Special Features - Healthy Family Living 2017

al

Healthy Family

LIVING

We make Family Time twice as much fun!

65 Burnt Park Dr.

403.356.9399

1880 - 49 Ave.

403.348.8014

www.westernRVcountry.com

P

so O ULL on UT lin e!

g n i l F g n i r p S

2 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

www.reddeerexpress.com

Healthy Family Living

Wei’s s Western Wear

SUPER

Sanders/Panhandle nddle Slim Boots

Handmade, 100% Leather, Made in USA

$75 All Sales Final!

Outer Wear, Underwear, and all ‘FR’ Products All

20% OFF

Open til 9pm O Thursdays and Th Fridays

COWBOY BOOTS

JEANS Unwashed Cowboy Cut ................... $36.95 Pre-Washed ........ $42.95 All other styles including Wrangler Wrancher

20% OFF

Carhartt Winter Jackets Men’s and Ladies’ excluding ‘FR’

25% OFF

All 20% OFF Men’s Western Shirts Panhandle Slim, George Strait, Rock N Roll Cowboy, TwentyX

All 25% OFF All Men’s Jeans Buffalo, Cinch, Guess, Silver, Levis, Mavi, Rock N Roll Cowboy

20% OFF LADIES’ JEANS

Terrain-Lace Up $10995

Roper-Slip On

$

95

MANITOBAH & LAURENTIAN CHIEF Tall & Short **Excluding

195

$

Manitobah Metis

LADIES’ & MEN’S

HARLEY DAVIDSON FOOTWEAR

20% OFF

30% OFF

ALL WOMEN’S TOPS, BLOUSES & T-SHIRTS

Select Styles

ALL JOHN DEERE AND CAT CLOTHING Shirts, Caps, Hoodies, Jackets

20% OFF

WORK BOOTS • Timberland Pro • JB Goodhue • Kodiak • Terra • CAT • Wolverine • Carolina

20% OFF

ALL CARHARTT PRODUCTS

ALL MONTANA SILVER SMITH PRODUCTS Buckles, Jewellery, Giftware........

Coveralls, Jackets, Pants, Shirts, Hoodies, Including FR Clothing

15% OFF

20% OFF

Selected Winter Jackets and Vests

Buffalo, Cruel Girl, Guess, Jag, Moto, Rock N Roll Cowgirl

Cruel Girl, Rockies, Roper, Wrangler, Panhandle Slim, Rock N Roll Cowgirl

25% OFF

KID’S JEANS

Wrangler, Cruel Girl, Cinch, Levi’s, Carhartt

20% OFF ALL KID’S SHIRTS BOYS AND GIRLS Cinch, Cruel Girl, Panhandle Slim, Wrangler

All

All Saddles & Tack

20% OFF

‘Sons of Anarchy’ ‘Old Guys Rule’

ALL BENCH Jackets & Hoodies

HOODIES, T-SHIRTS AND CAPS

Women’s, Men’s, Children’s

20% 30% OFF Part of the community since 1956

Starting at $50

WESTERN WEAR

25

$

5115 Gaetz Avenue Downtown

403-347-3149

Venture Plaza 6715 Gaetz Avenue

403-346-9347

OFF

WESTERN WEAR WESTERN WEAR

www.reddeerexpress.com

Kids and youth have plenty to gain from

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 3

Healthy Family Living

yoga

BY MARK WEBER Express staff

Adults aren’t the only ones who can benefit from practicing yoga - there is plenty for children and youth to take away from it as well.

At the Breathing Room Studio + Cafe, there is an array of programs geared to the younger set, say owners Bonnee Gregg and Krista VandenBrink. The pair opened a brand new and expanded location on Bremner Avenue last summer.

“We see up to close to 30 children each week in our pre-registered eight-week sessions, and we start at age five,” said VandenBrink, adding that in the drop-in classes, children as young as three are included in programming.

“At that age, we aren’t walking through an entire one-hour yoga sequence. It’s yoga-infused play, crafts and stories. They are getting the physical activity, but they are also learning about the tools that yoga brings to their lives, such as taking a deep breath when you are nervous,” she explained, referring to just one benefit.

“We also do a lot of yoga-infused games that will help them to understand the tools at their disposal. A lot of games, a lot about balance and core stability through games we work on,” she said, adding that yoga can also help little ones who are already dealing with the effects of anxiety - something that unfortunately is fairly common these days.

“Our children’s instructors are trained specifically to teach children’s yoga. They work on everything from yoga poses to having gratitude - being grateful for yourself, your family and all of the wonderful things your body can do for you. So we bring those philosophies in in a way that is age appropriate.

Enjoy all the great things to do this spring in Red Deer & Central Alberta!

“But they are also getting that physical activity as well.”

Gregg noted the instructors inevitably really connect with the kids and can help them identify and deal with things in a constructive way. “Our children’s instructors have a way of addressing the big feelings,” she said, adding that kids in a group with a gifted instructor can provide a setting where some of the layers can effectively be peeled away.

“I’m disappointed I started at 18 - I wish I would have started at three,” she added with a laugh.

The teens and tweens also really want to get into everything from the headstands to the handstands, she added with chuckle.

“But again, we also have the philosophy that works really well in those classes,” she said, adding that part of their class during the Christmas season involved giving back to the community by helping to pack backpacks for donations in the community.

“Mindfulness is also kind of trendy buzz word out there right now, and mindfulness is also what yoga is about - thousands and thousands of years, it’s been about practicing mindfulness,” VandenBrink explained, adding the tendency today is to live much of life on auto-pilot.

“We want to get our children to understand - me as a mom, I want my daughter to understand - that it’s the little things. To be mindful about how I’m feeling in this moment, how I’m making someone else feel as the result of my actions,” she said. “The practice of yoga can help to teach children that. It encourages them to slow down and to think about what they are doing. So there is that piece of it.

