will become she feels were integral in helping her son on his be there for every baby, cuddling and holding one day,” says Verhappen. “I have the best job in road to health. each one all day long, but have other duties to the world, and it’s a wonderful way to give back.” “This program is amazing,” says Meyerson, 31. perform within the unit. These cuddlers give that For more information, contact Volunteer “When I or my husband can’t be here, I know extra care and support these babies need.” Resources at 403.956.1223 or volunteer.shc@ someone is with him, snuggling him and giving In the NICU at South Health Campus, each albertahealthservices.ca. n NEW NICU for ill newborns Story and photo by Janet Mezzarobba | In addition to providing more Level 3 NICU he Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary beds in southern Alberta, the ACH NICU is now home to a new neonatal intensive provides specialized care for pre-term and term Tcare unit (NICU). newborns requiring cardiac and surgical care. It The 14-bed Edwards Family NICU, named is the only NICU in Alberta with private rooms after donors Murray and Heather Edwards, There are 129 NICU beds in the Calgary opened in February. It operates as a Level 3 Zone: 27 Level 2 beds at the Peter Lougheed NICU, caring for some of the most critically ill Centre; 33 Level 2 beds at the Rockyview General Hospital, 16 Level 2/3 beds at the newborns in southern Alberta. Clinical nurse educator Trish Loeb South Health Campus, and 39 Level 2/3 beds “Newborns requiring surgery or complex care demonstrates how health providers will care at Foothills Medical Centre. by many specialists can now be transferred for critically ill newborns in a patient room of Funding for this project totalled $10.9 million, to the Alberta Children’s Hospital NICU where the new Edwards Family neonatal intensive with $5 million donated from the Edwards they will be monitored and cared for by care unit at Alberta Children’s Hospital. neonatologists, pediatric surgeons and other family. The Edwards Family NICU is a specialists in one location,” says Dr. Francois partnership between AHS, the Government Belanger, Alberta Health Services (AHS) Vice of Alberta, the Alberta Children’s Hospital says Heather Edwards. “This is very personal President and Medical Director for central and Foundation, and the N. Murray Edwards family. for us, stemming from our own experience with southern Alberta, and Medical Director for the “It is such a privilege to be able to help our son who needed neonatal intensive care Calgary Zone. families and their newborn babies in this way,” when he was born eight weeks early.” 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

