Half of Alzheimer’s cases worldwide can be traced to seven common risk factors, a new study shows.
The findings also suggest that by tackling those underlying issues – which range from lack of education to obesity – the rising tide of dementia could be slowed considerably.
“We are assuming that when you change the risk factor, then you change the risk,” said Deborah Barnes, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, and lead author of the study. “What we need to do now is figure out whether that assumption is correct.”
To read the full article please visit
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/health-news/seven-health-risks-that-could-lead-to-alzheimers/article2102783/
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
My Canada Day 2011
This year we decided to take in a few of the many events that were happening on the south shore of Nova Scotia. We started the day in Caledonia with a pancake strawberry brunch...delicious. The strawberries are starting to appear at markets and they are sooo good. While in Caledonia, we visited a little shop that I find facinating...so full of so many things. Not organized, just there. We found a couple of little treasures that we added to the outside table.
Our next stop was Liverpool to visit the farmer's market. And that is where we bought some strawberries to bring home for later. The community of Liverpool is in the midst of Privateer days but not much was happening at 11:00 am when we were there, but the market was alive and well and worth a visit.
Then on to Bridgewater. I wanted to take in some of the Canada Day celebrations in Bridgewater...but we didn't time things very well, we were too late for the cake cutting and got there to find a street closed. So we crossed the river and took a couple of pictures from the other side of the river. Music, food and fun.
We then took a leisurely drive to Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and arrived at the Whirly Gig store in Western Shore. And yes we made a few purchases.
We called it a day and headed home. Passed on the fireworks although a neighbour did have a few that we saw from our living room window as we watched the display on parliament hill. A great day.
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| The turtle came from Mahone Bay and the other items came from Caledonia |
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| Farmer's Market in Liverpool |
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| Beautiful Day mid 20's and sunny |
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| Bought a stained glass butterfly for the dinning room window at the market, also a hugh piece of banana bread to share and of course the strawberries. |
Then on to Bridgewater. I wanted to take in some of the Canada Day celebrations in Bridgewater...but we didn't time things very well, we were too late for the cake cutting and got there to find a street closed. So we crossed the river and took a couple of pictures from the other side of the river. Music, food and fun.
We then took a leisurely drive to Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and arrived at the Whirly Gig store in Western Shore. And yes we made a few purchases.
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| Interesting shop, several made on site and others mass produced in far away lands. But colourful and interesting. |
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| The little butterfly followed us home...okay we bought it. |
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| The eagle flaps his wings and creates movement and interest. |
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| The only colour in this bed is the little spinner we bought at the whirly gig shop. Hopefully the phlox will be beautiful in the future. |
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Salsa - Splenda Recipe
Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Salsa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients
Salsa:
• 2 cups (500 mL) diced fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped green onion
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh tarragon
Halibut:
• 5 oz (140 g) halibut fillet portions
• 1 1/2 tbsp (23 mL) olive oil for brushing
•Salt & pepper
• 2 cups (500 mL) diced fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped green onion
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh tarragon
Halibut:
• 5 oz (140 g) halibut fillet portions
• 1 1/2 tbsp (23 mL) olive oil for brushing
•Salt & pepper
Directions
Salsa:• Toss all ingredients together and chill until ready to serve.
Halibut:
• Preheat grill on medium high and heat a fish grill (mesh).
• Brush halibut fillets with oil and season lightly.
• Place halibut fillets on grill. Close lid on BBQ and let cook for 8 minutes.
• Lift lid and turn halibut 90 degrees and close lid.
• Cook fish 8 more minutes, until it flakes easily when touched with a fork.
•Remove halibut and serve with salsa.
Glen Campbell - Alzheimer's
Glen Campbell reveals he has Alzheimer's, plans "final" album and tour
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Country legend Glen Campbell has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, and that he plans to say goodbye to fans with one last album and tour.
Campbell, 75, and his wife, Kim, said in an interview with People that he wanted fans to be aware of his condition before he embarks on a fall tour, which is in the works.
"Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer," Kim told People. "But if he flubs a lyric or gets confused on stage, I wouldn't want people to think, 'What's the matter with him? Is he drunk?'"
