Special Features - Healthy Family Living 2015 Fall

P

als OPU L also OUUTLLL o onUT onlin line! e!

Healthy Family Living

The Perfect RV for all your Travel Needs!

2016 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 267BHSW

$$

24,990

*

www.westernRVcountry.com 403.356.9399 403.348.8014 1880 - 49 Ave. (Across from the Westerner) #16RD033

*Price is plus tax. See dealer for details.

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER

65 Burnt Park Dr.

2 RED DEER EXPRESS

No ! s l l i r F

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

th

-10 ANNUAL-

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

Just Bare PriciBone ng!

VS 4 Days Only – October 15th, 16th, 17th & 18thh Get ready to make your

BEST DEAL!

CLEARANCE SPECIALS Un ON 2014/2015 MODELS & b el !

P n PREOWNED INVENTORY ric iev e o e si r in ab F is g! le m d A

SPECIALS BELOW COST

Westerner Park – Parkland & Prairie Pavilions •Thursday NOON – 8pm •Friday 10am – 8pm

•Saturday 10am – 8pm •Sunday 10am – 5pm

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

RED DEER EXPRESS 3

Organization to bring cancer support centre to City

BY ERIN FAWCETT RED DEER EXPRESS Offering support and education for those who are battling cancer in the Central Alberta region are among the goals of one newly-formed local organization.

Currently in its infancy stage, Light Haven Wellness Society (for Wellspring Central Alberta) has recently become a non-profit organization. Their goal is to have a support centre in Red Deer that will service those battling cancer and their families across the region.

The idea for the Central Alberta project was born from Debbie Oostindie, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and Robin Nicholas, a registered nurse, BScN C(ONC).

“I was diagnosed with cancer in June of last year and I immediately wanted to speak to someone because it was very overwhelming,” said Oostindie, who is the chair of Light Haven Wellness Society (for Wellspring Central Alberta). “We went to a community group in Red Deer and they didn’t have anything - they couldn’t offer us one on one support, or referrals of where the support groups were.

“Into treatment, it was us doing our own research and finding out about different support groups through word of mouth. This morphed into finding out about Wellspring.”

The organization is in the process of becoming a Wellspring interim affiliate.

Wellspring centres are located in communities across the country and in order to be under that same umbrella, Light Haven Wellness Society (for Wellspring

Central Alberta) must fulfill a number of requirements. Some of those requirements include forming a steering committee, which has recently been done.

As well, to become an interim affiliate with Wellspring, the organization has to identify who will conduct an environmental scan and detail what their credentials are. The environmental scan, which could take up to six months to complete, will be used to determine what services are already available in the region as Light Haven Wellness Society (for Wellspring Central Alberta) does not want to duplicate services already put in place.

Once the organization becomes a Wellspring affiliate, the name will change from Light Haven Wellness Society to Wellspring Central Alberta.

The centre itself will compliment existing support services in the Central Alberta area by offering an array of patient and volunteer-led support groups, seminars, provide a library of reliable resources, assistance in moving towards return to work, as well as yoga classes for cancer patients, expressive arts, energy transfer treatments, and wellness retreats, among others. All of these supports will be offered without any referrals and will be free of charge.

“There are limited social supports/services in between diagnostics and diagnosis currently and it’s in the interim where people struggle the most,” said Nicholas, who is vice-chair of Light Haven Wellness Society (for Wellspring Central Alberta).

“We want people to walk into the centre - cancer patients and their families - and be greeted by someone who will direct

Are you looking for a piece of exercise equipment that burns calories and lets you start from your own level? Would you rather come in out of the cold and

them to whatever services we have. We will also cater our programming and services to what the community wants.

“It really is about building community and getting everyone together to support each other. There are so many people who are affected by cancer and I feel that this centre will enhance that whole journey. It will help those with cancer and their families feel very supported and it will make that journey easier.”

In addition, Nicholas said Light Haven Wellness Society (for Wellspring Central Alberta) is currently seeking partnerships to help the organization come to fruition. The organization is also looking for a community liaison to serve on their

steering committee as well as an events coordinator for fundraising.

Meanwhile, for Oostindie, being part of this project is both exciting and rewarding.

“Our goal is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families and to emphasize that no one has to face cancer alone. They can come at any point in their cancer journey and receive free support for themselves and their family,” she said.

For more information visit, Light Haven Wellness Society (for Wellspring Central Alberta) on facebook or email wellspringcaproject@gmail.com. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

STRENGTH To go along with burning fat, it is important to deto work muscles in every part of your body. The rods

get started...

CARDIO A TreadClimber is an exercise machine that combines all in one. You walk on it similarly like a treadmill but

extension for your muscles. They do not apply full resistance immediately, which helps prevent injury. muscles which builds proper muscles throughout your body.

stair stepper. Even though your maximum speed is very slow, you will burn more calories with the TreadClimber than if you were walking at the same speed rises, you receive a more challenging workout.

Another great advantage is that it is a low-impact workout. Even if you have no problems with your joints you are less likely to injure them because you are not running or jogging. When using this machine you are working out your core muscles and strengthening your back and abdominal muscles as well. People who use these machines experience far less impact and much knees, ankles, back muscles, and spine.

YOUR FITNESS EQUIPMENT HEADQUARTERS

www.flamanfitness.com 4418-50 Ave, Red Deer

403-346-9331 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-8; Sat 10-5

4 RED DEER EXPRESS

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

Pink eye - it’s not a simple diagnosis Red Deer children are back in school, which means they are being exposed to countless germs and infections from the other students. When one child gets sick, it often spreads quickly, particularly with a highly contagious condition such as pink eye.

Red, inflamed and watery eyes are all signs of pink eye (conjunctivitis), which affects the surface of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. It is a common eye condition, particularly among schoolaged children, but that doesn’t always mean that it is a simple diagnosis.

Conjunctivitis comes in many forms, and each needs to be treated differently. Certain types can also develop into a more serious condition that may harm your eyes and affect your vision. The three main types of conjunctivitis are infectious, allergic, and chemical. The infectious form is caused by a contagious virus or bacteria.

Your body’s allergies to pollen, cosmetics, animals, or fabrics often bring on allergic conjunctivitis. Irritants like air pollution, noxious fumes and chlorine in swimming pools may produce the chemical form.

Many of the symptoms people associate with pink eye can also point to other, more serious eye health problems.

One example is uveitis, a condition that causes significant inflammation in the eye and can point to a serious underlying health problem. If left untreated, uveitis can lead to permanent vision loss.

Under the microscope, optometrists can differentiate between a bacterial or viral infection, or an allergic reaction, and can prescribe the appropriate medication.

Dr. Gerry

LEINWEBER Without access to this kind of instrumentation, diagnoses would essentially have to be made in the dark.

The best way for patients to ensure they are getting the proper diagnosis and treatment is to see their doctor of optometry, a recent survey commissioned by the Alberta Association of Optometrists found that only 26% of Albertans would visit their optometrist if they had red, itchy eyes. Most people (54%) said they would go to their family doctor, and according to Alberta Health, 8,232 Albertans visited emergency rooms in 2014 seeking treatment for conjunctivitis.

Many Albertans don’t realize that emergency visits to an optometrist are covered

by Alberta Health Care. That includes eye infections such as pink eye, eye injuries or foreign objects in the eye. A referral is not needed, and most optometrists will see patients on the same day when it’s an emergency.

Treatment completely depends on the individual patient, and the type of conjunctivitis they are dealing with.

Infectious conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria, is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and/or antibiotic ointment. Other infectious forms, caused by viruses, can’t be treated with antibiotics and are fought off by your body’s immune system.

Remedies to relieve eye symptoms of seasonal allergies can involve oral overthe-counter antihistamine medications taken during your particular allergy season. Further comfort can be achieved by placing a clean face cloth soaked in icecold water over closed eyes. Prescription medications may be considered for more severe allergy symptoms.

The ideal treatment for chemical conjunctivitis is to remove the cause of the irritation. For instance, if chlorinated water irritates your eyes, wear swimming goggles. In cases where these measures won’t work, other types of prescription

and over-the-counter eye drops are available to help relieve the discomfort.

If you contract infectious conjunctivitis, avoid giving it to others by keeping your hands away from your eyes; thoroughly washing your hands before and after applying eye medication; not sharing towels, washcloths, cosmetics or eye drops with others and seeking treatment promptly. Small children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school, camp and the swimming pool until the condition is cured.

