Helping you and your FAMILY live life ‌
well
FALL 2014 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4
Be social, stay safe Tips for safe social media use
Aging at home Top of mind: Living at home with dementia
MIKE HOLMES Knows the importance of details
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Helping you and your FAMILY live life …
well
cover story
Fall 2014 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4
in every issue 2 Message from Southlake 5 Well Notes 10 Behind the Scenes Anesthesiology team: Navigating patient care Partners in Care 16 Sun Life Financial: A brighter future for those with diabetes 26 Upper Canada Mall: Shared community roots grow into solid partnership 38 BWG Seniors: A history of giving
22 mike holmes knows the importance of details
feature stories 6 Aging at home Top of mind: Living at home with dementia 12 Home, school, community It takes a village to raise an active child 14 His heart is in the game 18 Southlake building a legacy of end-of-life care
28 Pick up the pace Intensity counts when exercising for health benefits
29 Hospital News The best care, close to home: Southlake introduces alternative for patients who suffer abdominal aneurysms 36 Community Event Listings 39 Marlene’s Meal Makeovers Croutons for lunchbox or dinner 40 Foundation News Hitting the links; community rallies behind Southlake 42 Neighbours Helping Neighbours Adults could follow youths’ lead 44 Last Word Goodbye tooth decay, hello good oral health
30 Healthy trails to you 32 Happy and healthy holidays 34 Be social, stay safe 36 Giving Tuesday
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MESSAGE from Southlake
Dr. Dave Williams President & CEO Southlake Regional Health Centre
Neila Poscente President & CEO Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation
Grateful for generous, supportive community As the seasons change and the year draws to an end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished so far in 2014 and to take a look at what lies ahead. This is a transitional time at Southlake Foundation, as we wrap up our Images for Life diagnostic imaging campaign and introduce new fundraising priorities for Southlake.
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We are proud of the strides we have made in our $16 million Images for Life campaign, which will significantly improve diagnostic imaging services at Southlake. We are deeply committed to investing in these upgrades because so many of our patients rely on diagnostic imaging for their diagnoses and treatment. We are proud to say that, when the campaign is complete, each one of our patients will have access to the very best in diagnostic imaging technology. The first stage of the campaign was completed in 2012, with the opening of our new interventional radiology suite (IRS). Completely funded by community donations, the IRS has brought minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment to our community, allowing our health care team to perform 2,000 more live-saving procedures annually. When the second stage of the campaign is complete, we will upgrade our nuclear medicine services, purchase upgraded x-ray and ultrasound equipment for use across the Southlake campus and add a second, state-of-the-art MRI, to truly transform the way that diagnostic services are provided. The 3 Tesla MRI means 5,000 more scans for the members of our community, leading to shorter wait times and an earlier start to treatment for our patients. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and we can’t express how thankful we are for the enormous community support that made this possible. Looking to the future, we are excited for what the next few months and the New Year, will hold. We are pleased to introduce our $12 million love lives here campaign, which will support the construction of a residential hospice at Southlake. As a hospital committed to providing shockingly excellent experiences, we recognized a gap in ensuring that our community members have options for compassionate end-of-life care in an appropriate, non-acute environment. With community support, Southlake will construct a 10-bed residential hospice to serve York Region and surrounding areas, ensuring our loved ones have the facilities and support to live out their final days in peace, dignity and comfort. The addition of the residential hospice to the Southlake campus will give us the means to provide care for 170 to 250 patients—and their families—each year. In addition to the hospice project, we will continue to rely on our generous community to support Southlake’s most urgent needs, such as the expansion of the electrophysiology labs for our Regional Cardiac Care Program and the replacement of essential hospital equipment—like the scopes that our health care team uses each and every day to diagnose, treat and provide follow-up care to our patients. In this season of gratitude and giving, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have such a supportive community. Our loyal donors have shown us time and time again just how much they care about their families, friends and neighbours by ensuring the very best in health care is available close to home at Southlake. From all of us here at Southlake, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
To help transform lives at Southlake, please visit southlakefoundation.ca.
ESSENTIAL SOUTHLAKE CONTACT INFORMATION All hospital enquiries: 905-895-4521 Volunteering at Southlake: 905-895-4521, ext. 2104 volunteers@southlakeregional.org Careers at Southlake: 905-895-4521, ext. 2535 careers@southlakeregional.org To give us feedback on the care received: Patient Relations Office 905-895-4521, ext. 2290 For information on making a donation: Visit southlakefoundation.ca or contact Southlake Foundation at 905-836-7333, 1-877-457-2036 or Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation Medical Arts Building 102-581 Davis Dr. Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P6
NEED A FAMILY DOCTOR? For a current list of physicians taking new patients: • Visit southlakeregional.org and click on “Healthcare Professionals” or call Southlake at 905-895-4521, ext. 6913; or • Visit Healthcare Connect at ontario.ca/healthcareconnect or call 1-800-445-1822.
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well NOTES
B Y L ee ann W aterman lwaterman @ yrmg . com
When we first moved to Holland Landing six years ago, my husband and I were pretty pleased to find an informal trail located just a few hundred metres from our house. It connected to the Holland River Trail, which connects to Rogers Reservoir and the Nokiidaa Trail. We could walk from our front door all the way to Aurora almost entirely on trails—and we did. We logged 20-kilometre walks in preparation for our Kilimanjaro climb in 2011. We also had weeknight picnic dinners at Rogers Reservoir and discovered geocaching. We were disappointed when that informal trail, which was located on private land, was closed to the public. Because the trailhead was now more than two kilometres away, we just didn’t use it as often. It was through a kind neighbour that we learned this summer that the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority had purchased the property of our informal trail and had plans to reopen it to the public. Our easy access to trails definitely improves our quality of life. We get out more to walk, run and snowshoe. And we find it relaxing to get away from the traffic and the general busyness of life and spend some time in the trees.
We’re not alone. In an article for this issue of beingwell, I asked a couple of local volunteers why they value time in nature. We also have a list of events to introduce newbies to our local trails. In this issue, we also sit down with Mike Holmes, contractor, television personality and all-round good guy, to talk about the connection between a healthy home and personal well-being. Mr. Holmes’ daughter Amanda also shares her own Southlake story. Amanda’s daughter Emily, who has a rare genetic condition, was born at the hospital. And her family credits the Southlake team with saving her life. In the second article in our series Aging at Home, we examine living at home with dementia and meet one couple who is doing it well with the support of the Alzheimer Society and community resources. We focus on youths with stories about safe use of social media and physical activity in schools. This issue also features the latest news from Southlake Regional Health Centre, including a behind the scenes look at the anesthesiology department and profiles of several foundation donors.
I hope you enjoy this issue. We welcome your feedback at beingwell@yrmg.com.
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aging
AT HOME
Top of mind
Living at home with dementia by L ee A nn W aterman
Autonomy, security, dignity, a sense of self. These are benefits of aging at home—something most of us want for ourselves and our loved ones. But we have our concerns as well—including isolation, safety risks and health issues. This is the second in a series exploring the challenges and rewards of aging at home.
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arbara and Cecil Roberts (not their real names) are the kind of spouses that finish one another’s sentences, laugh a lot and talk to each other about the little things and the big things. And that hasn’t changed in the five years since Mr. Roberts was diagnosed with vascular dementia. It was about six years ago that Mrs. Roberts first noticed the change in her husband. They were hosting a large family event and Mr. Roberts, usually at home in any social situation, seemed uncomfortable and had to be coached to make a planned speech. Over the next year, Mr. Roberts became frustrated with his failing memory and new struggles with cognitive processes such as reasoning, problem-solving and planning. “He said, ‘I have Alzheimer’s. I’m getting Alzheimer’s,’” Mrs. Roberts recalls. Within several months, Mr. Roberts received his diagnosis. Although there have been ups and downs in their journey, there has also been one
constant: “Unless and until (Cecil) cannot be cared for at home, for whatever reason, his place is here with his family,” Mrs. Roberts says. That’s not to say she has done it alone. “He is where he belongs. We’re doing everything we can to enable that—and I need a lot of support to make it happen for him,” she continues. That support includes informal help from family and friends, 10 hours each week of care from a personal support worker through the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), respite services and, perhaps most crucially, programs and services through the Alzheimer Society of York Region. “As a spouse caregiver, I’ve been through a bumpy journey of denial, acknowledgement, acceptance, anger, you name it—the whole gamut,” Mrs. Roberts says. “I always knew there was someone there (at the Alzheimer Society) I could call, that I wasn’t the lone ranger. There was somebody who knew, who understood. This is the first time I’ve been down this road, but they’ve seen it
many, many times.” She reaches out to the social worker and other staff at the society for information and connections to community services and attends a monthly caregiver support group. Weekdays, a driver with the Alzheimer Society of York Region picks Mr. Roberts up and takes him to the Alzheimer Society’s day program. “I’ve enjoyed going there because of the people. There are a lot of very nice people,” Mr. Roberts says. “We sing a lot; singers come and lead us—very good ones. We dance. We play games. We exercise. We chat. We eat; they feed us very well. The staff are funny, kind, sensitive and aware.” Andrea Ubell, senior manager of programs and client services at the Alzheimer Society of York Region, says support is key to living with or caring for someone with dementia. “If people are diagnosed early enough and supported in the early stages of the disease, and their caregivers are educated…people can and do live well because this is a very long disease,” she says.
10 warning signs To help you know what warning signs to look for, the Alzheimer Society has developed the following list: 1. Memory loss that affects day-to-day function It’s normal to forget things occasionally and remember them later: things like appointments, colleagues’ names or a friend’s phone number. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may forget things more often and not remember them later, especially things that have happened more recently. 2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks Busy people can be so distracted from time to time that they may leave the carrots on the stove and only remember to serve them at the end of a meal. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble with tasks that have been familiar to them all their lives, such as preparing a meal. 3. Problems with language Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer’s disease may forget simple words or substitute words, making her sentences difficult to understand.
4. Disorientation of time and place It’s normal to forget the day of the week or your destination—for a moment. But a person with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost on their own street, not knowing how they got there or how to get home. 5. Poor or decreased judgment People may sometimes put off going to a doctor if they have an infection, but eventually seek medical attention. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have decreased judgment, for example not recognizing a medical problem that needs attention or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day.
may put things in inappropriate places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl. 8. Changes in mood and behaviour Everyone becomes sad or moody from time to time. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease can exhibit varied mood swings—from calm to tears to anger—for no apparent reason. 9. Changes in personality People’s personalities can change somewhat with age. But a person with Alzheimer’s disease can become confused, suspicious or withdrawn. Changes may also include apathy, fearfulness or acting out of character.
