SOUTH ZONE NEWS ZONE

YOUR HEALTH CARE IN YOUR COMMUNITY 2012 SEPTEMBER

BRUSHED WITH SUCCESS ASSESSMENTS SHOULD NOT TAKE Photo by James Frey | Aster Jonker, 2, gets some big-time toothbrush instruction from Natasha Burian, a THE PLACE OF ... registered dental hygienist with Health Services. The little girl is learning her chops “ as part of a provincial Oral Health Action Plan, aimed at promoting dental health in high- DENTAL VISITS risk populations. And the best thing for eligible parents? The plan – which encompasses — Dental hygienist Natasha Burian assessment, education and fluoride varnish and sealants – is free. PAGE 4 ONCOLOGY DUO SOMETHING JOINS TEAM TO DREAM ABOUT

It’s good news for cancer patients in Never shut your eyes to the value of a as two oncologists have good night’s sleep. Not enough rest can signed on with ’s Jack Ady lead to a list of ailments, including memory Cancer Centre. That means expanded loss, depression, reduced immune function treatment in their area ... and a lot less and low libido. We’ll tell you how to change travel time. PAGE 3 your sleep habits. PAGE 6 PAGE 2 L O C A L L E A D E R S

Dr. Vanessa Maclean, South Zone Medical Director, and Sean Chilton, Senior Vice-President.

ZONING IN ON Leona Ferguson, above, says feedback is key to meeting health care challenges in rural Alberta. YOUR CONCERNS Welcome to the inaugural issue of Zone GOING THE DISTANCE News, a new, monthly Alberta Health Services (AHS) publication that aims to For Leona Ferguson, rural Alberta’s Director of Health Services, inform Albertans about the work being done small-town living doesn’t mean a lack of excellent patient care to improve the delivery of health care in their Story by Stephanie Jo | Photo by Janine Sakatch communities. Transparency is one of our organization’s mall communities can have big health Ferguson believes living in rural communities seven core values and this publication is care concerns, says Leona Ferguson. doesn’t mean a lack of excellent patient care. just one way we wish to shed light on what S And dealing with those issues is her “I love working with communities. I know more we’re doing and what we’re planning to No. 1 goal. people and patients because the communities do in order to best meet your health care “I have an opportunity to work closely with are smaller,” says Ferguson. “And the staff and needs, now and in the future. communities and I can find out what they need physicians know the people coming into the One of the things we did last year to and how our services can match those needs,” facilities. The most important thing, from a health improve our health system was to embrace says Ferguson, Director of Health Services in aspect, is we can hear how things are going.” zone-based, local decision-making. rural Alberta. Ferguson recognizes the importance of Right here in southern Alberta, front- Ferguson recognizes the challenges patients feedback. She uses Alberta Health Services’ line physicians and other clinical leaders face living in rural communities, especially when Community Needs Assessment to seek a better have joint planning and decision-making they aren’t able to travel for specialty care. level of communication between health care authority, meaning faster decision-making “There are limitations – such as long distances workers and members of the community. closer to where care is provided. to urban hospitals or the patient’s health – that “It allows us to understand the challenges from Our dedicated and hard-working teams can make it difficult to travel,” she says. both sides and to more effectively take action. of staff, physicians and volunteers provide Ferguson and her team use the local services “It’s not always good feedback, but it’s high-quality care and services guided by available, such as Telehealth, a videoconference something that we need to hear and address,” our AHS values of respect, accountability, technology that allows doctors and patients says Ferguson. “Positive feedback from the transparency, engagement, learning, safety provincewide to meet ‘virtually’ face-to-face. community means we’re on the right track.” and performance. “We’ve been using Telehealth quite a bit. Our At 62, Ferguson finds it difficult to think about We hope that patients, families and loved patients don’t need to leave the community and retiring. ones are already benefitting from zone- they can speak with specialists directly,” says “I can’t think of anything better than continuing based, local decision-making in a real, Ferguson. “The communication is great and it’s to work with members of the community, staff tangible way. wonderful to see our technological services are and physicians to provide services for patients We invite you to read Zone News every being used to benefit the patients.” and make a difference.” n month to learn about programs, services and technologies that are improving the HERE’S HOW YOU CAN REACH US health and quality of life of people living in southern Alberta. ZONE NEWS EDITOR, Zone News – South Zone is published We hope you find the information in every SOUTH ZONE: James Frey monthly by Alberta Health Services to inform issue interesting but, moreso, we hope the PHONE: Albertans of the programs and services information will guide you to the programs 403.388.6313 available to them, and of the work being done and services that help you, your family and EMAIL: to improve the health care system in their your community to be as active and healthy [email protected] communities. as possible. MAIL: The paper used by Zone News is certified Dr. Vanessa Maclean, 900, 400 4 Ave. S. by the Forest Stewardship Council, an South Zone Medical Director Lethbridge, Alberta international, non-profit organization that Sean Chilton, T1J 4E1 promotes sustainable, responsibly managed Senior Vice-President LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Kit Poole forests.

