NORTH ZONE NEWS ZONE

YOUR HEALTH CARE IN YOUR COMMUNITY 2012 SEPTEMBER

I’M EXCITED TO GET MORE DOORS OPEN TO RESIDENTS HANDS-ON RURAL CLINICAL Photo by Heather MacKay | EXPERIENCE AND START BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Dr. Mourof Oshodi, left, and Dr. Adrian Geambasu flank Jill Anderson and her baby, “ WITH MY PATIENTS Riley, born July 17 at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre in Fort McMurray. Oshodi and Geambasu recently began residencies at the facility as part of a program — Dr. Adrian Geambasu, above right to bring family physicians to rural . PAGE 3 IN A CLASS SOMETHING ALL HER OWN TO DREAM ABOUT

Nurse Miriam Bowes proves a CALMing Never shut your eyes to the value of a influence in class as she teaches careers good night’s sleep. Not enough rest can and life management. But she also gives lead to a list of ailments, including memory much-needed advice to her students on loss, depression, reduced immune function a variety of health issues, including sex, and low libido. We’ll tell you how to change smoking and nutrition. PAGE 5 your sleep habits. PAGE 6 PAGE 2 L O C A L L E A D E R S Tim Horsman is a man on the PUTTING PLANS move – especially when it comes to urging the folks INTO ACTION of Slave Lake to get active Story by Stephanie Jo | Photo by Joe McWilliams

im Horsman wants to move a whole town. has kept him in the public eye. To keep active, that is. “I have an open-door policy with people,” says T “I want the town to be healthy – Horsman, who has worked in health care for 12 physically and mentally,” says Horsman, Health years. “Everyone can bring issues, concerns, or Promotions Facilitator of Slave Lake. “We try to suggestions to my attention; I can ensure that get programs and new ideas that are sustainable people are put in contact with the right health Zone Medical Director Dr. Kevin Worry – activities that work and people have fun doing; service provider. and Shelly Pusch, Senior Vice-President. where people can meet other people.” “I consider that the work I do as somewhat of Horsman is involved with community events a health liaison in the community.” ZONING IN ON and incorporates health with each event that is Horsman has noticed people take advantage developed. of the support available regarding their health YOUR CONCERNS Examples include Community Corporate based on the feedback received. Welcome to the inaugural issue of Zone Challenge, the Relay for Life, and Alberta Sand “Being part of the community for 12 years, I’ve News, a new, monthly Alberta Health Sculpting Championships. Lifestyle changes, seen community members put more emphasis Services publication that aims to inform such as drinking more water and sun safety, are on their health,” says Horsman. “The public Albertans about the work being done to important to include because they affect people seems to be more informed when they ask improve the delivery of health care in their of all ages. health questions. communities. “We’re trying to work with people in the “They express more concern about their Transparency is one of our organization’s community to be mindful of their health,” health, the health of their families and the health seven core values and this publication is Horsman explains. “These events have large of others. just one way we wish to shed light on what numbers of people participating and it is a “It’s about maintaining relationships with the we’re doing and what we’re planning to strategic way to reach them.” people and to complement, support, be aware do in order to best meet your health care Horsman’s involvement with community events of what they know and what they do.” n needs, now and in the future. One of the things we did last year to improve our health system was to embrace zone-based, local decision-making. Right here in , 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. Patients, their families and loved ones are already benefitting from zone-based, local decision-making in a real, tangible way. We invite you to read Zone News every month to learn about programs, services and technologies that are improving the I WANT THE health and quality of life of people living in TOWN TO BE northern Alberta. We hope you find the information in every HEALTHY – issue interesting but, moreso, we hope the PHYSICALLY information may guide you to programs AND MENTALLY and services that help you, your family and your community be as active and healthy as — Tim Horsman, right, possible. Health Promotions Dr. Kevin Worry Facilitator of Slave Lake Shelly Pusch

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN REACH US

ZONE NEWS EDITOR, Zone News – North Zone is published NORTH ZONE: Scott Seymour monthly by to inform PHONE: Albertans of the programs and services 780.830.3537 available to them, and of the work being done EMAIL: to improve the health care system in their [email protected] communities. MAIL: The paper used by Zone News is certified 2101 Provincial Building, 10320 99 St. by the Forest Stewardship Council, an , Alberta international, non-profit organization that T8V 6J4 promotes sustainable, responsibly managed 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