Dr. Gerry Leinweber is a Red Deer doctor of optometry.

When it comes to your Health, put your Trust in us.

Extended Hours Monday – Friday

8am-7pm Saturday

12 – 4pm Accepting New Patients

Same Day Booked Walk-In Appointments Majority of our Doctors have Hospital Privileges!

Dr. Raymond Hulyk Dr. Kamal Daniel Dr. Shola Apantaku Dr. Katie Hermanutz

Dr. Yuktesh Sheopershad Dr. Ako Anyaduba Dr. Joe Ojadi Dr Bryden Russel

#160, 6900 Taylor Drice, Red Deer 403.342.2234 • www.saintmaryclinic.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Health or disease?

It’s really your choice “It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.”

Hippocrates

Cheryly

MARKOVICH Every disease begins with an emotion.

Our beliefs control our bodies and our minds, therefore it is important to know what a person believes about their life, their health and their future.

This is the root of either health or disease.

Often it is what clients are not saying that is more revealing than what they are saying.

The life truly is in the blood. We are able to use a high powered microscope to perform a live and dry blood cell analysis which reveals much about the blood itself, as well as conditions in the body.

We are able to observe physical challenges, nutritional absorption, environmental stresses, oxygen supply, immune function, digestion, hormone irregularities, emotional stresses and much, much more.

Physical degeneration, as well as physical healing starts on the inside (terrain) of the body, long before specific symptoms appear.

The most common complaints we hear are vague and often include fatigue, insomnia, digestive challenges, apathy and weight gain. Only by observing that inner terrain, are we able to interrupt the degenerative cycle and help bring the self healing body back into balance.

Cancer - only one of the many ‘multifactoral diseases’ rampant in our current stressful times. Multifactoral, meaning there must be physical, dietary, emotional, mental and/or environmental challenges The fear of cancer in and of itself can be a cause of disease.

A blood analysis can and does alleviate that fear.

At any given moment we have up to 500 cancer cells growing in our body, however with a healthy immune system and prop-

er PH balance, there is only about one chance in a million of developing a terminal cancer. Most degenerative disease is based on a stressful lifestyle and a low immune system.

What takes down our immunity? The three deadly ‘S’s’ 1. Stress 2. Sugar 3. Sleep (lack of, or interrupted) Disease is rooted in toxicity. External and internal.

What is internal toxicity? Negative emotions – fear, anxiety and stress Other negative disease causing emotions are inability to cope with stress, guilt and shame (often coming out of trauma), all of which elevate cortisol, increase acidity, and lower the immune system.

Bitterness and unforgiveness cause a separation from God, self and others; and the evidence is disease.

What is external toxicity? Environmental pollution, as well as what we ingest through the lungs, skin and mouth on a daily basis.

Because the mind is so powerful in programming the body, over 95% of health or disease resides there. It is important to measure health, not disease.

We need to recognize that we are not just physical beings, and the blood is not just a medium for chemicals from the brain to enter the cells in our body.

Holographic hematology is an aspect of blood that reveals how the mind creates disease; it does not imagine it!

Our perception of ‘how things really are’ produces these chemicals.

Today, through quantum research we have proof that emotional response patterns do create physical disease. Our role is to help clients evaluate all of the factors that influence their health.

Disease is the body’s way of adapting to the toxins in the terrain. We work on releasing physical toxins and acidity, as well the toxic emotions at a sub conscious, cellular level.

Drama and chaos are disease makers.

Peace brings healing.

Health or disease? Health is generational. Disease is terminal.

Cheryl Markovich is a certified natural health professional who owns and operates Building Bridges to Health Naturally Clinic.

RED DEER EXPRESS 5

iM here.

#G5001

starting at

2016 Scion iM

21,165

$

*

Standard: 7" Touchscreen Display, Aha Audio System with Internet Radio and POI Search, Gracenote Database, Voice Recognition, USB and Audio Auxiliary Input Jack, Bluetooth Capability, 6 Speakers, Steering Wheel Audio Controls, Shark Fin Type Antenna & 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display.

Ask us about our

$1000 Grad Rebate!

tC

Lease or Änance from

4.8% PLUS $1000 Lease Assist!

21,942

$

#FS005

FR-S

*

#FS007

Lease or Änance from

4.8% PLUS $1000 Lease Assist!

27,244

$

ll a c r e l” “Beettr Denta 8 Bow 7-800

4 3 H P

General eral Dentists & Periodontal Special Specialist listt

*

*Prices are plus tax. Rates available O.A.C. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. See dealer for details.

“Where The Deals Are”

403-343-3736 • 1-800-662-7166

www.reddeerscion.ca

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

6 RED DEER EXPRESS

Get your influenza immunization

It’s Time for Fall Cleaning!

$20.00 OFF

*

ANY order over $125

For Carpet, Upholstery or Tile & Grout cleaning. *Expires 10/31/15. See in-store for full details

Now That’s Clean!

• 100% Natural Cleaning Solutions • High Heat Truck Mounted Steam Units • IICRC Certified Technicians

www.will-do.ca

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

403.342.1821

With autumn comes a few certainties: first frost, Thanksgiving, changing leaves and influenza.

Influenza – often called the ‘flu’ – is unfortunately also often confused with stomach illnesses and common colds.

The reality is that influenza is of far greater risk to our communities than the common cold and stomach flu. As a severe respiratory illness that impacts the nose, throat, and lungs, influenza is a virus that doesn’t discriminate.

Though children less than 23 months, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk, no matter how healthy you think you are: if you aren’t immunized each season, you are at risk for influenza.

Simply put: good health isn’t contagious, but influenza is. And chances are, your friends, colleagues and family members don’t want influenza any more than you do.

To protect yourself, and others, this season: please, get immunized.

Influenza vaccine will be available, free of charge, starting Oct. 20th. All Albertans, six months of age and older, are eligible – and recommended – for immunization.

Just as with other immunizations, the vaccine is your best protection against disease. Each year, the vaccine is developed to protect us against the strains of virus likely to circulate in our community, over the next six months. You can’t rely on last season’s immunization to protect you this season.

Available at hundreds of AHS clinics around Alberta, and through many pharmacists and family physicians as well, influenza vaccine is easily accessible.

Last season, more than 3,900 cases of influenza were confirmed in Alberta, and

more than 100 Albertans passed away with the virus.

According to AHS, influenza is a viral infection.

The flu causes a fever, body aches, a headache, a dry cough, and a sore or dry throat. The symptoms usually are the worst for the first three or four days. But it can take one to two weeks to get completely better.

It usually takes one to four days to get symptoms of the flu after you have been around someone who has the virus.

Most people get better without problems. But sometimes the flu can lead to a bacterial infection such as an ear infection, a sinus infection or bronchitis.

In rare cases, the flu may cause a more serious problem such as pneumonia.

The vaccine is especially important for people who are at higher risk of problems from the flu, including adults age 65 and older; adults and children who have longterm health problems or an impaired immune system; children six to 59 months of age; women who will be pregnant during the flu season; children who are 24 months to 18 years old who use long-term Aspirin treatment; people who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more; people who live in nursing homes or long-term care centres and First Nations peoples.

The vaccine is also important for health care workers, anyone who lives or works with a person who is at higher risk of problems from the flu and people who provide essential community services.

To learn more about influenza, and to look-up your local clinic schedules, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/influenza.

-Weber

Need a lift?

We have Central Alberta’s LARGEST selection of

LIFT CHAIRS!

Many models, styles and colours to choose from!

Shoppers Optimum Points with most purchases

SENIOR’S DAY EXTENDED

20% SAVINGS Stop In Today For A Free Custom Fit

Every Thursday

with your Optimum Card!

Your Homecare Specialists •Daily Aids •Mobility •Ramps See us for your Mastectomy, Ostomy, and Incontinence supplies!

We are located in Gaetz Avenue Crossing 70C, 5250 22nd Street – Red Deer, AB

(403) 342-4460 or 1-800-806-7999

Fax: (403) 342-4516

www.shoppershomehealthcare.ca

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am-5:00pm Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

RED DEER EXPRESS 7

Hard work and determination helps local man live a healthier life I can still hear the conversation when Lyle called me at the end of December in 2009 - “I need your help.” Lyle said to me.

