The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), January 14, 2014 - 5
Youth missing from Lamont - RCMP The Fort Saskatchewan RCMP is requesting assistance in locating Logan NOTTAL and Tristan STEINHAUER. Both males were last seen at approx-
imately 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, January 11th, 2014, on foot near Range Road 193 and Hwy 29 in Lamont, Alberta. NOTTAL, 16 years old, Caucasian, 180 cm
tall, 61 kg’s, with a slender build, brown hair and hazel eyes. NOTTAL was last seen wearing black sweat pants and a camo jacket. STEINHAUER, 15
years old, First Nations, 160 cm tall, 54 kg’s, with a slender build, black hair and brown eyes. STEINHAUER was last seen dressed completely in black.
If anyone has any information in regards to NOTTAL and STEINHAUER,please contact the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Detachment at 780-992-6100.
UPDATE The RCMP just located NOTTAL in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The RCMP are still looking for STEINHAUER.
Health Services could use changes in vaccination procedures - McDonald Michelle Pinon Editor
Lamont resident Sylvia McDonald was one of several parents who made their way in and out of the local public health centre Friday. She was there to have her young son Julian receive the influenza vaccine. McDonald said she had originally booked an appointment for late November, but due to medical reasons had to postpone it until Jan. 14. The appointment was moved up to Jan. 10, due to the shortage of vaccine. While staff have done their best to accommodate local residents, McDonald said there needs to be changes to the health system and how vaccinations are handled in terms of supply and demand management. "First they (Alberta Health Services) scare everyone with statistics. They send out information to get people to have the shots, and then they were not prepared for the number of people who wanted it (flu vaccine)."
The availability and accessibility for people in rural communities, was also raised during a discussion as some residents do not have the means to travel to Edmonton to receive the flu shot. Dr. Digby Horne, one of three medical officer's of health for the central zone, said the mass clinics that operated last week was due to public interest. A statement health minister Fred Horne was later issued in regards to the outbreak, and details of mass clinics and locations published on the AHS website and through public service announcements. According to Dr. Horne, more than $1.2 million Albertans were immunized this past year, more people being vaccinated than nearly any other year. As of Jan. 11 at 4 p.m. all influenze immunization clinics were closed in the central zone, and no other clinics will be held this season. "Some doses of vaccine have been reserved for children who have
received first doses of influenza vaccine this season, and required a second dose. Children under the age of nine who are receiving seasonal influenza vaccine for the first time this season require two doses this season to be fully protected." "There have been 1,708 confirmed cases of influenza A," stated Horne. "You have to remember some people who are sick are not tested." He added that people can be infected but not realize it. To date, there have been 390 hospitalizations compared to 742 last year, noted Horne. "H1N1 is the predominant strain this year. It has resulted in more hospitalizations of adults between the ages of 20 to 60 than was the case last year." There have been eight deaths this year as compared to 37 last year. "The average immunization rate is 20 per cent. This year the rate is 25 per cent." As to effectiveness, Horne said the vaccine is 70 per cent effective in healthy people and 30 per cent effective
in the elderly. The flu season is estimated to peak later this month, and goes to about April. For those people that are unprotected, Dr. Horne says they can use hygene measures such as coughing into a sleeve, washing hands with soap and warm water often, as well as staying at home from work or school until the symptoms are resolved and they have no fever for 24 hours. As far as local pharmaces Mundare Guardian Pharmacy did offer flu shots, but the Value Drug Mart in Lamont did not. Mundare manager Dawn Kowal said they ran out of the vaccine early last week, and there were several people phoning or dropping by for appointments. "Some people weren't aware of the shortage, and were surprised they couldn't get one." The Value Drug Mart did supply information regarding the local flu clinics this past fall for customers, and there were only a few inquiries this past week.
Sylvia and Julian McDonald According to Jeff Whisselll, director of pharmaceutical practice with the Alberta P h a r m a c i s t s ' Association, there was about an 85 per cent increase in vaccinations at pharmacies in the province over last year. "One-third of Albertans (315,000) received vaccine from pharmacies.
"Between 60 to 65 per cent of pharmacies are certified to give injections," pointed out Whissell. He expects the number of customers who want flu shots to rise in the coming year because of the convenience and accessibility of drug stores in the province.
Residents throughout the Village of Andrew captured the spirit of Christmas and enjoyed a festive tour. Above is Barry and Darlene Sydor’s home. Other winners were; Stan and Sally Cholak, and Kevin Lastiwka.