WOMEN Today
• Healthy pregnancy tips PG 2 • Middle-aged women ‘under appreciated’ PG 3 • Burlesque to a better body PG 4
2 Red Deer Express, Women Today
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tips for a healthy, happy pregnancy Diet and exercise recommendations are key to well-being and delivery BY KIRSTEN PALARDY Red Deer Express Very few life experiences compare to that of having a child, but even fewer are nearly as complex or demanding of a mother and her partner. At the beginning of a pregnancy when a woman finds out she’s pregnant there are many things to deal with including finding an appropriate doctor, getting in for the right appointments and getting on the right prenatal vitamins. Heidi Olstad, a registered dietician, said one of the most important things that a pregnant woman can do is get a copy of the Canada Food Guide. “In the last few years it has changed on how to be healthier and there is more detail than there ever was,” said Olstad. Expectant mothers should also know what foods to avoid including deli meats, raw or unpasteurized dairy products, raw or undercooked meat and seafood as well as foods that might be higher in environ-
mental pollutants. “The key message around foods to avoid is that both mom and baby are more susceptible to viruses, parasites and bacteria during pregnancy.”
“IN THE LAST FEW YEARS IT HAS CHANGED ON HOW TO BE HEALTHIER AND THERE IS MORE DETAIL THAN THERE EVER WAS.” HEIDI OLSTAD Olstad did say that women are encouraged to eat fish while pregnant. “We do want women to eat five ounces of fish that is high in omega fats and Vitamin D but we want them to choose carefully so they don’t get all the environmental contaminants.” Olstad said that the bigger the fish the higher up the food chain they are which means they are more likely to contain some of the contaminants to avoid. “Tuna is a good one but avoid fresh and
frozen. Canned light tuna is on the list of okay types to eat.” Olstad also went on to explain that women with known allergies or intolerances should avoid those foods during the pregnancy. Women also need to be aware of how much weight they’re supposed to gain during pregnancy. Health Canada has a weight gain calculator on their web site at www.healthcanada. gc.ca. “For most women our message is eat twice as healthy not twice as much,” said Olstad. Maternal childhood coordinator, Rebecca Cox, said taking prenatal classes is often an important step for expectant moms. “You can learn about lifestyle changes, the effects of alcohol and smoking, the changes in your body, when to be concerned and how to manage stress and even some relaxation techniques,” said Cox. There are many programs and courses here in the City for expectant moms including some run by Family Services of Central Alberta (FSCA) and some run
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through individual clinics. Other recommendations for expectant moms and their partners include having a running written list of questions in the home so that during a doctor’s appointment mom and her partner have an idea of what they want to ask. Olstad also said that communication is one of the most important things as well as being a team. As a team Olstad also said couples can go for walks in the evening. The exercise is healthy for both partners and being in better shape can help delivery go smoother. She also recommended that couples eat healthier together and model healthy behaviours as a team. Both parents are in control of the home environment, not just the expectant mother. “You have to start thinking as parents together once you’re pregnant.” For information on what your best options might be while pregnant contact FSCA at 403-343-6400. kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com
Women Today, Red Deer Express 3
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wellness lacking amongst middle-aged women Here is an interesting gem of information that will not come as a shock to women readers. A recent study has shown that middle-aged women, those between 45 to 64 years of age, have the lowest well-being of any age group or gender. This study was conducted by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, an organization that measures the well-being of American citizens; however, there is no reason to think the situation is any better north of the border. In reaching its conclusion, the Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index measured such things as life evaluation, physical and emotional health, healthy behaviour and work environment. It would appear
DEBRA
MACLEOD that an epidemic of sorts is in full-swing: middle-aged women are overwhelmed, overworked and often under-appreciated by those around them. Many women are caught in the so-called ‘sandwich generation’ and find themselves positioned between the demands of children and the needs of aging parents. Many also report low job satisfaction, and their wages tend to be lower than their male counterparts. In the home,
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women—particularly those in this demographic—still tend to assume most of the housework. The situation is so serious, in fact, that this could be the first generation of women to have a shorter lifespan than their mothers. To make matters worse, there is something inherently self-sacrificial about the fairer sex. A woman tends to put others first, from her kids and her spouse to her friends. All of this creates an unhappy, unhealthy cocktail of stress and sacrifice, often combined with a lack of support from her family. The standard-issue advice dished out to stressedout women has merit. Women are encouraged to take time for themselves, engage in exercise or stress-
busting activities like yoga, indulge in relaxation therapy from spa days to bubble baths, and eat a balanced diet. It’s good advice. But it omits one of the most significant factors that affect a woman’s health and happiness – the state of her marriage. Studies have shown marriage is profoundly connected to well-being. People in happy marriages are healthier, less stressed, financially better off and likely to live longer than those who are single or divorced; however, this advantage does not extend to troubled relationships. Research has shown that those in unhappy marriages experience more health issues, including illness, depression and anxiety. They may also suffer more
financial problems which are a contributor to stress. Many middle-aged women complain that their marriages or long-term relationships are not as fulfilling as they used to be. I see a remarkable number of women in this demographic who echo the same marital complaints: a loss of friendship and affection, frustration, negativity, resentment, a sense of disconnection and a decrease in emotional and physical intimacy. If you’re feeling stressedout, by all means spend time on the treadmill, book a massage and indulge in a bath by candlelight. But be sure to take a long look at your marriage and to determine whether it is helping or hurting your health and happiness.
