CENTRAL Zone NEWS Zone Your Health Care in Your Community 2014 august

It was“ so convenient to be able to have my colonoscopy here in rocky .... It’s much harder to get screened if someone has to take a whole day off to drive you to Red Deer

— Colorectal cancer patient Teresa Smith, 57 care is close by Teresa Smith, left, and registered nurse Hazel Tensen show off the state-of-the-art endoscopy equipment new to the Health Centre. The technology means that patients such as Smith no longer have to travel to Red Deer for Shirley Hope photo | a colonoscopy. PAGE 3 inspiring others parental guidance to keep going comprehended When patients at the Red Deer Regional Hospital When it comes to parenting, the state of the union Centre hear Murrey Hall say, ‘An injury is not the is divided. Communication, play, problem-solving – end,’ they know he’s speaking from experience. Hall, the difference is in the details in the way moms and who was paralyzed in 1972, helps dads respond to their children. others on their roads to recovery. PAGE 5 Still, the love remains the same. PAGE 6

Some mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus, so it’s best to avoid being bitten at all. Mosquitoescan t ’ • Use an insect repellent with DEET. bite • Wear light-coloured long-sleeved you shirts and pants, and a hat. • Consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk if they cant when mosquitoes are most active. ’ For more information and tips, visit ghtthebite.info find you. or call Health Link at 1-866-408-5465. PAGE 2 l o c a l l e a d e r s serving up some sensible foods for thought DR. evan lundAll kerry bales Story by Heather Marcoux | Photo by Jessica Ryan, Camrose Canadian Central Zone executive leadership team t’s been 15 years since registered dietitian now is education so, in a way, I feel like I am a caring for you Anita Eggink moved to Camrose and began specialized teacher.” Ichanging the way people eat. For some clients, their interaction with Eggink where you live From acute care to public health, Eggink has is not their first attempt trying to make diet and worked for in several activity changes. Through coaching, Eggink e know residents capacities in the community, using her skills and works to identify the barriers preventing people want to access health services as knowledge to help people make changes in their from making the lifestyle changes they know Wclose to home as possible, and health, and their lives. they should make, and figure out sustainable every day we are working with that in mind. “By working for the same organization for the behavioural solutions. There are a number of recent examples to last 15 years and in the same geographical area, “It can be challenging to sell clients on the draw from that highlight these efforts. I have been able to see the fruits of my labour idea that in order to achieve permanent lifestyle People in Rocky Mountain House now in a variety of ways and that is very rewarding,” change, we can’t focus on a quick-fix diet, but have access to a new endoscopy system says Eggink. rather need to make a commitment to our health that offers improved diagnosis and screening In 2011, she joined the team at the Camrose for life,” she says. for diseases of the colon and stomach. The Healthy Living Centre. There, she occupies a Eggink has seen the results of her hard work system can scan the entire colon – essential for effective screening of colon cancer. Having unique role in the Central Zone, providing group recently, when a participant in her group classes this technology in Rocky eliminates the need education and individual nutritional counselling. credited her weight loss and dropping two pant to travel for this specialized screening. “Clients come to see me for a variety of sizes to Eggink. In , we are working with the reasons,” Eggink says. “Some are trying to “The reality is, it has very little to do with me,” Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation to get healthier, stay healthy, or are living with a Eggink says. “People who are successful in bring state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to chronic health condition. Just recently we added making lifestyle changes do all of the hard work, the Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre. pediatric services to my role, and I have been I am just a facilitator. I feel very privileged to be Currently, local patients must travel to places enjoying working with these clients and their part of people’s like or Red Deer to have a CT families.” lifestyle scan, which is used to verify the presence A graduate of the bachelor of science in journey.” n or absence of tumours, infection, abnormal nutrition program anatomy or changes within the body from at the University trauma, and to diagnose strokes. of , When services may not be available directly Eggink didn’t always in a community, we’re using mobile service plan on making food models and technology to reach residents. the focus of her For example, a new toll-free telephone career. number was launched earlier this year to give “Growing up, my all Central Zone residents one-call access to a intention was always wide range of continuing care services through to be a teacher,” the Continuing Care Access Centre. says Eggink. “When At facilities such as the Hospital it came to applying and Care Centre, digital stethoscopes are to university, my being used to allow cardiac patients to stay dad said nutrition close to home rather than travel to Edmonton. was the wave of Through a secure and confidential video the future. A very link, patients can talk ‘face to face’ with large part of my job Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute doctors as the digital stethoscope streams heart and lung sounds across the Internet. And Screen Test’s mobile mammography trailers improve Anita Eggink, an access to cancer screening for hundreds of Alberta Health women in rural Alberta communities where Services registered mammography is not readily available. dietitian, puts better We will continue to work with local health health on the menu care teams, partners and our communities to by helping people enhance access and deliver the care Albertans focus on good need in the best possible place. n lifestyle choices. What’s on y our MedList? Your entire health care team needs a complete medication list: prescribed medications, inhalers, patches, ointments, eye drops, vitamins - even herbal supplements and nicotine gum.

