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Red Deer Express 3

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Mental health awareness not just for adults

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express Over the last few years society has gained a new understanding and seeming acceptance of people who struggle with mental health issues with the exception of one demographic group that is still missing from the spotlight of awareness – children.

The most common mental health ailment that affects kids and youth is anxiety.

Often times, stress and anxiety will appear as physical ailments in children, said registered psychologist Sharon Poole. “Kids will often complain about stomach aches or headaches, or show a pattern of avoidance whenever they have to go to something new or go somewhere new.

They say they don’t feel good or are sick,�

Poole said. “Anxiety also comes out as kids who are overly worried. They will ask a lot of questions and want to make sure they know what’s going on. They don’t like new things and they don’t like change. Those are all typical ways that you can see if someone is anxious.�

Poole’s client focus varies in ages from as young as six years old into adulthood.

She specializes in mood disorders, anxiety and self-esteem issues. She also works on helping patients with family conict, parenting and depression among other topics.

She said that while all children are curious, anxious children appear overly worried about issues that are beyond their age.

They are protective and afraid of change.

On the topic of change, a major indicator that a child is struggling with stress, anxiety or depression is major changes in behaviour. This can include being more isolated, crying more often, not wanting to eat or see friends. “Usually social things are some of the biggest stressors kids face – problems with friends, being bullied at school or just not being popular at school can be equally as distressing for kids,� said Poole.

Any avoidance of school, or having social problems at school or refusing to attend are all indictors of stress, she said.

She added that changes in behaviour are usually the ďŹ rst signs that caregivers and parents can watch for to prevent further anxiety or mental health decline in their children.

Children react and display stress in different ways than adults. Since cohesive language skills are not developed until people are much older, kids often demonstrate anxiety through themes in their play or imaginative settings. “I wouldn’t rely very much on verbal conversation, it would be more about imagination and looking at behaviours – what (the kids) like to do or looking at scenarios where the anxiety levels are quite high. Kids usually can paint a picture literally or ďŹ guratively through imagination and scenarios,â€? said Poole. “Kids will draw pictures and you can see themes in their pictures. Maybe they’ll create a story through play or sand therapy, where they create a scenario which you can kind of draw some ideas from about

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ideas and themes of stressors. It usually comes out as monsters, or superheroes or villains.�

Poole says that children’s mental health has as much to do with the family and environment as it does to do with the child.

Family dynamics and relationships can strongly inuence a child’s ability to handle stress, cope with troubles in a healthy manner and build an ability to communicate effectively.

She said that it’s important to look at whether or not family interaction is balanced, respectful and healthy. “The hard part with parents is nobody

wants to feel the responsibility that they’ve done something to mess up their child. I think if we, as parents, can step out of that frame of mind and look at intentions as a parent, that’s more helpful,� Poole said. “The struggle is when a parent says, ‘Fix my child’. That can only be done when you look at the big picture. We need to want to help our kids and help ourselves. Look into community resources – talk to doctors, counsellors, school support workers – those are usually really good resources for families and kids because they know what is in the community.� kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

PUSHING FORWARD – Eric Simard swims a length at the Red Deer Recreation Swimming Pool.

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Healing for local families that have lost children City chapter of H.E.A.R.T.S. offers supportive and understanding community

BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express Parents who have experienced the pain of losing a child can find support through the Red Deer chapter of H.E.A.R.T.S. which stands for ‘Helping Empty Arms Recover Through Sharing.’

Described as a baby loss support program for anyone touched by the loss of a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth, meetings run the second Thursday evening of each month at the Red Deer Bremner Avenue Community Health Centre (2845 Bremner Ave.) Meeting times are 7 to 9 p.m.

Michelle Abbott started the local chapter in 2007. She and her husband Mark lost twins – Nathan and Alaina – very shortly after their premature birth in March of 2004.

“I remember a nurse coming in and putting a hand on my chest and one on my back and saying, ‘All you have to do is breathe.

Minute by minute, step by step, day by day’.”

Everything was hard. “I’d open my eyes in the morning and realize this is real. I don’t have my babies anymore. They are gone.

“I’d just wake up and start to cry thinking, how am I going to make it through the day.”

And of course, it affects family and friends as well. “My sister made the comment, ‘I never knew how much you could love someone you never met’. Everybody felt that loss.”

Initially, they attended a chapter of H.E.A.R.T.S. in Sherwood Park as there wasn’t a similar type of group in Red Deer at the time.

“I drove to Sherwood Park every month for several months – sometimes I wouldn’t get home until one in the morning,” she recalls. “I always said that when I came to a place where I felt stronger, I would want to give back.”

Thus the beginning of the Red

Deer Chapter in September of 2007.

“It’s peer support – everyone who facilitates has had their own personal baby loss and they are all trained to assist me.”

Families who have lost babies need plenty of support and a safe, welcoming place to share their stories, discuss their feelings and receive the help they need – and that’s the kind of confidential and secure atmosphere that H.E.A.R.T.S. strives to provide.

“People are encouraged and welcome to share as much or as little as they want,” said Michelle.

“We usually do introductions, and the sharing of stories is very important – it’s very cathartic.”

And there aren’t the all-too-often poorly thought out responses that run the gamut from being told it’s time to move on to ‘At least you can have another child,’ or ‘At least you know you can get pregnant,’ or ‘This happened for a reason’ or ‘It’s been about six weeks, you should be getting over this now – are you still sad?’”

The list goes on and on.

“There’s nothing anybody can say to make it better. But their presence can be huge – allowing someone just to sit and be okay with the quiet and the tears is most helpful.”

As Michelle points out, some of the most meaningful support you can give a grieving parent is your presence and a listening ear.

“There are so many hopes and dreams that are lost when that baby dies. There’s a whole future that they are never going to know.

“When you lose a child or a baby, you lose the present, a little bit of the past and a tonne of the future. When you decide to have a family, you are already dreaming about how your life is about to change. When the positive pregnancy test comes, your world opens up with hopes, dreams and expectations of the way your journey is going to go. When that door comes crashing down, it’s

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like the world has bottomed out and you are left dangling.”

Michelle adds that as with any death, the first year following it is particularly difficult. Facing special occasions during that span of time can be especially hard. And this is also where being a part of a supportive group can be so helpful, as those in attendance can share ways and means that were comforting to them in their darkest moments.

Erin Schoen and her husband Todd lost their daughter Madison in July of 2013.

She later learned about the local H.E.A.R.T.S. chapter through a pamphlet at the hospital.

The couple have a young son, and were very excited at the prospect of adding to their family after dealing with some infertility issues, she said. But Madison passed away near the end of Erin’s pregnancy. “It’s the worst experience we have ever gone through in our lives.”

Finding H.E.A.R.T.S. has been absolutely vital to helping to deal with such a horrendous loss. “I

am so thankful for this group,” she said, adding how meaningful and important it was for her to able to meet and talk with others in the same circumstances.

Both woman described some of the emotions they experienced after their losses – it’s a painful, confusing and devastating time.

“You’re carrying this baby and doing the best you can to protect it, and then the baby dies.

You automatically think did I do something wrong?” Of course, as Michelle points out, these losses have nothing to do with what a mother did or didn’t do but it’s hard to set those feelings aside.

“You’re not prepared for it, and it’s nothing the mother has done.

With loss, sometimes you ask what did I do?” Some even wonder if they did something to deserve it, she said. “People wonder ‘Why me? Why us?’”

Erin also pointed out how helpful it is for others to talk about the deceased child – it’s meaningful to parents. “Don’t be afraid to bring it up. We want to talk. If you are worried about making us up-

set, it may – but we want to talk.

This baby meant something to us – we want to talk about them.

They were here. Please talk about this child we lost, because they are real for us.”

She also reemphasizes the role that H.E.A.R.T.S. has played in her life and the importance of finding that supportive community.

“It always changes month to month – there is always something new that comes up – even when you share your own story.

