catharine pendrel -
TRANSCRIPT
| www.HorizonNB.ca | Healthy Living in New BrunswickPage 1 . . . . . . . Fall /Winter 2012
Healthy Living in New Brunswick
Fall /Winter 2012
www.HorizonNB.ca
Catharine Pendrel:
• ProtectYourProstate
• AdoptaBone-healthyLifestyle
FromHarveyStationtoWorldChampionandOlympian
Also:
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Mea
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| www.HorizonNB.ca | Healthy Living in New BrunswickPage 2 . . . . . . . Fall /Winter 2012
We …•ArethelargesthealthnetworkinAtlanticCanada•ServetheprovincesofNewBrunswick,PrinceEdwardIslandandnorthernNovaScotia•AreoneofthelargestemployersinNewBrunswick•Area$1billionplusorganization•Employapproximately13,000staffmembersand1,000physicians•Haveover100facilities,clinicsandoffices•Have4,600volunteers,auxiliaryandalumnaemembers•Have20foundations•Have18auxiliariesandalumnaeHorizonHealthNetworkplaysamajorroleinresearch,education,innovationandhealthandwellness.
| www.HorizonNB.ca | Healthy Living in New BrunswickPage 3 . . . . . . . Fall /Winter 2012
Board of Directors
Mike CosterMiramichi
François M. BeaulieuSaint John
Linda Aitken Upper Kingsclear
Jo-Ann FellowsFredericton
Linda G. ForestellSaint John
Dr. Erik KleinHampton
Michael McCoombsMiramichi
John B. McKayMiramichi
Kathleen McMullenSackville
Jane Mitton-MacLeanMoncton
Chief Candice PaulSaint Mary’s First Nation
Luigi RoccaMoncton
Mary Louise SchryerQuispamsis
Kay SimondsWoodstock
W. David Ferguson Board Chair
Donald J. Peters, P. Eng Secretary
Healthy Living in New Brunswick
Vibrant PublisherHorizon Health NetworkJanet Hogan, Vice President Communications and Community Relations
Vibrant EditorErin White, Senior Communications Advisor
Editorial StudentTess Allen
Design and LayoutSheena Dougan
Information provided in this publication is in no way meant to take the place of professional medical advice. Please consult a health professional for any medical condition or treatment. The opinions and views expressed in Vibrant are not necessarily those of Horizon Health Network. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Story ideas and letters to the editor can be submitted to:Horizon Communications and Community Relations155 Pleasant StreetMiramichi, New Brunswick, E1V [email protected](506) 623-5541
Volume 5, Number 2
Horizon Health Network155 Pleasant Street, Miramichi,
New Brunswick E1V 1Y3(506) 623-5500
Contents
On the CoverCatharinePendrel:WorldChampionmountainbikerandtwo-timeOlympianfromHarveyStation,N.B.
5 We are all, Vibrant
6Catharine Pendrel: From Harvey Station to World Champion and Olympian
8 Growing Up is Hard to Do: Anxiety and Depression in Youth
9 Craving a Change: Putting an End to Emotional Eating
10 My Story: “The Very Best” in Healthy Eating and Active Living
11 Ask the Expert
12Protect Your Prostate: What’s New in Prevention and Early Detection of Prostate Cancer?
14 Focus on Research
15 Adopt a Bone-healthy Lifestyle
16 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Keeping Our Children Safe for Life
17 From ABCs to GPAs: Education Impacts Health
18 My Story: Domestic Violence Has Many Faces
19 Today’s Senior: How To Stay Social and Active as you Age
Visit Vibrant online:
www.HorizonNB.ca
| www.HorizonNB.ca | Healthy Living in New BrunswickPage 5 . . . . . . . Fall /Winter 2012
W. David Ferguson Board Chair
Donald J. Peters P. EngPresident and CEO
We’reverypleasedtointroduceanothergreateditionofVibrant,HorizonHealthNetwork’shealthandwellnessmagazine.Thisissueisonceagainfullofinformative,inspiringandimportantarticlesaboutlivingahealthyandbalancedlife.Weareconfidentthatyouwillfindgreatvalueinthetipsandadviceourhealth-careexpertshavetooffer.
AswitheveryeditionofVibrant,thearticlesarewrittenbytheexperts.TheyarewrittenbyHorizonHealthNetwork’sownhealthprofessionals,whoknowhowimportantitistokeepNewBrunswickersinformedaboutissuesthatconcerntheirhealthandwell-being.You’llfindarticlesoneverythingfromimmunization,toemotionaleating,tohoweducationimpactsourhealth.WearealsothrilledtohaveaveryspecialfeaturearticleonOlympian,andNewBrunswick’sown,CatharinePendrel.
AtHorizonHealthNetwork,webelievethatbeinginformedandstayinghealthygohandinhand.InordertomakeVibrantmoreaccessibletoallNewBrunswickers,wehavedecidedtomakeitintoafullyinteractiveonlinepublication.Thisnewformatwillallowustogetalloftheimportantinformationwehavetoshare,outtomoreofourcommunitiesandcitizens.YoucanalsoreadpasteditionsofVibrantonlineatwww.HorizonNB.ca.
WehopethatyouenjoythiseditionofVibrant.Thetopicswe’veincludedwererecommendedbyaneditorialboardmadeupofcommunitymembersandhealth-careprofessionalsfromacrosstheprovince.Together,theyworktoensureeveryissuecontainstimelyandrelevantarticlesthatareimportanttoourreaders.HorizonHealthNetworkisexcitedandgratefultoplayaroleinhelpingyoumakeinformedchoicesforahealthierlifestyleandinensuringthatweallare,andcontinuetobe,vibrant.
Enjoy, and stay healthy.
Horizon is the largest health care organization in Atlantic Canada, operating 12 hospitals and more than 100 medical facilities, clinics and offices providing medical services ranging from acute care to community based health services to New Brunswick, northern Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. With 1,000 physicians, an annual budget exceeding $1 billion and approximately 13,000 employees, Horizon’s strategic vision focuses on research, innovation and education.
We are all, Vibrant
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| www.HorizonNB.ca | Healthy Living in New BrunswickPage 6 . . . . . . . Fall /Winter 2012
Erin White Senior Communications Advisor, Moncton
CatharinePendrelhascertainlyseenhershareofupsanddownsduringhercareerasaworld-classathlete.AsaWorldChampionmountainbikerandtwo-timeOlympianfromHarveyStation,N.B.,shehasgonefromfarmtomountainandeverywhereinbetweeninpursuitofherdreams.Alongthewayshehasdevelopedapassionformaintainingahealthyandbalancedlifestyleinordertobeatherbest,bothonandoffthemountain.
Recently,VibrantMagazinehadtheopportunitytotalktoCatharineaboutwhatitwaslikegrowingupinNewBrunswick,whatittooktofollowherdreams,andhowshemakeshealthandwellnessapriorityinherlife.
VM: What was life like growing up in small town New Brunswick?
CP:IlovedgrowingupinHarvey.IwasaveryluckygirltogrowuponasmallhorsefarmwhereIhadacrestoroam,ahayloftandstreamstoplayinwithmyolderbrother,andofcoursehorses.IthinkcaringformyhorsewashowIlearnedworkethic,thatinordertohavesomethingwonderfulIwasgoingtohavetoputinthehoursandmaybesacrificesomesocializingforpitchforkingmanure!
BeingfromasmallareagavemetimetogrowintowhatIwantedtobeandhowIwantedtobeme.Italsomadetravellingaroundracingmountainbikeslookprettyincredible!
VM: Do you get home to visit New Brunswick very often?
CP:NotasoftenasMomandDadwouldlike!LuckilyIracealotinQuebecsoevenifIdon’tmakeittoNewBrunswickmyfamilycancometovisitme.Whenhomethough,Ilovetocheckoutallthenewtrailsthathavegonein.EdmundstonandFrederictonhaveprettysuperbtrailnetworksandridingcommunitiesthatanyofthelocalshopscanpointyouto.
