Zone NEWS Zone Your Health Care in Your Community 2016 january

Gurdy“ loves the attention. it’s awesome to see everyone’s reaction to her – it doesn’t matter what age (the artists) are, everyone loves the dogs

– Pet therapy dog handler Lori Goodwin on her English bulldog, Gurdy

‘ruff’ play Nancy Friesen and her 16-month-old son, Liam, drop by the McMullen Gallery’s workshop at the University of Hospital to say hello to therapy dog Shelly Willsey photo | Gurdy. PAGE 4 chronic pain course we love the nightlife makes the grade – all across alberta Teens like Bailey Voltner, 17, who deal with chronic What to do on a long winter’s night? Get outside, that’s pain, can get help graduating high school through what! There’s no better way to kick off those New a new program. They can now earn three credits Year’s resolutions than by getting active when the stars through Chronic Pain 35 classes at are out. Here are our suggestions for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. PAGE 3 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

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

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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. DAVID MADOR Deb gordon Vice President Vice President Stroke patient and Medical Director and Chief Health Northern Alberta Operations Officer Northern Alberta grateful the year that was for ‘miracle’ ast year, history was made in the Edmonton Zone – more than once! L Highlights include: of research • Launching a new phone number for Health Link: 811. AHS provincial strategy integrates • Establishing a palliative end-of-life care research, innovation in health system website to help patients and family caregivers. Story and photo by Greg Harris | • More than 800 staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital broke the Guinness World Record o one has to tell Donna Sharman how Analytics. “The five priorities and 13 actions for the most people participating in a hand- important it is to have a health care we’ve developed will help us create, acquire and hygiene relay. Nsystem that supports research and use knowledge to improve the delivery of health • Performing the first neonatal cardiac innovation. and care across the province,” Todd says. “And hybrid surgery in Western Canada at the The 59-year-old was at home with her as part of the strategy, we’ll ensure patients, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. husband Andy two years ago when she suffered clients and families have access to high-quality • Starting Canada’s first human gene therapy a life-threatening stroke and was rushed to research studies and innovations that are trial for eyes at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Foothills Medical Centre. important to them.” • Access to Addiction and Mental Health Shortly after arrival, doctors met with Andy Championing the patient experience is services improved in Sherwood Park and and explained how grave the situation was. They something dear to Marlyn Gill, who has been Leduc with services moving into new locations. also told him about a research study Donna extensively involved with the Patient and • Advancing Alberta’s first Gamma Knife and was eligible to participate in, which used a Community Engagement Research program Clinical 4T MRI for scalpel-free brain surgery revolutionary surgical procedure to try to remove (PACER) at AHS. PACER enlists patients with the support of the University Hospital the blood clot in her brain. Minutes later, she as researchers to better understand their Foundation. was in surgery. perspective on specific health care issues. • The Stollery became the first children’s “There were many miracles associated with “Patients need to be heard,” Gill says. “They hospital in Canada to offer high school credits the whole day, but having an opportunity to have an important role to play as researchers toward diplomas for a pain class. take part in the research trial was probably the and as people who are experts on their own • Long-term care at Devon General Hospital biggest,” says Sharman, who was in hospital for illnesses.” rated No. 1 for patient/family experience in five days and made a full recovery. At the same time, patients who take part in Alberta by HQCA. “If not for that study, I would not be here, or I research studies also want to hear the results of • Continuing Care and Community EMS would have a significant disability. I shudder to those studies – something that doesn’t always rolled out access to the Urgent Response Team think what might have happened.” happen, Gill says. in all supportive and facility living sites and a few Sharman took part in the ESCAPE trial, a Sharman, since her stroke, has also become lodges with Home Care involvement. -led international study that tested a clot an intern with PACER doing patient-engagement • The Glenrose Foundation supported the retrieval procedure for acute ischemic stroke. research, as well as a volunteer peer supporter site in studying how an exoskeleton can help The procedure reduced mortality rates by 50 on the acute Stroke Unit at Foothills Medical patients with mobility. per cent and increased positive outcomes from Centre. Every day, many activities in our zone are 30 to 55 per cent, compared to conventional “I had a phenomenal patient experience – and equally as important in their impact. The one treatment. research was part of that,” Sharman says. thing they have in common is they help people, Now, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has AHS will next engage staff and external or help our staff and physicians, better help developed a provincial strategy to ensure the partners to develop an action plan to guide patients and families. type of research and innovation exemplified by decisions associated with the research and And the end of the day – or end of the year – ESCAPE flourishes in the health care system. innovation strategy. The action plan will identify that is what it’s all about. Thank you all for your “With this strategy, we want to make it easier milestones, deliverables, accountabilities and dedication and commitment. We look forward for our health professionals, physicians, support measures. Work associated with goals and to continuing to create history with you. staff and partners to initiate research studies,” action items in the strategy is underway. Happy New Year! n says Dr. Kathryn Todd, Edmonton-based AHS To download the strategy and learn more Vice-President, Research, Innovation and 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