You become comfortable with the people in the group because we’ve all gone through relatively the same things.”

Michelle agreed, noting at the same time it might not be for everyone. But for her, like Erin, the group has been a tremendous source of strength. And sharing with others is a source of help, too. “It’s very healing to help others.”

For more information, email heartsreddeer@gmail.com or find them on facebook at H.E.A.R.T.S. Red Deer chapter. editor@reddeerexpress.com

FRESH FOOD – With only a couple of the Saturday Farmer’s Markets remaining before the end of the season, Central Albertans can be seen flocking to the event to take advantage of the locally grown produce. Rocky Turel recently purchased some fresh vegetables from Anna Chappell which were grown organically at Country Thyme Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express Farms. The last Market of the season will take place Oct. 11th.

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Red Deer Express 5

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Hearing protection - industry, music, firearms and sleep My mother always told me not to stick anything in my ears, other than my elbow.

Not bad advice from mom. She wasn’t wrong when it comes to cotton swabs, paperclips, bobby pins, car keys and any number of other crazy things I’ve seen people stick in their ears over the years.

The irony is not lost on me that despite my mom’s advice.

I’ve spent a long time in school and in practice as an audiologist learning just how to stick small things in other people’s ears.

Obviously this includes test instruments and hearing aids, but it also includes hearing protection such as ear plugs.

Living in Central Alberta, some basic knowledge of hearing protection can be quite useful.

We live in an area of Canada where most people earn a living as hardworking, blue collar employees or employers. Industrial noise exposure is a reality for many people that are still working.

“TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEARING. NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS IS PREVENTABLE, BUT ONCE IT’S GONE, IT’S GONE.” Somewhere in the mid to late 1980s, regulation began to ensure use and availability of hearing protection for anyone who works around noise 85 dB or greater.

But is an earplug just an earplug or do you need to know more?

There really is a wide array of hearing protection available. At the most basic level, ear muffs or foam earplugs are commonly available.

However, for some people the plugs are difficult to put in properly. If they aren’t placed properly or don’t stay in, they aren’t of much use.

They need to be rolled down into the most compressed state possible, then using one hand to pull back on the ear, the plug can be placed deeply into the canal and held there until it expands.

For those that struggle with the foam plugs, custom options are available. One important note though, for any custom earplug, is that impressions will have to be made of your ears and this is a restricted practice under the Alberta Health Profes-

Andrew

TOWERS sions Act. The person taking the impression must be licensed to do so.

Can you use the same plugs for hunting and shooting?

The short answer is yes, but there may be something better for you. There are custom plugs available that allow you to hear normally and only activate in reducing sound upon impact of the shot. This can be done passively or electronically and will affect cost.

What about for musicians?

Every musician or concert goer knows that the foam plugs distort the sound of the music.

They reduce far more high frequencies than low and compromise the quality of the music.

Fortunately, there are custom plugs for musicians that can be filtered to reduce all frequencies by the same amount, which protects the listener without compromising the music.

For the serious musician, custom in ear monitors can be built that allow you to hear exactly the mix you want and at reduced levels.

This reduces the risk of hearing damage from the onstage floor monitors.

And finally, for some reason it seems that I see far more female patients wanting sleep plugs than male.

They all say something about their husband snoring. Either way, custom sleep plugs are available to cut down the level of your partner’s snoring. In reality, they perform the same function as the foam plugs, but can be far more comfortable to sleep in.

The take home message about hearing protection is that a plug is not a plug.

There are different options for different purposes.

Having said that, anything is better than nothing.

Take care of your hearing. Noise induced hearing loss is preventable, but once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Dr. Andrew Towers is an audiologist with HearWell Audiology Clinics in Red Deer.

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

CrossFit incorporates elements from several exercises

BY JENNA SWAN Red Deer Express The year was 2000.

The Y2K craze had just wrapped up, but inside one small Santa Cruz, California gym, owners Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai were creating a lifestyle that would ripple through time and create not only a culture but also a new competitive sport.

They called it CrossFit – incorporating elements from high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, girevoy sport, calisthenics, strongman and other exercises.

Fast forward 15 years and CrossFit has since grown to have over 9,000 affiliated gyms including Red Deer’s own Pure Fitness which opened in 2007.

Owner of Pure Fitness CrossFit, Jason MacDonald, explained he has been fortunate to watch CrossFit grow into the internationally-renowned program it is today.

MacDonald, who fought in the Ultimate Fighting

Championship (UFC) before retiring his mixed martial arts (MMA) career, references the growth of CrossFit to that of the world of MMA. “When I first started doing MMA it was just like CrossFit,” said MacDonald. “It was something that received a lot of negative press and it wasn’t until the UFC signed a deal with Spike TV that it was brought into the public eye and it was then that every man, woman, and child could turn on a TV and watch MMA.” In much the same way that MMA didn’t appear in mainstream culture until the UFC’s television deal, MacDonald said he believes the success of CrossFit wasn’t apparent until the first CrossFit Games appeared on television in 2009 and the games expanded from being a national fitness competition to a global explosion, in which athletes from across the world gathered to compete.

“It started out very grassroots and it was only a word of mouth type thing with a little bit of informa-

tion off of their one web site,” said MacDonald. “It wasn’t until the CrossFit Games started being televised on ESPN and again it was brought into the homes of people that it started to catch on.”

The CrossFit Games have continued to develop as a way of measuring the ‘fittest in the world’ according to the games web site and includes athletes from around the globe gathering to test their skills in different CrossFit workouts.

MacDonald explained how he believes CrossFit workouts are successful because they, “Prepare you for the physical things that life requires of you,” and that he truly believes “CrossFit is a complete training program which trains you to be good at things which you will encounter in the everyday world.

“At the basic level, CrossFit is about doing functional movements and doing things that are natural movements that we didn’t have to be taught such as squats, dead lifting, lifting things and things that have

a carry over effect into real life,” said MacDonald.

“You never know when you’re going to have to pick up that heavy bag of dog food or when the water guy is going to deliver that heavy bottle of water to your front door, or when your friend is going to call you up and ask to help you move his couch.”

While CrossFit has experienced criticism from other groups within the fitness realm, MacDonald associates this with the intensity levels present within the sport and how the program pushes you to improve on your workouts.

However he said that, “With CrossFit we are only concerned with you working out at your own intensity and I think it’s a com-

mon misconception that people have that CrossFit is too hard for them because it looks intense.

“If you’re watching a video of the CrossFit Games champion working out then yes that would probably intimidate you,” he said.

“But it’s not that intense for everyone and the workouts can all be scaled back to your fitness level so you can work out at an intensity that is right for you.”

Those who attend CrossFit on a regular basis tend to see results quickly and this is due largely in turn to this intensity, he said.

“Yes we rely on intensity but it’s intensity that gives you results. If you do anything at intensity whether it’s a running program or a Zumba program you’re go-

ing to see results.”

Part of the allure of CrossFit is the varying program, as everyday MacDonald said he posts a daily workout on the board which every class throughout the day will then do, with each member in the class scaling the workout to fit their own fitness levels.

“CrossFit constantly varies the program and changes up the stimulus so your body doesn’t get used to doing the same thing over and over again which is very similar to life.”

MacDonald finished by adding, “I travel a lot teaching CrossFit all over Canada and the world and I hear it everyday from people that CrossFit changed their lives.” jswan@reddeerexpress.com

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FUN FITNESS – Lyndsay Dettmer completes a portion of her CrossFit routine at Pure Fitness CrossFit.

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

Red Deer Express 7

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Introducing your children to running As parents, we want only the best for our kids and we know that a big part of that is keeping our kids healthy.

Running is a great way to ensure that happens.

Not only does it improve the health of our children in the present, but an activity like running will set them up for a future of good habits as well.

Kids, just like adults, need to be taught how to do something new and running needs to be a gradual learning curve. You won’t have success by just telling them to go run 5km.

So how do we safely and successfully get our kids running? Most importantly, make it fun! If kids are having fun they don’t even realize that they are getting ďŹ t.