Your MedList 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

Registered nurse Hazel Tensen, right, shows patient Teresa Smith the new endoscopy system at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre. new high-tech equipment means easy access close to home When a state-of-the-art endoscopy system was purchased for Rocky Mountain House, it did more than help physicians screen for some cancers, it helped local residents like Teresa Smith get tested close to home. Even better, Smith’s colorectal cancer was caught in the early stages. Story by Heather Marcoux | Photo by Shirley Hope Rocky Mountain House woman says fundraising goal of $150,000 for this project and new technology at her local health centre It was caught very exceeded that goal by $25,000. The donations Ahelped physicians stop her colorectal made possible the purchase of the Olympus 190 cancer in its earliest stages. early on, so i only endoscopy system, four colonoscopes and four “It was caught very early on, so I only required required surgery gastroscopes. surgery,” says Teresa Smith, 57. “After that, I “The state-of-the-art scopes and camera was given the good news that I don’t need any “– Teresa Smith, Rocky Mountain House equipment are used in screening and diagnosis further treatment for the time being.” resident, whose colonoscopy caught her of colorectal cancer and other bowel disease,” There is strong evidence to show that colorectal cancer in its early stages says Hope. “As well, the gastroscopes are used colorectal cancer screening can reduce to view the esophagus and stomach for ulcers colorectal cancer deaths, but it can be difficult “We know that the current best practice for and other illnesses.” for residents in smaller communities to access screening is colonoscopy, as it screens all of The benefit to the community is not lost on screening. the colon,” says Shirley Hope, Site Manager at Corrie Fortner, Executive Director with the David “It was so convenient to be able to have my RMHHC. Thompson Health Trust. colonoscopy here in Rocky,” says Smith, who Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause “Rocky Mountain House donors have once has lived in Rocky Mountain House for the past of cancer deaths in Alberta after lung cancer. In again demonstrated the value they place on 30 years. “You have to prep for the test, and 2010, there were 1,902 new cases of colorectal health care,” says Fortner. “The endoscopy you need a friend to drive you. It’s much harder cancer in Alberta and 695 deaths due to the campaign goal was surpassed through generous to get screened if someone has to take a whole disease. According to AHS, approximately 2,350 support from the business and private sector, as day off to drive you to Red Deer. Getting it done cases of colorectal cancer are expected to be well as the time spent by the committee working here is much easier.” diagnosed in Alberta in 2015. on the campaign.” Before the advanced precision endoscopy When Dr. Vanessa Berjat, a physician with Smith says her experience demonstrates why system was purchased by the Rocky Mountain the credentials to perform colonoscopy testing, the equipment is a priceless addition to RMHHC. House Health Care Donations Committee in moved to the community, the Rocky Mountain Thanks to the early detection. the licensed 2013, physicians at the Rocky Mountain House House Health Care Donations Committee began optician is still working at the Main Street Health Centre (RMHHC) were able to look into fundraising efforts to purchase an advanced business she has owned for the last 15 years. the stomach and lower large bowel, but were precision endoscopy system. And she has no plans to slow down. not able to screen the entire colon through Working with the David Thompson Health “I love doing what I do, and I don’t want to colonoscopy. Trust, the donations committee initially set a stop.” 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

Simple HEAD Services in EHAD your community Healthy Pregnancy Story by ?? | Photo by ?? Weight Gain NutritioN counselling This session is for pregnant women to learn about healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Most teaching is done individually, but there are some group sessions. You may have a followup appointment if needed. For more information, please call 403.343.4488.