Reconnecting with a husband or partner can be one of the most effective and meaningful ways to improve a woman’s wellbeing. Rediscovering the friendship you once had, learning to communicate with more skill and insight, enhancing intimacy, having more fun together and benefiting from a spouse’s support can all dramatically improve a woman’s enjoyment of life while reducing her overall stress. Help is out there whether you visit the relationship self-help section at Chapters or book an appointment with a practitioner such as myself. Debra Macleod is a top couples’ mediator and a leading North American relationship expert. Her practice is in Red Deer. Visit MarriageSOS.com.
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4 Red Deer Express, Women Today
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Empowering local women through dance BY TANIS REID Red Deer Express Many women today are looking for a way to stay fit and have fun; however, many of these women feel intimidated in a traditional gym environment. Red Deer has a unique alternative in the form of Natalie Brooks’ Chair Tease Dance Studio. “To clarify there is no taking off of any type of clothing. We don’t do any pole work; nothing that involves stripping of any kind or anything made for tantalizing men,” said Brooks. The Chair Tease Dance Studio is all women based, woman focused, making women feel good about
themselves. “Women love to dance but they cannot get their men to do it,” said Brooks. This provides women an outlet to dance. What Brooks teaches is all women, all sizes, all shapes—it’s non-judgmental. The studio is made just for adults and the reason it exists is for women to feel good and have a good time. “I want you to feel confident in what you have instead of obsessing over what you want to have.” This studio offers 20 different classes most of which are burlesque inspired. These classes are cabaret style and have dance moves like those seen in the movie Burlesque that came out in 2010. Some of the classes of-
fered are drop-in and some are five-week classes. There are a variety of classes to participate in -- everything from Zumba to Bollywood to Kickboxing and of course Burlesque. Sarah Sieben has been dancing at Brooks’ studio for nearly three years. Before she started dancing she was overweight weighing in at almost 300 lbs. One day a switch went off in her brain. “I did not know that I weighed that much. I needed to do something about it,” said Sieben. She found the Chair Tease Dance Studio’s web site and thought it looked interesting. She also liked the fact that there were drop-in classes. She loved
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INSPIRING- Sarah Sieben practices burlesque moves at Chair Tease Dance Studio in Red Deer. Tanis Reid/Red Deer Express
to dance when she went out with friends and she loved music so she thought she would give it a try. “I got a couple of girlfriends to go with me because I was nervous and I didn’t know what to expect at all,” she said. Sieben loved the class and she was hooked. That was almost three years ago. Since then Sieben has lost 150 pounds. “To lose 150 pounds took me about a year and a half and I have maintained it for a year and a half now.” She regularly attends
Booty Burlesque on Tuesdays and Zumba on Thursdays. “I go to Booty just to maintain now. It is fun but it is still exercise. Now I am toning, staying fit but most of all having fun.” Each Booty class is one hour and the routine is different each week. Brooks uses the same basic moves but she mixes up the music and the routines. Brooks is also able to work the entire body during a class and women will experience what Sieben calls the two-day effect.
“The Wednesday after Booty Burlesque you might feel fine, but [the pain] will hit you Thursday. It can be painful even just sitting,” she said. “I have been going to classes for three years and it still gets me.” Brooks explains that Burlesque is definitely not your ‘cardio’ type of dance. It does more toning. “You are doing a lot of arm movements and pointing a lot and doing kicks. It’s using the muscles that you don’t use every day.” treid@reddeerexpress.com
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Women Today, Red Deer Express 5
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Fabulous at 50 Experience coming to Red Deer BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express Organizers are gearing up for ‘The Fabulous at 50 Experience and Martini Party’ set for April 28 at the Holiday Inn on 67th St. This year marks the first time the event is coming to Red Deer – the one-of-a-kind trade-show, the brainchild of Dianna Bowes, has been a highlight for women in Edmonton for three years. Bowes and her friend Joanne Ward, a local beauty and fashion specialist, got to talking a few months ago about bringing the event to Red Deer. Ward was immediately interested and came onboard to coordinate the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fabulous at 50 was created to address the needs of women baby boomers. The trade show will showcase products and services specifically geared to them and will also feature a martini bar, makeover contest, fashion show, entertainment, motivational speakers and more than 25 exhibitors. Ward, who owns a business called Bold Beauty, will be speaking at the event and coordinating the fashion show as well. “It’s all part of empowering women, and I think that’s what intrigues me the most about the Fabulous at 50 concept,” explained Ward, adding that when some women hit their 50s, they’ve been spending so much time looking after others that they’ve left little in the way of looking after themselves. They can find themselves in need of a brand new look, an exciting new direction or a fresh challenge. “It was started as a social gathering – a meeting place for women.” But Bowes had a bigger vision in mind. Today, it’s all about growing Fabulous at 50 on a number of fronts.