Six new medical residents began working at the QEII Hospital in Grande Prairie over the summer. They are, back row from left: Everett Zdrill, Chris Kuusselka and Ali Abdalvard. At front, from left: Tania Santodomingo Garzon, Anna-Kristen Siy and Genelle Dingeldein. RESIDENTS TAKE UP RESIDENCE For medical residents, learning new skills offers just the right prescription for Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie hospitals Story and photos by Lisa Peters |

orth Zone’s two largest hospitals recently community and it has already extended put out the welcome mats to greet their its hospitality to us,” he says. Nnewest residents. That praise is echoed by Dr. I RECEIVED A LOT OF Fort McMurray’s Northern Lights Regional Edward Denga, local physician and Health Centre welcomed two residents, and chair of the Wood Buffalo Primary HANDS-ON PROCEDURAL Grande Prairie’s QEII Hospital opened its doors Care Network. EXPERIENCE AND ONE-ON- to six new residents. “The launch of the Family Medical ONE TEACHING. (IT) PREPARES In Fort Mac, residents began working and Residency Program in Fort McMurray “ learning at Northern Lights Regional as part of a will help increase local access to YOU WITH THE SKILLS YOU new two-year family medical residency program primary care, attract and retain NEED ... — Alex Kmet, above, resident that’s a partnership among Alberta Health physicians and showcase the at Grande Prairie’s QEII Hospital Services (AHS), the Wood Buffalo Primary Care opportunities the Fort McMurray Network and the University of Alberta. community has to offer,” says Denga. “I’m excited to get more hands-on rural clinical Meanwhile, over the summer in of the program in Grande Prairie and says he experience and start building relationships with Grande Prairie, six residents began working at highly recommends it. my patients,” says Dr. Adrian Geambasu, one of the QEII Hospital. They are a part of the two- “My first year with RAN in Grande Prairie was the two residents. year Rural Alberta North (RAN) program, offered a great year,” says Kmet. “I received a lot of The residents will spend time with local in partnership through the University of Alberta, hands-on procedural experience and one-on- physician instructors, including specialists AHS and the Alberta Rural Physician Action one teaching. The RAN program lends itself well in emergency, general surgery, psychiatry, Plan, an independent, not-for-profit organization to family physician training and prepares you with orthopedics, pediatrics, obstetrics and established to educate, recruit and retain the skills you need to work in a rural community.” gynecology. In the second year of the program, physicians for rural practice. This year, Kmet will spend some months they will be based out of Fort McMurray, but will Residents will spend their first year learning working overseas and will complete his complete placements in smaller communities, rural family medicine skills at the QEII residency in Peace River, where he plans to work such as and Hinton. Hospital and local clinics full-time upon graduation. Dr. Mourof Oshodi, the other and will spend most of their Chris Kuusselka is one of the six new medical participating resident, second year at other rural residents. He moved to Grande Prairie after plans to practise in hospital sites. graduating from the University of Manitoba to Fort McMurray upon Over the 10-year history of the train with the RAN program. completion of his RAN program, several grads have “The RAN program is a strong program that residency. His family joined practices in such communities offers a diversity of training,” says Kuusselka. enjoys living in the area. as Grande Prairie, , Grande “In a rural medicine setting, a physician has to “Fort McMurray Cache and Peace River. be very independent and I believe the training is a very welcoming Alex Kmet recently completed his first year here will be excellent.” n

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 Prior to joining Alberta Health Services’ Living Well exercise program, Dennis Froland, left, dealt with pain and stiffness in his ankle and shoulder. Now, he says his SERVICES IN goals are to lose weight and increase flexibility. YOUR COMMUNITY