www.albertahealthservices.ca Suffer from migraines? Avoid triggers, including stress, alcohol, foods such as chocolate, bright lights and strong odours. I N Y O U R Z O N E PAGE 3

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WAY TOUGHER IF I HAD TO GO UP TO “ FOR TREATMENT — Cancer patient Bette Jean Scott

SOUTHERN CANCER CARE GETS BOOST

Oncology duo signs on with Lethbridge’s Jack Ady Cancer Centre

Story by James Stevenson | Photos by Tara Grindle

he hiring of two medical oncologists at the Jack Ady TCancer Centre in Lethbridge means local Albertans dealing with cancer can get expanded treatment and services where they live. “To have two doctors there means we can spell each other off; we can discuss Above: cancer patient Bette Jean Scott with Dr. Charles cases with each other,” says Dr. Malcolm Butts. Insets: Jack Ady Cancer Centre’s new oncologists, Brigden, who has been practising in Dr. Malcolm Brigden, left, and Dr. Faraj El-Gehani. Sault Ste. Marie in northern Ontario. “It just makes it so much more exciting and a and the South Zone medical leadership,” says an expanded slate of services, including more fulfilling practice.” Grundy. “We’re developing a cancer program combined chemo-radiation therapy for certain Brigden will begin treating southern Alberta in the Lethbridge area that’s able to attract cancers. cancer patients this month as the Medical specialists in wide demand.” The bottom line is a positive one for cancer Director and staff medical oncologist at the Jack The Jack Ady Cancer Centre has been without patients in southern Alberta. Ady Cancer Centre. a permanent medical oncologist since March, “Our patients receive the very best care Dr. Faraj El-Gehani, who’s completing his when Dr. David Holland retired after 23 years available,” says specialty training at the Cross Cancer Institute of practice. In the interim, impact on cancer Grundy. “And in , will join Brigden as a staff medical patients in Lethbridge and the surrounding area our physicians oncologist. was mitigated by medical oncologists from have a world- Pincher Creek resident Bette Jean Scott Edmonton and Calgary who visit Lethbridge class clinical knows the benefits of being able to receive every week to help care for patients. and research cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and “We appreciate Dr. Holland’s contribution to environment in radiation therapy closer to home. cancer care and internal medicine in Alberta,” which to achieve “I’ve been told by a lot of people that I’ve had says Dr. Charles Butts, Medical Director of their potential.” n a real positive state of mind about having cancer, Community Oncology. “When he informed us but it would have been way tougher if I had to go of his retirement plans, we began actively up to Calgary for treatment,” says Scott. recruiting.” Medical oncologists specialize in diagnosing The two new cancer specialists will work and treating cancer through the use of with radiation oncologists on-site, providing chemotherapy and other therapies. They also work with health experts at the cancer centre in managing all aspects of a patient’s cancer care. OUR PATIENTS RECEIVE Dr. Paul Grundy, Senior Vice-President of THE VERY BEST CARE Alberta Health Services (AHS) Cancer Care, says recruiting medical oncologists is a challenge AVAILABLE. AND OUR across the country, with only about 15 Canadian PHYSICIANS HAVE A graduates each year. “ WORLD-CLASS “The fact we were able to recruit an accomplished doctor from out of province and CLINICAL AND retain an individual in whom we have invested RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT many years of training in Alberta is a testament — Dr. Paul Grundy, right to the collaborative efforts of AHS Cancer Care

