Stress experienced by pregnant women affects long-term health of offspring

Dr. Gerlinde Metz and Tony Montina used a Bruker 700 NMR instrument to analyze urine samples for biomarkers related to disease development.

University of Lethbridge - A new study by researchers at the University of Lethbridge and McGill University provides further confirmation that stress experienced by pregnant women has a lasting impact on the health of their children.

Walk for MS to raise a mom's spirits

Jeff Wishart 

Toni Lucas - Jeff Wishart, a carpenter from Oakland Manitoba, was hiking along Highway 3 close to Pincher Creek on Friday, August 31. The reason for his journey was to cheer up his mom who has Multiple Sclerosis and to raise awareness. He started his quest on July 4, and hopes to make it to the west coast. "I had to make her be happy." Wishart feels his walk gives her something other than her disease to focus on. "She is proud but then she is worried too. But it is better than her stewing on this disease. Mom still worries, but at least it isn't about herself."

Opioid Information Sessions to be held throughout southwest Alberta

Chinook Arch Regional Library System - How did we get here? This is a question on many Albertans’ minds regarding the opioid crisis. The issue is widespread its effects can be seen across southwest communities - both urban and rural.

Luckily, libraries across southwest Alberta are answering the call for factual and relevant information through upcoming Opioid Information Sessions, which will take place this fall. The sessions have been coordinated through Chinook Arch Regional Library System, thanks to a grant received from the Government of Alberta’s Opioid Response Public Awareness Grants for Communities, which is administered by the Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN).

Recall: Compliments brand Chili Powder

Canadian Food Inspection Agency, September 6, 2018 - La Cie McCormick Canada is recalling Compliments brand Chili Powder from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Distribution: National. Click here for more information.

Pool temperature to be raised and situation monitored

Toni Lucas - At their regular meeting on July 23. Council for the Town of Pincher Creek supported a recommendation to increase the pool temperature by 0.25 degrees to a 28.75 set-point The decision was in response to a request by a  June 25 delegation of people who participate in aquafit at the pool, represented by Debbie Reed.

Precautionary air quality advisory issued for Alberta

AHS South Zone – Air quality is expected to be variable across Alberta over the coming days due to wildfire smoke.  Alberta Health Services (AHS) is issuing a precautionary air quality advisory for the entire province because of these fires.  Residents of and visitors to Alberta are advised to be aware of air conditions and take precautions against potential health concerns that can be associated with smoky air conditions.

Precautionary air quality advisory issued for Southwest Alberta

Alberta Health Services, Pincher Creek – Due to wildfires burning in British Columbia, air quality is expected to be variable across Pincher Creek and surrounding areas in Southwest Alberta over the coming days. Alberta Health Services (AHS) is issuing a precautionary air quality advisory for the area.

Residents of and visitors to this area are advised to be aware of air conditions and take precautions against potential health concerns that can be associated with smoky air conditions.

Although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in healthy individuals, if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.

If you can taste and/or smell smoke in the air: 

• Monitor your symptoms. 
• Minimize physical activity outdoors. 
• Remain indoors with windows, doors and air circulation fans/vents closed. 
• If you drive to another location, keep windows and vents closed. Run your car fan on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air. 

Individuals with respiratory conditions (such as COPD and asthma), and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions (such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure), may notice a worsening of symptoms in smoky air conditions. These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions routinely recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms occurs. 

Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 811, to speak to a registered nurse.

Air quality can and will vary with weather conditions and prevailing winds. Because air quality is expected to be variable, this advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated hourly on the Alberta Environment Air Quality website at airquality.alberta.ca.

Christie brand Ritz Bits Sandwiches (Cheese and Pizza Flavours) recalled due to Salmonella

Christie brand Ritz Bits Sandwiches (Cheese and Pizza Flavours) recalled due to Salmonella (click here for more information)

Alberta will be ready to roll on October 17

Cannabis Sativa -Thayne Tuason photo (Wikimedia Commons)

Government of Alberta - The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has finalized contracts with licensed cannabis producers and agreements for distribution and warehousing well ahead of the legalization date for cannabis.

AHS: Potential tuberculosis exposure no risk to general public

Alberta Health Services - On July 4 Alberta Health Services (AHS) hand-delivered notification letters to 55 individuals potentially exposed to a confirmed case of tuberculosis (TB) in the South Zone.  The letters include information on arrangements for standard TB assessment and screening and treatment, if required.  The exposures were contained, and there is not a risk to the general public.