CatharinePendrel:FromHarveyStationtoWorldChampion andOlympian VM: Many people start off in a sport,
and end up giving it up. What kept you pushing forward to pursue your dreams in mountain biking?
CP:WellfunnilyenoughIamoneofthosepeople!Istartedwithhorses,butasateenagerIwasreadyforchange.MountainbikingofferedmealifestylethatIcouldtakewithmetoUniversityandcandountilI’mbedridden.IknewIwantedtobefitforlife.Cyclingseemedlikethesportthatwouldhelpmewiththisgoal.Themountainbikecommunitywassomuchmykindofpeoplethatitofferedmetwobigthingstostayinghealthy;asportthatIcoulddoaloneorinagroup,aswellasagroupofpeopleIknewcouldbecomelifelongfriends.
VM: When did you know, or realize, that you wanted to take mountain biking to a world-class level, and could be successful at it?
CP:Itwasdefinitelyagradualprocess.FirstIwantedtobegoodregionallyandthennationally.WhenIrealizedIwasgoodnationallyitwasonlynaturaltotakeitonestepfurther.FinanciallytherecameapointwhenIdecidedIhadtoeitherbeveryfocusedandmakegainsorslowthingsdownandgeta“paying”job.LuckilyIhadtherightsupportthroughmyfamilyandcoachtohelpmemakethatjump.ItisstillhardformetobelievesometimesthatImakealivingracingmybike.
VM: Your brother Geoff is a national downhill mountain bike champion. What influence/impact has he had on your career?
CP:Huge.He’stheonethatfirstgotmeonabikeandencouragedmetostickwithitwhenIwasfumblingandcrashingaround.HewastherewhenIwonmyfirstWorldCupandIdon’tthinkanyone’shugatthefinishlinemeantmorethantheonefrommyolderbrother.
VM: What about the rest of your family? What kind of support did they provide through each stage of your career?
CP:MyMomandDadwerealwaysveryinvolvedparents,selflesslygoingtoallourhorseandhockeyeventsandthenhandingoffwaterbottlesorvolunteeringatmountainbikeraces.Theyneveraskeduswhenwewere
Ready for the Olympics!
With her brother Geoff, on the farm in Harvey Station.
Celebrating her 2011 World Championship.
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goingtogiveupsportandgetarealjob,buttheydidexpectustogetaneducationandtofindawaytofundit.Theyletussearchforwhatwewantedandneededtodo,butwealwaysknewtheywouldbetheretocatchusifwefell.
VM: Who was your role model growing up, and why?
CP:Myfamilyforsure.Mybrotherwascoolandkind,myparentswereeducatedandadventurousandallofthemwerejustreallygoodpeopleIcouldaspiretobelike.
VM: What is your biggest challenge as an athlete, and how do you work to overcome it?
CP:Ithinkeveryonebattlesselfdoubt.AmIdoingenough?Toomuch?AmIseriousenough,eatingtoomanytreats,stretchingenough?Thatiswhereagoodsupportnetworkcomesin.MyhusbandisgreatatremindingmeofwhatIhavedonewhenIstartstressingthatI’mbehindscheduleinmytrainingprogression.He’llalsoletmeknowwhen,yesitreallyisimportanttodothatworkoutthatyouhate.Youhateit,becauseyou’reworkingatsomethingyou’renotstrongat.Mycoachisgreatonandoffthebike,andmyparentsareproudandnotafraidtoshowit.
VM: What are some of the things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
CP:Consistency.Ithinkthatisthebiggestcomponenttosuccess.Itdoesn’tmatterhowhardyouworkoutoneweekifyoudon’tmaketimetoexerciseatallthenexttwo.Youneedtohaveagoalandaplantotakeyoutothatgoal.Ithastoincludetimesoftraining,stressandrest,andbefaithfultoit.
VM: Obviously as an athlete, staying healthy, whether training for a competition or not, is important. What healthy habits do you try to include in your day-to-day life?
CP:Sleep!Thisishugeandtoooftenneglected.Ihavetostopworkingonthecomputeranhourbeforebedtogetmybraintowinddownandthenfighttheurgetogetuptooearlywithallsortsofthingsrunningthroughmymind.Takethetimetofigureoutwhatyouneedtogetagoodsleep(eyeshades,earplugs,limitcomputertime,stressrelaxationtricksetc.).
Catharine’s Healthy Living Favourites
Favourite meal: Glory Bowl from White Water Cook Book (Spinach, roasted almonds, shredded beets, carrots and whatever else you like on a bed of rice and topped off with a great dressing of nutritional yeast, garlic, oil, cider vinegar, soya sauce and water).
Favourite snack: Carrots
Favourite type of exercise (other than a bike): Skate skiing
Favourite way to relax: Yard work (may not seem relaxing, but home time is precious)
Favourite recipe: Thai curried squash soup (This is well worth the time!!!)
• 1butternutsquash• 6clovesgarlic• 2tbspmincedginger• 1choppedonion• 3cupsvegetablebroth• 3tbspsoyasauce• 1.5tbspThairedcurrypaste• 1tspbrownsugar• 1tinlightcoconutmilk
Roast butternut squash, seeded and oiled, with garlic cloves for45minutes.Sauteemincedginger and chopped onion, and add vegetable broth, soya sauce, Thai red curry sauce and brown sugar. Set aside until squash is ready.
Peel roasted squash with garlic and add to mix. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for25minutestoletflavoursblend. Remove mixture from saucepan and puree (careful it’s hot) in a food processor. Put mix back in the saucepan and whisk in light coconut milk and heat to eating temperature!
This is amazing! ~CP
OnherOlympicperformanceinLondon:“...I felt the loss, it was heartbreaking. But like all hearts, they just need some time to heal…healing came for me through some good time with friends and family, camping and riding for fun and not always for improvement. Healing also came from all the letters and notes I got from all of you; that little girls are out riding their bikes up climbs and now saying, “I’m riding like Catharine!”
ReadCatharine’sblogherehttp://cpendrel.blogspot.ca/
Just two of Catharine’s many young fans.
Yoga:Acoupletimesaweek.Therearesomegood30minutevideosoutthereyoucanfitintoyourmorningorlunchbreak.Thisispurelytimeforyou;timetobreathedeeply,relax,andfindouthowmuchtensionyouhavebeenstoring.
Goodfood:Eatingcolourful,healthymealsmakesmefeelbetter.Puttingthoughtintomakingsomethingdelicious.Indulgingisatemporarysatisfaction.Idefinitelyeatmytreats,butchoosehealthierportionsizesanddon’tstorejunkfoodinyourhouseordesk.Ifyouneedit,walktothestoreforitormakeitfromscratch.Theselittlestepshelpyouthinkmoreintentionallyaboutwhatyoueatandhowmuchyouwantit.Areyoupiggingoutjustbecauseit’sthereandyou’retiredorgrumpy?
VM: Are you on your bike year-round, or do you take time off, away from the trails?
CP:IwinterinCanada,soyestimeoffthebiketrailsisamust.Ithelpsmestaymentallyfreshandmakesmeexcitedtohitthetrailsinthespring.Idoridethetraineracoupletimesaweek,butlotsofcrosscountryskiingandsomesnowshoeing,running,gymanddownhillskiingroundoutmywintertraining.Ilovegettingthevarietyandstayhealthierbynotpushingthebikeseasontoofarintocoldweather.
VM: Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring mountain bikers, or anyone dreaming of being a world champion athlete?
CP:Don’trushsuccess.Workhard,becommitted,takeownershipofgettingyourselftothetop,butneverforgetwhyyoustarted-becauseitwasfun!
Catharine with her 2012 Olympic teammates.
