Seniors' Week is June 3–9, 2013

Seniors' Week 2013: "Creative and Inspirational"

Alberta Health

Seniors make a difference in our communities every day. From working, supporting family members and friends to assisting charities and volunteering, seniors are deeply involved in our communities and their contributions benefit Albertans of all ages.

Each year, Albertans are encouraged to join the festivities by attending one of the many Seniors’ Week events to be held across the province. Whether planning an event or enjoying one with the seniors in your life, please take the time to acknowledge Alberta’s seniors and all that they contribute to our quality of life. Your participation in Seniors' Week helps highlight and show appreciation for Alberta's seniors.

Here is a list of  Seniors' Week activities in our area:

LEDUC

Monday June 3, 2013
Senior Pancake Brunch
Free - All seniors welcomed - This event sponsored by City of Leduc FCSS
Sponsored by: Leduc & District Senior Centre 
Location: Telford House - 4907 - 46 St. Leduc 
Time: 10:00am to 12:00 noon 
Contact: Diane Sims - 780-986-6160

Tuesday June 4, 2013
Music Jam Entertainment
$2.00 per person Come join in by playing an instrument, listening or dancing
Sponsored by: Leduc & District Senior Centre 
Location: Telford House - 4907 -46 St. Leduc 
Time: 1:30pm - 4:00pm & 7:00pm - 10:00pm 
Contact: Diane Sims - 780-986-6160

Wednesday June 5, 2013
Strawberry Tea
All Seniors welcomed - $5.00 per person
Sponsored by: Leduc & District Senior Centre 
Location: Telford House - 4907 - 46 St. Leduc 
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm 
Contact: Diane Sims - 780-986-6160

Thursday June 6, 2013
Days Gone By
Art and Craft Displays, Pie Making Contest, Pie Auction. Lucheon served at 11:30am. Cost: $10 per person
Sponsored by: Leduc & District Senior Centre 
Location: Telford House - 4907 - 46 St. Leduc 
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm 
Contact: Diane Sims - 780-986-6160

DEVON

Friday June 7, 2013
Senior's Week Swingin' Social
A nostalgic and invigorating look down memory lane. The Senior's Week Swingin' Social will be a celebration for Devon's 55+ residents. The 2013 Strawberry Social has a 1930's theme of swing dance, gingham and polka dots. The event will begin at 1pm on Friday, June 7th in the Main Hall of the Community Centre. Saddle shoes are optional!
Sponsored by: Town of Devon 
Location: Devon Community Centre - Main Hall 
Time: 1:00 pm 

Contact: Kristin Walsh - 780-987-8331

For events in other cities and town, please check the Alberta Health website, here.

World No Tobacco Day

Every year, on 31 May, the World Health Organization and partners around the world mark World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2013 is: ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

View the ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship message.

WHO is working on a comprehensive ban of all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. For more information, please see the WHO website.

The Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network's pharmacist offers a free smoking cessation program. To discuss your options and receive a free Quit Kit, please contact Nandini at 780-986-6624.

June is Stroke Awareness Month

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function. It is caused by the interruption of flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). The interruption of blood flow or the rupture of blood vessels causes brain cells (neurons) in the affected area to die.

• There are estimated 50,000 strokes in Canada each year. That’s one stroke every 10 minutes (Hakim, Silver, & Hodgson, 1998).

• About 315,000 Canadians are living with the effects of stroke (PHAC, 2011c).

• Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada. Six percent of all deaths in Canada are due to stroke (Statistics Canada, 2012).

• Each year, over 14,000 Canadians die from stroke (Statistics Canada, 2012).

• Each year, more women than men die from stroke (Statistics Canada, 2012).

The effects of a stroke depend on where the brain was injured, as well as how much damage occurred. A stroke can impact any number of areas including your ability to move, see, remember, speak, reason and read and write.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Recognizing and responding immediately to the stroke warning signs by calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency number can significantly improve survival and recovery.

Learn more about what a stroke is and the different types of stroke, please visit the Heart & Stroke Foundation's website.

What are the warning signs of a stroke?

Weakness - sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary.
Trouble speaking - sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.
Vision problems - sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary.
Headache - sudden, severe and unusual headache.
Dizziness - sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Are you at risk of a stroke? Assess your risk and receive information and tool to reduce your risk with this online tool.

Learn about risk factors you can control and stroke prevention, here.

Eat a healthy diet to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate to intense physically activity each week. Being active can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and it can be as simple as going for a walk each day. Learn more about the basic principles of activity and determine your basic needs here.

Read the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines.

International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day is celebrated every May 12, all around the world.

This day marks the birth of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing.

We celebrate all nurses and are thankful for all they provide.

Prescription To Get Active

Dr. Justin Balko, LBD PCN member physician and president, was interviewed on CBC's The National about our Prescription to Get Active program. Please read the article and view the segment here at the CBC website.

For more information on Prescription To Get Active, please visit our website or speak to your LBD PCN family physician.

National Nursing Week

May 6 - 12 marks National Nursing Week in Canada. This year’s theme:

Nursing: A Leading Force For Change

celebrates the role of nurses at the forefront of effecting change in the quality of health care.

To our LBC PDN registered nurses Chris and Carla, and to all nurses everywhere, happy National Nursing Week and thank you for all you provide.

National Mental Health Week

May 6-12 marks National Mental Health Week (MHW) in Canada. While the Canadian Mental Health Association’s tagline “Mental Health For All” remains, this year’s MHW focuses on the mental health of our youth. Check out some of these facts on mental health and Canadian youth:

• It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder – the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.
• Up to 70 per cent of young adults living with mental health problems report that the symptoms started in childhood.
• Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children; with Canada’s youth suicide rate the third highest in the industrialized world.
• Suicide is among the leading causes of death in 15-24 year old Canadians, second only to accidents; 4,000 people die prematurely each year by suicide.

For more information, please see the Canadian Mental Health Association website.

May 2013 Patient Newsletter

Our May 2013 Patient Newsletter is now available!

Learn about our new patient portal, Health Coach by NexJ, the Edmonton-area PCN 5km Fun Run/Walk and Find a PCN Family Doctor website.

If you would like to be included on our newsletter mailing list, please send a request to:
candra.tinis@lbdpcn.com