Health Canada announces regulations to support the Cannabis Act

Cannabis Sativa -Thayne Tuason photo (Wikimedia Commons)

Regulations provide Canadians and stakeholders with details on how cannabis legalization and regulation will be implemented starting October 17, 2018

Health Canada - Protecting the health and safety of Canadians is a top priority for the Government of Canada. That’s why the Government of Canada introduced the Cannabis Act—a new legal framework that puts in place a comprehensive public health approach to cannabis. On June 21, 2018, the Cannabis Act received Royal Assent, an important step toward legalizing and strictly regulating cannabis in Canada.

Oral health for seniors

Dental Hygienist Jenna Simmons

Jenna Simmons, Alberta Health Services - Healthy teeth lead to a healthier well being! It is common for people to keep their own teeth as a result of more access to care, more education and more advances in professional services. In Canada, dental care is mainly privately funded. Financial challenges are often a concern when it comes to seniors visiting the dentist. Oral care is postponed for many people. Overall health is directly connected to oral health. Periodontal disease, cavities, lack of proper nutrition and poorly fitted dentures are among some of the most common problems seen by health care providers. There are many factors that place seniors at high risk for an unhealthy mouth.

Windy Slopes puts donation dollars to good use

Members of the Windy Slopes Health Foundation Board, volunteers, and donors

Chris Davis - On June 13 members of the Windy Slopes Health Foundation (WSHF) board gathered at the Pincher Creek Health Centre to thank Glen and Lois Mumey for a $10,000 donation and to have a look at recent purchases intended to improve both the quality of care the centre offers and the quality of life for patients and staff members.

Minister Ganley on federal cannabis legislation

Government of Alberta - Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, issued the following statement today after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced October 17, 2018 as the formal date for cannabis legalization:

Free legal advice for survivors of sexual violence

Minister McLean, MLA Heather Sweet, Toni Sinclair, executive director, Elizabeth Fry Society and Elizabeth Halprin, survivor of sexual violence, announced a new pilot program to support survivors of sexual violence.

• A new pilot program will help sexual violence survivors know their rights and options as they seek healing and justice.

Government of Alberta - Status of Women is providing a $700,000 grant to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton to design, deliver and evaluate a three-year pilot program that will give sexual violence survivors free, confidential legal advice. Launching in November 2018, the program will be open to adult survivors of all genders who have experienced sexual violence in Alberta, regardless of how much time has passed since the incident.

Syphilis and gonorrhea on the rise in AHS South Zone

Alberta Health Services - Alberta Health Services (AHS) is concerned about an apparent spike in syphilis and gonorrhea in the South Zone, prompting a reminder of the importance of safe sex practices among all sexually-active age groups, including seniors. Between January and March of 2018, 11 cases of gonorrhea were documented in the South Zone; which is two more than were reported in all of 2017.  It is not unusual for individuals who have a sexually-transmitted infection (STI) to have more than one STI at the same time.  HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are all examples of STIs.

Pincher Creek Power Pedallers ride the Heart and Stroke Foundation Big Bike

Southern Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation - The wonderful Pincher Creek Power Pedallers rode the Big Bike on Friday, June 8 in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. They raised $2600 in support of the foundation's work while having a very fun time together. The Team was comprised of Captain Keith from the Royal Bank of Canada and his lovely wife Kristina, the Manager of the Ramada Hotel in Pincher Creek. Kristina’s Mom from Lithuania was visiting and hopped aboard with us too. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is deeply grateful for their big hearts helping with this annual event.

How to protect yourself while having fun in the sun

Courtnay Epp, Alberta Health Services - It’s been a long, snowy, cold winter in Alberta and people are starting to celebrate the arrival of spring (finally!). With many of us heading outside to enjoy the warm weather, it’s also time to start thinking about sun safety. Taking measures to protect you and your family from the sun will help prevent the long term effects of ultra-violet radiation (UVR) exposure such as skin cancer and the short term effects like sunburn.

High-risk, undertreated mystery heart attacks occurring more commonly in women

A mysterious type of heart attack known as MINOCA is more common and poses a higher risk than previously thought, especially for women, according to a new U of A study.

U of A study shows surprising number of patients with condition do not get necessary preventive treatment.

Lesley Young - A whole new category of heart attack, not caused by obstructed arteries, is more common and higher risk—especially in women—than previously thought, according to a University of Alberta study.  “We followed roughly 36,000 patients within a 12-year interval and found that close to a surprising six per cent have a heart attack without any blockage in the arteries,” said Kevin Bainey, a U of A interventional cardiologist who launched the study after seeing an increase in these mystery patients in his practice.

Alberta and AMA agree on two-year funding agreement

Government of Alberta - The province has reached a two-year funding agreement with the Alberta Medical Association that benefits patient care and saves $95 million in health-care costs.  As with recent agreements with nurses and other health professionals, physicians have agreed to no fee increases for two years, which will help protect the overall stability of health-care services in the province.