Beingwell summer 2014

helpIng you And youR FAMIly lIVe lIFe …

Well

SuMMeR 2014 vOLuMe 9, ISSue 3

RIDING HIGH

Equestrians Christilot Boylen and Belinda Trussell talk health and fitness

+ Getting fit is child’s play + Aging at home Publication Number 40036321

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Well

cover story

summer 2014 vOLuMe 9, ISSue 3

in every issue 2 Message from Southlake 5 Well Notes 20 Behind the Scenes New beginnings: The birthing unit 22 Leading by Example Dr. Julius Toth: The gift of time 24 Hospital News A voice for the community: Southlake’s board of directors 32 Marlene’s Meal Makeovers A taste of summer 34 Neighbours Helping Neighbours A group effort

6 riDing HigH

Health key to longevity of equestrian athletes

feature stories 12 Aging at home Do you have a plan?

26 Fire up the grill ...safely

16 Getting fit is child’s play Have a safe, active summer in your own backyard

28 The Ripe Idea puts excess fruit to good use

Partners in Care 36 A lifetime’s dedication 38 A commitment to health care close to home 40 Foundation News Strength in numbers 41 Health Q&A 42 Community Event Listings 44 Last Word Fight the bite

30 Drinks gone wild

18 Too hot Parked cars no place for children or pets

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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

the Southlake way At Southlake, our culture is represented by The Southlake Way—the way we interact with each other; the way we think; the approach we take to problem-solving; and our commitment to living our core values each and every day. The hardworking professionals and volunteers at Southlake Regional Health Centre and the Southlake Foundation truly represent the positive force created when passion, talent and commitment come together.

We have continued to put the needs of our patients and the community first during the 2013-2014 fiscal year, delivering on our promise to provide exceptional, timely health care close to home for the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on Southlake.

As we wrap up the Images for Life campaign, we reflect back on the first phase, which funded a new interventional radiology suite (IRS), and look forward to the future, where we have laid the groundwork for the construction of a new nuclear medicine suite and the purchase of a second MRI for our community. We are deeply committed to improving diagnostic imaging technology here at Southlake … because we can’t treat it if we can’t find it.

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The new IRS opened its doors in 2012. Outfitted with the latest technology, it has brought 21st century, minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment to our community and is allowing our health care team to perform 2,000 more lifesaving procedures annually.

Admitted to Southlake last fall, in great pain and with no strength in his legs, Keswick resident Jim Walther underwent a series of tests in Southlake’s new IRS. Cardiologists discovered a blockage in the arteries of Jim’s leg and performed an angioplasty procedure. A stent was inserted to open the artery and improve blood flow, which eased the aches and pains that had kept Jim up at night for the nearly 30 years since his initial diabetes diagnosis. Pleased with the immediate relief, what Jim didn’t realize at the time was how the procedure would improve his overall quality of life. His legs became stronger, the redirected blood flow has lowered his formerly high blood pressure and every day he wakes up feeling healthier than he did before. Jim sleeps a little sounder at night thanks to the care he received at Southlake. Jim’s life-changing procedure and hundreds performed like it would not have been possible without the community’s ongoing support of the Images For Life campaign, having funded 100 per cent of the cost of the IRS. As we look ahead to Phase 2 of the campaign, we will use accumulated funds to move forward with our plans to construct a new nuclear medicine suite and bring a second MRI to Southlake. The new, state-of-the-art 3T (Tesla) MRI is the gold standard in the detection, diagnosis and management of cancer and cardiac illness, heart and blood vessel diseases and joint and muscle disorders. The addition of this unit will mean that at least 5,000 more scans can be performed each year for patients who would have historically endured much longer wait times or been sent to care centres outside of the community. Design is scheduled to begin this summer, with construction beginning early in the new year. This success will be the culmination of three years of the hard work and generosity of our community, volunteers and campaign cabinet.

This past year was truly special for Southlake. We were recognized with a number of national and international awards, highlighting the care, commitment and passion of Southlake’s people and the great work that happens within our walls. Here are just two of the many highlights from the year: • •

We celebrated the 10th anniversary of Southlake’s Regional Cardiac Care Program. Within a decade of its inception, the cardiac program has transformed 100,000 lives and emerged as a full-scale centre of excellence.

The second annual report “Patient Ratings of Overall Care and Likelihood to Recommend Ontario Hospitals” named Southlake as the top hospital in Ontario for maternity patient experience in overall care. Our maternal child department sees over 2,600 babies born each year.

We are proud of our achievements during the last year and we cannot thank our physicians, staff, volunteers and donors enough for everything they do to further Southlake’s position as Canada’s shockingly excellent hospital. As we move into the 2014-2015 fiscal year, we will continue to provide patients with the level of care that they have come to expect from Southlake. We have created a strategic plan for expansion, growth and renewal of programs, infrastructure and equipment over the coming year. To learn more about our many successes and to hear stories provided by our patients, visit the hospital’s website at southlakeregional.org and the foundation’s website at southlakefoundation.ca.

to help us close out the images for Life campaign and bring a second mri to 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 the 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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Beingwell is published four times a year by York Region Media Group, a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd., in partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation.

Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

Publication Number 40036321 The material in this publication is intended for general information purposes only and, while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material, it does not constitute advice or carry the specific endorsement of either York Region Media Group or Southlake Regional Health Centre/Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation. Readers are encouraged to consult their doctor to discuss their health concerns.

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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: beingwell 580B Steven Court, PO Box 236 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4X1 905-853-8888 • Fax 905-853-4626 beingwell@yrmg.com

well NOTES

B Y L e e ann W at e rman lwat e rman @ yrmg . com

For me, the timing really couldn’t have been better.

When I interviewed longtime equestrian Christilot Boylen for this issue’s cover story and then spoke to Dr. Dave Williams, president and CEO of Southlake, for the first article in our series on aging at home, a common theme emerged.

Both talked about how the decisions you make earlier in your life impact your wellbeing and ability to keep doing the things you love as you age.

I turned 40 about a week before this publication hit the streets. While I hadn’t really been dreading the milestone, I had been obsessing a bit about how to celebrate it.

As I’ve mentioned before in this space, running is one of the ways I keep physically and mentally fit. Since my birthday was on a Saturday, I decided to see if there was a race in the area I could sign up for.

As luck would have it, a season-long trail running series had an event on the date at a conservation area less than an hour from my home. It was perfect. The location meant I could invite my running friends to join me for the race, bring their families for a picnic and some time at the conservation area afterwards.

The day really encompassed many of the things I value most in life: being active, getting outside, enjoying a good meal, spending time with the ones I love. It was also a bit of a pact with myself to keep doing these things so I can keep doing these things.

In this issue of beingwell, you’ll find lots of useful information to help you have a safe, healthy and fun summer— including tips for safe barbecuing, ideas for boosting your and your kids’ physical activity right in your own backyard and a reminder about the dangers of leaving children or pets in a hot car.

Dietitian Susan Finkelstein looks behind the marketing to get the nutritional facts on vitamin waters and energy drinks.

And Southlake pharmacist Peggy Beauchamp offers advice on the questions you should be asking about your medications.

This issue also features the latest news from Southlake, including a look at the responsibilities and rewards of sitting on the hospital’s board of directors, a profile of the birthing unit, which welcomes more than 2,600 babies every year, and a tribute to one long-time volunteer who included Southlake Foundation in her estate planning.

I hope you enjoy this issue. We welcome your feedback at beingwell@yrmg.com.

Correction Linda Jones, communication devices specialist for the Canadian Hearing Society, was incorrectly identified in a photograph that appeared with the story Southlake launches toolkit to better serve deaf and hard of hearing patients on page 28 of the winter 2014 edition of beingwell. Beingwell regrets the error.

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cover story

belinda trussell and Christilot boylen at Ms Trussell’s horse farm in whitchurchstouffville.

Riding high

Health key to longevity of equestrian athletes B y L e e A nn W at e rman

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C o v e r photography by J im craigmyl e

jim craigmyl e photograph

“Our sport requires incredible balance and coordination and if you are not fit, if you start to fatigue on the horse, you don’t have that coordination.” belinda trussell

She has represented Canada in six Olympic Games (1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984 and 1992), earned individual gold medals at the 1971, 1975 and 1987 Pan American Games (the only athlete ever to achieve three individual medals in Pan Am history), and been Canadian National Dressage Champion seven times.

“I’m feeling well and I’m in good shape. I ride my four or five horses and train them everyday,” she says of her long career. “So until the point comes when I really feel that I’m not well enough or capable of doing that, I will continue to do what gives me pleasure.”

In addition to competing, Ms Boylen coaches riders, including “star pupil” Belinda Trussell, 42, who is a Whitchurch-Stouffville resident.

Ms Trussell was first named to the Canadian dressage team in 2002 and has since competed in numerous international events, including the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Both women have their sights set on competing at the 2015 Pan American Games in Palgrave, Ont. and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The career of a top athlete is one of choices and challenges, struggles and successes, hard work and rewards.

For elite level equestrians, a career can span decades—but that longevity requires passion, discipline and a commitment to health and fitness.

At 67, Christilot Boylen, a longtime Newmarket resident, has been competing in dressage at the highest level for five decades.

Physical demands, mental discipline One of three equestrian disciplines in the Olympic and Pan American Games, dressage requires horse and rider to perform, from memory, a series of predetermined movements.

Those not familiar with the sport might underestimate the level of fitness dressage requires.

“It’s just like the horse,” Ms Boylen says of a rider’s fitness. “We look at the horses every day. We monitor their weight. We don’t want them thin, we don’t want them too heavy.

They’ve got to be fit. That means lung fitness, but also body fitness, muscle build-up—and why wouldn’t it be the same for the rider? It’s got to be the same—at this level.”

She credits early training from her late mother, professional dancer, choreographer and teacher Willy Blok Hanson, with laying

the groundwork for her own commitment to physical fitness.

“That sense of body awareness, that dancer’s mobility and the discipline that she instilled in me through dancing gave me a huge advantage when I decided at a very early age to go forward in dressage,” she says.

She still does gymnastic movements and stretching every morning for about 20 minutes, finding it a balance to riding, which requires strength and cardiovascular fitness.

As a coach, Ms Boylen sees how exposure to physical activity can be an advantage to young riders.

“Unless they have background somewhere in basic sport activity, they don’t necessarily come with a feel for how their body works, nor do they have the discipline,” she says.

To improve her physical health, Ms Trussell has at times sought professional support—working with a sports trainer, who set up a program for her prior to the Olympics in Athens, attending sessions with a sports psychologist or getting tips from a nutritionist.

“If I don’t eat well, I feel it. I don’t have the energy,” she says. “I have six to 10 horses to ride a day and, without fuelling myself, I would be dying at seven. I make sure the majority of my diet is really good food to fuel my body.”

She eats small meals and snacks throughout the day—grabbing hummus and carrots or yogurt in the five or 10 minutes she has to herself between training sessions.

She supplements the exercise she gets riding and training horses with yoga.

“I think at my stage in life, in my 40s, I need to keep myself supple. Yoga just does wonders for me,” she says.

“Our sport requires incredible balance and coordination and if you are not fit, if you start to fatigue on the horse, you don’t have that coordination.”

Ms Trussell adds at the highest level of sport, the difference between winning and losing is 90 per cent mental and 10 per cent physical—because every athlete is so skilled. summer 2 0 1 4

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S U S A N J . S T I C K L E photograph S U S A N J S T I C K L E . C O M

Christilot boylen competing IN FLORIDA THIS PAST WINTER.

She says a positive attitude can give an athlete an edge in training and competing.