If kids are having fun they are willing to do it again.

They need to be taught how to pace themselves. Most kids think running means going as fast as they can for as long as they can. Kids need to be shown to run at a slower, more controlled pace so that they can run longer. Introducing a run/walk program that gradually progresses over several

weeks is the ideal way to go.

Go to www.therunningclinic. com for a recommended learn to run program for kids of all ages.

Running shoes that are light on their feet and quite minimal, rather than a heavy stiff shoe is recommended.

While there are a few kids out there that may need some kind of corrective footwear, for most kids this is unnecessary. Our bodies adapt to our environment, especially if we introduce new things slowly.

Don’t you remember when we were kids and those ďŹ rst few days every summer where it was painful to walk barefoot across some gravel.

By midsummer we were running barefoot across that gravel with no pain or discomfort. Minimal running shoes allow our feet and legs to respond more accurately to our environment, improving our ability to function effectively in our environment and reducing the risk of injury.

Having kids do a few stretches before and after their run will also help reduce the risk of injury and

improve their recovery process. Stretching the thigh and calf muscles are very important with running. But your whole body is in motion while running so it worth doing some trunk and arm stretches as well.

If they are having any pain with running a few days rest from running should resolve this. If it doesn’t then the running program or their technique may need to be modiďŹ ed. And if pain persists then a visit to your local physiotherapist may be helpful in identifying any movement issues that may be causing their symptoms.

In the end, running needs to be fun! Some kids thrive on competition, some like having goals, some respond well to rewards.

Find what works for you and your kids. Finally, run with your kid! If they see you doing it, they’ll be more likely to do it. And that time spent together will likely improve your relationship with them as well. Win-win for everyone!

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

October is

breastcancer cancerawareness awarenessmonth monthin inCanada Canada Central Alberta Cancer Centre benefits locals More than 100 radical breast cancer patients treated since opening of facility

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express The Central Alberta Cancer Centre in Red Deer has been open for nearly a year and patients have already seen many benefits to having the facility located locally.

The Centre has been providing chemotherapy services in Red Deer for many years but the expansion of radiation has enabled some radiation patients to get this kind of care closer to home.

“There can be a great deal of distress experienced by patients and families when diagnosed with cancer. The stress of having to take time from work, plan for child care needs or asking others to assist with appointments/travel, can be stressful to juggle as the details of a diagnosis can be overwhelming,” said Tricia Hutchison, social worker, community oncology at the Cancer Centre.

“The potential loss of income and additional expenses related to travel and treatment can add a financial stress to patients/families in their difficult journey. Having services closer to home helps to alleviate the financial and emotional stress experienced by many.”

Radiation for breast cancer specifically can be anywhere between 16 and 30 daily treatments, said Dr. Julie Cuartero, radiation oncologist at the Central Alberta Cancer Centre, pointing to the importance of having the facility in Red Deer.

“Before the Cancer Centre in Red Deer, that meant patients would be in another city like Edmonton or Calgary anywhere for three and a half weeks to

six weeks. Obviously there is a huge logistical impact in travel, the cost where they would stay. There is now a huge advantage from that standpoint,” she said.

“There’s also the psychological and mental barriers of having to go to another city that they may or may not be familiar with, so I think that has been helpful.

“The patients we see are from Central Alberta and I think having their families and friends close by to provide a support has been invaluable. It’s nice when you see patients come in with several family members which wouldn’t necessarily be the case if they were out of town. I think that has been important with having a cancer centre near their home.”

Catherine Clay, radiation therapist at the Central Alberta Cancer Centre said Alberta Health Services has made significant progress in making radiation therapy more accessible to Albertans to help ensure a wide variety of treatment options are available.

“The five-city ‘Radiation Therapy Corridor’ from Lethbridge to Grande Prairie will provide nine out of 10 Albertans with access to radiation therapy within 100 kilometres or 90 minutes of their home,” she said. “Having the access to radiation treatment in the Central Zone has allowed patients to drive daily and stay in their homes while going through the treatment process; this in turn reduces the burden on the patients and their families financially, physically and emotionally.

Radiation therapy is now a more accessible option for the patient.”

In addition to the chemotherapy and radiation

services, there are also supports cancer patients can access as well that can be helpful during the stressful time.

“The Central Alberta Cancer Centre also has a team of supportive care professionals to assist in enhancing patient-centred care. Navigation, social work, nutrition services and a newly formed rehabilitation program are available to meet the identified needs of cancer patients and families within the Centre,” said Hutchison.

In terms of breast cancer treatments, Clay said they have treated 103 radical breast patients to date this does not include those breast cancer patients that have been treated palliatively for metastasis.

Cuartero added typically when there is a diagnosis the first step is some type of surgery whether it is a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.

“If the cancer is aggressive enough or advanced enough or to a certain stage, then a patient will possibly need chemotherapy and that would be the next step if needed,” she said.

“Radiation is usually the next step and then lastly usually there is some kind of hormone therapy. And that is a pill that will be taken anywhere from five to 10 years if they were a candidate for those types of treatments.”

As a whole, since the Cancer Centre opened last November, 288 patients have been treated at the facility up until the end of August. Some of these patients have received more than one site or course of treatment. On average, about 20 patients per day

Encouragement

aminations if needed.

“Do self-examinations beginning at a young age.

In terms of mammograms, usually it’s women over the age of 50 who should do that screening annually, but sometimes it can be earlier depending on family history. But it is valuable and it’s highly encouraged,” she said. “Self-breast exams – the jury is out for whether

MLA, Red Deer North

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or not it would be valuable versus not, but in my mind I think women have to be empowered to know what’s going on with their bodies and to understand what is going on with their health.

By doing these exams you can pick up changes that may warrant further testing. I think that is a valuable tool.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

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are treated, but there are some weeks where up to 34 patients a day are receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, one in eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime and Cuartero said that speaks to the importance of being aware of any changes and doing self-examinations monthly as well as mammogram ex-

Cal Dallas

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Red Deer Express 9

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

October is

breastcancer breast cancerawareness awarenessmonth monthin inCanada Canada Breast cancer patients supported via local program Clinical Breast Health Program launched in Red Deer in 2007

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express Offering a range of supports to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer, the Clinical Breast Health Program began in 2007. It was first funded through a Wait Times Initiative to help expedite the initial phases of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge have similar programs as well.

“The program got good reviews not only in terms of wait times, but also in terms of patient satisfaction,” said Alanna Dukes, nurse navigator with the Clinical Breast Health Program at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. “It now has become a permanent program.”

When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer most of the time surgery is the first treatment, she added.

“The first step is to meet with one of the surgeons who does breast surgeries,” said Dukes. “That is why our program is so helpful because it’s obviously a really stressful time just getting the new diagnosis and just finding out that they have breast cancer. There is so much to learn in terms of what they are going to go through.

“Our nurse navigators help with patient education,

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Dukes said they see a number of people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and at any given time can have between 120 and 125 files open. She added they have had men involved in the program as well.

“Breast cancer is a lot more common in women, but men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer. We are open to anyone with a diagnosis of, or a strong suspicion to breast cancer.”

In terms of education, Dukes said the program provides patients with what to expect after being diagnosed, what additional tests to have done and what the surgical options will be, among others.

“We can help someone navigate the best way through the system in order to get the right tests at the right time, and see the right doctors at the right time.”

Dukes said a good portion of her role is providing emotional support to someone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We also put them in touch with community resources that we think might help them in terms of patients that might need extra financial support or practical support, how they are going to deal with the family issues or anything as they are

going through treatment,” she said. “There’s a lot of emotional connotations with breast cancer – a lot of self image connotations – so another support we provide is where to find a breast prosthesis and what kind of financial coverage there is out there for that.

“It’s one point of contact in navigating through a complex health care system. They always know they can call us if they have any questions.”

Dukes said the Clinical Breast Health Program is an important one to have in Red Deer.