Aim to eat less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (1 tsp. salt), including that in prepared foods and the salt added at the table. www.albertahealthservices.ca Just so you know, 1 tsp. of salt contains 2,300 mg of sodium. PAGE 4 A T Y O U R S E R V I C E

SERVICES IN YOUR COMMUNITY

ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM • Brooks Community Health Centre 440 3 St. E., Brooks. Call 403.501.3312. • Lethbridge Community Health Centre 801 1 Ave. S. (train station), Lethbridge. Call 403.388.6776. • Community Health Services 2948 Dunmore Rd. S.E., Medicine Hat. Call 403.502.8240.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING Public health offices in South Zone that are currently offering the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine to parents and caregivers of newborn children include: • Fort Macleod Community Health 744 26 St., Fort Macleod. Call 403.553.5351. • Picture Butte Community Health 301A Rogers Ave., Picture Butte. Call 403.388.6751. • Coaldale Community Health Say ahhhh! Registered dental hygienist Natasha Burian, right, checks out the mouth 2012 18 St., Coaldale. of two-year-old Aster Jonker, while Aster’s mom Kelly Dinsmore looks on. Call 403.345.3000. • Raymond Community Health 200 West 200 N., Raymond. SMILE, NOW OPEN WIDE! Call 403.752.5430. • Taber Community Health Alberta Health Services sinks teeth into new Oral Health Action Plan 5009 56 St., Taber. for young children. Better yet, it costs eligible parents nothing Call 403.223.7230. Story by Sherri Gallant | Photo by James Frey • Vauxhall Community Health 406 1 Ave. N., Vauxhall. lberta Health Services has given parents exam of the child’s teeth to identify concerns. Call 403.223.7229. of young children something to smile Fluoride varnish is a simple, safe and effective • Bow Island Community Health Aabout. It has recently introduced a new way to reduce tooth decay by as much as 25 (Provincial building) 802 6 St. E., Bow Island. provincewide plan targeting a child’s early years. per cent. Although it is safe, fluoride varnish Call 403.545.2296. Cathy Woolfrey, Manager of the Population isn’t recommended for everyone. Children with Please note, pertussis has only been Health Promotion Program in South Zone, allergies to the resin found in bandages or tape, found in these communities in South Zone. is eager to let eligible parents know what’s or children who have been hospitalized for If you live in another community and have available for their children to improve oral health asthma, should not receive fluoride varnish. questions about your current immunization, – and at no cost. “These dental assessments and fluoride please contact your local public health “The provincial Oral Health Action Plan focuses varnish treatments should not take the place office, or call Health Link: 1.866.408.5465. on assessment, education, as well as fluoride of regular dental visits,” says dental hygienist varnish and sealants for at-risk populations,” Natasha Burian. “A dentist will do a complete says Woolfrey. “We’re increasing the availability oral examination and possibly take X-rays to look HOME CARE PROGRAM of the program and are working to promote our for tooth decay.” Home care services are provided as a programs with families.” The Canadian Dental Association complement to the care provided by family, The plan consists of both a preschool and recommends children see a dentist friends and the community. Services are school-based component. within six months of the showing based on an assessment and development The school-based component of the Oral of their first tooth or by their first of a care plan and may include professional Health Action Plan was implemented in 2011. birthday. n nursing services, personal care services, It provides fluoride varnish and dental sealants respite, palliative care, and wound for children in kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade management. For information, call: 2 at select schools. Dental professionals screen CALL TO ACTION • Bow Island Provincial Building children for signs of dental disease and assess Alberta Health Services’ Oral Call 403.545.2296. the need for dental varnish and sealants. Health Action Plan has three parts: • Brooks Home Care The preschool program, which began this A preschool fluoride varnish program Call 403.362.7766. spring, offers fluoride varnish to children aged 1. for children aged 12-35 months who • Lethbridge Access Centre 12-35 months, who are identified as being at meet eligibility criteria. Call 403.388.6380 or 1.800.388.6380. a high risk for tooth decay based on socio- A school-based fluoride varnish • Medicine Hat Home Care economic criteria. Families new to , 2. program for children in kindergarten Call 403.581.5750. single-parent families, lower-income families, to Grade 2 from select schools.* • Oyen Community Health Services families who receive subsidies and families with a A school-based dental sealant including the communities of Oyen, history of tooth decay would qualify. 3. program for children in Grades 1-2 Empress, Cereal, Youngstown, Esther, Once enrolled in the preschool program, from selected schools.* , , New Brigden, Hilda, eligible children will be offered free fluoride and . Call 403.664.3651. *Consent forms will be sent home from varnish treatments applied twice annually. Dental participating schools. professionals will also conduct a visual dental www.albertahealthservices.ca If your job includes lots of sitting, try using the stairs rather than the elevator. It’s good for your heart, muscles and mood. H E A L T H C A R E H E R O E S PAGE 5 VISIT US ONLINE • The Alberta Health Services website, PROGRAMS HE REALLY HAS www.albertahealthservices.ca, is your COME A VERY online source for health care information, TURN SMALL LONG WAY ... services, news and more. Check us out!