Volunteer Resources co-ordinater Laine Dahms, left, and volunteer facilitator Lana Cadsand provide the Bereavement Program in to help residents who have lost a loved one. Bereavement easing the journey program creates Travel Health Services vital support Before you travel outside of , through grief and friendships contact AHS Travel Health Services for information about the possible risk of Story by Heather Kipling | Photo courtesy Laine Dahms communicable disease when travelling lthough it is something everyone will face program. “When someone is grieving a loss, we and ways to prevent them. You can also over the course of their lifetime, grief can be there to support them in their journey. get your travel immunizations. Book Adoesn’t follow a map. When a loved one They aren’t alone.” your appointment at least two to three passes away, those left behind embark on one of Focusing on a different topic each week, the months before you leave. For the location life’s most difficult journeys – but they don’t have program gives people information and strategies nearest you, call Health Link Alberta at to find their way alone. from trained volunteers, all of whom have 1.866.408.5465. To provide support for those going through experienced loss. They cover topics including these hard transitions, Alberta Health Services’ Conversations with Myself and Others; Regret, Bereavement Program brings participants Resiliency and Rebuild, Who Am I Now?; and Heart together to help them cope while providing Plan ‘B’– Strategies for ‘Those Days.’ Wise support and understanding. And in the midst of Facilitators conduct a pre-program interview Led by AHS the support, the program is also creating some with those interested. One of the first questions professionals, strong bonds between participants. establishes how long ago the loved one passed this program “We’ve forged a lasting friendship,” says Hilda, away, as the time frame is important. teaches how to who along with the other program participants, “At the onset of a death, people are often develop a did not want to give her last name. Hilda, who distracted dealing with other arrangements,” heart-healthy lifestyle lost her husband, is seated with three ladies she explains Dahms. “The program is best suited for and gives an improved met through the program in Rimbey and says, those who have been dealing with their grief for understanding of cholesterol, “I had no one to call before this program. Now I a minimum of three months. This program is life- blood pressure and much more. For have wonderful friends. changing for those who take part.” information, call the Red Deer 49th “We meet each other at least once a week, and And based on the feedback from participants, Street Community Health Centre at we call regularly to check up on each other; to the program does make a difference. 1.877.314.6997. make sure we’re all OK.” “We all handle death and loss differently, but “I tell people we’re the Tea Grannies,” chimes we’re not alone,” says Joy, who took the program in Betty B, who participated in the program at the with Hilda and Betty after her life was touched by Diabetes Insulin Pump same time following the passing of her husband. loss. Clinics Originally available through Volunteer Resources “It took me some time to feel comfortable in These Central Zone clinics provide in Red Deer, and then offered in partnership with coming to such a program,” says Joy. “I didn’t support for people with Type 1 diabetes the Red Deer Hospice Society, the Bereavement want to bring my burdens to the table for others who use an insulin pump. An insulin pump Program is a free, eight-week program that to deal with, but talking about it helps you heal.” is a device a person wears instead of provides support to family members and Hilda agrees. needing to have daily insulin injections. It caregivers. “Being able to talk about it with someone who is portable, about the size of a pager and “Grief is a process; it takes time to work understands makes it easier,” she says. delivers fast-acting insulin through a small through and we want to offer support to people For information on the Bereavement Program port that is put under the skin. The referral throughout that process,” says Laine Dahms, in the Central Zone, or if you are interested in process is different for each clinic. Please Volunteer Resources co-ordinator at the Rimbey attending an upcoming session, please contact call 1.877.314.6997 for more information. Hospital and Care Centre, and facilitator of the Volunteer Resources at 403.843.2271. n