“I think if you ask any of our patients you’ll find out how important the program is. They are so thankful for this support at such a stressful time,” she said. “Imagine just finding out you have breast cancer. Getting the information when you need it –where to go to get extra counseling if they need it or where there’s financial resources available – just helps take the stress off a little bit.”

In addition, Dukes said her role as nurse navigator within the Clinical Breast Health Program is a fulfilling one.

“Just seeing the patients and their families - they are so grateful for the support and information we give them,” she said. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Making the most of your family trip - tips for travel savings Canadians love to travel, whether that means going abroad for months at a time, ducking across the border for some quick shopping or heading out of town for a weekend getaway. No matter where you intend to go one thing is certain you will need money to get there and have a bit of fun once you arrive. With that in mind, here are some tips for stretching your cash as far as possible on your next trip: The Internet is your

Garnet

RAMBAUT friend.

Never before has there been this many travel providers, all only a mouseclick away. And that means there’s potential for great savings. Gone are the days

when the person sitting beside you scored a way better deal, as long as you do your research.

However, there are many things to think about when booking flights, accommodation or packages online.

First, no one aggregator site has all of the answers.

Even the most comprehensive one may lack agreements with certain airlines or hotel chains, so try more than one.

Furthermore, going directly to the source is still a

good idea, especially when it comes to booking a plane ticket. In certain cases, the airline itself will have as good a deal – if not better – than a third-party company, and can incentivize you with better upgrade options or by eliminating a small service charge – and every penny counts.

Open-mindedness equals savings.

In the last several years, the new sharing economy has dramatically changed the way people travel.

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While homestays and other non-traditional accommodations have existed for ages, the Internet has created a boon for those looking to temporarily swap their home or rent it out using services likes Airbnb. And that can lead to incredible savings for you, regardless of your destination.

Always be prepared.

Last-minute travel has long been a money-saving move.

Today, there are entire web sites dedicated to giving you discounts on unsold rooms or airfare. Of course, taking advantage of these requires nimbleness and spontaneity. Start by booking a window of time off and, as always, making sure your passport is up-todate.

Talk to a professional.

You have done all of your research, found a great deal, taken time off work, and packed your bags, but are you truly ready to go?

Have you talked to your insurance agent? If not, then there’s still one more step to go.

“An unexpected loss of luggage, trip interrup-

tion or medical emergency can be wildly expensive.

You need to make sure you have the appropriate travel insurance – whether your journey is domestic or international – and remember that credit card and work coverage often isn’t sufficient,” said Sandra Roos, assistant branch manager with Western Financial Group in Red Deer.

“Also, if you travel often you might want to consider an annual policy to simplify matters.”

A recent Western Financial Group survey found that only six in 10 Canadians have travel insurance, yet nine in 10 plan to travel in the next 24 months. This is particularly interesting considering in southern Alberta almost 90% of people say it is very important to have major medical emergency coverage when traveling.

By following the above advice, you can save more and apply it to your next trip. Happy travels!

Garnet Rambaut is a financial services account executive at Western Financial Group in Red Deer.

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Red Deer Express 11

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Taoist Tai Chi branch in City continues to flourish

BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express Members of the Red Deer Branch of Taoist Tai Chi continue to grow as programs develop and more people tap into the benefits of the ancient practice.

After nearly 30 years in various locations around the City, members and instructors with the nonprofit organization marked the opening of their current location one year ago.

It’s certainly been an exciting year since of seeing people continue to discover what Tai Chi can bring to their lives, instructors have said.

Lavila Lang, who has been with the group for 15 years, first joined to see if Tai Chi could improve her flexibility.

“I had a really bad back, and I was having physio all the time,” she recalls.

“I started doing Tai Chi, my back improved and I haven’t had physiotherapy now for years on my back.

I find now that if it starts getting a little sore, if I do some Tai Chi it helps.

“It loosens it up.” Lang, who also teaches at the studio through the week, also pointed out that Tai Chi can enhance a person’s strength and flexibility and memory as well.

Members also say that each step in the training is intended to help the mind return to stillness, clarity and wisdom and the body to a balanced, relaxed and healthy state.

“It’s so good for your memory – both body memory and mind memory, and it’s very stress reducing because you can’t be thinking about the things that are stressing you and do Tai Chi. It is something you have to concentrate and focus on. You have to be in the moment.”

Other health highlights proponents point to include improving posture, breathing, cardiovascular fitness, balance and coordination and concentration.

“They call it ‘moving meditation’, which I think is accurate because you are focused on that one aspect of movement in that particular moment.”

With the branch, being a non-profit organization, instructors are volunteers who are also required to update their skills and knowledge on a regular basis as well.

Participants start with a beginner program which is

STRETCH – Members of the local Taoist Tai Chi branch in Red Deer run through a set of movements at their local studio. usually about four months long. From there, they move into continuing classes.

Ultimately, there are 108 moves that are part of sequences in Tai Chi which help bolster overall fitness and well-being.

The Red Deer Branch of Taoist Tai Chi provides beginner classes throughout the fall and winter.

They also offer a health recovery class for those suffering from injuries or illness, every Saturday.

Overall, there are classes everyday except Sundays, and classes are open to all ages as well.

They also are busy reaching out to the Central Alberta community.

“We will do demonstrations for the Arthritis Society, for the Parkinson Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and to some of the local lodges. “ We do demonstrations at the Farmers’ Market in the fall as an introduction to Tai Chi. We also have gone to the high schools and done demonstrations there.

“And when we do a demonstration, it’s participatory so the people there get an opportunity to take part.”

These days, Lang loves

sharing the many aspects of Tai Chi with students.

“People like to come and talk to you before and after class.

“I think it’s also about the caring of the people that belong. The support that you get – not only in your Tai Chi – but in your personal life as well,” she said.

“I think the aspect of helping each other is very important. It’s like having one big family. It’s fantastic.”

Ultimately, members also point out that Tai Chi is also something virtually anyone can get involved with.

Members also point out the ‘community aspect’ of the organization. There are also lots of social activities planned throughout the year as well.

Sara Rattray has been with the group for about 10 years.

“It helps you with your day to day activities. It’s something that becomes part of your lifestyle, and the more you participate in different activities at the club, you find out the experiences of other people and you find it’s a really wellrounded form of exercise,” she said. editor@reddeerexpress.com

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

A look at the what, why and how of ‘oxygen bars’

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express The business of clean air has come to Red Deer in the form of oxygen bars – a non-medical, recreational oxygen distribution centre that infuses flavours with concentrated oxygen.

Usually set up in groups around barstyle counters or kiosks, oxygen bars offer a unique experience of aromatherapy mixed with concentrated oxygen.

Customers come in for a session of air that contains levels nearing 90% oxygen.

“Essentially, this mixture is 95 per cent compressed oxygen that is being filtered through an oxidizer in the back of the machine.

“It strips down the nitrogens and pollutants in the air and compresses it to 95 per cent oxygen per breath,” said Michelle Walker, owner and operator at Inhale Oxygen Bar in Red Deer.

Walker caps her customers at 20 minutes a day with the machines, a standard time for most oxygen bars.

Elevated levels of oxygen are said to have health benefits but there is also proof for having too much oxygen as being detrimental, she said.

Retailers in Alberta that manage oxygen bars are not allowed to medically guarantee benefits, but they can speak to the personal experiences they have had.

Walker says that she feels more relaxed, calm and clear-headed after she takes a session with the oxygen bar.

“The key to me wanting to bring this

service to Canada was trying it first after a night of drinking in Vegas.

“The hotel concierge recommended we try out the oxygen bar, and I just felt so replenished afterwards,” she said.

“I think that trying it out and seeing if it works for you is best.

“If you walk in off the street and try this, I think you will feel more awake, more alert and have a heightened sense of wakefulness.”

Due to the lack of official medical research studies in Canada, using an oxygen bar is up to a user’s discretion. That said parents even have the option to let their kids try it out, as technically they are only inhaling distilled water, aroma and oxygen.