“If we get children thinking about the

little things, hopefully they can carry that on through.”

Meanwhile, the feedback on the Breathing Room’s relatively new digs has been fantastic. The expanded space has also meant the team has been able to build on their selection of camps for youth as well.

“This summer, in particular, we are adding several new camps. The Dove Self-Esteem Project has also come onboard as well,” she said. “We are super excited for that because we have the ability to facilitate more children,” she added.

“One of them is actually going to be a mother-daughter camp where we are focusing on yoga and self-esteem with Dove trained facilitators.” There is also a dance camp planned with that self-esteem component added in as well.

Gregg noted that that particular camp is really important to her and VandenBrink because they are both moms themselves, too. “I also love how the camps have evolved year by year.”

There is also a teen girls’ overnight camp that focuses of course on yoga, but also on elements of self-esteem and self-empowerment.

“Our little ones also have their half-day camps, too.” It’s exciting also to see kids come out of their shells, too, and grow so much in their confidence levels.

Meanwhile, both women are thrilled to be able to offer their expertise to local families.

“It’s changed my life in such a huge, huge way - (it’s great) to be able to share it piece by piece and help other see that it’s a positive practice,” said VandenBrink.

“It provides a connection not only to yourself but also to other people. The ‘other people’ part is really key to me.” mark.weber@reddeerexpress.com

GoSafe

PEACE OF MIND FOR PEOPLE ON THE GO

GoSafe is designed to seamlessly transition between inside and outside the home – no extra devices to be switched on or off. waterproof auto alert fall detection two-way communication

Kim Schreiner MLA, Red Deer North 403•342•2263

NEW

GoSafe

LIFELINE

MEDICAL ALERT COVERAGE

WHEREVER

*

YOU GO *

some restrictions apply.

RED DEER LIFELINE

Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre

403-343-4550

4 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

www.reddeerexpress.com

Healthy Family Living

Long-live the new type of

grandparent!

Forget about the old-fashioned image of the grandma who wears her grey hair in a bun and the grandpa who smokes his pipe in a rocking chair on the porch. Today’s grandparents work or go to university, they travel, go to shows, paint, jog, ski, and are far from being ready to give up their active lifestyles.

Old age and grand-parenting are no longer synonymous — on average, people these days become grandparents around the age of 50.

This means that grandchildren can enjoy longterm relationships with their elders, who are often in excellent health. Indeed, because of the prevalence of reconstituted families, many grandchildren now find themselves the beneficiaries of more than one set of grandparents.

But this multiplicity of grandmothers and grandfathers can raise the question of what kind of role they should play. It is always a good idea for grandparents to ask themselves what kind of grandpa or grandma they want to be. What values do they wish to transmit? How far can they go without being too intrusive or offending anyone? The whole family will ben-

efit from frank discussions between children, parents, and grandparents. One thing is for certain: grand-parenting can be a truly enriching experience. It is often with the grandchildren that we can catch up on lost time with our own now-adult children.

INTERGENERATIONAL HOMES When thinking about the practicalities of daily life with young children and aging parents, an intergenerational home, also called a bi-generational home, is a great option to consider.

It is a model for living that allows the whole family to be close together while keeping a certain amount of privacy. It can make becoming homeowners easier for younger adults, and it allows adult children to have support with childcare and childrearing. Conversely, sharing a home provides aging parents an alternative to isolation. It can also provide them the kind of support that would let them to stay out of a seniors’ home for longer.

Building an intergenerational home or ren-

YOUR FITNESS EQUIPMENT HEADQUARTERS SEE US IN STORE FOR DEALS ON: TREADMILLS

BENCHES

ovating an existing house is a challenge that must take into account privacy requirements and financial resources.

The legal aspects of this type of project are also of vital importance and should not be overlooked. oked Above all all, parents and grandparents must not let emotions override the need to keep things legally clear regarding home ownership and financial responsibility.

While the idea of an intergenerational house is very attractive, everything should be put in writing in order to avoid any unfortunate disagreements.

There is another essential step to take if you’re ready to embark on an intergenerational home project: check your municipality’s regulations about renovations or apartments within homes.

These regulations can vary from one town to another, so it is essential to carry out a complete enquiry before putting any plans into operation. In some municipalities, for example, the dimensions of the supplementary living space will be limited to a precise percentage of the main living area, or perhaps a communal kitchen will be required. Living in an intergenerational home has many advantages, but in order to make sure the project is nothing but a success, be sure to plan things out fully, down to the very last detail.

Eduk Junior Kindergarten DUMBBELLS

BOW BOWFLEX MAX M TRAINERS TRAI

*Items might not be exactly as shown. See in store for details.

4418-50 Ave, Red Deer • 403.346.9331 www.flamanfitness.com

This program is theme based and focuses on instruction in literacy, numeracy, science and social studies.

Available in Red Deer for 4 year old children!

• Physical Development: Participating in gross motor and fine motor activities.

• Social Development: Learning to get along with others through group activities.

• Cognitive Development: Developing readiness skills and knowledge in preparation for kindergarten.

• Emotional Development: Learning to recognize and manage feelings.

• Communication: Learning how to understand and be understood.

Instruction provided by an experienced Kindergarten teacher!

(3) ½ Days a Week!

For more information, email: eduk4kids@gmail.com

www.reddeerexpress.com

BY ERIN FAWCETT Express staff

The Lifeline Program has been around for many years and people with various needs utilize the service.

Officials say a common misconception is that the service is only available for seniors.

There are 1,100 people in the Central Alberta area using the service currently.

