Keeping up with Kensington August 2019

Volume 3 | Issue 8

KEEPING UP WITH

August 2019

K E N S INGTON LETTER FROM THE

CEO

KENSINGTON Q&A: BONE MINERAL DENSITY

Kensington Diagnostic Imaging Centre offers Bone Mineral Density tests to help prevent osteoporosis.

National Hot Dog Day and K-Pong was a success this year. Kensington Health partnered with Fancy Frank’s to support community health care! Major Street was busy with ping pong, free hot dogs and music. I thought I came prepared to defeat the best of the best - but it turns out many of you brought your killer moves to the table.

Regardless, it was a fun-filled day, bringing our community together.

Thank you to those who came out to support Kensington Health!

If you missed out, don’t worry— we have another event coming up very soon. This year we’re wrapping up summertime by kicking off our annual Kensington Hike. Join me on September 8 to support hospice and end-of-life care by hiking for Kensington.

Bring your friends, family and pets–participate and let’s start fundraising!

Register by visiting www.kensingtonhike.ca

The Kensington Health Diagnostic Imaging team wants to answer your questions about Bone Mineral Density. Read more to find out what you’ve been wanting to know!

You asked us: “What is a BMD test?“ A: Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is today’s standard for measuring bone density and strength.

The test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone to determine if you have osteoporosis.

“What is Osteoporosis?”

A: Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone characterized by low bone density and deterioration of bone tissue. This condition can lead to bone fragility and increased risk of fracture (specifically in the hip, wrist, and spine). Osteoporosis develops over time and without symptoms, which is why early detection is important.

“Who should have a BMD exam?”

A: Osteoporosis Canada guidelines recommend that everyone over the age of 65 should receive BMD exams. The examination is also available to people under the age of 65, who have the following risk factors: • Fracture after a minor fall or bump • Early menopause (before age 45) • Conditions such as: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s or Celiac disease, Hyperparathyroidism, over active thyroid, Diabetes, liver or kidney disease • Low body weight (less than 60kg / 132 lbs) Here are some ways you can protect yourself against osteoporosis: • Exercise • Eat foods high in Vitamin D, calcium, calcium carbonate, and calcium citrate. You can also take supplements!

• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and do not smoke. Smoking causes your body to make less estrogen, which protects the bones. Too much alcohol can damage your bones and increase your risk of falling and breaking a bone • If you are lactose intolerant: Drink lactose-free dairy milk. Eat lactose-free foods that are high in calcium, such as leafy green vegetables, salmon, and broccoli.

LEGACY THROUGH ART

Kensington Health and Fort York Food Bank (FYFB) have partnered up again for a new community support program, “Legacy through art”.

Starting this summer, the neighbourhood food bank, is referring their clients to Kensington’s Second Mile Club (SMC) location at 25 Brunswick Ave. “Legacy through Art” encourages participants to express their creativity and imagination through painting. The program started in June and will culminate in an art gallery show in January 2020. All the art supplies are generously provided at no cost, and members are also given a healthy snack while they create their masterpieces “Programs like this really open up opportunities to outreach to our community,” said Becca Buttigieg, Manager at SMC. “The “Legacy through art” program is a true representation of what happens when community is at the heart of everything that you do, this is what community health is about.”

Every monday from 1 to 3 p.m., an art instructor guides a group to paint together. All adults, ages 55 and up, are welcome to join “Legacy through art.”

Second Mile Club is a gateway to all other Kensington Health services, connecting isolated older adults with the community. To learn more about the new program please email Becca at: rebuttigieg@KensingtonHealth.org.

AT KENSINGTON WE BELIEVE IN MULTI-FAITH Chapels are often thought of exclusively as a place for religion; however, Kensington Health is looking to change that.

At Kensington, spiritual care is a response to human suffering and can be many things to many people. It can be a guide, a safe space, and totally inclusive to anyone who would like to participate. As a diverse community, there is a wide-range of residents who practice many religions, including Catholicism, Judaism, and Buddhism to name a few.

Sara Williamson-Bynoe is the Chaplain at Kensington Gardens. She believes in a multi-faith approach that helps people explore the type of spiritual care that fits for them.

“The spirit is part of who we are, but it’s also a part that nobody sees,” said Sara, who works with residents and their families on a daily basis.

“Spiritual care in long-term care allows residents to continue having faith.“

Kensington’s chapel is a diverse, inclusive and safe space for the Kensington community to participate in.

In the course of Sara’s experience, she’s learned that maintaining spirituality helps keep residents thriving in long-term care. Sara gets to know residents at Kensington on a deeper level and honours their memory in meaningful ways. Each and every component of their memorial table is selected thoughtfully, from the kind of flowers to the type of photo frame.

“I love seeing the photos families give me. It’s usually a photograph of residents in their younger years,” explained Sara. “Sharing information about lives lived humanizes our residents. You see your own life in that.”

Sara wants everyone at Kensington Health to know that the chapel is an open and safe space for anyone to sit in silence, reflect, exercise, mentally regroup, or just be. The Kensington chapels are not exclusive to praying, but inclusive to being.