Strategic Clinical Follow us on Twitter for Networks (SCNs) updates from our SCNs Alberta’s engines of innovation Learn more at www.albertahealthservices.ca/scn @AHS_Innovates

www.albertahealthservices.ca Do you have concerns about your health? Visit the AHS website for symptom information. p a y i n g i t f o r w a r d PAGE 5 volunteer puts first-hand Visit Us Online Health Advisories experience to good use Get the latest health advisories for your area on the Alberta Health Services website. Find Disability? What disability? Murrey Hall cheers patients out about blue-green algae alerts, water- on the rehabilitation unit at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre contamination warnings, disease outbreaks, by showing a handicap need not be a hindrance and any other public health advisories that may affect your community. Go to www. Story by Yolanda Genu | albertahealthservices.ca/1926.asp. Photo by Heather Marcoux | volunteering is a urrey Hall’s extensive first-hand human thing; i look experience with injury and its aftermath to help others Poison and Drug makes him an key support person at Information Service M because an injury is the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre (RDRHC) “ This telephone service is free, confidential, “I look to help others because an injury is not the end and available 24/7 to provide expert advice not the end,” says Hall who, in 1972, was in on your concerns about poisons, chemicals, a car crash that broke his back, leaving him – Murrey Hall, volunteer on the rehabilitation medications and herbal remedies. Information paraplegic. unit at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre specialists will provide you with the most While in hospital, he relied on volunteers’ help, up-to-date information to ensure your safety. and was so inspired by their generosity that he Hall completed with the Canadian Paraplegic They can also recommend treatment such became a volunteer himself in the early ’90s. Association of Alberta helps him speak with as basic first aid, home-based monitoring, Now, Hall volunteers on the RDRHC patients who are dealing with disability and or a referral for immediate medical attention. rehabilitation unit where he provides support, injuries. Please visit www.albertahealth plays Wii, card games and board games to cheer Hall recalls a few years ago when a young services.ca/5423. asp. the acute care patients. woman thanked him for listening and offering “It’s fun,” he says. “Volunteering is a human guidance. Although he was surprised to hear that thing. I just know that there’s a need and I’m he made a difference in someone’s life, he says Safe there to fill it. it’s important to connect with people and give Medication “I love to get involved in my community and them hope. Care give back to society. Volunteering gives me “I love to inspire others.” n You know best a reason to get up and what medications go. I feel like I’m part of you take and how you something.” take them. If you take medications, you Erin Poissant, a Volunteer play a role in your health care. Keep an Resources co-ordinator up-to-date list of everything you take and in Red Deer, says Hall is carry it with you. Visit myhealth.alberta. indeed an integral part of the ca and search “Know your medications” hospital’s services. for medicine tracking tools and resources to “An acute care visitor help you. provides comfort and companionship to a person TWITTER in need of a friend, and Murrey exemplifies that,” Follow your zone at AHS_CentralZone: says Poissant. “Murrey • Free #Weight Wise workshops in #Viking continues to develop this summer – safe strategies to keep the great relationships with pounds under control: Aug. 6 and 27. Call patients and staff and is a 1.877.314.6997. tremendous asset to the • Get healthy this summer with free health program.” workshops: #RedDeer. Hall has volunteered • Protect them while they play outside. Just at RDRHC, and at the one #sunburn can increase your child’s Lacombe Hospital and Care risk of skin cancer later in life: http://bit. Centre for more than 12 ly/1pyaW35. years. The peer-support training

Murrey Hall is a volunteer on the rehabilitation unit at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Hall’s first-hand experience with severe injury makes him a key peer-support resource for patients on the unit.