“Sure, what’s up?” I asked. “I cannot get off the floor and I’m scared. I was playing with my daughter and her new Christmas presents, and I can’t get off the floor,” he said.

Lyle and I had been friends a long time and we had sort of drifted apart. We met back in 1996 when we both worked for a architectural firm in Red Deer. We became fast friends, sharing a love of good old rock music, tasty food, playing pool at the old Sutter Club and hanging out. We were both married, no children yet and so we had lots in common. We were both overweight, but Lyle had a head start on me, having always been overweight. At the time, I was around 220lbs, and Lyle around 250lbs give or take.

In 1999 after a health crisis, I decided to make a change and I joined a gym. I started to eat well, exercise and got in amazing shape (I dropped over 40 lbs of fat and put on 18 lbs of muscle), and I remember Lyle being almost mad. All he could see was sacrifice and loss at all the things I ‘couldn’t eat’, or chose not to do anymore.

I was getting used to it, because I was getting that from a lot of people who were shocked at my change from junk food junky to health nut, so I let it go.

Soon it all changed though because Lyle got a chance, through hard work, dedication and commitment, to go for a ride in a fighter jet. To do so he needed to drop 50 lbs in order to fit in the plane. So myself and another guy ended up helping him do just that and he went for the ride. It was awesome and he was loving it! Then he went for a few more rides and after all that, started to gain the weight back.

He dropped down one more time a year later for another flight but then just sort of let it go.

In the meantime I had left the architecture world to go pursue my dream of owning my own gym in Sylvan Lake. Lyle had also left the firm to go own and operate his own custom house design firm based out of his home. We eventually fell out of touch for the most part still hanging around a little here and there, like we did in 2008, when we both went to Las Vegas to de-stress from work and have some fun.

It really struck me though at the time that Lyle had risen back up to around 280lbs or more. Lyle and I both remember the trip well and it was great to reconnect, but also awkward because I wanted to run and jump and play and Lyle just simply couldn’t. I remember him saying what many out of shape people say when I wanted to go climb a rock out in the desert - “That’s stupid, why would anyone want to do that?” Still, we had a great time and then fell out of touch again.

A mutual friend told me that we should have a talk with Lyle as he had gotten mixed up in the online game World of Warcraft and was heavier than ever. We did meet and Lyle was tipping the scale at over 340lbs - the heaviest he had ever been.

Then he called from the floor and we started a journey together. It was slow at first - frustratingly slow - but he trusted and persevered. The pounds started to slowly come off one or two, sometimes

Scott

McDERMOTT three a week. The workouts started simply and got more challenging as the weight started to move. The diet took effect and changes started to have positive repercussions.

I remember challenging Lyle to enter a half marathon with me in Las Vegas, a return to the bright lights for us both, but now with him healthier and more able to enjoy. He agreed and we ramped his training up further. He said to me at one point, “You know, I hate running and I am just doing this because I said I would and I will follow through on that. But after the race, I am done with running.” I said to him something that I truly believe, “Lyle, that’s cool.

Once you are fit, life is a smorgasbord and you can try a little of this, a little of that and then go back for more of what you like. Maybe it’s not running, maybe it’s something else, but the point is, you can choose.”

Ten minutes after finishing the Vegas Half he told me he thought he could go faster in his next one and we both laughed loud and long at the change.

This past summer, Lyle finished Ironman Canada in 14 hours and 45 minutes, running his first full marathon after a 3.8km swim and a 180km bike ride.

Incredible! I was talking to him tonight about it and it happens that he also just finished a Spartan Beast race (a 25km long obstacle course race on a mountain side) in Sun Peaks B.C. His third Spartan race in two weeks, just two months after the Ironman.

I asked him about being fit versus being

fat and he had a lot to say.

“At 340 pounds a good night’s sleep was impossible,” he said. “My body made all sorts of noises like wheezing and gurgling that would keep me awake. It hurt to sleep, like an eight year old kid was sitting on my chest. I hardly slept more than five or six hours a night and was never well rested.”

Lyle has always been a big kid, had big parents (both passed away) and has a brother that is also heavy. He says now that he can hardly remember what it was like back then, just five years ago, and that he is never going back. Lyle’s brother has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and is dropping weight now too.

Brothers are not usually up for admitting such things, but maybe, just maybe Lyle has saved another life through his example. I know for a fact he is an inspiration at our gym to hundreds of people.

“It’s so odd now, sitting around talking with heavy friends and family that talk about ailments and physical challenges and I just don’t have any. I feel amazing and can literally do whatever I want.

Climb a mountain, run, ride a bike, swim, play with my kids, whatever I want.” He adds, “People say it’s genetic and they

have always been heavy and their whole family is heavy, so it’s impossible for them. Well you know what? That’s just not true and I am living breathing proof.

It’s hard work, but it is totally worth it!”

Lyle’s family is healthier now too, and that means the world. Two weeks ago Lyle crossed the finish line with his oldest daughter and he says the feeling was completely amazing. His wife Christine has also finished a half marathon and several 10k runs, as well as Spartan and Mud Hero. His youngest daughter has always been the most active and fit but the whole family now understands and makes healthy choices while still enjoying the odd indulgence. “It’s about balance. We eat fun food, but mostly we eat great food, to feed the machine.”

Lyle will once again this year enjoy another of his absolute passions in life - the ability to put on his skates and play adult rec hockey - something he once thought was impossible. At 45 years old, Lyle can skate with the 20 year olds and 5fiveyears ago, that wasn’t even a dream.

Congratulations Lyle, you are truly an inspiration!

Scott McDermott is a personal trainer and the owner of Best Body Fitness in Sylvan Lake.

INSPIRATION - Pictured here is Lyle before and after his weight loss journey. He continues to enjoy his healthier lifestyle.

photos submitted

8 RED DEER EXPRESS

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

Array of activities for seniors in Red Deer

BY ZACHARY CORMIER RED DEER EXPRESS Retirement can be a difficult time for many people. Some people may find they get bored or lonely while others may find it is difficult to stay active and stay physically and mentally fit.

Luckily, Red Deer has numerous programs for those people who find it difficult to get up and active during their golden years.

“There’s a lot of opportunity in the City of Red Deer,” said Monica Morrison, the executive director of the Golden Circle Senior’s Resource Centre.

According to Morrison, organizations such as Red Deer Parks, Recreation and Culture, the Golden Circle, Red Deer College and the City of Red Deer itself all offer programs that are geared towards older adults.

The Golden Circle offers a number of programs for people who are trying to stay active while aging, both mentally and physically. These include opportunities for seniors to share meals together, play cards, and even go travelling with other people their age. “(The Golden Circle) has a travel club that goes and if people have lost a spouse and would like someone to share a room with while travelling, we also have a meeting the first and third Tuesday of the month where people can meet other people,” Morrison said.

For those wishing to stay physically active, Red Deer College’s Be Fit for Life Centre offers a program for seniors called the Silver Fox Club, which in-

cludes a two-month gym membership and support from a trainer in a group setting. The Golden Circle also offers a number of programs for aging adults.

“We have various Tai Chi and yoga and Zumba.

There’s all kinds of activity going on here,” Morrison said, adding that the Centre also offers special dinners and concert series.

“People need to check it out.”

Morrison also noted there is a number of opportunities in Red Deer for seniors wishing to volunteer.

“A lot of organizations are always looking for volunteers and when somebody retires, especially when they’ve been working all the time and their personality is that they want to continue being engaged, there’s various volunteer opportunities

at a number of not-forprofit organizations here in town.”

Seniors who wish to volunteer in the community can get in touch with Volunteer Central, Morrison said.

There are also programs in the City for those with joint pain or other ailments that may limit them from getting physically active in the traditional sense.

“Some of the City programs do have fitness programs geared to certain ailments,” Morrison said, adding there are also many gentle fitness programs that are offered out of the various recreation centres in the City.

Beyond City-run fitness courses and Golden Circle programs, there are sports clubs and leagues that are geared totally towards seniors including seniors’

hockey, the Silver Blades seniors skating, curling and seniors’ golf leagues.

There are also hiking and walking clubs in the City that older adults can join.

With all of these programs in the City, retirees who are looking to get up and get active can do so at their own pace and in a way that interests them.