KENSINGTON GARDENS: MOMENTS IN TIME Our residents Our residents go back in time to revisit memorable moments and share interesting tidbits about their lives and experiences.

Derek Hannan Derek grew up near the east end of London England and eventually became involved with the music industry. He began working with the Warner Brothers and often pursued singers and bands who wanted to sign a record with them. He met a number of famous musicians throughout his career including Frank Sinatra. Aside from Derek’s passion for music, he loved travelling the world. Derek recalls visiting Hong Kong, South Africa, and Australia.

A music enthusiast with an adventurous spirit.

“My experience with the music industry is interesting. Some things are too interesting to tell.”

Betty Hewson Betty started her life in Coburg Ontario and by her early 20s she fell in love with weaving, sewing and knitting cloth. She was working as a nurse at a hospital for SickKids, when she saw the “toy lady” sewing dolls for children.

Betty fell in love with hand-crafting projects and became a professional weaver. Although she was weaving for a living, she says it was the pure joy that kept her interest.

“I wove a hammock once. It was pretty cool.”

An avid reader who’s woven most of her own clothes.

Virginia Parraga Virginia was born in the District of Thunder Bay in a small town called Geraldton. Eventually she moved to Sudbury and then Toronto. She is a Master Hypnotherapist as well as a Reiki Master, who opened up her own clinic at Harbour Front. She considers herself a very spiritual being who enjoys writing poetry and reading. Virginia is also the Chief Editor of the Gardens’ newsletter with her own column called “Ask Virginia.”

A Master Hypnotherapist and a poetic soul.

“I’m one of the Board Directors on the Ontario Association of Residents’ Council. I enjoy taking the time to listen to the life stories of residents and staff.”

EVENTS Yoga at Kensington Date: Every Tuesday Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Location: Chapel, 45 Brunswick Ave. Inhale the future, exhale the past. Quiet your mind and free your body. Yoga is a practice and Kensington is committed to helping you live well.

Join us every Tuesday for free all-level yoga classes with Corinne Rusch-Drutz, CEO of Kensington Health Foundation, and certified yoga instructor.

Spots are limited so please contact Jessie Macandog , Payroll and Benefits Administrator, at jmacandog@kensingtonhealth.org to register. All are welcome.

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.

WELCOME NEW STAFF Azita Yamin RN, Kensington Gardens

Tenzin Rinzin Gaddiel Ndala Racquel Stephenson PCA, Kensington Gardens PCA, Kensington Gardens Nursing Coordinator, Kensington Gardens Phupu Baro Linette Tanghian Philomena Obedeti RPN, Kensington Gardens PCA, Kensington Gardens PCA, Kensington Gardens Kearleene Ojha Homemaker, Justine Lunyolo Alexandra Coleen Almeda Andrea Rey Second Mile Club RPN, Kensington Gardens RPN, Kensington Gardens PCA, Kensington Gardens Myra Tongol Ibishola Akinyemi Lakshmy Thekkethil Sonam Sangmo Billing Administrator, PCA, Kensington Gardens RPN, Kensington Gardens PCA, Kensington Gardens KDIC Brenda Nateero Palak Arora Aquila Harper PCA, Kensington Gardens PCA, Kensington Gardens Staffing Coordinator, Kensington Gardens

HUMANS OF KENSINGTON

Edward Aust Corporate Planning Specialist, Kensington Health

“I started in healthcare as a Physiotherapist working with patients with neurological injuries. After four years, I started my Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Toronto to better understand the factors that influence health care decisions. I was fortunate to have insight into both the clinical and business sides of health. As part of the program, I worked on a consulting project over a four-month period with Kensington. Throughout the project, I felt highly motivated by the dedicated people at Kensington and the amazing care that’s being provided on the front line.”

“Outside of work and study, I love spending as much time as I can with family, friends and playing sports. I am passionate about reducing cultural barriers for access to healthcare and also in minimizing complexity in healthcare journeys.”

Zoe Ninos Eyebank Assistant, Eye Bank of Canada

Patrice Cambell-Coleman Administrative Assistant, KVRC Thiago Prado Clinical Application Support Specialist, Kensington Health Leigh Raithby Administrative Clerk, Kensington Health Foundation

FIRST DAY AT KENSINGTON Evelyn Cheung’s first day as a Case Manager for the Second Mile Club was on the same day as Kensington’s all-staff appreciation lunch. She was greeted with a Kensington Caribbean Festival, full of island flavours, Caribbean music and a glimpse of what the community looks like altogether. Evelyn’s first day was busy, but she felt tremendously supported by her new colleagues.

Evelyn Cheung Case Manager, Second Mile Club

“The first thing I noticed about Kensington is that everybody says hello,” she says. Evelyn felt positive energy speaking with Second Mile Club members. She believes Kensington has the word “community” written all over its walls.

“There’s a bond amongst the second mile members and staff and it’s inspiring me to build deeper connections with people in the community.”