PORTRAITS PORTRAITS - Capital Health

EDMONTON 

and Area 

High-Tech Healing: Virtual lung cancer clinic 

FREE September/October 2004 

Set your sights 

on healthy eyes 

Best ways to 

protect yourself 

against the flu 

Finding Quality 

Child Care: Advice 

for parents 

Get in shape with 

aquasize 

PORTRAITS 

of 

Courage 

Stories of strength and survival from 

cancer fighters like Bishop Victoria Matthews 

Return non-deliverable mail to Circulation Department 201-10350 124 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5N 3V9 Canadian Publications Agreement #40020055 

for 

New 

Hope 

Transplant 

Patients

On call around the clock. 

Call 408-LINK 

or toll-free 1-866-408-LINK (5465) 

You never know when you’ll need immediate health advice 

or information. That’s why Capital Health Link is available 

to you 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. 

One call will connect you to a Registered Nurse who can 

answer your questions and give you sound advice whenever 

you need it. Because health needs don’t keep office hours. 

www.capitalhealth.ca 

Financial contribution to this message provided through Alberta Health and Wellness from the Health Canada Primary Health Care Transition Fund.

Contents 

September/October 2004 

20 

26 

ON THE COVER 

Bishop Victoria Matthews 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROTH AND RAMBERG 

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LAURIANE RUTBERG 

Cover Story 

26 The Face of Cancer 

Personal stories of hope and survival; 

The five most common forms of cancer; 

Treatment goes high-tech with a virtual 

lung cancer clinic 

By Catherine Carson 

Features 

36 The Child Care Dilemma 

Need a day care or day home? Here’s 

how to find the best care for your child 

By Beth Ratzlaff 

42 Fight the Flu 

Influenza season is on its way. Find 

out how to protect yourself 

By Christopher Spencer 

46 The ABCs of Eye Health 

Everything you ever wanted to know 

about good vision 

By Lanny Boutin 

Departments 

6 Capital Comments 

8 Health First 

Water workouts; Sidewalk safety; 

Untangling hair myths; A new drug 

for osteoporosis; Lunches your kids 

will love; Monitoring for mould; 

Ask the experts 

16 The Fitness Edge 

Finding your way to orienteering 

18 Healthy Thinking 

Signs of depression: when to 

seek help 

20 Young at Heart 

Millie’s neighbour catches the 

health craze 

8 

42 

22 Frontiers of Medicine 

A revolutionary advance in 

transplant medicine 

54 Champion for Life 

36 

Your Health – Capital Health’s magazine for living well September/October 2004 3

From Hospital to Home ® 

We are singularly committed to helping people live 

better lives and supporting the medical professionals 

who make it all possible. 

Home Oxygen 

Medical Gases, Services & Support 

Sleep Therapy & Equipment 

Toll free across Canada: 1-866-4HOME02 

1-866-446-6302 

Give your teeth 

a sporting 

chance. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2004, Praxair Technology Inc. All rights reserved. 

Wearing a mouthguard can prevent 

tooth damage. 

Consult a dental hygienist for 

preventive oral health care 

information and treatment. 

Visit our website at www.adha.ca 

Alberta Dental Hygienists’ Association 

#206, 8657 – 51 Avenue NW 

Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6A8 

Phone: (780) 465-1756 

Fax: (780) 440-0544 

E-mail: adha@telus.net 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September/October 2004 • Volume 1, No. 3 

PUBLISHER 

Ruth Kelly 

rkelly@venturepublishing.ca 

EXECUTIVE EDITOR 

Leslie Beard 

lbeard@cha.ab.ca 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Kim Tannas 

ktannas@venturepublishing.ca 

EDITORIAL ADVISORS 

Dr. Gerry Predy, Marianne Stewart 

ART DIRECTOR 

Tamara Powell-Surtees 

tpowell-surtees@venturepublishing.ca 

PRODUCTION 

Gunnar Blodgett,Vanlee Tran 

CIRCULATION 

Rob Kelly 

robkelly@venturepublishing.ca 

ACCOUNTANT 

Keri Ramirez 

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES 

Debra Hipkin,Anita McGillis 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Lanny Boutin, Charlayne Bozak, Catherine Carson, 

Jennifer Cockrall-King, Mark Dixon, Gail Helgason, 

Jennifer Isaac, Natasha Mekhail, Barbara Curry 

Mulcahy, Neil Parmar, Beth Ratzlaff, Sue Robins, 

Christopher Spencer,Wanda Vivequin 

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS, 

ILLUSTRATORS AND STYLISTS 

Christiane Beauregard,Tina Chang, Dustin Delfs, 

Sandra Dionisi, Caroline Hamel, Cindy Revell, 

Lauriane Rutberg, Roth and Ramberg 

Your Health is published by Venture Publishing Inc. 

for Capital Health. 

Venture Publishing Inc. 

201, 10350-124 Street 

Edmonton, AB T5N 3V9 

Tel: 780-990-0839 

Fax: 780-425-4921 

Toll-free: 1-866-227-4276 

One year subscription: $12.00 (plus GST) 

Two year subscription: $24.00 (plus GST) 

E-mail subscription requests and address 

changes to yhcirculation@venturepublishing.ca 

Call toll-free 1-866-227-4276 ext. 237 

The information in this publication is not meant 

to be a substitute for professional medical advice. 

Always seek advice from your physician or other 

qualified health provider regarding any medical 

condition or treatment. 

Printed in Canada by Quebecor World Edmonton 

Canadian Publications Agreement #40020055 

Contents copyright 2004 by Capital Health. 

Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without 

permission from Capital Health. 

Your Health is printed on paper with recycled content.

Capital Comments 

Making Healthy Choices 

The first step to accepting 

responsibility is by 

becoming informed and 

learning what you can 

do as an individual 

BY DR. KEN GARDNER 

never before has the opportunity 

been greater for individuals to be 

full-fledged partners in their own 

health. Gone are the days when everyone 

expected doctors and other health care professionals 

to take responsibility for their 

health; instead more and more people are 

now being accountable to themselves, their 

family and their community for living long 

and healthy lives. 

The first step to accepting responsibility is 

by becoming informed and learning what you 

can do as an individual. There are an abundance 

of resources available at your fingertips, 

whether it be through the Internet, the media 

or from health care professionals, about what 

you can do to improve your health. 

Secondly it’s about prevention. Unintentional 

injuries continue to be the leading reason 

for visits to emergency departments. 

Many of these could be prevented with a little 

common sense, more caution and the 

wearing of protective and safety gear. 

Initiatives such as increasing awareness about 

the proper use of child car seats, wearing 

bicycle helmets and using protective gear on 

a work site can and do work. However, too 

often people jump on their bikes without 

putting on a helmet, drive to the corner store 

without wearing a seat belt and drive while 

talking on a cell phone. We have made strides 

in recent years but more needs to be done. 

We know it’ll take a collective effort to make 

large-scale changes but it starts with individuals 

who are willing to alter personal behavior. 

Chronic disease is another area of concern. 

If one looks at some of the more common 

chronic diseases that affect our communities 

today, such as heart disease, diabetes and 

cancer, you’ll see that many of these can also 

be prevented. All it takes is people making 

wise and responsible choices about their 

health. For example, simple things such as 

quitting smoking, getting physically active 

and eating nutritiously can greatly reduce 

your risk of getting these and many other 

chronic illnesses. Again it takes making a 

conscious decision to change a behaviour 

and it all comes back to you, the individual. 

Finally it’s about using the health care system 

responsibly. We’ve implemented a number 

of initiatives in recent years to support 

individuals taking accountability for their 

health. For example, you told us you wanted 

access to reliable health information around 

the clock so we started Capital Health Link. 

Staffed by registered nurses, Link puts health 

advice and information in your hands 24 

hours a day, seven days a week. So instead of 

going to Emergency for all your after-hour 

health needs, you are able to call one of the 

registered nurses who staff the Link line and 

get reliable health advice from the comfort of 

your home. It’s much more immediate and, 

of course, if you need to seek out additional 

medical care, our nurses will advise you to go 

to the appropriate facility. It goes hand-inhand 

with encouraging people to be more 

responsible for their own health. 

You also told us you wanted health services 

closer to home and we’ve done that with initiatives 

such as the Northeast Community 

Health Centre and Health First Strathcona 

Primary Care Centre. We’re also part of a 

province-wide Primary Care initiative that 

will once again improve access to teams of 

health care professionals in your part of the 

community. This team will be available to 

help guide you in accessing the appropriate 

level of care when and where you need it. 

This will help you use the system responsibly 

so that critical services are available to those 

who truly need them. 

We know that it’s not always going to be 

easy to accept responsibility for your own 

health. For those times when you can’t, our 

health professionals are here to help you. 

The health and strength of a community 

starts with individuals making a choice… 

the choice of a healthier community. 

Dr. Ken Gardner 

Vice-president of Medical Affairs 

Capital Comments is a regular column written by a 

Capital Health staff member. 

6 September/October 2004 Your Health – Capital Health’s magazine for living well

For the first time, popular 

hospital scrubs on sale! 

Staff and residents of the Capital Health region 

can now purchase their own authentic set of comfy hospital scrubs. 

To purchase your scrubs: 

• call Biz Works at (780) 471-4249 

• go to www.capitalhealth.ca/scrubs 

• visit gift shops in the University of Alberta and 

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospitals 

• contact Volunteer Services at Sturgeon Community 

Hospital at 460-6375 

Type Cost Size Colour 

Adult $30 per set XS - XXXL blue or green 

Kids' $16.99 per set ages 4, 6, 9 and 12 green only 

Shorts $12.99 per pair adult XS - XL green only 

All costs are plus shipping and handling 

Revenue from sales will help support regional programs.

Health First 

Food Focus: 

The Healthy Lunch Box 

Send your kids back 

to school with 

nutritious lunches 

that are fun to eat 

BY JENNIFER COCKRALL-KING 

PHOTOGRAPH BY DUSTIN DELFS 

More brown bag ideas 

• Make your own trail mix at home using 

your child’s favourite cereal, dried fruits, 

nuts (if your child’s school allows this) and 

even a Smartie or two. 

• Due to allergy concerns, many schools 

have banned nuts and peanut butter. 

Alberta-made NoNuts brand PeaButter is a 

great nut-free substitution. 

• A thermos of hot soup or chili makes a 

great lunch on a chilly fall day. 

• Try your child’s favourite sandwich filling 

inside mini-pita pockets or rolled up in a 

whole wheat wrap. Read the labels on wraps 

and flour tortillas, though, as some have lots 

of trans fats. 

• Cheese is a good snack for kids as it is a 

concentrated form of calcium and contains 

essential fatty acids and protein. Kids love 

to peel and eat mini Goudas or small 

servings of cheddar. 

it’s 7 a.m. and you’re not only trying 

to get breakfast on the table for your 

school-aged child or children, you’re 

also trying to pull together a lunch and 

snacks for recess, pack their backpack and 

get them out the door in time. So much for 

breathing a sigh of relief when September 

rolls around and the kids are back in school. 

Now you have to come up with appealing, 

healthy lunches and snacks five times a week. 

Lunchables, mini chocolate bars, small 

bags of potato chips, pop and other “treats” 

are tempting to time-strapped parents but 

prepackaged, highly processed items are 

expensive calories which are loaded with 

sodium, trans fats, refined starches and sugars, 

yet low on nutrition. So what’s the trick 

to getting your kids to eat foods that are 

actually good for them? Here’s a few tips: 

1. Get them involved: Instead of becoming 

a short-order cook, encourage your kids 

to give you a hand in the kitchen. Discuss 

how to make healthy food choices and why 

this is important to their health, growth, 

energy level and fitness. Let them make, 

wrap and pack their own sandwiches. Most 

kids take pride in their personal sandwich 

creation and you’ll be starting them off to 

making good food decisions for later life. 

2. Make snacks count: Little stomachs 

need smaller portions but need to be filled 

more often. Stay away from processed snack 

foods; instead create your own in reusable 

containers with small compartments. Kids 

generally prefer raw veggies to cooked, and 

they love to dip and dunk. Pack pod-peas, 

carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower or cherry 

tomatoes with a homemade cream cheese 

and spinach dip. 

3. Have healthy options available: Limit 

the juice and pop. Instead, put a single-serving-sized 

milk in the freezer over night. It’ll 

thaw out by lunch and it will help keep other 

foods it is packed with cool and fresh. Don’t 

keep a lot of junk food around in the house. 

If you have healthy choices available (fruit, 

veggies, yogurt, cheese, whole grain breads) 

then no matter what your child decides to 

bring for lunch will be a good choice. 

RECIPE: Snack-Sized 

Blueberry-Bran Muffins 

1 cup plain 1% yogurt 

1 cup oat bran 

1/4 cup canola oil 

1 omega-3 egg 

3/4 cup white sugar 

2 tablespoons orange marmalade 

1 cup whole wheat flour 

1/2 cup wheat bran 

1 tablespoon baking powder 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 

1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or 

frozen (if frozen, do not thaw) 

Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a minimuffin 

tin with small paper liners or use a 

non-stick muffin pan. 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir 

together the yogurt, oat bran, oil, egg, white 

sugar and marmalade. Put aside while you 

combine the remaining ingredients.This gives 

the oat bran a chance to absorb a lot of the 

moisture and makes these muffins much 

moister than most traditional bran muffins. 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole 

wheat flour, wheat bran, baking powder, 

baking soda and cinnamon. Mix with a fork 

or whisk until the dry ingredients are completely 

combined. Pour the wet ingredients 

into the dry ingredients and stir just until all 

of the wet is incorporated. Gently fold in 

the fresh or still-frozen blueberries. Spoon 

the batter into the muffin cups and bake for 

15 minutes. Makes 24 small muffins. 

These snack-sized blueberry muffins are a 

delicious high-fibre, high-protein, highnutrient 

muffin that kids (and adults) love. 

This recipe is adapted from The Ultimate Healthy 

Eating Plan: That Still Leaves Room for Chocolate, written 

by Canadian authors Liz Pearson and Mairlyn Smith. 


Fact or Fiction: 

The Long and Short of It 

Whether you’re loving 

your hair or losing it, 

don’t get tangled up in 

these hair myths 

while the main reason we have 

hair is to protect ourselves from 

heat loss, it also has immense 

significance in our image-conscious society; 

it affects the way we feel about ourselves and 

creates many worries as we age. Here are 

some myths and facts about hair. 


Hair will grow back thicker after you shave 

your head. 

Fiction. The thickness of hair depends on 

your genetics (for example hair shaft size) and 

the number of follicles, says Capital Health 

consulting dermatologist Dr Janice Liao. 

Shaving your head will not cause more follicles 

to grow or the shaft size to increase. If 

you had thin hair before you shaved your 

head, it will be thin when it grows back again. 

The texture of hair (from straight to wavy, for 

example) can change, but its thickness can’t. 


Wearing a hat will cause hair loss. 

Fiction. Some people believe that wearing a 

hat restricts the flow of oxygen that helps 

hair to grow and will lead to baldness. The 

oxygen used by hair follicles for hair growth 

comes from the blood supplied to the scalp 

and not from the surrounding air. Wearing a 

hat is a great way to shield your scalp from 

sunburn. 


People lose 50 to 100 hairs day. 

Fact. People have about 100,000 hairs on 

their scalp. The 50 to 100 hairs normally 

lost each day are part of the renewal process, 

says Liao. 


If you pull out a grey hair, two more will 

replace it. 

Fiction. Grey hair is simply hair without 

colour so pulling one out is not going cause 

two more to come out of the same follicle. 

