north Zone NEWS Zone

Your Health Care in Your Community 2014 SEPTEMBER

They “brought us all these lovely quilts to help us stay warm because we always get cold when we have dialysis — Maggie Andersen warm wishes Maggie Anderson gets some comforter comfort while being treated at the St. Paul Dialysis Unit. The Sunshine Quilters Club donated 30 quilts to patients at the unit after hearing about the difficult yet life-saving Casey Enriquez photo | treatment. PAGE 2 where heroes turn Chronic illness for a helping hand and mental health They’re always on the scene in a crisis, but The links between long-term illness and mental often the situations they see are so dire that first health issues have long been known. But responders can have trouble with the emotional now, studies are finding chronic inflammatory backlash. That’s where the Heroes conditions can actually make Are Human tour can help. PAGE 3 changes in the brain. PAGE 6

It’s scary when your child is sick, but in most cases I am worried you don’t need to go to the emergency department. about my child If you’re unsure, we’re here to help Health Link : 1.866.408.5465 albertahealthservices.ca/options

Emergency is here for you if you need it. Use it wisely. PAGE 2 l o c a l l e a d e r s

DR. KEVIN WORRY North Zone executive leadership team member Some of the abcs of better choices t’s back to school and back to daily routines for many families this month. That can also Imean a return to hectic schedules. But there are a number of simple ways busy families can incorporate healthy practises into their everyday lives. Regular activity and eating smart doesn’t have to take up a lot of extra time, and can be used as fun family bonding time as well. Making small changes to tasks your family already takes part in can help make daily activities a family affair everyone enjoys. Members of the Sunshine Quilters Club, front, from left, Lorna Giggs, Ida Leroux, Carol Zarowny, Organizing a walking “school bus,” where Vitaline Dubrule, Helena Ouellete, and Juliette Langevin display their handywork along with neighbourhood parents take turns walking kids registered nurse Casey Enriquez in St. Paul, back left, and Robert Duffy from the local Lion’s Club to school, can be a fun way to build a sense of community in the area where you live. Dialysis patients Riding your bikes rather than driving for quilters spread stay warm and cosy quick trips to the store or to your children’s during lifesaving various activities is also a good way to get some fresh air and have fun as a family. comfort and joY treatments And parents don’t have to sit on the Story by Lisa Peters | Photo by Tracy Delorme sidelines while the kids have all the fun. Mom atients in the St. Paul Dialysis Unit function is reduced. A patient’s blood is filtered and dad can add extra physical activity to their recently received cosy homemade quilts through a dialyzer and then returned to the days by walking around the rink or sports field Pfrom a group of local volunteers to help body. Typically, a treatment lasts for about four during the kids’ practice. keep them warm and comfortable throughout hours and is needed three times a week. Healthy meal and snack choices are also their treatment. “It’s sort of like a part-time job except there’s a must when fuelling active bodies and “Unbelievable – people are so great! It’s good no pay, and no holidays,” says Andersen of the minds. Give kids a role in the planning and to see,” says patient Maggie Andersen of the treatments. “But it lets you live, so it’s worth preparation of meals, using ’s Food community members who put together the something.” Guide as a reference. Go shopping together patchwork donations. The quilting project for local dialysis patients to pick out ingredients for future meals, paying “They brought us all these lovely quilts to first began at a retreat in November 2013, special attention to nutrition labels. help us stay warm because we always get cold where 21 people started working on the quilts. Doing some of the prep work, like washing when we have dialysis.” At the retreat, Casey Enriquez, a registered and cutting vegetables, the night before will The 68-year-old from nearby Man Lake, who nurse with (AHS) gave speed things up during that busy after-school/ has been undergoing dialysis for the past four a presentation about dialysis and the life-saving work time, helping ensure your family doesn’t years, says she’s grateful for the gift. services it offers to patients. turn to less healthy choices for convenience. “They’re absolutely beautiful – I can’t believe Supplies were donated by the St. Paul and The same goes for snacks and lunches. someone would do so much work and then District Lions Club, Boscombe Community Putting together several easy-to-grab snack- give them away.” Center and the Andokow Group. sized fruit and veggie packs can keep your But it was a gift straight from the heart, says Over the past 14 years, the Sunshine Quilters family going through the week. Lorna Diggs, member of the St. Paul Sunshine have made and donated more than 500 quilts. Making healthier choices like these can Quilters Club that made the 30 quilts. “This is a really precious donation,” says reduce your risk of developing chronic “When we heard about the treatments that Enriquez. disease or illness, and make you feel better dialysis patients have to go through, we knew “The personalized quilts give our patients as a whole. Encouraging a balanced diet and donating quilts to them would be for a good comfort and we are thankful to everyone who active lifestyle at a young age, and leading by cause,” says Diggs. helped make this donation possible.” example, can go a long way toward creating “Making 30 quilts was quite the undertaking, For more information about dialysis services healthier kids, who then carry those good but it was worth it.” in St. Paul, visit www.albertahealthservices. eating habits with them into adulthood. n Dialysis is the process of cleansing the blood ca. For more information about the Sunshine of toxins and excess fluid when normal kidney Quilters Club, call Diggs at 780.645.8153. n What’s on your MedList? Your entire health care team needs a complete medication list: prescribed medications, inhalers, patches, ointments, eye drops, vitamins, supplements - even those gummy vitamins.