“It’s not about the hurdles that are put in front of you, it’s how you jump them,” she says. “It takes effort. It is hard and things aren’t smooth. Life isn’t an easy road for anybody although it may look like it. Your neighbours might look like they have everything, but it’s not easy for them either.

Just jump your hurdles because it will bring you so much joy and satisfaction in life.”

Juggling her roles as a wife, mother to two young children, horse trainer, riding coach and elite athlete can be a challenge. Ms Trussell jumps that hurdle with careful and sometimes creative scheduling combined with reliance on a supportive family.

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When she is distracted by her other responsibilities, she uses a visualization technique to improve her focus.

“Any thought that enters my mind, and especially a negative one, I just visualize it going on a cloud and floating away,” she says.

“I do it over and over again. I don’t worry that the thought has entered my mind because I think that’s natural. You can’t stop the thought from coming, but you can put it away and go back to your task.”

Horse and rider “Anton is my very good friend and my partner,” Ms Trussell says of her top horse, who is ranked first in Canada. “The relationship that we have is very close. I feel that he

reads my mind and I read his; it’s that close.”

As in any relationship, the pair has faced challenges, the greatest being a severe injury in 2011 that veterinarians gave Anton a 50 per cent chance of bouncing back from. Recovery was slow—progress followed by setback—and Ms Trussell, who lost out on the chance to qualify for the 2012 Olympics, decided to give him a break.

A few months later, the man who massages her horses, asked to speak with her about Anton.

“Every time this horse sees you in barn, when you walk by him or don’t tack him up, his spirit sinks, he’s so depressed,” she recalls him saying. “I’ve never seen him like this. Just get on him.”

SuSAN J. STICKLe PHOTOGRAPH SuSANJSTICKLe.COM

So she did. It was a “roller coaster”, but 2-1/2 years after his injury, Anton was back competing. Ms Trussell had the best season of her career with him this past winter in Florida.

“He’s really special to me. And I know that horse would pull me out of a fire. It’s just that kind of relationship,” she says. “Horses are like that. They really bond. They are very kind, generous, giving animals. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years and years of trust.”

As a longtime competitor, trainer and coach, Ms Boylen has worked with many horses and riders. Experience has shown her that a winning partnership takes time to build—recognizing and developing a talented horse and establishing a bond grounded in trust and communication.

“A horse and rider can become like a good dance team,” she says. “They work together, they move together. The one knows before the other has even thought or moved what is coming…. When the two find each other, it’s magic.”

Ms Boylen stresses that a winning pair is backed by a hardworking team that can include an owner, trainer, coach, veterinarian and other support staff.

The horses receive as much or more attention than their riders—including regular massage, chiropractics and acupuncture and dietary supplements to maintain electrolyte levels to prevent dehydration, help remove lactic acid from muscles or prevent Cushing’s disease (a condition where a tumour develops in the pituitary gland). in action With the Pan American Games coming to the Greater Toronto Area in July 2015, local residents will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s top equestrians perform in their own backyard. Dressage and jumping competitions will be held at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park in Palgrave. Eventing will be held at the Pan Am Cross Country Centre in Mono. For further details, visit toronto2015.org.

belinda trussell in CoMpetition in florida this past winter.

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belinda trussell and anton CoMpete in florida this past winter.

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Life lessons Champion equestrian, coach and trainer Belinda Trussell says she has learned many life lessons working so closely with horses: Be present Ms Trussell’s horse Anton will not let her mount him until she first gives him a hug. She believes it’s his way of telling her to come into the present.

“They do teach me the here and now, the power of now,” she says.

Understand the unspoken Horses can’t tell you what they are thinking with words, but they do it in other ways.

Ms Trussell says her work with horses has helped her to better read the nonverbal cues from the people in her life.

Practice unconditional love, forgiveness and generosity Animals, even those who have been abused in the past, have these qualities in spades, she says.

“I try to take that into my life,” she says.

“People aren’t perfect and I’m far from perfect, too, and it’s OK to forgive and let go of things.”

Be patient “In training a horse, you can’t rush anything,” she says. “If you take your time, step by step, and listen to them, then they reward you greatly.”

She tries to remember the value of patience when she encounters the little frustrations of life—like hitting every red light when she is already late to pick her kids up from school.

Enjoy the journey Horses, Ms Trussell says, have helped her find joy in the everyday.

“I think of my sport, my life and my competition not as an end goal, but as a journey and that brings joy every day,” she says. “Because if I only think of it as an end goal, if I only think it’s about the next Olympics or about the next World Championship, then nothing feels satisfying along the way.”

You get what you give “The more I become aware of my horses, the more they give back and I see that in the world, too,” she says. “The more you become aware of your surroundings, your relationships, the more they reward you.”

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aging at Home: Do You Have B Y L e e A N N W AT e R M A N

Independence, dignity, comfort, 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 first in a series exploring the challenges and rewards of aging at home.

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a PLan?

When Dr. Dave Williams’ mother was in her mid-70s, she asked him to come with her to look at several apartments she was considering moving to. Downsizing from a house was, she felt, expected of someone her age.

Skeptical of her plan, Dr. Williams, a former physician and now CEO and president of Southlake Regional Health Centre, asked her what she really wanted to do.

She considered the question and bought an old stone farmhouse in eastern Ontario and lived there until failing vision necessitated another move—one she had planned for in advance.

“While she was healthy, she was already making decisions about where she wanted to live, making sure she had money put aside to be able to live in those facilities. She got her name on waiting lists 10 years ahead of time because she knew if you’re not on the waiting list, it’s going to be a problem,” Dr. Williams says.

“She didn’t want to be a burden to her family by not being organized and not having a plan,” he continues. “She felt that these were issues she wanted to make sure were taken care of and she did a great job of planning.”

The Williams’ story is not typical.

Often, it takes a crisis for individuals and families to start thinking about how we (or our parents or grandparents) will manage the challenges of aging, says Tini Le, vicepresident of patient services for the Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), which coordinates home-based care in York Region and South Simcoe.

“People want to stay in their homes as long as possible,” Ms Le says. “They want to stay in their own homes and remain independent.”

what should a plan include?

Wellness Wellness, says Southlake president and CEO Dr. Dave Williams, is a shared responsibility between health care professionals and individuals.

“Fundamentally, the individual has a role in maintaining their wellness and the health care professional has a role in providing the individual with the tools they need to manage their wellness,” he says.

Talk to your doctor about managing any chronic illnesses and making lifestyle changes that could improve your health now and in the future.

Book a MedsCheck with your pharmacist. This is a free, one-on-one annual consultation for individuals with diabetes or who are taking three or more medications for chronic conditions to review medications, help them better understand their medication therapy and ensure medications are taken as prescribed.

Update your will and create powers of attorney for property and personal care, giving someone you trust the right to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable.

Finances “If you were unable to live independently without support, how would you manage financially?” asks Christine Bisanz, CEO of CHATS. While a portion of at-home health care (nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy) and personal support (meals, housekeeping, shopping, transportation) is funded by the province or subsidized by organizations such as CHATS (Community and Home Assistance to Seniors), most individuals pay out of pocket for some services. Moving to a retirement home, supportive housing, assisted living or long-term care facility will come with its own fees.

Housing The average home will require some modification to allow for aging at home.

The CCAC can arrange for an

occupational therapist to visit your home and make recommendations to improve safety and accessibility—such as eliminating trip hazards and decluttering, adding railings or stairlifts, installing grab bars in the shower and washrooms or improving lighting.

Transportation Most of us, because of vision loss, frailty or cognitive issues, will be told at some point that we can no longer drive, Dr. Williams says.

How will you get to medical appointments, go grocery shopping or visit friends and family? Is public transit or relying on family members an option or will you move to a location close to amenities or supportive housing?

Socialization “If you aren’t already engaged in the community, start to look at what’s available for social engagement, for getting out,” advises Ms Bisanz, adding isolation can lead to depression and selfneglect.

Visit the local seniors centre or look into CHATS’ senior day programs, which include physical activity, informative or entertaining speakers and meals.

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Planning for that requires communication —with your spouse, your family, your health care providers, she says.

“What is it you want to achieve? How can we help you with that?” are questions CCAC staff members ask their clients. Ms Le says families should be having similar conversations—but most are not.

She offers a personal example. Last year, her grandmother had a serious fall; she was admitted to hospital and eventually to a longterm care facility. Despite Ms Le’s background as a nurse and with the CCAC, the family had not discussed her grandmother’s needs or care beforehand.

“Knowledge is not enough to change behaviour,” Ms Le says. “I knew we should have talked about this earlier, but knowledge is not enough.”

In a way, Dr. Williams says, planning for healthy aging starts when we’re young.

“The decisions we make when we’re in our 30s, 40s and 50s can affect our wellness when we’re in our 70s and 80s,” he says. Those decisions include eating well, getting regular exercise, not smoking, following medical advice for managing chronic illness and putting money aside. “Our ability to enjoy those senior years while managing our wellness, being able to do all the things we’d hoped to do in our golden years—that’s all based on decisions we made in the past.”

Now is always better than later, says Christina Bisanz, CEO of CHATS (Community and Home Assistance to Seniors), which provides supports to people to enable them to manage the activities of daily living and age in place.

“Most people expect they will live independently and well in their own homes,” she says.

Proper planning can help make those expectations a reality.

resources The Central Community Care Access Centre is a good resource for information on aging at home. Anyone can call CCAC on behalf of an individual who needs advice or assistance; there is no need for a referral from a health care professional. And everyone is eligible for information about care options and local community support services and an initial assessment by CCAC staff, at no cost.

Call 1-888-470-2222 or visit healthcareathome.ca/central.

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Family Owned. Proudly Canadian.

CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN UPDATE

UPDATE

Because of the support of our community, the first phase of our Images for Life campaign is complete and our new Interventional Radiology Suite, and its state-of-the-art technology is already saving lives. Every day, some of Southlake’s sickest patients are treated using image-guided minimally-invasive procedures, often resulting in shorter recovery times, and fewer complications.

The Images for Life campaign has reached the $14 million mark, just $2 million away from its $16 million goal.

Phase 2 will fund a much needed second MRI. The 3T (Tesla) MRI is the gold standard in detection, diagnosis and management of disease, and will reduce wait times for nonurgent patients by as much as 76 percent in the first year alone.

To learn more or to make a donation to the Images for Life Campagin for Diagnostic Imaging, please visit: www.southlakefoundation.ca or call 905.836.7333.

Charitable Business No: 13179-7540-RR0001

SU M M E R 2 0 1 4

15

GeTTinG fiT iS chilD’S plaY Have a safe, active summer in your own backyard

BY SHeeNA CAMPBeLL

After a long winter, it’s nice to know that a terrific source of fresh air, exercise and fun is right in your own backyard. Not only is getting the family outside for a little game of soccer or freeze-tag easy and fun, it could be the most important thing you do for your children and yourself this summer.

The health benefits of physical activity are well documented. Exercise helps us ward off disease, reduce stress, live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. Getting active outdoors is even better because sunshine and fresh air can give us an added emotional and mental health boost.

Unless you have a health issue that prevents you from doing so (in which case you should speak with your doctor first), gardening, walking and throwing a Frisbee or ball are all

Learn more about staying active and healthy at any age at participaction.com or access Bring Back Play on a mobile device at bringbackplay.ca.

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popular outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy. Beyond running through the sprinkler, there are also tons of active games that children can play to get fit, while keeping boredom at bay.

Simple, fun and active is the premise of Bring Back Play, a campaign introduced by ParticipACTION, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting healthy and active living for Canadians. Bring Back Play aims to help kids get more active through outdoor play.