Smoking has, however, been linked to an 

increase in grey hairs. 


Some hairstyles will cause you to lose hair. 

Fact. Wearing tight braids, cornrows and 

tight buns for long periods of time will stress 

the hair and cause it to break. It’s a good idea 

to wear looser styles from time to time. 


Dyeing your hair during pregnancy is dangerous 

for the baby. 

Fiction. Hair is dead so any colour put 

onto it will not travel into the rest of your 

body and be a risk to an unborn child. The 

only danger might be breathing in the chemicals 

used in hair colouring. 


Dandruff is contagious. 

Fiction. According to Liao, dandruff is not 

contagious, although sharing a comb or 

brush with someone who has the condition 

is risky. The cells that create the conditions 

for dandruff can be left on a brush or comb 

and then be passed on to someone else’s 

scalp. But standing next to someone with 

dandruff will not cause you to get it. 


If your father has a full head of hair, you will 

not go bald. 

Fiction While baldness is hereditary, your 

father having a good crop of hair is no guarantee 

that you won’t go bald. It is also not 

true that baldness is inherited from the 

mother’s side of the family. 

- by Wanda Vivequin 



Water Works 

es on people coping with arthritis, recovering 

from strokes, or suffering from osteoporosis, 

fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain 

or general weakness. Marg Mooney, manager 

for the region’s Community Rehabilitation 

Program (CRP), says other 

hospitals in the region, including 

the Grey Nuns and Glenrose, also 

have therapeutic pools which 

offer programs. 

According to the Mayo 

Clinic, others who can benefit 

from exercising in the water 

include pregnant women, the 

elderly, and those who are 

overweight or recovering from 

an injury, surgery or a sedentary 

period. Always check with your 

doctor before starting a new exercise 

program. 

Defensive Walking 

Teach your 

kids to be smart 

pedestrians 

getting motivated to exercise is a 

challenge for many, but for individuals 

with arthritis, back pain or 

mobility problems, the barriers can 

seem almost impossible to overcome. 

Fortunately there’s a type of exercise that provides 

all the benefits without overstressing 

joints, bones and muscles. Aquatic workouts, 

when done correctly, can provide similar fitness 

benefits to other types of exercise, 

including muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, 

balance and cardiovascular conditioning. 

When immersed up to your neck, water 

supports approximately 90% of your weight, 

significantly reducing the risk of injury. 

For those who could use the extra support 

provided by aquatic exercise, Capital 

Health’s Get S.E.T. program offers a group 

aquatic session through the Edmonton 

General’s therapeutic pool. Get S.E.T. focus- 

before sending kids off to learn 

the three R’s, it is important to teach 

them the three P’s – point, pause and 

proceed. Last year in Edmonton, 

314 pedestrians were involved in collisions – 

27% were 18 years of age or younger. 

To ensure children make it to school and 

back home safely, set a good example. “One of 

the most frustrating things for us is that children 

are taught everything properly in school, 

but when their parents come pick them up, 

they take them by the hand and lead them 

between parked cars and jaywalk across the 

street – they un-teach everything,” says Audra 

Jones, director of community transportation 

planning for the City of Edmonton. 

“The one thing I stress is that parents often 

overestimate their child’s ability,” says Kathy 

Belton of the Alberta Centre for Injury 

Control & Research. She says children up to 

nine to 11 years of age shouldn’t cross the 

street unsupervised because they don’t have 

the skills adults do to estimate the distance 

and speed of vehicles. Children have less 

developed peripheral vision, a shorter attention 

span and are smaller and harder to see. 

Show children where to cross – marked 

intersections, crosswalks and pedestrian signals. 

Teach children to always walk on the 

sidewalk. If one is not available, walk off the 

road, facing traffic. Walk the route to school 

with children to identify risks. Walk a number 

of different routes to find out which one 

is best – shortest doesn’t mean safest. 

Remember: 

• Point. Stand on the curb, at least a step 

back from the edge, and point across the 

street to indicate to traffic that you want to 

cross. 

• Pause. Wait until vehicles stop and make 

eye contact with drivers. 

• Proceed. When it is safe to do so, cross the 

street. Continue to look both ways and 

make eye contact with each driver before 

you enter their lane. 

– Charlayne Bozak 


Your Health IQ: 

How Healthy 

Are You? 

Take this quiz to test your knowledge of 

various health, fitness and nutrition issues 

1. Which of the following is not a good 

source of vitamin D, which is important 

to help absorb calcium? 

a. eggs 

b. milk 

c. cod liver oil 

d. red meat 

You Deserve the Best 

in Bracing Selection 

We offer the most complete 

and innovative quality 

product lines available with 

certified orthotic fitters. 

Informative Guides 

in Every Box 

2. The proper way to clean ear wax is to: 

a. use a Q-Tip or cotton swab to gently 

remove the wax, being careful not to 

insert too far 

b. while in the shower, tilt the head 

and allow warm water to flow over 

the outer ear, then allow it to drain 

c. scrub the ear vigorously with hot water 

and soap 

d. use a bobby pin or paper clip 

4. What is considered a normal 

adult blood pressure? 

a. 120/80 

b. 135/85 

c. 140/90 

d. 155/95 

3. Which of the following foods 

can stain the teeth? 

a. coffee and tea 

b. blackberries 

c. cheese 

d. a and b 

5. Which of the following can be 

signs of a food allergy? 

a. tingling sensation in the mouth 

b. hives 

c. drop in blood pressure 

d. swelling of tongue and throat 

e. all of the above 

See page 15 for answers. 

5405 - 99 St Edmonton 

434-3131 

www.healthcaresolutions.ca 

No appointments necessary 

8:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M Mon-Fri 

10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Sat 

Your Health – Capital Health’s magazine for living well


Ask the Expert 

The truth about trans 

fats; Recurrent ear 

infections; Pregnancy 

discomfort; Herbal 

remedies 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUSTIN DELFS 

Question: Why are people paying so 

much attention to trans fats? Are they really 

as bad as the media is saying? What is a 

safe amount to consume on a daily basis? 

Susan Klaver, Registered Dietitian, Capital 

Health, responds: 

People are paying attention to trans fats 

because of their link to heart disease. 

Scientific evidence shows that consumption 

of saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol 

raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL), 

or "bad" cholesterol levels and may lower the 

high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” 

cholesterol. These changes increase the risk 

of coronary heart disease. 

Only a small amount of trans fat is found 

naturally in foods such as dairy products and 

some meats. Most trans fat is found in manufactured 

foods. Trans fats are produced 

when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable 

oil in a process called hydrogenation. 

This is done to transform liquid oils into 

solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. 

Hydrogenation decreases the manufacturing 

cost and increases the shelf life and flavour 

stability of foods containing these fats. 

To reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, 

intake of trans fat should be kept to a 

minimum. Consumers would be wise to 

read food labels and avoid foods containing 

trans fats. If trans fats are not listed on the 

food label, avoid foods that list hydrogenated 

or partially hydrogenated oils, vegetable 

oil shortening or vegetable oil margarine. 

Trans fat can be found in vegetable shortenings, 

some margarines, crackers, cookies, 

snack foods and other foods made with or 

fried in partially hydrogenated oils. 

Question: My two-year-old daughter has 

gotten several ear infections and is always 

prescribed antibiotics. Should I be looking 

at different treatment options? 

Dr. Erik Swartz, Pediatrician, Stollery 

Children’s Hospital, has this response: 

The most important question we need to 

answer is whether or not your daughter is 

SUSAN KLAVER 

Registered Dietitian 

Capital Health 

truly having “ear infections” or, more properly, 

acute otitis media (AOM). If your 

daughter has AOM, she will have symptoms 

such as pain, irritability, fever, tugging at ear 

and your physician should be able to see 

signs (inflamed ear drum, fluid behind the 

ear drum). However, AOM is more difficult 

to diagnose than one might think, and is 

often misdiagnosed. 

For the average child having only occasional 

AOM, there are two options. Most pediatricians 

agree that in children two years of age 

or older, especially when the diagnosis of 

AOM is unclear, antibiotic treatment can 

safely be deferred for two to three days, and 

the child treated solely with pain medications. 

The parents must be able to bring the 

child back to their physician if there is a deterioration 

or lack of improvement. The other 

option is to begin treatment immediately 

with an antibiotic (usually Amoxicillin). 

Unfortunately, there are no good studies that 

show a beneficial effect of alternative therapies 

such as homeopathy, acupuncture, 

herbal remedies, chiropractic treatments or 

nutritional supplements. 

There are several proactive steps that parents 

can take to reduce the incidence of 

recurrent ear infections in their children. 

Breastfeeding for at least six months has been 

shown to protect against AOM. Making sure 

that children are fully immunized and 

receive the influenza vaccine yearly not only 


DR. ERIK SWARTZ 

Pediatrician 

Stollery Children’s Hospital 

DR. MELANIE CURRIE 

Physician 

WestView Health Centre 

ROBERT ROGERS 

Clinical Herbalist 

prevents certain infections, but also has the 

added benefit of preventing some cases of 

AOM. Finally, avoiding bottle feedings with 

the child on his/her back, eliminating pacifier 

use and preventing exposure to cigarette 

smoke are all thought to decrease the risk of 

recurrent AOM. 

Question: What are the latest findings on 

Echinacea? Does it help boost the immune 

system and fight off colds? Should people 

with certain health conditions avoid it? 

Robert Rogers, professional member of the 

American Herbalist Guild and co-author of 

Herbal-Drug Interactions: Professional Reference 

Guide, Capital Health, replies: 

Two main species of Echinacea are available 

to consumers: common purple coneflower 

(Echinacea purpurea) and narrow-leaved purple 

coneflower (Echinacea pallida var angustifolia). 

The former has long been studied in 

Europe, but many trials used poor quality 

preparations or low oral doses, leading to misleading 

and mixed results. One study of 180 

patients with upper respiratory tract infection 

showed significant relief of symptoms, but 

only at high therapeutic doses. Standardized 

doses in the range of nine millilitres daily of 

Echinacea purpurea showed 40% taking the 

herb developed "real colds," compared to 

60% taking a placebo. Those who did develop 

colds started getting better in an average of 

four days compared to an average of eight 

days for those taking the placebo. Recent 

work by Goel, Basu et al, at the University of 

Alberta found a standardized commercial 

extract reduced cold symptoms by 27%. 

Our native Alberta narrow-leaved purple 

coneflower root also stimulates immune function, 

with fresh organic root tinctures preferred 

by many naturopathic physicians and clinical 

herbalists. The benefits of either in treating 

colds seems to be greatest in those individuals 

with low T-cell counts, taking chemotherapy, 

or using corticosteroids for lupus, multiple 

sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. 

Warnings against using Echinacea for 

treating colds in those with autoimmune diseases 

are based on theoretical speculation 

rather than practical experience. Transplant 

patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, or 

those with HIV would be prudent to avoid 

use at the present time. Echinacea appears 

safe during pregnancy and lactation. 

Individuals sensitive to aster family pollens 

may prefer a root extraction. There is currently 

no scientific evidence that long-term 

use is detrimental to immune function. 

Question: I am currently five months 

pregnant with my first child and have been 

experiencing carpal-tunnel-like symptoms 

in my right hand. Is this normal during pregnancy? 

Is there anything I can do to alleviate 

the discomfort? 

Dr. Melanie Currie, Physician,WestView 

Health Centre, provides some suggestions: 

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition 

which causes pain and numbness in the 

wrist and the hand. It is caused by pressure 

on the median nerve that runs through your 

wrist. This often comes from overusing your 

hand and wrist or increased fluid retention. 

In pregnancy, it is very common to feel 

symptoms of CTS. This is because you are 

likely to be retaining more fluid and this 

causes increased pressure on the median 

nerve. The most common time to initially 

have symptoms is at night when you are the 

“puffiest.” As the pregnancy progresses, you 

may also have symptoms throughout the day. 

CTS is best treated by decreasing how much 

you use your affected hand and by elevating 

your arms on pillows when you are lying 

down. Some women even need to try wearing 

a wrist splint – especially at night. Avoid bending 

your wrists if possible. During pregnancy, 

surgery is almost never needed as the symptoms 

often resolve once the baby is born. 

Ask the Expert is a regular section in which medical 

and other health professionals answer your questions 

on a variety of health-related topics. Send your 

questions to yourhealth@venturepublishing.ca or 

mail them to Your Health, Venture Publishing Inc., 

201-10350 124 St., Edmonton,AB,T5N 3V9. For general 

health advice or specific concerns, please call 

Capital Health Link at 408-LINK (408-5465). For 

outside the local calling area phone 1-866-408-LINK. 



Mould Alert! 

summer flooding left many Edmontonarea 

households with a pesky problem 

that could result in increased health hazards 

the longer it goes untreated. 

Moulds, also known as fungi or mildew, 

are living organisms that are neither plants 

nor animals. While no building is free of the 

tiny, clumping spores, they absolutely thrive 

in damp, humid environments. 

In higher concentrations, mould exposure 

can lead to wheezing, difficulty breathing, 

nose, eye and throat irritation, sinus congestion, 

coughing and skin rashes. 

Stephen Probert, Capital Health’s senior 

advisor of air quality, offers a few tips on 

identifying and treating a problem. 

If the water was removed and the area 

completely dried within 48 hours of flooding, 

Probert says the chances of having a 

mould invasion are practically reduced to nil. 

“The best rule of thumb is, if you see some 

discoloration or a speckled surface, wipe it 

up. If it comes back, then it’s a pretty good 

indicator you have mould,” he explains. Hot 

water and a good household cleaner are usually 

enough to take care of the superficial 

stuff, but he recommends calling in an expert 

if water damage was extensive. 

“Look in the Yellow Pages under ‘Environmental 

Consultants,’” Probert says. More 

Letters 

I received the premiere issue of Your Health 

magazine and was quite impressed. Although 

it covered a broad scope of topics, articles 

delved into pertinent details as necessary to 

keep the reader engrossed. What you have 

here is a wonderful tool to reach Capital 

Health region residents, both community 

members and medical professionals alike. 

Deepti Babu, by e-mail 

Congratulations on your new magazine, Your 

Health. I found it to be thoughtfully designed, 

inviting and very readable. I particularly like 

the open and comfortable format with articles 

long enough to be informative and timely 

while being short enough to be easily read. 

Good luck with your future issues. 

Larry Bureau, by e-mail 

Cheryl Coles of Edmonton sifts through damaged 

household items following the July 11, 2004 flood 

severe cases, like those in which the water 

seeped deeply into drywall and insulation, 

may require remediation by the same professionals 

who deal with asbestos. Do-it-yourself 

removal of damaged housing materials 

should only be attempted if the affected area 

is less than 10 square feet. 

The big thing, advises Probert, is to not let 

the problem go. Since moisture tends to 

climb up inside the walls, so will the mould. 

Not only do the rapidly reproducing spores 

pose a health risk when they’re airborne, in 

the long term they can also contaminate 

water pipes and eat away at the structural 

integrity of your home. 

– Natasha Mekhail 

We want to hear from you! One of the letters 

we publish in our next issue will win a copy of 

Heart-Friendly Cooking by Jean Paré. E-mail your 

letters to yourhealth@venturepublishing.ca or 

mail them to Your Health,Venture Publishing Inc., 

201, 10350-124 St., Edmonton, AB, T5N 3V9. 

Please include a name and phone number. We 

reserve the right to edit letters. 

Calendar 

Capital Health offers a wide 

range of seminars and learning 

opportunities every month. 

Here’s what’s happening this 

September and October. 