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

moms & dads: same love, different approach

Story by Terry Bullick | Visit applemag.ca others and fathers are the yin and yang Holding of parenting. Similar and different at the babies Msame time and, when combined, they q can be a well-rounded whole. Moms: tend to When both parents provide safe, nurturing protectively hold care, their different styles and influences are their baby facing good for their children. into their chest so In their book Partnership Parenting, Kyle their faces and Pruett and Marsha Kline Pruett say parenting bodies are close. differences are strengths, not deficiencies. Dads: more “Mothers do not father, and fathers do not often have baby’s q mother.” Generally. back to their chest Some men parent like women and some facing outward as women parent like men, says Dr. Robbin Gibb, a they take on the neuroscientist at the University of . world together. “Some people think that you’re saying something is wrong when you say there are differences between how moms and dads Response to distress Whatever moms’ and dads’ parenting styles, parent. But you have to realize the genders have Moms: mostly pick up and soothe. a balance between the two is what is important. different brains and I say, ‘Vive la difference.’ ” q Barker says balance can come more easily when Leslie Barker, health promotion facilitator Dads: most often pick up and distract. q parents realize there’s more than one right way with Alberta Health Services’ Early Childhood Problem-solving to change a diaper, comfort a baby and play in Team, says the differences between moms and Moms: tend to actively help their child find the backyard. dads are typical but far from absolute and are q solutions. Communicating with each other is key to interesting to observe. Dads: tend to watch the child and give understanding the other’s approach. Put your Some examples are: q verbal encouragement and assurance. children’s well-being first when differences arise Language and communication In general, Gibb says moms are like lifeguards: and let your partner know that he or she has they strive to keep their children safe and your support. Moms: tend to be more attuned to comfortable. “Different parenting styles have strengths and q anticipating children’s needs. Dads tend to have a cheerleader style: they value, as long as they are supporting children’s Dads: children tend to work more at assure children they can do something and needs at each stage of development,” Barker q explaining their needs to their father. encourage them to stretch their limits. says. n

Play q Moms: usually combine play with the daily care and attention they give their child. They often lean towards quieter activities such as reading, crafts, games and puzzles. Dads: like more risk- taking and “rough and q tumble” physical play.

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 audiologists cheer sounds of success Story by Kerri Robins | Main photo by Curtis Hodge | hen Calgarian Cliff Goebel received a it’s rewarding when cochlear implant in his left ear, it wasn’t you’re able to help Wa whole new world that opened up, but his old world. someone improve their “Now, not only can I hear again, but it feels like ability to communicate I got my family back,” says Goebel, a 69-year-old “ and allow them to grandfather of five. “And that wouldn’t have happened without my participate more fully audiology team.” in their lives It’s a team that forms a key component of – Audiologist Charlene Watson Alberta Health Services (AHS) health care professionals. There are approximately 50 audiologists with AHS. Audiologists identify, diagnose, and treat disorders involving hearing, tinnitus, or balance. As in Goebel’s case, they may recommend a cochlear implant – an electronic device that stimulates the auditory nerve and, when coupled with an external processor, helps provide a sense of sound. The importance of his team in restoring his hearing wasn’t lost on Goebel. To thank them, Goebel joined Sandee Dean, another cochlear implant recipient, at a small gathering that included members of the audiology group. Dean, a 61-year-old grandmother of 11, shares Goebel’s sentiments. “I can’t say enough positive things about the care I’ve received from the audiology staff,” she says. “I was closing off because I couldn’t hear, so I wasn’t wanting to have conversations or go out anywhere. They helped open up my world.” Jillian Ingratta, audiologist and AHS Manager Community Audiology, Calgary Zone, says Audiologists Charlene Watson, left, and Jillian Ingratta tributes such as Dean’s are deeply touching. demonstrate the placement of an earphone used for “It’s very moving to hear such heartfelt thanks hearing tests at the Richmond Road Diagnostic and for the work we do,” says Ingratta. DEAN GOEBEL Treatment Centre. Audiologist Charlene Watson is also moved by their words. lives. Each day brings a new challenge as you disconnected. “I recognized what an impact we have on our may be working with newborns, infants and right “I’ve got back almost 97 per cent hearing in my patient’s lives,” Watson says. up through seniors.” left ear,” Goebel now says of his hearing. “And I “It’s rewarding when you’re able to help As for senior Cliff Goebel? have a traditional hearing aid in my right ear.” someone improve their ability to communicate Prior to receiving the cochlear implant in his For more information visit www.acslpa.ab.ca and allow them to participate more fully in their left ear in May 2013, Goebel says, “I felt very or www.albertahealthservices.ca/give. n

Foundations across the province support (ABR). This is the capture of very small equipment they were tested while either audiology in many ways. electrical responses that are generated by asleep or sedated to limit movement. heaR! As one example, the Glenrose the auditory system in response to sound. Wendy Dugas, President and CEO of the Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation in With traditional ABR equipment, too foundation, is proud to support health care Edmonton provided $32,000 in funding much ‘noise artifact’ is created when a with such critical equipment. Hear! to purchase the Vivosonic Integrity 500 person moves, and the response is lost “Hearing is an important part of our lives Auditory Brainstem Response System to in the noise. The new equipment allows and it’s nice to see community support in measure auditory function. for movement and is able to record the providing this type of care,” says Dugas. Purchased last summer, the technology electrical response. It’s especially beneficial For more information visit www. measures an auditory brainstem response for children because with traditional ABR glenrosefoundation.com.