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| www.HorizonNB.ca | Healthy Living in New BrunswickPage 8 . . . . . . . Fall /Winter 2012
For a list of Community Mental Health Centres visit
Simone Pelley, MSW, RSW
Mental Health Clinician, Woodstock
GrowingUpisHardtoDo: AnxietyandDepressioninYouthAcertainamountofemotionalupheavalduringtheteenyearsistobeexpected.Growingupishardtodo!Navigatingschool,friends,homework,sports,parttimejobsandrelationshipscantaketheirtoll,butareemotionalupsanddownsthatarenormalandevennecessaryforateentomature.Alloftheseemotionsareusuallytemporary–theycomeandgothroughouttheday.
Butwhendoestheemotionalturmoilcrossthelinefrombeingirritatingtorequiringprofessionalhelp?Howcanparentsandotheradultsrecognizewhenteenageangstbecomesdepressionorananxietydisorder?Depressionandanxietynotonlyaffectsadults,theycanhappentochildrenandteenstoo.
Hereisaquickchecklisttohelpyoutellthedifferencebetweenthetypical“moody”teenandthesignsandsymptomsofdepressionandanxietydisorders.Someofthesymptomsforbothdepressionandanxietyresembleeachotherandifyourecognizethattheremaybeproblem,youcanseekoutamentalhealthpractitioner
todetermineifit’sdepression,anxietyorevenboth.
DepressionSadnessisahealthyemotionthatoccursaftersomesortoflossormajordisappointment.Butwhensadnesslastsalongtimeandthoughtsofworthlessness,hopelessnessandhelplessnessemerge,itmaybedepression.
Thewarningsignsfordepressioncanbeverysubtlesoit’simportantthatadultsinvolvedinthelivesofayouthcommunicatewitheachothersothathelpcanbesoughtasearlyaspossible.
Themostcommonwarningsignsfordepressionareasfollows:
•asuddenlackofinterestinactivitiesthatareusuallyenjoyed
•withdrawalfromfriendsandfamily
•tearfulness•outburstsofanger•expressionsofworryand/or
loneliness•complaintsofachesandpains•difficultysleeping•lowenergy
•changesinappetite–eithereatingtoomuchortoolittle
•thoughtsofsuicide
Suicidalthoughtsarethemostseriousindicatorofdepressionandthoughtsofhelplessnessandhopelessnesscanbreedthoughtsofdeath.TheCanadianMentalHealthAssociationsaysthatinCanadasuicideaccountsfor24percentofalldeathsamong15-24yearolds.Thosewithmooddisorders,likedepression,areparticularlyatrisk.
AnxietyAnxietyisanecessaryemotion.Anxietyisourmindandbody’salarmsystemthattellsusto“watchout.”Sometimespeoplecanexperiencea“falsealarm”–intensephysiologicalreactionswhenthereisnoapparentdangerandtheactualrisktoselfisoverestimated–thisisthesignalthattheremaybeananxietydisorder.
Sowhat’sthedifferencebetween“normal”anxietyandananxietydisorder?
Normalanxietylookslikethis:
•occasionalworryaboutlifesituationssuchasexamsorrelationships
•the“jitters”justbeforeanimportanteventlikeaschoolplayoraclassspeech
•realisticfearsofathreateningsituationlikebeingbullied
•embarrassmentand/ordiscomfortinnewsocialsituations
Ananxietydisorder,ontheotherhand,canlooklikethis:
•constantworrythatbeginstointerferewithayoungperson’ssociallife,schoolworkandeverydayactivities
•avoidanceofusualdailyactivitiesforfearthatsomethinghorriblemayoccur
•constantworrythatpanicwillstrikeatanymomentcausingthemtostopparticipatinginactivitiesthattheyhavealwaysenjoyed
•nightmaresandflashbacksofatraumaticsituation
•repetitiveactionsthatseemtobeoutofcontrollikeexcessivehandwashingorcounting
Asparentsyouwillwitnessatsunamiofemotionsduringtheteenyears.Remember,youknowyourchildbest!Whenyounoticesuddenchangesinbehavioursandemotionsinyourchild,donotsecondguessyourself-askforhelp!
Thereareanumberofoptionstofindoutifyourchildhasdepressionorananxietydisorder.YoucanconsultyourfamilyphysicianoralocalCommunityMentalHealthCentre.Ifyourchildhastoldyou s/heisthinkingaboutsuicideneverhesitatetouseyourlocalEmergencyServicestogettheimmediatehelptheyneed.
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www.HorizonNB.ca
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Doyoueverwonderwhyyoueatthewayyoudo?Haveyoutriedmanypopulardietsandlostsomeweight,onlytogainitallbackagain?Doyoufeelthatyouknowwhathealthyfoodstoeat,butjustcan’tseemtodoit?Doyoueverfeelpowerlessoverfood?Doyouthinkyou’reanemotionaleater?Ifyou’veanswered“yes”toanyofthesequestions,youmightbenefitfromadifferentapproachtoeating,aimedathelpingyouchangeyourrelationshipwithfood.
Weallrealizethat“knowinganddoing”aretwodifferentthings.Wecanapplythistosomanyaspectsofourlives;fromeatingandexercise,tomoneymanagementandrelationships.Yetwhyischangingourbehavioursodifficult?
Foodhasbecomeahugepartofourlives,goingbacktowhenwewerechildren.Ifyouthinkaboutit,mostofusgrewuparoundasuppertablewhereourparentsrewardeduswithdessertforeatingeverythingonourplate.Manyofushadparentswhomadeusfeelbadifwedidn’teateverythingbysaying,“YouknowtherearestarvingchildreninAfrica…”Thereareveryfewactivitiesorget-togetherswherefoodisn’tserved.Therearesomanyreasonswhyweeatandoftenhungerhasnothingtodowithit!
Whenaskedwhytheyeat,peopleoftensayit’s“becauseofavarietyofemotions.”They’llsay“becauseit’ssomethingtodo”,or“becauseit’sthere”,or“becauseeveryoneelseis”,or“becauseIlikeit”,or
CravingaChange:PuttinganEndtoEmotionalEating
Bonnie Reevey Registered Dietician, Saint John
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“tocelebrate”,andthelistgoeson.Andlet’sfaceit,ifwelookaroundusandreallypayattention,we’drealizejusthowmanyeatingpromptsareoutthere.Betweentelevisioncommercials,billboardandmagazineads,andfast-foodrestaurantsordonutshopsonpracticallyeverystreetcorner,it’snowondersomanypeoplestrugglewitheatinghealthychoicesandportions.
Inordertoknowwhattochange,youneedtouncoverthereasonswhyyoueatthewayyoudo.Journalingisa
greatplacetostart.Recordyourfoodintakebywriting
downdetailssuchasthetimeyoueat,whatyou
eatandhowmuch.
Butifyouwanttochangethelong-termrelationshipyouhavewithfood,oneofthemostimportantrecommendationsyoucanfollowistonurtureratherthannourishyourselfmoreoften.Thismeanslearningtotreatyourselfinanon-foodwaywiththingslikecallingafriend,buyingyourselfflowersorlisteningtoyourfavouritemusic.Thegoalistodosomethingthatmakesyoufeelgoodforlongerthanthefiveminutesitmighttaketograbthatfoodtreat.Distractiontechniquesarealsorecommended,andworkwell.Whenweengageourmindsinactivitiessuchascrosswordsoruseourhandsforactivitieslikewoodworkingorothercrafts,wearen’tabletoeatatthesametimeandwearen’tthinkingaboutfood.
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If you would like more information about improving your relationship with food, the
following websites can help!
Tips and information about healthy eating and nutrition
including Canada’s food guide can be found at:
Access the Dieticians of Canada’s healthy eating and activity
tracker at:
| www.HorizonNB.ca | Healthy Living in New BrunswickPage 10 . . . . . . . Fall /Winter 2012
About Mango
Mango is a community-based program offered by Horizon Health Network. The program’s vision is to make our community “the very best” in healthy eating and active living.