Contact the Golden Circle for more information. zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

PLAY Central inspires community to get active

BY ZACHARY CORMIER RED DEER EXPRESS Central Alberta has a brand new voice when it comes to physical literacy.

“PLAY Central is a group of individuals and organizations working towards inspiring community members to be active and engaging within their community,” said Barb Marsh, who is the coordinator of the Be Fit for Life Centre at Red Deer College.

Be Fit for Life was one of the organizations that spearheaded the effort to bring the Physical Literacy and You (PLAY) initiative to Central Alberta. “Our goal and objective is to work within all age categories,” she said.

Marsh, who currently serves as the chair of PLAY Central, said the group is devoted to getting people in Central Alberta active.

PLAY Central is Central Alberta’s regional group and is part of a larger organization called Canadian Sport For Life, which has the same aims.

“Our mission is to empower and educate community members in regards to physical literacy,” Marsh said, adding that physical literacy is being competent, confident and motivated to be engaged in physical activity.

The organization includes the City of Red Deer, Red Deer College and the local and regional school districts as well as a number of local sports and recreation groups.

These groups work to support each other in promoting physical literacy in Central Alberta.

“Some of the things that we do are into leading physical literacy and being active

and enriching lives. We work with all the partners to empower, engage, train and share resources and to motivate other individuals and groups to be active,” Marsh said.

PLAY Central also supports their member groups with educational courses in things like grant applications and leadership roles.

“We’re not saying that we have a specific program that we offer,” said Marsh, adding the agency instead offers training and education to local groups. They also hosted a summit last year in Fundamental Movement Skills.

PLAY Central also provides a forum for members to get together and exchange ideas and share resources.

The initiative recieves some funding from Canadian Sport for Life which they

put towards workshops.

“It’s a train the trainer kind of concept,” said Marsh, adding the group will next meet this month to decide the steps they want to take in the New Year.

Marsh said the group was started in part because having a play group is one of the requirements for becoming a Canadian Sport for Life community.

The organization is always looking for members that want to be involved and anyone who is interested is encouraged to get in touch with Marsh at the Be Fit for Life Centre at barb.marsh@rdc.ab.ca.

“We link people together to make a powerful statement. We look at our members and communities to look at what they have, where they want to go and let’s get active.” zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

50

RED DEER EXPRESS 9

% off

Hearing Aid Batteries* now $19.99 for 40 cells *

Until October 31, 2015 Limit 40 betteries per customer

Sale proceeds will be donated to STARS until the end of October.

GABRIELLA’S STORY

Dr. Andrew Towers, Au.D.

Registered Audiologist — Owner

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

OLDS

403-556-6402 New Mountain View Credit Union Building

6501 51 St, Ste #103

Our family has always supported STARS through the calendar and lottery campaigns, but on April 20, 2010, the meaning of STARS in our life took on an entirely new meaning. It was early that morning that our daughter Gabriella was born by emergency Cesarean section at Red Deer Regional Hospital and at only 29 weeks gestation. She was tiny at just over 3 pounds and her lungs had not yet fully developed.

There was such panic and fear that day that I remember only parts of it. One of the most distinct memories I have of that day was how quickly the STARS crew was there to help. I remember the sense of concern in the ICU that FKDQJHG FRPSOHWHO\ ZKHQ WKH À LJKW crew arrived, bringing a sense of calm and purpose to the process. The crew had been mobilized from the Foothills Hospital before Gabriella was even born and included an ICU nurse, pediatric respiratory therapist and paramedics; a highly skilled group that operated with speed and precision to have Gabriella’s chest tube inserted and an IV line put into an arm that was no bigger than my thumb. The other most prominent memory I have is following the crew WR WKH À LJKW GHFN LQ 5HG 'HHU WR ZDWFK Gabriella loaded into the helicopter. I will

never forget the pilot walking over to me and putting his hands on my shoulders.

He said, “Dad, we’re going to have your baby on the ground at Foothills Hospital in 25 minutes. You can’t beat us there, so take your time and drive safely.”

Gabriella spent a total of 45 days in the hospital after she was born, until she was strong enough to come home. My experience in pediatric audiology in the past always had me wondering if there would be complications later in life, maybe with her vision, hearing or development.

Gabriella is now 5 years old, she shows no effects of her early arrival. She is incredibly bright, already learning to read and write and normally developing in every way. She loves the outdoors and has always had a sense of adventure, and I often wonder if it has something to do with her start in life, riding in the helicopter when she was only minutes old.

Today when we drive by the hospital, she always looks for the red helicopter and says, “Where’s the helicopter Daddy? I think there are some tiny babies in there, just like me.” For that, we will always be truly thankful and a proud supporter of STARS Air Ambulance.

RED DEER

403-346-6414

Creekside Professional Centre

4320 50th Ave, Ste #202 Toll free: 1-855-400-6414

dr.towers@hearwell.ca

www.hearwell.ca

Gabriella Towers STARS VIP

10 RED DEER EXPRESS

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

RED DEER EXPRESS 11

Keep your Family Safe & Get Ahead this Winter GET A NO-EXTRA-CHARGE WINTER SAFETY PACKAGE Jeff Warriner

with the purchase or lease of most new vehicles*

• WINTER TIRES up to $2,300.00 • RIMS MSRP Value!

• SENSORS *

Jordan Courtright

Nathan Cottenie

Gary Smart #15C1425

2015 FORD FUSION MSRP $28,599

$

#15T9356

PLUS no-charge Winter Tires & Rims!

SAVE

5,500.00

SAVE

ECOBOOST, 4WD, HEATED SEATS, SYNC!

PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

Allen Bachor

2014 ESCAPE TITANIUM Only 33,693 kms!

Was $34,888

PAY ONLY

30,888

$

2012 Ford F150 Platinum Only 50,846 kms!

Was $41,998 PAY

ONLY

38,888

$

#U29894

2013 Ford F150 Lariat Only 82,968 kms!

2013 Ford Fusion SE Only 29,546 kms!

PAY ONLY

38,888

$

Was $25,995

2015 FORD F150 SUPERCREW

#U29810

#U29969

Was $41,998 Clayton Masur

#U29939

#U29867

*

PAY ONLY

2012 Ford F150 Platinum Only 31,299 kms!

Was $32,998

PAY ONLY

28,888

$

#U29827

2014 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT Only 370 kms!

Was $32,888 PAY

ONLY

$

26,888

#U29771

23,888

$

2010 Ford F150 XLT Only 92,129 kms!

Was $26,998 PAY

ONLY

$

23,588

0% is Back *

#U29722

on all new F150’s!

PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

Geoff Trentham

PLUS no-charge Winter Tires & Rims!

2015 FORD $ ESCAPE MSRP $32,014 5,500.00

*

ECOBOOST, FWD, HEATED SEATS, SYNC!

Kelly Grant

#15T4226

Garland Jones

James Himbury

Kory Stonehouse

2013 Ford F150 XLT Only 31,327 kms!

Was $35,998

PAY ONLY

$

31,888

*All rebates to dealer. Prices are plus GST. No-charge Winter Tire and Rim package on Escape, Focus and select SUVs & cars. 0% available on 2015 F150, #15T4226, over 72 months, O.A.C. 0% omits 2015 F150 2WD Regular Cab. Preowned units are plus tax. See dealer for full details. *A ails.

Gasoline Alley • Red Deer County 403.343.FORD(3673) • 1.888.308.9457 • www.camclarkfordreddeer.com

Scan Me

Garry Kuhn - Fleet

12 RED DEER EXPRESS

TRIBUTE TO

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

A healthy Halloween

Friday, October 16th

30

TICKETS

$

plus GST

DOORS - 730PM • BURGER BUFFET TIL 830PM 30PM • SHOW - 9PM • Gen General enn seating • No Minors

TRIBUTE TO NEIL DIAMOND Friday, November 20th BOBBY BRUCE AS

50

TICKETS

NEARLY NEIL

$

plus GST

DOORS - 545PM • BUFFET 6-730PM • SHOW - 8PM

TRIBUTE TRIBUT TE TO T PATSY CLINE Friday, October 23rd

59

TICKETS

$

plus GST

DOORS - 545PM BUFFET BUF FFET ET 66-730PM 730PM 730PPM • SHOW - 8PM

3201-48 Ave., Camrose

1-888-784-8441

camroseresortcasino.com

Halloween – a time to dress up in costume and stock up on candy. No wonder kids love this time of year! Halloween can be frustrating for parents who don’t want to send mixed messages by letting their children go candy crazy.