Catherine Cameron is a personal trainer and certified fitness expert with more than 20 years of experience as a senior communications professional in the health sector. She is also the national ambassador for active living at ParticipACTION. Ms Cameron says Bring Back Play aims to help parents and their kids increase the amount of physical activity they get every day.

“Play is a fantastic way for kids and teens to get the daily physical activity they need. It’s a very affordable and natural way to be active.

And for most it’s as accessible as heading out to the backyard or to a great community space,” she says.

Ms Cameron explains that Canada’s children are experiencing a “physical inactivity crisis,” the result of not getting enough exercise, at home or at school, to realize any health benefits. Canada’s Physical Activity Guidelines call for one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day, yet Ms Cameron says 93 per cent of children are not meeting that requirement. In fact, according to ParticipACTION’s Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card, 46 per cent of Canadian children and youth are getting only three hours or less of active play each week.

A key part of Bring Back Play is a vast collection of intergenerational games, compiled in an easy-to-search database that parents can tap into virtually any place through their mobile devices. The games were contributed by people from across the country and reflect Canada’s rich diversity.

tips for a safer backyard Along with keeping the sunscreen and bug spray handy, here are some basic precautions for those areas in the backyard that present safety risks, particularly for small children: • Keep barbecues, grills and deep fryers in a separate, enclosed area when possible. Teach children to stay away at all times. Keep grills closed and covers on when not in use.

• Backyard firepits and chimineas are extremely common and kids, particularly toddlers, should be well supervised when pits are in use.

Even candles left unsupervised on patio tables can pose a risk to curious little people.

• Gardening tools and chemicals should be kept in a locked shed, up on a high shelf or be otherwise inaccessible to children. Keep children off of a lawn treated with pesticides for 48 hours after chemicals have been applied.

• Most backyard climbing structures can benefit from safeguards similar to those used for community playgrounds, such as providing a soft base (mulch, sand) underneath and adjusting height levels for apparatus such as swings. The Canada Safety Council offers more advice on playground safety at canadasafetycouncil.org.

• Swimming pools surrounded by 1.2-metre (four-foot) fence walls (that comply with local bylaws) with a self-closing, lockable gate are most secure. Combine with strict adult supervision, clear house rules about safe pool use and swimming lessons for everyone. Never leave a child in the pool area supervised by a non-swimmer of any age.

• While trampolines are a popular choice for many families, the Canadian Pediatric Society and Safe Kids Canada do not recommend the purchase or use of trampolines of any kind as recreational apparatus in the backyard. (Read more at cps.ca.)

• Above all, talk to your children about how to play safe and reinforce the rules all summer long so everyone can enjoy the lovely weather without getting hurt.

The campaign also offers suggestions for overcoming four barriers that often prevent children from going outside to play: safety concerns, weather issues, lack of time and excessive screen time.

“Research shows that Canadian kids are sitting in front of some kind of screen, electronic game, computer or television for an average of about eight hours a day,” Ms Cameron says. “If looked at over a week, kids are spending more time in front of a screen on average than parents are spending at work.”

She says an effective way to address this issue is for parents to limit screen time and negotiate with their kids around expectations.

For example, parents can suggest taking the dog for a long walk after dinner, before anyone has screen time. Ms Cameron also points out

parents are their children’s best role models, so setting a good example by being more active and having fun through physical activity will encourage children to do the same.

Best of all, play time is good for grownups, too. Joining your kids as they play active games outside has all the same benefits for your health as it does for theirs. And Ms Cameron says the more people enjoy an activity, the more likely we are to continue doing it and as a result, reap the long-term health benefits.

“We want people to participate in physical activity in a way that makes it fun for them,” Ms Cameron says. “Whether you are six or 66, if you enjoy an activity, you’ll want to return to it time and time again.”

Parachute Canada, a partnership of Safe Communities Canada, SmartriSk, Safe kids Canada and thinkfirst Canada, is a national charitable organization dedicated to keeping children safe and injury-free. visit parachutecanada.org for tips and resources focused on safety for children of all ages.

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17

Too HoT

Parked cars no place for children or pets

BY JOANN MACDONALD

As the temperature rises, it seems Canadians have only a short window of opportunity to get out and enjoy the sun.

While it’s the optimum time for quick car rides to the beach and road trips farther afield, police and animal advocates remind us not to leave children and pets unattended in vehicles. Const. Andy Pattenden of York Regional Police says kids and animals are especially vulnerable to illness and even death in a hot car.

“As an adult you can get out of a car if you’re hot or put down a window,” he says. “Kids can fall asleep. They might get more lethargic as it gets hotter. Pets are the same. They have no way of getting out of the vehicle. We all know it heats up much more quickly in the car than outside. It’s like an oven.”

Raynald Marchand of the Canada Safety Council says two to four children die in hot cars each year in Canada.

“Never leave a child unattended in a car, period,” he advises. “Children have not fully developed their sweat glands so their core temperature goes up three times as quickly as adults. Their organs shut down quicker and they can die.”

Agent Brad Dewar of the Ontario SPCA says he’s heard all kinds of justifications for leaving pets in cars, from “I rolled down the windows” to “I parked in the shade.”

None of these actions is good enough, he says. “Inside a vehicle, it can quickly become two to three times the outside temperature.

It’s really one of the most irresponsible things a pet owner can do. Sadly, in many of these cases, animals suffer and, in some cases, die.”

How hot is too hot? The experts say it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“It’s tough to put a number on it, but if it’s warm outside, you can guarantee it’s hot inside the car,” Const. Pattenden says. “Our advice with pets is pretty simple: If you’re going somewhere and you’re going to be parking, just leave your pet at home.”

If you’re travelling to the cottage and bringing Fido along, Mr. Dewar says you need to ensure your pet is safe at all times.

“If the decision is made to stop somewhere to eat, then someone has to stay with that 18

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pet,” he says. “On a relatively mild day, it could be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) inside the car, regardless of whether the windows are open or closed. There really is no temperature where it’s OK to leave an animal unattended. It comes down to their ability to cool off. It is different than humans.

Dogs, cats, birds don’t do well in confined areas without ventilation.”

The OSPCA partners with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police, York Regional Police, Crime Stoppers, Ontario Veterinary Medical Association and Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians to run Operation VALUE (Vulnerable Animals Left Unattended Everyday). This crime prevention initiative addresses animal welfare concerns, including animals left in vehicles.

Const. Pattenden says police officers respond to calls of pets left in cars every day in summer. While reports of children left unattended aren’t as frequent, they do occur.

Whatever the time of year, Const. Pattenden advises never leaving your child unattended in the car, even if he or she is sleeping.

“From a safety perspective, it’s not good,” he says. You could end up with a young child running in traffic. We have also had cases where people run into a store and the car is stolen.”

Mr. Marchand notes that most cases of children dying in hot cars arise when people

forget the child is in the car. Often the child is with someone who isn’t the usual caregiver.

“If it’s something you don’t usually do, place something with your child that you’ll have to go get, something you need immediately,” he advises. It could be a purse, briefcase, computer or cellphone. The Canada Safety Council also recommends locking your car with a key and quickly scanning the car as you do so, rather than walking away while pressing the remote.

Caregivers who are found to have put a child at risk of serious bodily harm could face child abandonment or endangerment charges.

Those who leave pets unattended in vehicles may also face charges under the Ontario SPCA Act or the Criminal Code of Canada.

“If you walk through a parking lot on a hot day and see a child or pet in a car, contact police,” Const. Pattenden advises. “We take all of these reports seriously. If there is a concern, call us. We would rather come out to find everyone to be OK than find one child or pet dead.”

the oSPCa has launched a new 24-hour central dispatch call centre. anyone in ontario can call 310-SPCa to report an animal in distress. Pet owners are invited to visit nohotpets.ca to make a pledge to not leave their pets in the car.

2013

behind

the scenes

Sean and julie haynes credit the team in southlake’s birthing unit with the safe arrival of their son jAck.

new beginnings: The birthing unit B y l e e ann wat e rman

When newlyweds Sean and Julie Haynes found out they were expecting their first child in July 2011, they were over the moon.

Having just moved to Aurora, Mrs. Haynes searched the Internet to find obstetrician Dr. Sasha Svystonyuk, who guided her through a pretty typical pregnancy.

As the baby’s due date came and went, concerns about Mrs. Haynes’ rising blood pressure led Dr. Svystonyuk to admit her to Southlake Regional Health Centre and induce labour.

After several hours, it became clear a natural delivery was not going to happen; the baby would be delivered by caesarean section.

The procedure was complicated because the baby was wedged in the birth canal—putting both mother and son at risk. Although a low initial Agpar score (a simple method to quickly assess the health of a newborn) had Mrs. Haynes concerned, Jack arrived in good health.

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photography by jim craigmyl e

She, however, required additional surgery.

While Mr. Haynes took his son to meet his grandparents, the doctor and nurses attended to Mrs. Haynes.

“We just about lost both of you,” she recalls Dr. Svystonyuk saying afterwards. “As far as I’m concerned, he saved my life.”

Mrs. Haynes spent the first days of Jack’s life recovering in the hospital, while her husband took on parenting duties—which was a great bonding experience for father and son, but difficult for her, she says.

“The nurses were sensitive to the fact that this was hugely emotional for me,” she says.

“You can tell they really care about their patients.

We were not just another family on their list.

Truly, I always felt I was in the best of hands.”

Lorrie Reynolds, director of the maternal child program, professional practice and deputy chief of nursing at Southlake, began her 22-year career in the program as a nurse.

“It’s a privilege,” she says of her work, “to be with families during what is probably one of the most important periods of their lives.”

The team in the birthing unit ( just one part of the maternal child program) delivers more than 2,600 babies every year and receives ongoing training to be able to deal with emergencies.

A number of years ago, Southlake introduced Managing Obstetrical Risk Efficiently (MOREOB), a program that emphasizes safety for mothers and babies as well as collaboration and ongoing education for every member of the labour and delivery team. Simulations provide nurses, midwives and physicians with hands-on training in using forceps, responding to babies in the breech position (feet first), reacting to umbilical cord prolapse, which can cut off blood flow and oxygen to the baby, and more.

“There is an expectation of excellence—and that’s what we strive for,” Mrs. Reynolds says.

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lorrie reynolds, director of the maternal child program at southlake (centre) with registered nurses (from left) Linda Steele, Mary Srebot, Kim McPhee and Amanda Mooney.

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While many babies come in to the world with minimal guidance from health care professionals, they must be ready for any possible outcome— difficult deliveries, as well as early pregnancy losses, congenital abnormalities and babies who are transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit because of an infection requiring antibiotics or respiratory issues.

But her team is committed to the best care for mothers and babies in every situation.

For example, Southlake has implemented a “code silver,” a unique obstetrical alert that tells the surgical team, including anesthesiologist and respirologist, that they may be needed in the birthing unit.

“If an emergency c-section is needed, they are already there,” Ms Reynolds explains. “The best case scenario is they all get there, we don’t need them and send them away.”

It’s just one way the birthing unit has evolved to meet the needs of babies, mothers and families. Others include: • The prenatal assessment clinic provides care for mothers-to-be who are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or a complication in pregnancy that requires close monitoring.

The women see the obstetrician on-call and a registered nurse and (if required) social work services are provided as part of the interprofessional team.

• The early pregnancy loss clinic offers information and support to women when a pregnancy ends unexpectedly.

Your donation could help buy equipment to support our youngest patients.

Donate now at southlakefoundation.ca.

• A Baby’s Coming (ABC) prenatal education provides information on pregnancy, birth and newborn care.

• Postpartum education in the hospital includes advice on diapering, bathing and breastfeeding. Southlake has also produced a lactation video mothers can watch at home.