Vehicle Extrication Challenge 

Sept. 4-5, 2004 

The Leduc County Fire Services has joined 

together with ADESA Auctioneers in Nisku for 

this event and fundraiser for The Black Gold 

Health Foundation. The public is invited to see 

the Jaws of Life in action from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. A 

fundraiser breakfast or BBQ Lunch will be held 

each day for $5.00 per meal. 

1701 - 9th Street, Nisku 

If you require further information contact: 

Phone: 780-955-7099 

E-mail: darrell@leduc-county.com 

Child Safety Seat Inspection Clinics 

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted 

Sept. 9, 2004 (1:00 to 3:45 p.m.) 

Spruce Grove Fire Hall, 120, 410 King Street 

Sept. 16, 2004 

16 Calmar Fire Hall, 5005 - 49 Street 

Sept. 20, 2004 

Edmonton Fire Station 4, 10949 – 156 Street 

Edmonton Fire Station 9, 5604 - 50 Street 



Sept. 21, 2004 

St. Albert Fire Station 1 

18 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue 

Sept. 29, 2004 

Strathcona County-Suncor Energy 

322 Kaska Road, Sherwood Park 

Motor Learning & the Neurologic Patient 

Sept. 11-12, 2004 

2-39 Corbett Hall, University of Alberta 

Phone: 780-471-7912 

E-mail: grhedservices@cha.ab.ca 

Autism: Best Practices for Assessment 

and Service 

October 1-2, 2004 

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital 

Phone: 1-877-877-8714 

E-mail: grhedservices@cha.ab.ca 

16th Annual Palliative Care Conference 

October 18-19, 2004 

Fantasyland Hotel 

Phone: 780-482-8081 

E-mail: pallconf.gnch@cha.ab.ca 

Canadian Association for Suicide 

Prevention (CASP) Conference 

October 20-23, 2004 

Phone: 780-436-0983 ext. 221 

E-mail: casp@buksa.com 

CP/Darryl Dyck (Top) 


K-Bro Linen Systems Inc. 

How Healthy Are You? 

Health IQ quiz answers 

(from page 11) 

1. d. Vitamin D can be found in egg yolks, 

fish oils, and fortified foods like milk. 

2. b. Never insert objects into the ear 

canal.The ear canal and eardrum are very 

delicate and can be easily damaged. Most 

wax naturally falls out by itself or is 

washed away when you bathe. 

3. d. Tobacco, coffee, tea, red wine, colas 

and orange soda all contain dark compounds 

that can be absorbed by the 

enamel on teeth over time. Berries, 

chocolate and other dark and acidic foods 

can superficially discolour your teeth. 

Brushing after each meal can help prevent 

these stains. Cheeses and low-acidic foods 

can help reduce your risk of cavities. 

4. a. A normal blood pressure for most 

adults is less than 120/80. Drug treatment is 

recommended if your blood pressure is at 

or above 140/90. 

5. e. Symptoms of a food allergy can 

include a tingling sensation in th e mouth, 

swelling of the tongue and throat, hives, 

vomiting, abdominal cramps, difficulty 

breathing, diarrhea, drop in blood pressure 

and, in rare cases, loss of consciousness. 

WE DELIVER. 

Founded 50 years ago in 

Edmonton, as Stork Diaper 

Service, K-Bro is proud to be the 

national leader in the laundry 

and linen industry providing 

services to the healthcare and 

hospitality sectors throughout 

Canada. Our measurable high 

quality standards and strong 

emphasis on customer service 

ensures our customers receive 

service that is second to none. 

Phone: (780) 453-5218 

Toll Free: 1-866-232-0222

The Fitness Edge 

The Thinking Sport 

Find your way to fitness 

with orienteering, a 

family-friendly activity 

with aerobic benefits 

BY GAIL HELGASON 


Team members get oriented before 

racing to their next checkpoint 

if you don’t think that getting lost can 

be fun, think again! 

Just ask Laura Querengesser, volunteer 

president of the Edmonton Overlanders 

Orienteering Club (EOOC) and a project 

manager in the Department of Medicine at 

the University of Alberta. 

Each week in spring, summer and fall, she 

and hundreds of other Edmontonians head 

to the city’s river valleys or to forests outside 

of the city to enjoy orienteering. In this rapidly 

growing sport, you use a detailed map to 

follow the best route from one checkpoint 

(called a “control”) to another. A control is a 

landscape feature such as a knoll, bridge or 

trail junction. You find each control by reading 

the map carefully and first looking for an 

“attack point” – a larger, more easily identified 

landscape feature near the control. 

(Compasses are not required for the city 

courses, just basic map-reading skills.) You 

can walk or run to complete the courses, 

which range from two to three kilometres for 

beginners to seven or eight kilometres for 

more experienced orienteers, and take an 

hour or two to complete. 

Like most sports, orienteering can be done 

at a recreational or a competitive level. The 

EOOC has mapped most of the city’s river 

valley for its weekly Wednesday evening 

events, with Rundle Park and Terwillegar 

Park among the favourites. Beginner’s clinics 

are held each week (see “Getting Started”). 

And yes, you can get lost – although that’s 

not a word that orienteers use. (And the club 

takes great care to ensure that no one is “lost” 

for long.) “We say you lose contact with the 

map,” Querengesser chuckles. When she first 

began orienteering in her late teens, she says, 

“I always seemed to find myself in a marsh. 

But I always found my way back!” 

What’s the appeal? “I like running and I like 

the challenge of reading a map at the same 

time,” says Querengesser. She calls orienteering 

the “thinking person’s sport” because it 

involves continuous decision-making. 

Geraint Edwards, a 57-year-old consulting 

engineer who has orienteered for more than 

20 years, says the sport appeals to a variety of 

people. Families and groups enjoy getting 

outside together, and many walkers are 

enthusiastic about the challenges of navigating 

the courses. Racers test themselves to 

complete a course as quickly as they can. The 

common denominator, says Edwards, is that 

orienteering appeals to people who like being 

outdoors. “It’s an activity you can do with 

kids of any age,” Edwards adds. “At any 

event, there are kids in strollers and backpacks 

as well as kids who are running quite 

hard.” It’s also not uncommon for people in 

their 70s to participate. 

Harried soccer moms and dads, take note: 

orienteering also streamlines family sports 

schedules. Events for different ages and levels 

start around the same time, so the whole 

family can participate at different levels, have 

a great time and arrive and leave together. 

“We all go,” says Tamara Mar, 33, a fulltime 

mom with three children. “The little 

one goes in the backpack. The kids love 

helping us look for the controls.” She 

admits that she’s still not a good map reader, 

but that needn’t be an obstacle: “I follow 

my husband around.” 

Edmonton is unquestionably a great place 

for orienteering, say enthusiasts like Edwards 

and Querengesser. So many people are 

attracted to this unlikely and largely unheralded 

sport that the EOOC, with more than 

400 members, is the largest in the country. 

Edwards speculates that the inclusion of 

orienteering in the city’s Corporate 

Challenge events in recent years has greatly 

helped to spur local interest in the sport. 

Orienteering will gain added profile next 

year when the World Masters Orienteering 

Championships is held in Edmonton July 

22-31, 2005 (for athletes 35 and older). 

Afraid you’ll get lost looking for your first 

control? Just cool out, Edwards says. “If you 

don’t find the control, go to the next one. It’s 

not really a serious competition.” 

Getting Started: The Edmonton Overlanders 

Orienteering Club has weekly Wednesday 

evening events held in Edmonton’s river valley 

until mid-October, as well as weekend 

and forest events. Show up on Wednesdays at 

6:30 p.m. for a Beginner’s Clinic (and bring 


your whole family!). You’ll receive a short 

introduction to the basics, and then try out 

what you’ve learned on a two to three kilometre 

beginner’s course. General registration 

is between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A medium 

course of four kilometres and a long 

course of six or seven kilometres is also 

mapped out each week for the more experienced. 

Events end by 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. 

The cost is $7 for non-members and $3 for 

members. For city events, just put on a pair 

of comfy shoes and old jeans (shorts aren’t 

advised as you might get scratched by brush 

or long grass). You must carry or purchase a 

whistle for $1 for out-of-the-city forest 

events. The club welcomes new members of 

all ages and abilities. 

Points of Contact: You can e-mail the club 

for more information at eooc@shaw.ca or visit 

their website at www.orienteer.ab.ca or call 

780-455-1916. For an Alberta perspective, 

check out the Alberta Orienteering Association 

at www.orienteeringalberta.ca. 

Health Benefits 

You can definitely find your way to fitness 

through orienteering, says Kelly Mackenzie, a 

sessional lecturer in the Faculty of 

Education and Recreation at the U of A. 

“Because orienteering is done in diverse 

terrain, you get faced with different challenges,” 

she says. “You might suddenly go 

uphill or downhill. That can definitely 

strengthen the legs, whether you are walking 

or running.” 

If you choose to run or walk at a brisk 

pace along the course, you’ll gain aerobic 

benefits from the cardiovascular workout. If 

you walk at a normal pace, you’ll still benefit 

from the muscular workout and the fresh air. 

The family-friendly nature of orienteering 

is a big fitness plus. Mackenzie says. “That’s 

probably the greatest thing about orienteering 

– you can do it with your kids.” 

TREE MARKER 

COURSE MAP 

THUMB COMPASS 

The Fitness Edge is a regular column that profiles a 

unique or unconventional fitness activity that people 

in the Capital Health region can get involved with. 


Healthy Thinking 

Under a Dark Cloud 

A drastic shift in mood 

and behaviour may signal 

depression – and the need 

to seek help 

BY JENNIFER ISAAC 

ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTIANE BEAUREGARD 

Where to go for help 

Capital Health Link: 408-5465 or 

1-866-408-5465 in the local Edmonton 

calling area 

College of Alberta Psychologists: 

780-424-5070 (to inquire about private 

psychologists for specific areas of concern) 

Community Service Referral Line 

(The Support Network): 482-4636 

Distress Line: 780-482-4357 

Edmonton Mental Health Clinic: 

780-427-4444 

Mental Health Helpline: 

1-877-303-2642 

ever since Kevin’s* father died, he 

had become increasingly withdrawn. 

Kevin’s wife, Allyson, was worried. 

She knew that the grieving process naturally 

took months, but it had been a year, and 

Kevin’s normally effervescent personality still 

seemed to be “on hold.” When he did manage 

to rouse himself from the book he was 

immersed in, he ambled about the house, a 

mere shadow of his old self. Allyson became 

convinced that her husband’s problem was 

something more than she could handle. She 

did her research and made a few phone calls. 

“Honey,” she said to him with tenderness, 

“I’ve noticed a change in your behaviour. 

Why don’t I make an appointment for you to 

see someone?” 

The Canadian Mental Health Association 

defines depression as an illness that affects 

the mind and body; it is generally described 

as feeling worthless, hopeless and helpless 

over an extended period. When a depressed 

mood persists for more than two weeks and 

interferes with everyday living, it may 

require medical treatment. 

Dr. Brenda Mann is a clinical psychologist 

in the spinal cord injury and general neurology 

adult program at the Glenrose 

Rehabilitation Hospital. She’s been counselling 

people with depression for nearly 30 

years. “The hallmark of a true depression is 

that the person feels like they’re not mastering 

their lives,” she says. “Their behaviour is 

interfering with work and relationships, and 

they’re not feeling centred. It’s been let go 

almost to the extreme. 

“One of the first signs is a change from a 

person’s normal behaviour. They’re more 

restless, agitated, tearful, withdrawn or 

impulsive.” 

Other symptoms include: feelings of despair 

and hopelessness; feeling detached from life 

and those around you; continued fatigue or 

loss of energy; feelings of sadness (crying for 

no apparent reason); inability to concentrate 

or make decisions; thoughts of suicide; 

changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns; 

persistent/recurring headaches or frequent 

gastrointestinal upsets. 

Good friends, family members, colleagues, 

or a partner will all notice a change. 

“At work, maybe they’re not verbalizing or 

socializing as much,” Mann notes. “Maybe 

they’re staying in their office more. Their 

work might be sloppy or unfocused. 

“When you feel there’s no purpose and 

you’re feeling apathetic, those are the danger 

signs. That’s your clue that it’s more chronic 

and more serious.” 

Another important consideration is the 

length of the sadness. If it’s two weeks in 

duration and continues, that’s a strong indication 

that your condition is something 

more than a “blue” day. 

“Passion, joy and sadness are all normal in 

life,” Mann says. “It’s normal to experience a 

range and depth of emotion. But when you 

find there’s a change in a normal routine 

that’s very different than the range and depth 

of emotion, then you may need help.” 

Exercise, education, relaxation and a refocus 

are important treatments. 

Keeping to yourself may bring on psychological 

difficulties. “Secrecy is a breeder of 

problems,” she adds. “The more open you 

are, the more you communicate.” 

Researchers believe that a deficiency of certain 

chemicals in the brain and/or genetics 

can determine how susceptible individuals 

are to developing chronic or serious depression. 

Serotonin is a hormone that, when 

secreted, helps people “feel better.” 

“Physical activity can help the secretion,” 

Mann says. “Also, meditation and yoga help 

to release energy in positive ways.” 

She also uses cognitive behavioural therapy, 

which replaces negative thoughts with 

positive thoughts. In extreme cases, medication 

may be necessary. 

And if the person with depression starts to 

slip back, Mann believes that usually, the slip 

isn’t as bad as the first time. “I believe we 

evolve,” she says. “We do reach different levels. 

Learning and education are important. 

“Rely on your past experience. People do 

change.” 

*names have been changed 

Healthy Thinking is a regular column that provides 

strategies for individuals to enhance their life 

through better mental health. 


High crash zone 

dead ahead. 

Zoning out is deadly – especially at intersections. 

Each year, 60% of the more than 8,000 injury collisions in Alberta’s Capital Region occur 

at intersections. And that’s no surprise since 70% of Alberta drivers admit to speeding through 

yellow lights and 60% to running stop signs and red lights. Some do it intentionally, but many 

of us just aren’t paying attention! 

Everyone has a role in finding the solution 

Drivers aren’t the only ones making a change. High crash 

areas are being tackled from several angles like better signage 

and better layout of the physical space. Engineers calculate 

signal timing to ensure that motorists can safely pass through 

intersections. Stop signs, red lights, and controlled left turn 

signals are introduced where a specific need is identified. 

Of course good enforcement – including red light cameras – 

also plays a key role in reducing the number of fatal motor 

vehicle crashes every year. 

Change how you drive – it could save lives 

You can be part of the solution by changing your driving 

behaviour. Pay attention to the basics: 

• Stop when the light turns yellow unless it’s unsafe to do so. 

• Don’t follow too close – it really won’t help you get where 

you’re going faster. 

• Yield to on-coming traffic – pay attention when you’re 

making a left turn. 

• Don’t drink and drive – 59% of last year’s crash-related 

fatalities involved alcohol. 

St. Albert and 

Strathcona County 

Foundation

Frontiers of Medicine 

Dr. Phil Halloran is using 

gene chip technology to 

Unravelling 

improve the lives of 

transplant patients 

theScience 

ofRejection 

d 

BY SUE ROBINS 

r. Phil Halloran is very, very busy. 

He corrects that statement and says, 

“Add two more verys to that.” He is 

a very, very, very, very busy man. 

He just returned from a conference 

in Chicago and his summer vacation 

this year is non-existent. His current 

research is hopping with momentum and it’s 

no wonder – Halloran is on the verge of 

making a revolutionary advance in the field 

of transplant medicine. 