Biggest Loser competition
This competition is offered in partnership between Mighty Miramichi and the Mango program. The goal of this initiative is to teach participants how to lose weight and keep it off by teaching them about good eating habits and physical activity. Participants can join by submitting teams of four. The challenge is for a period of 12 weeks and the teams with the highest percent of body weight lost win prizes.
For more information visit
Richard and Elene Siddall, Miramichi
“TheVeryBest”inHealthyEating andActiveLiving
My story
The Siddalls “Before”
The Siddalls “After”
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www.HorizonNB.ca
OurnamesareRichardandEleneSiddallandthisisourstory.
Wecomefromdifferentsidesoftheweight-lossjourney;RichardhasbeenbiggermostofhislifeandIgainedmyweightafterhavingchildren.Bothofushavetriedtoloseweightonandoffoverthelast10yearsbutdidn’treallystickwithitfornumerousreasons.
SincejoiningHorizonHealthNetwork’sMango’sBiggestLoserCompetition,ouroutlooksandliveshavechangeddramatically.
Whenwejoined,mythoughtswereallornothing-wecandoanythingfor12weeks;Richardhadtomakesmallbutsustainablechangesinhislineofthinkingbuteventuallywecompromised.Doingtheprogramtogetherchangedeverything.Havingthesupportofeachotherandourgirlsmadeabigdifference.
Bothofusarecompetitive,sotheexercisewaskindofagameforus.Richardwasnervousgoingintotheexerciseclassesthinkinghewasgoingtobetheonly“big,chubby”guyandIwasnervousgoingintothegymthinkingIwouldlookstupid,butafterafewtimes,wereallydidn’tcare.
Itriedafewdifferentexerciseprograms,gettingafeelforbeingmoreactive.ItriedZumba,yoga,weightlifting,running,andspinclasses,whileRichardtriedplayingsoftballandweightlifting.Ithelpsifyoucanhavefunandenjoybeingactive.
WhenwestartedBiggestLoser,wehikedtheadvancedtrailatFrenchFortCoveasafamily;IthoughtIwasgoingtodie!Ihuffedandpuffedmywayaroundthetrail.Whenwediditagaininthespring,Ijoggedsomeofthetrail;it’samazingthedifferenceinmyfitnesslevel.
Oncewestartedlosingweightandfeelingmoreenergyandmorepositiveemotions,themorewewantedtokeepournewlifestyle.Werealizedthatitcouldn’tjustbeaboutthecontest,itwasaboutusandourlifestyle.
Wealsorealizedtheimpactourchangeswerehavingonourgirls.Ourfamilynoweatshealthier,exercisestogetherandisamoreactivefamily.Mygirls,10and7,actuallyreadlabelsnow.Myoldestgirlwenttocampandwhenwepickedherup,shesaidtome,“didyouknowthatthereis270calories,13gramsoffatand28gramsofsugarinasnickersbar,andIatetwo!”Ithoughtitwasfunnythatatleastshewasreadingthelabelsandknewwhatshewaseating.
Wewentfromcouchpotatoesandeatingchipseverynighttoattendingfitnessclasseseveryday.Wesleepbetter,wearehappierandourkidsaremakingbetterchoicesintheirlives;whatcouldbebetter?
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AsktheExpertQ. What are some tips for monitoring my type 2 diabetes?Molly Dunbar, RDCertified Diabetes Educator
A.Whileregulartestingisnotalwaysnecessaryforpeoplewhoareabletocontroltheirdiabetesthroughdietandexercise,thereareotherswhoneedtowatchitalittlemoreclosely.Forpeoplewhorelyonpillstotreattheirdiabetes,occasionaltestingcanbehelpful.
Self-monitoringofbloodglucose(SMBG)isdonebyapersonwithdiabetesusingamachinecalledaglucometer.Peopleusethenumbersfromtheirglucometerstoseehowtheirdiabetesisdoing,allowingthemtoadjusttheirtreatmentaccordingly.
Suppliesfortestingbloodsugarsareexpensivesoit’simportanttoknowwhyyouaretestingandwhattodowiththosenumbers.
Atourclinic,wefindtestingonceaweekkeepsyouthinkingaboutdiabetesandletsyouknowofanychanges.Itisimportanttoworkwithyourdiabeteshealth-careteamtodiscussyourtreatmentplanandhowyourpillsarehelping.
Howoftenyoushouldtestdependsonhowsickyouare,whethertherehasbeenanychangesinyourlifestyleormedication,orwhenyourbloodsugarsareparticularlylow.
FormoreinformationonSMBGandyourdiabetes,talktoyourdiabeteshealth-careteamorcontacttheCanadianDiabetesAssociationRegionalLeadershipCentreinFrederictonat(506)452-9009ortheCanadianDiabetesAssociationat 1-800-884-4232/www.diabetes.ca
Q. Are there steps I can take to help fight memory loss as I get older?Dr. Patrick FeltmateGeriatrician
A.Asageriatrician,Iseemanypatientswhosufferfromcognitiveandmemoryimpairmentcausedbydementia.Invariably,familymembersandcaregiverswillaskmewhattheycandotopreventsuchafateforthemselves.Whilewedon’thavetheabilitytocuredementiaonceitoccurs,therearemanywayswecanreducetheriskofdevelopingitinthefirstplace.
Certaindietarychangescanhelp.Lowlevelsofomega-3fattyacidsareassociatedwithdementia,soeatingfoodshighinomega-3suchassalmoncanhelp.Drinkingoneglassofredwineperdayhasbeenshowntohavepreventativebenefits.Controllinghighbloodpressurereducestheriskofdementiaaswellsolimitingtheamountofsaltyouconsumeisalsoimportant.
Themosteffectivewaytohelppreventdementiaisthroughregularphysicalactivity.Ahalfhourofexercise,fivedaysaweek,canreducetheriskbyasmuchas30%.Thereisalsoevidencethatregularexercisecanactuallyimprovememorywithinasixmonthperiod.
Althoughthereissurprisinglylittleevidencetosupportthebenefitsofmentalexercise,itjustmakessensetokeepthemindactive.Therearemanyelectronicdevicesthatclaimtopreventmemorylosswithpuzzlesandgames.Butinmyopinion,anactivitysuchastravelingismorevaluablebecauseyou’rebeingmentallyandphysicallyactiveatthesametime.Andwhodoesn’twantanexcusetotravel?
Q. How does Horizon help prevent the spread of the flu in its facilities?Marilyn Babineau Manager of Workforce Wellness
A.Horizontakesinfluenza(theflu)veryseriously.Inourongoingcommitmenttoprotectourpatients,Horizonrecentlyreviseditspolicyonstaffimmunization.Thisnewpolicyprovidesevenclearermeasurestohelpprotectpatientsandvisitorsfrombeingexposedtotransmittableviruses,includingtheflu.
AllHorizonstaffwhocomeintocontactwithpatientsarerequiredtogetafluvaccination.AndwhileHorizonunderstandstherearecertainpeoplewhocannotgetthevaccination,forthosewhochoosenottogettheflushot,whenworkinginapatient-carearea,theywillbeobligatedtowearasurgicalmaskduringthepeakofthefluseason.
Withoutavaccination,wecanunknowinglyspreadthefluwithoutshowinganysymptoms.Thisnewpolicyhasbeenputinplacetohelpprotectourelderlyandmostvulnerablepatientpopulationfromgettingsickfromtheirhealth-careproviders.
Soifyouseesomeonewalkingaroundwithamaskon,don’tbealarmed.Youcanrestassuredthatyourhealth-careprovidersarejustlookingoutforapatient’sbestinterest.