• The jaundice clinic offers outpatient care to newborns with this condition.

In December 2013, an annual report of patient ratings of Ontario hospitals named Southlake the province’s top hospital for maternity care.

Women across Ontario who experienced a maternity stay were asked: “Overall, how would you rate the care you received at the hospital?”

Every responder who had stayed at Southlake said her overall care was good, very good or excellent. Ontario-wide, positive ratings of overall care ranged from a low annual average score of 84 per cent to Southlake’s high annual average score of 100 per cent.

“Everyone in our maternal child program —staff, physicians and volunteers—is here because they are passionate about what they do,” Mrs. Reynolds says. “Being named the top hospital in Ontario and having every one of those mothers tell us they had a positive experience at Southlake is a direct result of our exceptionally gifted and compassionate team.”

A benchmark for health care professionals, says Mrs. Reynolds, is : “Would you recommend the hospital to your family? And I would. I chose to have my babies here.”

If you asked Mrs. Haynes that same question, she would respond the same way. Today, son Jack is an energetic two-year-old, who loves music and dancing, and she and her husband are enjoying time as a family and are grateful for Southlake’s role in making that happen.

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jim craigmyl e photograph

leading

BY EXAMPLE Dr. Julius Toth

The gift of time A profound experience in youth can help shape the trajectory of a life. When Dr. Julius Toth was 19 and a student at the University of Toronto, his father died of lung cancer. He was 44 years old.

As head of Southlake’s thoracic surgery program, Dr. Toth sees patients who require surgery for organs in the chest, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea and diaphragm.

Southlake’s program, whose patients come from across York Region and South Simcoe, is one of the busiest in the province. Most patients have been diagnosed with lung or esophageal cancers. If a cancer is detected early, surgery can significantly prolong life, Dr. Toth says. Patients treated for early stage lung or esophageal cancers are surviving 10 years and longer.

“Their life is now a decade beyond what they were thinking was a life-ending event,” he says. “They come back and tell us about their milestone moments—like I just wanted to get to my daughter’s wedding or they finally took that cruise they’d always planned on or they introduce you to their new grandchild.

We’re talking about giving them the gift of time. Because there is nothing more precious than the gift of time.”

The Wat family might agree. Last fall, when Markham resident Siu Keung Wat went to his local hospital because he was having difficulties breathing, the health care team suspected pneumonia. But despite treatment, his symptoms worsened and he was soon in the ICU, unconscious and with internal

Your donation can help transform a life.

Donate now at southlakefoundation.ca.

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Dr. Julius Toth, Head of Southlake’s thoracic surgery program.

bleeding. Unable to find the cause of the bleeding, a physician contacted Dr. Toth, who agreed to see the ailing man.

“We were very worried,” recalls son Anthony Wat. “It was almost at the point where the doctors were ready to say he’s not going to make it.”

At Southlake, Dr. Toth recommended surgery to find the source of the bleeding.

The surgery was not without risk, but Dr. Toth’s “layman’s” explanation of what he planned to do, as well as his demeanour reassured Mr. Wat and his mother. “Capable and confident” is how Mr. Wat describes the surgeon.

The surgery revealed a cancerous tumour

on the lining of the lung, which Dr. Toth was able to remove. The elder Mr. Wat ended up spending more than a month at Southlake, recovering following surgery and working with therapists to regain his strength and mobility.

“The ICU team and volunteers are so helpful, very encouraging,” Mr. Wat says. “If it weren’t for them and Dr. Toth, my dad wouldn’t be here.”

Today, his father is recovering well— enjoying time in the garden and planning for future travel overseas. He has regular followup visits with Dr. Toth and his colleague Dr. Alexander Lee. So far, says Mr. Wat, all indications are that the surgery was successful

technology and thoracic surgery Minimally invasive techniques are becoming the standard of care for a wide range of procedures—including those performed by Southlake’s thoracic surgeons.

While traditional open surgeries require large incisions through layers of skin, fat, muscle and even bone, minimally invasive surgeries require only small incisions to insert tubes. High-precision tools and cameras hooked up to high-definition monitors are fed through the tubes.

For example, thoracic surgeons perform minimally invasive videoassisted esophagectomy, surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus often to treat cancer. The benefits to patients of this type of surgery include less pain and smaller scars, shortened recovery periods and therefore less time in the hospital away from work or other activities.

Sunday, September 21, 2014 Toronto, Barrie and other locations

Dr. Julius Toth, head of Southlake’s thoracic surgery program, says updated equipment is crucial to diagnosing and treating patients.

In particular, he would like to see the program outfitted with an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), a device that can be inserted into the airway to examine the trachea and esophagus for inflamed or enlarged lymph nodes and take biopsies when needed. Southlake thoracic surgeons are trained in use of the device, but are currently sending patients to other hospitals for EBUS examinations.

in removing the cancer.

When treatment is not an option, Dr. Toth says health care professionals can still play an important role in supporting their patients— helping them to manage their pain or discussing end-of-life goals.

“It gives them a chance to fix their business— call up an old friend, find that missing sister, start speaking to Dad,” he says. “They have the opportunity to go out and make things right, tie up loose ends. So even when you can’t help someone medically, you really can.”

Dr. Toth says he has learned from his patients as well: “It changes how you live your life. I am constantly reminded how precious each day is.”

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SU M M E R 2 0 1 4

23

Hospital NEWS jim craigmyl e photograph southlake board of directors, including (from left) treasurer paul roberts, secretary and hospital president and ceo Dr. Dave Williams and chair Jonathan harris, dedicate their time and expertise to oversee hospital activities.

A voice for the community Southlake’s Board of Directors B y S u e K anhai

Southlake is fortunate to be part of a larger community that is progressive and engaged.

Within that community are several respected and highly successful professionals who generously dedicate their time and expertise to being a part of the hospital’s board of directors, a group of appointed members 24

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who volunteer their time to jointly oversee Southlake’s activities.

Current board chair Jonathan Harris was brought up in a family where communitymindedness and giving back were highly valued. Over the years, he has been devoted to several organizations and worked on

numerous high-profile campaigns.

Volunteering keeps his mind active and is a welcome addition to his day-to-day work world.

“I thoroughly enjoy my time with Southlake,” Mr. Harris says. “It’s a refreshing change from what I do. I would like to think

that I’ve been able to make a difference in the hospital.

“If you went back to the ‘70s or ‘80s, York County was a nice community hospital but I wouldn’t tell you it was in the upper echelons of excellence. Southlake is,” he continues.

“We’ve got a lot of terrific programs, and an even better group of people supporting them.

The transformation that has taken place within the last 20 years has been truly remarkable and it has been the result of hard work, dedication to excellence and perseverance. It’s fun to watch and incredibly rewarding to be a part of.”

Mr. Harris also enjoys working closely with the senior management team at the hospital, and the many other talented board members. Together, with a common vision and relentless drive, they look for ways to do things better.

In turn, hospital administration values the contributions of its board members.

“At Southlake, we are so lucky to have such a wonderful group of individuals who serve on our board of directors and work to govern this institution,” says hospital president and CEO Dr. Dave Williams. “The diversity of their experiences, enthusiasm and unique contributions have made and will continue to make positive impacts on this organization as we work together to transform health care with our patients, our people and our partners.”

Southlake board members attend monthly board meetings from September through June and are asked to sit on at least two committees, many of which also meet monthly.

Mr. Harris estimates directors spend at least five to 10 hours per month in meetings, overseeing such matters as safety and quality and the financial stability of the organization, and an equal amount of time preparing for those meetings or attending hospital or foundation events.

The board’s most important job, he says, is to represent the views of the community and make sure the hospital is actively responding to the many needs. In addition to this, the board also has governance and fiduciary responsibilities; it provides strategic direction for the hospital and monitors its overall financial performance.

“Hospitals are big, dynamic organizations

if you have an interest in learning more about Southlake’s board of directors or applying for a position on the board, call 905-895-4521, ext. 2581 or email byetman@southlakeregional.org.

and they exist within an even more complex health care system,” he says. “Overseeing a hospital from a governance perspective is an interesting opportunity.

We know the province is facing large-scale and widespread economic challenges and hospitals need to reinvent how they operate. We’re here to help Southlake do that.

“We’re not in the weeds,” Mr. Harris continues. “We don’t manage the day-to-day operations and we don’t do the accounting, but we do look at how the numbers work and help make important decisions for the hospital.”

For several years, Mr. Harris served as board chair of the Southlake Foundation.

The president of Medike Branding Solutions and a King City resident, he has been involved with the hospital itself for four years, first as a member of the Southlake board, becoming chair in June 2013.

When looking for new board members, the group considers several factors in relation to the needs of the hospital, the current makeup of the board and the knowledge and experience candidates can bring to the table.

This is precisely how accountant Paul Roberts came into the mix. A partner at Lipton LLP, the Aurora resident has served as treasurer since June 2011. Mr. Roberts chairs the board’s finance and property committee and sits on the audit committee.

“Board members meet regularly, set goals, follow up on those goals and try not to get too hands-on in the day-to-day operations,” Mr. Roberts says. As board treasurer, he makes sure financial goals are set at the beginning of the year, then monitors them to ensure the objectives are met. He estimates his time commitment is between 12 and 15 hours per month.

“I got involved because I want to be able to have a voice in the community I live in,” Mr. Roberts says. “As everyone knows, dollars are short and health care is expensive. There are tough decisions to be made. I like knowing that I’m participating in the debate.”

Mr. Roberts recognizes that not everyone has skills in finance. He tries to present the numbers in a way everybody can understand.

“Paul has been absolutely superb as our treasurer. He brings a great financial bigpicture understanding,” Mr. Harris says.

The board recently endorsed Southlake’s new five-year strategic plan. Members are most proud of continuing to develop governance and financial accountability, especially during a time when the province is asking organizations within the broader public sector, including hospitals, to do more with less.

2013-2014 board of directors Jonathan Harris, chair Paul Roberts, treasurer Dr. Dave Williams, secretary, Southlake president and CEO Dr. Eddie Chan, vice-president, medical staff Geoffrey Dawe, Aurora mayor Mike Downs Tim Hammill Annette Jones, chief nursing officer Jim Lovie Dr. Steven Beatty, chief of staff Colette Nemni Kathy Proudfoot Dr. John Randle, medical staff president Dennis Roughley Felicia Salomon, Foundation board chair Michael Smith Stacie Stanton Belinda Stronach, hospital patron Tony Van Bynen, Newmarket mayor Richard Wilson

Board committees • finance and property • board committee on quality • governance • audit • community awareness • leadership assessment and compensation

“Southlake has a $350-million budget, more than 3,000 employees and sees almost 100,000 people in its emergency department each year. The challenge of figuring it all out or making it better, I find mentally challenging and stimulating,” Mr. Roberts continues. “It’s busy, but extremely interesting and rewarding.”

SU M M E R 2 0 1 4

25

by K at e P orr e tta

AURORA RESIDENT MARILYN SCOTT REQUIRED SURGERY AND REHABilitation TO REPAIR A FLEXOR TENDON SHE CUT WHILE TRYING TO SEPARATE FROZEN RIBS TO BARBECUE FOR DINNER.

It’s a familiar scene to many: The barbecue is hot, the patio table is set, your family, cool drinks in hand, is gathered around expectantly—all you need to do is separate those frozen turkey burgers and get them on the grill. So, you pick up the closest knife …

After a long and cold winter, barbecue season is in full swing—and experts from Southlake’s hand program are reminding all of us to be careful when trying to separate frozen meat for the barbecue and offering important safety tips on how to avoid an unnecessary surgery this summer.