Here are some ideas to lessen the impact of candy on your children’s oral health: Control the amount of candy: • Limit the amount of candy your children collect by limiting the number of houses they visit, or the amount of time they spend trick-or-treating.

• Sort candy and remove items your child does not like or may not be safe.

Keep only items that are unopened and in their original wrapping.

• Trade candy for non-food items like bouncy balls, pencils or tattoos.

• Store candy out of sight.

• Limit the number of times your child eats candy. The more times a day they eat it, the greater the risk of tooth decay.

• Avoid bringing candy to school.

• Offer the candy after meals instead of as a snack, the extra saliva produced at mealtimes helps provide some protection to teeth.

• Use Halloween candy for craft projects.

Offer alternatives to candy: • Hand out stickers, temporary tattoos, bubbles or Halloween themed pencils.

End the Halloween season: • Set a date when it’s no longer Halloween at your house so you can return to normal, healthy eating and snacking routines.

Brush and floss with extra care and attention: • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss between teeth regularly.

• Supervise your child with these activities as needed.

Additional protection for teeth: Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect your child’s teeth from tooth decay.

For more information see: www.

MyHealth.Alberta.ca and search for ‘basic dental care’.

-Weber

HEAR WITH CONFIDENCE If you feel your might be experiencing hearing loss, call for a personal consultation with a Beltone Hearing Practitioner and hear what you have been missing!

Beltone Legend

TM

Hear every whisper

Hearing Instruments

A complete line-up of hearing instruments from the smallest (invisible) to the most powerful.

Ask your Beltone Hearing Instrument Specialist about hearing aid options including the Beltone Legend shown here.

Better Hearing through Professional Care.

Watch TV at your own private volume

Clearly hear conversations

THE HEARING CENTRE

Call www.beltonereddeer.ca

403-347-4703

for your appointment

4928-53 Ave., Red Deer • Out of Town 1-800-661-4703

Best of Red Deer GOLD WINNER

Hearing Solutions 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

RED DEER EXPRESS 13

Steps being taken to address mental health in local schools Red Deer Public Schools’ two year pilot, the Resiliency program, offers much insight

BY KALISHA MENDONSA RED DEER EXPRESS As mental health awareness becomes a more open conversation, that conversation and action is being translated into local schools.

Red Deer Public School District (RDPSD) has a number of programs and strategies in place to address mental health issues and the well-being in students, from Kindergarten through to high school.

Chad Erickson, associate superintendent of student services, said there has also been great insight gained through a recent completion of a two-year pilot program that sought to address student mental health in a proactive way.

“We recently finished up a two-year program of the Resiliency program, which we were very fortunate to be involved in. It involved core elements of screening, in-class lessons, online cognitive behavioural therapy programming for students that were identified as having some concerns as well as developing supports in the community,” Erickson explained.

The program is no longer being funded, but Erickson said there was much to be taken away from the model.

“From the program itself, even though we don’t have the funds to continue that right now, we took a lot away in terms of capacity building. Some of our community liaison workers that we have in our buildings right now were a part of that program in terms of delivery. Teachers were a part of it as well and we hope that can continue over the long term in terms of capacity building.”

Erickson explained capacity building means developing an awareness of issues plaguing students and then developing relationships with them to overcome these issues.

“We want to build those relationships and also be able to identify when a student may be in need of a little more support so we can refer to our school team, and maybe from there to an outside agen-

cy for long-term support,” he said.

He added there has become an increase in awareness surrounding student mental health, especially in recent years. “We definitely recognize the significance of mental health issues in children and youth and the impact it has on the students in the community,” he said.

“We have an increased awareness, openness and understanding of the significance of the issues and we do recognize that schools have an important role to play, as do our community partners and families.”

Currently, every student from Kindergarten to Grade 9 engages in a health and life-skills curriculum, according to Erickson. He said within that curriculum there are a number of general outcomes, such as wellness choices, relationship choices and life-learning skills.

He added RDPSD is looking to engage a new Supports for Students model that incorporates professionals and community programs to address the needs of students.

“We have a Supports for Students model that we’re rolling out in the schools that has a team of individuals. We’re asking every school to have meetings on a regular basis. The people on this team include our guidance counsellors, our community liaison workers, our learning assistance teachers, our instructional design teachers - that’s really about looking at each individual student,” he said.

“A teacher may refer a student to this team, and the team can have a problem solving discussion about what resources might that student need to access. It could be something within the school, but at times we will have to refer to an outside agency. We really want to support and look at this model and really follow a team approach with this.”

With bullying becoming a headlining issue for many schools, there is an increased awareness of this issue as well.

“In terms of bullying, that comes down to our health and life skills program where we look at relationship choices

and how to develop effective interpersonal skills. I think 100 per cent of our population receives this curriculum of character education programs at our schools. A lot of schools have specific programs that are being run to help develop that side of things as well,” Erickson said.

Additionally, schools have the flexibility to reach out to organizations or individuals who wish to engage students on issues of mental health. As well, those same organizations and individuals are able to reach out first to the school and see if their programming is appropriate to share with the students in RDPSD. Through a connection of partnerships and regional services, the schools are able to have community ties to address

students’ mental health needs on a longterm basis.

“Schools are places where students gather, so we want to do our very best while they are with us, but we also recognize that the community and families play a very important role as well. We always want to work with our partners, whether that’s the Primary Care Network, Alberta Health Services, human services or any levels of government agencies we need to work with to support our students,” Erickson said. “We want to make sure that we recognize the important role that our partners play and we work with them regularly when referring students to more long-term supports.” kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

Things you need to know about buying a hearing aid From time to time I am asked by friends and family who live in other provinces if I can ‘sell’ them a hearing aid and save them some money. I fully understand that hearing aids are an expensive proposition, but to date, I have refused every time and referred them to one of my many colleagues.

Sometimes they seem discouraged by my approach but my explanation is always the same.

I tell them, “Who you see will make a bigger difference than what you get.”

My friends and family will need follow up and aftercare that I can’t deliver when they don’t live in Central Alberta. Therefore, I continue to stand fully behind that statement.

We should never lose sight of the fact that hear-

Andrew

TOWERS ing aid prescription and dispensing in Alberta, falls squarely under health care. These services are only provided by individuals trained to do so and licensed by a regulatory body governed under the Health Profession Act. Having said that, hearing aids are dispensed through private practice in Alberta, not public health.

With that comes the unfortunate reality of buyer beware. It can be a confusing experience, with a

lot to lose. As such, it may be worthwhile to consider a few tips in finding the right professional.

1. Ask yourself the question, “Am I being helped or am I being sold?” The experience should feel like health care, not a retail transaction.

2. What am I being prescribed? There are about six major global hearing aid manufacturers. I believe that it is in the patient’s best interest to use a technology developed by a major manufacturer. It ensures cutting edge research and development as well as reliability.

3. Can anyone adjust my hearing aid? Like any avenue of health care, you have the right to choose the professional you work with. But what happens if you lose faith in your pro-

fessional or if you move c i t i e s / p rov i n c e s / c o u n tries? Can another professional adjust your hearing aids? Sometimes, the devices are ‘locked down’ and can only be adjusted or changed by the company that originally dispensed the devices. This restricts your choice of health care provider.

4. What is the plan for after care and follow up?

You absolutely will need aftercare and effective counseling about your hearing loss and hearing aids. Your chosen professional should be accessible and willing to provide such care as well as ongoing hearing exams and represcription or adjustment as needed.

5. Do I have time to make my decision? You should be given no less than one

month to try the hearing aids with an option to return if they don’t meet your expectations. You should not sign any paperwork that obligates you to anything before that trial period is completed. Any suggestion that you’ll get used to it is not a legitimate reason to sign something before you are happy with the results.

Whenever I offer these tips to friends and family, I am reminded of something my dad said to me when I finished my doctoral degree. He asked me, “What do you call the person who graduates at the bottom of his/her class, from the worst medical school in the country?” The answer, “You call him/her ‘doctor’.”