Walker said her kids have tried small doses at the oxygen bars and she has noticed they are more calm and relaxed after their sessions.

She has not witnessed any adverse reactions or detriment to her children. Parents may bring their children into the oxygen bar at their own discretion.

People with medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, emphysema and related illnesses should consult with a doctor before hitting an oxygen bar, as some illnesses will not benefit from extra oxygen in the body, she said.

Women who are pregnant should also not use oxygen bars, as there is no research in Canada yet as to whether or not the extra oxygen can harm their baby, Walker said.

For those who are curious, Walker said that many of the people who come in for sessions say they experience relief of hangover symptoms, headaches, sinus problems and also receive stress relief.

“Non-medicinal oxygen is not a health product and is, therefore, not regulated by

Health Canada,” said Sara Lauer, media relations officer for Health Canada.

“Regarding general concerns about breathing pure oxygen and attending an oxygen bar, Health Canada would advise consulting a physician.” kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

FRESH BREATH – Gabriella Boudreault takes in a few deep breaths of aroma and oxygen at the Inhale Oxygen Bar.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

Red Deer Express 15

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

The Body Book – an tremendous inspiration for women When I first heard Cameron Diaz had released a book while I was watching the Oprah Network, I assumed it was likely another celebrity cash grab memoir or autobiography.

I did not however expect that upon reading her book my entire perception of food and my body would change.

The Body Book, co-written by Sandra Bark, is a comprehensive health and fitness manual that delves deep into the inner workings of your body but in a hilarious, easy to understand and heartwarming way.

The book begins with a powerful statement by Diaz declaring, “You will be the most beautiful and healthy and confident woman that you can be, and you deserve that, because YOU ARE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN YOU HAVE EVER IMAGINED. “Whether you wish you had longer legs or smaller hips, bigger boobs or less pointy ears, this book is for you.

“It’s a guide to accepting what you have and loving it with everything you’ve got, to appreciating how incredible this physical vehicle is.

“It’s a guide to maximizing your strength and endurance so that your body can take you everywhere you want to go in life:

Jenna

SWAN to all of your success, to the love of your life, to your passions and adventures.”

The book breaks down the chemical processes in your body to a cellular level, allowing you to maximize on the nutrients taken from food, informing you of what foods contain the proper nutrition for your body, and how they all interact with one another in your body.

Although it may sound silly to some, I had never realized how important some of these processes were – something as simple as what hunger really is and how food should be used as fuel for your body and not just something tasty had never fully sunk into my brain until it was explained to me in such a straightforward manner.

The book has extensive input from the world’s leading physicians and health professionals and it is also packed full of everything you would ever need to know to balance your nutrition, exercise and mind/body connection.

She emphasizes the use of “I could not achieve any of whole, nutrient-dense foods and those things without being disciexplains the importance of wa- plined! Everything I have comes ter for more than just satisfying from discipline. thirst.

“I do what I do because I make The first of the three sections myself do it - everyday - whether of the book focuses solely on food, I’m working on a film or on a nutrition, and hunger, while part break between projects. two delves into fitness where she “Because my work is not just explains the essential role of my job, my work is all the things movement and why it is impor- that I need to do in order to create tant to just simply get moving the life that I want to live.” more.

This inspirShe also ing message touches on the comes from the importance of third part of “I HIGHLY RECOMMEND muscle and bone her book, which EVERY WOMAN IN strength and enfocuses on the THE WORLD TO READ courages readmind and how it THIS BOOK, AS I ers to sweat evpertains to the ery day. body.

TRULY BELIEVE IT HAS Diaz even One of the ALLOWED ME TO SET gives the many most impresFOUNDATIONS FOR THE secret to her sionable parts REST OF MY LIFE AND success in life of this section by telling her for me was GIVEN ME THE TOOLS I readers, “At the Diaz’s ideology NEED TO LIVE A LONG core of every behind aging.

AND HEALTHY LIFE.” successful perI’m unsure of son there is one whether or not common thing: it is the time discipline. period and cul“When I think how I define ture in which I’ve grown up, but success in my life, I know that it seems as though an eternal fear strength is important to me and of showing signs of aging has being capable is important to me been instilled within me. and feeling good is important to It was really a refreshing me,” she adds. change to hear someone embrace

the aging process.

“A lot of us fear the idea of aging - getting older, being less mobile, having less energy and being less of ourselves.

“But I look at aging like this: getting older is a blessing and a privilege, and if you lay the foundation for a healthy life in your younger years, your older years may very well be some of the best of your life.

“And the point I’m making is not about keeping up your youthful appearance. This is not about beauty and the aesthetics of our bodies.

“I want you to feel young. I want you to feel strong. I for one can say honestly that I feel better and stronger and more capable now than I did when I was twenty years old, because I’ve taken better care of myself in the last fifteen years than I did in the first twenty-six years of my life,” she writes.

I highly recommend every woman in the world to read this book, as I truly believe it has allowed me to set foundations for the rest of my life.

It has also given me the tools I need to live a long and healthy life while simultaneously allowing me to take control of the present in a productive way. jswan@reddeerexpress.com

The Red Deer Primary Care Network (RDPCN) has a Real People Real Health Successes campaign featuring local people who are sharing their stories of the significant health improvements they have made.

“Pain free and more active than ever!”

Go to reddeerpcn.com for full story.

The Red Deer Primary Care Network has been a catalyst to positive change for all of these people.

Go to www.reddeerpcn.com to get inspiration from these stories. Our everyday lifestyle decisions have a large impact on our present and future health.

Your choices reveal your priorities.

16 Red Deer Express

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Your home’s ‘germiest places’ - the toilet or kitchen sink?

Germs are everywhere - in the air, on every surface, in your food and even in your body. Bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa are all germs that you interact with on a daily basis. These microorganisms can cause illness and infection, but thankfully, the immune system is designed to protect against most infectious carriers.

Even in the cleanest of homes, you may be surprised where germs can congregate. Keeping your home free from germs is virtually impossible, but you can help prevent germs from spreading and multiplying with regular cleaning and proper hygiene.

Source 1: Cutting boards You use a cutting board to chop up raw meat, fish and poultry for one meal and the next meal you use the same board to slice and dice fruits and vegetables. If the cutting board isn’t cleaned adequately between uses, germs from the meat may still be lurking in the small crevices that could contaminate your food and cause food-borne illness.

Be smart and use two separate cutting boards - one for meat and one for produce. After using the boards, wash them with hot, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher.

Source 2: Countertops and faucets

Jack

WHEELER While your counters and faucets may look clean and sparkly, bacteria called coliform may be present. This bacterium is found in raw meat or on dirty hands, pets, or unwashed produce.

Spray your countertops and faucet handles at least once a day with a disinfectant to get rid of these unwanted germs.

Source 3: Coffee reservoir One of the germiest places in your home is your coffee maker.

Since it’s dark and often stays damp, your coffee maker is a perfect location for mold, mildew and bacteria to multiply.

Read the user manual to learn the best way to clean your coffee maker. A common way is to pour vinegar into the reservoir, let it sit half an hour and then run it through. Rinse out the vinegar by brewing several pots of clean water. Do this once a month and you’ll keep bacteria at bay.

Source 4: Toothbrush holder You may think the toilet or faucet handles are the germiest places in a bathroom, but it’s actually the toothbrush holder. Water often collects in the bottom of

the holder and the spray from the nearby flushing toilet combine to make a germy place.

If your toothbrush holder is dishwasher safe, run it through once a week or wash it with hot, soapy water.

Source 5: Pet toys Dog and cat owners often have pet toys lying around the house.

Objects that pets touch or chew are likely covered with yeast, mold and bacteria including Staph and coliform.

After playing fetch with Spot, wash your hands and wash the toys. And if your pet has a toy that’s ragged and worn out, toss it for a new one.