“Lifeline is a personal emergency response service for people with medical conditions,” said Glynis White-Russell, adding the service is not strictly for seniors and there are younger people who use the service as well. “The majority of our clients are seniors, however, we have other clients who are younger who have medical conditions and they also need a medical alert system.”

There are two different systems within the Home Safe Program that have a range of up to 500 ft.

“All of our buttons are completely waterproof. You wear the device and you can wear it around your neck or your wrist.

We have the regular button and if you need help, you press that button,” said White-Russell. “We also have an enhance button that has an extra layer of protection and it can also detect a

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 5

Healthy Family Living

The Lifeline Program offers

PEACE OF MIND for individuals

fall - it’s called auto-alert.

“The way that it works is you can push it for help if you need help, but if you were to fall and were not able to push the button, the button gives you 30 seconds to either try and get up from the fall or press the button. If you don’t, it will send a signal through automatically on your behalf. It measures angle and velocity.”

There is also a wireless option under the Home Safe Program as well.

“The unit is a home-based unit and the button checks in with that unit all the time.

What happens is if a person summons the help, the unit that we install is a speaker, it’s a super sensitive two-way speaker. The response centre will speak to the individual over the

speaker,” said White-Russell.

“Based on the conversation they either call an ambulance on their behalf, or they call a responder or family member if it’s something where they

don’t need medical attention, but they need assistance.”

Something new to Lifeline is called the GoSafe Program.

“It works exactly the same way as in and around the

home, but the button is a bit different - it has the fall detection - but also, when the individual moves further than 500 feet away from the speaker unit that is in the home, then

the button takes over. There is a microphone in the button,” said White-Russell. “So, if Mrs. Smith takes her dog for a walk and falls and there is no one around to help, she can press that button.”

Meanwhile, the Lifeline Program also offers a medication dispenser.

“It’s a monitored medication dispenser and it’s a locked unit and it holds 60 doses. Each unit is individually programmed to that person’s medication routine. We download the dose times through the phone line and when the individual’s medication is due, a lady’s voice says, ‘It’s time for your medication’ and there is one big red button and they press that and the unit drops that particular dose for that time of day - it dispenses it, just that one cup.”

As for benefits regarding the Lifeline Program, WhiteRussell says peace of mind is at the top of the list.

“Peace of mind for the individual and it’s also peace of mind for the family members because they know their loved one has help at their finger tips.

For the individual that has the Lifeline Program, it also gives them independence.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

Now Renting on Taylor North

Where Someone You Love Should Live

We are now renƟng Independent SupporƟve Living Apartments in North Red Deer! These brand new and well-appointed private suites are equipped with full kitchens and your own washer/dryer.

Weekly housekeeping services are provided, along with a daily hot fresh & nutriƟous meal, and a daily wellness check. Convenient lock & go security when you head out for some shopping, a hockey game or a trip away!

When cooking large meals, housecleaning, snow shoveling, lawn mowing, shopping and home repairs become burdensome, choose to move to Points West Living Red Deer to enjoy a carefree, reƟrement lifestyle! A great community atmosphere is waiƟng for you – come join our family!

Please call Tracy to come and see what we have to oīer!

(587) 457-9245

Points West Living Red Deer

6950 Taylor Drive • Red Deer, Alberta • www.pointswestliving.com

“The kitchen and dining room staī are so good at preparing and presenƟng the meals. The plate always looks so good and the meal tastes just as good as it looks.”

- G.F. Resident, Tranquility Suites

“Points West Living Red Deer has the best apartments of any facility in Red Deer. Kitchens are wonderful, they have nice balconies, washer and dryers are nice to have in suite. There is a lot of light in the rooms with nice big windows by day and lots of lights for night.

Good value for the price. Perfect.”

- E.S. Resident, Tranquility Suites

6 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

BY MARK WEBER Express staff

The Canadian Diabetes Association has become Diabetes Canada to shine a brighter light on diabetes and rally Canadians to stand with the one in three Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes.

“For so many people, diabetes is a lonely disease,” said Scott McRae, regional director for Alberta and Northwest Territories at Diabetes Canada. He added that for some people, they feel a stigma about it as well.

“With Type 2 Diabetes, we know there are several different factors that lead to it’s onset - some are controllable like lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and weight management.

Other factors aren’t controllable, such as if someone is pre-disposed because of parents or siblings who have diabetes, or ethnic heritage.

“Or your age can increase your likelihood of getting the disease regardless of how well or how poorly you handle the lifestyle factors,” he explained.

“But in the public mind, there is some perception that is simply this - you get diabetes because you eat too much sugar,” he said. “It is far more complex than that. Diet is a factor, but it’s not the only one.

“But because of this ongoing stigma, people don’t necessarily want to admit their diagnosis - sometimes to themselves and sometimes to others. There’s sort of this feeling of, you brought it on yourself by not managing things properly.”

The problem certainly isn’t going away.

“This is a growing epidemic - here in Alberta, we’ve got 317,000 Albertans living with diabetes and we have 609,000 living with pre-diabetes. The most significant of all - we’ve got

www.reddeerexpress.com

Healthy Family Living

END

DIABETES

campaign launched to

bolster awareness about 136,000 Albertans living with diabetes that haven’t been yet diagnosed for a number of reasons.

“Number one, they don’t realize they are at risk. But there are a whole bunch who see the signs and symptoms. They’ve got the tingling in their fingers or the frequent urination and they are too scared to admit to themselves or to go to the doctor to get that diagnosis.”

Meanwhile, Diabetes Canada and the movement to End Diabetes are ramping up a campaign to help Canadians with diabetes life a life free from, “Fear of stigma, discrimination, and the complications that often come with this serious disease,” said Diabetes Canada President and CEO Rick Blickstead.