He said that to me as a lesson in humility, but it reminds me of the buyer

beware approach in every area of health care. We assume the people we see are competent. Regulation and licensing ensures minimum competence. But maybe we should be looking for excellent, not just competent. Hearing aids should be prescribed and dispensed by a registered audiologist or registered hearing aid practitioner.

You should be comfortable with the relationship and know that professional is committed to your improved communication and health. Don’t be afraid to interview your health care providers, including hearing care professionals and make the right decision for you.

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

14 RED DEER EXPRESS

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

Inclusive, barrier-free playground an asset to Red Deer community Playground means all children can experience playfulness of a park setting

BY KALISHA MENDONSA RED DEER EXPRESS Red Deer is lucky to have a specialized, inclusive playground facility that can promote fun activities and health for physically and developmentally disabled persons.

The playground lies at Parkland Community School and was designed specially to the needs of the students and community there. Trudy Lewis, chief of education services for the school, worked hand-in-hand with the Vice President of Habitat Systems Ian Dailly, to come up with a plan that would suit the needs of the community.

The idea was to to truly make it a barrier-free zone so that all children can experience the playfulness of a park setting.

“It was built because there were no truly barrier-free, wheelchair accessible playgrounds in Red Deer. There are a lot of wheelchair accessible playgrounds in the sense that children or adults can roll up to the playground and watch everybody else play - that’s not what I had in mind.

It’s not much use to sit back and watch - that’s why this playground was built the way that it is,” Lewis explained.

From concept to build, the playground was a dream of Lewis’ for 15 years. Inclusive playgrounds such as this are becoming more popular as more research comes out regarding sensory integration and developing truly barrier-free environments.

This park was built specially to the needs of the students at Parkland School, but is encouraged for use of all community members who are developmentally or physically disabled. Of course, able-bodied community members can enjoy the space, but Lewis hopes that people recognize that the space is specially designed for disabled people to enjoy.

“Word is spreading that it’s here. Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre uses it all the time. As well, we get nursery schools and moms with tots because it is perfectly built for them. Even if someone isn’t in a wheelchair, but has trouble walking, they can use the ramps and still access the majority of the playground,” Lewis said.

The playground incorporates several sensory integration tools that are used to help children develop as they play. Sensory integration means that there are activities and tools to address senses such as sight and touch, but also to address motion and body awareness.

Sandy Boates, sensory integration coordinator for Parkland School, explained.

“With sensory, we think about our normal senses like vision, hearing, taste, touch and smell but there are a couple of other

areas that involve sense that we don’t really think about much. One of those is vestibular sense, which refers to movement and balance. On the playground we’ve got some activities to work on movement and balance,” Boates said.

“The other sense we acknowledge is called proprioceptive sense, and that refers to your joints and muscles and body awareness. How you stimulate that is by doing heavy muscle work - for that we’ve got a climbing wall, and a climbing ladder and even climbing the steps to access parts of the playground.

“When people use those they are working their muscles that get input into the joints which helps increase body awareness, motor awareness and understanding of space.”

“IT WAS BUILT BECAUSE THERE WERE NO TRULY BARRIER-FREE, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUNDS IN RED DEER. THERE ARE A LOT OF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUNDS IN THE SENSE THAT CHILDREN OR ADULTS CAN ROLL UP TO THE PLAYGROUND AND WATCH EVERYBODY ELSE PLAY - THAT’S NOT WHAT I HAD IN MIND. IT’S NOT MUCH USE TO SIT BACK AND WATCH - THAT’S WHY THIS PLAYGROUND WAS BUILT THE WAY THAT IT IS.” TRUDY LEWIS

Lewis and Boates and the other staff at Parkland School are able to use the playground as a space to help calm and strengthen their students. The sensory development comes as a product of play in the area, and the whole park is wheelchair inclusive so that those with limited mobility may still use swings, play with sensory toys and engage with others.

Dailly said the playground was designed specifically for Parkland School. There are similar designs, but he said each playground Habitat Systems designs is meant to address a specific group need.

“The students at Parkland School have some very specific needs. A lot of those students are on the Autism spectrum - some of them need more stimulation, some need less stimulation.

There is some very tactile sand, and there are things that spin so the kids can address move-

ment sensations. As well, there is a pathway to get wheelchairs throughout the playground,” he said.

“For that school, we really worked hand in hand with Trudy to develop that design that gave

them a bit of everything to suit the needs of their students.”

Inclusive, barrier-free play spaces are important for allowing children and adults with disabilities the chance to engage in play in a way that was not

previously accessible. The playground is located on 45th St. near Kerry Wood Nature Centre and is available for all developmentally and physically disabled people to use. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

Quality Dental Care WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

RED DEER EXPRESS 15

Quality Dental Care for your entire family ...from Kids to Grandparents!

Open 7 Days A Week!

COMPLIMENTARY IMPLANT & INVISALIGN CONSULTATIONS with our general dentists

Our Practice Offers Dentistry Including: • General & Cosmetic Dentistry • IV Sedation Dentistry • Dental Implants • Dentures & Partial Dentures • Crowns & Bridgework • Veneers, Bonding & Whitening

• Orthodontics including Invisalign!

• Children’s Dentistry • Periodontal Treatments • Root Canal Therapy • MouthGuards/Snor Appliances

Giving Families more reasons to Smile CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST ON SITE AT INGLEWOOD LOCATION Now Accepting New Patients No Referral Necessary Dr. Mike Olsen 403-346-4610

•NEW PATIENTS WELCOME •DIRECT BILLING •SAME DAY EMERGENCIES

www.applewaydental.ca Village Mall #14, 6320 Gaetz Ave. Red Deer North

403-347-6306

Inglewood Station #110, 3 Ironside St. Red Deer South

403-346-4610

Hilltop #206, 3947 50A Ave. Across from the Hospital

403-309-4600

Stettler #4, 5002 51 Ave. Heartland Shopping Centre

403-742-5044

16 RED DEER EXPRESS

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

Annual Run with Heart supports Heart and Stroke Foundation

BY ERIN FAWCETT RED DEER EXPRESS

At 7KH 5HGZRRGV you decide what you want to do and when.

Take part in award winning life enrichment programs, enjoy state-of-the-art amenities and services catered to your needs and wants.

&KRRVH 7KH 5HGZRRGV &KRRVH <RXU 6DYLQJV XS WR Please contact a Leasing Representative at for more information.

6 Daykin Street, Red Deer

www.theredwoods.ca

A local fun run is set for later this month with proceeds supporting the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The second annual Run with Heart GLOW Run will take place Oct. 17th at the Bower Trails (start location at the corner of 19th St. and Gaetz Avenue). The race starts at 7 p.m. Registration is $50 and can be dropped off at the Heart and Stroke Foundation Red Deer area office by either mail or in person. Registrations can also be done online at events.runningroom. com as well.

Runners of all levels are welcome to tackle the 5km or 10km course. The course is flat and dark and each runner will be provided with a glow stick, but runners are encouraged to come in their most bright and colourful outfits.

The Run with Heart GLOW Run is not a timed event, but mile markers will be posted.

Last year, the event saw 165 registered runners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had additional runners as well because we allow kids under the age of 12 to come with a donation of any amount to join in. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to actually register online or at the office for the event,â&#x20AC;? said Karen Jackman, area manager with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Red Deer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun run so we encourage everyone of all ages to join and they can walk the course, or walk and run the course - we just want people to come and have fun. The whole point of the

event is to encourage people of all ages and families to be out and to be physically active.â&#x20AC;?

She added those who wish to get pledges for the event can do so. This would be above and beyond the $50 race fee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of our fundraising events within the local chapter go towards research to prevent and promote recovery of heart and stroke. We also do a lot of initiatives for heart education. The big one that we are pushing right now is sugar consumption. We have an advocation to the federal government to put taxes on sugary beverages,â&#x20AC;? said Jackman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ultimately, fundraising events, like Run with Heart, makes it possible for the Heart and Stroke Foundation to achieve our mission of preventing disease, saving lives and promoting recovery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every day, your contributions are helping to create more survivors and tangibly improve the health of more Canadians.

More than 66,000 Canadians die from heart disease and stroke each year. In 2014 we invested more than $55 million in programs and research to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery.â&#x20AC;?

In addition, Jackman said organizers continue to seek donors for the event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are looking for companies who would like to support the event, either for draw prizes for the runners or we also are looking for donations for some food for the event as well.â&#x20AC;?

