The Official Rutland Park, Lincoln Park

DECEMBER 2020 DELIVERED MONTHLY TO 3,900 HOUSEHOLDS THE POST THE OFFICIAL RUTLAND PARK, LINCOLN PARK & CURRIE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER BUSINESS McLAWS LAW CLASSIFIEDS ESTATE PROBATE For business classified ad rates call Great News Media WILLS at 403-720-0762 or [email protected] POWERS OF ATTORNEY PERSONAL DIRECTIVES RUTLAND PARK MORTGAGE BROKER: Your mortgage Experienced, cost effective may be costing you thousands more than you need to and practical advice, representation pay! As a local mortgage professional, I have helped and counsel to meet your legal needs your neighbours navigate their purchase, refinance, and renewal options. Call Anita at 403-771-8771 | anita@ Insurance Disputes - Small Business anitamortgage.ca | Licensed by Verico Avenue Financial Employment Issues - General Litigation Real Estate Solutions. Peter B. McLaws NEIGHBOURHOOD CONFLICT? Community Media- Barrister & Solicitor tion Calgary Society (CMCS) is a no-cost mediation and conflict coaching service that can help you resolve (403) 710-3712 problems and restore peace! We help neighbours be COME VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE! neighbours again! www.communitymediation.ca, 403- www.mclawslaw.cca 269-2707. TAX SERVICES IN RUTLAND PARK: Accounting, book- keeping, payroll, and tax services. Cost-effective, year- round service provided by experienced professionals specializing in personal, corporate, estate and foreign matters. Services provided for large or small businesses. Easily accessible in Currie with free parking provided. Please call Dunphy & Associates at 403-685-4141 for an appointment. Suite 126 Building B8 2526 Battleford RE-OPENING? Avenue SW. THE GUTTER AND SNOW DOCTOR! Eavestrough cleaning, repairs, and replacements. Fascia, soffit, cladding, roofs, siding, and snow removal. For over 17 years and 40,000 projects, we have done the job right – and it’s always guaranteed! Full liability insurance let us help you and WCB. A+ rated BBB member. Top award winner. www.gutterdoctor.ca, 403-714-0711. GET THE WORD OUT. GREAT NEWS MEDIA CONTENTS

5 TRAFFIC AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT

8 YOUR CITY OF CALGARY: WINTER HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY

8 COUNCILLOR EVAN WOOLLEY’S REPORT

9 MP GREG MCLEAN’S REPORT

9 MLA DOUG SCHWEITZER’S REPORT

10 MLA NICHOLAS MILLIKEN’S REPORT

10 CRIME STATISTICS

11 ABOUT WINE

12 TAKE ON WELLNESS: SEEK HELP FOR THE BABY BLUES

8 10

11 12 Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within any published article, report or submission reflect those of the author and should not be considered to reflect those of Great News Media and the Rutland Park Community and/ or Residents’ Association. The information contained in this newsletter is believed to be accurate but is not warranted to be so. Great News Media and the Rutland Park Community and/or Residents’ Association do not endorse any person or persons advertising in this newsletter. Publication of any advertisements should not be considered an endorsement of any goods or services. The Post - Designed, manufactured, and delivered monthly to 6,800 households by: GREAT NEWS MEDIA

Magazine Editor Krystle McGrath [email protected] Design | Graphics Cecilia Cho Print & Digital Marina Litvak TARGETED Erica Morton MARKETING Advertising Sales BY COMMUNITY Samantha Brown Jocelyn Taylor [email protected] 403-720-0762

5 Excellent Reasons to Advertise in Community Newsletter Magazines 1. Top of Mind Brand Awareness: Consistent advertising leads to increased sales. Companies maintain and gain market share when community residents are consistently reminded of their brands. 2. Payback: Community residents trust, and call businesses that advertise in their community magazines. 3. High Readership: 68% female | Even distribution of Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer readers 4. Cost Effective:With advertising rates as low as $0.01 cent per household, advertising in our community magazines is incredibly affordable. 5. Geofence Your Audience: Manage your budget, optimize your returns and target your audience by specific community magazines. Nearby Community Newsletter Magazines:

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4 DECEMBER 2020 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunities TRAFFIC AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT by Leanne Ellis side of the street for the stops closest to the Hall). I VP Development and Traffic have followed up with the City. We are definitely still [email protected] on the list, but they budget for only 25 new shelters a year, including new and extended bus routes. Not I would just like to highlight what has been happening/ sure if/when we will get one, but we are definitely going on behind the scenes this past month, in no par- still on the list. ticular order: 4. We have requested “temporary” speed bumps be 1. As a short-term solution, the City has recommended installed on auxiliary Sarcee Road, at the bottom of that Richmond Green be used for disc golf for the the hill where it connects with 31 St SW. People seem 2021 season, until they make decisions about City to be whipping around the corner as they enter the golf courses as a whole. Unfortunately, they neglect- playground zone. Hopefully, we will be able to get ed the course for the entire summer, only cutting these installed without a full Traffic Study. the grass like a hay field. They will have a lot of work 5. I have written a letter of support for Knox Presby- ahead of them in the spring to make it usable for disc terian Church’s grant application to provide more golf. I will follow up in the spring to make sure they activities for our seniors. Social isolation is a huge are moving forward with something that will activate concern at this time, especially for our seniors, and that space. In the meantime, I have contacted both hopefully this will enable them to get more resi- our MP, and our MLA, to remind them that Richmond dents engaged. Green must remain green space in accordance with 6. The City is intending on changing the parking regula- the special status it was given as part of the CFB West tions for businesses, with the intent to allow devel- Master Plan. opers to decide how much parking will be provided. 2. Given that our MP and our MLA had a town hall meet- This has the potential to be a huge problem when the ing, I also reached out to both of them with additional Currie business and retail district is built out. We have concerns. I asked Greg McLean to encourage Canada signed on to a multi Community Association letter Lands to provide community use space for Currie asking the City to keep developers accountable and residents, as well as a housing cooperative to provide have them cover the cost of parking for the projects affordable housing in Currie. I also raised our ongo- they are building. At the very least we are hoping that ing concerns with regards to the MDP changes, and they will acknowledge that one size does not fit all the Guidebook for Great Communities—documents when it comes to business parking. which will contravene our restrictive covenants, and 7. Concern has been raised that the reflective warn- give rise to law suits between neighbours if proposed ing sign for the curb extension on Sarcee Road at 35 developments fit the City’s mandate, but contravene Ave SW may be obstructing the view of traffic enter- the restrictive covenants. Areas of concern: a) Put den- ing Sarcee Road at that location. I have put in a 311 sity where density belongs. b) Lack of Engagement, request for the City to investigate the sight visibility Calgarians are generally not aware of the significant triangle. changes. c) No More Single-Family Areas, new bylaw for low-density residential. d) Insufficient Infrastruc- If you have not already signed up for our email updates, ture, Green Spaces and Heritage Protections, Impacts please do so at our website rutlandparkcommunity. to infrastructure, green spaces, and heritage. e) Loss of com. The City often gives us very short notice for up- Community-Specific Policies and Contextual Develop- coming events, and this is the quickest way for us to ment, Lack of detail in multi-community area plans. reach you. Please also join us on Facebook, at Rutland 3. Last year we put in a request for 2 bus shelters on Park Community Association, and Currie Community. Sarcee Road, around the 4000 block (one on each Thank you for your ongoing support.

R U T L A N D PA RK I DECEMBER 2020 5 For all the latest news, RPCA BOARD events, updates and Visit our website for the latest information community activity, http://www.rutlandparkcommunity.com please join us n Facebook. Board meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm; everyone is welcome. Search for Rutland Park Community Association. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019 You’ll immediately President Peter Forte [email protected] recognize us with our logo. VP Development & Traffic Leanne Ellis [email protected] VP Communications & Simon Davies Website [email protected] Sarcee Meadows Liaison Jeremy Hart [email protected] Membership Shirley Williams - 403 240 4777 [email protected] Calling All BABYSITTERS Ice Rink Greg Winnicki - 403 246 1746 Enroll free at mybabysitter.ca and choose the [email protected] Calgary communities you would like to babysit in. Secretary Grace Kim [email protected] Calling All PARENTS West View Parc Liaison Craig Marceau Visit mybabysitter.ca and find available babysitters [email protected] in and around your community. Newsletter VACANT [email protected] VP Infrastructure Craig Marceau [email protected] Lincoln Park Liaison Open [email protected] Treasurer Benedikt Bouché [email protected] Currie Barracks Liaison Srimal Ramasinghe LOCAL MORTGAGE BROKER [email protected]. Your mortgage may be Community Events Guylaine Cormier costing you thousands [email protected] more than you need to Website [email protected] pay! As a local mortgage Directors at Large Husayn Lalji professional, I have helped Steve Dubois your neighbours navigate COMMITTEES: their purchase, refinancing, Community Garden: Bob Morrison | [email protected] and renewal options. CONTACTS: Community Association Phone Number 587-356-3321 Contact anita for a Quote Hall rentals Patti M. 403-771-8771 • [email protected] [email protected] City Recreation Coordinator Police Resource Officer Constable R. Wall [email protected] Emergency contact for RPCA Hall Craig 403-217-0096 Nathanial 403-829-0400 Community Social Worker Cynthia Lokko [email protected] Licensed by Verico Avenue Financial Real Estate Solutions.