“Using a knife or other sharp objects to separate frozen meats, such as ribs, hot dogs or hamburgers, can lead to a significant hand injury,” says Southlake chief of staff and plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Beatty. “Each year, our hand program sees close to 30 cases of severe hand injuries from knife-related incidents.”

These serious injuries often require a 26

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combination of surgery and rehabilitation therapy. Recovery time may be up to four months, with significant restrictions on the use of the entire hand, not just the finger, during that time.

Even dull objects like a butter knife can be responsible for some of the worst injuries, Dr. Beatty cautions.

It’s a lesson Aurora resident Marilyn Scott learned the hard way.

Two years ago, Ms Scott sliced the flexor tendon—the muscle that helps bend the finger—in her right pinky with a butter knife when trying to separate frozen ribs for dinner.

“I knew it was bad when I couldn’t bend my finger and my pinky started changing shape,” she says.

Ms Scott went straight to the emergency department at Southlake, where she was referred to the hand program and assessed

by Dr. Beatty. To recover full hand movement,

Ms Scott required surgery and months of intense rehabilitation to repair the damaged flexor tendon.

“Flexor tendons are like elastic bands and are under a tremendous amount of tension from the muscles in the forearms,” Dr. Beatty explains. “One small and simple cut can cause the tendons to retract like an elastic and the finger can lose its ability to move and bend.”

Hand program occupational therapist Kathryn Wilton says there is a significant spike in the incidence of hand injuries during certain times of the year, including holidays and barbecue season.

“We definitely see an increase in patients with hand injuries around the times when people are ... trying to separate frozen meat for the barbecue,” Ms Wilton says.

“Workplace injuries aside, these accidents almost always happen during housekeeping and homemaking activities.”

jim craigmyl e photograph

Fire up the grill… safely

Dr. Beatty and Ms Wilton agree that safely preparing meat to barbecue is serious business—especially if you want to avoid a hospital visit. They recommend the following important safety measures: 1. Focus on the task.

Many hand injuries caused by a knife or sharp object occur when an individual is in a rush or trying to do too many things at once.

Focus on the task at hand and never multitask while holding a knife or sharp object.

2. Never direct a knife or sharp object at any body part.

While it may seem like common sense, it’s important to remember a sharp object should never be directed at any part of your body, including your hands.

3. Ensure your hands are dry.

A clean and dry environment is crucial for safety. Many of Southlake’s hand program patients say their hands were wet when they incurred their injury.

4. Pre-plan meals.

Pre-planning weekly meals not only helps to organize your busy life, it can also help you avoid serious injury, surgery, months of rehabilitation and the inconveniences associated with treatment. Plan your meals and prepare your ingredients. Frozen meat like hot dogs and hamburgers should be safely defrosted to avoid having to use force to separate them.

5. Seek treatment immediately.

If you’ve injured your hand, seek treatment immediately. The risk of infection can be high and the longer the injury goes untreated, the less likely you are to fully recover from it.

physiotherapy

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Safe meat handling Injury is not the only concern when grilling meat. Food-borne illnesses caused by bacteria such as E.coli, salmonella and campylobacter can result from eating undercooked meat or other foods that have come into contact with raw meat. you can lower your risk by handling and cooking meat carefully.

Storing • Raw meat should be stored in a refrigerator or cooler at 4 Celsius (40 Fahrenheit) or below.

• If you are storing raw meat in a cooler, make sure it is packed with ice and stays out of direct sunlight.

Avoid opening it too often.

• Ensure meat products are well sealed so their juices don’t come in contact with other food products.

Cleaning • Wash your hands and other utensils including cutting boards, countertops and knives carefully with soap and warm water before and after handling raw meat.

When you grill • Colour alone is not a reliable indicator that meat is safe to eat. Meat can turn brown before all bacteria are killed. Use a digital food thermometer to be sure.

• To check the temperature of meat, take it off the grill and insert a digital food thermometer through the thickest part.

• If you are cooking a burger, take the patty from the grill and insert a digital food thermometer through its side, all the way to the middle.

• If you are cooking more than one patty or several pieces of meat, check the temperature of each piece.

• Use clean utensils and plates when removing cooked meats from the grill.

• Wash the thermometer in hot soapy water between readings.

• Keep hot food hot until ready to serve.

Safe temperatures • Beef, veal and lamb pieces and whole cuts: 145 Fahrenheit (medium-rare) to 170 Fahrenheit (welldone) • Pork (all cuts): 160 Fahrenheit • Ground beef, veal, lamb or pork (burgers, sausages, meatballs): 160 Fahrenheit • Ground poultry (burgers, sausages, meatballs): 165 Fahrenheit • Poultry pieces: 160 Fahrenheit • Poultry, whole: 185 Fahrenheit • Fish: 158 Fahrenheit • Seafood: 165 Fahrenheit

Source: healthycanadians.gc.ca

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27

tHe riPe iDea

PutS eXCeSS fruit to gooD uSe

BY JOANN MACDONALD

If the fruit tree in your backyard is currently more decorative than useful, a new program from York Region Food Network (YRFN) can help. “The Ripe Idea” ensures that apples don’t just fall from the trees, but rather increase the supply of fresh food in the community.

Homeowners need only register their trees with YRFN and notify the organization when the fruit is ready to pick. A team of volunteers does the picking and the harvest is divided among the homeowner, volunteers and YRFN programs.

“Obviously there’s a need for some way to manage excess fruit,” says Bronwen Fitzsimons, urban agriculture coordinator for YRFN. “We’re very interested in making use of the food we have in the community. The fruit can go to people who really need it and everybody wins.”

Ms Fitzsimons is a volunteer with Not Far From The Tree, a similar program in Toronto.

She launched the York Region program last fall, after a Markham homeowner invited the group to pick apples from his tree.

“It was a very positive experience,” Ms Fitzsimons says. “The volunteers had a great time and we made applesauce afterwards.”

for more information about the ripe idea or to register, visit yrfn.ca or call 905-841-3101 or 866-454-9736.

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YRFN’s portion of the fruit goes to food banks, free breakfast and lunch programs and canning workshops.

“We aim to increase food skills in the community,” Ms Fitzsimons says. “Food is a gateway to so many issues.”

The organization works to raise public awareness on issues affecting food security, such as affordable housing, adequate employment, education, accessible child care and social assistance policies.

“The core idea is to increase food access and food knowledge,” Ms Fitzsimons says. “For people on low budgets, branching out to try new foods can be a risk. Food takes up a significant amount of your budget.”

Some of the foods gleaned from The Ripe Idea program will be used for workshops on preparing seasonal fruit.

“The nice thing about it is there are a lot of teaching moments,” Ms Fitzsimons says. “It’s a great way to learn about fruit that’s in your community that you didn’t even know was edible. For example, crabapples make lovely jelly. There are lots of ways to use fruit that people may not be aware of.”

YRFN hopes to have the program fully up and running this summer and is encouraging people to register their fruit or nut trees or bushes.

Registering won’t bind you to anything, Ms Fitzsimons says. And with one apple tree able

a healthy diet Fruit is an important part of a healthy diet. Eating a variety of fruit will provide you with vitamins A and C, folate and other nutrients, fibre and antioxidants— fuelling your body and helping protect you against heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

to produce up to 180 kilograms of apples, one tree is sufficient. A single tree can take a few volunteers up to two hours to pick.

“It’s the right amount of time so volunteers still feel energized and it’s not an inconvenience to homeowners,” Ms Fitzsimons says. Trees and bushes can also be on institutional or government land.

YRFN is also looking for volunteers for picking.

Kids are welcome, as are students looking to accrue high school volunteer hours.

“The best way to get people interested in food is to get them when they’re young,” Ms Fitzsimons says.

SU M M E R 2 0 1 4

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drinks gone wild B y s u san fink e lst e in

Beverage companies have finally received the message that pop—with its high calories, sugar and acid content—is not good for our waistlines or teeth. This has opened up the doors to a whole range of products dressed in sleek, colourful and hip bottles that come in mouthwatering flavours. Convenience stores now regularly sell fancy waters, vitamin-enhanced waters, coconut and aloe vera waters, sports drinks and nutrient-enhanced juice beverages. But are these beverages really healthy?

Fancy bottled water Low-end varieties of bottled water have no calories or minerals. Premium waters, like Fiji or Smartwater, contain low amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium to give the water a fresh, crisp and pure taste. Fiji water also contains high levels of silica, a mineral, which gives it a 30

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unique smooth mouth-feel.

Nutritionally, there are no differences.

it can be an alternative to plain water, if you don’t mind the artificial sweetener.

Flavoured water

Coconut water

Flavoured water contains a touch of sodium and artificial sweetener (i.e. sucralose) to make it more palatable for people who don’t enjoy drinking plain water. Low in calories (about five per bottle),

Not to be confused with coconut milk, which is made from the coconut’s white flesh and is full of fat and calories, coconut water is the liquid from a young green coconut. It is low in

For hydration, nothing compares to water. For vitamins and minerals, nothing can replace real food. calories (45 per 250 mL), has no fat, is high in potassium (about the same amount as a banana) and has modest amounts of other electrolytes including sodium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Sound like the perfect sports drink?

Well, it could be for athletes who are engaging in short duration exercises of up to one to two hours. When exercising longer, sodium losses cannot be replaced with coconut water alone and must be supplemented with a sports drink that contains higher levels of sodium or a salty snack. Ideally during endurance activities, you would also want to replenish carbohydrates to fuel working muscles. The low amount of carbohydrates in coconut water would not be sufficient.

Coconut water is extremely high in potassium—and we could all use more in our diet. Most people don’t get anywhere near the daily target (4,700 mg) that can help lower blood pressure.

Sports drinks Sports drinks, like Gatorade and Powerade, typically contain a moderate amount of sugar (about half of what is naturally found in juice) and higher amounts of sodium and potassium.

If you are exercising for more than two hours or when it is really hot and sweat rates are high, these are the perfect drink. Not only do they replenish fluid, but also restore sodium and potassium lost through sweating. The moderate amount of sugar in these drinks replenishes carbohydrates used to fuel working muscles and will help you maintain pace and improve endurance. However, if you drink these during shorter duration exercises, the sugar in the drink will probably just add calories to your diet and not benefit your workout.

Diet sports drinks are simply flavoured water with added sodium and potassium.

There are no benefits to these beverages unless you find the taste helps you drink more during exercise.

Aloe vera water Aloe vera water is popping up in many variety stores. The beverages contain one part aloe vera gel to four parts water and some honey or other sweetener to make them palatable.

Just because aloe vera makes a good moisturizer and anti-irritant doesn’t mean you should be ingesting it. Websites for aloe vera drinks suggest they support digestive health, but at high doses, aloe is actually toxic and may even be carcinogenic. The aloe vera in the drinks is diluted—which is probably a good thing. The calories in the drink come from the sweetener to make it less bitter and it contains little if any vitamins and minerals.

SUSAN FINKELSTEIN, REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Vitamin-enhanced waters The addition of vitamins and minerals to water—which does not naturally contain these nutrients—means these drinks are considered Natural Health Products (NHPs) by Health Canada.

NHPs are viewed as drugs and as such, have distinct labelling regulations. Labels must include the recommended purpose and dosage, intended age group and known adverse reactions, if any. Amounts of medicinal ingredients, including vitamins and minerals, must be listed on the label, in addition to nonmedical ingredients such as flavours, colours and sugar.

Companies must submit documentation and research to attest to a product’s safety, intended use and health claims. Health Canada then undertakes a full assessment of the product and, if approved for sale, assigns it a Natural Product Number (NPN). This number is found on the front of the label usually under the volume.