6. Problems with abstract thinking From time to time, people may have difficulty with tasks that require abstract thinking, such as balancing a chequebook. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may have significant difficulties with such tasks, for example not recognizing what the numbers in the chequebook mean.
10. Loss of initiative It’s normal to tire of housework, business activities or social obligations, but most people regain their initiative. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive, and require cues and prompting to become involved.
7. Misplacing things Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. A person with Alzheimer’s disease
Source: Alzheimer Society of Canada, alzheimer.ca
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The people who manage well are often those who are able to accept and share the diagnosis. “The families living well with it are also the families that reach out for help,” Ms Ubell says. “They accept it, learn more, talk about it.” Some of the risks of living at home with dementia include: • Poor balance, slower reaction time and physical limitations can lead to falls. • Poor memory can mean individuals forget to take their medication or leave the stove turned on, risking a fire. • Diminished cognitive abilities make people vulnerable to financial abuse and wandering away from home. Mrs. Roberts has made changes to their environment and their routines to accommodate her husband’s declining physical and mental abilities. Their house is outfitted with aids including grab bars and a chair lift. A personal support worker comes every morning to help Mr. Roberts get ready for the day. They still go out to restaurants—but to lunch rather than dinner because Mr. Roberts gets tired later in the day. Movies are a favourite outing, but only if a third person can attend and wait with Mr. Roberts at the door while Mrs. Roberts parks the car. Mrs. Roberts also makes time for herself, taking advantage of respite services, arranging for Mr. Roberts to stay at long-term care facilities for several weeks throughout the year, and continuing to go on outings with friends. 8
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Preparing for a time when Mr. Roberts may not be able to be cared for at home, she put his name on a waiting list for a long-term care bed. When she got the call this summer, she confidently turned the bed down, even though in meant starting the process all over again three months later. “I didn’t have any ambivalence about declining,” Mrs. Roberts says. “I was very
solid in my decision.” Although she did not share the telephone call or her response to it with her husband, it is clear Mr. Roberts appreciates her efforts to keep him at home. When asked how he would measure aging well, Mr. Roberts replied: “Being able to stay at home, being with family, participating in family activities. To be there.”
Resources Alzheimer Society of York Region has many programs and services for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias: First Link offers an education series and links to services and programs for individuals and caregivers in the community. For information, contact coordinator Trevor O’Connor at 905-7263477 or toconnor@alzheimer-york.com. Caregiver support groups meet monthly in locations across York Region. Facilitated by trained leaders, the groups offer caregivers a chance to share concerns and learn from one another. Day programs are offered daily (except
Sunday) at centres in Aurora, Stouffville and Thornhill and include meals, social, physical and recreational activities. The cost is $20 per day, but subsidies are available. For more information on these and other services, visit alzheimer.ca/en/york or call 905-726-3477. The Community Care Access Society coordinates at-home care for people in need, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counselling and personal support such as bathing and getting dressed. For more information, visit healthcareathome.ca/central/ or call 1-888-470-2222.
behind
the scenes
DR. SHAWN MAWHINNEY, CHIEF OF ANESTHESIA AT SOUTHLAKE (FAR RIGHT) WITH STAFF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS (FROM LEFT) DR. TONYA DEWAAL, DR. CHRISTOPHER COUTINHO AND DR. RANDY YUE.
anesthesiology team:
navigating patient care by B ill H odgins and J enn R ae
Like pilots planning their routes and performing pre-flight checks, the doctors who make up Southlake’s department of anesthesiology take great care before each surgery, critically planning for each procedure and going through an extensive surgical safety checklist. According to Dr. Christopher Coutinho of Southlake’s anesthesiology team, the pilot analogy is an easy one to make. In both flying and surgery, people usually fear the take-off and landing the most. But Dr. Coutinho explains that anesthesiology is a very safe part of surgery, having borrowed many safety techniques from the aviation field. 10
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“Extensive critical planning must take place before any surgery,” Dr. Coutinho says. “We have to plan for unforeseen circumstances and anticipated medical and surgical problems.” As part of their critical planning, anesthesiologists regularly coordinate care with teams of nurses, managers, respiratory therapists, technicians and other physicians before, during and after surgery. This is part of the interprofessional health care approach that has been adopted across the Southlake campus, allowing teams of professionals to work together to deliver the best care to their patients. Since most anesthesiologists don’t have the same opportunity to develop long-term patient-
doctor relationships as some of their colleagues do, many people do not understand the anesthesiologist’s role in the operating room, birthing unit or hospital as a whole. As with airline pilots, it involves much more than “takeoffs” and “landings”. They control the patient’s journey throughout the surgery and into recovery — constantly monitoring and making adjustments should they run into turbulence. “While surgeons are specialists at fixing the organs they are performing surgery on, the anesthesiologist is the medical doctor who takes care of the whole body throughout the entire procedure,” Dr. Coutinho says. “We keep the
There for you! Southlake’s department of anesthesia provides dual physician coverage 24 hours per day, seven days a week, 365 days each year. The team consists of: • • • • • •
JIM CRAIGMyLE PHOTOGRAPH
patient alive and well and maintain normal physiology while the surgeon is operating.” Masters of physiology and pharmacology, anesthesiologists have an advanced understanding of how disease and surgery affect the body. They care for patients before, during, and after the procedure. Their unofficial motto at Southlake, says Dr. Coutinho, is: “We’re there for you!” After finishing his medical training five years ago, Dr. Coutinho spent a year trying out various types of anesthesiology in temporary positions in hospitals around the Greater Toronto Area. The type of person who likes to try a bit of everything, Dr. Coutinho never found the right fit, finding the narrowly-focused anesthesia programs in some of the Toronto-area hospitals to be limiting. Following the recommendation of colleagues four years ago, Dr. Coutinho came to Southlake. It was an instant connection, he says. At
Your donation will help buy equipment to support Southlake’s anesthesiology team. Donate now at southlakefoundation.ca.
1 blood conservation specialist 1 chronic pain specialist 8 certified intraoperative TEE specialists 8 ICU physicians 16 cardiac anesthesiologists 27 department of anesthesia members
Providing anesthetics for more than 19,000 cases each year, the department delivers anesthesia for a vast variety of specialties, including: cardiac, endoscopy, electrophysiology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, oral surgery, orthopedics, otolaryngology, plastics, thoracic, urology and vascular, as well
Southlake, he was exposed to a wide-ranging clinical practice, including cardiac, thoracic, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, to name just a few. “Southlake is a fantastic hospital to work at,” Dr. Coutinho says. “There is such a wide breadth of practice. Every day brings a variety of surgeries and procedures.” Dr. Tonya de Waal also appreciates the broad scope of anesthesia practice offered at Southlake. After completing her training at McMaster University, she arrived at Southlake in 2003. “I was looking for a community hospital and a work environment that would provide a diverse practice in anesthesiology,” she says. In 2003, the cardiac surgery program was still in development. Dr. de Waal was excited to know that she would be able to participate in it right from the start. Now, a decade later, Southlake’s Regional Cardiac Care Program has emerged as a full-scale centre of excellence and has transformed the lives of more than 100,000 patients. Dr. de Waal has recently become primary investigator of two multinational clinical trials that are taking place at Southlake. The trials will evaluate transfusion strategies and
as preoperative assessment clinic for both the adult and pediatric population. Dr. Shawn Mawhinney, Chief of Anesthesia at Southlake, says that his department prides itself on its staffing practices. Backups and redundancies have been built into shifts in order to avoid cancelling procedures due to staff illness or absence. “We realize that the patient and team have done a lot of organization–as well as mental preparation–before a procedure,” Dr. Mawhinney explains. “We work extra hard to fulfill our part in their journey, building in cross coverage in our staffing.” Southlake’s department of anesthesia is one of the fastest growing anesthesia departments in the GTA. With York Region’s incredible population growth, you can be sure that when you need them, Southlake’s anesthesiologists will be there for you!
outcomes in cardiac surgery and are an important piece in Southlake’s continuing distinction as one of the premier centres in clinical cardiovascular research in the province. “That’s what I love about working here,” Dr. de Waal says. “As anesthesiologists at Southlake, not only are we involved in a wide range of surgeries, but we also have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials and procedures outside of the operating rooms.” While variety may attract anesthesiologists to Southlake, the primary desire that brings physicians to the anesthesiology field is the ability to provide care and pain management to their patients. “I went into medicine because I wanted to help people. I wanted to relieve pain and suffering,” Dr. Coutinho says. “Now I get to do all of that on a daily basis. That is really what attracted me to this specialty.” Airline pilots get people places. For the anesthesiologist, the ultimate goal is to get their patients home. “We want to get the patient through the operation safely,” Dr. Coutinho says. “We want to get them home as safely as possible, back to their families.” fall 2 0 1 4
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Home, school, community
It takes a village to raise an active child by Joann MacDonald
T
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JIM CRAIGMyLE PHOTOGRAPHS
he fact that children need regular physical activity is surely old news. But how much of this activity can we expect them to get during the school day and what responsibility do parents have to provide further opportunities for their kids? “Physical activity is important to help children enjoy a healthy lifestyle,” says Jessie Boogaard, an exercise therapist at Southlake. “Children who participate in daily physical activity decrease their chances of developing diseases such as obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Active children also tend to be happier and more confident.” Opportunities for physical activity for students in public schools include formal physical education classes, provincemandated daily physical activity (DPA) for students from grades 1 to 8 and extracurricular sports and fitness programs. Elementary health and phys-ed classes range from 40 to 50 minutes, with most York Region public schools scheduling two to three classes per week. Grades 1 to 8 students also benefit from 20 minutes of DPA each day. At the high school level, the province requires students to earn just one health and phys-ed credit and there is no DPA.