“End Diabetes is our rallying cry to stop the health impacts of diabetes as well as its shame, blame and misinformation,” he said.

“Canadians living with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes tell us they often feel scared, angry, frustrated or overwhelmed. We need to create greater awareness about the realities of living with diabetes.”

The project?

Diabetes Canada is going to launch End

Diabetes through a campaign using the real words of people with diabetes put to song. The accompanying music video stresses the emotional toll of living with diabetes. Organizers say the video and song will generate conversation about diabetes to make this invisible epidemic visible.

“We had a lot of discussions with individuals living with diabetes to understand in their own words what it meant to them to be living with the disease,” explained McRae. “There have been a lot of talks about the psycho-social impacts of the disease. Some people have felt misunderstood in general.

“We literally extracted the various statements they used and then put them into this music video of individuals sharing the emotions of living with the disease - the difficulties of putting on a brave face everyday and handling the fear of the future. How long will I manage

to stay healthy?”

He said the latter half of the video also aims to guide viewers to look at the positive side of things as well. And ultimately, it’s about bolstering awareness and promoting discussion about diabetes overall.

“This was a way to put a human face on diabetes, and to showcase the diversity of the individuals that it strikes and to give a voice to what it feels like to live with the disease.”

This campaign also aims to engage all Canadians from coast to coast increasing understanding, awareness and empathy for the 11 million Canadians living with or at risk of this chronic disease, and asking everyone to join the movement to End Diabetes.

“We know the daily challenges of managing diabetes can have a negative effect on the mental health of those living with the disease,” added Diabetes Canada’s Chief Science Officer Dr. Jan Hux. “Fear of stigma and discrimination is a reality for people living with diabetes and many don’t want to admit they have the disease. People suffer in silence and this new campaign invites Canadians to think about diabetes in ways they never have before.”

Visit enddiabetes.ca to view the music video and show your support for Canadians living with diabetes.

For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464). mark.weber@reddeerexpress.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 16TH • 6 -9 PM

REDKEN BRING YOUR OWN BLOW DRYER EVENT! Learn how to style your hair like a pro and make your blow dryer your new best friend!

• Hands on personalized service for 1 1/4 hour • Redken Educator on-site • 25% off retail!

Space is limited, reserve your seat today!

ONLY $

45

#4 88 Howarth St. (Highland Green Plaza), Red Deer

403.341.3333 www.sharperimagehairdesign.ca

PROOF

www.reddeerexpress.com

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 7

Healthy Family Living

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

FITNESS

Have you ever heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

It is an observation of human motivation created by Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist. He created a chart of three of the most basic humans human needs, represented by needs with fitness and health right off the bat. a pyramid with layers.

Next comes Safety Needs: The most basic needs are at the bottom (on the widest part), security, safety, and protection from danger. meaning they are the Being fit can help most important, priwith that too. When mary needs. As the you are fit, you are pyramid goes up, less vulnerable to the top need is not the challenges of required for survival, life, be it a criminal but essential to living attacker, an animal a great life. or escaping danger.

Fitness and health Scott There is a securi(of course) play a ty in knowing you role in every level of McDermott can run, climb, the needs pyramid.

Let’s see how fitness and jump or move when you need health impact your life in every to. The ability to protect your facet, after all, when the reason family in an emergency, carry WHY is big enough, HOW you your child when they are injured or if needed, defend get fit happens easily.

In other words – if you think them.

There is no guarantee obfitness and eating well is not important, nothing you do will viously, but being strong and healthy helps! Being fit and ever work.

On the base of Maslow’s healthy also allows you to build Hierarchy of Needs, we find things, move things, carry stuff that physiological needs are and build a home that is safe and secure. the base.

After that, the next order of Food, water, warmth, rest.

Well, there it is. Food and human need, is belongingness water. My focus as a coach is and love needs.

Intimate relationships and to help people choose quality friends.

Intimate relationships, food and to drink more water.

That means real food, real in- well, I will leave that one alone gredients and cooking like hu- although I think being fit and healthy makes that more fun, mans used to.

Not microwaves, not phoning too.

But friends is a big part of for take out, or a drive through, actually preparing real food. fitness and health. There is Sure, those other things are fine such fun in working out with once in a while, but the base a group of friends in boot camp of your pyramid has to be the or at the gym in general, or out skiing or walking or cycling. I good stuff.

Another benefit of good food see it everywhere in Red Deer, and enough water is that you which is rich with trails, parks will rest better. So we have hit and places to move! Watching

- and

friends in bootcamp and at the gym, you know they are having a blast sharing the experience, encouraging and supporting each other.

Two more steps to go and the next one is Esteem Needs: prestige and a feeling of accomplishment.

Finishing a great workout or a race, or a hike feels so amazing!

Standing on top of a mountain that you just climbed feels in-

credible! Being fit allows and improves that experience.

Standing at the bottom of a mountain, unable to physically hike to the top can be the opposite for your self-esteem. Being strong and fit feels amazing and there is a certain amount of prestige along with it. People may look up to you, and hopefully, you inspire others and feel great about yourself!

Finally, we have Self

Actualization: achieving your full creative and life purpose potential.

For me, this one is easy. After two years of living a new found healthy lifestyle, I resigned in architecture in 2000 and started my second career as a personal trainer.

I risked everything and built a gym, and that has allowed me to be surrounded by amazing like-minded people. Every cli-

ent or friend that improves their life, gets healthier and moves ahead in their life, fills my life with joy and purpose.

I am truly a very lucky man!

For you, health and fitness allows the ability to truly enjoy pursuing your life’s potential.

As someone who has recently nearly died, I can tell you that without your health, not much else matters.

You are right back to the bottom of the pyramid, struggling to handle the basics. In order to enjoy the top of the pyramid, you really do want to be healthy and fit.