Your MedList (and your child’s) helps your team provide the safest treatment: albertahealthservices.ca/medlist

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 HELPING HEROES HELP THEMSELVES Working in the most dire situations can have severe, long-term effects on first responders who, perhaps because they are supposed to be ‘strong,’ may be reluctant to seek help. The people behind the Heroes are Human tour say that attitude must change, and they speak from first-hand experience Story by Kirsten Goruk | Photos by Kirsten Goruk and courtesy Vince Savoia irst responders keep the public safe, they come when they’re called, risk their lives Fand often face scenes that would give anyone nightmares. So what happens when they’re the ones who need help? The fact is many emergency services and military personnel, RCMP and police, firefighters, correctional officers and others often feel uncomfortable or unwilling to ask for help with For three years I was conditions such living with symptoms as post-traumatic that I couldn’t explain; stress disorder things such as not (PTSD). “ That’s something sleeping, irritability, the Heroes Are yelling, hatred, anxiety Human tour, a new program offered and night sweats. through the Tema – Rodney Kocielny, pictured at right, a recently Conter Memorial retired RCMP officer who had post-traumatic Trust, aims to stress disorder following his investigation change. The tour, into the murders of four fellow officers sponsored in part in in 2005 by Alberta Health Services (AHS), visited in June to reach out to staff in AHS and other organizations. As Vince Savoia, founder of the trust, explains, the idea for the tour began in 2013, when news came out about a number of suicides among emergency services organizations across the country. “I figured we needed to do something about this because what we were doing wasn’t enough,” Savoia says. “As it played out, six months later – Christmas 2013 – we heard of “I didn’t see it, but when I came back from can help yourself. Until you help yourself, you the numerous suicides in the military and that that, my wife saw a 180-degree change,” can’t help others.’ ” confirmed it for us,” he says. Koscielny says. “Eventually, in 2008, I recognized Carl Hall-Gallus, a paramedic who works “That was the impetus, to get the message out the problem and sought help. casual out of Grande Prairie’s EMS station as there that you’re not alone and that help is here.” “So for three years I was living with symptoms well as with Western Air Rescue, says it was Savoia spoke at every tour stop, telling those that I couldn’t explain; things such as not good to hear about other people’s experiences in attendance that it’s OK to ask for help. sleeping, irritability, yelling, hatred, anxiety and and learn about some of the resources available “Your reactions to the calls you see are very night sweats.” to those working in emergency services. normal; what is abnormal is the work that we Koscielny is now a guest speaker for trauma “There is definitely a stigma (about how mental do,” he says. “If you do need help, there is no in the workplace and, more recently, the Alberta illness is perceived in society),” Hall-Gallus reason why you shouldn’t reach out to get it.” Tema representative. He hopes that by telling says. “I think it’s about that A-type personality; Rodney Koscielny, a recently retired RCMP his story, he can stop someone else from going paramedics are supposed to be tough – we’re officer with 23 years on the force, spoke at the through what he has. not supposed to have our own problems. tour’s stop in Grande Prairie. “We’re all pretty normal human beings until We’re there to help others, not to worry about Koscielny says he suffered for years before something happens. We think we’re invincible ourselves.” identifying he has PTSD. and that it won’t affect us, but it does. I just want That stereotypical way of thinking is exactly He says the symptoms first appeared after to present the message that we need to talk as what the Heroes Are Human tour aims to dispel. he was sent to Mayerthorpe in 2005 to help peers,” he says. In his presentations