Ken Leang, curriculum consultant for health and physical education at the York Region District School Board, says DPA has been a board priority since the government introduced it in 2005. Susan Durfy, vice-principal of Newmarket’s Armitage Village Public School, says DPA has benefits beyond physical fitness. “We not only find it helpful for the health of the students over the long term, but it also wakes them up in the moment. It stimulates
blood flow and gets them ready for learning,” she says. “It can be tiring sitting for long periods of time and students can become disengaged.... Getting them up and moving gives them a better opportunity to get their brains working.” What DPA looks like in action differs from school to school and class to class. “Our goal is to get the heart rate up and get the kids moving,” Ms Durfy says. “In our school, some teachers take their students
outside to play an active game of soccer, four square, basketball or other high-energy games. Some teachers put music on in their classroom and have students do dances or aerobics.” Besides formal phys-ed classes, many schools offer a variety of fitness-promoting activities outside regular instruction times. At St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School in Aurora, principal Domenic Scuglia says students participate in a number of opportunities that contribute to healthy, active living. He points to school-wide fundraising activities like the Terry Fox Walk and Inside Ride For Cancer as examples. Mr. Scuglia says the school’s “massive cocurricular involvement” also benefits students. “There are a wide variety of ways that kids can discover their unique gifts,” he says. The school offers coaching in traditional sports, such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, track and field and football. Students may also sign up for activities such as curling, rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, golf, tennis, swimming, snowboarding and mountain bike racing. Co-curricular activities (which also include drama, music, art and photography) are part of what kids should be doing to support and enhance their in-class learning experiences, Mr. Scuglia says. “The regular curriculum expands students’ minds and knowledge in subject areas. Cocurricular activities further enhance skills such as working as a team, being committed and perseverance,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to get involved and express those other skills you have in a positive, enjoyable environment. It’s also a place to meet new friends.” He estimates that 40 per cent of the student population is involved in physical cocurricular activity. “I’m a big proponent that your social/ emotional well-being is positively impacted through healthy activity,” says Mr. Scuglia, who coaches the school’s rugby team. “Physical activity moves blood and oxygen through your system making you feel better and more able to deal with daily challenges.” And there’s another clear benefit to schoolbased activities—they’re often free. But according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, children should accumulate at least one hour of moderate to vigorousintensity physical activity each day. “More is better!” Ms Boogaard says. “Be sure to include aerobic activity such as walking or biking, as well as muscle and bone strengthening activities, like skipping or gymnastics.” Out of necessity, she says, some of this activity must occur at school. “After-school and weekend programs and activities are great, but children spend the majority of each day in class. Having physical activity as part of a regular school routine will
help children relax and focus in the class and it will also provide them with an opportunity to be social with their friends.” Mr. Leang agrees students best benefit from opportunities at school, at home and in the community. “Participation in physical activity is a lifestyle change,” he notes. “Parents do not need to rely only on organized sports and recreation programs. I believe creating a change in mindset starts in everyday activities such as walking or riding your bike to school.” He recommends caregivers establish time every day for children to concentrate on some form of physical activity, formal or otherwise. Ms Boogaard says it’s never too early to encourage physical activity. “The sooner the better,” she says. “An active infant or toddler is more likely to develop healthy habits that they will have for life.” The experts agree the best way for parents to encourage children is through example. “Be sure to offer a lot of variety and be active with them,” Ms Boogaard says. “Do activities that both you and your child will enjoy. The easiest way to ensure your child will lead a healthy lifestyle is to set a good example.” Mr. Scuglia recommends parents of high school students get involved with their children’s co-curricular activities in the same way they monitor progress in the classroom. “Check the school’s website, look for tryout announcements. Be involved and know what’s happening in school,” he says. “It’s a shared responsibility. We ask parents to model literacy skills at home, it’s the same with physical activity. Do parents belong to a gym? Do parents do physical activities with their kids on the weekend? Help kids promote a positive understanding of the importance of physical activity in their lives and in their future.” Ron Weese, coordinator of Seneca College’s fitness and health promotion program, says more work needs to be done in the community to ensure kids get quality daily physical activity and adequate amounts of it. In terms of school physical education, Mr. Weese says there needs to be a greater emphasis on quality. “Parents should ask questions about the amount and quality of physical education their kids get,” he says. “The schools have a curriculum and it calls for quality physical education and opportunities for children to participate. The problem is, there is less and less structured programming by trained educators. In our province, there are now fewer physical education specialists in our schools.” While there is a need for more school activity, Mr. Weese says, “parents have the primary responsibility for their children’s health and should encourage kids to play in
Grade 5 to 7 students, including (above) Abby Kryk (Facing camera) and Anya Chin, at Armitage public school head outside for informal play as part of provincially mandated daily physical activity.
structured and unstructured physical activity for 60 to 90 minutes per day.” He points to studies suggesting that children should take 15,000 steps per day. Researchers noted kids take about 12,000 steps per day during the week and less on the weekend. “That would suggest that being at school and being with their peers they are more physically active,” he says. Mr. Weese is the president of SPORT Aurora, an umbrella organization of 27 local sports organizations. The group is working with early childhood educators to provide meaningful play opportunities for young children. “Sports are really a way to encourage children to be more physically literate, which is a watchword for developing confidence and competencies that make them more confident,” he says. These competencies include speed, balance and agility. To build these skills, he advocates a multi-sport philosophy and a mix of organized sports with opportunities to play freely. “Although we know what to do, we aren’t doing it effectively,” Mr. Weese says. “The evidence is the growing amount of lifestyle diseases and we’re seeing them happen earlier in life. It should become a cooperative venture amongst educators, amongst health and health care providers, as well as those involved in sports, fitness and recreation.” fall 2 0 1 4
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WALTER LAVIGNE, WHO RECOVERED WELL FROM CARDIAC SURGERY, SPENDS AN HOUR A DAY ON THE TREADMILL AND STATIONARY BIKE.
HIS HEART IS IN THE GAME It was impossible to get Walter Lavigne off the golf course. Just ask Dr. Jack Symmes, Mr. Lavigne’s cardiologist. Mr. Lavigne had been a patient of Dr. Symmes since 1980, long ago diagnosed with aortic stenosis. He knew one day he would need surgery, but the progression of his condition was slow and he was in no rush. Even when Dr. Symmes told him it was time, that he was in need of an open-heart valve replacement, Mr. Lavigne’s response was that he might be 87 but he was still golfing a great game. “I feel fine,” he said. “Why mess with that? I don’t need surgery yet.” Mr. Lavigne was, in fact, too busy living his life to stop for surgery. He met Irene Elliott, a fellow 80-something golf aficionado, on a blind date in October 2012. He was still winning golf trophies and sporting about a 12 handicap. Then, very suddenly, things were not fine. In spring 2013, Mr. Lavigne was all set to go to South Carolina for a golfing vacation when he was rushed to Southlake Regional Health Centre, unable to breathe. “I just about died,” he says. “This time, I could not get out of heart surgery if I wanted 14
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to live.” Mr. Lavigne’s disease had progressed so quickly and so catastrophically his aortic valve had tightened to the point where blood could not get through. No longer a candidate for open-heart surgery, the best solution was a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), a procedure that opens the diseased aortic valve by implanting a valve made from the tissue of a cow or pig. For Mr. Lavigne, the valve would be inserted into his heart through a small incision in his groin. Going in, Mr. Lavigne knew the risks were high. He felt he would likely not walk out of the hospital and, given his advanced age, he did not want to be compromised. He wanted his full life or he wanted nothing. May 30, 2013, Mr. Lavigne underwent his procedure. As he was being wheeled into surgery, Ms Elliott was very nervous. “I said goodbye,” she says. “I did not know what to think.” Remarkably, given how sick he was going into the surgery, Mr. Lavigne breezed through. He was playing golf again by the end of August and walked his granddaughter down the aisle in September. For a guy who turned 88 on March 5, Mr. Lavigne believes he has got
exactly what he wanted—his life back. Putting those decades younger to shame, Mr. Lavigne spends an hour a day on the treadmill and stationary bike. In January, he headed to Florida to do some golfing. While he can’t get traveller’s health insurance for his heart, he is not worried. “I was expecting to come out of hospital in a bag and now my heart is fine,” he says. “As my daughter says, I went from looking like death warmed over to healthy in just five days.” “All the doctors are amazed at the condition I am in,” Mr. Lavigne says. “I have always been very active and getting in some golf over the winter was just what I needed.” Mr. Lavigne knows how lucky he was to be the recipient of his TAVI procedure. “Without TAVI, I would not be alive,” he says, “and I would not have had the thrill of walking my granddaughter down the aisle.” We’re guessing the entire family is grateful for Mr. Lavigne and for TAVI.
Find out more about Southlake’s Regional Cardiac Care Program at southlakefoundation.ca.
partners
IN CARE
A brighter future for those with diabetes
Sun Life donates $250,000 to Images for Life campaign by J oann M ac D onald
For the more than 2 million Canadians living with diabetes, the health risks associated with the disease are all too clear. Those with diabetes are over three times more likely to be hospitalized due to cardiovascular disease. They are 12 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with endstage renal disease and almost 20 times more likely to undergo non-traumatic lower limb amputations. To support Southlake in its commitment to better health for those living with diabetes, Sun Life Financial has donated $250,000 to the Images for Life campaign. The funds will help to purchase a much-needed second MRI machine for the hospital. “By donating to Images for Life and supporting the upgrade of Southlake’s diagnostic imaging, Sun Life’s investment will create brighter futures for those living with diabetes,” says Paul Joliat, assistant vice-president, philanthropy and sponsorships for Sun Life Financial. “We saw this opportunity to make a significantly positive impact to care for those living with the disease and its related complications. Investing in ways to care for those living with diabetes is part of Sun Life’s commitment to address this disease.” Southlake’s second MRI will reduce current wait times by 75 per cent in the first year. “This will bring us to a wait time aligned with the Ontario government target of 28 days,” says Neila Poscente, president and CEO at Southlake Foundation. “It also means less travel and more time close to home for area residents. Every year approximately 3,500 patients from our catchment area are sent to Toronto for MRIs.” The new MRI will allow for treatment of 5,000 more patients each year. “Anyone who has had to wait for a vital diagnostic exam will immediately understand the impact of shorter wait times,” Ms Poscente says. 16
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NEILA POSCENTE, SOUTHLAKE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT and CEO, WITH diego gonzalez, SUN LIFE FINANCIAL, STAND IN FRONT OF THE SUN LIFE DONOR PLAQUE for their support of southlake’s count on me campaign in 2010. SUN LIFE’S LATEST GIFT WILL SUPPORT THE UPGRADE OF SOUTHLAKE’S DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SERVICES.