6 DECEMBER 2020 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunities COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP FORM Mail or drop off your completed application to: Rutland Park Community Association, 3130- 40 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6W9 or call Shirley at 403-240-4777 or [email protected] Select Membership Type:  Family: 1 year - $15.00; 3 year - $36.00  Single: 1 year - $5.00; 3 year - $12.00  Senior: 1 year - $5.00; 3 year - $12.00 Name:______(please print) Home Address:______Phone Number:______Email Address:______Payment Enclosed:______Be sure to include your email address so we can keep you up to date with community news and events of interest to you. Your support through membership is critical to Rutland Park Community Association’s success in negotiations with the various governments (municipal, provincial and federal) and business entities that your board interacts with on a regular basis. Thank you for your participation. Rutland Park Mission and Values: The results of several brainstorming sessions by the Rut- V. Communicating board decisions with one voice land Park community board were presented at the May VI. Following through on the commitments and action plans we 23 Town Hall Meeting. These important statements will undertake be used to guide our work and decisions. Your feedback Community Values we will uphold: is welcome! • honouring our heritage Our Mission and Values: • connectedness: bringing people together Our mission is to engage community residents, advocate • knowing neighbours, cultural hub, social activities on their behalf, foster community spirit, and practice • everybody is given a voice meaningful stewardship while honouring our past. • slow inner city living • pride in our community: volunteerism, participation What your Board Commits to Do: • safe community where people can have fun I. Engaging and including residents of our community • pleasant surroundings/maintaining green space and excellent II. Addressing community concerns in a transparent community facilities fashion • pedestrian friendly: easy walking, cars secondary to people III. Conducting board business in an ethical and fiscally • self contained: close to amenities, community garden, sustainable responsible manner • accessible, age friendly IV. Making decisions based on the needs of the community as • desirable quality of life: all season activities a whole • promote accessible recreational activities

Current Rental Rates Hourly Rate: $50/hour Friday, Saturday, Rutland Park Sunday – full day rate: $350. Non-refundable admin fee: $50. A four-hour minimum rental is required on Fridays, Saturdays and Community Sundays. If you are interested in renting the hall or would like more information on any of the classes running at the hall, please contact Talena Klypak at hallrentals@rutlandparkcommunity. Hall Rentals com. Visit the Community Association website to see what our 3130 - 40 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6W9 beautiful hall looks like: www.rutlandparkcommunity. com/ hall-rentals/. Contact Talena at 403-246-8318.

R U T L A N D PA RK I DECEMBER 2020 7 Councillor, Ward 8 YOUR CITY OF CALGARY Evan Woolley P.O. Box 2100, Station M Calgary, AB, Canada T2P 2M5 403-268-2430