Source 6: Your purse News flash: the bottom of your purse is probably covered in germs. When there’s nowhere to hang your purse, it often gets left on a dirty floor to pick up bacteria and well, whatever else happens to be hanging out on the floor.

Vinyl or leather bags are generally cleaner than those made with cloth, but even they need a good cleaning on occasion.

Hang your purse on a hook when possible and keep it off the kitchen counters to fend off any nearby germs.

Source 7: Kitchen sink and sponges The places in your home with the highest count of microorgan-

isms are your kitchen sink and the sponge or washcloth you use to clean your dishes, counters and tabletops.Not very comforting, is it? Because more than likely, you’re actually spreading germs rather than removing them when you use your kitchen sponge.

Wash your sink with disinfectant cleaner once a week, run the sink strainers in the dishwasher, zap your wet sponge in the microwave for two minutes once a day, or throw your dishcloths in the

washing machine on the hot cycle every two days.

Source 8: Your keyboard Think your toilet seat is gross?

Research has shown that your computer keyboard likely has more germs than your toilet seat.

So before you click on another link or type in another word, do your due diligence and disinfect your computer keyboard for your good health.

Jack Wheeler is a personal trainer and owner of 360 Fitness in Red Deer.

FALL FITNESS – Victoria Thomas jogs with baby Olivia, 10 months, on Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express a sidewalk in the Bower Place neighbourhood.

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Red Deer Express 17

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

The benefits of owning a family pet On my drive to work this morning I followed behind a car with a decal that proudly displayed their growing family unit. It led me to think I rarely see this stick family without a dog, a cat or both.

TARA

HELLEWELL The family pet is more popular than ever, and for so many well researched reasons. For those of us lucky enough to share our homes with a critter or two it is no secret that our furry companions give joy

beyond comprehension.

Their loyalty is unrivaled. I know I am a little biased but nothing compares to the times when I come home from a particularly challenging day only to be met with such excitement that I instantly forget all stress and realize that; (to my dogs at least) I am in fact the most important, beautiful and intelligent person in the whole wide world (our house).

My stress melts away and I am swept away in a flurry of playful kisses and unconditional love.

Next time you’re on pooper scooper duty or hairball cleanup remember owning a pet helps to improve your health! Pets bring levity into your life, they make you laugh and give you stories to share.

They help reduce stress and blood pressure. Stress is after all the leading cause of many health issues.

Studies show that owning a pooch keeps you in motion.

Grab that leash and take a walk, breathe in some fresh air and spend some time together as a family.

Walking is a great low impact exercise, you can even build some of those important interpersonal skills!

Get your feline moving by inventing some fun games to play together.

Their food now comes in a can or a bag so they will need you to help them fulfill their instinctive impulses to hunt and stalk their prey (one of the many toys you spent all your hard earned money on).

Childhood obesity is on the rise, but having an ani-

mal can pull kids away from the games console and promote greater levels of activity. Children are drawn to animals and many parents feel pressure to bring a new pet into the family.

Yes it is a big responsibility but let’s to turn this into a positive. Pet ownership is a rewarding learning experience for young minds.

There are few opportunities for children to get involved in making family decisions but having a pet is one way to include all members of the family in pet-related topics. Pets teach children about the responsibility of life and mutual trust.

This can help to improve their nurturing and relationship skills and encourage behavior that is less ‘self centered’. It is worthwhile to mention children with learning difficulties or confidence issues can see the most benefit. Pets can encourage greater attention to learning and will boost self-esteem.

The financial cost of pet ownership can be high.

They are after all full-

fledged members of our family and so deserve the best care. Granted they don’t need a college fund, but vet fees and food bills can add up. You should be prepared to budget a minimum of $2,000 a year for a dog or cat (remember a Great Dane will likely eat more than you so budget accordingly).

We encourage you to take out a pet insurance policy to avoid having to make a tough financial decision.

Policies are more affordable than ever.

Perhaps a smaller pet like a rabbit, hamster or guinea pig would be a good fit. They require care but won’t be offended if they are not the center of your attention all day long. Lizards, snakes and other ‘specialty’ type pets require greater care and knowledge. I would encourage you to do your homework before committing to any pet.

Remember that online or in-store puppy sales could be supporting the puppy mill industry. You should be sure that your next dog

does not come from a puppy mill. The breeding animals suffer a great deal in horrific conditions. Be sure to visit the breeder, ask to see the puppies’ parents.

Cat overpopulation is also an issue in Canada and stray cats suffer in our severe weather. There is a common misconception that cats can ‘survive’ in the wild. This is not the reality. The 200-plus cats in our facility will gladly attest to this, so prevent a litter and fix your critter!

The Red Deer SPCA will guide you through an assessment process to help you to find a pet that is a great fit for your family.

We ensure our animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped.

This helps to ensure responsible pet ownership and reduce overpopulation.

We have a dedicated and well-educated staff who would love to answer any questions you may have.

Visit www.reddeerspca. com for more information.

Tara Hellewell is the executive director of the Red Deer & District SPCA.

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Home care supports the wellness of caregivers For many families, in-home care provides the balance that makes the caregiving dynamic more satisfactory for senior and family alike.

Caregiving brings with it many rewards: the satisfaction of giving back to an aging parent, the sense of loyalty to a spouse who has developed health challenges and the positive emotions we feel when helping older relatives who are important to us.

It is a natural human impulse to care for loved ones in need.

But providing care can also take a toll on the physical and emotional well-being of caregivers.

With the aging of the baby boomers, more and more attention is now being focused on the health needs of family caregivers, who are expected to provide increasing long-term care to Canadian seniors in the coming years. Studies show that many caregivers experience a high level of stress

and are at higher risk of health problems such as depression, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

The Canadian Caregiver Coalition reminds us how important it is to ‘care for the caregiver.’

If you are providing care for an older loved one, are you taking advantage of services that are available to you? One resource that can help in many ways is professional home care.

Elderly care services at home can provide the support that your family needs to balance your busy lives. Whether your loved one lives in their own home, with you, or in a senior living community, inhome care promotes a safe, secure environment.

Knowing your loved one is well-cared for allows you to better focus on work and other responsibilities - and, just as important, to truly relax when on vacation or just en-

joying some personal time.

After conducting a health care needs assessment, an agency can select trained caregivers who are just right for your loved one’s needs. The caregiver can come every day of the week, occasionally as needed, or even overnight. Caregivers can: - perform housekeeping, laundry and other household chores.

- assist with personal care, such as bathing and toileting.

- plan and prepare meals, including special diets.

- take your loved one shopping, to doctors’ appointments, and on special outings for stimulation and physical activity.

- help with medication management.

- provide companionship and a sense of security.

- ensure peace of mind for family caregivers.

- enable your loved one to feel a sense of

greater dignity by being able to remain in their own home.

Many families report that making at home senior care part of a loved one’s care routine ‘normalizes’ the family dynamic. When the in-home caregiver takes over some of the personal care tasks that the senior can no longer handle on his or her own, this means the senior and family members can spend their time together doing things they truly enjoy, such as playing a game, going for a walk, attending social events…the kinds of activities that promote an enhanced quality of life.

Remember: having a trained caregiver on hand allows everyone in the family to take positive steps for improving their own health and well-being. Caring for the caregiver is an important part of caring for loved ones.

Jackie Van Langen is an executive director of Retire-At-Home Services in Red Deer.

Why it’s smart to make a will even if you’re still healthy Although we may contemplate it from time to time, most of us don’t think seriously about preparing a will. But it may be the most important document we will ever write, and there’s no time like the present to write a will and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having it done. Here

are a few guidelines: Should I consult a lawyer?

Some people try to save money by drafting a will on their own. While completing a ready-made will that can be purchased for a few dollars may seem appealing, it may end up costing more money for the people

you wished to benefit with your estate.