By harnessing the power of technology to 

understand the way genes behave when 

transplants are rejected, his current research 

project has the potential to improve the 

quality of life for organ transplant patients. 

Building on a tradition of pioneering 

research in the field, his research will further 

establish Edmonton and the Alberta 

Transplant Institute as an international 

leader in transplant research. 

ILLUSTRATION BY SANDRA DIONISI In the Capital Health region, over 200 

organ transplants were performed last year 

alone, the second highest number in 

Canada. These transplants include kidney, 

liver, lung, heart, pancreas, bowel and islet 

(for diabetic patients). 

After a transplant, patients are subject to a 

variety of toxic anti-rejection drugs to help 

ensure their bodies don’t reject the new 

organ. These drugs do not guarantee the 

organ won’t be rejected and have to be taken 

for the rest of a patient’s life. The anti-rejection 

drugs make patients susceptible to 

infection and have serious side-effects such 

as high blood pressure and an increased risk 

of glaucoma and cancer. 

Halloran explains that by understanding 

what is taking place in the genes when a 

transplanted organ is being rejected, physicians 

will be able to make more timely diagnoses 

and prescribe more effective treatments. 

Pharmaceutical companies testing 

new products will be able to measure the 



Frontiers of Medicine 

Dr. Philip Hollaran is unlocking 

the secrets of gene expression 

impact of new drugs by seeing how gene 

expression changes when drugs are introduced 

in the body. Ultimately, this information 

could prevent transplants from failing 

altogether and minimize the number of antirejection 

drugs patients have to take. 

The project harnesses potent new technology 

that takes the form of a microarray or 

gene chip, a hand-held device which records 

the expression of up to 30,000 genes in 

a tissue sample. 

The microarray allows researchers 

to measure and track changes in 

the genes when an organ is being 

rejected. Halloran further explains, 

“This project bridges the 

gap between new technology 

and sick people – and shows 

how gene expressions change 

with different disease states.” 

Instead of just being able to 

treat a patient after an organ is 

rejected, doctors will be able begin 

treatment before organs become damaged. 

Halloran likens it to monitoring a 

patient’s cholesterol levels to help prevent a 

heart attack. “We don’t wait for the heart 

attack to happen before we treat the disease,” 

he explains. The same principles will be 

applied to organ transplantation patients. 

Halloran carefully describes the project 

while he sits in his office surrounded by 

plaques, degrees and genetic textbooks. He has 

his own array of titles, including professor of 

medicine in both the Division of Nephrology 

and Immunology and Department of Medical 

Microbiology and Immunology at the U of A. 

As the director of the Alberta Transplant 

Institute, he oversees a new organization that 

is in a unique position to advance both organ 

transplant research and patient care. By 

amalgamating all transplant activity at the 

U of A Hospital, the Institute encourages 

new ideas and collaboration through its combination 

of clinical practice and research. 

Recently he was appointed as an Officer to 

the Order of Canada for lifetime achievement 

in the health care field. He is also the 

editor-in-chief of the American Journal of 

Transplantation. This is tall order for one 

man, but Halloran says he feels “privileged 

to be working on something that counts, 

“We had no idea this 

information even existed, 

and we have no idea what 

we are going to find. This 

is a great age of discovery.” 

something this important.” 

On his desk sits a powerful computer, and 

this computer contains what Halloran terms 

“marvelous technology” on a massive Excel 

spreadsheet. The spreadsheet lists all 30,000 

genes in the body, and contains data on what 

happens to these genes when certain disease 

mechanisms hit. This data was scanned from 

a portable microarray device, which is no 

bigger than the palm of one’s hand. The 

information comes from lab mice who are 

the recipients of kidney transplants. 

The current phase involves research on 

mice and also clinical trials on patients’ 

biopsies. (Despite their different biology, 

mice and humans have surprisingly similar 

genes). The tissue from both the mice and 

patients is then examined and the data about 

their genes is collected on a microarray. 

The chip is then scanned, anomalies are 

highlighted, and this information is transferred 

to an elaborate spreadsheet which can 

track changes as individuals (and mice) 

undergo treatment. The project has a consortium 

of health care facilities eager to participate 

in this groundbreaking work. The 

next phase includes more extensive clinical 

trials involving patients from facilities all 

over North America. The final phase of the 

project is to develop software that will share 

the findings with physicians who can then 

use the knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment 

of their patients. 

Halloran himself is surprised by the magnitude 

of the work he’s undertaken. “We are 

just scratching the surface. We had no idea 

this information even existed, and we have 

no idea what we are going to find. This is a 

great age of discovery.” 

He speaks highly of the dedicated team 

working on the project in the Heritage 

Medical Research Building on the University 

of Alberta campus. From “technological 

geniuses” working in the lab with supercomputers, 

to co-investigators and clinicians, a 

group of skilled researchers is working hard 

to guide the project through its phases. 


Halloran’s research has attracted more than 

just attention. In April 2004, the project 

received an $11 million grant – half from the 

federal government funded Genome 

Canada, and the other half matched by the 

Capital Health, the University Hospital 

Foundation and the University of Alberta. 

The future looks bright for gene chip technology. 

Soon, diseases such as asthma, diabetes 

and hepatitis may be diagnosed and 

treated with this radical new information. 

“Ultimately, we will have a new understanding 

of a disease’s effects on organs. We 

will know why people got sick in the first 

place,” enthuses Halloran. “This is a glorious 

thing, a miraculous mechanism explaining 

how parts work in our bodies. In the end, it 

is a good way to help people.” 

And with that, he sits back in his chair and 

watches the impressive flickering of the 

spreadsheet on his computer screen 30,000 

genes long. YH 

Decoding Genomics 

For more information about the discovery 

of genes, their functions, and ethical implications 

of this new technology, visit the Geee! 

in Genome exhibit at the Provincial 

Museum of Alberta. 

This interactive display is a national traveling 

exhibition that examines the science of 

genomes.The exhibit clearly explains this 

complex world by providing cool sound 

bytes and quick facts such as: 

• Genome is a combination of the words 

“chromosome” and “gene.” 

• Most of us have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 

which hold 30,000 genes. 

• 99.9% of our genes are like every other 

human being’s genes. 

• Only 0.1% of our genes set us apart as 

individuals. (A T-shirt in the Provincial 

Museum gift shop confirms this – it pronounces:“I 

have 99.9% of the same genes as 

Einstein!”) 

• Shockingly, 50% of the same genes in 

humans can be found in a lowly banana. 

The Geee! in Genome display runs at the 

Provincial Museum until Oct.11, 2004, from 

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day. Visit 

www.pma.edmonton.ab.ca for more information, 

or call 780-453-9100. 

Your Health 

Capital Health’s Magazine for living well 

Diarrhea 

shouldn’t 

change the 

way you see 

the world 

• DUKORAL is a raspberry-flavoured vaccine that you drink 1 

• In a clinical trial, DUKORAL was shown to protect against 

travellers’ diarrhea for 3 months 1,2 

• Over 1 million doses of DUKORAL have been sold 

worldwide, and it has been used in Sweden for more 

than 10 years 3 

DUKORAL is approved for use in adults and children 2 years of age 

and older who will be visiting areas where there is a risk of contracting 

travellers’ diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). 1 

Immunization with DUKORAL should be deferred in the presence of 

any acute illness including febrile illness. A minor illness such as mild 

upper respiratory infection is not reason to defer immunization. 1 

Immunocompromised persons may not obtain the expected immune 

response, but DUKORAL can be given to HIV-infected persons. 1 

DUKORAL is not recommended for use in pregnancy. 1 

Most common adverse events DUKORAL vs control: abdominal pain 

16%/14%, diarrhea 12%/11%, subjective fever 4%/5%, nausea 

4%/5%. 

REFERENCES: 1. DUKORAL TMT Product Monograph, February 2003. 2. Clemens JD 

et al. Cross-Protection by B Subunit-Whole Cell Cholera Vaccine Against Diarrhea 

Associated with Heat-Labile Toxin-Producing Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli: 

Results of a Large-Scale Field Trial. J Inf Dis 1988;158(2):372-377. 3. Data on file. 

Regulatory letter dated February 13, 2003. 

Dukoral TM is a trademark licensed to Aventis Pasteur Limited by SBL Vaccin AB 

Aventis Pasteur Limited, 

1755 Steeles Avenue West, 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M2R 3T4 

© 2004 Aventis Pasteur Limited 

For more information on subscribing for 

home delivery, ordering back issues, 

locations of free newsstands, requesting a 

change of address, or any other questions 

you may have regarding the distribution of 

Your Health magazine, please call the 

number below or email to: 

yhcirculation@venturepublishing.ca 

780-990-0839 ext. 237 or 1-866-227-4276 

Introducing DUKORAL TM . The first oral vaccine 

that helps prevent travellers’ diarrhea. 

Ask your doctor or travel health professional about DUKORAL TM . 

www.travellersdiarrhea.com/mexico_caribbean/

cover STORY 

Stories of strength and 

survival from people 

who have confronted 

the deadly disease 

Face THE OF 

Cancer 

w 

BY CATHERINE CARSON 

hen, earlier this year, Dr. Karen 

Mulder told me that colorectal 

cancer had spread to my lungs and 

was terminal, I swore angrily. I was 

devastated. I asked about my options: a few 

months without treatment, more months 

with aggressive chemotherapy, but still I was 

given less than two years to live. Over the 

Easter weekend, I retreated into myself, 

telling friends and family I wanted to be left 

alone. I read book after book after book, 

escape literature, blocking out all conscious 

thought about what to do. One morning, I 

awoke and said, “Enough of feeling sorry for 

yourself. It’s time to get back to living.” I 

determined that I would do everything possible 

to live as long as possible. Not the least 

of my reasons is the fact that I am raising my 

13-year-old granddaughter and I haven’t finished 

that job yet. 

My story is not unique. Current statistics 

suggest that, during their lifetimes, 38% of 

Canadian women and 43% of Canadian 

men will develop cancer. Based on current 

mortality rates, about one out of four 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROTH AND RAMBERG Canadians will die from cancer. More peo- 

ple are being diagnosed with cancer today, 

in part, because Canada’s population is both 

aging and increasing. But fewer people are 

dying of cancer as more effective treatments 

come on-stream. 

According to the National Cancer 

Institute of Canada, new cases of cancer in 

men have risen from about 30,000 in 1975 

to an estimated 75,000 in 2004. The rates 

for women have risen from 30,000 new cases 

in 1975 to 70,000 for this year. Deaths from 

all cancers have risen from more than 25,000 

for men in 1975 to almost 40,000 this year; 

for women, they’ve gone from under 20,000 

in 1975 to just over 30,000 in 2004. 

When you look at age-specific rates, says 

Dr. Tony Fields, vice-president for medical 

affairs and community oncology for the 

Alberta Cancer Board, mortality rates for 

older people are higher because older people 

are more likely to get cancer. Age-standardized 

mortality rates for men have stayed fairly 

steady at around 30,000 deaths in 1975, 

with a slight peak in 1988 and then dropping 

to under 30,000 in 2004; for women, the 

rate has remained at under 20,000 for the 

same period. 

Through the region’s primary and specialty 

care physicians and hospitals, Capital Health 

is most commonly the entry point to the 

health care system for patients with cancer. 

The region provides extensive screening and 

diagnostic services as well as surgical proce- 


Time with Jack and 

Josephine is vital for 

Rob Thompson 

“You can save your life 

by being positive and 

determined, but you can’t 

if you’re defeatist.” 

BISHOP VICTORIA MATTHEWS 

BREAST CANCER 


cover STORY 

THE FACE OF CANCER 

“Positive attitude has a 

lot to do with healing.” 

STAN HAFSO 

PROSTATE CANCER 


dures and post-operative care. Post-surgery 

patients are then referred to the Cross Cancer 

Institute, one of several operated by the 

Alberta Cancer Board across the province, 

for followup treatment, chemotherapy and 

radiation. 

“We will never be able to prevent cancer 

completely,” says Fields. He does, however, 

believe that 50% of cancers could be prevented 

if people followed some simple, 

basic rules like eating nutritious, healthy 

food with plenty of fruits and vegetables, 

keeping physically fit and not smoking. 

Screening tests are making it possible to 

detect cancer at early stages when it is still 

treatable. The PSA test for prostate cancer, 

developed in the late 1980s, resulted in a 

huge jump in prostate cancer cases in the 

early ’90s and a decline since then. 

Mammograms of the breast and Pap 

smears to screen for cervical cancer are recommended 

for women and yet, as Fields 

notes, “Forty years after Pap smears were 

developed, women at high risk are still not 

getting tested regularly.” 

A particular sore point for Fields and his 

colleagues is the number of people, particularly 

women, who continue, or begin, to 

smoke. Lung cancer is the deadliest form of 

cancer. It’s also the most easily preventable: 

about 85% of lung cancer cases are related to 

smoking, including second-hand smoke. 

While the death rate from lung cancer has 

been steadily dropping for men, it is climbing 

for women. According to Canadian 

Cancer Statistics 2004, lung cancer deaths 

for men are at the same level as they were in 

1975 after peaking in the early 1990s while 

they have been climbing steadily for women 

and now are the leading cause of cancer 

deaths in women. 

Fields refers to smoking as the major 

modern health scandal. “We hear the message, 

we know the message, but getting 

them to get the message so they quit smoking 

is the challenge.” He dreams of a 

Half of cancers could 

be prevented if people 

followed simple, basic 

rules like eating healthy 

foods, keeping physically 

fit through exercise and 

not smoking. 

smoke-free Canada. “If we all work hard 

enough, we may achieve it.” 

Fields notes that real progress is being 

made in the treatment of cancer. Regularly, 

there are announcements of new cancer 

treatments. 

As researchers learn more about the biology 

of various cancers, they’re getting better at 

predicting how dangerous the cancer is and 

what the outcome will likely be. “In five to 

10 years, we will be able to put a person and 

their cancer through a battery of tests, tell 

them what the outcome is likely to be, how 

urgent is the need for treatment, what will 

work, what won’t work. We’ll be able to tailor 

the treatment to the person’s biological 

makeup and cancer,” says Fields. 

Like a lot of people, I decided to try alternative 

therapies. My attitude is: If it won’t 

hurt me, I’ll take it. Primarily, I’m taking 

nutritional supplements to build up my 

body in the belief that a strong body can 

better withstand chemotherapy. I’m also 

exercising. Fields notes that 80% of people 

with cancer turn to alternative therapies. He 

cautions, though, that herbal supplements 

are not as rigorously standardized or tested 

as drugs so supplements can vary widely in 

strength. As well, some herbal supplements 

like green tea can actually work against the 

chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast 

cancer. The Cross Cancer Institute urges 

people to discuss alternative therapies with 

their doctor. He also warns people against 

flying off to faraway centres that promise 

miracle cures. Check their credibility first. 

What is cancer? 

Cancer is a group of more than 100 

related diseases that occur when 

abnormal cells divide and destroy 

surrounding tissues. It can begin in any 

organ or tissue of the body. When 

cells keep dividing, the result is a mass 

of cells called a tumour. Benign 

tumours do not spread to other parts 

of the body, while malignant tumours 

do spread cancer to other body parts. 

They eventually crowd out nearby 

normal cells and disrupt their function.The 

cause of most cancers is not 

fully understood. However, a combination 

of genetics and environmental 

factors usually contributes to the 

transformation of cells from normal 

to cancerous. Cancer may take years 

to develop. 

Source: Capital Health 


cover STORY 


Cancer Symptoms 

The earlier cancer is detected, the 

more likely it is to be treated successfully. 

WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER INCLUDE: 

• change in bowel or bladder habits 

• any sore or cut that does not heal 

• unusual bleeding or discharge 

• thickening or lump in the breast or 

elsewhere in the body 

• indigestion or difficulty swallowing 

• obvious change in a wart or mole 

• nagging cough or hoarseness 

• weight loss for no apparent reason 

Source: Capital Health 

The Five Leading Cancers 

Of all the cancers, some have proven to be particularly widespread 

and deadly. In Canada, lung cancer now leads in both 

number of cases and number of deaths for both men and women. 

More women now die of lung cancer than of breast cancer, the 

second leading cause of cancer death. Next in order are colorectal 

cancer, prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

Lung Cancer 

By the time people with lung cancer are seen 

at the Cross Cancer Institute, their cancer is 

often already far advanced. Eva Westlund 

developed inoperable lung cancer last 

September as a result of exposure to secondhand 

smoke. The 73-year-old never smoked 

in her life, but worked in an office where 

colleagues did. “It’s unfair,” she says. 

“Any time you say you have lung cancer, 

people look at you as if it’s your 

own fault for smoking.” 

She was told that someone with 

her type of cancer usually would 

not survive beyond a few months, 

but in early August 2004, she is 

still going strong and her cancer is 

stable. She had chemotherapy 

treatments last fall – radiation or 

surgery were not options – which stabilized 

her cancer and she underwent 

another chemotherapy trial in April. CT 

scans and X-rays show that the cancer is still 

stable. “I can do almost anything I did 

before,” she says, “except I tire a little faster 

(because of chemotherapy.) Chemotherapy is 

the only thing I’ve got and it seems to be 

working. I figure I’m going to hang on until 

they find something to cure it,” she says. 

Recent research led by Dr. Timothy Winton 

of the U of A’ s Department of Surgery provides 

new hope to lung cancer patients. For 

those diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, 

the most common type, surgery was previously 

regarded as the only option – but even 

with complete removal of “early stage” lung 

tumours, long-term survival rates were only at 

50%. Winton’s study found that early chemotherapy 

intervention after surgery improved 

survival rates by 15%. “It is the best news for 

lung cancer patients in decades,” he says. 

Breast Cancer 

Bishop Victoria Matthews, Canada’s first 

female Anglican bishop, was being considered 

for two top posts: bishop of the 

Archdiocese of Toronto, the largest in 

Canada, and primate of the Anglican Church 

of Canada. Then during a routine breast selfexamination 

– cancer runs in her family – 

she felt something suspicious. After returning 

to Edmonton from a conference in 

Halifax, she saw her doctor. A biopsy 

showed cancer in both breasts and she had a 

double mastectomy in June. 

Matthews, 50, is now on leave of absence 

from her Edmonton job while she recuperates 

from surgery before beginning chemotherapy. 

She withdrew her applications for 

both positions. “It wouldn’t have been fair to 

start a new job and immediately go on a leave 

of absence for up to a year,” she says. 

She’s positive her treatment will be successful. 

Her doctors have assured her that 

the prospects are good, so she doesn’t think 

of the possibility that treatment might not 

work. Her faith has been a tremendous support 

as has her family, both blood relatives 

and her church family. “I’ve been blown 

away by the letters of support from people 

I’ve never even met,” she says. 

Regular screening through mammograms 

could substantially reduce the risk of women 

dying from breast cancer, says Fields. 

Unfortunately, Alberta does not yet have a 

unified screening program for the whole 

province although the Alberta Cancer Board 

is trying to establish one. 

There has been modest success in treating 

breast cancer, he says, in part because of earlier 

diagnosis which increases the probability 

of cure and in part because of better treatment. 

Arimidex has recently been approved 


“I’m going to hang on 

until they find a cure.” 

EVA WESTLUND 

LUNG CANCER 


cover STORY 


“The doctor told me,‘I don’t 

want to see you again unless 

you come with money.’” 

BRYAN MUDRYK 

NON-HODGKINS LYMPHOMA 


y Health Canada. Originally given to postmenopausal 

women with late-stage breast 

cancer, it is now being used for early-stage 

breast cancer. Arimidex blocks the production 

of estrogen which can cause some breast 

tumours to grow and develop. A four-year 

study of 9,000 women in Canada and other 

countries found that it reduced the risk of 

recurrence by 22%, compared to Tamoxifen, 

the previous drug of choice. 

Colorectal Cancer 

Colorectal cancer, if caught early enough, has 

a 90% cure rate, often by surgery alone or in 

combination with radiation or chemotherapy. 

Once it spreads to the lymph nodes or other 

organs, the survival rate decreases. Only 3% 

of people whose cancer has spread to other 

organs can expect to be alive five years later. 

Blood stool screening is recommended for 

people over 50, particularly those with a family 

history of colorectal cancer. New screening 

techniques include a “virtual colonoscopy” 

with a CT scan, PET scans and MRIs. In my 

case, I was unaware until after the fact that 

colorectal cancer existed on both sides of my 

family. Many of the symptoms of colorectal 

cancer, including weight loss and fatigue, are 

also symptoms of other diseases. My doctor 

ordered blood tests which led to a blood stool 

test which led to a colonoscopy which 

revealed cancer. Dr. W.M. Struck removed 

the cancerous section of my colon, plus a 

piece of my kidney because the cancer was up 

against the kidney. Surgery at the Royal 

Alexandra Hospital on Feb. 23 was a success, 

but at that point the cancer had already 

spread to my lungs. 

Surgical procedures for colorectal cancer 

are improving dramatically, says Dr. Charles 

Butts of the Cross Cancer Institute, and trials 

are being performed with laparoscopic 

surgery, which is less invasive. With radiation, 

it’s possible to more accurately pinpoint 

specific cancer cells and ignore the non-cancerous 

areas. 

Chemotherapy, too, is becoming more 

sophisticated. I decided that I would not even 

Screening tests are making 

it possible to detect 

cancer at early stages 

when it is still treatable. 

think that chemotherapy would not work. 

My CT scan after the first three chemotherapy 

sessions showed a significant reduction in 

the size of the cancers. I’m now on my second 

series of chemotherapy. Aside from feeling a 

little more tired than usual for a few days, the 

side-effects are minimal and tolerable. 

There’s a plethora of new drugs being 

developed to treat colorectal cancer, says 

Butts. Avastin has just been approved by 

Health Canada and has been added to a clinical 

trial in which I’m participating. People 

get either Avastin or a placebo, along with 

three other drugs, Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin 

and Fluorouracil, the latter either as a pill or 

by injection. The trial is testing the effectiveness 

of pills against traditional injections as 

well as the effectiveness of Avastin. 

Erbitux, the drug developed by ImClone, 

the sale of whose shares landed Martha 

Stewart in trouble, has just been approved in 

the United States as a drug of last resort. 

Health Canada has yet to do so. 

Prostate Cancer 

Because prostate cancer often develops so 

slowly, many men, especially older men, are 

put on what’s known as “watchful waiting,” 

where the doctor simply monitors the disease. 

Fields describes it as an often “indolent” 

cancer. By the time men reach 80, two-thirds 

have prostate cancer; many die of other causes 

before it becomes a problem. “More men 

die with prostate cancer than die of prostate 

cancer,” he says. 

Stan Hafso, 78, a retired music store owner 

and teacher, has lived with prostate cancer for 

eight years. He didn’t require radiation or surgery, 

only pills. A year ago, his doctor told 

him he didn’t need to see him anymore. Like 

so many people with cancer, Hafso talks about 

the importance of a positive attitude. “Positive 

attitude has a lot to do with healing. I’m positive 

and my wife is very positive too and she 

Risk Factors 

Research has identified several risk factors 

for cancer.While some are factors 

over which you have no control, others 

are lifestyle issues that you can modify 

or eliminate to reduce your risk. 

Don't use tobacco. The risk of developing 

lung cancer is 10 times greater for smokers 

than non-smokers. Smokers are also more likely 

to develop cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, 

pancreas and bladder. Cancer of the stomach 

and cervix may also be caused by smoking. 

People who chew tobacco increase their risk 

of developing cancer of the mouth and throat. 

Eat a balanced diet low in fat and high 

in fibre. Some medical experts believe that 

many cancers in the developed world are associated 

with nutritional factors. Diets high in fat 

have been linked to some cancers including 

colon, endometrial and prostate. Obesity has 

been linked with increased death rates for cancers 

of the prostate, pancreas, breast and 

ovary. People are advised to eat five servings of 

fruit and vegetables a day. 

Reduce radiation exposure, including 

exposure to the sun. People who repeatedly 

expose themselves to sunlight increase their 

chances of skin cancer, especially if they have 

fair skin or freckle easily. Repeated exposure to 

X-rays can be harmful because the effects are 

cumulative.Although individual X-rays transmit 

very little radiation, it is wise to avoid unnecessary 

X-rays. 

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. 

Drinking large amounts of alcohol increases 

your chances of developing cancer of the liver, 

mouth, throat and esophagus. 

If you work with carcinogenic chemicals, 

carefully follow work and safety rules. 

Exposure to certain chemicals and industrial 

agents is known to increase cancer risk. 

Women who take hormones should discuss 

the risks with their doctors. Estrogen 

has been linked to a higher risk of uterine and 

breast cancer. 


cover STORY 


The multidisciplinary virtual lung cancer clinic 

uses video teleconferencing to allow patients 

and doctors outside Edmonton to consult with 

oncology specialists without the need for travel 

Virtual cancer treatment 

A virtual lung cancer clinic is linking patients 

and their doctors in the David Thompson 

Health Region and Peace Country Health 

Region with specialists in Edmonton through 

the Telehealth network. 

Telehealth uses videoconferencing 

to allow patients and doctors 

in communities outside 

Edmonton to consult with specialists 

in the city through highspeed 

telephone lines. It brings 

together everybody involved in 

the case without the need to 

make special trips to Edmonton. 

Through the virtual clinic, 

patients, their local doctors and 

cancer specialists from the 

University of Alberta Hospital 

and Cross Cancer Institute can 

discuss the case and view important 

test results like CT scans and X-rays 

simultaneously without the patient having to 

leave home. 

“It’s a unique multidisciplinary clinic,” says 

Dr.Timothy Winton, head of thoracic surgery 

for the University of Alberta, who 

helped establish the clinic.“The patients, 

their families and their local doctors can 

attend via videoconferencing. It allows them 

to ask questions and get immediate feedback.We 

can review their clinical information 

and X-rays.They hear our opinions 

and the rationale behind our management 

plans. It has allowed us to deliver comprehensive 

care, maximizing use of local 

resources and expertise while reducing the 

need for travel to Edmonton only when 

very specialized tertiary level investigation 

or therapy is required.” 

The clinic initially started as a pilot project 

by Capital Health for patients in the 

Grande Prairie area in November 2002. It 

has since expanded to cover central and 

northern Alberta, northern British Columbia 

and the Northwest Territories and, as of this 

spring, received project funding by Alberta 

Health and Wellness through its Telehealth 

Initiative. It is a joint venture of Capital 

Health and the Cross Cancer Clinic. Since 

its inception, it has seen about 190 patients. 

has given me great support.” His vital 

Lutheran faith buoys him. He also attributes 

strong genes for his survival. There’s no history 

of cancer in his family. Nine of his 12 siblings 

are still alive, the oldest 95, the youngest 

74 and he’s the only one who has cancer. And 

don’t forget humour, he adds. “Laughter truly 

is the best medicine.” 

For early-stage prostate cancer, the choices 

are surgery or radiotherapy, says Dr. Scott 

North of the Cross Cancer Institute. “If you 

take a look at the studies, there isn’t one 

that’s superior or inferior. It’s really the 

patient’s choice, what side-effects he wants to 

put up with.” Eighty per cent of men with 

early-stage prostate cancer can expect to be 

cured. Rates for those with more aggressive 

cancers or cancers that have spread drop to 

50%-60%. Those with a highly advanced 

form of the disease have only a 10%-15% 

chance of being alive at the end of five years. 

A large Canadian study tested Zometa on 

patients with hormone refractory prostate 

cancer. It did not have any effect on mortality 

rates, although it built bone density and 

prostate cancer often affects the bones. It’s a 

matter of debate whether it’s worth using 

Zometa, which like all new cancer drugs is 

expensive, since it doesn’t improve mortality 

rates, and pain and fractures can be dealt 

with in other ways. North thinks that as 

more data become available, Zometa will be 

more widely used. 

Radiation can now be directed specifically 

to the prostate, avoiding the pelvic area and 

other organs. This reduces side-effects 

because normal tissue is not being radiated 

and it allows more radiotherapy to be given 

to the prostate, improving the long-term 

cure rate. Brachytherapy is a treatment 

method which uses ultrasound imaging to 

implant high doses of radioactive sources 

(seeds) directly in the prostate. 

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 

Bryan Mudryk, a sports anchor for CFRN 

TV, was just establishing his career as a 

sports announcer on radio, when his non- 


Hodgkin's lymphoma recurred in 1999. He 

was only 17. “I was incredibly naive,” the 26- 

year-old recalls. “I don’t remember much 

about it. I was going to school, working part 

time, going for chemo. When it recurred in 

1999, it was horrible.” 

Now he’s been declared cancer-free again. 

“The doctor told me, ‘I don’t want to see 

[you] again unless you come with money.’” 

Mudryk has raised more than $30,000 for 

the Cross Cancer Institute through celebrity 

golf tournaments. 

Rituximab is a new immunotherapy or 

antibody that binds to one of the protein 

bodies on the cancer cells, but leaves normal 

tissue alone, says Dr. Scott North. It’s more 

specific than chemotherapy, which targets 

both cancer and normal cells. It was initially 

used for patients with low-grade lymphoma 

resistant to all other therapies. In one study, 

a third of the patients responded within a 

year – “which was fabulous, given the fact 

that they had previously failed everything 

that we had,” says North. 

But Rituximab has now created big 

improvements in the treatment of intermediate 

grade non-Hodgkins lymphoma, 

which represents half of all lymphomas. The 

standard treatment used to be CHOP, a 

combination of four chemotherapy agents. 

Rituximab was added and improved the 

cure rate by 8%-10%. “In 30 years, we’ve 

never been able to do anything better than 

CHOP,” says North. Now R-CHOP is 

given to everybody with intermediate grade 

non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. 

Low-grade lymphoma grows so slowly that 

most patients, by the time they come to the 

clinic, already have a lot of cancer in their 

body. “Unfortunately, it’s incurable. You may 

live seven to 10 years. Chemotherapy won’t 

alter that, but it will improve your symptoms.” 

Rituximab also has been added to a 

conventional treatment called CVP. Survival 

data is not yet available, but the response rate 

is 20% better with Rituximab. Patients are 

not relapsing as often. The Cross has applied 

to Health Canada to use R-CVP as the first 

Progress is being made. 

More people are being 

declared cancer-free and 

more people are living 

longer with cancer. 

line of therapy. 

Radioactive agents Zebalyn and Bexxar are 

being attached to Rituximab and given to 

patients in remission who are resistant to 

everything else to see if this delays relapse or 

improves survival rates. This combination is 

getting response rates of 30%-40% but survival 

data is not yet available. 

Researchers worldwide, including those 

at the Cross Cancer Institute, are experimenting 

with new cancer drugs and combinations 

of drugs as well as new radiation and surgery 

techniques. The Cross is participating in clinical 

trials testing the effectiveness of new treatments, 

along with leading cancer treatment 

centres in Canada and the United States. 

Progress is being made. More people are being 

declared cancer-free and more people are living 

longer with cancer. Improvements in 

chemotherapy mean many of the side-effects 

are better controlled or minimized. 