First clinic of its kind new ahs service in Western Canada Services in offers in-depth a tonic for toxins toxicology care your community Story by Colin Zak | Photo by Amber Goulard Public Health hen Frank Korencik started may simply have above-average levels of mercury for Businesses hallucinating, hearing voices and seeing in their blood because they eat a lot of seafood,” Public health inspectors review and Wshadowy figures out of the corner of his Yarema says. approve plans for people planning to eye, he thought he might just need to get more “In many cases, it’s simply an environmental or build or renovate food establishments, sleep. dietary exposure, and our job is to reassure them swimming pools, social care facilities “Then I began feeling dizzy and started that they have nothing to worry about.” such as daycares and nursing homes, vomiting. I knew something was seriously wrong,” The clinic typically sees between two and five and personal service facilities including says the 32-year-old patients per clinic day, tattooing studios and spas. Inspectors also review plans for special events truck driver. “I could patients at the which means staff are smell the exhaust able to spend up to such as fairs, exhibitions or carnivals to leaking into my truck, toxicology clinic have 90 minutes with each ensure sufficient services will be provided, and I knew it had the time to discuss all patient. including washrooms and hand-wash stations. Call your local community health something to do with my of their concerns in Debbie Goulard, symptoms.” “ Executive Director of centre for inspector availability. Korencik had detail, which helps set PADIS, says the amount carbon monoxide (CO) their minds at ease of time and attention poisoning and was each patient receives – Debbie Goulard, Executive Director hospitalized for two days makes the Medical of the Poison and Drug Information Service in October. Toxicology Clinic After leaving hospital, unique. he was able to have one-on-one assessments “Patients at the Toxicology Clinic have the time and followup with a toxicologist, thanks to a new to discuss all of their concerns in detail, which Calgary clinic for patients who have come in helps set their minds at ease,” Goulard says. “The contact with drugs, substances and other agents clinic is also one of a handful of its kind in the Sexually Transmitted that pose a threat to their well-being. country – it’s an invaluable resource for patients.” Infection Clinic The Poison and Drug Information Service Korencik says the followup care he received Services include counselling and client (PADIS) Medical Toxicology Clinic is an outpatient after being hospitalized has made a tremendous education, diagnosis and treatment of clinic, open one day a month, that provides difference to his recovery after CO poisoning. sexually transmitted infections, Hepatitis evaluation, diagnosis and management of “They took my vitals, assessed my general A and B vaccine program, confidential patients who have been exposed to potentially health and did memory tests,” he says. “I had a HIV testing, phone-in advice line, contact toxic substances such as lead, arsenic, mercury, million questions and it’s great having the time to tracing, partner notification, and referrals. carbon monoxide, pharmaceuticals and herbal ask anything you want. You can’t beat it.” Services are free and confidential preparations. Opened last September, it is the For more information, go to www.padis.ca. n and clients do not require Alberta only clinic of its kind in Western Canada. Health Care Insurance coverage. No “In the past, physicians had to consult a appointment is necessary. Located in the toxicologist over the phone and there was often Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre. Call no way to assess the patient in person. We knew 403.955.6700. we could do better,” says Dr. Mark Yarema, a medical toxicologist and Medical Director of PADIS. Calgary Eating Disorders “The Toxicology Clinic allows us to sit down Program with the patient, explain symptoms, interpret This outpatient program offers individual test results and answer their questions.” and group therapy for patients and families The clinic cares for adult patients who with a team including a pediatrician, family have had unintentional and intentional counsellor, nurse, dietitian and psychiatrist. overdoses, exposures to industrial A physician’s referral is required. Located chemicals and environmental hazards, at the Richmond Road Diagnostic and and exposures to natural toxins. Treatment Centre. Call 403.955.7700. Patients are referred to the clinic by their physicians. “We see a wide range of patients. Healthy Parents, Some have had serious exposures to Healthy Children substances like arsenic or lead, but others This website is a guide to pregnancy and being a parent. It includes information on health, postpartum care and parenting. Medical toxicologist Dr. Mark Yarema Download the book series, find out provides followup care to Frank Korencik about immunizations for children, and at Calgary’s new Medical Toxicology get a list of great resources. Visit www. Clinic. Korencik was hospitalized last fall healthyparentshealthychildren.ca. for carbon monoxide poisoning.

We need your ideas to Strategic Clinical Submit Networks (SCNs) improve health care. Alberta’s engines of innovation SCNs have an online tool to gather great ideas. Learn more at www.albertahealthservices.ca/scn Visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/8444.asp

www.albertahealthservices.ca Do you have concerns about your health? Visit the AHS website for symptom information. I N N O V A T I O N S PAGE 5 Visit Us Online

Patient Feedback Form Alberta Health Services (AHS) values your input, which will help us improve the quality of Alberta’s health care system. We want to hear what you have to say so we can better understand what we’re doing right and what we can do better. To share feedback on the care you or a family member has received, talk to your local health care provider, contact the Patient Relations Department, or complete our online feedback form. Visit our Patient Complaints and Marshall Bye enjoys some Feedback page for more information at www. quality time with his wife of 60 albertahealthservices.ca/patientfeedback. years, Evelyn, in her Calgary asp. long-term care facility. APP