GRANDE PRAIRIE MENTAL HEALTH Trained mental health therapists provide confidential outpatient counselling/therapy FOLKS EXERCISING to help children in Fort McMurray with mental health issues. The services are on a voluntary basis and include anger THEIR OPTIONS management, family therapy, friendship Program moves people building, individual therapy, play therapy, sessional psycho-educational group, living with chronic disease social-skills building, and the Student to get them ‘Living Well’ Health Initiative Program and teen group. • Children’s Mental Health Services Northern Lights Regional Health Centre. Story by Amy Crofts | Photos by Scott Seymour Call 780.791.6194. eople at risk of developing chronic people feel more in control of their health and conditions or who are already living with improve their quality of life.” Pthem can attend a free group exercise The Living Well exercise program teaches BETTER CHOICES, BETTER program tailored to their needs. people how to use portable exercise equipment HEALTH – CHRONIC PAIN After a successful launch over the summer, correctly, safely engage in physical activity based A fun and practical workshop that can a third component has been added to Alberta on their current abilities and make modifications help people with chronic health conditions Health Services’ (AHS) Living Well program in to exercises based on their strengths and overcome daily challenges and maintain an Grande Prairie. The eight-week exercise program weaknesses. active, fulfilling life. Participants learn about joins education sessions and self-management Participants may have risk factors or are healthier ways to live, gain confidence and classes as part of a collaborative approach to currently managing high blood pressure, motivation to manage their health and feel teach people how to live with, and manage, diabetes or chronic pain. more positive about their lives. They are chronic disease. “Dealing with chronic disease can be a huge provided with information, strategies and “Before I started this program, I couldn’t even battle,” says exercise assistant Deanne Smith. techniques, so they will have the tools they bend over and tie my shoes,” says Grande “Some people keep coming because of the peer need to help themselves. Prairie resident Dennis Froland. “My goals are to support they receive here. It’s very encouraging Call 1.877.414.2665. lose weight and increase my flexibility.” to see the improvements our participants are Froland, 57, admits he never used to exercise making.” regularly. Now he attends exercise classes A total of 12 participants had attended the HOME VISITATION supervised by trained health professionals for exercise program since its start on June 5. First-time parents who face challenges one to two hours, twice a week. Bloom and Smith perform pre- and post- receive support to develop parenting skills “I had swelling in my right ankle and assessments and have seen significant that promote healthy child development. stiffness in my shoulder,” he says. improvements in strength, endurance, Home visitors support families through “With the one-on-one attention, flexibility and balance in all participants. weekly visits, beginning prenatally or up I learned how to loosen up my Bloom says they also provide six- and to three months after the baby’s birth and rotator cuff through different 12-month follow-ups after the completion continuing for up to five years. Families stretches and exercises.” of the program. are also linked with other community Through the first five Rhonda Laviolette attended weight resources. weeks of the program, management programs through AHS • Full list of locations available on Froland worked his before participating in the exercise albertahealthservices.ca: search “home way from doing sessions. She has arthritis in her right visitation.” modified squats on knee and says she now knows how to a chair to squats incorporate techniques she’s learned on a BOSU ball into her daily routine. PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES – a fitness device “You don’t need fancy gym Physical therapy provides assessment that combines the equipment,” Laviolette says. and treatment for patients with orthopedic, challenges of an “You can do simple things at home, degenerative conditions, work-related exercise ball with that such as walking up and down the injuries and traumatic injuries using of a balance board. stairs, or lifting canned foods like exercises and including ultrasound, laser, Its instability makes free weights – it all helps.” heat, mobilization and acupuncture. exercises more To register for the fall session of • Full list of locations available on intense. the Living Well exercise program, albertahealthservices.ca: search “physical “One of our call 1.877.349.5711. n therapy services.” participants purchased an annual gym membership before BEFORE I PREVENT ALCOHOL AND RISK- attending our program, RELATED TRAUMA IN YOUTH but had never used his STARTED THIS (PARTY) PROGRAM membership because PROGRAM, I The PARTY Program encourages of lack of confidence COULDN’T EVEN Grade 9 youth to look at risk-taking, the and know-how,” says “ use of alcohol, and examine the realities AHS exercise BEND OVER AND and impact of drinking and driving. therapist Lindsay TIE MY SHOES • Full list of locations available on Bloom. “We albertahealthservices.ca: search “prevent strive to build —Grande Prairie resident alcohol and risk-related trauma in youth”. comfort and Dennis Froland confidence so that

www.albertahealthservices.cawww. 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, www.albertahealthservices.ca, is your online source for health care information, services, news and more. Check us out!

BACK TO SCHOOL September is a busy time for kids and parents, and AHS can help make it easier for everyone. Our back-to-school page has tips on packing a healthy lunch, making the first day of school a success, being safe on the school bus, and more. Search “back to school” on our website.

AHS IN THE NORTH ZONE Want to know what’s happening in your North Zone community? Visit “AHS in my zone” for the latest news stories and health advisories and to learn more about local health services. You can also meet the North Zone leadership team and send us your feedback. Click “north” on our website.