Safety During the Festive Season It’s December and by now we’ve figured out how to Winter safely celebrate holidays and special occasions. But it is Holiday Fire still a good time to remind ourselves of the things we can do to have a safer festive season. Safety Besides figuring out all the details of your festivities, you’ll want to think about how many people you can safely accommodate. It is best to keep the party small Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens and limited to your cohort. If you have a lot of friends are all hallmarks of winter holidays, but they also present and relatives who are especially vulnerable, this might fire risks that can quickly turn festivity into devastation. be the year for a virtual Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwan- zaa. Consider having a second event like a brunch, Box- Check out these tips for keeping you and your family ing Day snowshoe, or a dinner on a different day to keep safe during the holidays: numbers smaller. 1. Keep pets and children at least three feet away from lit candles, the stove and oven, especially when cook- When deciding where to host, use a home that offers ing. the greatest space possible with the highest ceilings 2. If you’re putting up a real Christmas tree, make sure and best ventilation. Ask guests what measures would it’s fresh and water it daily to prevent it from drying make them feel more comfortable and do your best to out and becoming a fire hazard. accommodate. It is also important to let your guests 3. If hanging lights, make sure you are following the know that it is okay to cancel last minute if they feel un- manufacturer’s instructions about how many lights well. can be connected to prevent electric shock and fire. If the weather is nice think about what kind of activ- 4. Keep anything that can burn away from heat sources. ities you could do after dinner, so everyone isn’t sitting Also, consider using flameless candles as an alterna- closely together indoors. Consider going for a walk, tive to real ones when decorating. playing outdoor games, sitting around a fire pit, or go- 5. Don’t overload electrical outlets. Plug strings of lights ing on a scavenger hunt. Seating can make a difference; directly into wall outlets and keep the number to a seat more vulnerable people at the end of the table or minimum. where they can stay further away from others. Sit closest 6. Replace any strings of lights that have worn or broken to those in your household or cohort. cords or loose bulb connections – these can easily start a fire. Also make sure you’re using indoor lights Keep hand sanitizer accessible for your guests and con- indoors and outdoor lights outdoors. sider single use hand towels in the washroom. Plate 7. Once the holidays are over, safely and responsibly dis- everyone’s meal in lieu of buffet, and if someone wants pose of your tree, away from your home, garage or seconds of your famous green beans, serve them so anything that could catch on fire. your guests don’t share serving utensils. 8. Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your Be creative and use your judgement on what will work home and create a home escape plan that you have best for your situation to follow public health guide- practiced with your family. lines. A few small adjustments can make your family Be safe - don’t let a fire ruin your holidays! safer and ensure everyone goes home healthy. For more tips, visit calgary.ca/csps/fire/safety-tips/ For up to date information on COVID-19, check out safety-tips-for-home/holiday-and-winter-fire-safety.html. calgary.ca/covid19.

8 DECEMBER 2020 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunities MP Calgary Centre MLA, Calgary-Elbow Greg McLean Doug Schweitzer Suite 445, 1414 - 8 Street SW Unit 205, 5005 Elbow Drive SW T2S 2T6 Calgary, Alberta T2R 1J6 403-252-0346 [email protected] [email protected] 403-244-1880 403-245-3468

Dear friends: Despite What You May Have Heard, Your Parks Will Go On It’s the time of year when I have the pleasure of extend- Albertans value and cherish their provincial parks. These precious public ing my best wishes for a joyous holiday season. From lands protect and preserve our rich natural beauty for people from across my family to yours, I wish you all Season’s Greetings, the province and the entire world to enjoy. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and all the peace and It should go without saying that Alberta’s government also cherishes these warmth this season brings to us. parks. That’s why it has invested $43 million this year alone in upgrading them. Alberta’s parks will continue to be open and accessible for all to enjoy. This past year will be long remembered. I recall how, in All sites remain fully protected and owned by Alberta Environment and March 2020, we needed to set some personal objectives Parks. No current sites will be industrially developed. for what would be a pause in our usual activities, rather But we are in a time of fiscal restraint and Albertans elected the UCP gov- than worrying about the unpredictable situation we ernment to make difficult decisions. That means government must find have been facing. When people tell me that they took ways of saving money without too much disruption to service delivery. new courses, or studied a language, or started a book When it comes to how Albertans enjoy parks, the answer lies in teamwork. club, I think of the value of that memory they will share Unlike some who believe government should run every aspect of our with others going forward. parks – the UCP believes that grassroots organizations and Indigenous I think about the mental and physical health of our groups are just as, if not more, capable of helping to deliver park services friends and our communities, and the strain caused as the government – and often at a much better value for taxpayers. by financial realities that were unforeseen a year ago. I Over the next year, Alberta Environment and Parks will enter into new also realize how fortunate we still are. I think about how partnership agreements to help manage park services. These partner- our parents and grandparents overcame the great chal- ships will be like the one recently announced with Nordiq Alberta – a lenges of their lifetimes, and I realize how much we owe non-profit organization – to ensure winter trails in Kananaskis Country them for building the communities we have –enabling are groomed for skiers. us to thrive, even in these times. We are looking after Partnerships with organizations like Nordiq Alberta are key to preserving each other – the very basis of society and public service. and maintaining our provincial parks. It is important to note that Alberta’s government has been partnering with community groups and grass- When you celebrate this holiday season with family and roots organizations to help manage provincial parks and recreational friends, remember how much we have and how our areas since 1932. future is still so bright. Enjoy activities that you will re- Working with Indigenous groups will be particularly important in this ef- member for ages – like skating at Olympic Plaza or see- fort. Indigenous peoples have been stewarding our land for thousands ing this year’s version of the Calgary Zoo Lights or the of years, and understand how to protect and preserve it better than Noel Christmas Light Park. anyone. Alberta’s government looks forward to entering into more part- To keep up-to-date on my work in Parliament, feel free nership agreements with Indigenous groups who can help manage the to visit my website, GregMcLeanMP.ca, and feel free to future of our parks system. contact me at [email protected], or phone my of- Those who are concerned that their recreation opportunities could be fice at 403-244-1880. impacted by these changes can rest assured that will not happen. Parks and public lands remain accessible for recreation and enjoyment. This is Greg McLean all good news for Albertans who love their parks and the recreation opportunities they provide. Our UCP caucus just launched My Parks Will Go On, a campaign to coun- ter the misinformation about our plan for Alberta’s parks. Alberta’s parks belong to Albertans, and it’s going to stay that way. We encourage you to visit www.MyParksWillGoOn.ca to find out more information about how the government is protecting parks for all Albertans.