Campbell, 75, and his wife, Kim, said in an interview with People that he wanted fans to be aware of his condition before he embarks on a fall tour, which is in the works.
"Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer," Kim told People. "But if he flubs a lyric or gets confused on stage, I wouldn't want people to think, 'What's the matter with him? Is he drunk?'"
The Arkansas-born singer/guitarist -- said to be in the early stages of the disease -- will release his final studio album, titled "Ghost on the Canvas," on Aug. 30 via Surfdog Records, according to a press release.
Songwriters who contributed to the album include Paul Westerberg (who wrote the title track, which first appeared on Westerberg's self-released 2009 EP "PW & The Ghost Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys"), Jakob Dylan, Robert Pollard and Teddy Thompson.
Julian Raymond, who also co-wrote a number of new songs with Campbell, produced the set.
The itinerary for "The Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour" is in the works, and will be revealed soon, according to a press release.
"I still love making music," Campbell told People. "And I still love performing for my fans. I'd like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin."
Campbell first gained widespread notice as a guitarist in the Wrecking Crew, a storied group of session players that recorded in the '60s with artists including Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Simon & Garfunkel, Nat King Cole and Elvis Presley. The Wrecking Crew was best known for helping producer Phil Spector to create his "Wall of Sound" style.
Campbell broke out as a solo artist with his 1967 smash "Gentle on My Mind," which he followed later that year with "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," written by Jimmy Webb. Campbell also had hits with the Webb-penned songs "Wichita Lineman," "Where's The Playground, Susie" and "Galveston." He crossed over to top the pop charts in the mid-'70s with "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights."
Campbell also had a television hit as the host and namesake of CBS' "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" variety show from 1969-1972.
Songwriters who contributed to the album include Paul Westerberg (who wrote the title track, which first appeared on Westerberg's self-released 2009 EP "PW & The Ghost Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys"), Jakob Dylan, Robert Pollard and Teddy Thompson.
Julian Raymond, who also co-wrote a number of new songs with Campbell, produced the set.
The itinerary for "The Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour" is in the works, and will be revealed soon, according to a press release.
"I still love making music," Campbell told People. "And I still love performing for my fans. I'd like to thank them for sticking with me through thick and thin."
Campbell first gained widespread notice as a guitarist in the Wrecking Crew, a storied group of session players that recorded in the '60s with artists including Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Simon & Garfunkel, Nat King Cole and Elvis Presley. The Wrecking Crew was best known for helping producer Phil Spector to create his "Wall of Sound" style.
Campbell broke out as a solo artist with his 1967 smash "Gentle on My Mind," which he followed later that year with "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," written by Jimmy Webb. Campbell also had hits with the Webb-penned songs "Wichita Lineman," "Where's The Playground, Susie" and "Galveston." He crossed over to top the pop charts in the mid-'70s with "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights."
Campbell also had a television hit as the host and namesake of CBS' "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" variety show from 1969-1972.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
A lot of Sadness
The past several months have been an emotional rollercoaster. While there has been laughter and fun, there has also been sadness and bad news. Several illnesses and deaths for friends, neighbours and family have occurred, some unexpected and others lacking the element of surprise. A good friend of mine is coping with a painful separation. The end of "happy ever after" is never easy to acknowledge let alone deal with.
I have attended more funerals and celebrations of life in the past six months than in the previous six years. Maybe because I am more willing to try and offer support and help or more likely it is because there have been more deaths that have touched me. One of the grim reminders that I am getting older perhaps.
To many the death of a pet may seem insignificant, but to us it was a spirit retching experience. And I don't for a moment suggest that our loss compares to the loss of a loved mate or companion, it is nevertheless sadness that lingers and ingrates itself into our daily lives.
My hope for the balance of 2011 and for 2012 is health and HAPPINESS for everyone reading this blog. I wish you the easing of pain, the brightness of a new and sun filled day and the peace that comes from contentment. I also wish for the joy of anticipation, that excitement that comes from the imagining and the planning and then the pleasure of achieving.
I have attended more funerals and celebrations of life in the past six months than in the previous six years. Maybe because I am more willing to try and offer support and help or more likely it is because there have been more deaths that have touched me. One of the grim reminders that I am getting older perhaps.