“ WE ARE VERY BACK TO SCHOOL STEPS INTO GRATEFUL September is a busy time for kids and parents, and AHS can help make it easier — Liz Bachmeier, mom to for everyone. Our back-to-school page has Daniel, pictured below BIG CHANGES tips on packing a healthy lunch, making the first day of school a success, being safe on Daniel and others like him are making huge strides, thanks to the the school bus and more. Search “back to therapies available at Children’s Health and Development Services school” on our website. at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital AHS IN THE SOUTH ZONE Story by Laurie Gagnon | Want to know what’s happening in your South Zone community? Visit “AHS in or Daniel Bachmeier, visits to the Children’s & District Health Foundation played a large part in my zone” for the latest news stories and Health and Development Services (CHADS) the programs that enrich the lives of children like health advisories and to learn more about Fdepartment at Medicine Hat Regional Daniel. local health services. You can also meet Hospital have been a big part of his short life. Thanks in part to these donations, CHADS the South Zone leadership team and send Born prematurely Dec. 31, 2005, Daniel is able to provide a variety of equipment to its us your feedback. Click “south” on our weighed in at a mere 1-lb. 9-oz. After spending clients. Individual treatment programs vary widely website. two-and-a-half months between the neonatal because everyone’s needs are different. CHADS intensive care unit in Medicine Hat and Alberta allows clients to experiment with various types of COMPLIMENTS? CONCERNS? Children’s Hospital in Calgary, Daniel finally equipment before purchasing their own. By sharing your experience of health came home with his family. Shortly after, he was The standing frame helps with weight-bearing, care, you’re giving important information diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Daniel has been stretching, bone density and mobility. It greatly that helps us to improve and deliver the using CHADS all his life. improves Daniel’s muscle strength and recovery best possible care to Albertans. Tell us Numerous therapy programs – physical, time. what we’re doing right and what we can do occupational and speech pathology – have helped When asked about how her family would better. Click or search “patient concerns & Daniel function at the highest level possible. function without CHADS, Liz Bachmeier, Daniel’s feedback” on the AHS website. A wide range of therapies for children like mother, responds, “I don’t want to even think Daniel result in fewer movement limitations, better about that. I don’t want my mind to go there.” TWITTER posture, improved muscle development, and CHADS loaned the family a standing frame for greater ability to feed and dress themselves. Daniel until his own could be ordered. • AHS South Zone is on Twitter! Follow “As a child’s self confidence increases, so does “As long as his video games are on, he will @AHS_SouthZone for the latest health a child’s sense of independence,” says CHADS stand in the frame all day,” says Bachmeier. news and information and be sure to join manager Tricia Miller. Therapy is a huge part of Daniel’s daily routine. in the conversation. Here’s a sample: “For some children, being able to stand His physical therapist assistant, up and look others in the eye is an Debbie Schultz, visits twice a How do you change your life to achieve accomplishment all on its own. Most of us week at school. Each week, a #HealthyWeight? Read Jaci’s story. take that for granted.” Daniel comes to CHADS at http://ow.ly/cPh04 Last year, Daniel underwent major the hospital. surgery to help lengthen his muscles Now, at age six, Daniel Looking for inspection reports of and tendons. He spent three weeks in can walk with assistance restaurants and food establishments in a lower body cast. for short periods at a time. southern Alberta? http://ow.ly/cNQ1Q Soon after, he continued his “He has really come a therapy using the new standing long way, thanks to the Are you ready to #quit #smoking? http:// frame equipment, funded by the All therapy programs and ow.ly/cIGh9 Try our #interactive #tool to find Nations Optimist Club through services available out if you’re ready to change. Medicine Hat & District Health here,” Bachmeier Foundation. adds. “We are FACEBOOK Donations to Medicine Hat very grateful.” n • Whether you’re an established professional or a new grad, a career in health care is rewarding because what you do really matters. AHS careers is on Facebook, where we make it easy to check out career opportunities, watch videos about why real employees love their jobs, and connect with your local recruitment advisor. Find us on www.facebook.com at “Alberta Health Services careers.” APP