One thing that seems common among 

many cancer patients is that they all have an 

incredibly positive attitude. They believe that 

treatment will work and that the side-effects 

are a mere nuisance to endure. Some, like 

Bishop Victoria Matthews and Stan Hafso, 

attribute their positive attitude to their religious 

faith. Many find that support from 

family and friends gives them the courage to 

face the unknown. 

I have always had a positive attitude 

towards life. I have what I fondly refer to as 

a rod of steel curled at the base of my spine. 

In times of need, that rod springs boldly 

upright, providing me with strength. I can 

almost feel myself growing taller and 

stronger as it uncoils. I also have a strong 

determination and will. I am determined to 

live as long as possible. I will do everything I 

can to make that happen. YH 

Living with cancer 

A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering 

experience. People with cancer often 

feel angry, depressed and frightened. 

They may worry about the future, tests, 

pain, treatment, hospital stays, medical 

bills and confronting death. Cancer survivors 

may worry about their job, insurance 

coverage, ability to care for their 

family, changes in appearance and effect 

on their sexuality. 

One of the most important things 

people with cancer can do is take care 

of their health. Eat right and get enough 

sleep and exercise. Get regular checkups. 

Ask your health care provider what 

side-effects you should expect from 

your treatments and what symptoms of 

recurrence you should watch for. Keep 

up-to-date records of your medical 

care. Stay involved in your care by asking 

your health providers questions and 

providing any information they need. 

The hospital social worker may be able 

to help you find homemaker services, 

home health services, transportation and 

other community aid. A rehabilitation 

specialist can teach you to use 

special tools or mechanical aids to help 

you minimize disability and discomfort. 

Cope with stress by being good to 

yourself. Focus on what you can do and 

what you want to do. Don't be afraid 

to set priorities and learn to pace yourself. 

Stop before you get tired.Take time 

to do the things you enjoy.Talking about 

your concerns will help you manage 

anxiety.You might want to consider joining 

a support group if you think you 

would be comfortable sharing your feelings 

with others and enjoy being part of 

a group.You may also benefit from seeing 

a mental health professional. 

Getting support services and helpful 

information may make living with cancer 

and the changes that come from it easier. 

Cancer organizations, the Internet 

and public libraries can be good sources 

of information. 


How do you find (and 

keep) quality care 

THE 

that’s right for you 

and your child? 

CHILD CARE 

DILEMMA 

BY BETH RATZLAFF 

After arriving at work 

Lisa Losole’s tears threatened to spill as she 

narrated the morning’s experience at her son’s 

day home. The single mom of five-year-old 

Cody had been handed a letter asking her to 

find another caregiver. Her son Cody was 

deemed to be too old for the rest of the children 

at the home. “What am I going to do? I 

don’t have time for this and it took me so long 

to find this home,” she confided in a coworker.The 

timing is never right for news like 

this, and it can throw a nasty curve ball into 

any working parent’s life. 


Photographs were taken at Kinder Campus in Edmonton on August 13, 2004 



CHILD CARE 

whether your current child care 

situation is not working or you are 

seeking child care for the first time, 

finding the best care possible for your 

little one can be a big challenge. For many, 

just knowing where to begin can seem overwhelming. 

Losole examined her long-term 

needs and realized it was not going to be a 

speedy process to find permanent care that 

would soon include after-kindergarten care 

for Cody. She needed immediate interim 

help and found it through family. 

It takes time and patience to find the right 

match. The process can be heart-wrenching, 

exasperating, exhausting, expensive and 

highly emotional. Each family has unique 

traits, needs and schedules. When the right 

child care arrangement is found, one is 

tempted to shout it from the rooftop. 

When you’re looking for child care, it’s 

important to know what your choices are. 

The four basic child care options include 

day-care centres, day homes, nannies and 

family members. According to Alberta 

Children’s Services, day-care centres provide 

care for groups of children and offer yearround, 

full-time care. Each centre sets its 

own policies, has its own philosophy and 

approach to child care as well as its own program 

of daily activities. Day-care centres in 

Ask questions when 

you visit a day care or 

day home. You are 

your child’s strongest 

advocate. 

Alberta must be licensed by Alberta 

Children’s Services. Day homes, however, 

which provide care for preschool children in 

a private residence, can be regulated or 

unregulated. Regulated day homes are 

approved by agencies that are under contract 

to local Child and Family Service 

Authorities. The benefit of having a child in 

an approved family day home is that these 

agencies can help parents in the search for a 

suitable caregiver and they also monitor day 

homes to make sure they’re following certain 

standards. 

If a day home or day care is an option 

you’re considering, there are several steps 

involved in selecting the right one for your 

child: 

1. First, you should identify what your 

needs and priorities are. For instance, it’s 

important to consider your child’s age, what 

fee you can afford, the number of children 


equiring care, the number of hours required 

per month, and your ideal location (near 

your child’s school, your home, your work?). 

Ask yourself if you’d prefer a day-care centre 

or day home. Would you prefer regulated or 

unregulated care? Consider any other personal 

preferences you might have. You 

should also find out if you are eligible for a 

government subsidy (keep in mind this is 

only available for day cares and approved 

day homes). 

2. Next, start a running list of caregivers 

and day-care centres. Alberta Children’s 

Services provides a list of agencies, day 

homes, and day-care centres. Search the 

Internet, check the telephone directory, your 

neighbourhood school and community parenting 

programs. Query your neighbours, 

friends and co-workers. 

3. Visit potential day-care centres and 

family day care homes. Check for cleanliness. 

Listen. What tone of voice are you 

hearing from both caregivers and children? 

How is crying dealt with? Are children being 

held? Do you see behaviour that mirrors 

your own with your child? Ask about hours, 

fees, discipline, sickness, vacations, and the 

involvement of parents. It is very important 

to know how many workers are certified 

with appropriate levels of training in a daycare 

setting. Be sure to request references 

and ask if they will sign a contract or letter 

of agreement. If you like it, visit a second 

time, unannounced. 

“Some parents think it is rude, but you 

must ask questions,” says Debra Paufler, 

director of Kinder Campus Ltd. Child 

Development Centre in downtown 

Edmonton. “New parents think they 

are being obsessive, but it is perfectly 

acceptable. A parent must be 

their child’s strongest advocate.” 

4. When you’ve made the 

final decision, book times to 

spend in the environment with 

your child. Spend an hour or 

two at different times of the day 

at the new setting. Gradually 

leave your child for an hour, then a 

half-day, ensuring he is picked up 

when promised. 

Carla Chmilar already has child care on 

her mind as she cradles her one-week-old 

son, Jack. A meter reader for ATCO Gas, 

Carla will soon need care for two children, 

including Riley who is four-and-a-half years 

old. While searching for child care for Riley, 

she and her husband went through several 

options – in the end, she discovered the 

Child Care Costs 

AVERAGE COST FOR FULL-TIME 

DAY CARE CENTRES: 

Age 12 to 19 months: $790.00/month 

Age 19 months to 6 years: $630.00/month 

Registration fee: $40.00 

AVERAGE COST FOR FULL-TIME DAY HOME: 

Through agency: $450.00/month 

Private: $375.00/month 

PROVINCIAL SUBSIDY MAXIMUMS: 

Infants: $475.00/month 

19 months+: 

$380.00/month 


CHILD CARE 

Easing the Transition 

3 

Dianne Tuterra, Child Health Lead 

Prepare the night before so Create a special goodbye 

with Stollery Children’s Hospital, 

mornings can be unhurried and 

ritual like a wave at the 

has over 20 years of experience 

calm for successful separation. 

teaching Early Childhood 

Talk about the morning at night. window or a secret 

Development at Grant MacEwan “Right after I shower, I will wake you up. 

handshake. 

College. She suggests that parents We can brush our teeth together!” 

take several steps to help the 

transition into child care: 

Drive there with a calm, positive secret handshake.Ask your child,“How 

attitude. Babies and toddlers are should we say goodbye? One kiss or 

1 4 

Discuss with the caregiver your 

sensitive to moods and quick to two?” Give choices to empower them in 

child’s likes, dislikes, routine, 

pick up tensions.Talk about your a situation where they may feel they 

fears, and eating/sleeping habits. day.“Today a big truck will be coming to have little control. 

Send along a favourite item or my work. I wonder if it will be blue, like 

photo with the child. 

your favourite toy truck.” 

Say goodbye firmly and positively. 

Tuterra adds,“After you go 

2Be friendly and positive about 

Create a special goodbye ritual. 

through your goodbye ritual, 

the relationship with the caregiver. 

Your Leclaire child believes is watching you 

wave at the window. An older bring about clinging behaviour on future 

Younger children may want to 

leave. Do not stall, as this can 

Darcy 

in build taking trust an active with the rolecaregiver. 

child may want to practise a occasions.” 

with his two young children 

38 September/October 2004 Your Health – Capital Health’s magazine for living well 

5 6

Alberta child-to-adult ratio standards 

importance of following her instincts. “At 

first, I thought I would prefer a day home 

for one-on-one care. I met with two women, 

but it was not a good feeling. I then found a 

neighbour who opened a day home, but we 

didn’t stay there long. She was a great person, 

but I wanted more structure.” Chmilar 

recalls, “I was reading the meter every 

month at Learning Through Play, (a daycare 

centre) in Millwoods. I observed each 

time I was there, and it felt right to me.” 

Chmilar advises, “A mother’s intuition is 

stronger than we tend to think. There were 

places where it sounded good, but I had that 

‘feeling’ and am glad I didn’t go with it.” 

The Chmilars were happy with their choice. 

However they are now unsure if it is right 

for the new baby, and with the upcoming 

need for after-school care. 

Debra Paufler concedes, “Infant care is difficult 

to find. Waiting lists are real but not the 

end of the world – things change – people are 

transferred, spaces can open up overnight. 

Young families are growing and change is 

constant.” 

Once a suitable environment is found, 

how do you ensure that this “love triangle” 

will succeed? Good communication with the 

caregiver is key. When you pick up and drop 

off your child, spend a few moments talking 

to the caregiver. Keep them informed of any 

health and behavioural concerns. It’s important 

to make sure they are respecting your 

needs and concerns as a parent but you must 

also be sensitive to the care provider’s needs: 

pick up your children on time, give plenty of 

notice for days off or changes in pick-up 

times and respect the caregiver’s rules. Don’t 

be afraid to voice your concerns but also 

don’t forget to show appreciation. 

Continue to monitor the child care 

arrangement. A caregiver should demonstrate 

an understanding of your child’s 

growth and learning processes as well as 

affection, openness and helpfulness. He or 

she also needs to maintain standards of 

cleanliness, security and safety and continue 

to follow proper child-to-adult ratio guidelines. 

You should also make sure your child 

is functioning well in the environment. A 

Family Day Homes 

Unregulated care: 

Maximum number of children*: 6 

No more than 3 children may be 

under 2 

Regulated care: 

Maximum number of children*: 

6 under 11 years 

Of these, no more than 3 under 

3 years and no more than 2 under 

2 years 

*including the caregiver’s own children 

Child care subsidies 

Child care subsidies 

Monthly gross incomes for subsidy eligibility 

Family 

1 Parent 

1 Infant 

2 Parents 

1 Infant 

2 Parents 

1 Infant 

1 Toddler 

Full Subsidy 

child should be coping well with learning to 

share with other children, taking turns, settling 

differences, understanding others and 

being separated from his or her parents. 

There are things you can do to ease your 

child’s transition into a new environment 

(see sidebar on page 40). 

Here’s something your child may not want 

you to know. Child care is often more difficult 

for the parent than the child. Find care 

where telephone calls are acceptable, e-mails 

are answered and there is plenty of acceptance 

for you to be in touch often. Remember 

that you are in a partnership with your child 

care provider and rest assured that you both 

desire the very best for your child. YH 

Day Care Centres 

Children under 13 months: 1 primary 

staff member for every 3 children. 

Children 13-18 months: 1 primary 


Children 19-35 months: 1 primary 


Children 3-4 years: 1 primary staff 

member for every 8 children. 

Children 4 years and up: 1 primary 


Partial Subsidy 

Day Care Centre Family Day Home Day Care Centre Family Day Home 

$2,340 $2,340 $3,240 $2,890 

$2,540 $2,540 $3,440 $3,090 

$2,640 $2,640 $4,300 $3,790 

Resources for parents 

Alberta Children’s Services 

Phone 780-427-0444 or visit 

www.child.gov.ab.ca 

Services include: Day Care Look-up, 

Family Day Home Agency Look-up, 

Alberta Child Care Subsidy brochure and 

application. Alberta Children’s Services 

provides two child care booklets to help 

in the search (also available online): 

Choosing a Day Care Centre: A Guide for 

Parents and Choosing a Family Day Home: 

A Guide for Parents 


Young at Heart 

A Curious Neighbour 

Millie’s commitment 

to get her diet and 

exercise on track has 

a contagious effect 

BY BARBARA CURRY MULCAHY 

ILLUSTRATION BY CINDY REVELL 

jim saw me peeking out the curtains 

and said, “Whatever are you doing, Millie?” 

“I’m making sure that Gerda isn’t in 

sight before I go out to the garden to pick 

some broccoli for lunch. Every day, she 

has a new question. I’ve told her I’ve been 

tested and talked to my doctor and I’m 

doing exercise that’s good for me. I’ve told 

her I eat five to 10 servings of fruit and vegetables 

a day – and a serving is half a cup or 

the size of one medium piece of fruit. I’ve 

told her I eat two or three 

servings a day of meat or 

fish – and a serving’s about 

the size of a pack of cards. I 

can’t stand any more questions. 

I had the mini-stroke 

four months ago. I’ve changed 

my lifestyle. Now I’m fine and 

can’t she just forget about it?” 

Jim said, “It must’ve shaken 

her up to see you rushed to the 

hospital, especially when she 

knows she’s not in as good 

shape as you. All she does is 

watch TV.” 

“Not any more,” I said. 

“Now she pesters me. ‘How 

often do you exercise?’ I told 

her 30 to 60 minutes most 

days and I try to include three 

kinds: endurance, strength, and 

flexibility. I told her I can do my exercise in 

bits – 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there. 

That wasn’t enough for her. She had to get 

the details on my classes. I told her I 

enrolled in programs with a certified fitness 

trainer who had training in exercise for older 

adults, because naturally I couldn’t keep up 

to those youngsters and their wild aerobics. 

Then she asked why I’ve started skinning the 

chicken and parboiling it before I barbecue 

it. I think she’s spied on my cooking from 

her upstairs window!” 

Jim laughed. “Her new interest is getting 

her to climb stairs. That’ll be good for her 

heart.” 

“Humph!” I said. “It never ends! When I 

went to get my new dress off the clothesline, 

she insisted I pass it over the fence.” 

“After 30 years of being neighbours, she’s 

surprised at how much you’ve changed in one 

summer. Now simmer down, Millie.” 

“Oh,” I sighed. “There she is. I think I’ll 

go out front and tidy the flowers till the 

coast is clear.” 

That’s how I happened to be there when a 

delivery van pulled up in front of Gerda’s. 

The driver rang her doorbell and she didn’t 

answer, so I called out, “She’s in the back. 

Shall I get her?” 

“Thanks,” he said. 

“What shall I say you’re delivering?” 

He checked his list. “A treadmill.” 

“For Gerda Watson?” 

He nodded. 

I hurried back with the news. 

Gerda almost blushed. “Well, Millie,” she 

said, “I want to be healthy too.” 

I was simply speechless. 