about workplace trauma, investigate the murders of four RCMP officers “The message has to be: ‘Get help and Koscielny says, “Don’t let what happened to who were ambushed during a property seizure. recognize the signs and symptoms so that you me happen to you. You need to talk. There’s no bravado in what we do anymore. This isn’t 20 Your reactions to the calls you see years ago where you’re maybe embarrassed to talk to others about how you’re feeling. are very normal; what is abnormal is “We have to look after each other and stay the work that we do. If you do need healthy. Coming to Heroes Are Human gives you help, there is no reason why you the tools to hopefully recognize what’s going on “ with you or in others.” shouldn’t reach out to get it For more information, visit www.2014heroes – Vince Savoia, speaking to emergency health personnel on the Heroes Are Human tour tour.ca. If you need help, the 24-hour Mental Health Help Line is 1.877.303.2642. 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 Program helps Athabasca getting back woman reduce her Services in chronic pain and gain your community to healthy living a healthier outlook Screen Test Mobile Story by Mark Evans | Photos by Sarah Greenfield Mammography he Alberta Healthy Living Program helped I was more flexible Screen Test provides mammography Joyce Handfield’s back get back on track. and it didn’t hurt as screening to women ages 50 to 74 – the T Handfield had endured chronic back much to do things age group most at risk of developing pain for years. It was at a pain clinic in breast cancer – in rural communities where she heard about an Alberta Health “– Joyce Handfield, who took the AHS where the service isn’t regularly available. Services program taking place in her hometown Healthy Living Program to help The program is coming to the following of Athabasca. deal with her chronic back pain North Zone communities: “The constant back pain was becoming • Boyle: Sept. 12-15. unbearable,” says Handfield. “I was willing to try Its education sessions cover topics such as • Kikino: Sept. 16. anything. If it worked, I’d be happy.” Type 2 diabetes, cardiac health and the Weight • Saddle Lake: Sept. 17-18. She decided to try the Alberta Healthy Wise program. • Frog Lake: Sept. 19. Living Program, which offers It also includes Better Choices, Better Health • First Nations: Sept. 24-25. education sessions, Better workshops which take place over six weeks Appointments fill up quickly. To Choices, Better Health and help participants become healthier through book your appointment, confirm dates workshops, and exercise education about food choices and portion sizes. and locations, and to inquire about programs in communities “The Alberta Healthy Living Program gives you upcoming North Zone stops, call toll-free across the province. different ideas on how to make changes,” says 1.800.667.0604. For more information, “I found exercise limbered Handfield. “They don’t encourage you to set visit www.screeningforlife.ca/screentest. things up, lessened the pain goals you aren’t going realize. HOLOSNEY and made things better,” says “They are good programs. They give you a lot Handfield. “I was more flexible and it didn’t hurt of good information so you can put it to work for as much to do things.” yourself. I’d be in a lot more pain if I hadn’t taken That’s the goal, says Andrew Holosney, an them.” exercise therapist who helped Handfield. Interested individuals can be referred to any of “The exercise program begins with an the programs by their physician, physiotherapist, individual assessment which is used by the nurse, pharmacist or exercise therapist to design a safe and effective any other member of program for each individual that can be done their health care anywhere,” Holosney says. team. They can Alberta Healthy Living Program is free also self-register and available to anyone 18 or older with a by phoning the toll- chronic condition such as back pain, asthma, free registration line arthritis, cancer, COPD, depression, diabetes, at 1.877.349.5711. n fibromyalgia, migraines, heart disease, high blood pressure, or weight concerns.