• Download the official Alberta Health Services app to your iPhone or Android device and get a list of key health care contacts and a tool to calculate your body mass index. New features will be added soon. The AHS app is available on the App Store or Google Play.

To treat just a few pimples, try a non-prescription medication with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid listed on the label. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 6 L I V I N G W E L L SLEEP TIGHT FROM A TO ZZZZS People who’ve been struggling with sleep issues for 20 years or longer SLEEP RIGHT may have almost lost hope. If you get treatment while you’re still young, it can literally change your life.

For those having trouble sleeping, look for tips or more information at: • Health Link Alberta • Online, visit Myhealth.Alberta.ca, or • Toll-free: 1.866.408.5465 (LINK)

On Myhealth.Alberta.ca, search for the following link: tips for getting more sleep.

Visit albertahealthservices.ca for further information by searching the following: • Different kinds of sleep • Factors affecting your sleep Everyone, from newborns to seniors, needs regular sleep to be • Sleep disorders healthy. As Apple contributor Deborah Lawson discovers, getting • Suggestions for better sleep a good night’s sleep is often a matter of following a consistent Services in the South Zone area are not routine, no matter what your age available for everyone. Please call for Story by Deborah Lawson | Photo by Ewan Nicholson | Visit applemag.ca for full article further information: • Lethbridge Sleep Clinic at ood sleep is one of the body’s most your family get the best possible night’s sleep? 403.388.6034. The Lethbridge Sleep Clinic basic needs. Khullar says three things regulate our sleep: is a testing facility providing sleep screening, Not enough sleep can lead to memory behaviour, light and melatonin levels. G initial consults, diagnosis, loss, poor concentration, depression, headache, One often-overlooked contributor to sleep treatment and follow-up of sleep irritability, stress, high blood pressure, depressed deprivation is immersion in technology. We are disorders. A referral from a immune function and low libido. Recently, sleep texting, tweeting, browsing, playing and surfing physician is required. deprivation has been linked to obesity. our way into chronic fatigue.