To many the death of a pet may seem insignificant, but to us it was a spirit retching experience. And I don't for a moment suggest that our loss compares to the loss of a loved mate or companion, it is nevertheless sadness that lingers and ingrates itself into our daily lives.
My hope for the balance of 2011 and for 2012 is health and HAPPINESS for everyone reading this blog. I wish you the easing of pain, the brightness of a new and sun filled day and the peace that comes from contentment. I also wish for the joy of anticipation, that excitement that comes from the imagining and the planning and then the pleasure of achieving.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Only Response I Received
The Alzheimer's Society had a series of questions to ask federal candidates. I sent the questions to the four candidates running in my riding and here are the only questions I received. The Liberal candidate acknowledged receiving the questions but to date hasn't answered them and Gerald Keddy, the conservative candidate responded saying they do not respond to surveys.'Thank you to Mr Earle's team for responding. Below are the questions and the answers I received.
Question 1
Question 1
Canada lags behind our international partners in the development of a national brain
strategy to address the growing dementia crisis. Australia, S. Korea, UK and other
Countries in Europe already have plans in place; we need leadership at the national
level. If your party forms the next government would you commit to meeting the
needs of the 500,000 Canadians with dementia with a national brain strategy within
the first 90 days of the next parliament?
Answer
The New Democratic Party of Canada strongly believes in supporting those who
have built Canada and are now in their later years. A key element is this is caring
for Canadians suffering from dementia. To effectively provide this care it will be
vital to have a comprehensive strategy. A New Democratic government would
commit to working with stakeholders like the Alzheimer Society of Canada to
develop a national brain strategy early in our mandate.
Question 2
In 2008, Canadian families and friends spent approximately 231 million
hours providing care for people with dementia. This number is expected to
more than triple by 2038, reaching 756 million hours. The financial and
social burden on informal caregivers will be unsustainable. If your party
forms the next government would you commit to a comprehensive and
universal package of support programs for family caregivers during the
next session of parliament?
Answer
The New Democratic Party of Canada lays out a strategy for supporting
caregivers in our platform. We commit to:
- providing a more flexible and generous Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefit to permit family members to take up to six months leave from work to tend to relatives near the end of their lives, up from the current six weeks;
- introducing a new Caregiver Benefit, modelled after the Child Tax Benefit, to assist low and middle-income families in tackling the costs of everyday needs while caring for elderly or dependant family members. Eligible family members will include children, spouses, parents and other family members, and will be able to receive up to $1,500 per year;
- introducing an Inter-generational Home Forgivable Loan Program, modeled on a Manitoba Government initiative, to help up to 200,000 families a year retrofit their homes to create self-contained secondary residences for senior family members. Families will be eligible for a forgivable loan to cover 50 per cent of the costs of a renovation up to a maximum of $35,000;
- establishing a new designated federal home care transfer to guarantee a basic level of home care services to all Canadians wherever they live, and
- implementing a new designated federal long-term care transfer to provide community-based, high quality round-the-clock care.
Question 3
Budget 2011 contained important measures for dementia research,
caregiver support, and improved health care delivery. Despite promising
recent leads, the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
remain unknown and there are no effective treatments. Canadian
researchers rank among the best in the world, but they need more funding
to follow the many clues that will lead us to the breakthroughs we will need
to conquer this disease.
If your party forms the next government would you support these
investments and commit to the $100 Million contained in the Budget for
brain disease research as a first step towards a comprehensive permanent
federal research program?
Answer
Yes, we will commit ourselves to following through on the budget measures for
dementia research and improved health care delivery and to the expenditure of
$100 million for brain disease research.. As pointed out above, our proposals for
care-giving go well beyond those in Budget 2011.The New Democratic Party of
Canada strongly supports the need for increased medical research in Canada
particularly when it comes to care for the elderly.
Thank you for your interest in the policies of the New Democratic Party of
Canada. Please do not hesitate to contact me again with more questions.
Sincerely,
Gordon Earle
NDP Candidate in South Shore-St.Margaret’s
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Federal Election and Health Issues
One thing I would like to see all of the federal candidates commit to is a Dementia Strategy for Canada. Canada is one of several countries that does not have a strategy to deal with upcoming health issue. Several countries, including Korea, have developed a strategy and are working on the implementation. Why doesn't Canada give the emphasis to this growing epidemic that is required?