As a leader in the Canadian financial services market, Sun Life has a relationship with one in five Canadians. “We see the national impact diabetes has on the lives of so many people across the country. Our mission is to help Canadians achieve lifetime financial security and better health leads to more financial security, which then leads to longer, more productive lives,” Mr. Joliat says. “That’s why we’ve committed over $11 million to date to diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives across Canada.” In 2012-2013, Southlake had 220 diabetic
in-patients. Of these, 43 required a major intervention, including five amputations, resulting in 1,164 days in hospital. The same year, 2,374 admissions occurred where diabetes was not the reason for admission but was an additional diagnosis. Southlake’s new MRI, angiography and CT services will be used to screen for coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease. Given that 80 per cent of Canadians with diabetes die from heart attack or a stroke, these vital services mean more efficient treatment of the potentially fatal side effects of diabetes. Once identified,
these diseases will be treated in Southlake’s new interventional radiology suite, which was funded through phase one of the Images for Life campaign. The new MRI machine will also assist in the diagnosis of other diseases that frequently affect people with diabetes. “MRI is commonly used in diabetic patients experiencing kidney complications to evaluate underlying kidney diseases such as polycystic kidneys and renal artery disease,” Ms Poscente says. The new 3T MRI will allow superior imaging, an important benefit to diabetic patients who have moderate to severe renal
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dysfunction. Southlake’s new MRI will also be used to screen for bone infections and disease of joint structures at an early stage, reducing the need for amputation. With early-stage detection, patients can be treated with the insertion of antibiotic therapy catheters. “A key part of our business is a focus on health and wellness and through Sun Life’s commitment to diabetes, we’d like to encourage Canadians to understand the risk factors associated with the disease, get screened and find ways to prevent type 2 diabetes,” Mr. Joliat says. “By donating to research and care initiatives, like this
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commitment to Southlake, we are also helping those living with diabetes prevent further related complications as they will be detected sooner.” With Sun Life Financial’s generous donation, Southlake’s Images for Life campaign is one big step closer to its $16 million goal. “Sun Life is committed to playing a leadership role in Canada in supporting diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research,” Mr. Joliat says. “This commitment to Southlake’s Images for Life campaign is part of our growing pledge to make a difference in the fight against diabetes.”
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DOROTHY AND ROBERT ASHFORD’S GRANDDAUGHTER NICOLE, GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER KEIRA AND SON, ROBERT.
Southlake building a legacy of
end-of-life care by J enn R ae
Robert Ashford will never forget the day he arrived at his parents’ house, to find his 94-year-old father Leslie struggling to read the instructions on his dying wife’s oxygen. After a steep decline followed by a three-week stay in the hospital, Robert’s mother, 93-year-old Dorothy had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and her care was identified as palliative. 18
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Visiting community hospices play an important role Visiting community hospices were founded in York Region over 30 years ago by a group of concerned citizens who felt there was a need in the community to support patients (and their family members) who wish to stay at home during the final stages of their illness. Today, there are six visiting community hospices supporting the residents of York Region. Providing more than end of life care; visiting community hospices are an integral part of a patient’s continuum of care. Upon being diagnosed with a terminal illness, patients are referred to the visiting community hospice for non-medical support service, such as: visits, help with errands, driving to appointments, yoga, meditation, art and music therapy and support groups for patients. Anticipatory grief and bereavement support as well as visiting/caregiver relief is available for family members.
JIM CRAIGMYLE PHOTOGRAPH
With his characteristic determination, Leslie tried to care for his wife in their own home. But Dorothy weakened quickly and both husband and wife showed great signs of stress. When Dorothy suffered a frightening fall, it was clear that Leslie could no longer look after Dorothy at home. The Ashfords made a family decision, and arrangements were made to transfer Dorothy to a hospice—a comfortable place to live her final days. Dorothy arrived at the hospice on Monday
morning and died peacefully five days later, her family at her side. “Death is not easy,” says Robert. “But having the hospice helped so much.” The hospice was a pillar of support to Dorothy and her family, but with only one three-bed residential hospice in York Region, many people do not have the option for comfortable end-oflife care. That’s why Southlake has made the construction of a residential hospice a top priority.
Collectively, the six visiting community hospices in York Region supported 2,426 clients in 2013. When family member support is considered, the visiting community hospices impacted 12,130 residents of York Region. York Region visiting hospices include: Doane House Hospice 905-967-0259, doanehospice.org Hospice King Aurora 905-727-6815, hospicekingaurora.ca Evergreen Hospice 905-472-5014, evergreenhospice.org Hospice Georgina 905-722-9333, hospicegeorgina.com Hospice Richmond Hill 905-884-6683, hospicerh.org Hospice Vaughan 905-850-6266, hospicevaughan.com
Southlake Foundation’s $12-million love lives here campaign will build a residential hospice at Southlake. Your donation can provide those facing the end of life with dignity, choice and comfort. Donate now at southlakefoundation.ca fall 2 0 1 4
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You could not find a more passionate champion for a residential hospice in Newmarket than Dr. Cindy So, medical director of the palliative care unit at Southlake. Dr. So credits the hospice project as what drew her to Southlake as a young palliative physician deciding where to start her career. “I think it speaks to the tremendous commitment that Southlake has demonstrated towards patient-centered care,” Dr. So says. “Southlake recognizes the importance of quality care at all stages of disease and illness.” Although palliative care is often associated with cancer, Dr. So explains that there is an increasing demand for palliative care for other chronic illnesses such as heart failure,
neurological disorders and other end-stage organ-related diseases, to name a few. This demand will only grow as the population ages. York Region is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, growing at a rate of 36,000 new residents per year. With seniors expected to account for 21% of the population by 2031, the Residential Hospice at Southlake will provide those facing end-of-life diagnoses in York Region and surrounding communities with more choices. The 10-bed Residential Hospice at Southlake will support 170 to 250 patients and their families each year. An interprofessional team of physicians, nurses, social workers, personal support workers, spiritual advisors and volunteers will work together to
Key differences between residential and visiting community hospices Residential hospice
Visiting community hospice
Beds
No beds
Admission is during the final stage of a terminal illness (<30 days)
Admission from time of diagnosis to death and for bereavement
24-hour care by a team of professionals and volunteers
1:1 and group support by staff and professionally supported volunteers
Support for client and family on-site
Services provided at client’s home, at the hospice and in the community
No charge
No charge
meet the individual needs of patients and families. The current lack of hospice beds in York Region means patients and families are often asked to choose between either dying at home or in the hospital, Dr. So says. The majority say that, given a choice, they would want to die in the comfort of their own home—in a warm, familiar environment, surrounded by their pets and loved ones. Too often, however, this doesn’t happen. Dr. So says that many patients’ biggest fear is becoming a burden to their families. “The last thing they want to do is leave a legacy where their spouse or their children experience stress and caregiver burnout while trying to care for them at the end of life,” she says. “This significant fear of becoming a burden on their loved ones can often trump their own preference to die at home.” The intent of the residential hospice at Southlake is to fill this gap, to offer a comfortable place for patients and their families at the final stage of a terminal illness. The hospice has been designed to feel like a comfortable home, with private rooms and gathering spaces for patients and their families. Professional staff will be available 24-hours a day—not only to provide pain and symptom management, but also to support patients and families psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.
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C L A I R E J O N E S P H O T O graph
“Having medical and support staff in the hospice means that family members won’t need to take on all of the various roles, such as managing medications, preparing meals, providing sponge baths, all while in a state of grief,” Dr. So explains. “They can simply be the loving family member who sits by the bedside, creating and embracing those precious last memories.” Slated to open in 2016, fundraising has already begun with Southlake Foundation’s $12-million love lives here campaign. “We are deeply committed to providing better end-of-life care for everyone in and around our community,” says Southlake Foundation president and CEO Neila Poscente. “Our loved ones, friends and neighbours deserve to face the end of life with dignity, choice and comfort.” Southlake Foundation will rely solely on community support to fund all capital expenses associated with the project, including building, furnishing, equipping and maintaining the hospice. While the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care will provide most of the funding to operate the hospice, it does not cover it all, so Southlake Foundation’s campaign has accounted for three years of operating funding to ensure that the Residential Hospice at Southlake is a success. For Dr. So, the launch of the love lives here campaign is a major achievement. She
DR. CINDY SO, MEDICAL DIRECTOR, PALLIATIVE CARE STANDS IN FRONT OF THE SITE OF THE RESIDENTIAL HOSPICE AT SOUTHLAKE.
commends Southlake for recognizing the enormous community need and for being a leader in patient-centred care while other hospitals may view palliative care as a secondary service. As a young physician, Dr. So is often asked why she has chosen palliative care as a career. In fact, the question she is most often asked is: “Isn’t it depressing?” While it’s true the patients and families
that she works with are dealing with complex and sad circumstances, Dr. So identifies with the positive side of her career path. “My role is to transform hope,” she says. “A hope that was once for recovery transforms to hope for comfort, peace and dignity.” “To me, that’s what this residential hospice represents for our community – it will be a beacon of comfort, dignity, hope, peace and love.”
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cover STORY
Mike Holmes
knows the importance of details “How do I have a healthy home for my family and how do I keep it healthy? That’s one of the most important questions you have to ask yourself,” says Mike Holmes, well-known celebrity contractor and television personality.
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M
ike Holmes has been a saviour to the many people he has helped over the past 13 years through his own company’s work, and also through his TV shows Holmes on Homes, Holmes Inspection and, the most recent iteration, Holmes Makes it Right (now showing on DIY Network and HGTV). The homeowners featured are often distraught about the state of their homes. It’s causing emotional and mental distress and, sometimes, physical illness.
“We need to look after our homes from the inside out,” Mr. Holmes says. That means regularly inspecting the foundation, the roof, the caulking around your doors and windows for damage or wear that requires repair or replacement. “Your home needs to be your calming zone and if it’s not, it’ll turn your life upside down,” he says. Mr. Holmes has built a lengthy and successful career on his attention to detail and the
importance of safety and wellbeing, so when it came to the health of his own granddaughter, Mr. Holmes and his family were glad that another team in the wellbeing business held the same values. In October 2012, when baby Emily was born to Mr. Holmes’ daughter and Bradford resident Amanda Holmes, physicians and staff at Southlake Regional Health Centre knew immediately that they had a serious situation on their hands.
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Mike holmes’ granddaughter emily
Minutes after Emily was born, she began to turn purple and was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit for testing that showed she was having heart problems. Recognizing the potential for a very serious condition, Emily’s care team at Southlake rushed her to Sick Kids hospital where she was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome—a rare condition, present from birth, which involves a wide variety of medical and physical difficulties that differ from child to child. In Emily’s case, it meant her first months were spent in hospital, where she underwent multiple surgeries on her heart and nose. “Southlake staff saved my daughter’s life,” Ms Holmes says. “They were wonderful— helpful, kind and caring. They did everything they could for me and Emily.” Today, treatment is ongoing but Emily is living well with her condition. “She’s tough as nails,” says her mom. Just like her grandpa. These days when Mr. Holmes isn’t “making things right” with homeowners, he splits his time between hanging out with his family and grandkids at his 2,700-sq.-ft. house on a 10-acre lot in Halton Hills and working with several not-for-profit organizations, including Skills Canada, WorldSkills, SOS Children’s Villages and his own non-profit, the Holmes Foundation. “People write me from all over the world asking for help. I get hundreds of emails each week about shoddy renovations,” he says. “And I wanted to help these people but there were just too many families asking for help. I’m only one guy—I can’t fix all these problems. But I kept thinking, ‘What can I do to help? What will make a difference?’” With that in mind, Mr. Holmes took it upon himself to create a foundation that would partner with schools, businesses and governments to raise the profile and reputation of all skilled trades in Canada, encourage young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades and encourage employers to hire them. “It’s all about the next generation of skilled trades. It’s no longer about me,” he says. That sense of community and giving back can been seen throughout every endeavour Mr. Holmes takes on, but his passion always comes back to helping individual home-owners. “I’ve done something right in my life to make a difference. Is it enough? Well, I’m not done yet, so I guess not,” he says.