COMPLIMENTS? CONCERNS? By sharing your experience of health care, you’re giving important information that helps WE WORK us to improve and deliver the best possible TOGETHER WITH care to Albertans. Tell us what we’re doing STUDENTS AND right and what we can do better. Click or STAFF FOR ANY search “patient concerns & feedback” on the “ AHS website. HEALTH NEEDS — Public health nurse TWITTER Miriam Bowes • AHS North Zone is on Twitter! Follow @ AHS_NorthZone for the latest health news and information, and be sure to join in the For nurse Miriam Bowes, conversation. Here’s a sample: returning to school CLASS ACT SPARKS means keeping At age 30, men and women begin to lose bone mass. Learn how to prevent her students CALM HEALTHY INTEREST #osteoporosis. http://ow.ly/c11AJ Story and photo by Mark Evans | Been told that green tea, #hoodia and iriam Bowes is back for another year of surgeon at the QEII Hospital in Grande Prairie. #spirulina are good for #weightloss? Find high school. “Students came out of the experiences with out which work and which don’t. http:// M Bowes, a public health nurse, has such enthusiasm,” says Bowes. ow.ly/cF1E9 once again set up an office at Grande Prairie She also attends CALM classes to speak Composite High School for another academic about sexual health, tobacco use and other Eating out for #lunch today? Order a year, promoting careers in health care, while health topics and was invited to talk about smaller portion or save half for later. providing health services and advice to students subjects such as hypertension and fetal http://ow.ly/cD8ft #healthyeating and teachers. She worked at the city’s biggest development. high school last year, as well. Often, after she speaks to a CALM class, FACEBOOK “We work together with students and staff for students will come to Bowes with questions any health needs,” says Bowes. “I’m getting about health issues, such as sexual health, • Whether you’re an established professional feedback from teachers and students that they smoking cessation and nutrition. Bowes is able or a new grad, a career in health care is like having a nurse in the school.” to provide advice and referrals to connect them rewarding because what you do really The School Nurse Integration Project was to the health care they need. matters. AHS careers is on Facebook, born after discussions between Donna Koch, “No two days are the same,” she says. where we make it easy to check out career Alberta Health Services’ North Zone Executive In the first three months she was in the school opportunities, watch videos about why real Director of Public Health, and the Grande Prairie in 2011, she saw 375 students in the office employees love their jobs, and connect Public School District about stationing a public alone, not including the classes she attended. with your local recruitment advisor. Find us health nurse at the school to give students direct “I think it’s really important,” says Lena on www.facebook.com at “Alberta Health contact with someone in the health care field as Cassidy, a journeyman instructor in the Services careers.” well as to improve access to health services. cosmetology program. “It’s a great thing for The request went out for a nurse interested students.” APPS in the pilot project and Bowes decided to head Bowes also does regular immunizations back to school. and provides health and health service • Download the official Alberta Health In her role, Bowes instructs the school’s information. During the influenza campaign last Services app to your iPhone or Android Career and Life Management (CALM) classes, year, she immunized 115 students and staff. device and get a list of key health care speaking about the variety of health careers In comparison, the year prior when a nurse contacts and a tool to calculate your body available and the courses needed for them. would just visit the school to offer influenza mass index. New features will be added Last year, she arranged job-shadowing immunization, about 60 students and staff were soon. The AHS app is available on the App opportunities for students, including one with a immunized. n 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 Everyone, from newborns to seniors, needs regular sleep to be information by searching the following: healthy. As Apple contributor Deborah Lawson discovers, getting • Different kinds of sleep • Factors affecting your sleep a good night’s sleep is often a matter of following a consistent • Sleep disorders routine, no matter what your age • Suggestions for better sleep Story by Deborah Lawson | Photo by Ewan Nicholson | Visit applemag.ca for full article