give these students credit

Emma Snow, 15, of Drayton Valley, left, and Bailey Voltner, 17, of Wetaskiwin are earning high school credits by learning how to cope with their chronic pain through a program at Stollery the course and the Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. credits are great, Story by Sharman Hnatiuk and Shelly Willsey | Photos by Shelly Willsey but what helped ailey Voltner will graduate from her online courses to get the bare minimum credits “ me the most was Wetaskiwin high school this year with for a diploma. meeting people my age Bcredits provided through a class at the “In our program at the Stollery, we estimate who have the same Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. most of our students miss at least one day The 17-year-old was enrolled in Chronic Pain of school per week, and approximately 15 to problems with pain 35, a 10-week pain-management program, 20 per cent of our adolescents are no longer that I do worth three credits at the Grade 12 level. The attending school on a regular basis or in person – Bailey Voltner, 17 cognitive behavioural therapy class teaches at all,” says Reid. students living with chronic pain coping Integrating Chronic Pain 35 into techniques. academic achievements is a creative demonstrate their learning with a final project “Without this class, I’d be short strategy to help patients learn more that demonstrates their scientific knowledge credits to graduate,” says Voltner. “And about their pain. related to pain, their understanding and I used to miss a few days of school a The class teaches students how engagement in treatment strategies, and their week but now I barely miss any.” to manage their pain with relaxation willingness to advocate for themselves. Chronic Pain 35 was approved by techniques, pace their activities, deal Reid has been leading the class for the past Alberta Education last February. The with mood and negative thoughts, seven years but, until recently, the decision to program is the first of its kind in Alberta; EGGEN improve their sleep and diet, cope award high school credits rested with school to date, 18 students have participated with stress and anxiety, improve administration. and all have received credits or are in the communication, develop a setback plan, and “The course and the credits are great, but process of finalizing their course work. talk about a life with pain. what helped me the most was meeting people “Courses like the Stollery’s Chronic Pain 35 The chronic pain curriculum lessons were my age who have the same problems with pain program are great examples of how students, developed and are delivered by a pediatric that I do,” says Voltner. “Your teachers or friends parents and teachers are innovating and chronic pain clinic psychologist and nurse try to be sympathetic, but you feel like no one developing solutions that help students reach practitioner. Courses are taught at the hospital really understands what you are going through. graduation and improve their future,” says David or in participants’ communities and schools via Being in a room with other teenagers who can Eggen, Minister of Education. Telehealth videoconferencing technology, giving relate to you made me realize I am not alone, Kathy Reid, a nurse practitioner with Stollery all Alberta high school students diagnosed with and the course has motivated me to deal with Pediatric Chronic Pain Services, says students chronic pain the opportunity to benefit from the my obstacles in a different way.” with chronic pain often struggle to accumulate program. With graduation now in sight, Voltner has sufficient high school credits to graduate with Chronic Pain 35 students must attend all the begun work on scholarship applications to their classmates, and require summer school or sessions, complete weekly homework, and study fine art next fall. 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