For example, Aquafina Plus Vitamins is an NHP with a NPN number. It contains 20 to 80 per cent of the daily values (DVs) for vitamins E, B3, B5 and B6 and higher amounts of B12 and C. It’s sweetened with sugar and comes in three flavours. It’s stated recommended purpose is “an excellent source of antioxidant vitamins to maintain good health” and the dosage is one to two times daily.

Products awaiting Health Canada assessment can be given “temporary marketing authorization letters” so they can be sold in Canada. These products do not have an NPN, but you can tell they are in the queue from the product description, recommended use and dosage information.

Glacéau Vitaminwater is a nutrient-enhanced water beverage that is on the waiting list to be an NHP. Most of its varieties contain vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 and vitamin C. Some flavours also contain vitamin E, folate, lutein (an antioxidant) and choline (a water-soluble B vitamin) and the minerals zinc, calcium and magnesium. One kind also contains caffeine.

It is sweetened with sugar.

Both Aquafina Plus Vitamins and Glacéau Vitaminwater contain a moderate amount of calories (100 to 130 per bottle), an array of vitamins and a few minerals. Most of the vitamins are water-soluble, so if you get too much, you can get rid of it through your urine.

These beverages cannot replace a healthy diet

or a multivitamin and mineral complex pill.

Diet versions of these beverages contain erythritol (a no-calorie sugar alcohol found in fruit) and stevia (a sweet-tasting plant that our bodies cannot metabolize so provides no calories).

Vitamin-enhanced fruit drink Fairly new to the market are vitaminenhanced fruit drinks.

For example, Fuze Refresh contains some real fruit juice, skim milk, sugar and added vitamins.

This drink has more calories (180 per 500 mL bottle) than vitamin-enhanced water and tastes much sweeter and richer. It has equivalent calories to a lower calorie fruit juice and fewer naturally occurring vitamins.

So, what should you drink?

For hydration, plain water is really all our bodies need. If you like the taste of some of the high-end bottled or flavoured waters, they will also provide hydration, but nutritionally there are no differences. The slight amounts of minerals added to some bottled waters are not enough to impact our diets—they are there for taste only.

For people participating in sports lasting more than one to two hours, an electrolyte and carbohydrate replacement beverage will aid working muscles and help replenish losses through sweat. A sports drink would suffice or coconut water with a salty snack.

The nutrient-enhanced waters and fruit drinks available on the market today are composed of water, sweetener, maybe a small amount of real fruit juice and a handful vitamins and minerals in amounts that fall short of what you would get in a multivitamin and mineral complex pill.

Despite their names, these beverages are not healthier than water. For hydration, nothing compares to water. For vitamins and minerals, nothing can replace real wholesome food. Food contains vitamins, minerals and other healthenhancing compounds called phytochemicals that cannot be isolated and put in a bottle. These beverages are not well regulated and should be used with caution by people on medications or taking other vitamin and minerals supplements.

Susan Finkelstein, MHSc, RD is a registered dietitian and freelance writer. summer 2 0 1 4

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marlene’s

MEAL MAKEOVERS

A taste of summer Fresh flavourful cherry tomatoes are the centrepiece of a quick pasta dish, appetizer and lunch to go. Cook once and produce twice all summer long with this great recipe … it just does not get any simpler than this.

BY MARLENE MACPHERSON

Cook Once Poolside Pasta Serves 6

Produce 1 Barbecue Bruschetta Brie Serves 6-8

Produce 2 Lunchtime pasta Serves 1-2

Ingredients 4 L (4 pints) cherry tomatoes, halved 125 mL (1/2 cup) olive oil 5 cloves garlic, minced 10-15 basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving 2 mL (1/2 tsp) crushed red pepper flakes 5 mL (1 tsp) kosher salt 2 mL (1/2 tsp) freshly ground black pepper 450 g (1 lb) dried gluten-free or whole-wheat spaghetti 375 mL (1-1/2 cups) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Ingredients 1 camembert or brie wheel (pick a size of wheel to accommodate your guests) 60 mL (1/4 cup) tomatoes and sauce reserved from Cook Once

Ingredients Leftover Poolside Pasta from Cook Once

Method Combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.

Reserve 60 mL (1/4 cup for Produce One) Bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 15 mL (1 tbsp) salt to a boil and add pasta. Cook al dente according to package directions.

Drain well and add to bowl with tomatoes.

Add cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves and toss well.

MMM Tips...

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Method Place brie on two pieces of foil wrap. Poke brie several times with a fork and top with tomatoes. Cover with first foil wrap tightly, then secure again with second piece.

Place on barbecue on medium low for approximately 10 minutes or until you can hear the cheese bubbling.

Remove to a plate or cutting board and serve alongside your favourite bread.

Try using different colours and varieties of cherry tomatoes to add interest. Heirloom tomatoes work wonderfully in this dish.

Quality ingredients are essential to this dish—choose fresh ripe tomatoes and a good olive oil.

I serve my brie in the foil right from the barbecue—just placing it on a cutting board with a few spoons for everyone to help themselves to the gooey goodness.

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Method Pack in a lunch container or just grab a bowl and start eating.

You’ll find the pasta has absorbed all the sauce—and all the flavour. It’s possible this pasta dish tastes even better the second day.

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.

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SU M M E R 2 0 1 4

33

neighbours

HELPING NEIGHBOURS

A group effort B y john crow e ll

Newmarket Lions Club

www.newmarketlionsclub.com Since 1931

Newmarket Lions Club, proud contributors to Southlake Regional Health Centre, Diabetes Association, and the Hospice Oasis and Art Therapy Program 34

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When was the last time you tried something completely new? Something really different and out of your comfort zone? Was it a new job? A first date? Travel to a new country? A daring karaoke performance?

New experiences have the potential to bring out great things in us—they challenge and excite us in all sorts of ways. Sometimes we get a little anxious, anticipating the unknown with a heightened sense of awareness. New experiences also draw out our game face—the confident swagger we tap into to tackle something new and take on challenges.

Now what if I told you that finding a new experience was much easier than you thought, that is could be literally right around the corner? It may just sound too good to be true, but it’s not. In fact, volunteering just so happens to be that potential new experience and one of the cheapest and most readily available ways to give back. And for the approximate 47 per cent of us who already give back, we can push our boundaries by volunteering at something new.

One trend that continues to attract interest and growing participation is group volunteering, which can take just about any shape and form: Families are using it as a way to spend quality time together. Businesses are using it to create meaningful teambuilding experiences. Friends are having fun while giving back.

There are many options for groups, including one-time specific projects with set timeframes, as well as ongoing commitments. Consider some of the ways dedicated groups of volunteers are making a difference: • Organizing runs, walk-a-thons, community festivals and golf fundraisers • Preparing and serving community meals • Cleaning up the environment through anti-litter days • Planting trees through Neighbourhood Network and Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority tree-planting days • Participating in workplace food, clothing and gift drives • Clearing driveways and walkways through the Neighbourhood Network snow removal program for seniors • Building homes with Habitat for Humanity York Region • Volunteering at events that raise money for Southlake Regional Health Centre

So where do you start? It’s seemingly the classic chicken or the egg dilemma: Do you wait for a community need to emerge and rally a group of volunteers to fix it? Or do you organize a group of willing volunteers and seek out an opportunity to give back? The answer is simple: Either approach works and Neighbourhood Network can help. With more than 200 community partners and lots of volunteering experience, Neighbourhood Network can assist groups to identify a meaningful cause, connect with charities and community organizations, organize resources, promote events and measure and communicate your impact and feedback.

So like most things, if you want something done, give it to someone who’s busy. That means you! Any successful group initiative requires the leadership of one or a few to encourage and engage their group to try something new and different. From there you can tackle your community challenge or contact Neighbourhood Network to get you started. So go find a gang, a gaggle and coconspirator (aka friends, families, colleagues or acquaintances) and take a look for something new just around your corner.

John Crowell is the manager for social responsibility at Magna International Inc. Neighbourhood Network is a non-profit Magna for Community initiative. For information neighbourhoodnetwork.org or call 1-855870-4586.

SU M M E R 2 0 1 4

35

partners

IN CARE

A lifetime’s dedication

Volunteer leaves generous bequest to hospital

jean hulse

B y cathy hillard

Jean Hulse always worked to make a difference. And now, after her passing, she continues to do so.

A passionate and energetic supporter of York County Hospital (now Southlake Regional Health Centre), Ms Hulse lived out her values through two decades of tireless work with the hospital auxiliary, a longstanding organization of hospital volunteers.

She served on the auxiliary board for 10 years in various capacities, including president, and was awarded a rare outstanding achievement award in 2000 in recognition of her immense contribution.

But her contribution did not end there. Ms Hulse died in January at age 92 and a bequest of $100,000 means the community she cared so deeply about will continue to benefit from her generosity.

“She was very emotionally tied to the hospital, she felt it was an important part of the community,” explains Jean’s niece Marilyn Toombs. “Being a volunteer and being there on a regular basis, she saw the need and made the decision to do this. She wanted the hospital to succeed.”

One of seven children, Ms Hulse was born in Saskatchewan but raised in Queensville, north of Newmarket. She lived for a while in Toronto but moved back to Newmarket in the 1970s, when it had a population of just 12,000.

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Almost immediately, she became involved with the auxiliary to York County Hospital.

“She started in the beauty salon but they soon realized they had someone with a lot more skill on their hands,” Ms Toombs says.

Ms Hulse moved on to volunteering in the X-ray department before accepting the position of director of social events in 1985. A year later, she became director of volunteers and auxiliary vice-president and was appointed president in 1988.

In the 1990s, she spent innumerable hours fundraising and helping the auxiliary fulfil its mission. She became director of fundraising, then director of administration and was the recipient of several awards. She also served on the hospital’s board of directors, the foundation board and many other committees.

One of Ms Hulse’s most notable contributions during this time was the establishment of the hugely successful HELPP lottery fundraising project, which raised more than $100,000 and which she continued to oversee until she retired in 2000 at age 79.

The auxiliary was dissolved in 2006 but the legacy of the contributions made by its many volunteers continues to be felt in the hospital today. Like many, Ms Hulse had known York County Hospital since it was a small general hospital and watched it grow with the community it serves.

Because of that connection, Ms Hulse had a deep allegiance to the hospital, Ms Toombs says, which explains her decision to name the hospital a beneficiary to an insurance policy in her will. Ms Hulse became ill with Alzheimer’s disease in 2003 but through her gift, her contribution continues.

“The hospital was always a part of her and we are very happy that she has done this,” Ms Toombs explains. “It is nice that the money has come from a long-standing member of the community like her and is going back into the community. It is very important.”

It was Ms Hulse’s early stint in the X-ray department that first ignited her interest in imaging and so it is perfect symmetry that her bequest should have been designated to Southlake’s Images for Life campaign, now tantalizingly close to its goal of $16 million.

The campaign will fund a second state-of-theart 3T MRI machine and has already funded a new interventional radiology suite, which gives patients access to life-saving minimally invasive procedures that might previously have required surgery.

President and CEO of Southlake Foundation Neila Poscente says she is honoured Ms Hulse chose to give such a meaningful gift to Southlake.

“Her gift to the campaign will support the redevelopment of Southlake’s diagnostic

imaging services, a critical priority for our hospital over the next few years,” Ms Poscente says. “We are deeply committed to investing in these essential diagnostic and treatment services, given the critical role they play in diagnosis and early intervention for almost all of our Southlake patients. We thank Jean Hulse and her family for sharing our vision. What a tremendous honour to Southlake and the community we serve. I am so deeply grateful.”