Molly Dunbar, RDCertified Diabetes Educator
Dr. Patrick FeltmateGeriatrician
Marilyn Babineau Manager of
Workforce Wellness
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AstheNewBrunswickbabyboomgenerationspansintoitssixthandseventhdecade,curiosityandconcernsoverprostatecancerhaverisen.Somestatisticsarealarming: 1in6Canadianmenwillreceiveadiagnosisofprostatecancerintheirlifetime;Othersaremorereassuring,forexampleonly1in28menwilldieofprostatecancer.Statisticssuchastheseshowthatmostmendiagnosedwilllivewiththeirprostatecanceranditwillnotbethecauseoftheirdeath.Howeverknowingwhatcanbedonetoprotectyourprostateglandshouldstillbeofinteresttomenandtheirfamilies.
Let’sbeginbystatingthereisnosurewaytopreventprostatecancer.Somethingsincreaseyourriskandarebeyondyourcontrol,forexample:
• Age–Prostatecancerisrareinmenlessthan50yearsofage.Ratesincreasewithincreasingage.
• Familyhistory–Amanwhosefather,brotherorsonhasprostatecancerisathigherrisk.
• Ethnicity–African-Canadianmenareathigherrisk.
Todecreaseyourriskofprostatecancer,chooseahealthydiet.A“prostate-healthy”dietisvirtuallyidenticaltoa“heart-healthy”dietsoallthemorereasontoeatcarefullyandlivelonger.Alowfatdietmayreduceyourrisk,althoughnotallstudiesagree.Inone
study,menwhoatethehighestlevelsoffateachdayhadthehighestriskofprostatecancer.
Herearesomewaystoincorporateahealthydietintoyourlife:
•Chooseleanercutsofmeat,usereducedfatdairyproductsanduseplantoilssuchasoliveoiltocookwithratherthanbutter.
•Eatfish.It’sdeliciousandcontainsomega-3.Somestudieslinkomega-3todecreasedprostatecancerrisk.
•Tryaddingsoy(tofu),kidneybeans,chickpeasandpeanutstoyourdiettogetmoreofnutrientscalled“isoflavones.”
•Maintainahealthyweight.Somestudiesshowoverweightmenareathigherriskofprostatecancer.Dailyexercisewillhelpkeepweightdownandexercisebyitselfreducesprostatecancerriskinsomestudies.
•VitaminEmayincreaseyourriskofprostatecancer.Thisisbasedononlyonestudy.
•FolicacidisaBvitaminfoundingreenvegetables.Menwithenoughfolicacidintheirdietshavealowerriskofprostatecancerbutmenwhotakefolicacidpillsseemtohaveanincreaseinprostatecancer.
•Adiethighinlycopene(foundintomatoesandtomatosauceproducts)protected
againstprostatecancerinsomestudiesbutnotinothers.Fifteenyearsagothiswasahottopicforprostatecancerprotectionbutithascooledoffconsiderablyinthelastfiveyears.Wejustdon’tknowforsure.
•TwomedicationsontheCanadianmarket(ProscarandAvodart),whentakeneveryday,candecreasetheriskofprostatecancerby25%.However,thereareconcernsaboutthebenefitsversustherisksofthesemedications.Theymaybeusefulforsomemenbutasalwaysyourfamilydoctororurologistisinthebestpositiontodecideonanymedication.Thesedrugsareveryhelpfulfortreatinganenlargednon-cancerousprostateconditioncalledBPH.
Protect Your Prostate: What’sNewinPreventionandEarlyDetectionofProstateCancer?
Dr. Peter FeeroUrologist, Fredericton
Early Detection
Earlydetection(oftencalledscreening)ofprostatecanceroffersachancetodetectacancerinitsveryearlystagesbeforeitspreadsoutsidetheprostategland.Thisincreasesthechanceofcuringthecancerwithsurgeryorradiation.EarlydetectionisdonetwowaysinCanada:
•Adigital(finger)examinationoftheprostategland.Alittleuncomfortableandmaybeembarrassingbutpotentiallyimportant.
•ThePSAbloodtest.
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Atfirstthought,earlydetectionforprostatecancersoundslikeagreatidea,avirtual“no-brainer”formenover50yearsofage.However,rememberthatmostmendiagnosedwithprostatecancerwillnotdieofitandthereforeearlydetectioncouldbeharmful.Howso?
Manymenwithprostatecancerwillsuffernoharmfromitbutcoulddefinitelysufferfromsideeffectsoftreatmentsuchassurgeryorradiation.Ontheotherhand,manymenhavelivedlongerhealthierlivesbecauseofprostatecancertreatment. Twostudiesonearlydetectionfiveconflictingresults.AnAmericanstudyshowednobenefittoearlydetectionbutaEuropeanstudy(publishedthesameyear)showedasmallreductionindeathsfromprostatecancerwithearlydetection. Thisisdefinitelyaconfusingareafordoctorsandmenovertheageof50.ShouldIhavetestsdonetodetectasmallcancerthatmightneveraffectmeorshouldIavoidthosetestsandriskmissingaserious,maybeevenlife-threateningprostatecancer?
Someorganizationsanddoctorsrecommendnoearlydetectiontestsforprostatecanceratall.TheyarguePSAbloodtestscausemoreharmthangoodandleadtounnecessaryproceduressuchasprostatebiopsies,prostatesurgeryandradiationtreatment.
ManyCanadiandoctorscontinuetotesttheirmalepatientsforearlyprostatecancer.IfsomethingturnsuponexaminationorPSAtest,referraltoaurologistismadeandprostatebiopsiesareoftenrecommended.Treatmentcanbegivenbasedonthebiopsyreport.Thereportwilltellyou
andyourdoctorifthecancerislikelytogrowslowly(maynotneedtreatment)orspreadquickly(surgeryorradiationcanbeusedtotreatit).Therealquestionofearlyprostatecancerdetectionisundecidedandeventhe“experts”areunsurewhatmenshoulddo.However,allrecommendyouhaveathoroughdiscussionwithyourfamilydoctorwhenyoureachtheageof50(maybe40or45ifyouhaveafamilyhistoryofprostatecancer).Onceyouandyourdoctorhavediscussedtherisksandbenefitsofearlydetection,youwillbeinthebestpossiblepositiontodecide. Hereareafewtipstohelpyoudecide:
•Consideryourfamilyhistoryandethnicbackground.
•Ifyouareovertheageof70itappearstobeveryunlikelyearlydetectionofprostatecancerwillbebeneficialtoyou.
•Ifyouhaveamedicalconditionsuchasaseriousheartdiseaseorlungorbowelcancerforexample,testsforearlyprostatecancermaybeunwise.
ThebottomlineisthatprostateexaminationsandPSAmaybesimpletests,butit’snotasimpledecision.Ifyoudiscussallyouroptionswithyourtrustedfamilydoctorandconsideryourriskfactorsandpersonalpreferences,youwillmaximizeyourchancesof“protectingyourprostate.”
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FocusonResearch
Dr.PamelaJarrettGeriatricianCanada’spopulationisagingandtheissuesaffectingtheelderlyarebecomingincreasinglyimportanttoaddress.AsageriatricianatSt.Joseph’sHospitalinSaintJohn,N.B.,Dr.PamelaJarrettspecializesinthecareofolderadultswithmultiplechronicillnessesanddisabilities.
AsoneofNewBrunswick’sleadingresearchersinthisfield,Dr.Jarretthasbeeninvolvedinmorethan30nationalandinternationalclinicaltrialsoverthelastdecade.Herresearchhaslookedatmanyimportantissuesaffectingtheelderly,mostnotablyinthetreatmentofdementia,anditsmostcommoncause,Alzheimer’sdisease.