You can learn more about the Holmes Foundation at makeitright.ca. 24
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The air we breathe Poor indoor air quality is one of Mike Holmes’ top concerns—and something he has tackled again and again for homeowners. “The stats on home indoor air quality show it’s five times worse than outdoor air,” he says. “The whole goal is to have equivalent to outdoor air inside.” Dust, mould and gases from building materials (carpet, paint) and consumer products (furniture, perfume, room sprays, cleaners) can exacerbate allergies, asthmas and other health issues, he says. The easiest fix is to regularly replace your furnace air filter. “Do you want your lungs to clean the air in your home or do you want the filter to clean the air in your home?” he asks. “That’s a very simple question.” You should also have your furnace and fireplaces inspected and your ducts cleaned every year and buy low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and mould-resistant products when possible, Mr. Holmes says. Mould, he explains, needs two things to grow: moisture and organic material. Offering the analogy of the condensation that forms on a cold glass of water on a hot day, he says wherever hot meets cold, you’ll find moisture. So cooling your home in the summer and heating it in the winter will create moisture. Plus, your home is full of organic material—paper on the drywall and lumber are two obvious examples. All this means mould is quite common in homes, Mr. Holmes says. But there are ways to minimize it and its effects: adequate ventilation; maintenance to ensure your house isn’t taking on extra water—through a leaky room or cracked foundation, for example; and again changing your furnace filter to remove airborne mould spores trapped there. If you do find mould in your home, clean it up with soap and water but make sure to take precautions to limit your exposure; always wear a mask, gloves, and goggles because mould can be dangerous. Or call in a professional. For more information about indoor air quality, visit Health Canada at hc-sc.gc.ca.
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partners
IN CARE
Upper Canada Mall
Shared community roots grow into solid partnership by C athy H illard
It was a big deal in Newmarket 40 years ago when the shopping centre opened. People dressed up in their finery for the opening of what was eventually to become the Upper Canada Mall. Surrounded by fields, the new shopping location was an exciting development for the local community. At the same time, York County Hospital, later to become Southlake Regional Health Centre, was serving the health care needs of the people of Newmarket, Aurora and surrounding areas and carving out a niche for itself north of the city. Over the years, both Upper Canada Mall (UCM) and Southlake have changed and grown. But at the heart of their growth has been a commitment to serve the community in which they operate. This similarity was not lost on UCM, who began to support Southlake Foundation in 1989. Since then, the mall has raised more than $85,000 for Southlake. UCM marketing director Jennifer Kleinberg 26
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explains that it was a natural partnership. “We have always believed in supporting our community. We have been a community mall since the day we opened and we’ve grown up with the community. People come here to Newmarket because it is a great place to raise a family, so it’s always been important to us to support those families by partnering with other community pillars,” says Ms Kleinberg, who adds that UCM also supports Belinda’s Place women’s shelter and is a title sponsor for the Easter Seals Run. “It’s ingrained in our nature. Both at the staff level and at Oxford Properties, our parent company, we believe in giving back to the community and being strong supporters of what the community is doing.” One of the earliest fundraising initiatives was Ducks for Southlake, an annual lottery game held in the mall with numbered rubber ducks. After several years, this fundraiser was replaced by the Festival of Trees, which ran
for five years, ending in 2012. That fundraising initiative auctioned off trees decorated by local mayors and community partners, lending a warm ambiance to the mall during the busy holiday shopping period, while raising valuable dollars for Southlake. “It was a great way for UCM to promote itself outside of Newmarket/Aurora, but also for the hospital to get the message out that it could provide great health care to people right in their backyards,” Ms Kleinberg says. “It was one of those win-win situations.” A sponsor of Southlake Foundation’s Black Tie Ball and golf tournament, UCM and Southlake Foundation’s latest partnership involves a public launch of Southlake Foundation’s love lives here campaign, to build a residential hospice on the Southlake campus. But the support that UCM gives Southlake goes way beyond dollars. It also partners in unique and tangible ways to help promote health within the community.
“People come here to Newmarket because it is a great place to raise a family, so it’s always been important to us to support those families by partnering with other community pillars.”
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“We believe in forming a relationship that says we believe in each other, we are strong members of the community and we are going to support our community through every stage of life,” Ms Kleinberg says. A demonstration of that is a free mom and baby fitness program run at the mall, which is promoted through the maternal child care department at Southlake. Moms can bring their little ones and participate in a workout with a certified fitness instructor. “This is great as it allows us to reach out to new moms, and the moms themselves have become close. It’s especially great for those new to the area,” Ms Kleinberg explains. The mall’s free walking program attracts cardiac patients from the hospital. “Patients recovering from cardiac care are often told to ‘get out and walk,’” Ms Kleinberg says, “so we also have a walking program that started through the hospital. We keep track of the numbers and the participants keep track of their laps and once a year we have an awards and recognition event.” This program too has a strong social element to it, as many of the walkers have become friends. “It is fantastic that these free programs are supported and underpinned by the hospital,” Ms Kleinberg says. As UCM turns 40, it is looking to further partner with the hospital to raise funds, provide programs and reach out to the community. New initiatives in the works include promoting the construction of the new hospice and getting on board with staff and volunteer recognition. “We care for the community above and beyond being their shopping destination; we care about them in a much more holistic sense as well,” Ms Kleinberg says. “We want people to get the best service and medical care they can and if we can help support that, we will.”
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A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DIRECTED TO THE PAEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY CLINIC AT SOUTHLAKE REGIONAL HEALTH CENTRE
Frankie Flowers
Cobi Ladner Friday VIP Design Tour Transportation and refreshments provided
Saturday Design Talk Meet & greet and book signing
FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION VISIT US AT Pickering College Events
Phone: (905) 895-1120 Ext. 360 Email: holidayhometour@pickeringcollege.on.ca Website: www.pickeringcollege.on.ca
Find gifts for everyone on your list! Visit the
Seasonal Boutique & Café
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Open Saturday only from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free Admission ~ Public Welcome fall 2 0 1 4
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Pick up the pace Intensity counts when exercising for health benefits by A ndrew L ivingstone
If you aren’t able to belt out your favourite song but can still carry on a conversation, you’ve found the perfect level of intensity for exercise. Since most people don’t sing at the gym—thankfully—it’s not likely to be used as a tool to know when you’ve found the heart rate level best suited for an effective workout. But while singing may not benefit the ears, it could benefit the body. A recent York University study found a majority of people tested underestimated the intensity of their physical activity, therefore shortchanging their body of better health benefits. First published in 1998 and updated in 2011, the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise per week for adults aged 16 to 64. The benefits include reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity, and improved fitness, strength and mental health. The York University study’s objective was to determine whether individuals understood the intensity descriptors—light, moderate and vigorous—in the guidelines. “What we found is that it didn’t really matter in terms of sex or ethnicity—all subjects of the study underestimated 28
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moderate and intense levels of exercise,” says senior researcher Jennifer Kuk, an associate professor at the school of kinesiology and health science at York University. Older people were able to understand moderate and intense better, she adds, in part because younger generations aren’t as exposed to intense manual labour as the baby boomer generation. Of the 129 subjects who were asked to walk on a treadmill at a pace they believed to be providing health benefits, 52 per cent walked at a light intensity, 19 per cent at moderate and only five per cent at a vigorous pace. The median age of participants was 20 years old. Ms Kuk says the best way to reach the effective heart rate level is to use a heart rate monitor to keep tabs on how hard you are working. (See sidebar for example.) She also recommends variety in your exercise regime to use different muscles and push the body a little harder. Factors like age and fitness level can impact the benefits of a particular activity. “A brisk walk is a moderate exercise, but it won’t be true for a younger adult and you’d have to work out harder to reach that moderate level,” she explains. A bigger problem is that exercise routines can become less effective over time. “People often get into habits and they do the same things over and over and don’t account for the fact they’re getting fitter and end up not pushing themselves,” Ms Kuk says.
But, she adds, the most important thing is to get some kind of regular physical exercise. If you’re currently a couch potato, talk to your doctor and then start small—10-minute sessions a few times a week. “It doesn’t take much to get the benefits,” Ms Kuk says. “Going from nothing to anything is the biggest bang for your buck.”
Your training heart rate The following formula is considered by health and fitness professionals to give a good estimate of your ideal training heart rate. Subtract your age from 220 to get your maximum heart rate. Multiply by percentages to determine target heart rate for moderate (55 to 70 per cent) or intense (90 per cent) exercise. For example, for a 40-year-old: Maximum heart rate: (220-40) 180 Moderate exercise: (180 x 55 to 75 per cent): 99 to 135 Intense exercise: (180 x 90 per cent): 162
Hospital NEWS
THE BEST CARE, CLOSE TO HOME Southlake introduces alternative for patients who suffer abdominal aneurysms In late May, Southlake became the first hospital in York Region to provide eligible patients who suffer from an abdominal aortic aneurysm—a bulging or enlargement of the abdominal aorta or the body’s largest artery— with an alternative to traditional open surgery. “Aortic aneurysms can lead to very serious health concerns,” says Dr. Julius Toth, chief and physician leader of the surgery program at Southlake. “A burst aorta can cause a person to experience extensive internal bleeding and can be fatal unless treated very quickly by experienced health care professionals.” Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive technique in which a surgeon inserts a small stent graft (a tube made of fabric that’s supported by metal mesh called a stent and is used to provide a permanent conduit for blood flow) into the aneurysm through tiny incisions in the groin. Because the incisions are so small, approximately five to 10 cm in size, patients who undergo EVAR tend to have quicker recovery times and less discomfort than those who receive open surgery—all with the same benefits. EVAR has become a widely accepted alternative to conventional surgery when it comes to treating patients with these aneurysms. “The hospital stay following an EVAR procedure is typically two days, which is eight days less than the stay of a patient who undergoes conventional surgery to repair an aneurysm,” says Dr. Alan Lossing, a respected and experienced EVAR surgeon who joined Southlake’s surgery team in 2012. “For all of us in the surgery program, it truly is the
reduced impact to patients that’s the most rewarding.” The first EVAR procedure at Southlake was performed on May 21 by Dr. Lossing and a team of health care professionals from diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology as part of a 14-case pilot project. Prior to the pilot, patients from local communities who suffered from abdominal aortic aneurysms and were candidates for EVAR were referred to specialists in Toronto. Drs. Toth and Lossing say the support of multiple people and programs across the hospital, as well as organizations within the health care system, has made EVAR a reality for patients in this community. Dr. Toth was eager to thank the hospital’s board of directors and the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), an agency of the provincial government that helps plan, coordinate, integrate and fund local health care services. “The recruitment of Dr. Lossing to lead the EVAR program at the hospital was a tremendous addition to our surgical team and was very much in line with Southlake’s commitment to provide innovative and stateof-the-art care,” Dr. Toth says. “The tireless efforts and support of the Southlake board, foundation, community and Central LHIN are incredibly appreciated and will go a long way in helping us find a way to keep EVAR at Southlake.” “It’s not uncommon at Southlake for everyone to pitch in to bring a much-needed and important program close to home for our patients,” says Dr. Lossing, who is working closely with Dr. Deepak Gupta on the EVAR
Dr. Alan Lossing Dr. Alan Lossing performed the first EVAR on Aug. 16, 1997 and started the EVAR program at the Wellesley Hospital, University of Toronto. In 1998, Dr. Lossing started the EVAR program at St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Lossing was instrumental in developing the complex aortic aneurysm program at St. Michael’s in conjunction with cardiac surgery and remains a consultant for that program. Dr. Lossing is an associate professor in surgery at the University of Toronto and joined Southlake’s surgery team in 2012.