“And when I saw your new dress … a size 

smaller! That did it. I asked my doctor if 

there was an exercise that wouldn’t be too 

hard on my joints. I told him I was afraid of 

falling. He sent me to a physiotherapist. She 

showed me things I could do and asked if I 

would like to start with slow walking. I told 

her I’m too shy to exercise in public. She 

suggested a treadmill. It has bars I can hold 

for balance.” 

“But wasn’t it expensive?” I asked. 

“I’m investing in my health! And I cancelled 

my cable two weeks ago. Instead I’ve 

enjoyed having time to talk to you, and I’ve 

been busy practising my new stretches and 

exercises.” 

“Goodness,” I said. “Well, you’d better let 

the man in … And do you think sometime 

you could show me those stretches?” 

*Characters and situations are fictional and are 

not meant to represent any person or persons, 

living or dead. 

Young at Heart is a regular column that explores the 

joys and challenges of aging through the experiences 

of 65-year-old Millie Thompson*. 


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INFLUENZA 

Fight 

THE 

BY CHRISTOPHER SPENCER 

ILLUSTRATIONS BY CAROLINE HAMEL 

y Flu 

ou might wonder how it’s possible 

to feel under the weather when 

it’s –40˚C outside. 

Flu season coincides with the 

arrival of colder temperatures, shorter 

days and freezing rain that turns to snow. 

Too bad hibernation isn’t an option for 

human beings. 

“Influenza is really just a sleazy virus,” says 

Anita Hanrahan, director of communicable 

disease control for Capital Health. “It 

mutates rapidly.” 

Usually organisms too small to be seen 

under a microscope are not known for their 

personalities, but influenza is an infection 

with character, albeit lacking in charm. One 

year it’s a mild nuisance that nobody seems 

to notice. Then it comes back the following 

year in a more aggressive form, filling emergency 

rooms and, sadly, funeral homes. 

Respiratory infections, including influenza 

and pneumonia, are the sixth leading cause 

of death in Canada. Officials with Alberta 

Health predict that a serious flu outbreak 

expected within the next 10 years could kill 

up to 2,600 people across the province. 

According to the worst case scenario, up to 

Influenza season is just 

around the corner. 

Discover your best line 

of defence 

one-third of Albertans could fall ill with 

influenza, with 13,000 people requiring hospitalization. 

Officials have plans to convert 

schools into triage centres – if conventional 

medical facilities become overburdened during 

such an outbreak. 

So perhaps the flu deserves more respect 

than it generally gets. Influenza is derived 

from the same Latin word as influence. It’s a 

tiny virus with the ability to change the world. 

No matter how severe the coming flu season 

(which runs from October to March) 

turns out to be, there are some things you 

can do to help protect yourself and your 

family from falling ill. 

“The most important measure for preventing 

infection of any kind is washing 

your hands,” says Joy Jaipaul, an epidemiologist 

with Capital Health’s Public Health 

Division. Everyday soap and warm water are 

a lethal combination to most bugs. Rub your 

hands together and use friction to remove 

the germs from the surface of the skin. 

Jaipaul advises washing your hands before 

eating and after going to the bathroom, 

sneezing or coughing. 

Proper nutrition, rest and exercise can also 

help the body resist infection. Tobacco use, 

however, makes the immune system weaker. 

Children exposed to second-hand smoke 

have been found to be at an increased risk of 

contracting respiratory diseases. 

Also, there’s an “ace up the sleeve” in the 

fight against influenza that’s available to all 



INFLUENZA 

THE FLU BUG 

Flu shots are one of 

the safest inoculations. 

The side-effects are 

very mild, often just 

a sore arm. 

people over six months of age: flu shots, 

which must be renewed annually. 

“In a year where there is a good match 

between the vaccine and the virus that circulates, 

an elderly person living in the community 

has a 70% to 75% protection against 

getting the flu,” Hanrahan says. The “sleazy” 

nature of influenza, that fact that the virus is 

always changing, means that scientists have 

to make an educated guess as to which 

strains are likely to be most troublesome during 

a particular season. 

Concedes Hanrahan: “There is always the 

chance that what is in our vaccine is not 

going to match well with what is going to 

circulate. Sometimes we take a bit of a hit in 

the press. We’ve done pretty well in recent 

years. Last year, it wasn’t as close as we would 

have liked, but it still gave people pretty 

good protection.” 

Flu shots administered by Capital Health 

usually cost $18. However, free vaccinations 

are available to people who are considered to 

be at risk of developing influenza-related 

complications along with their caregivers 

(see sidebar). 

Flu shots are one of the safest inoculations. 

Says Hanrahan: “The side-effects are very 

mild, often just a sore arm.” The vaccine, she 

adds, is inert and cannot cause the disease. 

If, despite all precautions, you do develop 

influenza-like symptoms, the best medical 

advice is to get lots of rest and allow your 

body to recover. 

“One of the problems with influenza is 

that otherwise healthy adults keep on plugging 

along and spread the illness,” Hanrahan 

says. “Particularly stay away from nursing 

homes, because those people die when they 

get influenza.” The contagious period for 

influenza continues for about a week after 

symptoms first appear. 

“If you are ill, stay home and take care of 

yourself,” Jaipaul adds. “Be a good citizen 

and don’t spread it outside the home.” YH 

Free flu shots 

Vaccination against the flu is available 

at no charge to: 

• Healthy children aged six to 23 months 

• Adults and children with chronic pulmonary 

disorders and cardiac disorders 

severe enough to require regular hospital 

or medical care 

• People of any age who reside in nursing 

homes, lodges or chronic care facilities 

• People 65 years of age and older 

• Adults and children with certain chronic 

medical conditions 

• People who are HIV positive 

• Pregnant women who are in a high risk 

category 

• Children and adolescents treated for 

long periods with acetylsalicylic acid 

(ASA) 

• Individuals who are living in chronically 

disadvantaged situations such as homeless 

shelters 

• People at high risk who are traveling to 

destinations where influenza is likely to 

be circulating 

• Workers in direct contact with poultry 

infected with avian influenza during 

culling operations 

• Health care workers and other personnel 

who have significant contact with 

those at high risk 

• All household contacts of persons at high 

risk for influenza-related complications, 

including contacts of children less than 

24 months of age 

• Pregnant women in their third trimester 

if they are expected to deliver during 

influenza season, as they will become 

household contacts of their newborn 

• Those providing regular child care to 

children less than 24 months of age, 

whether in or out of the home 


Flu shots for young children 

Alberta is the first province in Canada to 

offer free flu vaccinations to all infants between 

six and 23 months of age and their caregivers. 

“The reason these kids are being targeted is 

because they are at great risk of being hospitalized,” 

says Anita Hanrahan, Capital Health’s 

director of communicable disease control. “They 

don’t die at the rate that senior citizens do. With 

young children, they don’t have higher rates of 

death, but they really have a lot of hospitalization 

that holds them back.” 

During the last flu season, seven children spent 

time in the intensive care unit at the Stollery 

Children’s Hospital, for a total of 60 days.Two 

babies developed meningitis, while another was 

left with a severe brain infection. 

“Young children are more predisposed to get 

serious bacterial infections after they’ve had 

influenza,” says Dr. Wendy Vaudry, infectious disease 

director at the Stollery. Infants tend to be 

especially susceptible to getting the flu because 

they lack previous exposure. Also, because their 

lungs are smaller, their symptoms tend to be 

worse. 

Notes Vaudry: “This isn’t a harmless cold. For 

some children, it does cause them to be admitted 

into hospital.The majority of them are actually 

healthy children.” 

She advises parents to bring a child of any age 

with influenza to the nearest emergency room if 

any one of these symptoms develops: 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Lethargy and unresponsiveness 

• Inadequate fluid intake 

Of all confirmed cases of influenza in Alberta 

last year, about 43% involved children under the 

age of five. Doctors at the Stollery saw 159 

patients with flu-like symptoms between 

October and January. 

Hoping for fewer hospitalizations this year, 

Hanrahan says Capital Health is “trying to pull 

out all the stops” to get flu shots to as many 

infants as possible this fall. 

“We’ll not only be immunizing the six 

to 23 month olds, but any caregiver 

who has somebody less than 24 

months of age in their home. We 

cannot immunize children less than 

six months of age.” 

To provide some protection to 

newborns too young for flu shots, 

Hanrahan advises pregnant women 

with due dates during the late fall and 

winter months to get vaccinated. 

“We’re really going to have to do our 

homework to try to get our message across, 

because pregnant women are well taught not to 

want to take anything. If you are a normal 

healthy woman who is going to deliver during 

the flu season, we’re immunizing you to take 

care of your baby.” 

The vaccine used by Capital Health cannot 

cause influenza and is considered safe for a 

developing fetus. 

The decision to extend the free flu shot program 

to include pregnant women, infants and 

their families is based on a national advisory 

committee recommendation issued last spring. 

Is it a cold or the flu? Here’s a quick symptom guide to help tell them apart 

Symptoms Cold Flu 

Fever Usually no fever Fever is common, with body temperatures of up to 40˚C for as long as four days 

Headache Usually no headache Almost always present 

Stuffy nose Nearly always a Sometimes present, but not always major symptom 

Sneezing Very common Maybe, but not necessarily 

Cough and chest Hacking, usually mild Can be severe to moderate 

discomfort 

Sore throat Common Sometimes 

Aches and pains Generally mild Frequently are severe 

Fatigue, exhaustion Usually mild Extreme exhaustion coupled with fatigue and weakness that can last up to three weeks 

and weakness 

Sources: Capital Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease 


Dr. Dorrie Morrow 

Optometrist, Sherwood Park 

PHOTOGRAPH BY TINA CHANG 


THE 

ABCs 

From astigmatism and 

bifocals, to cataracts and 

conjunctivitis, here’s how 

proper awareness and 

prevention can keep your 

sights set on good vision 

BY LANNY BOUTINEye OF HEALTH 

it’s so easy to take your eyes for granted; day in 

and day out they do what you ask of them. Then, 

suddenly, one day you notice that they don’t focus as 

well as they used to or that your arms aren’t quite 

long enough to read a book anymore. 

With me it was the focus. I could focus on objects in the 

distance and close up. It just seemed I couldn’t do them 

both at the same time. Should I watch the PowerPoint 

presentation and ignore the reading material – or pull out 

my reading glasses and ignore the screen? It was a dilemma 

that took me to the eye doctor. As I sat there listening to 

the doctor explain the virtue of my first pair of glasses – 

bifocals no less – I couldn’t help but feel a bit old. 

But eye health is about more than just vanity. When it 

comes to our eyes, procrastination can be a dangerous 

thing – left unchecked, eye problems can sneak up on you 

silently and sometimes with disastrous results. But the 

news isn’t all bad. If caught early, most conditions can be 

treated, sometimes even reversed. That is, if you know 

what to look for. 


EYE HEALTH 

MYOPIA 

NORMAL VISION 

AGE-RELATED MACULAR 

DEGENERATION 

Eye disorders 

Myopia (nearsightedness) 

Most of us are familiar with myopia, or nearsightedness, 

the inability to focus on distant 

objects. Myopia affects about one-third of the 

population. It’s caused when the eyeball, from 

front to back, is slightly longer than the normal. 

This makes the light rays focus in front 

of the retina, instead of on its surface. 

Myopia usually runs in families. It 

often appears in childhood, stabilizing 

as the child grows. But it can worsen 

with age, a condition known as 

myopic creep. 

Left untreated, myopia can cause 

eye strain, but it’s easily corrected 

with glasses or contact lenses. 

Hyperopia (farsightedness) 

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is the 

inability to focus on objects close up. 

Because of the shape of the eye, light is 

focused slightly behind the retina, causing 

close objects to appear blurry. It can lead to 

headaches and eye strain if not resolved with 

corrective lenses. Hyperopia affects about 

one-quarter of the population. Children 

born with hyperopia sometimes outgrow it, 

their eyeballs lengthening as they age. 

Astigmatism 

Astigmatism is a mild imperfection in the 

curvature of the eye and can blur vision at all 

distances. It occurs when the front surface of 

the eye (cornea) or the lens is misshapen – 

the cornea is sometimes shaped more like an 

oblong football than a round baseball, its 

normal shape. It can also have a slightly different 

surface contour, with some sections 

flatter than others. This distorts the light 

entering the eye, causing it to focus on two 

points at the back of the eye, rather than one. 

Mild astigmatism often goes unnoticed, 

but left unchecked it can cause eye strain, 

headaches, even blurred vision at specific distances. 

Severe astigmatism can cause blurred 

or distorted vision at all distances. 

Astigmatism can be present with either 

nearsightedness or farsightedness and can be 

corrected with glasses or contact lenses. 

Corneal modification is also an option for 

some patients. 

Presbyopia (age-related hyperopia) 

Presbyopia is often called the shrinking arm 

syndrome – suddenly you can’t hold your 

book far enough away. 

Unlike hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia 

is a normal part of aging. As we age, our 

body loses elasticity. Our lenses lose elasticity 

too and it becomes harder for them to change 

focus for different distances. Presbyopia often 

begins in our 40s. 

If you already wear glasses, one option for 

presbyopia is bifocals, which give you lenses 

for your regular vision correction, and a 

lower smaller lens for close work. Multifocus 

contact lenses are also available. 

Myopia and hyperopia are static conditions in 

adulthood which we must learn to live with, but 

there are many other eye diseases that can 

creep up on us, especially as we age – and often 

with disastrous results. 

Eye diseases 

Age-related Macular 

Degeneration 

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 

is the most common cause of severe vision 

loss in Canada. AMD affects the macula, a 

pea-sized spot in the centre of the retina, 

which is responsible for processing fine 

details, colours and the information from 

the central part of the eye. It slowly robs you 

of your central vision, leaving only your 

peripheral vision intact. 

The major cause of AMD is age – over 

one-third of Canadians between 55 and 74 

have AMD and nearly 40% of those over 75 

will develop AMD. 

“Anything that affects the circulatory system, 

including hypertension and hardening 

of the arteries, puts you at risk for AMD,” 

notes Marilyn Jones, the manager of client 

services at the Canadian National Institute 

of the Blind in Edmonton. Lifestyle factors 

like smoking, poor eating habits and excess 

weight also significantly raise your risk. 

AMD has two forms. In wet AMD, a 

whitish-yellow substance called drusen builds 

up on the surface of the macula. This build-up 

damages the tiny blood vessels, which nourish 

the macula causing them to break or grow 

National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health 


abnormally and become frail. The abnormal 

vessels leak, creating vision distortions. Wet 

AMD can develop very quickly. Wet AMD 

accounts for only 10% of AMD cases. 

In dry AMD, the drusen build-up distorts 

the central part of the retina, causing vision 

loss in the centre of the eye. Dry AMD 

accounts for 90% of cases of AMD. It usually 

occurs slowly, often unnoticeably, and can lead 

to wet AMD and blindness if not treated. 

Symptoms of AMD include: 

• Dark, white or blurry areas of central 

vision 

• Difficulty seeing fine details close up or 

at a distance 

• Distorted shapes or lines 

• Difficulty seeing or distinguishing colours 

There’s no cure for AMD and damage is 

usually permanent, but there are strategies to 

slow or ward off the disease, like quitting 

smoking and wearing sunglasses to reduce 

the sun’s glare. Eating a healthy diet including 

lots of fruits, vegetables and fish or other 

sources of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids 

twice weekly is another helpful measure, says 

Dr. Ian MacDonald, chairman of the 

Department of Ophthalmology at the 

University of Alberta and clinical chief at the 

Regional Eye Centre. 