Where does your candidate stand on this issue? What is s/he going to do to help families and sufferers of Alzehemiers or other forms of Dementia? The tide is coming, we don't have a lot of time.
Where does your candidate stand on this issue? What is s/he going to do to help families and sufferers of Alzehemiers or other forms of Dementia? The tide is coming, we don't have a lot of time.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Canada’s dementia crisis
The following article was recently posted by the Alzheimer Society of Canada on their website. What are the candidates prepared to do to help patients and their families?
Canada’s dementia crisis
Right now, over 500,000 Canadians have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. That number is expected to double by 2038. We are asking the Canadian government to create a plan to respond to the dementia crisis.
You can help. Tell your candidate that Canada needs a plan today for the growing dementia crisis.
Because Alzheimer’s disease is everybody’s business.
Alzheimer’s disease is not an illness we can ignore. It has an overwhelming impact on the people who develop it, and the families who care for them.
In 2010 the Alzheimer Society released Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society. The study alerted the Canadian public and federal, provincial and territorial politicians of the need for policies and approaches to address the looming dementia crisis.
The report concluded with five recommendations to government, developed through comprehensive consultations with subject experts and stakeholders. The underlying message is that we must act now and that change is possible.
The five recommendations, which make up a national call to action, are
You can help. Tell your candidate that Canada needs a plan today for the growing dementia crisis.
Because Alzheimer’s disease is everybody’s business.
Alzheimer’s disease is not an illness we can ignore. It has an overwhelming impact on the people who develop it, and the families who care for them.
In 2010 the Alzheimer Society released Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society. The study alerted the Canadian public and federal, provincial and territorial politicians of the need for policies and approaches to address the looming dementia crisis.
The report concluded with five recommendations to government, developed through comprehensive consultations with subject experts and stakeholders. The underlying message is that we must act now and that change is possible.
The five recommendations, which make up a national call to action, are
- An accelerated investment in all areas of dementia research
- A clear recognition of the important role played by family caregivers
- An increased recognition of the importance of prevention and early intervention
- Greater integration of care and increased use of chronic disease prevention and management
- A strengthening of Canada’s dementia workforce
Monday, April 4, 2011
Brain Centre Brings Hope
In a recent edition of the Chronicle Herald there was an interesting article about a soon-to-open Brain Repair Centre. The centre will bring together experts working on the workings of the human brain. The Life Sciences Research Institute, will be a partnership between the Capital district health authority, the IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University. The planned opening is this summer.
Innovacorp has signed a long term lease for part of the building.
Innovacorp has signed a long term lease for part of the building.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Eleven Degrees and Sunny
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| My wheels for this summer |
Today has been a good day in another sense. I left home this morning without my cane. While I haven't been using it much lately, I have been taking it and leaving it in my vehicle while I am in the office. But not today, I forgot it at home and you know, I didn't need it. Another milestone. Yippee!! I have lost a few pounds in the last couple of weeks and my knee doesn't hurt very much, so life is good.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Guest Speaker for Arthritis Society
For the past three years I have been a guest speaker for the Arthritis Society, Nova Scotia branch. This is volunteer and not overly demanding. I am provided with a talk outline, brochures and information and my part is to show up and make the presentation. This have been very rewarding. I have had the opportunity to meet several people and to hear their stories and in a few cases I hope I have been able to offer information and suggestions that has lead to a less painful life.
In the next few weeks I will be taking part in two Senior's Academies organized by the Liverpool detachment of the RCMP. Linda W does a great job of finding locations and participants. The Academy is usually held over a six week period with a couple of hours a week, and I am invited to speak for an hour or so on Arthritis. Linda has worked her magic and has two more sessions organized one in April and another in May/June. The expectation is that there will be three or four dozen people at the two sessions. Great initiative for the community.
I am looking forward to dusting off the old binder of material, getting my handouts organized and meeting some great folks.
Volunteering truly does reward the volunteer.