pilot. “From day one, our first-rate regional cardiac care program and its physician leader Dr. Zaev Wulffhart have helped with funding opportunities and have been kind enough to share resources with our vascular team. Interventional radiologist Dr. Raymond Chan has also been a key supporter of EVAR and is working closely with all of us on the EVAR team to help ensure a smooth pilot project.”
Consistent with its plan to provide patients with safe, high-quality care closer to home, the hospital is working with Southlake Foundation to find a way to continue performing EVAR procedures following the end of the pilot next year. For more information on EVAR, contact Dr. Alan Lossing’s office at 905-953-8787. To learn more about how you can support the Foundation’s efforts in keeping EVAR at Southlake, contact the Foundation at 905836-7333. fall 2 0 1 4
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Healthy trails to you by L ee A nn W aterman
It’s a give and take relationship. We commit to protecting and nurturing the natural landscape and, in turn, time spent in nature has shown to offer us numerous health benefits—including decreased anxiety, depression and stress, increased energy and immunity and reduced risk of heart attack and diabetes. Getting out on local trails to walk, run, cycle, ski or snowshoe will give you the additional benefits of cardiovascular exercise—such as reduced risk of more than 25 chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, breast cancer, colon cancer, osteoporosis and dementia. Sylvia Bowman is a retired community 30
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health nurse and active trails advocate. She chairs the East Gwillimbury Trails Advisory Committee, which advises the town on locations for new trails and improvements to existing ones, and sits on the board of Ontario Nature, an organization committed to protecting wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. Ms Bowman says the physical benefits of using our local trail system are equaled by the mental benefits. Nature was what brought her north to East Gwillimbury 40 years ago and she appreciates that Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area is just a short walk from her door.
“I’ve always loved being out in nature, being in green space and away from noise and traffic and too many people,” she says. “It just revives and rejuvenates the spirit.” Local photographer Jim Craigmyle also enjoys a close connection with nature. He’s a member of Friends of Scanlon Creek, a group of residents that hosts events and fundraises to build awareness of Scanlon Creek Conservation Area located just north of Bradford. Managed by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, the 300hectare property features forest and marshland in addition to the creek. It also has a trail system, dog park, picnic tables and shelters.
Get out A haunted forest Saturday, Oct. 25, 6 to 9 p.m. Sheppard’s Bush, Industry Street, Aurora. Be prepared for some scary surprises at this always popular hike along haunted trails to a Halloween party with a bonfire, ghost story and witches brew. Registration required. Call 905-7264762 for information. East Gwillimbury trail walk Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve, Bathurst Street, north of Green Lane JIM CRAIGMyLE PHOTOGRAPH
Mr. Craigmyle, who visits the park regularly to walk and take photographs, says many people are unaware of this great resource in their community. “It’s so close,” he says. “I think we need to encourage people to use it—hiking, walking, taking in the fresh air and beautiful environment.”
For more information Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority trails: lsrca.on.ca East Gwillimbury trails: eastgwillimbury.ca Trails across Ontario: ontariotrails.on.ca
A look inside the forester’s toolbox Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to noon Bendor and Graves Tract, York Regional Forest, 17689 Kennedy Rd., East Gwillimbury Meet a York Region forester and try out the tools used to manage the forest. Get a crash course in GPS and learn how to measure tree height, diameter, age and more. Registration required. Call 877-4649675, ext. 73000. Jingle bell walk Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to noon North Tract, York Regional Forest, 17054 Hwy. 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville Join merrymakers in a walk along a forest path. Learn about the holiday traditions of bells and Christmas trees. Bells are provided. Bring along a donation of non-perishable food for a local food bank. Registration required. Call 877-464-9675, ext. 73000.
Thinking About Your Options? Talk to an Expert. For more information and to learn how BMO Nesbitt Burns can work with you, please visit one of our four local offices in: Newmarket, Aurora, Bradford & Stouffville Tel: 905-830-4017 Toll Free: 1-800-651-5952
® “BMO (M-bar Roundel symbol)” and “Making Money Make Sense” are registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. ® “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Corporation Limited, used under licence. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Ltée are indirect subsidiaries of Bank of Montreal. If you are already a client of BMO Nesbitt Burns, please contact your Investment Advisor for more information.
Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund fall 2 0 1 4
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Happy
and healthy
holidays by J oann M ac D onald
Ah, the holidays!
Although it’s a time of joy, togetherness and goodwill, it is important to prepare for some not so joyful side-effects that might come with holiday over-indulgence. Here are a few holiday tactics to keep your belly from looking like a bowl full of jelly: Proceed with caution at parties If you want to avoid post-holiday weight gain, heed these tips. “Never go to a party hungry,” Newmarketbased registered dietitian Alka Chopra advises. “Always eat a very small snack before you leave.” And drink water. Being sufficiently hydrated will increase your feelings of fullness and minimize your desire for sugary drinks. A pre-party pep talk can’t hurt either. “Tell yourself, ‘I’m only going to eat during the first half-hour of the party,’” Ms Chopra suggests. “Appetizers are normally bite-sized. Put a limit on yourself. Maybe you are going to eat two pieces. Setting some rules for yourself is good. And eat slowly. You are there to relax and have a good time. Enjoy being with family and friends and take your mind 32
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off food. Focus interaction.”
on
conversation
and
Limit alcohol intake “Alcohol is calories only. Nothing else,” Ms Chopra says. “If you have two drinks, tell yourself the next one is club soda. You are still giving company to your friends without the alcohol.” And choose wine more often than mixed drinks. “You still need to limit your consumption,” she says. “But wine is not only empty calories. It’s giving you antioxidants and it’s heart-healthy.” Maintain your fitness program With party planning, cookie baking, shopping, gift wrapping and housecleaning to do, your usual exercise routine can easily be
forgotten. “If the holidays throw off your regular exercise program make sure to still get to the gym,” says Nigel Evans, a personal trainer with Aurora-based Inner Potential Multisport Training. “Shorten your workout to focus on core strengthening. And pick up those weights, because working the muscles will increase your metabolism so you’ll burn more calories while at rest.” If the gym isn’t an option, get out for a walk. You’ll shake off the mental cobwebs and burn some calories doing it. Motivate yourself If you’re planning to join the gym in the New Year, ask for stylish gym clothes, a gym bag or a yoga mat for Christmas to help motivate you.
Be social, stay safe by A ndrew L ivingstone
Social media can be an incredible way for people to communicate. The ability to connect with like-minded individuals about music, sports, current events and politics can have a positive impact on an individual’s growth, intellectually and socially. But social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook and smartphone apps including Instagram, Snapchat, Whisper and Kik can present risks to young users. By teaching Internet safety and being aware of their online habits, parents and grandparents can make sure the children in their lives become safe and responsible users of social media. “It’s important for parents to educate themselves,” says Sgt. Anthony Torresan of York Regional Police (YRP), adding that helpful resources are available online. “There is some great reference material for parents and teens—and it’s all downloadable—about the potential dangers and bullying that are out there.” Communication is key, Sgt. Torresan says, and should start as soon as children show an interest in social media. 34
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“The kids can show their parents what sites they are going to and parents can learn a lot from them,” he says. “In their teenage years, they tend to not be as open, so it’s important to have that open line of communication early on.” Working in partnership with YRP, the York Region District School Board is also teaching students and parents about online safety. “With so many social media tools, and new tools emerging every day, it’s hard for parents to keep up with the trends and risks in social media,” says board spokesperson Christina Choo-Hum. As part of the board’s commitment to safe schools that “promote student learning, achievement and well-being,” there is no tolerance for bullying, including cyberbullying, she says. “This is why we are working with our community partners, including YRP, to educate students, parents and community members about cyberbullying,” Ms ChooHum says. “We need the involvement of parents and schools to do this,” Sgt. Torresan confirms. “It
takes a community to raise a child.” Many children and teenagers believe images, videos or text they post online or send to others to be private or anonymous. Sgt. Torresan says local police have investigated a number of incidences of child exploitation. “They send out [graphic or inappropriate] images and videos and they don’t know where they are going and aren’t thinking about it,” he says. “It’s important for students to remember that things they post on social media can be permanent and can often be seen by everyone, whether they subscribe to your feeds or not,” Ms Choo-Hum adds. “Everything said online stays in cyberspace forever, whether or not it is deleted.” While police work with school boards and the community to provide education they hope it will prevent incidences of online harassment. Sgt. Torresan says parents and youths also need to know how to handle cyberbullying. Cybertip.ca, a website where complaints are filed with the Canadian Centre for Child
Protection, can help law enforcement agencies investigate those who are exploiting a child. “They’ll review the complaints and they’ll send it to the appropriate police agency for an investigation,” Sgt. Torresan says. “We do get quite a few referrals from there and they’ve done amazing work with that. “ At needhelprightnow.ca, kids can find information on how to deal with a situation they are finding uncomfortable or threatening. Kids can also speak anonymously to a counsellor at Kids Help Phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-668-6868 or visiting kidshelpphone.ca. But, Sgt. Torresan says, the biggest tool for combatting a child’s exposure to dangerous situations on social media is a strong line of communication between parent and child. “(Parents) need to be educated about these things because of the consequences that could come with them,” he says. “The open lines of communication need to be there so they can go to an adult they trust to talk about what might be affecting them.”