R U T L A N D PA RK I DECEMBER 2020 9 MLA, Calgary-Currie CRIME STATISTICS Nicholas Milliken Deputy Chair of Committees Rutland Park Crime Activity was 211, 1608 17 AVE SW Down in October 2020 Calgary, AB T2T 0E3 403-246-4794 The Rutland Park community ex- [email protected] perienced 4 crimes in October 2020, in comparison to 7 crimes the previous month, and 2 crimes in October one year ago. Rutland Park experiences an aver- It is a privilege to be the Member of the Legislative age of 4.4 crimes per month. On an annual basis, Rutland Assembly (“MLA”) for Calgary-Currie, and I would like Park experienced a total of 53 crimes as of October 2020, to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved which is down 4% in comparison to 55 crimes as of October ones a very special holiday season. 2019. To review the full Rutland Park Crime report visit rutl. mycalgary.com As your MLA, I am honoured to represent such a diverse and culturally-enriched constituency. As a Currie Crime Activity was Unchanged in October 2020 husband and father raising two children, I love this The Currie community experienced 1 crime in October 2020, in comparison to 1 crime the previous month, and 2 community and all it encompasses. Regardless of the crimes in October one year ago. Currie experiences an av- road ahead, we will overcome adversity and grow erage of 1.4 crimes per month. On an annual basis, Currie Alberta to be the economic engine of Canada once experienced a total of 17 crimes as of October 2020, which is again. down 50% in comparison to 34 crimes as of October 2019. To review the full Currie Crime report visit curr.mycalgary.com While COVID-19 has had an impact on thousands of small businesses, families, and young professionals, I Lincoln Park Crime Activity was Down in October 2020 recognize that we are all doing our part to keep each The Lincoln Park community experienced 3 crimes in Oc- other safe. Like never before, the COVID-induced jobs tober 2020, in comparison to 6 crimes the previous month, crisis tested the resolve of Calgary-Currie. Despite and 5 crimes in October one year ago. Lincoln Park experiences an average of 4.2 crimes per month. On an annual the largest economic contraction in over a century, basis, Lincoln Park experienced a total of 50 crimes as of Oc- we demonstrated resiliency and untold compassion tober 2020, which is down 24% in comparison to 66 crimes for our neighbours— their hardship became ours, as of October 2019. To review the full Lincoln Park Crime and we continue to work together to beat the odds. report visit linc.mycalgary.com

While we end the year on a different note from previ- How To Report Crime In Rutland Park | Currie | Lincoln Park: ous years, we remain strong, unified, and bound by a Dial 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress. For non-emer- profound love for this province. gencies dial (403) 266-1234. To report a crime anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (Talk, Type or Text), Our combined sense of community will help us submit tips online at crimestoppers.ab.ca, or text tttTIPS to connect over the holidays, whether virtually or in- 274637. person. Regardless of who you love, how you pray, or how you vote, I want to wish everyone in Calgary- Currie a safe and wonderful holiday season and a PLUMber happy new year. Plumbob Father and Son  Small Company Lastly, thank you to all my constituents for your sup-  Low Overhead, Great Rates port and encouragement as I carry out my duties as  Sewer and Drain Cleaning your MLA. Your letters, emails and phone calls have  Free Estimates & Advice been of immense value to me and to all Albertans.  Hot Water Tank Specials As always, my staff and I are available to answer any  Gas Fitter questions or concerns that you may have. Call Bob: 403-461-3490

10 DECEMBER 2020 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunities by Nik Rasula

About Wine features wines not typically on one’s shopping radar; unique wines with a story - of people, place or style. It tells of artisans making reasonably priced wines (under $50 retail) while demonstrating careful Earth consideration.