In the next few weeks I will be taking part in two Senior's Academies organized by the Liverpool detachment of the RCMP. Linda W does a great job of finding locations and participants. The Academy is usually held over a six week period with a couple of hours a week, and I am invited to speak for an hour or so on Arthritis. Linda has worked her magic and has two more sessions organized one in April and another in May/June. The expectation is that there will be three or four dozen people at the two sessions. Great initiative for the community.
I am looking forward to dusting off the old binder of material, getting my handouts organized and meeting some great folks.
Volunteering truly does reward the volunteer.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Bowling, Arthritis and Hair
My husband and I have just returned from the bowling alley where we bowled three stings. This is a major accomplishment since we haven't bowled for probably a year. This is the first time out since my hip replacement and it felt good. I had an average of 83 for the three stings...not great but I'll take it. This is definitely something that I will want to do again...soon.
Yesterday afternoon I was part of a team of two who made a two hour presentation on Arthritis to the residents of Drummind Hills (spelling?) That was the first time I had worked with that material and with the co-presenter...it went well. There are a few things I would change but all in all, I am having a good week. Getting out and about, getting things done and moving on.
And I have a hair appointment for tomorrow.
Yesterday afternoon I was part of a team of two who made a two hour presentation on Arthritis to the residents of Drummind Hills (spelling?) That was the first time I had worked with that material and with the co-presenter...it went well. There are a few things I would change but all in all, I am having a good week. Getting out and about, getting things done and moving on.
And I have a hair appointment for tomorrow.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Where does the time go?
Past the mid point in March, almost a quarter of our new year is gone. And I am not sure what I have to show for the time. Certainly I have not accomplished as much as I had hoped to. Maybe my expectations are too high or maybe I am letting valuable time and effort get chewed up with non productive things.
I have a six month check next week for the hip replacement surgery that I had in late September. Doesn't seem like six months. While I am still working on strengthening muscles in my legs, I have no pain in the hip joint and I am looking forward to a summer full of movement without pain. My knee is another story, waiting for the call to have that operation.
Snow is almost gone, of course it is early yet and we could get more...but as my mother always said "It can't last when it comes in March or April" I would like to give her the benefit of the doubt.
The air smells like spring, although I am still looking for the first robin. Soon.
I have a six month check next week for the hip replacement surgery that I had in late September. Doesn't seem like six months. While I am still working on strengthening muscles in my legs, I have no pain in the hip joint and I am looking forward to a summer full of movement without pain. My knee is another story, waiting for the call to have that operation.
Snow is almost gone, of course it is early yet and we could get more...but as my mother always said "It can't last when it comes in March or April" I would like to give her the benefit of the doubt.
The air smells like spring, although I am still looking for the first robin. Soon.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Icy Roads and the Sand Truck in the Ditch
We live in cottage country, a semi retirement community with private winding, hilly, dirt roads. The association that collects our money and hires road maintenance contractors has a dilemma...the truck that was sanding our icy roads yesterday slipped into the ditch and there it remains 30 some hours later. No backup plan, no snowplow digging out the sand truck, nothing. There it sits. Thankfully spring is only a few weeks away so maybe the truck will be functioning by then. Or then again, maybe not.
Oh the joys of country living.
Oh the joys of country living.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Six month Check Up
Yesterday's mail brought the notice for my six month followup since my hip replacement surgery. The appointment is a month away but even so, it has been five months since I have had my surgery. Things are certainly a lot better, there is such a big improvement. No pain in the hip joint. I am still working on mobility, I expect everything to be perfect but I have to do the physio exercises, which I neglect often, and I have to work hard to continue reducing my weight and building endurance. All easy if you say it fast but all take concentration and effort. Sometimes too much effort at the end of a long and tiring day.
This past week has included an eleven hour workday, followed the next day with a funeral for a distant cousin's wife. Emotionally and physically demanding for me. But I have bounced back, I am looking forward to a four day weekend at home, true two days will be work days in my home office, but I enjoy my home office and wish I could work from here everyday.
So what do I want to achieve before my six month check up? Lose at least another five pounds, Do my exercises everyday for the required number of repetitions and to get the rest my body needs and demands.
The six month check up will also be a chance to discuss getting my knee replacement surgery done sooner rather than later.