Get the App! Antipsychotic medications AHS is working to ensure that Albertans have innovative ways to access information about health care services by providing eased for dementia patients applications for mobile devices. Having a Husband applauds Alberta Health Services initiative: ‘There’s joy again’ single AHS app on the two most-used mobile platforms, iOS and Android, means Albertans Story by James Stevenson | Photo by Paul Rotzinger can find official AHS content without sorting arshall and Evelyn Bye have made the “We want to make sure these residents have through the hundreds of thousands of most of their 60 years of marriage, the best quality of life as possible and, therefore, available apps. Download the AHS app from Menjoying dancing, travelling the world we are looking at different approaches to treat the App Store or from Google Play. and sharing more than a few laughs. challenging behaviours associated with dementia Over the past year, 93-year-old Evelyn, who rather than using traditional drugs.” FACEBOOK has been struggling with dementia for the past Silvius says antipsychotic medications were decade, began to deteriorate. She spent most originally created to help treat some mental health What’s HAppening at AHS? of her days sleeping and could barely recognize illnesses. Use Facebook to connect with many Marshall or acknowledge his daily visits to her “However, current research is showing there are different areas of Alberta Health Services. Calgary long-term care facility. other ways of managing the needs of long-term Visit our pages, like us and send us a note or When Marshall was told of a new approach care residents who have challenging behaviours say, ‘Hi!’ Here are some of the things you’ll taken by Alberta Health Services (AHS) to better associated with dementia without the adverse find on Facebook: manage anxiety and behavioural challenges side effects and harm that these medications may • Alberta Health Services Volunteers: associated with dementia patients by reducing cause,” he says. Become a volunteer and connect with other the use of antipsychotic medications, he was The project’s aim is to help staff manage AHS volunteers. quick to sign up Evelyn. residents’ challenging behaviours by looking at • Apple magazine on Facebook: check out “I have always had faith and confidence in alternative treatments, such as music, exercise our flagship print magazine’s online presence. the staff and felt that we had little to lose and and art. About 250 residents at the 11 sites took • AHS Careers: look up career information lots to gain,” says Marshall. “Her eyes sparkle part in the project which ended in late February. and job opportunities with AHS. sometimes now, which was not the case eight to Preliminary data is positive, showing more than • AHS Health Advisory Councils: see how 10 months ago. It’s like turning a leaf, turning a 35 per cent of those residents are no longer using the councils are making a difference to your page and there’s the joy again.” antipsychotic medications. health care. Led by the Seniors Health Strategic Clinical The Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) are Network and the Addiction and Mental Health now reviewing the findings and working toward TWITTER Strategic Clinical Network, 11 long-term care implementing the new and innovative approaches sites across the province are helping research, in the other 164 long-term care sites in the Follow your zone at AHS_YYCZone: review and implement new guidelines around the province, which account for approximately • What’s on the menu tonight, appropriate use of antipsychotic medications. 14,500 long-term care beds. By March 2015, it Calgary? Check out the latest “Some drugs prescribed for elderly persons is hoped that all long-term care sites across the restaurant inspections to treat their behavioural challenges can have province will be following the new guidelines. online: http://bit. serious side effects and medical complications, Today, Evelyn is again enjoying her husband’s ly/1b8tPBD. including increased risk of falls, strokes and stories about their travels and adventures and • Planning a confusion, loss of independence, and over- even showing her playful side. getaway? Read sedation,” says Dr. James Silvius, Provincial ““I’ll say to her, ‘Are you my sweetheart?’ For over our travel health Medical Director, Seniors Health, and co-chair of the longest time, there’d be no response, if any,” alerts before you buy that ticket: http://bit. the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in Long- says Marshall. ly/1e211iJ. Term Care Project Steering Committee within “Now, she says, ‘Well, I’ll think about it.’ Then • FIT test helps detect colorectal cancer AHS. she’ll smile and joke and laugh.” n sooner! Visit http://bit.ly/1fCTeuN.

To Joshua, What does health mean to you? being Bein g Share your thoughts. healthy Use YOUR VOICE. means... Strong { } www.albertahealthservices.ca/yourvoice #yourvoice

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

Healthy weight gain in pregnancy helps moms and babies avoid eating for two a variety of health risks. eating healthy Eating a nutritious and balanced diet, among other things, can be one way to maintain a healthy weight throughout life, including during pregnancy. Health Canada recommends women aged 19 to 50 eat eight to 10 servings of fruit and vegetables, eight servings of grains and two servings each of milk and alternatives and meat and alternatives a day. Canada’s Food Guide says pregnant women may need to eat an extra two to three servings a day of foods including: n Fruit such as apples and bananas. n Vegetables such as carrots and celery. n Hard-boiled eggs. Great n Almonds and other nuts. n Yogurt. expectations n Milk.