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

Com Care Welcome Home!

8047529 Now accepting residents for our Lacombe location!

Rooms starting at $1950*/month!

We also have rooms in Red Deer

Couples rooms available! **

Only 2 left!

Offering: • Long Term, Dementia & Palliative Care • On-site Visiting Doctor • Full Time 24hr Nursing Staff & RN Available • Client to Caregiver regiver Ratio 4:1 • Private Cheff

Call or visit for more information!

780.996.9463

carecottages.ca *Starting rates, prices vary on care level needed. Care level may be required. **Depending on care level.

8 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

www.reddeerexpress.com

Healthy Family Living

Keeping our brains healthy as we age

BY ZACHARY CORMIER Express staff

There are lots of things people do every day in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We brush our teeth to prevent tooth decay and wash our hands to help prevent the spread of infection.

But one thing many people don’t think about is how to keep our brains healthy as we get older.

Luckily, there are studies that show just how easy it can be to keep our gray matter happy and healthy. “There’s been a number of studies that have shown that people who are active and are fit have higher levels of blood flow to the brain — these are older people — and also have cognitive function that is about 10 per cent higher than people of similar ages who are sedentary,� said Marc Poulin, PhD, a professor in the Cumming School of Medicine and Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary.

Poulin is the principal investigator on the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) Brain in Motion (BiM) II study, which seeks to understand whether and how exercise improves brain blood flow and cognition in an older population of men and women, focusing on the role that regular exercise might play in preventing the decline of cognitive abilities such as thinking, memory and reasoning skills.

According to Poulin, the previous BiM I Study showed, “Strong and significant associations between physical fitness and cognition, and between physical fitness and vascular function in the brain,� he said.

The new study aims to take that a step further by using a ‘prospective intervention’ approach

to gain a definitive understanding of the magnitude and direction of the effect of exercise on cognitive function. “When we first started doing this work there was very little that was known about the role of exercise on brain health and we decided to focus our efforts on aerobic exercise,� Poulin explained, noting that aerobic exercise could include things such as walking, swimming and playing tennis.

The study, which launched in January, is looking to recruit 264 adults over the age of 50 who don’t do a lot of physical activity for an 18-month randomized-controlled trial which would include either a six-month aerobic exercise program or a six-month stretch and strength program.

OH LQ E D O L $YD QGUH

Z R 6X WV 1 8QL OGV

2

/LIH /HDVH 6XLWHV IRU ,QGHSHQGHQW 6HQLRUV (QMR\ DQ ,GHDO %OHQG RI 6HFXULW\ )UHHGRP 6KDULQJ PDQ\ DPHQLWLHV ZLWK WKH DWWDFKHG /RGJH RXU XQLTXH /LIH /HDVH 6XLWHV LQFOXGH RQH DQG WZR EHGURRP VXLWHV WKDW DUH ODUJHU WKDQ WKH ORGJH XQLWV DQG LQFOXGH IXOO NLWFKHQV HTXLSSHG ZLWK DSSOLDQFHV DQG VWRUDJH URRP 0RXQWDLQ 9LHZ 6HQLRUVœ +RXVLQJ /LIH /HDVH 6XLWHV SURYLGH DOO WKH FRPIRUWV RI KRPH² DQG WKHQ VRPH 7KHVH VXLWHV DUH VSHFL¿FDOO\ GHVLJQHG IRU LQGHSHQGHQW VHQLRUV ZKR ZDQW WKH ÀH[LELOLW\ DQG IUHHGRP WR FRPH DQG JR DV WKH\ SOHDVH ZLWK WKH VHFXULW\ DQG FRPIRUW RI NQRZLQJ LQGLYLGXDO QHHGV ZLOO EH PHW DV WKHLU OLIHVW\OH DQG KHDOWK QHHGV FKDQJH RYHU WLPH

2OGV /LIH /HDVH

The second phase of the trial would then include a 12-month follow-up period.

Poulin said the aim of the new study is to look at the role of exercise interventions on the regulation of blood flow to the brain and the cognitive performance in older people who are at risk for the development of age-related diseases such as dementia including Alzheimer’s Disease.

He also noted that there are things older everyday people can do in their own lives to maintain and improve the health of their brains. “Basic fitness - something as simple as getting out for a walk every day – is critical to staying mentally sharp and remaining healthy as we age. Indeed, better cognitive health and better cerebrovascular health are two reasons to stay active as we age. We believe the study findings are applicable to both women and men,� he said.

Other things people can do include keeping their minds active by doing puzzles, reading or trying a new hobby, being socially engaged, eating a healthy diet, avoiding head injuries and seeking treatment for things like depression and sleep apnea when appropriate. zormier@reddeerexpress.com

The teenage years: a survival guide for parents Do you feel that your relationship with your teenager only involves fights, disagreements and mood swings? Has the sweet little baby you held in your arms just a few years ago turned into a monster? Don’t worry; the path your child is taking towards adulthood is actually normal.

Adolescence is punctuated by extreme hormonal changes, which cause physical as well as psychological and social transformations. If you find this stage to be a difficult one, don’t forget that for your teenager, it’s an overwhelming and exhausting time in their lives. But while teenagers are searching

to figure out who they are and trying to redefine their identities, parents may also feel overwhelmed by events. It’s not easy to stay calm when you’re rebuffed morning, noon and night. Here are a few survival tips to help you through these tough times. • Encourage dialogue.

Whether you agree or disagree with what your teenagers say, listen to them with love and respect. • Set firm limits that must be honoured. Explain the reasons behind them, and be consistent. Your teens need supervision. • Don’t dramatize small con-

flicts. Give your teens space to have their feelings. • Trust them, but don’t hesitate to express your concern if necessary. • Talk to other parents about what you’re experiencing in order to get some reassurance.