Besides attending the Fabulous at 50 Experience, women can also join the organization as members. With a Diamond membership, they receive the Be Fabulous publication which focuses on a range of topics. In looking back on the beginnings of Fabulous at 50, Bowes recalled sensing a common feeling of disconnect amongst women in their late 40s and into their 50s. It’s also a time of life when there can be tremendous change – perhaps a divorce or the kids moving out. One phase of life can seem to be ending and women can feel an uncertainty about what lies ahead. But as Bowes said, there is no reason for women in this age group to shrink back in any way. “We have a huge future in front of us and have so much to offer.”
Prior to launching the Fabulous at 50, she started blogging and set up a ‘meet up’ group to connect with women who were experiencing similar concerns. The blogging connections grew and it wasn’t long before the suggestion of a trade show surfaced. Meanwhile, speaker/author and sensuality coach Aimee Hutton, who will be appearing at the Red Deer event, is passionate about inspiring women to be fully who they are and tap into their own self confidence. Also set to speak is certified life coach Laurel Vespi of Stone Circle Coaching. Vespi has 30 years experience as an educator, consultant and group facilitator and is the author of Spontaneous Combustion: Setting Your Life on Fire. During the Fabulous at
50 Experience, swag bags will also be given to the early birds with door prizes drawn throughout the day. Another highlight of the day will be the reveal of the Fabulous at 50 makeover winner – Brenda Cameron, 56, an educational assistant
with the Red Deer Public School district. The mother of two was nominated by one of her children and Cameron was ultimately selected by a panel of judges. Sponsors for the makeover included Ward, Smith Design by Ed-
die, Michele Joel, Sherry Gummow, Solace Spa and Vespi. Proceeds raised will support the Central Alberta Women’s Shelter. For tickets, visit www. fabulousat50.com. Tickets will be available at the door. editor@reddeerexpress.com
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6 Red Deer Express, Women Today
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Red Deer native pens ‘self help’ styled book BY KIRSTEN PALARDY Red Deer Express Alberta will always be home to Barbara Sibbald even as she makes her name known as a Canadian author living much further east than the province’s border. “I was born in Red Deer while my dad was doing his pilot training. We lived there for about a year before dad got transferred but I ended up back in Edmonton for Grades 8 to 11,” said Sibbald. Though she travelled a lot as a youngster she still says that Alberta is her home and even returned here to work at a newspaper when she discovered her passion for writing. “I just love English and love to read and write. I knew the chances of making a living as a novelist were not very good but I wanted to write and get paid for it anyway.” Sibbald said in a perfect world she would have gone on to get an English degree but ended up taking journalism and working in a small town outside of Ottawa. “When I graduated there were almost no jobs, so I accepted something that was really just a starting posi-
tion. I ended up gaining a lot of confidence in my abilities there.” She has now gone on to achieve her dreams of having published novels and her most recent book is one that borders on self-help style writing while still being a cover-to-cover crowd pleaser.
BARBARA SIBBALD The Book of Love was written after years of watching and living through different romances and stages of relationships. Sibbald melds fiction with self-help in this intelligent novel. The fiction narrative concerns three long-time, 30-something friends -each of whom is grappling with the vagaries of love: the sordid single’s scene (virtual and real-time), a cheating spouse and a lack-
luster marriage. One of the friends finds The Book of Love, seemingly abandoned, at the race track, but the catch is that it’s a digital-press book with a copyright date several years in the future. Against the advice of her two friends, she keeps the book and it becomes, in essence, a fourth character: sort of a wise auntie dispensing advice to the friends. Meanwhile, Sibbald said she became interested in doing something that was fun but serious at the same time and also found that she was drawn towards a self-help genre after having mocked it for some time. “Gradually an idea came to me that I would write a novel and within it there would be a self-help book.” Sibbald said she had the fiction part of the book started with three women who have been friends for a long time but who are all in different stages in relationships and life. “The premise is that they’re going along with their problems and find this self help book, The Book of Love, and they change over the course of the book.” Sibbald said when the
BALANCE - Janine Potter leads the ‘Ultimate Stretch’ class at a fitness facility in downtown Red Deer.