Wills are governed by provincial legislation which can change. You may also not be an expert on the ins and outs of taxation and how to reduce what will need to be paid. One unclear sentence or phrase could put your will into

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The cost of having a professionally drafted will is far less than most people realize. You can also save money by making sure you are organized and ready before seeing the lawyer by creating a record of your important documents and the names of your immediate family, executor and beneficiaries. The less time you spend with the lawyer, the lower the cost of preparing your will.

What will happen if I don’t have a will?

If you don’t have a will, the court appoints an administrator to manage your estate. Provincial legislation will determine who your beneficiaries will be— and this may include some

people that you had no intention of remembering.

The process is generally costlier in terms of both administrative expenses and lost tax advantages—leaving much less than you may have intended for your chosen beneficiaries. And some of the bequests you had always intended to make, such as to your church, your favourite health charity or organizations that you supported in your lifetime, would be ignored.

What is an executor?

An executor is the person you choose who will be responsible for using your assets as needed to pay any outstanding debts and to file a final income tax return. As well, the executor is responsible for preserving your assets until they

can be sold or transferred to the beneficiaries of your estate.

Once all the financial obligations have been met, and a clearance certificate from the Canada Revenue Agency has been obtained to prove there is no claim for unpaid taxes, the executor can then distribute the remainder of your assets according to your wishes.

Who can be an executor?

Any adult can be an executor including one or more of the following: your spouse, a family member, a friend, a trust company, or a lawyer. The important thing is to choose someone who is both capable and willing to take on the responsibility of handling your estate. www.newscanada.com

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PUPPY LOVE – Danielle Rowland sits and enjoys the nice weather in a local park with her poodle, Molly.

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

Red Deer Express 19

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Topic of E-cigarettes continues to be controversial

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express E-cigarettes may be everywhere but they are still relatively unexplored in Canadian medical science research. Many people are unclear as to what is really in them and the debate about whether or not to ban them is still quite hot.

There are several major contributing factors in the discussion of e-cigarettes: first, the contents and combination of them. Second is the delivery method. Third is the lack of research in Canada. Fourth is the confusion surrounding legalities and distribution.

A standard e-cigarette is a device that heats up a juice containing nicotine, propylene glycol (food grade alcohol), vegetable glycerine (sugar alcohol used for dissolving and sweetening) and flavouring. The combination of those ingredients is heated to create a vapour that is then ingested by the user.

The other kind of e-cigarette lacks nicotine but still contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavouring delivered in the same way.

“This is a tool to be used at the user’s discretion.

For some people, they are supplementing or substituting their nicotine intake using this device and never change the level of nicotine they consume,” said John

Martin, manager at VapeXCape Red Deer.

“For other people, they’re feeling the health consequences of smoking, have tried to quit and have been unsuccessful so they use an e-cig. They are using these devices to continue taking in nicotine and have a similar experience to smoking while weaning themselves off of nicotine.”

Martin explained that the juices available for reusable smoking devices come with varying degrees and levels of nicotine, all the way down to zero nicotine.

A major issue in the topic of e-cigarettes is the physical evidence – the vapour.

As a person inhales the vapour mixture, they are taking in the nicotine, which is actually being delivered to the body in a very efficient way. When that person exhales the vapour, there are no other chemicals that are being produced as there are when smoking cigarettes.

The delivery method of e-cigarettes sends the nicotine into a person’s body very efficiently. This means that when that person exhales, there is so little nicotine produced that this is inconsequential and does not produce a harmful second-hand smoke, according to a study done

by Health New Zealand on one of the world’s largest E-Cigarette makers, Ruyan E-Cigarettes.

FAMILY FUN – Debbie Junck with her lab/collie Jayna walk with Kerri Hanna, her daughter Mackenzie, 5, and her son Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express Preston, 4, at Oxbows Dog Park.

That study was conducted on a product that contained only nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavouring.

However, Health Canada still sees concerns about the vapour produced from e-cigarettes as ‘an irritant,’ said Dr. Brent Friesen, provincial lead medical officer of health for safe and healthy environments and the tobacco reduction program. He said that there are still quality control issues, as the e-juice is not regulated yet.

“The position that Alberta Health Services is taking with regards to e-cigarettes is that they should be regulated in a similar fashion to other tobacco products.

Health Canada has not approved any e-cigarettes or the liquids containing nicotine for sale in Canada. They have not gone through the review and safety approval process.”

Friesen recommends that anyone wishing to use an e-cigarette as part of a

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risk reduction program or cessation (stop smoking) tool should consult a physician or pharmacist first.

He also said that when clinical tests are performed, they will not require the same extensive process that tobacco did when it first came out, as people are now aware of the negative effects of to-

bacco use and nicotine addictions.

Friesen and Martins both commented on how tobacco companies are beginning to purchase e-cigarette companies and this creates a potential conflict of interest.

“One has to wonder if there’s a dedicated commitment from the e-cigarette

companies that are now owned by tobacco companies to have people using those e-cigarettes to stop smoking,” Friesen said.

“It would probably not bother those companies if people using e-cigarettes moved back and forth between those tools and other tobacco products.” kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

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20 Red Deer Express

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Tapping into technology in the fitness world

BY JENNA SWAN Red Deer Express In a world where many people’s smart phones rarely leave their sides, the integration of technology into daily fitness routines seems unstoppable.

Ten years ago using technology to help you stay fit may have seemed like science fiction, however with the release of smart phones, wearable technologies and various downloadable apps, these devices have made staying fit easier than ever before.

With apps for smart phones allowing you to bring your virtual personal trainer to the gym with you or even Skype and Facetime - trainers are now seeing smart phones play an active role in gyms and fitness.

Apps can give users exercise routines as well as help them track their distances and intensity levels.

Owner of 360 Fitness in Red Deer and personal trainer Jack Wheeler said that when it comes to his clients he is finding, “That

HIGH TECH – Jack Wheeler, owner of 360 Fitness, displays a bioelectrical impedance machine which measures body mass index. The emergence of this technolJenna Swan/Red Deer Express ogy means Wheeler no longer has to do skin fold tests on personal training clients – a practice which many found invasive in the past.

the easier it is for them to use the technology and to

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then the more likely they are to stick with it.

“Things like the Garmin GPS running watches, five years ago used to spit out all of these numbers and data like what elevation you were running at and for how long and so on and were super expensive,” said Wheeler.

“But now their best selling models tell you how far you’ve run and how fast, so the simpler the better.”

One of the best ways to track your fitness progress can be with your smart phone, however there are still cautionary tales to be told when using technology to help you stay fit.

“Five years ago people would’ve spent thousands of dollars for data they can now get for a couple hundred bucks from their wrist watch,” he said.

“Professional athletes used to have to go to high caliber training facilities to get the kind of data that apps like Nike Runner can now give you on your smart device.

“Everyone now has access to the kind of information that used to be exclusively for elite athletes and it’s giving people all this extra information – but that can be both good and bad,” he added.

Wheeler said apps that help you to track someone’s lifestyle such as calories in and out, amount of sleep,

stress levels, amount of water and caffeine consumed can be beneficial to tracking a person’s progress.

“FIVE YEARS AGO PEOPLE WOULD’VE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR DATA THEY CAN NOW GET FOR A COUPLE HUNDRED BUCKS FROM THEIR WRIST WATCH.” JACK WHEELER However people should take the data it gives it with a grain of salt as no app will give exact figures, much like the data a treadmill tells a person for how many calories they’ve burned, as it is impossible for a generically programmed machine to know someone’s body.

Other worries from personal trainers when it comes to technology in fitness include the confusion of cardio.

Wheeler explains, “You’ll see people using these apps on their phones when they go for their 45-minute leisurely walks and because it’s a cardio app, they’ll think that walk was sufficient cardio or you’ll get the person biking through the mountains looking down at their GPS watch the entire time instead of enjoying the beauty of the scenery around them.

Meanwhile, trainers have even jumped on the tech-train themselves, particularly when it comes to assessing their client’s body composition and fitness levels.