Addictions Treatment: Joyce Handfield Business and Industry demonstrates the Clinic hand bike she This is a specialized addictions treatment used as part clinic operated in the Northern Addictions of the Centre by AHS, for business employees exercise experiencing serious difficulties resulting portion of from use of alcohol and other drugs. AHS the Alberta provides a professional treatment option Healthy Living to employers who wish to help a worker Program. become a healthy, safe employee. Call 1.800.419.1149.

QuitCore A free group support program that gives Albertans the tools they need to quit using tobacco. The program has six, 90-minute sessions over nine weeks. Some of the quitting support techniques include behaviour modification and relaxation. Call 1.866.710.7848 (QUIT).

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. h e a l t h c a r e h e r o e s PAGE 5 Visit Us Online

Continuing Care Concerns Every day, thousands of seniors and their families receive high quality, compassionate care in continuing care facilities operated by Alberta Health Services and its contracted providers. We want to do even better. A toll-free telephone number and a dedicated email address are now available for families and loved ones to get answers to their questions, and to share unresolved continuing care concerns. For more information, please visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/10113.asp. Berthe Weibe, left, Lindsey Gradeen, centre, and Susan Dragon are some of the volunteers helping out at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre in Fort McMurray. Explore Careers Northern Lights in Health Care Helping hands volunteers making a Are you thinking of a career in health care? difference for patients Do you wonder a hit at Hospital and staff what it’s like to work at AHS? Story by Kirsten Goruk | Photos courtesy Lindsey Gradeen Visit our Careers or everyone involved with the Volunteer the chance to model the smock a few times website to read profiles Resources department at Northern Lights before he left Fort McMurray to study medicine at of our staff, watch videos FRegional Health Centre (NLRHC), it’s all the University of Alberta. exploring various jobs and about working together. Guinand has volunteered at the hospital find out about the benefits Since starting in March, Lindsey Gradeen, co- for three years, including a year doing work and rewards of working for ordinator for Volunteer Resources, has opened experience with occupational health and our provincial health care up the lines of communication even further. physiotherapy at the hospital. He’s also famous system. Then you can “I’ve been working closely with the department for sharing his guitar skills with the residents on search and apply managers, especially in the continuing care unit the continuing care unit. for jobs online. Visit because the majority of the volunteers spend “There’ve been a lot of challenges that put me www.albertahealth their time in that unit,” Gradeen says. in situations that were outside my comfort zone,” services.ca/careers. She’s addressing some issues with training and Guinand says. “They weren’t always everyday education for volunteers. This includes things situations, which I think really helped me grow. such as making sure volunteers know about It’s been a great experience. And I love seeing health and safety concerns when it comes to everyone smile when I play the guitar.” youtube giving food or drinks to patients. Although Gradeen and her team lost Guinand Have you visited AHS on YouTube lately? One big change that staff have noticed since at the end of June, more than 300 volunteers are We have more than 100 videos about our Gradeen started is the new uniform smocks for registered with Volunteer Resources. programs and services, our patients and volunteers. “We have people who are health care providers, and health information “Previously, the volunteers interested in giving back for you and your family. Go to YouTube had an ID badge, but they and some who also have an and see what we have to offer. Visit www. look the same as the staff, interest in a medical career,” youtube.com/user/AHSChannel. so you’d have to look really Gradeen says. closely to see who they If you’re interested in . were,” Gradeen says. volunteering at NLRHC, TWITTER “It’s just a way to make call 780.791.6158 or email the volunteers more visible nlh.volunteerservices@ Follow your zone at AHS_NorthZone: because now they’re albertahealthservices.ca. n • Read about health and wellness in wearing a type of uniform #AppleMag at www.albertahealthservices. that is different, so they are ca/apple. able to stand out.” Taurian Guinand, a • There has been a #BlueGreenAlgae The smocks have been volunteer at the Northern advisory issued for Figure Eight Lake, located a hit and a request has Lights Regional Health northwest of #PeaceRiver and #Grimshaw. been put into the Northern Centre, models the new Go to http://bit.ly/1obPgGY. Lights Health Foundation for smock uniform. Guinand is • Cycling is a great way to stay active. Use funding to purchase more. now studying medicine at smart risk strategies to prevent injuries. Visit Taurian Guinand, 23, had the University of Alberta. http://bit.ly/1rKI6B5.