This past week has included an eleven hour workday, followed the next day with a funeral for a distant cousin's wife. Emotionally and physically demanding for me. But I have bounced back, I am looking forward to a four day weekend at home, true two days will be work days in my home office, but I enjoy my home office and wish I could work from here everyday.
So what do I want to achieve before my six month check up? Lose at least another five pounds, Do my exercises everyday for the required number of repetitions and to get the rest my body needs and demands.
The six month check up will also be a chance to discuss getting my knee replacement surgery done sooner rather than later.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Fisherman's Memorial Hospital -- Emergency Room Changes
The Lunenburg Hospital is one of those selected for the changes to emergency room procedures. There will be fewer doctors on staff but they will remain on call. The hospital in Lunenburg has had continuous problems staffing the emergency room. There are of course rumors about doctors living in Bridgewater and not wanting to work nights in a hospital 20 minutes away, there is a conspiracy theory and other pieces of incomplete or misinformation. But the fact remains things are changing.
Nova Scotia cannot afford to do the same old, for very much longer so changes are welcome. The concern is always that government ministers think things through before making changes that are difficult to reverse. For example over 10 years ago, the government of the day, decided to give regions more voice in health care and this was accomplished by creating more health authorities with the all the administration and expense that entails. We can't afford that type of top heavy system and now the work is underway to try and streamline and consolidate functions so they will be more cost effective.
Will it work? Only time will tell. But change is needed, care needs to improve and costs need to be kept affordable...well at least manageable.
Nova Scotia cannot afford to do the same old, for very much longer so changes are welcome. The concern is always that government ministers think things through before making changes that are difficult to reverse. For example over 10 years ago, the government of the day, decided to give regions more voice in health care and this was accomplished by creating more health authorities with the all the administration and expense that entails. We can't afford that type of top heavy system and now the work is underway to try and streamline and consolidate functions so they will be more cost effective.
Will it work? Only time will tell. But change is needed, care needs to improve and costs need to be kept affordable...well at least manageable.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Nova Scotia's Heatlh Care System ... More Problems
thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9019774.html
Halifax police investigate homicide at nursing home
Halifax’s latest homicide victim is a 92-year-old woman who died Saturday, almost four weeks after she was pushed and fell at the hands of another resident of her nursing home.
The woman succumbed to her injuries at Arborstone Enhanced Care Nursing Home on Purcells Cove Road after a Jan. 7 incident involving her and another elderly female resident, according to a statement from Shannex, the company that owns the home.
The Shannex statement said the victim and the woman who allegedly pushed her were both in their dementia unit and that neither woman had a history of aggression. The injured woman went to hospital for 11 days before her return to Arborstone.
“We investigated the incident fully at the time of the occurrence and determined that the cause of the fall was unpredictable and not something that the staff could have prevented,” the statement said.
Despite the decision to rule the case a homicide – which was made by the province's medical examiner – police have decided not to detain the woman they think contributed to the other woman’s death.
“At this time there’s no believed risk to the public or other residents,” regional police spokesman Const. Brian Palmeter said Tuesday.
The Halifax Regional Police/RCMP integrated major crime unit will investigate. They first heard of the incident after the woman’s death.
“Given the circumstances around the death and the circumstances around the people involved in the incident, there’s a question whether or not criminal culpability exists,” Palmeter said.
A number of factors can play a role in determining criminal culpability, he said.
“One potential one is somebody’s mental condition at the time of the incident. Another one is whether or not self-defence is an issue. Essentially what we have to determine is whether or not the incident on Jan. 7 rises to the level of a criminal offence and then whether or not the person is ultimately responsible for the incident”
According to their website, Arborstone has space for 190 clients, which include seniors requiring nursing home care and young adults with special needs.
In a media session held mid-afternoon Tuesday, Health Minister Maureen MacDonald expressed remorse and concern about the incident.
“It’s a very sad situation … and we will gather extensive information.”
She said the department's critical incident policy will be followed to gather information and determine if proper procedures were followed.
“We will examine it very closely to learn what, if anything, we need to change.”
MacDonald said she’s spoken with family members of the victim, but she declined to say if they are considering any legal action over the killing.
Police didn’t release the victim’s name, but The Chronicle Herald has learned that it is Pauline Ethel Hartling, whose husband of 46 years (Ken Hartling) died just over a week before Jan. 7.