Some issues, if they come up, require a bit of advice and support from a third party: violence, eating disorders, extreme isolation or drug and alcohol abuse. But if that isn’t the case for you right now, just take a deep breath and look to the future with optimism. After all, you probably made your parents feel exactly the same way.

6XQGUH /LIH /HDVH

2QO\ GHSRVLW WR KROG ZLWK WKH EDODQFH RQ RFFXSDQF\ 7R ÂżQG RXW PRUH DERXW /LIH /HDVH VXLWH RSWLRQV SOHDVH FRQWDFW 6DP 6PDOOGRQ &$2 0RXQWDLQ 9LHZ 6HQLRUVÂś +RXVLQJ 3KRQH &HOO ( PDLO VDP VPDOOGRQ#PYVK FD :HEVLWH ZZZ PYVK FD 2XU 9LVLRQ :H HQKDQFH OLYHV E\ SURYLGLQJ TXDOLW\ FDUH DQG VHOI VXVWDLQDEOH OLYLQJ WKURXJK LQQRYDWLYH OHDGHUVKLS

A Voice for Families in our Community Earl Dreeshen, MP

Red Deer - Mountain View 4315 - 55th Avenue, Suite 100A 403-347-7426 Toll Free 1-866-211-0959 • www.earldreeshen.ca

www.reddeerexpress.com

Healthy Family Living

AVOID

Helping seniors

the onslaught of scams

BY MARK WEBER Express staff

Anyone needs to watch out for scams that are quite prevalent these days, and that includes seniors citizens who at times are targeted even more specifically.

Monica Morrison, executive director of the Golden Circle in Red Deer, said that what it really boils down to is maintaining a sense of vigilance when it comes to business proposals or financial requests from unknown people by the phone or via computer.

A lot of scams happen around a grandson, for example, being away on vacation, she explains of a common scam. They will call a senior, posing as a long lost grandchild and ask for money to get out of a jam.

Should the details line up with the senior’s family situation, they may be vulnerable to wiring money to the perpetrator.

“That’s quite common, and that’s a scam that is national,” she said. “Another one is that someone calls you up from customer service and they ask the question, ‘Can you hear me?’

“If you say yes, they record it and use that ‘yes’ to access and purchase goods and services. They will use your voice, and they know who you are.”

Then there’s the Revenue Canada scam, where folks are told if they don’t pay a certain amount of money by such and such a date, they could

face heavy fines or even a prison sentence.

Morrison said that many of those behind scams are proficient when it comes to ‘data mining’ - finding out information on selected individuals that makes their request or proposal seem legitimate.

“Another thing that seniors have to be careful with is when it comes to getting things fixed up around the house,” she explained, adding that often, seniors won’t want to ask family members or friends for help, but will be willing to hire someone who maybe comes to their door offering to do the work. The scam comes in when the person requests payment up front, then skips out on the job leaving the victim holding the bag for, at times, thousands of dollars.

“You have to be very careful who you hire instead of these fly-by-night people who come knocking at their doors. They need to do their research as to who they are connecting with,” she said. And if seniors find they’ve been the victim of a scam, they should report it to the local police, she added. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is.”

Also, people need to understand that there are people out there who simply can’t be trusted.

Morrison said that folks shouldn’t be afraid to cut suspicious conversations short, or even just hang up if they suspect something is unusual about a certain call or request.

For example, it’s critical to never, ever give

out personal information over the phone or via computer if you aren’t absolutely sure of who is on the receiving end. “There are people out there who want to take advantage of seniors and vulnerable people,” said Morrison. “So people need to take back control and say, ‘You know what? We are done talking’. And just hang up.

“Don’t give out personal information to someone you don’t know.”

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 9

Also, banks won’t send out emails asking for personal information - so these can be ignored as well. Even if they look official. The other danger with opening up suspicious emails is that it’s an entryway for viruses, she said.

Meanwhile, the Better Business Bureau is also helpful when it comes to finding out who is legitimate and who maybe isn’t. The Better Business Bureau Of Central & Northern Alberta can be reached by calling 403-342-5378. “Ask for references and check out those references.”

Also, if you have not lost any money and have not provided personal or financial information (relating to a fraud or scam), and you simply want to inform the appropriate organizations, report it to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (CAFC) by calling 1-888-495-8501. mark.weber@reddeerexpress.com

HEAR WITH CONFIDENCE Hear every whisper

Watch TV at your own private volume

Clearly hear conversations

How well are YOU hearing?

Hear, but have difficulty understanding?

Trouble listening in a church or theater?

Often asking people to repeat something they’ve said?

Family/friends mention that you play the radio or TV too loudly?

Difficulty hearing in a group situation or noisy environment?

YES to any of these questions, call today for your PERSONAL CONSULTATION and HEAR what you have been missing!

If you have answered

The Hearing Centre 403.347.4703•1.800.661.4703 4928-53 Ave., Red Deer •www.beltonereddeer.ca HELPING THE WORLD HEAR BETTER FOR OVER 75 YEARS

10 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

www.reddeerexpress.com

Healthy Family Living

School Lunch Program continues to reach more young students

BY ZACHARY CORMIER Express staff

No kid should have to go through a school day without a lunch and thanks to the Mustard

Seed’s School Lunch Program, the most vulnerable kids in Red Deer don’t have to.

Every school day, volunteers come in to the Mustard Seed building as early as 8 a.m. to

help prepare and deliver more than 250 lunches for under privileged kids in 28 schools around the City.

“We know we need food but the teachers have said how much they appreciate the school lunch program because the kids can actually participate more, they can actually focus more because if they don’t have protein, if they don’t have nutrients they’re not going to perform well in school,” said Byron Bradley, director of Central Alberta for the Mustard Seed.