Giving a bequest to the hospital is as simple as speaking to a lawyer. The bequest can be directed to the areas of greatest need or to a special area of interest. Bequests not only give the satisfaction of supporting the work of the hospital, they also allow a person to make a significant gift without impacting their current lifestyle. There are often tax benefits to the estate as well.

By leaving her bequest to the Images for Life campaign, Ms Hulse’s donation will touch 95 per cent of the patients who use the hospital and, as executor of Ms Hulse’s will, Ms Toombs says the family is happy the money is going towards something real and tangible.

“I remember her wanting to bring the first CAT scan to the hospital,” she recalls. “That is where her real passion started, so this is a really good full-circle story. Jean would have really liked that.”

jean hulse (fourth from left) with fellow hospital auxiliary members.

More information on making a bequest can be found in the Legacy Giving section of the Southlake Foundation website (southlakefoundation.ca) or by calling the foundation at 905-836-7333, ext. 5118.

summer 2 0 1 4

37

partners

IN CARE

jim craigmyl e photograph

a commitment to health care close to home

By ANDREW LIVINGSTONE

As Bob Hagerman recovered from heart surgery at Southlake in 2004, he thought about how a strong hospital serving its community is critical to saving lives.

And when the 62-year-old former president and CEO of AirBoss of America was making regular trips to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto with his late wife for her cancer treatments mere months after his operation, his conviction strengthened.

At the time, Southlake did not treat cancer patients—but hospital leaders were already sowing the seeds for a regional cancer centre, which opened in 2010 thanks in large part to the generosity of local residents and businesses.

“It goes to show how important it is to have local services available,” Mr. Hagerman says.

“With a population over 160,000 in the

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Newmarket/Aurora area, and when you add in King Township, Bradford and other surrounding communities, to have that new cancer centre is very important. It saves all these people from having to drive to downtown Toronto.”

Accessing health care close to home—be it cardiac surgery, chemotherapy or an MRI scan—eliminates some of the anxiety, he says.

It lessens the worries about weather and traffic and the fatigue from spending an entire day away from home, which can make an already stressful situation more difficult.

He adds that you can’t downplay the personal aspect of receiving treatment at your community hospital. Nurses and volunteers get to know the patients, who feel connected to and supported by their health care team. When Mr. Hagerman was waiting

for cardiac surgery, he learned that his surgeon was a golfer who had been part of a winning team in the Southlake Golf Tournament.

Mr. Hagerman clearly understands the importance of quality health care and particularly values access to that care close to home. So when the opportunity arose to become the lead sponsor for the annual Southlake Golf Tournament, he and current AirBoss chairman Gren Schoch jumped at the chance to be a part of efforts to help fund equipment and innovation at the hospital.

“We live in the area and [the business] has been here for years. This is the hospital that we’re going to if anything happens to us and we have to be put in an ambulance,” Mr. Hagerman says. “We both felt that it was important to support the local hospital.”

AirBoss has been the title sponsor of the tournament since 2012 and a supporter for many years before that.

Personally, Mr. Hagerman has been a donor since 2001 and has given tens of thousands of dollars to support a number of initiatives, including Southlake Foundation’s current campaign, Images for Life. Dollars raised will fund the purchase of a second, state-of-theart 3T MRI machine and has already funded a new interventional radiology suite—imaging equipment crucial to the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

“If you don’t have good equipment, how can you expect correct and expedient diagnosis?” Mr. Hagerman asks. “In the 10plus years since my heart operation, with the advances in techniques and equipment, they probably could have done my surgery without opening my chest cavity. All of that is important to the hospital’s success.”

Hospital equipment doesn’t last forever,

The Images for Life campaign is 90 per cent of the way to reaching its $16 million goal. Your donation to Southlake Foundation could help transform lives.

Donate now at southlakefoundation.ca.

he says. Since new purchases are funded by dollars raised in the community, a donation to the hospital is truly an investment in quality care for you, your family and your community.

“Not only does [equipment] break down after a period of time but there are so many advancements as you move forward, like the images on the latest MRI equipment. They are so much clearer than the ones of seven or eight years ago,” Mr. Hagerman says. “It allows the doctors to do so much more that it’s almost an obligation to make sure that the

hospital has the latest equipment just so your treatment has got the best chance possible of being successful.”

Increased demand for services, particularly from the hospital’s busy regional cancer and cardiac programs, as well as ever-improving technology has made purchasing the latest imaging equipment a priority for the hospital.

“They’ve done a great job with heart and cancer but let’s not fumble the ball with imaging. Let’s make sure we get the MRI equipment to match,” Mr. Hagerman says.

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instore 4. for details. E xpires August 31, 201

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(Bayview North Centre, beside Shoppers Drug Mart)

Chronic pain sufferer finally finds relief

Dear Debi,

I’m in the market for a new mattress. I was wondering, since you’re the “sleep specialist,” what kind of mattress do you sleep on? — Curious in Aurora Dear Curious, Mattress shopping is so confusing and there are so many different models to choose from so when a customer can’t decide, they always ask this question. I sleep on memory foam. And, I love it! We have approximately 40 different mattresses in our store, some innerspring, pocket coil, poly-urethane foam, latex foam and memory foam. So, why did I choose memory foam? Pain! Since sleeping on memory foam, my pain is gone. My husband, who fell off a 13 foot ladder onto his back and now has arthritis in his lower back because of this injury sleeps pain-FREE and wakes up that way! Why? Memory foam contours to the curves of your body and holds you in position. It is a pressure-relieving material that doesn’t make me toss and turn all night so my sleep is restorative. Are there issues with memory foam? Oh yes but it’s come a long way.

Introducing Magniflex, a memory foam mattress from Italy. Every negative that has come up with memory foam is answered with this one brand. Have you heard that memory foam runs hot? Well, the Magniflex Magnigel beds have exclusive gel-infused foam that eliminates this issue. Memory foam has a terrible off-gassing, chemical smell?

The patented formula for Magniflex, a mattress developed and manufactured in the heart of Tuscany, is so natural that it is the only memory foam in the world to earn the Oeko-Tex certification so, NO OFF-GASSING = NO SMELL!!

And, because Magniflex perfected the vacuum-packed method used in their mattresses, their carbon footprint is the smallest of any mattress around. Even the smallest staircase can handle a queen or king mattress thanks to this revolutionary packaging.

Am I excited about Magniflex? You bet! Come in and try Italy’s finest – your back will thank you!

Buonanote!

Debi

905-235-DREAM (3732)

16635 Yonge Street, Newmarket (near the Mandarin) www.sweetdreamzzz.ca summer 2 0 1 4

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foundation

NEWS

Strength in numbers

Almost 1,700 people come out to support Southlake Almost 1,700 participants, spectators and volunteers gathered at the Aurora Community Centre on Sunday, April 27 for the 2014 Run or Walk for Southlake, presented by Nature’s Emporium. The sun came out and warmed everyone’s spirits as supporters of all ages and fitness levels—from mini-milers to 10K runners—came out to support Southlake.

“Supporting quality health care close to home is a cause that everyone can relate to,” says event chair Steve Hinder. “It is truly inspiring to know that our community rallies around such an important cause.”

Highlights of this year’s event included an interview with members of the Polito family, who shared their story of how Southlake has transformed their lives. Not only did doctors at Southlake save Sal Polito’s life, but both of his daughters were born here.

Other highlights included the energizing warm-up, led by fitness instructor Andrea Peterson and our local mayors, bagpiper Bill Allison, who piped participants to the start line and, of course, who can forget the group of Stormtroopers, who generously donated

almost 1,700 runners, walkers, spectators and volunteers participated in this year’s Run or Walk for Southlake, presented by Nature’s Emporium.

their time, snapping family photos and selfies with everyone.

This year’s Run or Walk for Southlake raised $240,000 NET, which will be used to support Southlake’s most urgent needs.

We would like to thank all of the generous sponsors, including title sponsor Nature’s

Emporium, our area mayors for leading by example and our hardworking committee and enthusiastic volunteers, without whom this event would not be possible. And finally, a big thank you goes out to our Southlake community. Thank you for your tireless support of our hospital!

LIPS funds dedicated vital sign devices On May 9, the power of women working together was demonstrated once again, when the Ladies in Philanthropy for Southlake (LIPS) group voted on a project to fund with their $65,000 in pooled donations.

A presentation by Southlake’s medicine program on the need for dedicated vital sign devices in the department resonated most with LIPS donors. The medicine program cares for some of Southlake’s most vulnerable Neila Poscente, president and CEO of Southlake Foundation (left) and Felicia Salomon, foundation board CHAIR (right), present a cheque to Jennifer McQuaig, Ashley Sheard and Jaselyn Eigo of the Medicine program, the department that cares for some of Southlake’s most vulnerable patients.

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patients, those who require acute care, with a variety of needs and diagnoses. Through LIPS’ generous gift, a vital sign device will be installed at the head of every bed in the program, meaning there will be no sharing of devices, decreasing the chance of infection or outbreak.

The health care team in the medicine program is excited about an added benefit— the more efficient delivery of care. Dedicated

vital sign devices mean less time looking for and cleaning a device and more time for the health care team to spend with patients and their families.

Nurse educator Jennifer McQuaig says the health care team couldn’t be happier.

“This generous LIPS donation has given us the opportunity to implement a positive change and improves our ability to deliver care more efficiently,” she says. “It will increase patient and staff satisfaction, while reducing risk and length of stay for our patients.”

LIPS provides a valuable opportunity for its donors to network, enjoy each other’s company and pool their own charitable contributions into a larger philanthropic investment, to fund projects that promise improved care for Southlake patients.

Help us fund vital replacement equipment across the hospital. Donate now at southlakefoundation.ca.

HEALTH Q&A

For this issue, I thought we would do something a little different. Instead of answering a question you asked us, here are some questions I think you should be asking to make the most out of your visit with your pharmacist.

What is my medication called?

Each medication has two names: the common (also called generic) name and the brand name. The brand name is the name a manufacturer gives a product. For example, the generic drug acetaminophen may be called Tylenol or Tempra, among other brand names.

What is my medication supposed to do?

Medications can be used for different purposes: to cure an illness, control symptoms or prevent future disease. Knowing the goals for your medication gives you a realistic idea of what it can do for you.

How is this drug best taken?

Ask for specifics: Is there a preferred time of day to take the medication? How often should it be taken? Should the medication be taken with food or on an empty stomach? Can it be crushed or split if needed?

What should I do if I miss a dose?

The answer to this may depend on the type of drug and the timing since your last dose.

How will I know if the medication is working and when should I expect it to start working?

Knowing the answers to these questions will let you monitor your progress and take action if your medication is not working as expected.

How long will I need to use the medication?

Some medications are used for the short term, others for a lifetime. For some medications, such as antibiotics, the whole course of treatment must be completed, even if you feel better after a couple of days.

Are there any activities, foods, or other medications that I should avoid while taking this medication?

There are many activities, such as driving, drinking alcohol, operating machinery and exercising, that can be affected by a medication. There can be interactions with foods, herbal products or other medications and your pharmacist can advise you on this.

There may be ways to manage minor side effects and it is also important to know what effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention. Consult with your pharmacist or physician before stopping medications due to side effects.

Is this medication safe to take if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Some medications are not considered safe for babies in the womb or babies who are being nursed. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your physician or pharmacist before taking prescription, over-the-counter or herbal products.

How should I store this medication?

Some medications can be stored at room temperature, others must be refrigerated. In general, keep medications in a cool, dry, secure area out of children’s reach. Exposure to heat, extreme cold or humidity can make some medicines less potent or ineffective before their expiration date.