what does a serving size look like? n 1 cup (250 ml) of dark, leafy greens is one serving of vegetables. n 1/2 cup (125 ml) of pure orange juice equals one serving of fruit. n A 1.6 oz. (45 g) bagel or 1/2 cup (125 ml) of pasta equals one serving of grain products. n 1 cup (250 ml) milk or fortified soy, or Study looks at weight gain during pregnancy in the hopes it can 1.8 oz. (50 g) of cheese, equals one serving guide women to adopt healthy behaviours for them – and their babies of milk and alternatives. n 2.6 oz. (75 g) of lean meat, poultry, Story by Jacqueline Louie with files from Amy Sawchenko | or fish (about the size of a deck of cards) regnancy is a time to nourish yourself and a woman’s risk of developing diabetes during equals one serving of meat and alternatives. your growing baby – but research shows pregnancy, hypertension and cardiovascular Pthat gaining too much weight can be disease later in life. It can also increase unhealthy for both of you. discomfort, seriously complicate labour and The Promoting Appropriate Maternal Body make it more difficult to lose weight after giving HEALTH CANADA’S Weight in Pregnancy and Postpartum through birth. WEIGHT-GAIN GUIDELINES Healthy Dietary Intake study will look at how In babies, extra weight can impair brain Healthy weight gain during pregnancy women in Alberta eat during pregnancy and how development and increase the risk of weight gain depends, to some extent, on your health care providers can support healthy eating and obesity later in life. weight before pregnancy. and appropriate weight gain. Unhealthy weight gain in pregnancy has a Pre-pregnancy Recommended range The study will receive up to $2.5 million number of causes, from giving in to cravings to a category* of total weight gain from the Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions’ culture that encourages pregnant women to eat. lb. kg Collaborative Research and Innovative “Women can feel pressure to eat,” says Bell. Underweight 28-40 12.5-18 Opportunities program grant. “The foods that are offered, or eaten during a Normal weight 25-35 11.5-16 Leading the study are Rhonda Bell, professor of craving, can be unhealthy foods that are low in Overweight 15-25 7-11.5 human nutrition at the University of Alberta, Linda nutrients and contain extra calories, particularly in Obese 11-20 5-9 McCargar, a registered dietitian and professor of the form of sugar and fat. *Pre-pregnancy categories are based on Body Mass human nutrition at the U of A, and Paula Robson, “We recommend that women eat foods that Index (BMI) scale. adjunct professor at the U of A and a research are in Canada’s Food Guide, and meet their scientist with Alberta Health Services. calorie needs.” “Pregnancy is a significant risk factor for extra Pregnant women can avoid gaining too much weight gain,” Bell says. “Women can gain too weight with any number of activities, such as much weight during pregnancy and keep that regular walking, modified yoga and even reading. weight after the baby is born.” “It’s good for pregnant women to exercise About half of all pregnant women in the country without overexerting themselves,” Bell says. gain more weight than is recommended by “What’s most important is to adopt healthy Health Canada. behaviours during pregnancy that can support Extra weight during pregnancy can increase you, your baby and healthy weight gain.” 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 You’re Never too young to be a hero Story by Kerri Robins | Photo courtesy EMS Foundation | hen his dad collapsed last October, 10-year-old Jasper Favel took control. W He immediately dialled 911 and calmly provided enough information that the emergency communications officer (ECO) was able to quickly diagnose a suspected stroke. Jasper worked with emergency services from the phone call through to physicians at the hospital providing the information everyone needed to treat his father. Husky Hero Jasper Favel, fourth from left, joins fellow heroes, from left, Karmen Gill, Ayla “I was very proud of Jasper. He did everything Johnston, Cesar Soto-Morante, Brett Davies, Mehar Kaur Vilkhu, Godwin Saure, Daniela Aguilar right to save me,” says Jasper’s dad, Gerald Gualdron, Jeremy Roy, Liza Emesibe, Evan Poulson, Brianna Flanigan, Rebecca Scott and Favel. Joshua Qiu at an awards ceremony recognizing The Okotoks youth was one of 14 “Husky their level-headedness in emergency situations. Heroes” who were recognized in December Executive Director of the EMS Foundation. Mark your during the sixth annual Husky Heroes event for “That certainly helps keep kids from feeling their quick thinking and action in crisis situations. calendar overwhelmed.” april 2nd ANNUAL GALA The annual event is a joint celebration, The EMS Foundation supports education, 26 AND FASHION SHOW supported and hosted by the Emergency Medical research, equipment, and injury prevention Proceeds go toward the new helipad at Services (EMS) Foundation and sponsored Didsbury programs. District Health by Husky Energy. Partnering with The City of by the Rosebud Services. Hosted Stuart Brideaux, Public Education Officer with Health place at the Foundation. Calgary Public Safety Communications (Calgary Alberta Health Services, agrees emergency Didsbury Memorial Takes doors open at 5 p.m. Complex; 911), the Husky Heroes Program began six years education is key for young people. Tickets are $50. details, call 403.335.8326 or 403.335.7203.For ago to educate young people on the proper use Brideaux works with youth and provides and access of 911 services in Calgary. training, along with opportunities for youth to may Over the years, the program has recognized interact with emergency services personnel. 