ood sleep is one of the body’s most So what can you do to make sure you and QUICK TIPS: basic needs. your family get the best possible night’s sleep? • Infants: at night, reduced light G Not enough sleep can lead to memory Khullar says three things regulate our sleep: and noise levels and the use of gentle loss, poor concentration, depression, headache, behaviour, light and melatonin levels. movements and a quiet voice will help irritability, stress, high blood pressure, depressed One often-overlooked contributor to sleep signal it’s time for sleep. immune function and low libido. Recently, sleep deprivation is immersion in technology. We are • Toddlers: a calm, consistent reminder deprivation has been linked to obesity. texting, tweeting, browsing, playing and surfing that “it’s bedtime” works best to teach your “Particularly for children, some data shows our way into chronic fatigue. toddler that bedtime means staying in bed. that without enough sleep it’s more difficult Samuels says, “Technology is the No. 1 barrier • School-age children: a consistent to regulate appetite,” to getting enough sleep.” bedtime routine – a quiet, dark, comfortable says Dr. Atul Khullar, His solution? “Unplug sleep environment and a sleep-and-wake Medical Director of the WE SPEND A THIRD yourself! For example, schedule that doesn’t vary by more than 30 Northern Alberta Sleep don’t make or take any minutes, even on weekends. Clinic in OF OUR LIVES phone calls after 8 p.m.” • Adolescents: they’ll do best if they and MedSleep in SLEEPING, SO IT Khullar advises, “We avoid falling asleep in front of a TV, turn out . PAYS TO TAKE SLEEP spend a third of our lives the lights about the same time each night As Medical Director “ sleeping, so it pays to and open the curtains as they get up. at Calgary’s Centre SERIOUSLY AND take sleep seriously and • Adults: have only two cups of regular for Sleep and Human MAKE IT A PRIORITY make it a priority. Get coffee a day, limit alcohol, stop smoking, Performance, Dr. your sleep assessed if examine and reduce stress and adopt — Dr. Atul Khullar Charles Samuels often you’re not sleeping well.” routine sleep times. works with people Dr. Ivan Kropyvnytskyy • Seniors: To stay well-rested, maintain in high-performance careers, such as police of MedSleep in Calgary, agrees. that all-important routine, get vitamin D from officers, military personnel and Olympic athletes. “I often see people who’ve been struggling natural sunlight and control napping so it “Few people think of sleep in terms of with sleep issues for 20 years or longer,” won’t interfere with night-time sleep. recovery,” says Samuels. “Yet sleep is a crucial Kropyvnytskyy says. “By that time they think component of that process. When we neglect they’ve tried everything and may have almost recovery, we affect our health and performance lost hope. I can usually help them within six negatively.” to eight weeks. But their quality of life for In 2002, an estimated 3.3 million Canadians many years would have been better if they’d reported having insomnia. The Canadian Sleep addressed their sleep problems sooner. If you Society says sleep problems affect 10-35 get treatment while you’re still young, it can per cent of the population. 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 ANSWERING A HIGHER CALLING TO HELP OUT Whether it’s visiting the elderly at long-term care centres, babysitting kids at health centres, or handing out fresh rhubarb from her garden, Sister Dolores Blanchette says volunteering is her life Article by Stephanie Jo | Photos by Kevin Laliberte

olunteering has become a way of life for Sister Dolores Blanchette and helps her live by her motto: “If you keep moving and staying active, you Vcan’t grow old.” “I volunteer with everything in the community, anywhere I can, to the point where I’ve lost count of how many places I volunteer with,” says Blanchette. Blanchette has volunteered for 22 years at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre and the long-term care centre in McLennan. “Wherever they need me at the health centre, I’ll help out wherever I can,” she says. “I always enjoy babysitting the children when the parents aren’t there; the kids keep me busy.” Sister Dolores IF YOU KEEP Spending time Blanchette says with residents at volunteering keeps MOVING AND the long-term care her young: above STAYING centre is enjoyable right, Blanchette ACTIVE, YOU for Blanchette looks through a “ because of her photo album with CAN’T GROW background. Clara Morin. At left, OLD She spent nine a smiling Blanchette years as the at Mass. Below, — Sister Dolores Blanchette, 81 recreation and Blanchette visits activities Theresa Divin. co-ordinator at the Father Lacombe Care Centre in Calgary, starting in 1969. “I love taking the residents out for walks, or in some cases, pushing them in their wheelchairs and having some fun,” says Blanchette. “I play bingo with them once a week and I also have my own garden, so I bring them fresh rhubarb from home.” Organizing events with other volunteers and staff members, such as special dinners for the residents, is always rewarding for Blanchette. “The residents have something to look forward to when there are events and activities and they have something to live for,” says Blanchette. “It gives them a purpose in life and the elderly need to be treated with dignity. “I love them. I call them all my grandmas and grandpas. When I get to the nursing home, I joke with them and they just light up.” Slowing down won’t be an option for Blanchette in the future because she believes that she is blessed to be able to volunteer and help others in any way possible. “I’m almost 82 years old, but I’m still going as if I’m in my 50s,” says Blanchette. “I have no time to be bored.” n