Health Advisory Councils bring the voice of communities to AHS. Join the conversation.

Connect with your local Health Advisory Council 1-877-275-8830 403-943-1241

[email protected] www.albertahealthservices.ca/hac.asp

Make a difference in your community. Volunteer with Alberta Health Services. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 i n b r i e f serious side of clowning around red nose and a crazy wig are the uniform, then the dynamic duo have been bringing cheer but there is more to the art of clowning to residents at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Aaround than just a colourful costume. Centre through the antics of their alter-egos, Jan Edwards as her alter-ego ‘Sunshine,’ Since 2002, more than 100 clowns have Ducky and Sunshine. These experienced clowns left, with Elaine Gill as ‘Ducky.’ been trained in the art of silliness, bringing say the skills learned at the workshop are Edwards began to sing You Are My Sunshine smiles to Alberta Health Services (AHS) facilities essential, as is picking a good clown name. to the man, and he started humming along. throughout central Alberta. “Sunshine just fit me,” says Edwards. “When Then, to the surprise of all the staff members, he This September, registered AHS volunteers I was a child, You Are My Sunshine was my said, “I love to sing.” will get a chance to fill some big floppy shoes favourite song.” The Caring Klown Workshop runs from 8 a.m. during a Caring Klown training workshop at the That song prompted one of the most impactful to 3 p.m. on Sept. 15 and 16 Registration is Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre. moments of Edwards’ clowning career. She was $20. For more information, contact Laine Dahms Elaine Gill and Jan Edwards signed up for working on the dementia ward when a normally at Volunteer Resources, 403.843.7823, laine. their first clowning workshops years ago. Since quiet resident began clapping his hands. [email protected]. n

local Central Zone executive leadership team: cENTRAL Dr. Evan Lundall zone leadership Kerry Bales AHS embraces local leadership and zone-based decision-making. Right here in central 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. EVAN KERRY LUNDALL BALES 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 • Lac la Biche • • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • Fort Vermilion • La Crete • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • • Fox Creek • Manning • • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • • Thorhild Saskatchewan • • • Grande Cache • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • • Medley • Valleyview • Cold Lake • Grimshaw • • Vilna calgary zone • Conklin • • Peace River • 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 • • 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: 14 • Castor • Islay • Red Deer • Communities: Pass • • Consort • Killam • Rimbey • Vermilion • Bassano • • • Coronation • Kitscoty • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • Granum • • • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • • Irvine • Raymond • Drayton Valley • Lamont House • Wetaskiwin • Brooks • Lethbridge • Redcliff • • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • • • Taber • • • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • • Vauxhall • Elnora • Mannville • • Crowsnest • Milk River

central Zone: Heather Kipling Layout and design: Kit Poole here’s Phone: 403.341.8687 IMAGING: Michael Brown FSC LOGO Email: (printer places on) [email protected] Zone News – Central Zone is published Mail: 43 Michener Bend monthly by Alberta Health Services to This paper has been certified to meet how to Red Deer, Alberta, T4P 0H6 inform Albertans of the programs and the environmental and social standards services available to them, and of the work of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) To see Central Zone News online, please visit being done to improve the health care and comes from well-managed forests reach us www.albertahealthservices.ca/5825.asp system in their communities. and other responsible sources.

For non-urgent health-management concerns, I am new the emergency department is not the best place to go to Alberta We’ll help you find the care that’s right for you Call: Health Link Alberta at 1.866.408.5465 Visit: albertahealthservices.ca/options

Emergency is here for you if you need it. Use it wisely.

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