“Particularly for children, some data shows Samuels says, “Technology is the No. 1 barrier QUICK TIPS: that without enough sleep it’s more difficult to to getting enough sleep.” His solution? “Unplug • Infants: at night, reduced regulate appetite,” says Dr. Atul Khullar, Medical yourself! For example, don’t make or take any light and noise levels and the use of gentle Director of the Northern Alberta Sleep Clinic phone calls after 8 p.m.” movements and a quiet voice will help in Edmonton and Khullar advises, “We signal it’s time for sleep. MedSleep in Calgary. spend a third of our lives WE SPEND A THIRD • Toddlers: a calm, consistent reminder As Medical Director sleeping, so it pays to that “it’s bedtime” works best to teach your at Calgary’s Centre OF OUR LIVES take sleep seriously and toddler that bedtime means staying in bed. for Sleep and Human make it a priority. Get SLEEPING, SO IT • School-age children: a quiet, dark, Performance, Dr. your sleep assessed if PAYS TO TAKE SLEEP comfortable sleep environment and a sleep- Charles Samuels often “ you’re not sleeping well.” and-wake schedule that doesn’t vary by works with people SERIOUSLY AND And Dr. Ivan more than 30 minutes, even on weekends. in high-performance MAKE IT A PRIORITY Kropyvnytskyy of • Adolescents: they’ll do best if they careers, such as MedSleep in Calgary, — Dr. Atul Khullar avoid falling asleep in front of a TV, turn out police officers, military agrees. the lights about the same time each night, personnel and Olympic “I often see people and open the curtains as they get up. athletes. who’ve been struggling • Adults: have only two cups of coffee “Few people think of sleep in terms of with sleep issues for 20 years or longer,” a day, limit alcohol consumption, stop recovery,” says Samuels. “Yet sleep is a crucial Kropyvnytskyy says. smoking, examine and reduce the stress in component of that process. When we neglect “By that time they think they’ve tried your life and adopt routine sleep times. recovery, we affect our health and performance everything and may have almost lost hope. I • Seniors: to stay well-rested, maintain negatively.” can usually help them within six to eight weeks. that all-important routine, get vitamin D from In 2002, an estimated 3.3 million Canadians But their quality of life for many years would natural sunlight and control napping so it reported having insomnia. The Canadian Sleep have been better if they’d addressed their sleep won’t interfere with night-time sleep. Society says sleep problems affect 10-35 per problems sooner. cent of the population. “If you get treatment while you’re still young, it So what can you do to make sure you and can literally change your life.” n CHECKLIST MAKES THE GRADE Getting your kids all geared child’s health. We’re making it up for a successful school easy with a one-page cheat- year? sheet for A+ health! Pencils, books and a Visit http://www. shiny new backpack albertahealthservices. are surely on the list; ca/2542.asp to download however, no supply is your family’s essential back-to- more important than your school health checklist today.

www.albertahealthservices.ca If you suffer from panic attacks, try using positive thoughts to change your thinking. It can help reduce anxiety. P A Y I N G I T F O R W A R D PAGE 7 PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST PAYS OFF SCHOLARSHIPS LIKE THIS ... HELP After volunteering at Lethbridge’s Chinook Regional Hospital STUDENTS ACHIEVE and in poorer areas around the world, Munima Alam is grateful THEIR DREAMS to win the Health Care Professionals of Tomorrow Scholarship “ — Munima Alam Story by Stephanie Jo | Photo by Sherri Gallant “In 2009, I went to Nicaragua and, in 2010, I went to El Salvador with the FDOC, each for “I assisted with the diagnosis or treatment of or scholarship winner Munima Alam, a a week and a half with a team of four to eight patients. Everyone had a different specialty and rewarding career can also be an awarding other volunteers from my university,” says the opportunity to shadow these professionals Fone. Alam, 24. “They were eye-opening experiences gave me a unique perspective,” she says. Alam is the 2012 recipient of the Health Care because I was able to shadow a physician, “Whatever career I have, I would like to Professionals of Tomorrow Scholarship for dentist and pharmacist. continue helping in rural or less fortunate areas. her volunteer work at the “It’s one of my goals.” Chinook Regional Hospital Alam relates her motivation (CRH) in Lethbridge and back to her personal roots, her interest in a health care discussing how health care career. has had an effect on her “I was surprised and family, especially when a excited when I received family member in Bangladesh the phone call,” says Alam. suffered from cancer. “There are so many eligible “Constantly hearing that my and deserving volunteers, relatives don’t have access to that I was not expecting it. the type of health care I have “The funding will be very here is difficult,” says Alam. helpful with my studies in the “To me, helplessness is one of pharmacy program at the the worst feelings in the world. University of Alberta this fall. I’m very fortunate and I want Scholarships like this are just to give back; that’s why I want one way to help students to go into health care.” achieve their dreams, Alam started volunteering at while drawing attention to CRH in 2004, specializing in the wonderful volunteer pediatrics. opportunities at the CRH.” “I went into pediatrics Judi Reed, Manager of because, although I like Volunteer Resources for children, I was pretty shy and South Zone, concurs. I wanted to become more “This year’s winner is a comfortable with people,” remarkable young woman. says Alam. “There are different The $2,000 scholarship is levels of communication that provided by the Friends of are required with children, Chinook Regional Hospital in parents and staff. Volunteering Lethbridge and Munima has here has helped develop my volunteered over 500 hours interpersonal skills.” of service at our facility.” Alam hasn’t decided on a That drive to give back to career specialty. the community has global “I don’t want to set myself roots for Alam, who also into a specific niche yet,” says volunteered with the Flying Alam. “I like working with Doctors of Canada (FDOC). Munima Alam, above, wins the Health Care Professionals of Tomorrow Scholarship. people on all levels.” n