Dr.Jarrett’scurrentareaofresearchisAlternateLevelofCare(ALC)patients.Thesearepatientswhoremaininhospitalfollowinganacuteillnessandareawaitingcareincommunityfacilities,suchasnursinghomes.ThegrowingnumberofALCpatientsremaininginhospitalseventhoughtheynolongerrequirehospital-levelcareisanationaltrend.Howeverlittlehasbeenreportedaboutthecharacteristicsofthispatientgroup,whichissomethingDr.Jarretthasfocusedon.
Inherinitialresearchshefoundthatmorethan50%ofALCpatientsinNewBrunswickhaddementia,andsomehadneverbeendiagnosedbeforetheywereadmittedtohospital.Furthermore,mostofthesepatientswerelivingintheirownhomes,eitheraloneorwithothers.TheneedtofocusonthecareofpatientswithdementiainthecommunityisahighpriorityforDr.Jarrett’sresearchteam.
ThroughherfacultyappointmentsatDalhousieandMemorialUniversities,Dr.Jarrettisinvolvedwithteachingthenextgenerationofphysiciansaboutgeriatricmedicineandmanypassthroughherdepartmentaseithermedicalstudentsorresidentswheretheylearnvaluableinsightintocaringforthisspecialpopulation.
Education,ofcourse,mustextendbeyondtheclassroomandDr.Jarrettisveryinvolvedwithteachingphysicians,nursesandotherhealth-careprovidersaboutthebestwaytocareforolderadultsthroughoutNewBrunswick.Sheworkswithextremelydedicatedcolleagueswhoallhavethesamegoalinmind;toensurethatthesepatientsandfamiliesreceivethebestcarepossible.
Medical student Madelaine Wernham, Gladys Vandenberche
and Dr. Pamela Jarrett at the Health and Aging Clinic, St.
Joseph’s Hospital, Saint John
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or contact the Office of Research Services at (506) 648-6090
To learn more about Research initiatives at Horizon Health
Network please visit
www.HorizonNB.ca
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AdoptaBone-healthyLifestyle
Christine MayrandRegistered Dietician,
Waterville
Youmayalreadyknowthatosteoporosisisaconditionthatcausesbonestogetthinnerandlosestrength.Andyoumayalsobeawarethesechangesincreaseyourriskofbreakingaboneinyourhip,backorwrist.Butdidyouknowosteoporosisdoesn’thavetobeanormalpartofaging?
Knowingsomeimportantfactscanhelpkeepyourboneshealthyanddecreaseyourriskofdevelopingosteoporosis.
Bone-friendly nutritionProtein-Eatingfoodsrichinproteineverydayisimportantinprovidingthebuildingblocksneededforbonestrength.Goodexamplesofproteinincludemeat,fish,eggs,tofu,legumes,nuts,andnutbutters.Adultsshouldeattwotothreeservingsoffoodsfromthisgroupeveryday.
Calcium-Calciumisanotherkeyingredientforstrongandhealthybones.Dairyproductslikemilk,cheeseandyogurtaregreatsourcesofcalciumandprotein.Ifyoudonotconsumemilkproducts,thechartbelowprovidesotherexamplesofcalcium-richfoods.
Ideally,itisimportanttogetthedaily-recommendedamountofcalciumfromfood.Ifyoudoneedasupplement,checkwithyourpharmacisttoseewhichonemightberightforyou.Youcanseehowyourdietmeasuresupwiththiscalciumrequirementchartortryoutthecalciumcalculatoratwww.osteoporosis.ca.
Food Portion Calcium
Milk 1cup 300mg
CheddarCheese 1¼ in cube
245mg
Yogurt-Plain ¾cup 295mg
FortifiedSoyBeverage
1cup 285mg
FortifiedOrangeJuice
1cup 300mg
AlmondsDryroasted
½cup 186mg
Muffin-Bran 1 100mg
TofuwithCalcium 3oz. 130mg
Salmon-cannedwithbones ½can 240mg
Jessica BillardPhysiotherapist,
Fredericton
Jacquie JacksonPharmacist, Fredericton
Vitamin D-VitaminDisimportantforbonehealthbecauseitincreasestheabsorptionofcalciumandimprovesmusclefunction.
YourbodygetsvitaminDfromthreesources:food,sunexposureandsupplements.It’shardtogetenoughvitaminDfromdietaloneandbecauseweliveinanorthernclimate,wedon’tgetasmuchsunasweneed.Combinethatwiththeuseofsunscreenprotection,andyourskin’sabilitytoproducevitaminDfromthesunisdecreasedevenmore.Asyouage,yourbody’sabilitytocreatevitaminDalsodecreasesresultinginlowinvitaminDlevels.OsteoporosisCanadarecommendsthatallCanadianadultstakevitaminDsupplementsyearround.
Age(years) Calcium Vitamin D
4-8 1000mg 600IU
9-18 1300mg 600IU
19-50 1000mg 400-1000IU
50+ 1300mg 800-2000IU
Bone-smart activitiesRegularphysicalactivityalongwithweight-bearingandmuscle-strengtheningexercises,buildhealthybonesandhelpkeepthemstrong.
Powerwalking,jogging,stepaerobicsandstairclimbingareweight-bearingexercises.Youshouldaimfor30minutesaday,whetheryoudoitallatonceor10minutesatatime.Trytofittheseactivitiesinfourtosixdaysaweek.Musclestrengtheningexercisesincreasetheamountofmuscleandcanincreasebonestrength.
Regularphysicalactivitiesincreaseyourflexibility,musclestrength,coordinationandbalancewhichallhelptodecreaseyourriskoffalling.
Other Risk FactorsSmokingisamajorriskfactorforosteoporosisandtoomuchalcoholorcaffeineputsyouatahigherriskfordevelopingosteoporosisaswell.Consumingmorethanfourcupsofcaffeinateddrinksandmorethantwoalcoholicbeveragesadaycanincreaseyourrisk.
Otherriskfactors:
•Historyofhiporspine fractures
•Familyhistoryofhipfracture•Longtermprednisoneuse•Rheumatoidarthritis•Lowweight(lessthan60Kg
or130pounds)•Earlymenopause•LossofheightOsteoporosisisknownas“thesilentthief”becausebonelosshappenswithoutsymptoms.Usethesetipstoprotectyourbonesandimproveyouroverallhealth.Remember,togetthemostbenefit,stickwiththepositivechangesyoumake!
Formoreinformation,speaktoamemberofyourhealth-careteam,contactOsteoporosisCanadaat 1-800-463-6842ortheNewBrunswickChapterat(506)389-2214.
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Kristi Schriver, BN, RN, PHN / BN, II
Public Health Nurse, Woodstock
The following chart lists which vaccines are available at each grade:
Grade 7, 8 and 9
students:
Thesestudentsareeligibletoreceiveavaccinetoprotectthemagainsttetanus,diphtheriaandpertussis(whoopingcough).
Grade 9 students:
Thisgroupiseligibletoreceiveameningococcalvaccinetoprotectthemagainstaninvasivediseasecausedbyn.meningitidestypesA,C,YandW-135.ForstudentspreviouslyvaccinatedagainsttypeCdisease,thisvaccinewillexpandtheirprotectiontoincludetypesA,YandW-135.
Grade 7 – Females:
Thisgroupiseligibletobeimmunizedagainstthehumanpapillomavirus(HPV).
Studentsattendingprivateschoolorwhoarehomeschooledarealsoeligibletoreceivethevaccineslistedabove.Formore
informationpleasecontactyourlocalPublicHealthClinic.
Immunizationisoneoftheeasiestandbestwaystohelpkeepourchildrensafe,helpingtocontrolandeliminatelife-threateninginfectiousdiseases.Annually,morethantwomilliondeathsarepreventedworldwidethroughimmunization.