When Wheeler started in the fitness world 10 years ago, if he wanted to analyze someone’s body fat, it would have involved a process that would, “Make the average Joe want to slap you in the face,” he explained.

“Back in the day we had to more or less strip you down in a bikini and then take these big steel jaw like clamps and grab your skin folds, pull it out and measure it on the clamps,” said Wheeler.

“So imagine it’s your first day in the gym, you’re uncomfortable with your weight, you’re uncomfortable in your own skin, you can hardly stand to wear a bathing suit on the beach and some 25-year-old jock said ‘Hey can you please take off your clothes and I’m going to clamp your skin, by the way, I’m Jack’,” he added.

“But now we can use the Bioelectrical Impedance machine to do all of that just by having you hold it and it will pretty accurately tell not only your body fat, but a number of other fun things all in a non-invasive way.” jswan@reddeerexpress.com

Red Deer Express 21

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Bricks 4 Kidz integrating playtime and skill building

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express International franchise Bricks 4 Kidz (B4K) offers a unique way for kids to tackle complex topics such as architecture, physics, engineering and problem solving, officials with the company say.

With the use of the beloved Lego bricks, kids get to play with exclusive kits and sets that follow a sort of curriculum that is based on math and science.

Bricks 4 Kidz offer a variety of programs from ‘parent and tot’ classes, to afterschool programs, field trips to rural schools and even birthday parties.

“We offer Lego-based programs for kids from toddlers all the way up to high schoolers.

“We have different ways of building each model, so kids can start with something simple and work their way up in difficulty,” said Angela Kosolofski, program coordinator for the Red Deer and area Bricks 4 Kidz branch.

“Most of our kits use a motorized techbased kit. The kids get gears and pulleys and connect motors and battery packs to get things mobile.

“One of the main goals with Bricks 4 Kidz is to teach kids about engineering and architecture, so all of our kits are specific to B4K – these are not anything you’d find in Wal-Mart or Toys R Us.” The franchise has more than 300 locations across the world. The Red Deer and area chapter has been open for about four years, when Paula and James Anderson purchased a portion of the chapter and brought it to this area.

“A good friend of ours opened a branch in Calgary and we were intrigued. Lego has long been my favourite toy, and being that I am Danish I love it that much more,” said Paula.

“I think hands-on kinetic learning is an essential part of our children’s growth.

I also love watching the kids use their imaginations and seeing their individual creations.”

Bricks 4 Kidz works by allowing kids to use a familiar toy to discover new concepts.

Those concepts include friction, gravity and torque, scales, gears, axles and beams.

As well, the children learn how to apply mathematical concepts in order to create scaled models of familiar buildings, such as their schools.

Look

kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

UNIQUE EXERCISES – Janine Potter, owner of Group Fitness Experts in Red Deer demJenna Swan/Red Deer Express onstrates a move she teaches in her weekly aerial yoga class.

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The Bricks 4 Kidz web site describes the overall goals of the company as, “Getting children to play and socialize with friends while learning fundamentals of engineering and architecture in a non-competitive setting.”

Through the programs, kids will develop fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, an understanding of physics concepts, creative processes and imagination.

“It’s very flexible with the range in difficulties.

“The little ones start to master those builds, feel more confident and challenge themselves with the next building level,” said Kosolofski.

“It’s easy to access for different families because we have some after-school programs, some evening programs, mom and tot programs during the day, and birthday parties and field trips whenever we need to.”

Currently, Bricks 4 Kidz Red Deer is reaching out to many other communities, such as Rocky Mountain House, Bashaw, Stettler and will be bringing new programs to Lacombe and Innisfail soon, with no official dates announced yet.

Kosolofski explained that the learning that takes place within the B4K programs is an indirect approach. She said that it is, “More about learning through experiments.”

She said that as kids build through the specified models, they get to customize and experiment with the bricks, and this can also foster an understanding of how things come together to work.

“This program is great for children with ADHD specifically.

“It helps slow them down a little bit and makes them go step by step to get the final product. You have to do it in order, so it’s a really great way to get them focused.”

She said that the programs also benefit kids with social and emotional issues.

Older kids get a chance to mentor a younger student, which teaches them responsibility and gives them the chance to teach.

Younger students can also empower themselves by having someone to look up to.

Bricks 4 Kidz offers a huge variety of programs that are all available on their web site at www.bricks4kidz.com.

Contact the Red Deer branch to find more information.

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22 Red Deer Express

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Make the connection: poor marriage equals poor health It baffles me that so many of my clients – smart, savvy people – fail to make the connection between their bitterly unhappy marriage and some of their health issues, including chronic stress, anxiety and fatigue.

Although a person’s home is supposed to be his or her haven, a shelter from the storm of work and daily life, too often the marital home is a place of anger, accusation, spite and resentment.

Instead of passing in the hallway and exchanging warm smiles or a frisky hip-check, spouses dish out cold shoulders and the silent treatment. Instead of showing interest in each other’s day or offering to pour a glass of wine for a wound-up spouse, spouses shout about how they have it worse and how their partner has it easy. Instead of speaking to each other in friendship, with intonations of love and good humour, spouses speak to each other in tones of contempt, criticism and derision.

Research has shown a connection between emotional and physical wellbeing.

It has shown that there is a link between highconflict, high-stress marriages and even more serious health conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Frequent arguments trigger unhealthy changes in the body, some of which can lead to diabetes, depression and even delayed wound

DEBRA

MACLEOD healing.

Worst of all, it isn’t just spouses that feel the sickening effects of an unhealthy marriage.

Children who must endure an unhappy home life also suffer from a range of ailments from chronic stressrelated stomach aches and low self-esteem to poor academic performance and difficulty interacting with peers. They are also more likely to demonstrate behavioral problems.

As they move into adulthood, children from highstress or dysfunctional homes are more likely to enter into unhealthy longterm relationships that are full of contempt, misery and even abuse. Simply put, children who grow up watching their parents hate each other are at a disadvantage.

These kids learn by example that yelling, blaming, name-calling and even intimidating and assaulting someone you supposedly “love” is normal behaviour.

The fact is, not all unhealthy marriages can be cured. If a spouse has no empathy or humility, or if there are elements of abuse or intimidation toward a spouse or a child, the mar-

riage likely cannot be fixed.

In any case, it certainly isn’t the priority. Your focus should be on saving yourself and your children from harm, not saving the relationship. If your marriage’s health problems are less serious, however, there are ways to improve both it and your family’s health and happiness in the process.

First, make a conscious effort to remove contempt, criticism and defensiveness from your voice tone. Second, show some humility.

Instead of automatically blaming your partner for everything – so that any argument or discussion turns into a nasty pingpong game of back-andforth blaming – start listening to and acknowledging your partner’s complaints.

Third, be more empathetic. Try to see the situation from your partner’s perspective.

Fourth, show more appreciation for what your partner does, whether it’s working long hours in the oil patch, waiting on tables or caring for the kids. Be generous with your praise.

Often, the best way to get your own needs met, and to feel loved and appreciated in your marriage, is to show respect for your partner’s needs. Fifth, show kindness and affection to your partner on a daily basis.

Once you’ve taken these steps toward a healthier relationship, you can move on to tackle your problems, whether they concern mon-

ey, trust, intimacy, in-laws, priorities, whatever. If you need professional help to do this, so be it. After all,

healthy marriages lead to healthy spouses and children. It all starts with you.

Debra Macleod, B.A., LL.B.

is a marriage and relationship expert in Canada and the U.S., with a private practice in Red Deer and Lacombe.

PLAY TIME – Harper Dettmer, 6, and Harlow Maddox, 7, play together on the slide at Rotary Park during some recent warm autumn weather.

Jenna Swan/ Red Deer Express

A Voice for Families in our Community

Earl Dreeshen, MP

4315 - 55th Avenue, Suite 100A www.earldreeshen.ca 403-347-7426

Red Deer Express 23

Wednesday, October 1, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Fall Home

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24 Red Deer Express

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, October 1, 2014

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