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Centre, Kikino Metis Settlement at 5 p.m. For details, call Mary Mueller • SEPT. 13: NEIL & ASSOCIATES 4TH ANNUAL HEALTH at 780.350.3103. AWARENESS FUNDRAISER * Sept. 24: the HAC meets at the Flatbush Musical entertainment and a silent auction, with proceeds going Complex at 5 p.m. Call Mary Mueller at 780.350.3103. toward the purchase of essential medical equipment at the Queen * Sept. 27: the Peace HAC meets at 4802 Highway St. E., Elizabeth II Hospital. Takes place at Maddhatters Liquid Lounge, Valleyview, at 5 p.m. For details, call Clark McAskile at 780.841.3306. 10508 100 Ave., Grande Prairie. Tickets are $75. Begins at 6 p.m. For details, contact [email protected] or call 780.539.5943. • SEPT. 27: AMBULANCE CHASERS RUN Put on by the Regional EMS Foundation, the run is to raise funds • HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS: toward a Human Patient Simulation Training Project. Registration is The Health Advisory Councils’ (HAC) purpose is to enhance and $40 per person. The race (5 km or 10 km) starts at 6:30 p.m. at South develop partnerships between communities and Alberta Health Bear Creek Park in Grande Prairie. Register online at http://www. Services. The public is welcome as feedback is key. eventsonline.ca/events/acr_gp/ or call Laura at 780.814.3113. * Sept. 18: the Wood Buffalo HAC meets at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre, 7 Hospital St., Fort McMurray, administration • OCT. 13: NEW HORIZON CO-OP GALA EVENING board room at 5 p.m. Call Mary Mueller at 780.350.3103 for details. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the New Horizon Co-operative * Sept. 19: the True North HAC meets at 6A Commercial Rd., Limited, it is holding a formal gala evening in the Grande Prairie Inn Rainbow Lake at 5 p.m. Call Clark McAskile at 780.841.3306 for Ballroom, 33 100 St., Grande Prairie. Cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at details. 6:30 p.m. Silent auction. Tickets are $75 each or $600 for a table of * Sept. 20: The Lakeland HAC meets at the Kikino Community eight. For more information, call 780.539.6383.

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 HBrooks Health Centre, who took to shared stories. Later, the corn was steamed shucking fresh corn for dinner on Aug. 8. and 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 at of the recreation therapy program, residents albertahealthservices.ca/foodservices.asp. n 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 • • Athabasca • Fort McMurray • Lac la Biche • • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • • La Crete • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • Beaverlodge • Fox Creek • Manning • • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • • Thorhild Saskatchewan • • • Grande Cache • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • Grande Prairie • Medley • Valleyview • Cold Lake • Grimshaw • • Vilna CALGARY ZONE • Conklin • High Level • Peace River • Wabasca/ • Edson • • Peerless Lake Desmarais Population: 1,408,606 • Elk Point • Hinton • Radway • • Life expectancy: 82.9 years • Hospitals: 12 • Fairview • Hythe • Rainbow Lake • COMMUNITIES: • • Nanton • • Janvier • Redwater • Worsley • Airdrie • • • Fort • 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: 31 COMMUNITIES: • Galahad • • Sylvan Lake • 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: 13 • Castor • Islay • Red Deer • COMMUNITIES: Pass • • Consort • Killam • • Vermilion • Bassano • • • Coronation • Kitscoty • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • Granum • • • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • • Irvine • Raymond • • Lamont House • • Brooks • • Redcliff • • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • • • Taber • • • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • • Vauxhall • Elnora • Mannville • • Crowsnest • Milk River

DID YOU KNOW? YOU SPOKE, AHS LISTENED You already know the North Zone is physically the Alberta Health Services’ North Zone Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray. biggest of Alberta Health Services’ five zones, but has begin four key projects to address • Information technology bed you might not know its tale of the tape. At 479,509 recommendations from the Health utilization tools were added to help sq. km, the North Zone comprises about 72 per Quality Council of Alberta on the overall discharge planning. cent of the province’s total area. It’s bigger than performance of the health care system. • In Grande Prairie, 91 new continuing the three Maritime provinces combined. It also just • The Co-ordinated Continuing Care care spaces have been added. edges out the in size. The distance from Access and Acute Care Discharge • In Fort McMurray, an adult day the northern border of the North Zone to the south program will create an entry point for program is planned to allow clients to border of the zone is 1,220 km and the widest point, access and assessment to continuing remain at home while waiting continuing east to west, is 640 km. care placement and increase coverage care placement. Services will include for discharge planning at hospitals in medical, social and rehabilitation. 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

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