The program was started by Loaves and Fishes about 21 years ago and has continued to grow over the years to help provide healthy and nutritional lunches to the most vulnerable kids around Red Deer.

“It’s critical for the kids to come to school and make sure they have all the nutrients they need to get through their daily tasks,” said Bradley.

The program also provides nutritious snacks to after school programs run by Hope Mission at five schools around the City.

“If the kids are hungry they’re

Get the look you Want for Longer!

NOW OFFERING MICROBLADING! Before

After

Save time on your daily routine & achieve longer lasting results!

Call today for your FREE consultation!

403.347.8787 x x x x x

Cuts Colours Perms Updos Waxing

x x x x

Manicures Pedicures Body Treatments Facials

x x x

Lash Extensions Brow Shaping & Microblading Massage Therapy

THE MANE ATTRACTION 4324 54 Avenue, Red Deer, AB

not going to learn as well, they’re not going to be as effective in class if they have empty stomachs. They are our future and they’re so important in our community so we have to care for them,” Bradley said, noting that running the program every day is no mean feat.

It takes close to $1,000 per day to fill all 325 lunches and the Mustard Seed has to rely heavily on fundraising and donations in order sustain the program.

Bradley said the Mustard Seed tries to rely more on fundraising than food donations for the School Lunch program because of concerns about food security and reliance on healthy and sustainable food sources instead of relying on people dropping off food donations.

“One example is in the past Loaves and Fishes relied on donated breads. We still get donated breads as you can see at the back on our bread racks but we give a lot of that out to our clients — our adult clients that come for dinners. But after we got a donation from the 100 Women Who Care in Red Deer we then were able to call a bakery and say, ‘We want fresh whole wheat buns delivered every day’,” Bradley explained, noting that the Seed is trying to secure the finances so that they can purchase the food themselves.

Cori Capner, the School Lunch Program coordinator at the Mustard Seed, said working to make sure kids are well-fed at school is important because a hungry kid won’t be able to focus.

“I’m here to help the kids to be more successful at school by

having their lunch every day,” she said.

Bradley noted that the most vulnerable kids in the community could mean kids that some are from low-income families such as kids in single parent families or in group or foster homes.

Capner said that the program would not be possible without the help of volunteers and that it is always in need of people to help out with making the lunches and with delivering them to the schools.

Right now, the Mustard Seed is in need of two volunteer drivers who can commit to one, twoto three-hour route per week and one sandwich maker who can commit to one shift per week.

Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the Mustard Seed’s web site at www.theseed. ca/take-action/individuals. zcormier@reddeerexpress.com

‘Relationships in Motion’ Primary Care Network

offered by

BY JOSEPH HO Express staff

In relationships of all kinds, it’s better when all parties are dancing to the same beat.

A Red Deer Primary Care Network program called Relationships in Motion aims to help participants get in rhythm.

Tudor Caliman is a provisional psychologist leading the program. Relationships in Motion takes on the metaphor of a dance. When two people are moving to different songs, that’s when they get out of step.

There are three areas participants will examine: the self, other and together.

Relationships, be they work, family, or romantic, start with the self, Caliman said.

“When you talk about relationships, people usually tend to look outside. But really, we focus inside because you do have a relationship with yourself. The self component explores this inner world to understand yourself,” he said.

“The other part focuses on how to have relationships with another person. And the together part is how can the two of you dance together at the same rhythm, hence the name Relationships in Motion. Because every relationship has movement. What you want to do is create healthy movement.”

The program helps people examine how they perceive themselves, manage conflict, communicate, find solutions to problems, explore values and dreams and change perspectives.

It is delivered through two-hour sessions spread over eight weeks.

“We all have (strengths). Rather than re-invent the wheel, we encourage people to look inside and see what’s working for you already and how you can build on that,” Caliman said.

“How can you use those or modify those to make them work even better in the relationship you want to improve.”

Participants learn communication skills, including how they can better understand themselves and others better, how to focus on positivity, be assertive and manage conflict.

There’s homework, where clients take what they’ve learned and apply it in their relationships. Then they reflect on it.

Feedback has generally been positive, where many say they’ve seen improvements in their relationships, he said.

To participate, Caliman said people can self-refer themselves. Before, they needed a referral from a Red Deer PCN family doctor, nurse, psychologist, mental health counsellor, recreation therapist or pharmacist.

However, Caliman said this program is not meant for people in abusive relationships. At the beginning, there’s an assessment. If clients are in an abusive relationship, Caliman said they’re shown different resources.

“In Week 1, we do an assessment on that.

We give clients a sheet that tells them what the difference is between unhealthy behaviours and abusive behaviours. Then we work with the client to tailor different resources or counselling or whatever they need.” joseph.ho@reddeerexpress.com

www.reddeerexpress.com

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 11

Healthy Family Living

BY JOSEPH HO Express staff

If there’s a family that appreciates the importance of staying active, it’s Red Deer’s Lalor family.

Kathy and Dwayne Lalor have three daughters: Kelsey, Hayley and Jamie. They’ve played just about every sport available to them.

Eighteen-year-old Kelsey is the oldest, currently studying in her first year at the University of Saskatchewan, where she plays guard for the women’s basketball team. She is also an outfielder for Baseball Canada’s Women’s National Team, playing on the silver-medal-winning roster at the 2015 Pan Am Games. Last year, her team won silver at the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Korea.

During her time at Lindsay Thurber, Kelsey also played volleyball, badminton and track and field.

It’s the same story with Hayley, 17, and Jamie, 15.

Just being one year apart, Kelsey and Hayley have had the chance to play together. Last year, they were teammates for Team Alberta baseball.

The three have had the chance to be on the same community ringette team as well.