Download the AHS mobile app for iPhone or Android H • Emergency department wait times • Health care locator • More… www.albertahealthservices.ca/mobile.asp

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 more than purely physical: discovering how chronic illness can change mental health

Story by Connie Bryson | Visit applemag.ca

Doctors and scientists are finding that treating the main symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases may not be enough to make patients feel well. We look at the link between these diseases and mood, depression and brain function ometimes, the bark of a disease is something in the brain,” he asks. treatment is needed early to prevent people worse than its bite. For many people Pittman and his team are closing in on the from getting disease-related symptoms which Swith chronic inflammatory diseases answer. It starts with chemical messengers, may be harder to treat later on. such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis and which white blood cells release in response For people with these symptoms, Crohn’s disease, the main symptoms of their to inflammation. In this case, they also signal understanding what part of the brain is being disease – the ones related to their joints, liver the lining of the blood vessels in the brain to affected means a better chance of successful or bowel – are not the most troubling. release similar messengers into brain tissue, treatment with drugs or psychological “A major concern of many patients is which changes the way brain cells work. therapy. At this point, research is ongoing and that they feel awful,” says Dr. Mark Swain, When certain brain cells change, behaviour treatments are on the distant horizon. a liver specialist, researcher and can also change. This discovery has attracted Meanwhile, Swain encourages patients gastroenterologist. other researchers, including Dr. Bradley Kerr, with symptoms of depression to adopt a “They’re tired all the time, they can’t think a chronic pain researcher at the University of healthy lifestyle, including reducing stress and clearly, their appetite is off, they may become Alberta, who now works with Pittman to study increasing exercise. These can significantly depressed, and they often withdraw socially.” chronic pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. improve quality of life. Treating most diseases is a matter of “MS patients have abnormal pain sensitivity,” Discovering the link between inflammatory working to relieve whatever’s wrong with Kerr says. “Even when the disease is in a quiet disease and mood is also the result of major the body. But, Swain says, despite receiving phase, pain can plague these patients. If we changes in how patients are assessed. effective treatment, many patients say, “Hold knew exactly how the periphery of the body Dr. Anthony Russell, a rheumatologist at it, I still feel awful.” is communicating with the brain, we could the University of Alberta Hospital, explains, “We don’t fully understand how the brain is possibly block those messages.” “Prior to about 10 years ago, all the studies affected by the inflammatory response that New research shows inflammatory diseases to assess drugs for rheumatoid arthritis used occurs within the body during inflammatory can change the brain as well as communicate hard outcomes, such as how many joints are diseases.” with it. swollen, and results from blood tests. They Since coming to Alberta in 1993 as a Exciting results are coming from a Calgary never asked about things that are much more researcher supported by Alberta Innovates pilot study of people with primary biliary important to patients: fatigue, mood, quality of – Health Solutions (AIHS), Swain has been cirrhosis, a liver disease which causes the life. These are now routinely included in clinical studying the communication link between the immune system to slowly destroy the liver. studies and, as doctors, we’ve become much body and the brain. Scans of their brains show the parts that more attuned to looking at them ourselves.” He became the principal investigator of a process emotion aren’t talking normally to the It’s about time, adds Swain. five-year, $2.5-million research project funded rest of the brain. “As physicians, it’s absolutely critical that we by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Identifying these communication pathways openly ask our patients how they are feeling,” Because fatigue and mood disorders often creates the potential to interrupt them with he says. “If you’re treating a disease but your happen when inflammation is in the body, a drug. Swain’s research suggests this patients don’t feel better – they’re not re- they may be connected, says Dr. Quentin engaging with society, they’re not going back Pittman, an AIHS-funded neuroscientist with How does to work – you have to question what you’re the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain something in accomplishing. Institute. “Research is showing us the links between “So the key question is: How does the body change inflammatory disease and quality of life, and something in one part of the body change something in the brain? the way forward to do something about it.” 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 clear-sighted vision to help Jasper docs Story by Kerri Robins | Photo courtesy Declan Unsworth | undraising for a for a Sonosite X-Porte Portable Ultrasound for the Seton-Jasper FHealthcare Centre has crossed the finish line and the order has been placed. Expected to arrive this month, the Sonosite X-Porte Portable Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that employs sound waves to display images from inside the body. It helps health care professionals ‘see’ organs, such as the kidneys, liver and spleen and is especially useful in emergency situations where organs may have been damaged. Spearheaded by the Seton Health Care Ladies Auxiliary, fundraising by the Jasper Healthcare Foundation began in January and has seen a huge community effort with business and private Dr. Declan Unsworth demonstrates the Sonosite X-Porte Portable Ultrasound on ‘patient’ donations raising $88,500 to purchase the Lorraine Wilkinson, a registered nurse at the Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre in Jasper. equipment. “The portable ultrasound helps diagnose terms of physical and monetary costs and time a number of conditions,” says Dr. Declan We live in a rural commitments – and not just our patients but Unsworth, a physician at the centre. area, so this type of their family members as well,” says Chisholm. “Examples include internal bleeding, ectopic diagnostic equipment Eleanor Bye, Chair of the Jasper Healthcare pregnancies (where the fertilized egg doesn’t Foundation, is proud of how the community is especially important implant in the uterus, most often implanting in a “ has rallied to purchase this critical piece of fallopian tube), pericardial effusions (fluid build- because travelling equipment. up around the heart), or an abdominal aortic can be tough on “I’m really proud of our community – both aneurysm, which is a ballooning of the large private and business,” says Bye. artery in the abdomen. patients “The care our neighbours show for one “It really helps with treatment decisions, and – Lorna Chisholm, Site Manager at the another in donating not only funds, but time and may help keep some patients from having to Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre effort is outstanding. We really see the circle travel to larger centres like Hinton or Edmonton. of life here where people are helping people to We will be using it most often in our emergency care centre, is pleased with the promise of the help improve the quality of health care in the department.” centre’s own machine and the benefits it brings. community through the purchase of much- Until now, the health centre has been using a “We live in a rural area, so this type of needed equipment.” loaner machine for treatment and diagnoses. diagnostic equipment is especially important For more information, visit www. Lorna Chisholm, Site Manager at the health because travelling can be tough on patients in albertahealthservices.ca/give. n COUNCIL gives sound advice on serious issue