C project goes I’m cooped up in my Services in hospital room a lot your community to the dogs and this makes me Dogs were model ‘models’ enjoy my stay more Community Care Access “ Provides help for people who need to in art therapy workshops at the – University of Alberta Hospital patient access Community Care and Home Care University of Alberta Hospital Jeanne Ho, on the art workshops services in the Edmonton area. Offers that used pet therapy dogs as models screening and referral services 24/7, and Story and photo by Shelly Willsey | answers calls from Home Care clients it. Shake a paw. Strike a pose. Good dog. The gallery is operated by the Friends of after regular business hours. This service Pet therapy dogs in Edmonton University Hospitals as part of the Arts in also helps people who can’t be referred Smultitasked last month, as they Healthcare program. to a specific program, but need telephone volunteered their time to model during weekly, Every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., guest support. Call 780.496.1300. drop-in art workshops at the University of Alberta artists lead free workshops where participants Hospital (UAH) McMullen Gallery in Edmonton. of all ages are able to drop in and casually Normally, pet therapy dogs are brought into participate and learn new creative skills, including hospitals to help calm, comfort and cheer up pastel drawing, sun-print photography, collage or patients. And late 2015, they also acted as self-portraiture. potential subjects for workshop participants, The drop-in Studio Program is a welcome including patients, hospital staff and members of diversion from the hospital experience, and a the general public. good opportunity to visit the McMullen Gallery The use of pet therapy dogs coincided with the and create art at no cost. gallery’s exhibit, Songs of the Soul. It featured Workshop participant Jeanne Ho has been to Weight Management Father Douglas’s surreal portraits of dogs inspired several of the sessions. Services by a collection of poems written in two parts by “I’m cooped up in my hospital room a lot,” she Provides programs for both children and poet and artist William Blake called The Songs of says, “and this makes me enjoy my stay more.” adults focusing on using different weight Innocence and The Songs of Experience. Pet therapy dog handler Lori Goodwin says management services and approaches “Having a live model really enhances the her English bulldog, Gurdy, enjoyed the extra to help people reach and stay at healthy experience and adds extra appeal to the responsibility. weights for healthy lives. Call 780.401.2665 workshops,” says gallery manager Tyler Sherard. “She loves the attention,” says Goodwin. for information. “We try to increase the quality of life for patients “It’s awesome to see everyone’s reaction to and their families. Besides taking their mind to a her – it doesn’t matter what age (the artists) are, different place and learning new skills, this helps everyone loves the dogs.” n bring people back to who they really are.”

Breastfeeding Classes for Expectant Parents This service provides classes to support breastfeeding as a positive experience for mothers, babies, and families. Community health nurses with expertise in breastfeeding focus on practical tips, information, and support. It’s recommended to take the class in the third trimester, although you can take it earlier in your pregnancy. Your support person is encouraged to attend. To register, call 780.401.2665.

Know Your Medications Keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take so you can ensure you’re getting the right medications at the right time. Find tools to create a MedList at www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/ Workshop participants Kathleen Newman and Jeanne Ho used pet therapy dog Gurdy as the Page12614.aspx. subject of their artwork during a workshop at the McMullen Gallery. 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 Visit Us Online

drumming up wellness Check out a new Alberta Health Services Because You Cared video: Drumming Up Wellness. It tells the story of Julien Lepage and Allen Rees, both of whom work within Mental Health and Addictions in acute care and have developed a program called Drumming Up Wellness that is improving the health of patients, staff, volunteers and community members. Visit www. youtube.com/watch?v=7HYKO4Aw8Y0&fe ature=youtu.be.

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Do you have questions about influenza or influenza immunization? Watch our Health Matters videos on AHS’ YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/1OPlhIm.