Tips for safe social media use For youth: Use strong passwords and never share them. Make your passwords difficult to hack by using a combination of letters and numbers. Use your security settings Websites like Twitter and Facebook offer a variety of security functions to help protect users’ privacy. You can customize your profile to limit access to select people and to get users who want to “follow” you to request access before they can see what is on your page. But remember, even with the strongest security settings, some of what you may be posting on social media will still be viewed publicly. Be aware of what you are posting. The Internet is public If you wouldn’t regularly share certain information in public but only with family and friends, then don’t post it. Or if you do, limit your posts, especially on Facebook, to only close friends and family. Do not post your address, telephone number or details that could give potential predators an idea of where you may be on a given day or
time. Be aware of photos you post online and how you connect yourself to the images. Be skeptical of what you read Don’t believe everything you read online. Be wary of people you don’t know and be careful about how much information you disclose to them. People may post untrue or deceptive information about their own identities. Take precautions and try to validate the legitimacy of what you read.
We are whatt! we ea
Klosters Butcher Shop takes pride in offering ALL NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC ND HORMONE FREE MEATS AND • Ontario AAA and AA All-Natural Beef • PEI AAA and AA All-Natural Grass Fed Beef • Ontario All-Natural Grain Fed Chicken and Turkey • Ontario All-Natural Pork, Lamb,Duck • Organic Fish • Nitrate-Free Bacon • Kloster’s own Sausages, Burgers, Meat Pies, Cabbage Rolls • Specialty BBQ Sauces, Marinades, and More • Farm Fresh Eggs, Black River Cheese, Greaves Jams, • Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream
For parents: Get your child to sign a social media contract York Regional Police has Internet use agreements on its website (yrp.ca) for children under 10 and over 10. Sgt. Anthony Torresan says this can help parents open dialogue with their kids and set boundaries. Keep the computer visible Don’t let children keep devices— computers, tablets and smartphones— in their bedrooms. The computer should be in a central place in your home where you can supervise their online activities. Don’t allow a webcam in your child’s bedroom.
Kloster’s Butcher Shop
Supplying fine quality meats since 1992 Newmarket 18025 Yonge St., Unit 4
Aurora 220 Industrial Pkwy. S., Unit 9
905-895-0437
905-841-6679
(Yonge & Bristol Rd.)
HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 9-6:30pm • Thurs. 9-7pm • Fri. 9-8pm Sat. 9-5 • Closed Sun. & Mon.
www.klostersbutchershop.com fall 2 0 1 4
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community event listings Events Supporting Southlake
C AT H E R I N E L A N E P H O T O G R A P H
Waxing for Southlake Fri. Nov. 14, 2014 York Regional Police Association, Newmarket Brad O’Rourke and Garrett Carlton, brad.orourke@yahoo.com Supports the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre Three Amigos Annual Golf Invitational Nov. 19-22, 2014 Mark Russell, mark.russell@BMRmanagement.ca Supports Southlake’s Diabetes Education Centre 10th Anniversary Pickering College Holiday Home Tour, presented by State Farm Canada Nov. 21-22, 2014 pickeringcollege.on.ca Supports Pediatric Oncology Timberlane Ladies’ Holiday Luncheon, Fashion Show and Shopping Experience Wed., Nov. 26, 2014 Dianne Ingwersen, 905-727-4252 ext.25 Supports Cancer and Cardiac Care at Southlake Country Day School Annual Charity Fashion Show Thurs., Nov. 27, 2014 Emily Killops, emily.killops@gmail.com Supports Child and Adolescent Mental Health Sweep for Southlake Sat., Jan. 17, 2015 York Curling Club, Newmarket Alexandra Boasie or Michael Goodman, sweep4southlake@gmail.com Supports Stronach Regional Cancer Centre Newmarket Hurricanes—The Battle of York Mon., Feb. 15, 2015 And 3,000 campaign “chance to win” newmarkethurricanes.com Supports Stronach Regional Cancer Centre PRODUCTS & SERVICES SUPPORTING SOUTHLAKE Donate a Car Donate a Car Canada accepts vehicle donations Visit southlakefoundation.ca for more information on how you can donate a car and help transform a life, close to home. Steps Clothing Bin Donations Southlake Campus and Magna Centre Location Magna Centre, Saturdays and Sundays 8am6pm. Receive tax receipt and vouchers. Benson Kearley IFG Insurance Brokers & Financial Advisors $10 to Southlake for every no obligation quote. Stretch Thrift Outlet and WEGIVE bin locations 6 The Queensway S. Sutton; 26602 Hwy. 48 N. Sutton West Portion of proceeds support the Regional Cancer Program
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GivingTuesday
A day for giving back this holiday season With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, more and more Canadians are gearing up to spend in preparation for the holidays. But what if there was a day each year, in the midst of the holiday spending season, dedicated to giving back? This Tuesday, Dec. 2, you can do just that, by kicking off giving season with GivingTuesday. If you’re unfamiliar with GivingTuesday, you won’t be for long! After finding great success in the United States in 2012, the GivingTuesday movement’s introduction into Canada last year was an overwhelming success. Millions of Canadians gave back, with online donations increasing by an astonishing 169 per cent. The inaugural year in Canada proved the holiday season is about both giving and giving back. As more and more Canadians are learning, the GivingTuesday movement encourages individuals and organizations to join together and give back to their communities. Taking place on the first Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is a day of charity after two days of non-stop spending. Southlake Foundation is proud to be one of the hundreds of charitable organizations partnered with the GivingTuesday movement this year. This Tuesday, Dec. 2, we hope our community will focus their GivingTuesday donations to Southlake and help us transform the lives of our loved ones and yours, right in our own community. Visit southlakefoundation.ca to donate.
Tell us how you’re supporting #GivingTuesday. Tweet us @SouthlakeFndn
Give back, get back Originally planned to coincide with the consumer-heavy Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday is actually the perfect time to make your year-end donation. The end of December marks more than just the end of the calendar year … it also means the end of the 2014 tax year. Be sure to make your donation to Southlake Foundation before Dec. 31 to make the most of your gift. First-time donors, take note: If you have never made a charitable donation before or if your last donation was made more than five years ago, you may qualify for the Canada Revenue Agency’s first-time donor’s super credit. First-time donors will be able to receive a larger tax credit for their first donations. You can only claim the credit once and the credit is temporary, so be sure to make the most of this opportunity and give as generously as you can to reap the greatest benefit. To learn more about the super credit, visit the CRA website, cra-arc.gc.ca/ gncy/bdgt/2013/qa01-eng.html.
partners
IN CARE
BWG Seniors
A HISTORY OF GIVING
Things have a way of changing quickly. One only has to look at the Town of Bradford. The once small farm town has experienced stunning growth over the last few years. Even the building at 715 Simcoe Rd., tucked behind St. Michael Orthodox Church, has experienced a great deal of change. Formerly The Danube Club, the building was donated to the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury 15 years ago, with the stipulation that it would be used as a seniors centre. What was once a centre consisting of mostly German and eastern European members, it re-emerged as the Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG) Seniors Leisure Centre. Although the club name and members’ faces may have changed over the years, one thing that has remained constant is the generosity that comes from within. Since 1980, the Danube and BWG groups have raised almost $95,000 for Southlake Regional Health Centre and their legacy of generosity has helped to shape Southlake as we know it. BWG Seniors were a big supporter of Southlake’s Count On Me campaign to build the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, which opened in 2010. Just four years later, nearly 10,000 patients have used the centre for their treatment. Supporting Southlake’s cancer centre is a cause that is close to the heart of many members of the BWG Seniors members, says president Elaine Love. “Just about everybody here has been touched by cancer,” she explains. “We’ve had a lot of people who have had to cope with cancer,” past-president Gerda Slyhuis adds. “Now they don’t have to travel to the city anymore.” The BWG Seniors have also supported Southlake’s current Images for Life campaign to upgrade diagnostic imaging technology and bring a second MRI to Southlake. A recent $3,000 donation is also being put to work elsewhere at Southlake. 38
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BWG Seniors present donation to Southlake Foundation.
BWG Seniors raise funds by charging $1 to $3 per club activity. With a busy schedule of pool, fitness, bridge, euchre, carpet bowling, line dancing, chess and much more, there is something for everyone. And as more people come out and participate, more money is raised for a number of causes, including Ronald McDonald House and the local food bank. It’s a win-win situation: members can socialize
and have fun while supporting great causes in their very own community. BWG Seniors enjoy supporting a variety of causes in their community and, for many, supporting Southlake is a very personal mission. “So many of our members use Southlake,” Mrs. Slyhuis says. “Giving to Southlake feels like our way of giving back.”
marlene’s
MEAL MAKEOVERS
Croutons for lunchbox or dinner BY MARLENE MACPHERSON
Cook Once Lunchbox Croutons Ingredients 2 whole-grain baguettes or small loaves of bread, cubed 30-45 mL (2-3 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil 15 mL (1 tbsp) of rosemary or dried oregano (optional) 15 mL (1 tbsp) Parmesan cheese 2 mL (1/2 tsp) ground pepper or to taste Method Heat oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Place bread cubes in a large bowl and toss with olive oil. Add herbs, toss well. Divide croutons into three portions, reserving one portion for Produce 1. Place two portions on baking sheet and toast in oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let cool. Portion half the croutons into small resealable bags for lunchboxes. Panzanella
Crackers are a snack parents have consistently relied upon for their kids’ lunchboxes. However many crackers are high in salt, sugar and fat and low in nutrition. These croutons provide for a wonderfully crunchy snack alternative— and give you a starting point for two additional recipes. Produce 1 Roasted Chicken with Croutons Serves 4-6
Produce 2 Panzanella Serves 6-8
Ingredients 1 roasting chicken 1 large onion, sliced extra virgin olive oil kosher salt black pepper 2 lemons, quartered unbaked crouton portion from Cook Once
Ingredients Salad baked croutons reserved from Cook Once 45 mL (3 tbsp) good olive oil 2 large tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 red onion, cut in half and thinly sliced 10 basil leaves, chopped 10-15 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped Dressing 1 clove garlic, finely minced 2 mL (1/2 tsp) Dijon mustard 45 mL (3 tbsp) apple cider vinegar 125 mL (1/2 cup) good olive oil 2 mL (1/2 tsp) kosher salt 1 mL (1/4 tsp) freshly ground black pepper
Method Heat oven to 425 Fahrenheit. Pat outside of chicken dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle inside of chicken with salt and pepper and place lemons inside. Toss onion with olive oil in roasting pan. Place chicken on top, tying legs together with kitchen string and tucking wing tips under body of chicken. Roast for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer chicken to a plate. Add unbaked seasoned croutons from Cook Once to roasting pan and toss with onions. Return chicken and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until thermometer inserted in meat reads 185 Fahrenheit. Remove from oven, cover with foil and rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Place croutons and onions on a serving platter. Slice chicken and place it, plus all pan juices, over croutons.