Tanis Reid/Red Deer Express
book was complete she had a friend phone her up and tell her that he was very unhappy with her. “He said he started my book and couldn’t put it down. He said he was fascinated about what it reveals about the female character.” Sibbald said she loves where she has ended up
and that the book was almost like taking a course in women’s psychology. “I didn’t write the book for women or even for men, I just wrote it because that’s what I wanted to write.” The book is available in stores as well as online as an eBook.
“Success like this starts in university and doing extra curricular activities and getting involved in things even if you maybe don’t get paid for it. You have to learn not to take anything personally. It’s a job of persistence more than anything.” kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com
Women Today, Red Deer Express 7
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Health expert chats about natural remedies BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express A Canadian health expert recently made a visit to Red Deer to chat about hormones and everything women need to know about them. Lorna Vanderhaeghe discussed hot flashes and night sweats, how stress affects weight gain, treating endometriosis, PMS, fibroids, ovarian cysts, what nutrients help with sleep,
LORNA VANDERHAEGHE low thyroid and hormones, the secret to halting bladder incontinence and more. Last month she was at Nutter’s Bulk and Natural Foods.
Vanderhaeghe is one of Canada’s leading women’s health experts. She has been researching nutritional medicine for more than 30 years. With degrees in biochemistry and a Masters in nutrition, she is the author of 11 books. In 2009, she won the Canadian Health Food Association’s most prestigious honour, the Hall of Fame Award. Last year, she was also listed as one of Canada’s top
100 female entrepreneurs. Her message is to use food and its nutrients as well as lifestyle changes to get the best benefits. “You can treat pretty much everything with natural remedies except bacterial infections. And the majority of conditions that develop today are caused by lifestyle and stress,” she said. “The focus should be how to prevent this disease in the first place or fix it in the least harmful way.”
Vanderhaeghe’s mission began 30 years ago when her then one-year-old daughter developed head to toe eczema. “I went to a health food store for the first time and I got some GLA (gammalinolenic acids) and three weeks later it was gone.” Since then she has continued to educate herself and in turn educate others about natural remedies.
“Our body is designed to heal itself. Women need to educate themselves before going into the doctor’s office so they know what they want. I believe that most people wouldn’t use a lot of medication that is prescribed if they knew the side effects.” For more information, check out www.healthyimmunity.com.
momstown.ca
Socializing positive for mom’s health Raise your hand if you or someone you know felt overwhelmed as a new parent? Raise your other hand if you know someone who benefited from socializing or knowing other moms. As women we need to talk but even more so as a new mom. We talk about the adjustment to our new life, learning how to balance baby, husband, our fears and our joys. And while moms will tell you, “It was my moms group that saved me”, for the first time, there is a study that shows how important these groups are to new moms, and their mental health. Researchers at the University of Waterloo conducted a study, interviewing members of momstown from Canada, to determine the changing support systems and the role ‘moms groups’ play in helping mothers and growing families adjust to their lifestyle. “The findings from this study are significant,” says researcher Diana Parry, PhD. “They demonstrate how powerfully mothers are in need of each other’s company yet also how isolated mothers are from one another in today’s changing Canadian culture.
These findings underline the need to both explore the reasons why Canadian women are experiencing motherhood as overwhelming and isolating and also investigate how online social networking sites like momstown can help.” Researchers Parry, Caitlin Mulcahy and Troy Glover, PhD were taken aback by their findings, especially the sense of isolation and need for connecting experienced by the mothers in the study. “Mom groups do make a difference, for both social and emotional well-being,” says Ann-Marie Burton, founder of momstown.ca. “Our momstown members rely on each other for support and friendship.” Summaries of their findings include, mental health support. It’s no secret that more than 80% of moms experience ‘baby blues’ and about 20% develop postpartum depression. Through participating in momstown, members suffering from PPD were able to find other mothers who they could count on for support. This sentiment is echoed by Anna, a mother who was interviewed for this study. “I suffer from postpartum
depression and I wouldn’t have survived the first year without a group of women I could talk to and depend on and who could get me out of the house.” Another finding includes support for second- and third-time moms. There’s an expectation in society that second- and third-time
moms should be prepared for every baby after their first. Momstown knows every stage of parenting can be a challenge and welcomes all moms with kids from zero to six and provides programs that cater to mixed-age groups. For more visit www. momstown.ca.
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012
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