For more information about the Run with Heart GLOW Run event or to donate, call 403-342-4435. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

Good Health Begins at Home!

FREE ROBES

*

with Spa Purchase!

Invite friends over to soak in your spa on a snowy evening or experience healing relief from warm-water therapy jets in your new Sundance Spa!

HOT TUB BENEFITS:

Fall for a SundanceÂŽ Spa

Your cold weather, hectic schedule, holiday stress relief.

Receive

$500

Instant Rebate* Or

Special p Financing g** from only

113 /mo oac

$

*

*Instant Rebate is available on 2014 and newer model year 880â&#x201E;˘ Series, Select SeriesÂŽ, and 780â&#x201E;˘ Series SundanceÂŽ spas. See participating dealers for complete terms and conditions. **See participating dealers for details. Financing subject to credit approval

Relax with a warm hydro-massage; with healing benefits from â&#x20AC;˘ Patented Fluidixâ&#x201E;˘ Jets â&#x20AC;˘ Accu-Ssageâ&#x201E;˘ Therapy Seat for an extraordinary back massage

Easiest upkeep in the portable hot tub industry â&#x20AC;˘ CLEARRAYÂŽ Water Purification System â&#x20AC;˘MicroCleanÂŽ Ultra Filter â&#x20AC;˘ AquaTerraceâ&#x201E;˘ variable flow waterfall with multicolor SunGlowâ&#x201E;˘ LED lighting â&#x20AC;˘ ADEX Platinum Award Winner for product and project design, 2013 *Available O.A.C. Free Robes available while quantities last. See in-store for details.

Visit us at our NEW location! #3, 6782 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB

Best of Red Deer GOLD WINNER

403-346-4465 www.sunnfun.ca

H T /S R S N F PTub &S Hot OT UN

UB PA ETAILER UN OOL PA

2015 Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Awards

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

RED DEER EXPRESS 17

It’s about moderation – the importance of Vitamin D A glass of wine with dinner is enjoyable, and some studies suggest it will benefit your health. Draining a bottle a night?

You may have a problem.

Indulging in an ice cream cone while out for an evening walk is a nice treat.

Sitting on the couch and devouring an entire gallon of ice cream will put you on a path to obesity and diabetes.

The same can be said for sun exposure.

There is no question that getting too much sun, burning exposure, can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. But the answer is not abstinence.

In fact, keeping yourself out of the sun entirely raises as many health risks as getting too much sun.

The reality is that people need exposure to the sun’s UV radiation to facilitate the synthesizing of Vitamin D, essential for bone health at all ages. Vitamin D deficiency in children can lead to rickets, a condition where the bones in the legs soften and bend as the child begins to walk, resulting in bow legs. In adults, Vitamin D deficiency may cause osteomalacia, a softening of the bones that results in back pain, muscle weakness or osteoporosis with increased risk of bone breaks.

The risk is particularly acute in Canada, which gets little sun exposure compared to most places in the world that host human populations. Due to our higher latitude, there is small window when Canadians can have Vitamin D synthesized by the sun - typically from late spring to early fall, around midday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s at this time that the UV index is likely to be above three and your shadow is shorter than your height.

Consider the challenges that tight win-

Dr. Gerry

SCHWALFENBERG dow poses. More and more, Canadians are working indoors and spending less time outside than ever before. And even when we do venture outside, we are heeding the warning and slathering on UV protection sunscreen, which actually inhibits the synthesizing of Vitamin D with SPF 30 reducing it by 97%.

I’m not saying don’t use sunscreen. You should never allow your skin to burn.

But try and make some Vitamin D first.

Fifteen to 30 minutes of sun exposure, depending on your skin type, is sufficient and then either apply sunscreen, cover up with clothing or get out of the sun.

It’s not surprising that Statistics Canada reports 12 million Canadians, or 35% of the population, have insufficient Vitamin D levels, including 10% who are severely deficient, which sets them up for higher disease risk.

But it’s not just a Canadian problem.

Vitamin D deficiency is growing globally.

While studies continue, the evidence is increasing that Vitamin D may play a pivotal role in protecting against cancer, heart disease, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, depression, dementia, colon and breast cancer and a host of other chronic diseases; while protecting ourselves from skin cancer, we are opening our risk to other types of cancer and disease.

A recently published study, ‘Sunlight and Vitamin D: Necessary for Public

Health’ by Carole Beggarly and several academic researchers, examines how organizations such as World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer and the U.S. Surgeon General call for sun avoidance, but ignore the fact that cutting out sunshine will reduce Vitamin D, an essential vitamin for bone health, and create probable harm for the general population.

As Baggerly points out, the human body has evolved over thousands of years and part of that process has adapted to sun exposure. We derive several physiological benefits from UV rays in addition to Vitamin D and these cannot be replaced

by Vitamin D supplements.

Dr. Gerry Schwalfenberg M.D. is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Family Practice, University of Alberta.

Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta SUPPORT CONNECTION AWARENESS HOPE

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

Eating disorders affect up to 5% of the total population and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, and yet they are still surrounded by shame, stigma and isolation.

The Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA) has launched a chapter in Red Deer and will begin offering support groups for people affected by eating disorders in October.

The groups run for 6 weeks and are facilitated by professionals with a background in eating disorders.

No referrals are necessary and there is a small participant fee to help offset some of the costs.

Group for people with eating disorders: Tues evenings, Oct 13 - Nov 17 at Red Deer College

Group for parents, partners and loved ones: 6 Wed evenings, Oct 14 - Nov 25 at Collicutt Centre

Visit www.EDSNA.ca to learn more and register now.

18 RED DEER EXPRESS

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

October is

breastcancer cancerawareness awarenessmonth monthin inCanada Canada City woman shares her experience battling breast cancer Morgan Tripke encourages women to be more watchful over their health

BY MARK WEBER RED DEER EXPRESS Life can be moving along complete with the usual routines only to be turned upside down with an unexpected diagnosis.

Red Deer’s Morgan Tripke knows this truth only too well. The mother of one daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2014.

“It was two months after my 32nd birthday,” she recalled. “I found a very large lump in my right breast.” An urgent mammogram was scheduled and that same day she was taken right in for an ultrasound.

“The radiologist came in and said I’ve booked you for a biopsy - you’re going downstairs right now.”

Tripke had that done, and was told within five to 10 days she would know the results.

“That night my doctor called me and said, ‘You need to come in tomorrow and see me’.”

She went in for her appointment with her boyfriend and was told she had breast cancer.

“My whole life changed in those 30 seconds. I’m really glad I had my boyfriend Mark there with me, because I didn’t hear another word he said after that.” Tripke had had breast cysts in the past, and explained that they are painful - so when she felt this lump, she knew instinctively it was different.

“This lump was hard - it didn’t hurt.

I kind of knew intuitively that it wasn’t going to be a good result. It felt like the whole world went black. You don’t hear anything else for those next few minutes.

You are just shocked. You don’t know what to do or say.”

The next week she had a consultation with a surgeon to go over her options.

“I could have had a lumpectomy, but I would have lost three-quarters of my breast anyways. I opted for the mastectomy.”

Surgery was booked for September, so she had five weeks or so to wait. “I spent the rest of my summer with my daughter and with my boyfriend, and we had as much fun as we could,” she recalled. “We didn’t know what was going to happen.”

The surgery ultimately went well - there was no lymph nodes affected so it hadn’t spread.

“I recovered fairly quickly - within a week I was up doing most of my normal routine.”

She also underwent several chemotherapy rounds, from which she became very sick, and doctors later told her that the cancer was an aggressive type.

“I did three rounds of a combination of three drugs - and I was supposed to do three rounds of another drug. I went for my fourth round, and my oncologist said it was one of the most severe reactions he had ever seen. It almost killed me. I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t stand. My feet and my hands had nerve pain for months, and literally layers of my skin on my hands and feet peeled off.

“My nails fell off. So I couldn’t do the full three rounds of that drug. I had done really well mentally and emotionally up until that point and that round beat me down physically, mentally and emotionally. It was so hard,” she said, adding that doctors switched her back to the drugs she had been on for the first three rounds.

“It took quite a while to come back from that.”

Besides that, there was more news to deal with as well.