Story by Kerri Robins | and programs, and developing an AMH urrently, one in five Albertans will We need to engage educational pamphlet – “What We Wish You experience some form of addiction or albertans ... we are Knew About Us” – used in AMH clinics across Cmental illness during their lifetime. their eyes, ears and the province. With that in mind, Alberta Health Services “It’s been a steep learning curve for our Addiction & Mental Health (AMH) Services is “ voice back to alberta members,” says Barbara Tuepah, Addiction & looking to Albertans for advice on issues and health services Mental Health Provincial Advisory Council Officer, concerns about mental health and addictions in AHS. – Dr. Geoff Tagg, Chair, Provincial Advisory their communities. “The council has made some significant strides Council on Addiction & Mental Health To do this, the Provincial Advisory Council in understanding their mandate and roles and (PAC) on Addiction & Mental Health was formed how to best represent Albertans.” to act as an advisory body to Alberta Health this personal background and their community Comprised of 15 volunteer members from Services (AHS). connections that ‘qualifies’ them to provide the across Alberta, each member serves a two- or Its inaugural meeting was held in June 2012. advice AHS needs to improve or make changes. three-year term renewable to a maximum of six “Our role is to recognize issues and trends in “It’s essential we come to the table with years. local communities and provide ongoing feedback experience in mental health issues so we can “Our council members are committed and to AHS,” says council Chair Dr. Geoff Tagg. offer the best advice and guidance,” says Tagg. work hard volunteering their time and efforts “It’s critical that we listen to Albertans because “We examine evidence-based issues to to help increase awareness that the voice of their experiences help us understand what determine where and how we need to focus Albertans must be heard,” says Tagg. strategies to advise AHS on to deliver the type of our resources to provide meaningful changes or For council information visit www. care the community requires.” additions to the services we offer Albertans.” albertahealthservices.ca/6070 or email AMH. Each member on the council has been In the past two years, the council has provided [email protected]. touched in some way by mental health and some very specific advice to AHS, including If you or someone you know is in distress or addiction concerns, either personally or through identifying areas of improvement, a work plan needs addiction and mental health services, call a family member, friend, or work associate. It’s reflecting linkages with provincial AMH services Health Link Alberta at 1.866.408.5465. n