2018 LE PIANE, MAGGIORINA ROSSO (NEBBIOLO, CROATINA, VESPOLINA, AND NINE LOCAL OTHERS)

bout Terroir: The Boca region of supported on wires, forming a protective crown above. Piedmont sits in Italy’s northwest, Producing concentrated fruit, vines trained in this manner on the slopes of the Alp foothills better withstand the extremes of alpine conditions. A field- near the Switzerland border. berry blend (varied grapes picked and fermented togeth- Northeast of Turin, high-altitude er), Maggiorina Rosso is a mix of 12 indigenous grapes, vineyards (400 to 450 metres) are rooted in the steep slopes with Nebbiolo, Croatina and Vespolina forming 90 percent of volcanic granite. of the blend. South-facing, terraced slopes protect from cold alpine About the Wine: Medium garnet in-glass, aromas of blood winds and provide an amphitheatre of heat retention. His- orange mix with cloves and stewed plums. The luscious torically known as Alto (High) Piedmont, large daily tem- palate features flavours of cranberry, red currant, and pep- perature swings and an extended growing season aid the pered black cherry. The finish is smooth, long, and fine. De- required grape development. canting an hour or two allows this red to open, softening About Revitalization: In the 1950s, Boca boasted 10,000 appreciably. hectares under vine. By the 90s - with urbanization leading About Pairing: Charcuterie, Bolognese spaghetti, osso to countryside abandonment - only one producer, Antonio bucco, chicken paprikash with spaetzle. Cerri of Le Piane (10 lonely hectares), remained in active production. Recognizing potential, Swiss importer Chris- About Sustainability: Organic farming practices. Vegan topher Kuenzli purchased Le Piane and strategically began wine made without chemical enhancements or modern acquiring other vineyard sites - left abandoned and over- technologies. grown - following the rural collapse. Investing in the region About Price: C$26 and raising its profile, Kuenzli helped save Boca DOC from About Alcohol Level: 13% abv imminent demise. Today, eleven winemakers form the ful- crum of the area’s revitalization. About Availability: Check liquorconnect.com (call the listed store too) confirming availability. About Maggiorina: The historic vine-training system of Boca, Maggiorina (crown) training involves three vines CSPC #671537

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday-favourite. Did you know that gingerbread people were invented by Queen Elizabeth I? Although she did not bake the cookies herself, she did ask her royal bakers to make cookies that were shaped like visiting dignitaries.

R U T L A N D PA RK I DECEMBER 2020 11 TAKE ON WELLNESS Seek Help for the Baby Blues

Becoming a parent can be a difficult transition, for both partners. Postpartum Mood Disorder is a term that is used to describe a range of mental health symptoms. About 50 to 80 percent of women have postpartum blues or “baby blues” the first two weeks after a baby is born. Keep in mind that your body has just gone through a large amount of stress. Hormones are regulating, and you are transi- tioning into parenthood. After the first couple of weeks, many women feel symptoms of depression and heightened levels of anxiety and worry. The most common scenarios include worrying about something happening to the baby, her partner, or herself. Her partner may also experience symptoms of postpartum mood disorder. In fact, studies suggest that if a woman is experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, her partner is 50 per cent more likely to have their own symptoms. One in 10 men will experience symptoms of postpartum blues -- most commonly depression and/or anxiety. Men, however, often don’t experience these symptoms until four to six months after the baby’s birth. Signs include: • Being quick to anger • Working longer hours • Experiencing more physical symptoms, such as headache or stomach pains • Avoiding activities/hobbies that they were once interested in Having a new baby adds extra stress to the relationship. Many describe a decrease in marital or relationship sat- isfaction during the first year after a baby is born. With that in mind, it is important to: • Communicate needs to one another • Engage in self-care • Find time to participate in activities of interest together, and separately • Access professional support when necessary • Find ways to connect with other new parents, family, and friends If you are struggling to manage your mental health after the birth of your new baby, call 811 or the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642 or your local Addiction & Mental Health of- fice for support. Help is available.