2 CHAIRLEADERS 52 children ranging from three to 12 years “Youth learn about 911 services through Spend a day in a wheelchair to help raise old who acted calmly in an emergency, and emergency services personnel who visit schools awareness about accessibility. Hosted acknowledges these kids as being a vital link by the Calgary Health T and community groups and provide age- rust and Calgary between 911 ECOs and someone in need. Paraplegic Association. T appropriate resources like activity pages and a akes place at “Educating our youth on what 911 is and why Mount Royal University from 9 a.m. to Husky Heroes poster,” Brideaux says. 5 p.m. T it’s important helps kids stay calm and think o register, call Shahr Savizi at For more information, visit www. 403.943.0603. clearly in an emergency,” says Lisa Barrett, emsfoundation.ca. n Meet Jason evanson: wellness warrior Story and photo by Kristin Bernhard | a broad perspective on society’s unique There are hundreds of volunteers across geographical, economic and cultural Alberta who, as Health Advisory Council differences,” says Evanson. members, dedicate their time to improving the Evanson has indeed criss-crossed the nation. health and well-being of their communities. After finishing high school in Mississauga, Over the next few months, we’ll be profiling Ont., Evanson went on to complete degrees in some of them. Today, meet Jason Evanson. education and kinesiology at McMaster University n n n and the University of Toronto. Then he headed utdoor enthusiast, national director, west to spend time coaching skiing in Whistler, father, husband, Jason Evanson brings B.C., and guiding backcountry canoe trips. Odiverse experiences to the Prairie In 1997, he was Alberta-bound, settling for Mountain Health Advisory Council (HAC), and to a time in Kananaskis and working for the Tim his efforts to make a difference to health care in Horton Children’s Foundation where he ran its Jason Evanson his community. Outdoor Education centre. is a member “I have several friends whose health – or that Over the next few years Evanson married and of the Prairie of their loves ones – is poor,” says Evanson, worked with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Mountain Health 41. “If I can do something to make their journey both Toronto and Calgary. Advisory Council. a little easier, I’d feel my time with the Prairie But in 2006, Evanson found his calling with Mountain HAC was well-spent.” the Children’s Wish Foundation, where he now Evanson is one of 173 volunteer Health Mountain HAC in 2012. serves as the National Director of Development. Advisory Council members across the province “I’d like to collaborate with others to ensure “I really believe that my experience at Children’s who play an important role in supporting the that we as volunteers have a marked impact on Wish, working with families with children who strategic direction of Alberta Health Services AHS,” says Evanson. “In turn, we can improve have been diagnosed with a life-threatening (AHS) by getting feedback from his community the care and health of Albertans.” illness, helps to positively inform my contribution about what is working well within the health care He believes the experience he gained from to the Health Advisory Council,” he says. system and identifying areas where improvement living all over Canada enhances what he brings To connect with your council in the Calgary can be made. to the council table. Zone, please visit www.albertahealthservices. He became a volunteer member of the Prairie “Living across the country has given me ca/hac.asp or call toll free 1.877.275.8830. n Make a difference in your community. Volunteer with Alberta Health Services. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 i n b r i e f Arnika centre is there for the mentally ill tigma or discrimination attached to The Arnika Centre, which opened in a new Dr. Susan Carpenter, founder and Clinical mental illness is often a barrier for many location in Calgary last year, has been operating Medical Director of the centre. According to Sindividuals seeking help. When mental since 2002 and provides patients with psychiatric Carpenter, up to 30 per cent of people with illness is compounded with an intellectual assessments and treatment. It works with intellectual disabilities may have a mental illness. disability, seeking help can become even more individuals with neurological conditions, mobility The Arnika team works with guardians, daunting. problems, speech deficits or genetic disorders parents, and other support systems to stabilize To this end, the Alberta Health Services- who have been referred by a specialist. patients in the community. Close to 550 patients operated Arnika Centre wants to get out the “Our specialized service was developed to are served through approximately 2,200 word that it is there to enhance addiction and allow clinicians with expertise on intellectual appointments per year at the centre. mental health services to those with intellectual disabilities and mental health to assess and treat For more information on the Arnika Centre, disabilities and mental health concerns. this specialized group of patients,” says please call 403.943.8301. n