Method In a bowl large enough to hold your salad, whisk together dressing ingredients. Add other ingredients and toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or let sit for an hour to allow flavours to blend.
Bradford resident Marlene MacPherson was a hurried and harried executive until she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. She has since made her life about balance, family and wholesome, healthy food. For more information or to purchase her most recent cookbook, visit marlenesmealmakeovers.com. fall 2 0 1 4
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foundation
NEWS
Hitting the links for Southlake
On May 20, 128 golfers braved the cold at the Southlake Golf Tournament, presented by AirBoss. Despite the weather, their spirits were warmed by the beauty of Copper Hills Golf Course in Uxbridge. The tournament raised $179,000 net in support of Southlake, including the Images for Life campaign that will upgrade diagnostic imaging services and bring a second MRI machine to Southlake. “It is so encouraging that the community is committed to supporting Southlake through this tournament,” says Neila Poscente, president and CEO of Southlake Foundation. After a day on the greens, the golfers were treated to a delicious dinner and bid on fantastic prizes in the live and silent auctions. Southlake Foundation would like to thank all of the sponsors and participants for their incredible generosity. Thanks also to the volunteer golf committee members, particularly committee chair Mike Smith, for all their tireless effort on this event. Money raised through this event will transform thousands of lives at Southlake Regional Health Centre.
COMMITTEE CHAIR MIKE SMITH PLANS HIS SHOT AT THE 2014 GOLF TOURNAMENT.
Community rallies behind Southlake As the busy community events season comes to a close, Southlake Foundation would like to thank the hundreds of community event organizers for all of the hard work that went into organizing their fantastic events. From golf tournaments to walks, polo matches to fashion shows, our community has shown time that they believe in the importance of health care close to home through their support of Southlake. A big thank you goes to the many annual events, as well as everyone who supported Southlake for the first time this year. Southlake Foundation would also like to thank East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson for recognizing a unique opportunity to raise funds for Southlake this summer.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT FOR SOUTHLAKE BY CYCLING AND RUNNING ON THE NEW 404 EXTENSION.
Mayor Hackson invited community members to walk or ride the new Hwy. 404 extension before it opened in September. On Aug. 17, more than 3,000 people laced up their shoes to walk or brought their bicycles to ride and afterwards took in a free concert by Newmarket’s own Glass Tiger. Southlake Foundation representatives were at the event
to collect donations and our community once again overwhelmed us with its generosity, raising more than $7,000 to transform lives at Southlake. It’s never too early to start planning! If you are interested in supporting Southlake through a community event, please contact Southlake Foundation today.
Run or Walk for Southlake registration opens 2 months earlier The 2015 Run or Walk for Southlake website will launch this November. Sign up early as a team or an individual to start your participation in the many fundraising challenges early. Please visit runforsouthlake.ca regularly for updates. 40
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Help us fund vital replacement equipment across the hospital. Donate now at southlakefoundation.ca.
“It feels good to know it’s all taken care of.” By pre-planning your final arrangements today, you can save time and money - and provide greater comfort and convenience to your family.
Get organized now. Call Planning Specialist Mike Sutton today for your FREE Planning Kit!
905-898-2100
taylorfh.ca
Taylor Funeral Home Newmarket Chapel by Arbor Memorial
524 Davis Drive, Newmarket, ON Family Owned. Proudly Canadian.
Arbor Memorial Inc.
More Than Just A Great Golf Course
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HELPING NEIGHBOURS
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Let’s agree some things should be reserved for the young—body piercings, low-hanging jeans, regrettable tattoos and selfies easily come to mind. Volunteering, however, should not be one of them. But if you looked at the trends today, it seems many of us are putting our community’s volunteering responsibilities on the shoulders of the youth who are willing to step up and give back. To the surprise of many, volunteer rates have not emerged as predicted. Recently, there was budding optimism that as the boomer generation entered retirement, an influx of dedicated and versatile volunteers would fill leadership ranks and skill gaps throughout the non-profit sector. Unfortunately, that prediction hasn’t struck. In fact, volunteer rates for 55- to 64-year-olds have slightly declined to 41 per cent when compared to the same age group 10 years ago. And when more than 58 per cent of youth (ages 16 to 24) volunteer today, it’s worth asking: Could adult volunteer rates be higher? Let’s look at the barriers. Firstly, boomers are busy with commitments to work, children and parents. I get it. But like many, I’m not convinced that time is the biggest factor that keeps people from volunteering. Rather, I’m certain that when a genuine community need is effectively expressed, people find a way pitch-in and help, every time. Secondly, boomers are a sophisticated bunch and want their time to be meaningful and valued. Long gone are the days when all volunteers were satisfied stuffing envelopes, answering phones or sorting food. Boomers want their years of experience to count for something and need to find volunteer opportunities that still challenge and inspire them.
Finally, boomers aren’t aware of the volunteer needs that actually exist and haven’t found easy connections with the non-profit sector. Currently, there are dozens of important board and committee volunteer positions on too many non-profit organizations throughout York Region. The challenge is, not everyone knows where to look to find them all. That’s where Neighbourhood Network comes in. If you’re a first-time or longtime volunteer looking to find a need, the network can help. And if you’re a charity looking to promote your events volunteer opportunities, the network can help. This January marks the seventh year of Neighbourhood Network, a Magna International community initiative dedicated to York Region. In six years, the network has partnered with 250 non-profit organizations and registered more than 7,000 volunteers. The network runs several community programs and posts hundreds of volunteer opportunities from over 100 charities that have all types of volunteer vacancies. New this year at nnetwork.org, volunteers can personalize their own volunteer experiences. Volunteers can create online profiles, track their volunteer hours, calculate the value of their time, as well as receive individualized updates for community events and opportunities that fit each volunteer’s interests and lifestyle. There are many incredible things happening throughout our community, but there’s also a need for everyone to give back in some way. Check out nnetwork.org to see for yourself. You don’t need to do everything; we all just need to do something.
John Crowell is the manager for social responsibility at Magna International Inc. Neighbourhood Network is a non-profit Magna for Community initiative. For information, visit neighbourhoodnetwork.org or call 1-855-870-4586.
2013
last WORD
Goodbye tooth decay
hello good oral health by J ulia R oitenberg
Tooth decay is an infectious disease affecting 57 per cent of children, 59 per cent of adolescents and 96 per cent of adults. In fact, an estimated 4.15 million working days are lost annually in Canada due to dental visits or dental sick days. The good news is that tooth decay is preventable. Having a regular oral health routine is important, but health findings suggest that not enough of us are sticking to these good habits. The majority of Ontarians say that they brush twice a day, but to achieve optimal oral health we need to do more than just brush. You may have heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to oral health, this old saying proves true. It’s much less costly to establish and maintain a good oral health routine than to visit the dental office to fix a sore tooth. Taking action to prevent dental disease before it happens just makes sense.
What can we do to prevent tooth decay? Adopt these good oral health basics: • Brush gently, at least twice a day for two minutes, especially before bedtime • Floss daily before brushing • Use fluoridated toothpaste (Children under age three or who cannot spit should use non-fluoridated toothpaste or plain water unless advised otherwise by their oral health care professional.) • Eat a healthy diet, limiting sugar intake • Rinse after consuming acidic foods/ drinks or those containing sugar • Visit an oral health care professional regularly
Help reduce damage to your tooth enamel Did you know that you should wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth? Whenever sugar is consumed, an acid attack occurs in your mouth, making tooth enamel vulnerable to damage from brushing. It takes about 30 minutes before acid production starts to decrease and enamel begins to harden again. Instead of brushing right after a meal, drink or rinse with plain water to promote healthy enamel and to remove food debris. Use these tips to help lower acidity in your mouth: • Rinse with water after eating/drinking • Chew sugar-free gum • Use a straw if consuming drinks high in sugar, like juices, sodas and sports drinks, to minimize exposure of teeth to sugar Building a healthy family through good oral CARE Tooth decay is infectious, transmissible and diet-dependent. It is also the single most common chronic childhood disease. It’s important that all parents establish good oral health and manage any dental disease long before the birth of their child. Parents should speak to their oral habits care professional about how their current health could impact a child before and after birth. Parents should also ask about how to provide regular infant oral health hygiene such as how to wipe baby’s mouth and gums after feedings. Good oral health helps to build a healthy family. First dental visit by age one The overall health of young children is impacted by their oral health; an oral health care professional can identify children at higher risk for tooth decay. The Canadian Dental Association recommends children be assessed within six months of the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday. A
For more information about your oral health or to learn about services provided to children 17 years of age and under by the York Region Public Health Dental Program, call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933 or visit york.ca/teeth. 44
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dentist or registered dental hygienist will not only look into a baby’s mouth, but will review risk factors, such as medical and social history, diet, feeding patterns, oral hygiene practice and fluoride availability, and discuss an appropriate oral health routine for the child, such as when to begin using fluoridated toothpaste and the frequency of oral health visits.
Dental disease impacts more than just our mouths When children have tooth decay and/or gum disease, it can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating and sleeping, speech problems, poor health and higher risk of tooth decay in later years. Dental problems in early childhood have been shown to impact general growth and cognitive development and cause poor school behaviour and negative selfesteem. Let’s make tooth decay a thing of the past. By establishing and maintaining good oral health routines today, today’s kids can grow up cavity-free.
Julia Roitenberg, RN, BA, MN is director of child and family health and chief nursing officer, York Region community and health services department.
PICKERING COLLEGE
(KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 12)
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Pickering College graduates are agents of courageous, ethical and positive change in the world. The new Global Leadership Program provides Pickering College students with an exceptional education that offers meaningful and transformational learning experiences, within and outside of the classroom. Within our international community, students work collaboratively in an environment of open-mindedness, mutual respect, and a deeper understanding of all nations and cultures. As a result, students are equipped to be innovative, entrepreneurial and globally-focused, ready to understand and address complex global issues.
Pickering College. Where learning is:
• Engaging, inspiring, empowering and challenging • Learner-centred and globally oriented • Socially innovative and entrepreneurial • Project-based and experiential, including outdoor education • 21st century with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication and character • Driven by digital citizenship, media literacy, technological communication • Interdisciplinary • Reflecting servant leadership and community engagement • Enriched through cultural immersions, exchanges, and local and global partnerships
Join us on October 28 or January 20 for our Introduction to Middle School (Grades 7 & 8) and on November 5 for our Introduction to Senior School (Grades 9-12) 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To learn more about Pickering College, visit www.pickeringcollege.on.ca or e-mail admission@pickeringcollege.on.ca Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School since 1842 | JK to University Preparatory 16945 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada L3Y 4X2 Visit us at www.pickeringcollege.on.ca
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