Make a difference in your community. Volunteer with Alberta Health Services. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 i n b r i e f safety with Mud, Mammals and Machines n Alberta Health Services (AHS) children’s know someone who does,” says Hodder. “It’s mainly around horses. Students are given three safety program is gearing up for another important that everyone knows how to be safe basic principles of being around a horse: talk Aseason of teaching children the ABCs of on a farm and in rural settings.” softly, approach slowly, and be kind. farm and rural safety. The Mud part of the program focuses on safety The Machines portion of the program covers Mud, Mammals and Machines was developed around dugouts and open bodies of water. all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety. by AHS Health Promotion Facilitator Michelle “We have assembled a dugout simulation tool “ATVs are often a part of young children’s Hodder. It’s run out of the Grande Prairie and that allows children to get a better understanding lives,” says Hodder, stressing children should not Area Safe Communities Safety City site and is of how difficult it would be to climb out of operate the vehicles. “We educate them about available to school-aged children in Grades 1-6. a dugout. This experience helps to put into the importance of wearing the right gear for “We live in a northern Alberta community. perspective the dangers of playing in a dugout,” when they are old enough to use ATVs safely.” So even if your family doesn’t live on a farm or says Hodder. For more information, call 780.402.2818 or acreage, chances are you or your children will The Mammals part of the program focuses visit www.gpsafecommunities.com. n

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

alberta: zone by zone edmonton zone Population: 1,186,121 • 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 • Kinuso • • Devon • • Athabasca • Fort McMurray • • • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • Fort Vermilion • La Crete • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • • Fox Creek • Manning • • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • Mayerthorpe • Thorhild Saskatchewan • • • Grande Cache • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • Grande Prairie • Medley • Valleyview • Cold Lake • Grimshaw • • Vilna calgary zone • Conklin • • • Wabasca/ • Edson • • Peerless Lake Desmarais Population: 1,408,606 • Elk Point • Hinton • Radway • • Life expectancy: 82.9 years • Hospitals: 14 • Fairview • Hythe • Rainbow Lake • Communities: • • Nanton • • Janvier • Redwater • Worsley • Airdrie • • • Fort Chipewyan • Jasper • St. Paul • Zama City • Banff • Cochrane • • Black • Cremona • Strathmore Diamond • Didsbury • • Calgary • Gleichen • Vulcan central zone • Canmore • Population: 453,469 • Life expectancy: 80.7 years • Hospitals: 30 Communities: • Galahad • • • Bashaw • Hanna • Myrnam • SOUTH zone • Bentley • • Olds • Population: 289,661 • Breton • Hughenden • Ponoka • Trochu • Camrose • Innisfail • Provost • Two Hills • Life expectancy: 80.3 years • Hospitals: 14 • Castor • Islay • Red Deer • Communities: Pass • • Consort • Killam • • Vermilion • Bassano • • • Coronation • Kitscoty • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • Granum • • Daysland • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • • Irvine • Raymond • • Lamont House • • Brooks • • Redcliff • • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • • • Taber • • • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • • Vauxhall • Elnora • Mannville • • Crowsnest • Milk River

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