“The other girls are the same thing. They play every sport they can possibly work in with their time. They’re pretty good students too so they manage their time so they can play all the sports they want but still have time to focus on their academics, too,” Kathy said.

Athletics have an important place in the Lalor family. Kathy and Dwayne themselves grew up in environments where they were able to play.

An active lifestyle is something they’ve passed onto their children.

“We were lucky to grow up in families where we were supported by our parents to play com-

Local family appreciates the

STAYING ACTIVE - Pictured from left are Hayley, Jamie and Kelsey Lalor. The three sisters enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. photo submitted

Active Lifestyle munity sports and school sports,” she said.

She and Dwayne are both phys-ed teachers at the school. Dwayne coaches volleyball and basketball. Kathy coaches basketball and track.

The girls have always been close by, getting early exposure to sport and some good role models in the athletes, Kathy said.

“They were here at the school and even though they weren’t old enough to do those things themselves, they were here watching us coach

FRIDAY APRIL 28TH

Let’s go to the Hop

and I think that was a big part of passing that on to our children,” she said.

Organization is the big life skill sports teaches kids, she finds. There are responsibilities owed at home, in the classroom and on the playing field.

Kathy also appreciates how Red Deer provides so many accessible facilities and amenities to choose from. Activities weren’t limited to what they played at the school. They could go to the park and throw a ball around. Or go for a skate.

SATURDAY APRIL 29TH

MY CANADA with Stan Foster

Celebrating Canada’s 150 birthday through Story, Song and Video th

Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Ian & Sylvia Tyson, Leonard Cohen, Paul Anka, Neil Young, Trooper, KD Lang, Bryan Adams and more!

Including the unof¿cial birthday song “MY CANADA!”

An Evening with:

RIDAY

Doors open at 545pm Buffet until 730pm Show starts at 8pm

FRIDAY MAY 26TH

FRIDAY MAY 12TH

PATSY C LINE F , M 12

with Stan Foster & Band

Featuring music by Buddy Holly, Frankie Valli, Beatles, Roy Orbison, The Drifters, The Platters and more!

TICKETS: $50 HOP STAY PACKAGE $209

Or a ski at River Bend. It was all quality time spent as a family.

“I think there’s just about every opportunity that we wanted as a family here. I really find having a family and being active gets you involved in a lot of things in the community. Red Deer’s a pretty good place,” she said.

“And the things that aren’t here, we’re close enough to just go to the mountains and ski.

That’s a great day trip.” joseph.ho@reddeerexpress.com

AY

TH

WINNER 2016 Las Vegas Reel Awards

Featuring BONNIEE KI KILROE LR ROE aass Patsy C Cline www.celibrity-imposters.com brity br ty imposters com

TICKETS: $30 ROCKIN’ STAY PACKAGE $159 TICKETS: $55 PATSY STAY PACKAGE $239 FRIDAY JUNE 30TH SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH

EH CANADA

TRIBUTE

CANADIAN CLASSIC ROCK TRIBUTE Featuring the music of April Wine, Prism, BTO, Aldo Nova, Nick Gilder, Loverboy, Harlequin, Toronto, Triumph, Honeymoon Suite, Steppenwolf, Neil Young and more!

TICKETS: $45 15OTH STAY PACKAGE $199 TICKETS: $30 ROCK & STAY PACKAGE $149 DUET STAY PACKAGE: $259/$179 3201-48 Ave Camrose camroseresortcasino.com For tickets and packages please call 1-88-784-8441 Like our Facebook page @BWPlusCamroseResortandCasino for special promotions, exclusive offers and more

EACH SHOW PACKAGE INCLUDES: Two show tickets, one night in a single King or double Queen room plus hot breakfast buffet from 630 to 10am.

Please add GST and applicable taxes.

12 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

www.reddeerexpress.com

Healthy Family Living

ACTIVE HEARING AID USE HELPS REDUCE THE RISK OF MENTAL DECLINE

HEARING AIDS help keep your

BRAIN FIT Untreated Hearing loss

Treated Hearing loss

Diminished communication skills and less stimulation of the brain

Improved communication skills

Accelerated mental decline & higher risk of dementia Trouble with remembering & problem solving

Socially active stimulation of the brain +HOSV NHHS \RXU EUDLQ ¿W

A person with hearing loss who does not use hearing aids has a higher risk of accelerated mental decline due to withdrawal from social activities

= A person with hearing loss using hearing aids who is socially active is more likely to have a similar risk of mental decline to a person with normal hearing Source: Amieva et al. 2015.

How do people feel about HearWell?

Dr. Towers has made my life so much easier. I don’t feel the need to isolate myself any longer, due to my better hearing.

I’m thrilled with what Dr. Towers and I were able to achieve together for my hearing. He listened to my objectives for the process and had a plan to meet all of them.

Janice R. Drumheller, AB

Ron H. Red Deer, AB

“I went to several clinics in Red Deer and no one could help me before Dr. Towers. He is a gift from heaven. I heard my 3 year old grandson VSHDN IRU WKH ¿UVW WLPH ´

Dr. r. Andrew w Towers, Tower ers s , Au.D. A .D Au Registered Audiologist Owner

Lisa H. Red Deer, AB

RED DEER

OLDS

403 346 6414

403 556 6402

Toll free: 1 855 400 6414 dr.towers@hearwell.ca

Creekside Professional Centre 4320 50th Ave, Ste #202

Mountain View Credit Union Building 6501 51 St, Ste #103

www.hearwell.ca

Take the 21-Day

HearWell CHALLENGE

No money down, no obligation, every reason to HearWell today!

21 days to try hearing aids for free, followed by an additional 90 day trial period to return or exchange.

CALL TODAY

for more information!