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 403.625.3386. For details, call Tara Bishoff at 403.682.3739. • HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL (HAC) MEETINGS • SEPT. 23: WORD ON THE STREET The Health Advisory Councils’ purpose is to enhance and develop Word On The Street is an annual one-day national family festival partnerships between the province’s communities and Alberta Health celebrating literacy, storytelling and the written arts. It is a street Services (AHS). Public participation is essential to improving the festival with free exhibits, live music and spoken word performances, quality and accountability of health services. Public feedback and author readings and panels, children’s programming and hands-on input will help AHS meet its mission of providing a patient-focused, activities. It takes place near the Main Library in Lethbridge, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all 810 5 Ave. S., from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Albertans. For information, call Suzanne Rauda at 403.388.6346. * Sept. 18: the Oldman River HAC meeting takes place at 5 p.m. at • WEEKLY: BETTER CHOICES, BETTER HEALTH Chinook Regional Hospital, County Hall, 960 19 St. S., Lethbridge. Workshops designed to help Albertans living with ongoing health * Sept. 24: the Palliser Triangle HAC meeting takes place at 11:30 conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, high a.m. at the Bassano Community Hall, 610 2 Ave., Bassano. blood pressure, chronic pain and obesity. Workshops are free. • In Medicine Hat, Better Choices, Better Heath sessions run • SEPT. 22: CLARESHOLM & DISTRICT HEALTH Sept. 17-Oct. 29 at the River Heights Professional Centre, FOUNDATION 6TH ANNUAL CONCERT SERIES GALA 88 Valleyview Dr. S.W. Mondays from 6-8:30 p.m. For details, call Wine and cheese reception followed by a four-course meal. 403.529.8969 or 1.866.795.9709. Proceeds help upgrade the heart monitoring system at Claresholm • In Brooks, sessions run Sept. 18-Oct. 23 at the Brooks Health General Hospital. Takes place at the Claresholm Community Centre, Centre, 440 3 St. E., Brooks, Tuesdays from 1-3:30 p.m. Call 59 Ave. and 8 St. W., Claresholm, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets $75; call 403.529.8969 or 1.866.795.9709.

If you suffer from panic attacks, try using positive thoughts to change your thinking. It can help reduce anxiety. To avoid overeating at restaurants, split a meal with someone else or take home a ‘doggy bag’ to enjoy later. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 I N B R I E F HOME COOKIN’ ON THE MENU ome-grown goodness was all in good and staff got to spend time outside enjoying taste for residents and staff of the the sunshine as they shucked corn and shared HBrooks Health Centre, who took to stories. Later, the corn was steamed and shucking fresh corn for dinner on Aug. 8. served for dinner. It was part of Closer to Home, a new The result: A delicious freshly prepared initiative by Alberta Health Services (AHS) Alberta-grown addition to supper that was responding to resident requests for more enjoyed by all. locally produced food and produce and To ensure high standards are met, AHS is favourite local menu choices at long-term care currently seeking feedback from residents and facilities. their families and Health Advisory Councils At Brooks, Jensen’s Taber corn was brought starting in 10 communities across Alberta. Residents Bob Baxter, left, and Gerald Vincent in by Nutrition and Food Services and, as part Learn more about Closer to Home by visiting flank recreation therapist assistant Amy Sanders of the recreation therapy program, residents albertahealthservices.ca/foodservices.asp. n at a Brooks Health Centre corn feed.

