Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, September 30, 2020
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SENIORS Our Monthly Feature ...For Seniors and about Seniors
Take a closer look with Barry Whitta By Devin Wilger Staff Writer Barry Whitta is inspired by what surrounds him. He said that he’s long had a keen interest in Saskatchewan landscapes, local wildlife, old farm buildings and antique vehicles left in the weeds and tall grass. “Of course, our open skies and cloud formations along with changing landscape colors is inspiring.” Inspired by the world around him, he said it helps him take a closer look at things that interest him and get the details right, and being a painter has been a great way for him to enjoy nature more. “You’ve got to see things really to paint it.” Whitta does most of his painting in the winter, and while he has sold some pieces, that’s not why he paints. “I’m not in it for the money by any means. Just my enjoyment.” While he started with oils, he said that the
A selection of Barry Whitta’s artwork, which was on display at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery in the month of August. Whitta has shown at local galleries, including the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery and the community pARTners Art Gallery. main problem with oils is speed, because he does things quickly and
doesn’t like to slow down. “I want to get things done in a hurry, I get an
idea and I want to paint. But with oils you’ve got to take your time for it to dry otherwise you’re just making a bunch of mud. So then I got into acrylic.” He likes the chance to get creative most of all, he said, and likes that with paint he can put whatever he likes on the canvas to make it work he enjoys. As someone who does most of his painting in the winter, Whitta said that it can be an escape. “It’s very relaxing. I often think when it’s forty below outside and the snow is blowing, when you’re painting a nice
summer scene, it’s kind of nice.” First and foremost, Whitta is interested in nature, and he said that’s something he has always had a keen interest in, and that’s reflected in his paintings. “It’s in my blood, I guess. I remember when I was a kid at Indian Head, the principal, he was a real naturalist, and this pair of purple martins came to nest. It isn’t really in their flyway. He was pretty excited about this, and so was I. “I don’t know how old I was, but I certainly wasn’t a carpenter and I slapped up something in
a hurry. I erected it on an old, dried poplar limb attached to the fence. I noticed one evening he and his wife were parked out on the front street looking to see. It was a contest between he and I, who was going to get these purple martins, and they took to my nest!” Watching the world Whitta said that he’s noticed that the birds in the region have changed, and nature in general has changed around it. His paintings can sometimes also reflect a world that has changed, as many depict buildings that are now gone or scenes that are now hard to find.
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Barry Whitta in his Yorkton home.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Yorkton This Week
just for SENIORS
September 2020
How to exercise during the Spelay recognized pandemic as volunteer
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Dave and Faye Spelay of Yorkton with MP Cathay Wagantall.
Life changed overnight for millions of people across the globe in the wake of the COVID19 outbreak, which shuttered businesses and forced many people to follow stay-at-home measures issued by their local governments. These measures not only affected the overall health of those infected with the virus, but also those who experienced no symptoms and even tested negative for COVID-19. In recognition of the mental toll that social distancing and stay-athome measures can take, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised people to exercise regularly. But opportunities to exercise seemingly dried up when stayat-home guidelines were issued and gyms were shuttered. People without exercise equipment at home suddenly found themselves wondering how they could stay fit and keep their bodies in the best possible condition to fight a virus that has claimed thousands of lives. Thankfully, there are ways to stay fit and keep immune systems strong without violating stay-at-home measures. · Access online exercise programs. Many gyms that were forced to close to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus began offering exercise tutorials and classes via social media or websites such as YouTube. These videos can be invaluable resources, teaching
people how to stay fit at home even if they don’t have weights or other equipment on hand. In addition to gym-sponsored exercise tutorials, the internet is loaded with free exercise videos and advice that can help people without access to a gym get fit or maintain their fitness routines. · Go back to the basics. Many people no doubt recall gym class from their school days. Such classes teach youngsters the basics of physical fitness without employing dumbbells or advanced exercise machines. Those same basic exercises that work for youngsters, including push-ups, sit-ups and lunges, can be effective for adults as well. If it’s been awhile since you’ve done your most recent push-up, access an online tutorial so you can be certain your form is correct. · Do some yard work. It might not feel as highintensity as a spinning class or a Pilates session, but yard work can be a
great workout. Dust off the push mower the next time the grass needs to be cut, and get to work on pulling weeds in garden beds. The added benefit to yard work is it provides a great opportunity to get some fresh air without violating social distancing guidelines. · Go for a jog. Perhaps the simplest way to exercise during the pandemic is to go for a daily jog. Aerobic exercise repeatedly moves large muscles in the arms, legs and hips while engaging the immune system and helping it to ward off minor viral illnesses. That makes an early morning jog an especially valuable, not to mention easily accessible, way to exercise during the pandemic. Exercise can help people maintain their immune systems in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and there are many simple ways to fit in a little physical activity even while social distancing.
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“Dave Spelay is 68 years old; and has worked and volunteered in the community of Yorkton since he moved back to the area in 1975. He is a tireless worker and never says no when asked to take on a challenge or is asked to take on a leadership role,” says Dave’s nominator. Dave has belonged to many organizations and held many roles within those groups over the years, including: Knights of Columbus Father Delaere Yorkton for 36 years (Grand Knight, Treasurer, chaired many functions); Knights of Columbus Stanislaus Assembly for eight years (Faithful Navigator, K of C Charitable Foundation Director); K of C Sask. Vocational Endowment Area Manager NE Saskatchewan; Parkland Mall Merchants Association (President and Treasurer); Christ the Teacher
School Division (Vice Chair – 6 years; Chair of Finance, PR, Maintenance committees); St. Mary’s Church (Executive President, Treasurer – 25 years); St. Mary’s Cultural Centre (Director, Treasurer); Yorkton Minor Sports (coach and manager – 6 years); Yorkton Cardinals WMBL (promotions); Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame (executive); Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood (President). “David has been mar-
ried for 45 years and has raised all three of his children in Yorkton and he has instilled the idea of ‘giving back’ to their community in all of his children,” says his nominator. “His faith, work ethic and commitment to doing things the right way are assets to the community and to myself as an educator and coach in the Yorkton-Melville area for the past 15 years. He continues to be an excellent role model for many in the community.”