Calgary Zone AEDs MEAN ANYONE calgary executive leadership team: Dr. Francois Belanger CAN BE A LIFESAVER zone Lori Anderson local leadership yaz Kara knows the value of automated external defibrillators AHS embraces local leadership and zone-based decision-making. Here in Calgary and area, front-line (AEDs) in public areas. physicians and clinical leaders at every level of the organization have joint planning and decision- A When the 53-year-old Calgary businessman went into cardiac making authority with operational leaders, meaning faster decisions closer to where care is provided. arrest at the Mount Royal University Recreation Centre last month, staff located the centre’s AED to restart the man’s heart before Alberta alberta: Health Services (AHS)-Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived. It saved his life. “You never think an AED is going to be used on zone by zone you – it’s going to be somebody else,” Kara says. “I’m living proof that AEDs really work, especially if calgary zone they are in places where you can access them right Population: 1,408,606 • Life expectancy: 82.9 years • Hospitals: 13 away. Without an AED, I wouldn’t be here today.” An AED is a small, portable, electronic device that can help shock a heart in cardiac arrest back into edmonton zone Kara normal rhythm. It uses simple, automated voice Population: 1,186,121 commands to direct the user as to when and how to deliver treatment. • Life expectancy: 81.8 years • Hospitals: 13 After finding Kara not breathing on a locker-room bench, MRU Recreation Centre supervisor Bjorn Billehaug called 911 and grabbed north zone the AED while other rec centre staff members started CPR. Two Population: 447,740 shocks from the AED and many chest compressions later, Kara • Life expectancy: 79.8 years • Hospitals: 34 started breathing again. EMS soon arrived to take Kara to hospital. Billehaug says it was truly a team effort. central zone “I’m really happy for (Kara’s) family and all the moments they’ll get to Population: 453,469 have because of what we were able to do,” Billehaug says. • Life expectancy: 80.7 years • Hospitals: 30 AHS-EMS public education officer Stuart Brideaux says the response to Kara’s cardiac arrest is an example of the EMS system SOUTH zone working exactly the way it is supposed to work. Population: 289,661 • Life expectancy: 80.3 years • Hospitals: 14 “It’s what we call in EMS the ‘Chain of Survival.’ Initiating CPR, calling 911 and applying an AED are the first links of that chain,” Brideaux says. “They set up the rest of the process which can result To find the hospitals, services, facilities in the saving of a person’s life. In Mr. Kara’s case, that’s exactly what and programs in your zone, please visit happened.” n albertahealthservices.ca/FacilitySearch.

Zone News Editor, Zone News – Calgary Zone is published here’s CALGARY Zone: Janet Mezzarobba monthly by Alberta Health Services to FSC LOGO Phone: 403.955.7546 inform Albertans of the programs and (printer places on) Email: [email protected] services available to them, and of the work Mail: 10301 Southport Lane S.W. being done to improve the health care This paper has been certified to meet how to Calgary, Alberta, T2W 1S7 system in their communities. the environmental and social standards Layout and design: Kit Poole of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) [email protected] To see Calgary’s Zone News online, visit and comes from well-managed forests reach us IMAGING: Michael Brown www.albertahealthservices.ca/5826.asp and other responsible sources.

For non-urgent health-management concerns, I am new the emergency department is not the best place to go to Alberta We’ll help you find the care that’s right for you Call: Health Link Alberta at 1.866.408.5465 Visit: albertahealthservices.ca/options

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