Are there any refills on this medication? If so, what do I need to do to get a refill?

Is there any written information about this medication that I can take home?

Also, be sure to tell your pharmacist: • Any information that you would like to have repeated or explained in more detail.

• Any concerns or questions that you may have about the medication.

• Any side effects or other problems that you have had with any of your medications.

• If you are taking any over-the-counter or herbal medications.

• If you are not taking your medications as prescribed.

Your pharmacist may be able to work with you to sort out the problem.

Remember: One of the questions staff will ask you when you come to the hospital is, “What medications are you taking at home”? It is a good idea to carry a complete list of your medications or bring them with you when you come to the hospital.

Peggy Beauchamp is a drug use evaluation pharmacist at Southlake Regional Health Centre.

What are the side effects of this medication? What should I do if they happen? Which side effects need medical attention?

Not everyone who takes medication has side effects but it is good to know what to watch out for in case they occur.

Do you have a question for the health care professionals at Southlake? Email beingwell@yrmg.com summer 2 0 1 4

41

community event listings Events Supporting Southlake Wooden sticks “chip in” for Cancer Research & Treatment Tuesday, July 8 In honour of Laurie Buckland 905-852-4379 | info@woodensticks.com polo for the cure Sunday, July 20 Fox Den South Field, Richmond Hill Donna, uniquelyequine@sympatico.ca, poloforthecure.com orchard beach pro-am charity tournament Tuesday, July 29, 12 to 8 p.m.

Orchard Beach Golf Course Corey Helm, 905-476-5910, obgcc@bellnet.ca | Donna Cryderman, 905-895-4388, dcryderg118@rogers.com | orchardbeachgolf.com al fisher memorial golf tournament Friday, Aug. 22 Highland Gate Golf Course Supports cancer treatment Reilly Erwin, 905-713-6400, rerwin@clublink.ca Redcrest/the edge golf tournament Thursday, Sept. 4 Redcrest Cardinal Golf Club Carol Leitch, carol.leitch@edgebenefits.com Peter Miller Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament Thursday, Sept. 11 Silver Lakes Golf Club 416-363-2614, gerry.miller@gmalaw.ca | 416-990-6966, dustymiller@bellnet.ca Shoppers drug mart tree for life campaign Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 At participating Shoppers Drug Mart stores walk to support stronach cancer centre Saturday, Sept. 27 Bradford Community Centre Kim Griffiths, ladyjane69.42@hotmail.com Fashion for the Cure Wednesday, Oct. 15 Cardinal Golf Club In memory of Letti Murphy Courtney Kearley, 905-251-0734, ckearley@bkifg.com | Marianne Brown, mariannedianab@gmail.com

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The power of collaboration At Southlake Foundation, one of the values that guides and drives us is collaboration.

We embrace diversity and difference; we listen to and respect each individual and the ideas, feelings and perspectives they have; we include and consult with others when solving problems, making decisions and planning; we coordinate plans; we encourage and support the contribution of others; we achieve common goals together.

Southlake Foundation is inspired by the energy and commitment of thousands of community members who collaborate to support our hospital.

From school fundraisers to corporate events, our community is hard at work.

As you can see from the opposite page, all of our community events organizers have their own personal reasons for fundraising for Southlake.

But the end result is the same: supporting Southlake and transforming the lives of our families, friends and neighbours. As individuals, groups and businesses, our community supports the foundation that supports the hospital that supports the community.

Individual: Sharon Bates

Owner of Tangles Hair Salon and founder of the bi-annual East Gwillimbury Women’s Show, Sharon Bates has become a figure in the community, both as a businesswoman and a philanthropist.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal winner considers giving back a part of her heritage. Her parents and grandparents inspired her and led by example, teaching her a valuable lesson that would shape her future: Everyone can do something to give back.

Starting the women’s show was Ms Bates’ opportunity to network the contacts she made through her business and rally the community in support of Southlake—all proceeds are donated to Southlake’s Regional Cancer Program.

Planning the women’s show is a great deal of work on top of running a busy salon, but it all hits home when Ms Bates visits the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre and sees patients using the equipment purchased through the funds she raised. Although she could never have known this when she began fundraising for Southlake’s cancer centre, her own mother has benefitted, using some of the equipment that Ms Bates purchased for Southlake.

“You just never know what’s going to happen,” she says.

Family: Pete Miller Charitable Foundation Members of the Miller family truly consider themselves to be a Southlake family. Southlake is weaved into the family’s history: five out of six Miller children were born here and their parents, Pete and Suzanne Miller, passed away here.

Pete Miller was an inspiration to his children,

working tirelessly to raise revenue and awareness for his hospital, even starting a golf tournament in support of Southlake (York County Hospital at the time). These days, sons Gerry and Brian, and their sister Susie Goobie, along with Brian’s wife Lynn, have taken over the torch, re-starting the golf tournament in their father’s name and raising funds for Southlake. The Millers expected to raise between $4,000 and $8,000 the first year.

When they came out with $25,000 to donate to Southlake, the support was clear and it quickly became an annual event.

A lot of time and energy goes into organizing the tournament each year. The Millers are very busy people; the demands of their businesses take up a lot of their time. But with their family’s support, they are continuing their father’s legacy and giving back to Southlake. The next generation of Millers are pulling up their sleeves and pitching in.

“It’s important that we introduce charitable giving to our kids,” Gerry says. “They’re the next generation.”

When the Millers fundraise for Southlake, they know where the money is going.

“It’s a reality of our lives, that you may go weeks or years without bad news,” Brian says. “When something does happen, you feel helpless. But I know that I can help by fundraising for Southlake.”

Adds Lynn: “It’s only making our hospital better.”

Unofficial ambassadors for Southlake, the Millers encourage everyone—families, businesses, individuals—to support Southlake.

“Come up with new fundraising ideas,” Gerry urges. “Think outside of the box and get creative!”

Corporate: Buckley Insurance Brokers Ltd. Since moving to Newmarket five years ago, Buckley Insurance has made a conscious effort to support the community where it does business.

The decision to fundraise for Southlake came naturally, according to vice-president Tracey Tibando.

“A lot of our staff live in the community and have used the hospital,” she explains.

Buckley Insurance offers a “casual Friday” program for employees. For just $2 per week, employees can dress casually on Fridays and Buckley will match their donations. Everybody enjoys dressing down on a Friday and the $2 fee isn’t going to break the bank, Ms Tibando explains.

But, with the added incentive of Buckley matching employee contributions in support of their local hospital, it really makes the employees feel that they are doing something special.

Buckley has simplified the process by offering payroll deductions. Now a seamless part of their business, Buckley Insurance is demonstrating just how easy it can be to raise money for Southlake, and that every toonie counts— especially when it’s doubled!

There are so many reasons To fundraise for souThlake …

whaT’s yours?

“We fundraise for southlake because it makes a difference in the lives of people in need in our community.”

“We fundraise for southlake in honour of a dear friend and colleague, laurie. a long-time resident of aurora, he Was not only a supporter of the foundation, but a patient of the stronach cancer centre.”

—The EDGE Benefits

“i fundraise for southlake because i believe in giving back.”

—Wooden Sticks Golf Club

— Sharon Bates

“We fundraise for southlake because it’s “our” hospital. We recognize the dedication to excellence and extraordinary care. We are partners in support of its future development.”

“We fundraise for southlake to help fund neW technology for our local hospital.”

—Buckley Insurance

“i fundraise for southlake because giving to the hospital makes me feel good.”

—Tyler, Age 7

“We fundraise for southlake in honour of a great friend Who Was cared for there.”

—Highland Gate Golf Club

—Sutton-by-the-Lake Parkettes

“We fundraise for southlake because We are a southlake family, and We are continuing our father’s legacy.”

“We fundraise for southlake because We greW up in neWmarket, and our family has used southlake’s facilities, so We Wanted to give back. our Waxing event started as a joke, but We finally got the courage to do it for southlake.”

—Miller Family

“We fundraise for southlake because providing care close to home and keeping our community healthy is important.”

—Sweep for Southlake

“We fundraise for southlake because everyone “We fundraise for southlake to give back has a story – to the community, and to honour members of We are not alone our hockey family that in this fight.” have passed on.”

“We fundraise for southlake because it’s gorgeous to care for our community and inspire others to do the same.”

—Waxing for Southlake

Fundraising For southlake is easY!

engage the Foundation – Contact us and we’ll help you get started.

arrange your event – Plan out the details. showtime! – host your event. your work is done! – simply submit the proceeds to the Foundation and we’ll put the funds to work at southlake!

—Upper Canada Mall

—Newmarket Hurricanes

— JBD Financial

For more inFormation call 905-836-7333 or visit southlakeFoundation.ca/FundraiseForsouthlake summer 2 0 1 4

43

last WORD

Fight the bite!

Protect yourself against West Nile virus and Lyme disease

by J o e L a M arca

With the warm weather finally here, it’s time to pull out the summer clothes, sunscreen and, oh yeah, the bug spray.

Mosquitoes are not just annoying; they can also carry West Nile virus. And ticks may carry Lyme disease. There are simple things that you can do to protect yourself and your family and enjoy the great outdoors this summer.

Transmission West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Lyme disease is spread through the bite of infected blacklegged tick. West Nile virus and Lyme disease cannot be spread through person-to-person contact.

Activity West Nile virus activity varies from year to year depending on a number of factors, including temperature. Higher temperatures may result in higher mosquito populations carrying West Nile virus.

In Ontario, blacklegged ticks are most commonly found in areas along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. While the risk is low, it is possible to be infected with Lyme disease from the bite of an infected blacklegged tick almost anywhere in Ontario.

Other established blacklegged tick population and Lyme endemic areas include parts of British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, northeast and upper Midwest United States and central Europe.

Symptoms Symptoms of West Nile virus may include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious neurological illness including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Symptoms of stage one Lyme disease may include a circular rash at the site of the bite that looks similar to a bull’s eye, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, the disease develops to the second stage and possibly to chronic illness. Death from Lyme disease is rare.

What you can do Although the chances of being bit by an infected mosquito or tick are low, there are simple steps that you can take to protect yourself. If you are heading outdoors, going camping or even working in your garden, take the following precautions: • Cover up with light-coloured, longsleeved shirts and long pants.

• Clean up standing water around your home where mosquitoes like to breed (flower pots, old tires, tin cans, pool covers, etc.).

• Use insect repellent containing DEET. • Check yourself and children for ticks.

• Remove attached ticks as quickly as possible.

To remove a tick: • Grasp the tick with a set of tweezers as close to the skin as possible.

• Gently but firmly pull it straight out.

Do you have a public health-related question?

Call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.

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• Do not squeeze the tick while you are removing it; this may cause infection to enter your body.

• Disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol.

• Place the tick in a moistened paper towel.

• Place the tick and paper towel in a screw top container such as a pill bottle; do not use a glass container.

• Store the container in a refrigerator or freezer until the tick can be submitted for testing to your doctor or local public health unit.

You can still enjoy the great outdoors—just remember to Fight the Bite.

For more information about West Nile virus and Lyme disease, including information on how to submit a tick, contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933 or visit york.ca/westnile virus and york.ca/lymedisease.

Joe La Marca is the director of the health protection division with York Region’s Community and Health Services Department.

I’M ALIVE BECAUSE I LIVE CLOSE TO SOUTHLAKE. PLEASE SUPPORT CARDIAC CARE AT SOUTHLAKE.

YOUR GIFT WILL HELP MORE DOG OWNERS LIKE BOB …

LIVE LIFE … WELL. READ BOB’S STORY AT SOUTHLAKEFOUNDATION.CA

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