“Your ears deserve an audiologist” 18-1st Avenue North Yorkton, Sask.
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306-782-1793
M.S., R. Aud. Audiologist/Owner
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Fax: 306-783-3775
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Yorkton This Week | www.YorktonThisWeek.com | Wednesday, September 30, 2020
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September 2020
New medications help with Parkinson’s treatment Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that primarily affects movement. In the earliest stages of Parkinson’s, an affected person’s face also may show little or no expression and speech may become soft and slurred. Parkinson’s is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, Parkinson’s affects more people than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and ALS combined, and an estimated 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease. Age is a risk factor for Parkinson’s, but an estimated 4 percent of people with the disease are diagnosed before age 50. Many people are familiar with the symptoms of Parkinson’s, like tremors in the limbs. Slowed movement, or bradykinesia, also occurs over time. Rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, and loss of automatic movements like blinking and swinging arms while walking also can occur. Like other neurodegenerative conditions, Parkinson’s is linked to changes in cells in the brain, which may gradually break down or die.
Environmental triggers or genetics may also contribute to Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s also may be caused by shifting levels of the chemical messenger dopamine in the brain. When neurons break down, they produce less dopamine, and this causes abnormal brain activity. Parkinson’s has no cure, and treatment of the disease is designed to slow progression and treat certain symptoms. Parkinson’s patients and their families may be excited to learn that a new medication known as Nourianz (istradefylline) has been approved. It is recommended for “off” time, when symptoms return between other medication doses. Nourianz belongs to a class of medications known as adenosine A2A antagonists, which work differently from all currently available
Parkinson’s drugs. This drug blocks the brain chemical adenosine, which boosts the signaling of dopamine, the brain chemical that decreases in Parkinson’s patients. The medication can be added to a regimen consisting of levodopa/carbidopa to decrease off times. Four placebocontrolled clinical trials, which included more than 1,000 participants, demonstrated a significant decrease in “off” time when Nourianz was added to levodopa/ carbidopa. Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it can reach the brain and take effect. Parkinson’s patients can work with their doctors to find a regimen of drugs, therapy and support that may lessen their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Why the flu shot is so important in 2020 Millions of people across the globe get flu shots each year. Flu shots protect people against influenza, but they might provide even greater benefits in 2020. As the world continues to confront the outbreak of the COVID19 virus, it’s imperative that people everywhere take every step necessary to protect themselves and others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a flu vaccine will not protect people against COVID-19. However, flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of illness related to the flu. Those illnesses weaken people’s immune systems, making them more vulnerable to other viruses, including COVID-19. Flu vaccines have also been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization. That’s a significant benefit of being vaccinated, as people who get their flu shots can indirectly help hospitals conserve potentially scarce resources. As the COVID-19 virus rapidly spread late in the winter of 2019-20, many hospitals across the country and even the globe were stretched incredibly thin. So anything ordinary citizens can do to alleviate such burdens can help save lives while also making hospital workers’ jobs easier and less stressful.
Many people may be concerned about going out and getting a flu shot in 2020. That’s especially likely for people who live in communities where the COVID-19 virus is spreading. However, the CDC notes that getting a flu shot in 2020 is an essential part of protecting your health and the health of your family. Many doctor’s offices are now insisting patients wait in their cars until doctors are ready to see them, and masks may be required when entering the doctor’s office. Such measures can reduce the risk of getting the COVID19 virus when visiting a
doctor’s office for a flu shot or another visit, so patients should not be hesitant to receive their vaccinations in 2020. Patients can follow such protocols even if their doctors are not insisting they do so. The same safety measures can be followed by people who intend to get their flu shots from neighborhood pharmacies. Flu shots are vital to individual and public health every year, but the importance of being vaccinated against influenza in 2020 is heightened as the world continues to confront the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.
Lifetime Lion Vern Brown has been presented with a Life Membership by the Yorkton Lions Club. Brown has been a member of the local club for the past 53-years. The presentation was made last week. Vern Brown, left, accepts the Life Membership certificate from Lion Don Reed.
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Serving Yorkton and Area for 20 years
Coralee Schoenrock
275 Bradbrooke Dr Yorkton, SK S3N 3L3
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306.782.1881 | premiercarehearing.ca
While our stores remain open to serve you, we are looking to dedicate our first hour of operation to the most vulnerable. In an effort to help our Senior customers, we will be extending Seniors discounts to include the first hour of each day. 9AM TO 10AM Every day, at this location, plus every Thursday, Seniors can shop and save 20%. Open 7 days a week
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306-783-9796
SENIORS SAVE 25% on Regular priced (white price tag) Tablets and Capsules
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just for SENIORS - IN PRINT AND ONLINE MONTHLY We want your feedback. Do you have a story idea or know a senior who should be highlighted? Contact us by phone 306-782-2465 or email sales@yorktonthisweek.com
OUR NEXT FEATURE - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28