Whenbabiesareborntheyalreadyhaveacertainamountofnaturalprotectionfromparticulardiseases,whichispassedontothemfromtheirmothers.Howeverthisprotection,knownasantibodies,onlylastforthefirstyearoflife.Thismeansthatafterthattimeyoungchildren
areatriskforanumberofdiseasesthatcanbeseriousandevenfatal.Fortunately,parentsinCanadahaveaccesstopublicly-fundedvaccinestoimmunizetheirchildrenagainstanumberofdiseases,includingmeasles,mumps,polioandwhoopingcough.
Bygettingimmunized,achild’simmunesystemisabletobuildresistancetodisease.Eachvaccinecontainsatinyamountofthevirusthatcausesthedisease,whichinturncausestheimmunesystemtocreateantibodies.Inthefuture,ifachildisexposedtoadiseasetheywereimmunizedfor,the
Vaccine-PreventableDiseases:KeepingOurChildrenSafe forLife
immunesystemjumpsintoaction.Itremembersthedisease,andwakesuptheantibodytofightitoff.Andallofthishappenswithoutthechildevenknowingit!
Onceachildreachesschool-ageandonthroughtoadulthood,itisimportanttocontinuewithregularvaccinationsassomeimmunizationsdonotprotectagainstthediseaseforlife.Forexamplevaccinationsfor
tetanus,whoopingcoughandinfluenzaneedtobedoneregularlytoensureongoingprotectionfromthediseases.
EachfallinNewBrunswick,PublicHealthnursesprovidearangeofvaccinestomiddleandhighschoolstudentsfreeofcharge.Immunizationisoneofthemostpowerfulandcost-effectivetoolstoprevent,controlandmanagevaccine-preventablediseases.
Angela Green, BN, RN, PHN / BN, II
Public Health Nurse, Woodstock
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www2.gnb.ca
For more information about what vaccinations your child should be getting, or to access
the routine immunization schedule for New Brunswick, please visit
To find contact information for the Public Health Clinic
near you, please visit
www2.gnb.ca
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Chancesarethatwhenyouwerelearninghowtoreadinkindergarten,writingyourfinalexamsinhighschool,puttingthefinaltouchesonthatresearchpaperinuniversityorfinishingupyourpracticumincollege,youweren’tthinkingabouthowtheresultswouldimpactyourfuturehealth.However,therelationshipbetweeneducationandhealthisstronginmanydirectandindirectways.
Educationisimportantonanumberofsociallevelsincludingthefactthatitgivesustheknowledgeandskillstosolveproblemsandhelpsprovideuswithasenseofcontroloverourlifecircumstances.Oneofthemainreasonswepursueaneducationissothatwecansecureagoodjobandreceiveagoodincome.Butdidyouknowthatincomecanaffecthealth?Forexample,thelevelofincomewehaveinfluenceswhetherweliveinasafeorunsafeneighbourhood,whetherwehaveextrafundstoenjoyactiverecreation,andwhetherwecanaffordtobuyhealthyfoods.Ontheotherhand,alimitedincomecancauseagreatdealofstressinourliveswhichcannegativelyimpactbothourphysicalandmentalhealth.
Thelevelofeducationweattaincanalsoinfluencetheconditionsinwhichwework.Peoplewithahigherlevelofeducationtendtobeemployedinhealthierworkplaceswhereemployeehealthandsafetytendtobemorevaluedandwheretheyareprovidedwithagreatersenseofcontrolovertheirlives.
Whenresearcherslookatthepopulationasawhole,theyfindhealthimprovesateverylevelyouclimbuptheeducationladder:Thosewhocanreadhavebetterhealththanthosewhocannot;thosewithahighschooldiplomahavebetterhealththanthose
FromABCstoGPAs:EducationImpactsHealth
Allison Holland
Manager of Population Health Promotion, Miramichi
Denise ConnorsRegistered Dietician,
Saint John
Denise Leblanc-Duchin, Ph. D., Applied Health Research Coordinator for Research
Services, Horizon Health Network and Instructor at University of New Brunswick,
Saint John Campus.
Giventhatthereissuchastrongrelationshipbetweeneducationandhealth,theobviousadvicewouldbetopursueaqualityeducation,butthisisofteneasiersaidthandone.Evenwiththeadvancededucationsystemwehavetoday,therearestillanumberofbarrierskeepingpeoplefrompursuingpost-secondaryeducation.Whenitcomestohealthliteracyhowever,thekeyisbuildingliteracyskillsifyoudon’talreadyhavethem,orimprovingthemifyoufeeltheycouldbebetter.Haveyoueverheardtheterm“useitorloseit?”Weoftenhearthissayingwhenitcomestostayingphysicallyactivebutthesameappliestoourabilitytoreadandunderstand–it’snevertoolatetoimprove!
Ifyouorsomeoneyouknowwouldliketoimprovetheirliteracyskills,thereareanumberofservicesavailable.Tofindoutmore,youcancontact:
without;andthosewhoattendcollegeoruniversityhavebetterhealththanthosewithonlyahighschooldiploma.Ofcoursetherearesomeexceptionstothisrule,butingeneralthisisthetrend.
Thereisalsoamoredirectwaythateducationcanimpacthealthwhichisreferredtoashealthliteracy.Thetermhealthliteracysimplymeanstheskillandabilityapersonhastoaccess,understandanduseinformationtopromoteandmaintaingoodhealth.Understandinghealthinformationcanbeadauntingtask!Evenhealthcareprofessionalsthemselvesfindithardtokeepupwiththeeverchangingconceptsandterminologyintheirfield.Soforpeoplewhofaceliteracychallengesintheirday-to-daylives,youcanimaginehowintimidatinghealthinformationcanbe.Itclearlyputsthematadisadvantage.
Inarecentsurvey,NewBrunswickHealthCouncilresearchersdividedNewBrunswickinto28“communities.”Theyfoundthatincommunitieswherethepopulationhadlowerlevelsofeducation,theyalsoscoredpoorlyonanumberofhealthliteracymeasuresincluding:
•knowinghowtotryandpreventfurtherproblemswiththeirhealthcondition,
•knowingwhateachoftheirprescribedmedicationsdo,
•understandingtheinformationthatwasgivenbytheirhealth-careprovider
•findingtheirwayaroundthehealth-caresystem.
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The Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick
1-800-563-2211 E-mail: [email protected]
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Anonymous
IknewIneededhelpwhenIstartedtothinkIwasgoingcrazy.IfeltlikeIwaswalkingoneggshellsinmyownhomeanditdidn’tseemtomatterwhatIdid:myhusbandwasalwaysangry.
Hehadcalledmenamesbeforebutthingsweregettingworse.Icouldn’tdoanythingright,hehatedmyfamily,andifItriedtogooutwithfriendshemademefeelsoguiltythatIwouldmakeupanexcuseandnotgo.
Eventhoughhehadneverhitme,Ifeltafraidofhim.
HeoftenmadecommentsabouthowIdidn’tappreciateallhedidforme,thatIwasluckytohavesomeonewhowaswillingtoputupwithmeandyetIcouldn’tthinkofanyreasonwhythiswastrue.Iwouldtrytodoeverythingright:Iwouldcookmealsheliked;Ikeptthehouseveryclean;andneverbotheredhimwhenhewaswatchingTV.Mostofthetime,Iwouldtrytofigureoutwhatkindofmoodhewasinbeforeeventalkingtohim.
Noneofthisseemedtohelp.HewouldmakecruelcommentsaboutthewayIhadmotheredourchildrenandwouldcriticizemycookingandhousekeepingskills.IfItoldhimthathiscommentshurtmyfeelingsorthatIwasdoingmybest,hewouldtellmethatImisunderstoodwhathesaid,denythathehadeversaidit,ortellmethatIwastoosensitiveandIneededto“toughenup.”
Mostofthetime,hewasadifferentpersoninfrontofothers.Hewouldbefunnyandnicewhenwewereoutorhadcompanyover.HewaslikeDr.JekyllandMr.Hyde.AndmostpeopleseemedtolikehimsoIbegantothinkthatmaybeitwasme.