Recent research also shows that people at 

risk of developing advanced stage AMD can 

lower their risk by about 25% with highdose 

vitamin combinations. But for those 

without AMD or for patients in the early 

stages, supplements aren’t beneficial. 

Doctors can also stall the progress of wet 

AMD by using lasers to reseal damaged 

blood vessels. 

Glaucoma 

With glaucoma, it’s possible to go blind 

without even knowing it. Glaucoma is a condition 

in which fluid builds up in the eye, 

raising the pressure between the cornea and 

retina. It can lead to permanent vision damage 

or even blindness. 

Normally, any fluid build-up flows out 

though a mesh channel at the back of the 

eye, but in open or wide-angled glaucoma, 

the most common type, this channel ceases 

to drain properly. In angle-closed, acute or 

chronic closed-angle glaucoma, the drainage 

tube is too narrow to drain properly. 

Glaucoma has few symptoms – patients 

often experience no symptoms until much of 

the damage is done. Occasionally the pressure 

increases rapidly, causing eye pain, 

headaches, blurred vision and halos. 

Glaucoma is most prevalent in those over 

40, but can also occur in children. 

You have an increased risk of contracting 

glaucoma if you: 

• have diabetes 

• have a family history of glaucoma 

• have poor vision or pronounced 

nearsightedness 

• are African-American, Irish, Russian, 

Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit or Scandinavian 

• take corticosteroid medications like 

prednisone 

Vision loss from glaucoma isn’t reversible, 

but lowering the pressure in the eye can prevent 

further sight loss. Treatment for glaucoma 

includes eye drops and laser or microsurgery 

to widen or open the channels. 

According to the Glaucoma Research 

Foundation, people with open-angle glaucoma 

who exercise regularly – at least three 

times a week – can reduce their eye pressure 

by an average of 20%. 

Michael Walter, an associate professor in 

the department of Ophthalmology and 

Medical Genetics at the University of 

Alberta and a member of the Scientific 

Advisory Board for the Glaucoma Foundation, 

is at the leading edge of glaucoma gene 

research. He was instrumental in isolating 

the Fox C1 gene, one of the four genes related 

to hereditary glaucoma. 

“Right now, glaucoma’s the second leading 

cause of blindness in Canada and approxi- 

Eye myths 

Misunderstandings about how to 

maintain proper eye health can leave 

you seeing double. 

Myth #1: An improper prescription 

or over-the-counter reading glasses 

can damage your eyes. 

Fact: It may be hard to see with the 

wrong prescription but it won’t hurt 

your eyes. 

Myth #2: If you sit too close to the 

TV you’ll go blind. 

Fact: There’s no evidence sitting too 

close to a TV or computer screen 

will harm your eyes. 

Myth #3: Nightlights cause nearsightedness. 

Fact: This was reported a few years 

back, but recent studies have found 

no evidence to back up the claim. 

Myth #4: Carrots improve your 

eyesight. 

Fact: Carrots contain Vitamin A, 

which contributes to healthy eyes 

but you need only a small amount of 

Vitamin A for good sight. 

Myth #5: Artificial sweeteners can 

hurt your eyes. 

Fact: The cyclamates in artificial 

sweeteners can make your eyes 

more sensitive to light, as can some 

antibiotics, oral contraceptives, 

hypertension, diuretic and antidiabetic 

medications. 


EYE HEALTH 

GLAUCOMA 

RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA 

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY 

CATARACTS 

Spotlight: Regional Eye Centre, 

Royal Alexandra Hospital 

If you’ve got an eye problem or emergency, 

chances are you’ll be taking a visit 

to the Regional Eye Centre at the Royal 

Alexandra Hospital. Considered the 

leader in eye health services and 

research in Western Canada, the Eye 

Centre specializes in pediatric and general 

ophthalmology and covers everything 

from glaucoma and retinal disease 

to corneal transplants and cataract surgery. 

Doctors at the centre treat more 

than 38,000 patients and perform more 

than 8,000 surgeries a year.The program 

serves more than two million residents 

across northern Alberta and Western 

Canada. Beyond its clinical specialties, it’s 

also a training centre for Manitoba and 

Alberta, attracting some of the brightest 

young minds across Canada.According to 

Dr. Ian MacDonald, chair of the U of A’s 

Department of Ophthalmology and clinical 

chief at the Royal Alexandra Regional 

Eye Centre, if a patient should experience 

an eye emergency such as retinal 

detachment, they “should consult their 

eye doctor immediately, and if that individual 

is not available, then they should 

proceed to the Eye Centre or the Royal 

Alex emergency room.” 

mately 50% of those cases are inherited,” says 

Walter. “We hope that, by isolating these 

genes, we’ll someday be able to rapidly determine 

who is at risk of getting glaucoma. 

“The problem with glaucoma isn’t that we 

don’t have good treatments. Two-thirds of 

patients respond well to existing medications 

and surgeries, but the key is early treatment. 

We also hope that in the long run these genes 

will help us understand the initial steps that 

lead to blindness and to better treat it.” 

Cataracts 

As we age, our eye’s lens often clouds over. 

This is caused by the build-up of protein in 

the transparent fluid at the front of the eye, 

which leaves us looking through a milky 

haze. The formation of this haze is usually 

age-related. It’s estimated that around 50% 

of Canadians 65 to 74, and about 70% of 

these over 75 have cataracts. 

Cataracts can also develop as a complication 

of diabetes, from long-term chemical 

exposure, radiation or sun exposure, a traumatic 

eye injury or as a side-effect of medications 

like corticosteroids or diuretics. You 

also have a greater risk of contracting 

cataracts if you smoke. 

Weight may also be a factor. An Australian 

study which followed 466 women, age 53 to 

73, found those women who were 30 to 40 

pounds overweight or had a waistline of 89 

centimetres (35 inches) or more developed 

cataracts much earlier than women at an 

average weight. 

Symptoms of cataracts include: 

• double vision 

• problems with glare 

• sudden nearsightedness 

• cloudy, blurry or foggy vision 

• changes in colours, especially yellows 

Cataracts form slowly; most people don’t 

even know it’s happening. Cataracts cannot 

be prevented but can be successfully treated 

with vision aids and surgery. 

Retinal Detachment 

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. 

It is much less common than glaucoma but 

is a rapidly advancing condition, which, if left 

unchecked, can lead to blindness within 24 to 

72 hours. 

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina’s 

sensory and pigment layers separate. In the 

most common type, there’s a break in the sensory 

layer of the retina, allowing fluid to seep 

underneath and causing the layers of the retina 

to separate. It can also happen when the 

strands of vitreous pull loose from the retina. 

Symptoms of retinal detachment include: 

• light flashes 

• wavy or watery vision 

• sudden decrease in vision 

• a veil or curtain obstructing vision 

• sudden shower of floaters that resemble 

spots, bugs, or spider webs 

Retinal detachment is most prevalent in 

people who are extremely nearsighted, have 

undergone eye surgery, or experienced serious 

eye injury. It can also be hereditary. 

One study found retinal detachment can 

follow a period of intense stress. The study by 

psychiatrist Gary S. Gelber and ophthalmologist 

Howard Schatz, published in the 

American Journal of Psychiatry, interviewed 

33 people aged 25 to 62 who had suffered a 

loss of vision due to retinal detachment. They 

found that 91% had suffered a very distressing 

experience shortly before the detachment. 

But stress alone may not be to blame. 

Looking at personality traits of those affected, 

researchers found that 97% had Type A 

personalities. 

Conjunctivitis 

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the 

thin top layer in the white part of the eye. It 

can be caused by viruses and bacteria, as 

well as irritants like shampoo, dirt, smoke 

or chlorine. Symptoms include increased 

tearing of the eye, thick yellow greenish or 

National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health 


Eye see ...eye learn 

It is estimated that 25% of students 

in kindergarten to Grade 6 have 

vision deficiencies, so the Alberta 

Association of Optometrists (AAO) 

is urging parents to make regular eye 

examinations a priority for children 

before school starts, with their Eye 

See … Eye Learn campaign. 

“Currently, only about 15% of children 

in Canada have a complete eye 

examination before starting kindergarten.That’s 

astonishing when you 

consider that in the first 12 years of 

life, 80% of a child's learning takes 

place through their visual system,” 

says Dr. Dorrie Morrow, an optometrist 

with the Sherwood Park Eye 

Centre and chair of the Children's 

Vision Initiative at the AAO. 

“Learning and good vision are 

linked. Simply knowing your child has 

20/20 vision isn’t sufficient. Good 

vision means so much more.Twentytwenty 

vision only indicates that a 

child can see objects in the distance 

clearly. It does not indicate that their 

near vision, eye movement skills, 

focusing skills or their eye health is 

adequate,” stresses Morrow. 

Often children with vision problems 

are thought to have learning 

disabilities or behavioural challenges. 

According to the Alberta Association 

of Optometrists, an estimated 60% of 

students identified as having such difficulties 

have undetected vision problems.Alberta 

Health covers the cost 

of eye examinations for children up 

to age 19. 

white discharge, itchy or burning eyes, light 

sensitivity and blurred vision. 

Retinitis Pigmentosa 

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of diseases 

which affect the retina, causing gradual and 

permanent partial vision loss. Virtually all 

cases are hereditary in nature. 

Symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa can include: 

• loss of central vision 

• decreased night vision or night blindness 

• loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision 

Amblyopia (lazy eye) 

Amblyopia usually affects children and happens 

when the brain learns to ignore images 

coming from an eye with poor vision. 

Amblyopia is the most common cause of 

visual problems in children. It affects 

approximately two to three out of every 100 

children and, if left unchecked, it can cause 

permanent blindness in the affected eye. 

If caught early, it’s often easily reversed by 

covering the good eye, thus forcing the brain 

to recognize images coming from the bad 

eye. The drug atropine can also be used to 

temporarily blur the vision in the good eye, 

encouraging the child to use the weaker eye. 

Diabetic Retinopathy 

In this condition, elevated blood sugars 

destroy the blood vessels which feed the 

retina. Diabetic retinopathy will affect almost 

98% of Type 1 diabetics within 15 years. In 

Eating a healthy diet 

including lots of fruit, 

vegetables and fish or 

other sources of foods 

high in omega-3 fatty 

acids twice weekly can 

be helpful in slowing or 

warding off eye disease. 

Type 2 diabetes, retinopathy is more rapid. 

One-fifth of those with diabetes show signs of 

retinopathy when first diagnosed. 

Individuals with diabetes are also more 

prone to other eye diseases including 

cataracts and glaucoma. Ultimately, diabetes 

will cause eye changes in 78% of people with 

Type 2 diabetes. Their increased risk of contracting 

eye diseases makes them 20 times 

more likely to become legally blind. 

“Adults with medical conditions such as 

diabetes require regular eye checks no matter 

what age to verify that there are no complications 

of diabetes,” says the U of A’s 

MacDonald. 

It’s true.As we age, eye problems can sneak up 

on us, but there's no need to panic. If we play 

safe, eat right, wear eye protection at work and 

get routine eye examinations, we should be able 

to keep our sight working for us for many years 

to come. 


EYE HEALTH 

The Eyes Have It 

UV shades 

Studies show prolonged UV exposure 

can cause lasting eye damage.This 

cumulative eye damage also contributes 

to chronic eye diseases like cataracts, 

pterygium (a growth in the corner of 

the eye) and macular degeneration. 

So the next time you head out for 

some rays, strap on your shades. In the 

long run you’ll be happy you did. 

Cosmetic Contacts 

Cosmetic or over-thecounter 

contact lenses 

are not currently subjected 

to health regulations 

like prescription 

lenses. Health Canada 

suggests that even though 

they carry minimal risk of serious eye 

injury, the possibility is still there. 

It recommends cosmetic lenses be 

used only under the supervision of an 

eye care professional and only for short 

durations.Also they should never be 

worn to bed or shared with others. 

Floaters 

Floaters are those pesky little specks or 

lines which float into your field of vision. 

They’re caused by tiny pieces of material 

within the vitreous that show up as 

shadows on the retina. Floaters multiply 

as we age but luckily our brains learn to 

ignore them. 

Floaters are not normally a sign of 

disease, but if you suddenly experience 

a large amount of new floaters, with or 

without flashing lights, see an ophthalmologist 

immediately. 

Computer Vision Syndrome 

Working at a computer is hard on your 

eyes. It can cause eye strain, headaches, 

blurred vision and dry, irritated, tired 

eyes. But there are things you can do to 

reduce your risk: 

• Match your room’s illumination to 

your computer screen. 

• Reduce glare by repositioning the 

monitor, covering windows, or adding 

anti-glare devices. 

• Take frequent eye breaks – at least 

once every 15 minutes, turn your 

head and focus on a distant object. 

• Position your monitor 10 to 20 

degrees below eye level. Make sure 

your work area is ergonomically 

suited for you. 

Eye exams 

The Canadian Association of Optometrists 

suggests that people at low risk of vision 

problems have their eyes examined according 

to these guidlines: 

• Infants and toddlers (birth to 24 months): 

by age 6 months 

• Preschool (2 to 5 years): at age 3, and 

prior to entering elementary school 

• School age (6 to 19 years): annually 

• Adult (20 to 64 years): every one to 

two years 

• Older adult (65 years and older): annually 

The frequency of examinations for highrisk 

patients should be determined by their 

optometrist or ophthalmologist. Some factors 

that may indicate high risk: 

• Infants and toddlers and preschool: premature 

birth, low birth weight, mother's 

health during pregnancy, family medical 

history, an eye “turn,” or congenital eye 

disorders 

• School age: children experiencing difficulty 

at school, exhibiting reading and/or learning 

disabilities 

• Adult: diabetes, hypertension, family 

history of glaucoma, those with visually 

demanding jobs or who face eye hazards 

• Older adult: diabetes, hypertension, family 

history of glaucoma, those taking systemic 

medication with ocular side effects 

“Seniors tend to develop more eye problems 

and for that reason a regular perhaps 

yearly examination is important in that age 

group,” says the U of A’s MacDonald. YH 

Reduce eye strain when 

working at a computer 

by ensuring the monitor 

is positioned correctly. 


Champion for Life 

TheJoy 

of Giving 

PHOTOGRAPH BY DUSTIN DELFS 

Kyle Lillo, 18, remembers what it’s like to spend time in the 

hospital as a young child. At the age of three, he spent months 

recovering after a near drowning accident left him with a severe 

brain injury. Today he walks with a slight limp and communicates 

via sign language and computer, but the joy he brings to 

others speaks volumes. In March 2001, he was inspired to start 

up “Kyle’s Toy Cart.” Every month, Kyle distributes gifts to 

patients recovering at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital 

such as Tyler Gustafson (left). He raises funds and gathers 

donations and gifts, which are matched by the Glenrose 

Foundation. Kyle changes perceptions about people with disabilities, 

says his mother Lorna. Kyle is also very active in the 

community: he does speaking engagements and is involved in 

Scouting and the Gateway Association Youth Group. 


Capital Health’s Prevention Power Community Awards 

* nominate your 

good health hero. 

* 

Celebrate good health every day. 

Through our Prevention Power 

Community Awards, Capital Health 

wants to recognize people and organizations 

who are improving the health 

and well-being of our region. 

This is your chance to give someone 

you know the recognition they 

deserve for promoting healthy living in 

our communities in the categories of: 

partnership, leadership, innovation, 

volunteer, or award of distinction. 

Nomination forms are available at: 

www.capitalhealth.ca/preventionpower 

or by calling (780) 407-3481. 

Entries must be received by 5 pm 

on September 29, 2004. 

sponsored by:

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