ALBERTA: ZONE BY ZONE EDMONTON ZONE Population: 1,186,121 • Life expectancy: 81.8 years • Hospitals: 13 NORTH ZONE COMMUNITIES: • Gibbons • Stony Plain Population: 447,740 • Life expectancy: 79.8 years • Hospitals: 34 • Beaumont • Leduc • Thorsby COMMUNITIES: • Fort MacKay • • Slave Lake • Devon • Morinville • Athabasca • Fort McMurray • Lac la Biche • Smoky Lake • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • • • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • Beaverlodge • Fox Creek • Manning • Swan Hills • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • Mayerthorpe • Thorhild Saskatchewan • • Bonnyville • • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • • Medley • Valleyview • Cold Lake • Grimshaw • Onoway • Vilna CALGARY ZONE • Conklin • High Level • Peace River • Wabasca/ • Edson • High Prairie • Peerless Lake Desmarais Population: 1,408,606 • Elk Point • Hinton • Radway • Westlock • Life expectancy: 82.9 years • Hospitals: 12 • Fairview • Hythe • Rainbow Lake • Whitecourt COMMUNITIES: • • Nanton • Falher • Janvier • Redwater • Worsley • Airdrie • Claresholm • Okotoks • • Jasper • St. Paul • • Banff • Cochrane • Stavely • Black • Cremona • Strathmore Diamond • Didsbury • Turner Valley • Calgary • Gleichen • Vulcan CENTRAL ZONE • Canmore • High River Population: 453,469 • Life expectancy: 80.7 years • Hospitals: 31 COMMUNITIES: • Galahad • Mundare • Sylvan Lake • Bashaw • Hanna • Myrnam • Three Hills SOUTH ZONE • Bentley • Hardisty • Olds • Tofield Population: 289,661 • Breton • Hughenden • Ponoka • Trochu • Camrose • Innisfail • Provost • Two Hills • Life expectancy: 80.3 years • Hospitals: 13 • Castor • Islay • Red Deer • Vegreville COMMUNITIES: Pass • Oyen • Consort • Killam • Rimbey • Vermilion • Bassano • Fort Macleod • Picture Butte • Coronation • Kitscoty • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • Granum • Pincher Creek • Daysland • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • Bow Island • Irvine • Raymond • Drayton Valley • Lamont House • • Brooks • Lethbridge • Redcliff • Drumheller • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • Cardston • Magrath • Taber • Eckville • • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • Medicine Hat • Vauxhall • Elnora • Mannville • Sundre • Crowsnest • Milk River

BUTT OUT! ‘TANKS’ A LOT ROLL UP SLEEVES Anyone wishing to kick their smoking, Alberta Health Services is reminding The annual fall influenza immunization campaign or smokeless tobacco habit can access southern Albertans of the risks with filling by Alberta Health Services kicks into high-gear in QuitCore, a free tobacco-cessation fertilizer, pesticide or other improper tanks October with three family-centred health fairs in program. QuitCore teaches users how to at municipal water stations. Fill hoses can South Zone. The mid-October events will be held develop their own plan, how to manage be contaminated with chemicals or mud, Oct. 20 in Brooks and Oct. 25 in Lethbridge and stress and prevent relapse. QuitCore’s making drinking water for cisterns unsafe. Medicine Hat. Families with children are encouraged program runs six Tuesday evenings starting Residents with concerns can call Health to get their influenza immunizations and browse Sept. 25 in Medicine Hat. For location and Link Alberta 1.866.408.LINK (5465), through health, wellness, safety and educational to register, call toll-free 1.866.710.QUIT or visit http://www.albertahealthservices. resources. Locations and times will be posted on (7848) or go to www.albertaquits.ca. ca/4656.asp. alberthealthservices.ca after Oct. 1.

Helping Albertans find their way to better health

MyHealth.Alberta.ca is an online resource made in Currently Available: Alberta for Albertans. It offers valuable information Symptom Checker and tools to help Albertans better manage their health. Medication Guides As an evolving resource, MyHealth.Alberta.ca will Find Health Services continue to be expanded, updated and improved. Checkup Tools Future developments will provide many advanced Health A–Z features and health monitoring tools, and allow access to information from one’s Alberta Netcare Electronic Tests & Treatment Guides Health Record. Healthy Living

www.albertahealthservices.ca If you are planning to get a body piercing, make sure your jewelry can be easily removed so the site can be cleaned.