SometimesIwouldthinkthatthingsweregoingbetterandthatmaybehewasfeelinghappierbutthiswouldn’tlastlong,somethingsmallwouldsethimoffandwewouldbeinanargumentforhoursaboutnothing.IwouldapologizejusttostoptheargumenteventhoughIdidn’tknowexactlywhatIhaddone.
Allthearguing,silenttreatments,bangingaroundthehousemademesoanxiousandtired,allIwantedtodowassleep.Myhusbandwouldwakemeuptorestartanargumentortotellmesomethingthatcouldeasilywaituntilmorning.Thelackofsleepwasliterallydrivingmecrazy.
AlthoughIneverhaddepressionbeforeImetmyhusband,Iwasnowonbothdepressionandanxietymedications,mybloodpressurewasupandIhadbothinsomniaandsymptomsofirritablebowelsyndrome.
OnedaymydoctoraskedmeiftherewasanyoneinmylifewhocouldsupportmethroughsomeoftheserecentmedicalconcernsandIbegantocry.Itoldthedoctoraboutmyhusbandandourrelationship.ThedoctorgavemethenumbertoDomesticViolenceOutreachServices.IhadneverthoughtofmyselfasavictimofdomesticviolencebecauseIhadneverbeenhit.
ImetwiththeOutreach’ssocialworkerthefollowingdayandafterlisteningtomyexperience,shetoldmethatIwaslivinginanemotionallyandpsychologicallyabusiverelationship.ShetoldmethatIwasnotcrazybutthatmyhusband’sabusivebehaviorswereintendedtomakemefeelcrazy.IlearnedthataslongasIfeltcrazyandfearedhisreactions,heheldallthepowerintherelationship.
My story / Mon histoire
DomesticViolenceHasManyFacesIttookaboutfivemonthsofmeetingwiththesocialworkerformetofeelconfidentenoughtomakesomepositivechangesinmylife.Istartedreconnectingwithmyfamilyandfriendsandwefoundsafewaysformetosafelyassertmyselfinmyrelationship.Ieventuallyleftmyhusbandandmovedintomyownplace.
IfeelreallygoodaboutwhereIamrightnowwithmylife.Iknowthateverybody’sstoryisdifferentbutoftenthefeelingsoflivingwithabusearethesame.Ifyouareinarelationshipandarenothappy,oryoudon’tfeelsafebutaren’tsurewhy,talktosomeone;maybeyouaren’tcrazy.
Hopemystoryhelpssomeone,Donna
Domestic violence has many faces.
If you have questions or concerns call Domestic Violence Outreach (DVO) at
(506) 632-5616
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Agingtodaylooksverydifferentthanitdid100yearsago.Aslifeexpectancyincreaseswithadvancesinhealthcareandhealthinformation,peoplearelivinglongerandhavemoreopportunitiestolivelifetoitsfullest.
Whatthislifestylelookslikevaries,dependingontheperson.Manyolderadultswhohaveretiredaregoingbacktoactivitiestheymayhavegivenupwhiletheywereworkingorraisingafamily.Forsome,it’sareturntoplayingsports,likehockey,curling,orskiing.Othersarejoiningwalkingorrunninggroups,aquasizeclasses,bowlingteamsorequestrianevents.Activitiessuchaspickleball(aracquetsport),andvolleyballcanalsobeaccessedthroughlocalseniorsgroupsandrecreationalfacilities.
Choicesforactivitiesthatprovidephysicalexercisearenumerousandonethingtokeepinmindwhenchoosinganactivityistheamountofeffortitrequires.
Inordertoachievehealthbenefits,theCanadianCentreforExercisePhysiologyrecommendsthatalladults,includingthose65yearsorolder,getaminimumof150minutesofmoderatetovigorousaerobicactivityeachweek.
Theseactivitiescanbedoneinintervalsof10minutesormoredependingonyourcapabilities.Aimforaworkoutwhereyoufeelyou’remaintainingagoodpace,withaslightlyelevatedheartrate,whilemaintainingcontrolofyourbreathingenoughtobeabletocarryonaconversationwithouthavingtocatchyourbreath.
Addingmuscleandbonestrengtheningactivities,andbalanceandstretchingexercisestoyouraerobicactivitieswillhelptoreducetheriskoffalling,providegreaterflexibility,controlweightandimproveenergy.
Whenlookingforactivities,it’simportanttodiscussthebenefitsandriskswithyourfamilydoctororhealth-careprofessionalfirst.Chooseactivitiesthatareappropriatefor
yourcurrentfitnesslevelandremember,anactivitythatismoderateforoneperson,maybevigorousforanother.Forinstance,foronepersongoingforabriskwalkmaybeofmoderateintensity,butanotherpersonmayneedalightjogtoachievethesamebenefit.
Whilefitnesspromotesahealthyseniorlifestyle,anotherofitsadvantagesandagoodmotivator,arethesocialbenefitsofbeingactive.Mostactivitiesaredoneingroupsandeventhosethatdon’trequiregroupparticipationcanleadtoconnectionswithotherpeople,likewalkingadogdownthestreetorwalkingagrandchildtotheplayground.
Manyretireesfeeldisconnectedwhentheynolongerhaveaworkplacetogotoandarelookingforanewsocialnetwork.Often,retiredseniorsusetheextratimetheyhavetovolunteerasawaytosocializeandstayactive.Someevenincorporatephysicalactivityintotheirvolunteerroles,trainingandworkinghardtobecomeseniorfitnessleaders,offeringfreeexerciseclassestothe50-pluspopulation.Theyprovidecardio,strengthtraining,balanceandstretchingclassesandteachparticipantshowtopreventfallsandinjury.Thesekindsofprogramsallowseniorstosupporteachother,formfriendshipsandreceivethehealthbenefitsofregularphysicalactivity.CheckwithyourlocalRecreationDepartmenttoseewhatkindsofprogramsareavailableinyourcommunity.
Besidesthephysicalandsocialadvantagesofbeingmoreactive,you’llnoticeanimprovementinyourabilitytoperformeverydayactivities,suchascarryinggroceries,rakingleaves,vacuumingorwashingwindows.You’llalsogainabettersenseofoverallwellbeing,whichcanhelpyoucopewithdailylifestressors.
Overtime,asyouincreaseyourinvolvement,youwillhavecreatedahabitofwhichyou’llreaptherewardslongintoyourlateryears.
Today’sSenior:HowToStaySocialandActiveasyouAge
Try tracking your activities on a weekly calendar. Challenge yourself to be
active 150 minutes each week. At the end of each week, reward yourself. That’s less than 25 minutes per day, or 50 minutes, three days a week.
Include the less physically-demanding activities because they are still beneficial for social wellbeing.
My Weekly Activities
Monday Briskly walked the dog (20 min)
Tuesday Mowed the lawn (20 min); went to play cards
Wednesday Hand washed the car (15 min); visited daughter and grandchildren
Thursday Went to seniors exercise class (45 min); went out for lunch with friends
Friday Walked to store rather than taxi (15 min); took dog to dog park and chatted with other owners
Saturday Raked leaves (30 min); went to movie with grandchild
Sunday Vacuumed (10 min); attended birthday party
Total minutes = 155
Social events = 6
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years.
We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give
up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. -Samuel Ullman
Lori Patterson, Bsc.OT, OT, Reg (NB)
Occupational Therapist, Saint John
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For information on volunteering with
Horizon Health Network, visit
www.HorizonNB.ca
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OuR VISION:Leading for a Healthy Tomorrow
OuR MISSION:Care for People, Educate, Innovate
and Foster Research
OuR VAluES:Compassion, Respect, Integrity,
Collaboration, Excellence, Sustainability, Innovation
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