catharine pendrel -

| www.HorizonNB.ca | Healthy Living in New Brunswick . . . . . . . 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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We …•ArethelargesthealthnetworkinAtlanticCanada•ServetheprovincesofNewBrunswick,PrinceEdwardIslandandnorthernNovaScotia•AreoneofthelargestemployersinNewBrunswick•Area$1billionplusorganization•Employapproximately13,000staffmembersand1,000physicians•Haveover100facilities,clinicsandoffices•Have4,600volunteers,auxiliaryandalumnaemembers•Have20foundations•Have18auxiliariesandalumnaeHorizonHealthNetworkplaysamajorroleinresearch,education,innovationandhealthandwellness.


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

http://en.horizonnb.ca/information-news/publications/vibrant.aspx


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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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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http://cpendrel.blogspot.ca/

http://cpendrel.blogspot.ca/


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

http://en.horizonnb.ca/home/facilities-and-services/facilities.aspx?cat=1&type=addictions


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:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php

www.eatracker.ca/default.aspx


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?

http://en.horizonnb.ca/home/facilities-and-services/facilities/mango.aspx


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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http://www.diabetes.ca

http://www.diabetes.ca


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.


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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http://en.horizonnb.ca/home/research.aspx


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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http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/healthy_people/content/public_health_clinics.html

http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc.html


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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http://www.nb.literacy.ca/

mailto:[email protected]


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

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/samuelullm103893.html

http://en.horizonnb.ca/home/careers-and-education/volunteers.aspx


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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