“Even after chemotherapy, I still had a 28 per cent recurrence rate.” She is currently undergoing testing to see if she carries a particular gene mutation which would indicate an even higher chance of recurrence.

“I’ve had my testing done, but it takes six to nine months to get the results back.” To that end, she also had her left breast removed while undergoing reconstructive surgery.

According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is a complex disease that will affect one in nine Canadian women during their lifetimes.

According to the latest statistics, it is estimated that 25,000 women and 220 men in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and that 5,000 women and 60 men will die from the disease in 2015.

The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer also increases with age. In 2015, it is estimated that 82% of new breast cancer cases will occur in Canadian women over the age of 50 – 52% of breast cancers will be diagnosed in women 50 to 69 years of age and 30% of breast cancers will be diagnosed in women over the age of 69.

About one in five breast cancers (18%) will be diagnosed in women less than 50 years of age. For women 30 to 49 years of age, the risk of being diagnosed with any type of cancer is 0.2% (or 1 in 500). While this risk is very low, about 36% of cancers diagnosed in this age group will be breast cancer.

Meanwhile, in 2015, breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer diagnosis in Canadian women – with one in four cancer diagnoses being breast cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canadian women, after

The Best Protection Is Early Detection

LOOKING AHEAD - Red Deer resident Morgan Tripke shares her story of battling breast cancer. She reminds other women to be vigilant when it comes to their breast health.

Zachary Cormier/Red Deer Express

lung cancer.

But fewer Canadian women are dying from breast cancer today than in the past.

Breast cancer deaths have decreased by 44% since the peak in 1986 due to earlier detection through mammography screening, advances in screening technology and improved treatments.

This represents a small, but incremental increase year over year – in 2013, the reduction in breast cancer deaths was quoted as 42% and last year it was 43%.

For Tripke, sharing her story has been part of the healing process - she wants to raise awareness about the importance of self-examination, for one thing. Also, she took part in the Run for the Cure this past weekend in Red Deer.

“My sister-in-law ran last year in my honour. I said at the time, next year I’m going to do that with you guys, and I’m going to do it as a survivor.

“If I can get one person to do self exams who can catch it right away and prevent them from going through everything that I’ve gone through, then my journey was worth it.”

Meanwhile, she also credits an incredibly strong support system with helping her every step of the way.

“I had countless friends and family members that supported me and helped when they could - they were there whenever I needed them and did everything

editor@reddeerexpress.com

Central Alberta Medical Imaging Services Ltd.

403-343-PINK (7465)

info@thepinkpaire.com 120, 8 Conway Street Red Deer

4927 48 St. Red Deer ~ pkboo.ca ~ Ph: 587-877-7335

they possibly could to get me through it.

“I’m also so grateful to Mark - he’s been my rock. He’s held me together when I needed to fall apart. He picked up the pieces and helped put them back together. If it wasn’t for him in particular, there is no way I could have made it through.

“I can’t imagine having to do that on my own.”

There is also no question her perspective has shifted since she first received her diagnosis. “It’s changed the way I think about everything. My daughter was eight years old when I was diagnosed, so I don’t take things for granted as much as I used to,” she said.

“I also struggled my whole life with body image.” But these days when she looks at her body, she is more comfortable in her body than she has ever been, she said. “I look back and I can’t believe that I spent all those moments of my life being so critical of myself. It takes something like this - losing part of yourself - to realize that it doesn’t matter. You’re still beautiful.”

She also takes more joy in the simple pleasures of life. “You stop and pause enjoy the little memories and moments.

You just breathe, hold hands with your daughter or your boyfriend and smile and laugh - those are the moments that matter.”

www.thepinkpaire.com

Proud to support Breast Cancer Awareness 4312-54 Avenue, Red Deer Phone: 343-6172 www.camisrd.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

RED DEER EXPRESS 19

October is

breastcancer breast cancerawareness awarenessmonth monthin inCanada Canada

Raising the awareness of breast cancer

BY ERIN FAWCETT RED DEER EXPRESS Shades of pink are dawning retail outlets and various community events, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The number of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer is staggering. According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation web site, an estimated one in nine Canadian women are expected to develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.

In 2015, it is estimated that 25,000 Canadian women and 220 Canadian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s also estimated that 5,000 women and 60 men will die of the disease.

Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer diagnosis in women in Canada over the age of 20 and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canadian women, after lung cancer.

But thanks to the work of dedicated scientists and clinicians we are seeing more targeted and less invasive treatments, fewer side effects and better outcomes.

The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer also increases with age. In 2015, it is estimated that 82% of new breastcancer cases will would occur in Canadian women over the age of 50 – 52% of breast cancers will be diagnosed in women 50 to 69 years of age and 30% of breast cancers will be diagnosed in women over the age of 69.

About one in five breast cancers (18%) will be diagnosed in women less than 50 years of age. For women 30 to 49 years of age, the risk of being diagnosed with any type of cancer is 0.2% (or one in 500). While this risk is very low, about 36% of cancers

diagnosed in this age group will be breast cancer.

Fewer women in Canada are dying from breast cancer today than in the past. Breast cancer deaths have decreased by 43% since they peaked in 1986 due to earlier detection through regular mammography screening, advances in screening technology, and improved treatments.

Risk factors for breast cancer include gender and age – being a woman is one of the strongest risk factors, although men can get breast cancer as well. The reason the disease is more prominent in women is because their breast duct cells are more developed than men’s, and women’s breast cells are constantly exposed to the female hormone estrogen, which is essential to women’s normal growth, development and reproduction. However, it is also a risk factor in the development of breast cancer.

The risk of developing breast cancer increases as women age, but women of any age can develop the disease. It is reported that 80% of breast cancer cases and 90% of breast cancer deaths in Canada occur in women over the age of 50.

Although the disease in women under 50 is less common, younger women do get breast cancer as well – one in six women who die from breast cancer are diagnosed in their 40s.

Other risk factors for breast cancer include early menstruation and late menopause. Breast cancers in younger women, who are pre-menopausal, tend to be more aggressive and less responsive to treatment than those that are found in older women.

Other risk factors include personal cancer history, family can-

cer history and genetics, breast conditions, breast density, radiation exposure, the birth control pill, fertility treatment and hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

As for the detection of breast cancer, there’s nothing better than mammography but often women are frightened of the screening test and put it off because of fear.

Some of the guidelines used are someone has a first-degree relative with breast cancer, so the right time to be screened is 10 years younger when that relative was diagnosed. For women without any history, the Alberta Breast Cancer Society advocates to start being screened at 50 and officials encourage women to

start discussing screening with their doctor at age 40.

Also, if a woman is pre-menopausal, screening should take place annually. Women who have gone through menopause can be screened anywhere from one to two years.

In addition, there are many things women can do to help prevent breast cancer.

Women can make positive lifestyle choices including being a healthier body weight, eating a more balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking. By reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment, it can also help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Meanwhile, many successful

fundraising campaigns have been held in support of breast cancer research. Last weekend, the CIBC Run for the Cure will be held at Bower Ponds.

Last year, the CIBC Run for the Cure raised more than $25 million. In Red Deer alone, the local event raised $206,000 withabout 900 participants.

Continuing to raise awareness, talk about the signs and risk factors of breast cancer as well prevention measures, treatment options and having the most to-date-research will help keep the topic of breast cancer top of mind for everyone and hopefully one day a cure will be found. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

- With files from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

J Join us in the fight

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness!

Authorized Certified Fitter in store!

Servicing all your Mastectomy needs!

70C, 5250 - 22nd Street, Red Deer, AB. PHONE: 403-342-4460 TOLL FREE: 1-800-806-7999

C Custom Breast Prosthesis P Post Surgical/ P Mastectomy Clothing M Custom Medication C Compounding C

403-342-1434 403-3421434 “A caring heart and time to listen”

5201 - 43rd Street, Red Deer

20 RED DEER EXPRESS

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

Don’t taake chances with your familyy ’s health.

Life is unpredictable, but witth aff ffo ordable coverage from Alberta Blue Cross, you can resst easy kno owing g you have the practical benefifitts you need to maintain your family’s health and wellbeing..

If you’re without employer-sponsored health benefits, contact us today for your free information package.

www.ab.bluecross.ca dental • prescription drugs • vision • travel • massage • chiropractic • ambulance and more

ABC 83309 2015/04

Toll free 1-800-394-1965