YouTube Meghan Myers, left, knew she was in great hands when she went into labour at home and husband Mark Davies used his EMS training to deliver baby Sawyer (held here by big brother Carter). Lung cancer study aims for earlier detection and cure. Lung cancer researchers in Calgary and Edmonton have launched a screening dad’s special delivery study to determine the best criteria for When baby Sawyer decided he was ready to meet his family, he catching the deadly disease earlier, while it’s still treatable. Go to www.youtube.com/ wasted no time. Good thing dad Mark Davies, an EMS paramedic, watch?v=HnE08uKhcwY. had taken his Emergency Medical Technician training as he was there to ‘catch’ his son – a mere 15 minutes later Story and photo by Shelly Willsey | pinterest hen Emergency Medical Services’ throughout the delivery. Mark knew he had to Follow us on (EMS) Mark Davies took his Emergency remain calm for his sake. Pinterest for WMedical Technician training last year, he “Three weeks later, Carter is still talking about healthy living info didn’t think the first baby he delivered would be it,” says Meghan. and more: www. his own. “He told the story during Sunday dinner at my pinterest.com/ In the wee hours of Oct. 7, his wife Meghan parents’ house.” ahsbehealthy. woke him to tell him she was in labour. He called Mark’s parents and EMS paramedics his parents to come take care of their son, but arrived shortly after baby Sawyer’s birth. EMS within minutes Meghan knew there would not be transported Meghan and the new baby to the TWITTER enough time for them to make it to the hospital. Royal Alexandra Hospital to be examined. Mark was outside getting the car ready when While Mark has experienced some close calls Follow your zone at AHS_YEGZone: Meghan called him back inside, where he quickly with pregnant patients in the ambulance, the • Things that can cause #dementia include took charge. He cared for Meghan, called 911, Edmontonian has yet to deliver a baby on shift. strokes, tumours, or head injuries. Next to and moments later their 7-lb., 2-oz. baby boy “Deliveries are in our scope of practice, so Alzheimer’s disease, #stroke is the most was in his arms. it’s something I’m trained for,” he says. “In an common cause of dementia. “From the time I woke Mark until Sawyer was emergency, I’m cool, calm and collected, but • For 24/7 health advice, call Health Link born was only 10 or 15 minutes. There was no delivering my own son – I was definitely more at 811. Speak with a registered nurse about time to panic,” says Meghan. “This was definitely stressed.” your health symptoms and concerns. not a situation we’d expected.” Meghan and baby Sawyer are healthy and • Add influenza immunizations to your to-do Their three-and-a-half year old son Carter, well, and were released from hospital in the days list this weekend. Visit www.ahs.ca/influenza now wide awake as well, held his mom’s hand following the delivery. n #whychanceit? #fightflu. 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 ’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! Mark your hair’s lookin’ at you! calendar Story by Kerri Robins | Photos by Shelly Willsey jan 30 FRIEND RAISER GALA t was a ‘hairy’ good time in November at common cancer in men. The Sturgeon Community Hospital Alberta Health Services (AHS), when 49 Last year, Randal Bell, a consultant with the Foundation will be hosting its 24th annual Istaff members put the razors away to raise AHS Provincial Addictions & Mental Health Friend Raiser Gala. Tickets are $175. more than $20,000 in the second annual AHS team, started the network that pulled the teams takes place at The It Enjoy Centre in St. Movember Mojo Network Challenge, supporting together, raising more than $60,000 since its at 6 p.m. Proceeds from this event willA lbert men’s health through the Movember Foundation. inception. support the medicine program expansion Growing for the gusto, money raised by the “We had seven teams participate in this year’s and Level II neonatal intensive care. For more information or to buy tickets, visit AHS staffers’ seven teams will fund projects challenge from around the province, and we www.sturgeonhospitalfoundation.org involving prostate and testicular cancer research, broke it down into three moustache categories – email [email protected] or mental health and physical inactivity. the extra bushy, the few and far between and the . And this year, the foundation announced the pencil thin,” says Bell. feb MARDI GRAS University of Alberta as recipient of a $200,000 Teams included: 6 FUN RAISER grant for prostate cancer biomarker research. • AHS Addictions & Mental Health – “The AHS The CapitalCare Foundation is putting on Led by Dr. Roger Zemp, a biomedical engineer Tom Sellecks.” a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras, including and professor at the University of Alberta, the • Cross Cancer Institute – “Team CCI.” food and live music. Tickets are $50. research is intended to help improve ways of • Information Technology – “Stache Infections.” Takes place at CapitalCare Grandview, 6215 124 St. N.W diagnosing prostate cancer by looking at genetic • Edmonton Zone (Community and Rural) – ., Edmonton. Mardi Gras proceeds support enhancements profiles created by biomarkers – particular “AHS Protective Services.” at CapitalCare Grandview. For more molecules that indicate the health of a tumour. • Nutrition, Food, Linen, and Environmental information, call 780.496.7100 or email “We’re excited about this research because Services – “Stache & Burn.” [email protected]. not only will it help with earlier diagnosis, it will • AHS Community & Seniors –“Moustached improve how we diagnose the disease,” Zemp Gentleman’s Coalition.” says. • University of Alberta Hospital Protective raising $4,268 and “AHS Tom This is good news because the Canadian Services – “UAH Protective Services.” Sellecks” rounded out third, raising $2,208. Cancer Society estimates that one in eight Teams vied for one of the top three spots “It’s really great seeing everybody come Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate that saw “Team CCI” take top honours, raising together for a cause that we know will make a cancer in their lifetime, making it the most $11,894. “Stache Infections” came second, difference,” says Bell. “The fundraisers have been great for team-building and I think next year will bring more teams, making it our biggest yet.” movember to help cancer research Claire Lamont, National Director for the The Movember Foundation announced the all new cancer cases in men in 2015. Movember Foundation, cheers the support. University of Alberta will receive a $200,000 • 4,100 men died from prostate cancer. “Efforts like this make it possible to fund grant for prostate cancer biomarker • On average, 66 Canadian men were programs like the prostate initiative being led by research. diagnosed with prostate cancer every day. Dr. Zemp and his team,” Lamont says. According to the Canadian Cancer Society • On average, 11 Canadian men died from The Movember Foundation was created in it is estimated that last year: prostate cancer every day. 2003 and has raised more than $677 million for • 24,000 men were diagnosed with • 1,050 Canadian men were diagnosed men’s health. prostate cancer, representing 24 per cent of with testicular cancer. To find your local health foundation, visitwww. albertahealthservices.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 Dr. Sanjay Kalra, Alberta to lead co-medical director of the Alberta Health Services’ ALS Clinic ALS research team in the Edmonton Story and photo by Tadra Boulton | Zone, and University of Alberta Professor ast year’s social-media of ALS. There is no known cause in the Department of phenomenon – the ALS Ice or cure. Medicine (Neurology), Bucket Challenge – raised Kalra’s five-year study will take L stands before millions across North America for place in seven centres across the research MRI research into Amyotrophic Lateral Canada including Edmonton machine he will use in Sclerosis as people from all walks and Calgary. The research the study. of life endured a very public, chilly grant – named The Arthur J. soaking for a worthy cause. Hudson Translational Team Dr. David Mador, Vice President, Last month, the ALS Society grant – encourages and enables EDMONTON Medical Director, AHS North of Canada announced that $15 researchers to work together Deb Gordon, Vice President, million in grants for research to achieve the common goal of zone CHOO, AHS North projects across Canada is now finding effective treatment faster being put to use to help patients for ALS. local leadership and families living with this fatal “This is transformational and will AHS embraces local leadership and zone-based decision-making. Here in Edmonton and area, front-line disease. change the landscape for ALS physicians and clinical leaders at every level of the organization have joint planning and decision- making authority with operational leaders, meaning faster decisions closer to where care is provided. The largest grant – $2.94 million research,” says Kalra. – was awarded to Dr. Sanjay The success of this study could Kalra, co-medical director of the make it easier to diagnose ALS alberta: Alberta Health Services’ ALS and will create a nationwide Clinic in the Edmonton Zone, and foundation for the use of the new University of Alberta Professor technique. zone by zone in the Department of Medicine In Edmonton, Kalra and his edmonton zone (Neurology). team will use a high-powered Population: 1,295,164 Kalra and his research research MRI, supported in • Life expectancy: 81.9 years • Hospitals: 14 team intend to use Magnetic part by the University Hospital Resonance Imaging (MRI) Foundation, to learn about calgary zone technology to study changes in changes in the brain of patients Population: 1,544,495 the brains of people with ALS. with ALS, and to track the • Life expectancy: 83.5 years • Hospitals: 14 ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral progression of the disease. Sclerosis) is a rapid, always fatal, The medical community does north zone neurodegenerative disorder not currently have a drug that can Population: 478,979 which is commonly known as significantly slow the progression • Life expectancy: 79.7 years • Hospitals: 34 Lou Gehrig’s disease. It attacks of disease. One of the main the nerves of the body that are drawbacks in developing such a central zone responsible for sending messages drug is there isn’t yet a test that Population: 470,490 to the brain. This results in the can accurately measure or track • Life expectancy: 80.1 years • Hospitals: 30 gradual loss of muscle control, the changes ALS causes in the mobility and motor skills. body. SOUTH zone In time, the individual with ALS Kalra says he hopes his project Population: 298,169 is left completely immobilized, will help find a way to better • Life expectancy: 79.9 years • Hospitals: 14 with loss of speech and eventually diagnose patients and to develop an inability to swallow and a treatment. To find the hospitals, services, facilities breathe. Approximately 3,000 “Research gives us hope,” he Canadians live with ALS and two says. “This announcement gives and programs in your zone, please visit to three Canadians die every day us hope.” n albertahealthservices.ca/FacilitySearch.

Zone News Editor, Layout and design: Kit Poole here’s Edmonton Zone: Shelly Willsey IMAGING: Michael Brown FSC LOGO Phone: 780.735.6801 (printer places on) Email: [email protected] Zone News – Edmonton Zone is Mail: Royal Alexandra Hospital published monthly by Alberta Health This paper has been certified to meet how to 10240 Kingsway Ave. N.W. Services to inform Albertans of the the environmental and social standards Edmonton, Alberta, T5H 3V9 programs and services available to them, of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) To see Edmonton Zone News online, please visit and of the work being done to improve the and comes from well-managed forests reach us www.albertahealthservices.ca/5823.asp health care system in their communities. and other responsible sources.

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