They had no children and both of them worked as school teachers.
Members of her family declined to comment Tuesday.
Halifax police investigate homicide at nursing home
Halifax’s latest homicide victim is a 92-year-old woman who died Saturday, almost four weeks after she was pushed and fell at the hands of another resident of her nursing home.
The woman succumbed to her injuries at Arborstone Enhanced Care Nursing Home on Purcells Cove Road after a Jan. 7 incident involving her and another elderly female resident, according to a statement from Shannex, the company that owns the home.
The Shannex statement said the victim and the woman who allegedly pushed her were both in their dementia unit and that neither woman had a history of aggression. The injured woman went to hospital for 11 days before her return to Arborstone.
“We investigated the incident fully at the time of the occurrence and determined that the cause of the fall was unpredictable and not something that the staff could have prevented,” the statement said.
Despite the decision to rule the case a homicide – which was made by the province's medical examiner – police have decided not to detain the woman they think contributed to the other woman’s death.
“At this time there’s no believed risk to the public or other residents,” regional police spokesman Const. Brian Palmeter said Tuesday.
The Halifax Regional Police/RCMP integrated major crime unit will investigate. They first heard of the incident after the woman’s death.
“Given the circumstances around the death and the circumstances around the people involved in the incident, there’s a question whether or not criminal culpability exists,” Palmeter said.
A number of factors can play a role in determining criminal culpability, he said.
“One potential one is somebody’s mental condition at the time of the incident. Another one is whether or not self-defence is an issue. Essentially what we have to determine is whether or not the incident on Jan. 7 rises to the level of a criminal offence and then whether or not the person is ultimately responsible for the incident”
According to their website, Arborstone has space for 190 clients, which include seniors requiring nursing home care and young adults with special needs.
In a media session held mid-afternoon Tuesday, Health Minister Maureen MacDonald expressed remorse and concern about the incident.
“It’s a very sad situation … and we will gather extensive information.”
She said the department's critical incident policy will be followed to gather information and determine if proper procedures were followed.
“We will examine it very closely to learn what, if anything, we need to change.”
MacDonald said she’s spoken with family members of the victim, but she declined to say if they are considering any legal action over the killing.
Police didn’t release the victim’s name, but The Chronicle Herald has learned that it is Pauline Ethel Hartling, whose husband of 46 years (Ken Hartling) died just over a week before Jan. 7.
They had no children and both of them worked as school teachers.
Members of her family declined to comment Tuesday.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Pain Can Make You Grumpy
I have had arthritis pain, constant and deep in my joints, for so long I had forgotten about the lighter things in life. That fact was brought home to me yesterday, when a work acquaintance told me that my outlook seemed to have changed, I was upbeat and energized, contributing positive comments to discussions. And it hit me...I had seriously let the pain in my joints make me into a pain, negative and doom and gloom. The acquaintance contributed the change in me to some changes in my work environment, but I know that isn't it, the change is because I am not using all my positive energies to cope with throbs and aches. Well, not as many of them anyway. My knee still aches and throbs at times, but I can usually walk without it constantly paining which I haven't been able to do for years with my aching hip.
I think I knew this on some level but it is never easy to admit that you may not be able to handle everything in life well, especially for an old control freak like me.
So I have once again realized that no matter how miserable I feel, it isn't my right to take that out on everyone in the surrounding area. They deserve my respect and my best and if I can't give that, they deserve my absence until I can.
Let's see how long this will last.
I think I knew this on some level but it is never easy to admit that you may not be able to handle everything in life well, especially for an old control freak like me.
So I have once again realized that no matter how miserable I feel, it isn't my right to take that out on everyone in the surrounding area. They deserve my respect and my best and if I can't give that, they deserve my absence until I can.
Let's see how long this will last.
Monday, January 31, 2011
January Blahs
January always seems to be a long cold month. It features the letdown from the Holiday season, the extra pounds picked up during the binge eating over Christmas and of course the prospect of resolutions and keeping or breaking them. My mood becomes more prickly than usual and I moan and groan about small insignificant things, I know it is happening but can't seem to stop myself.
One thing that does cheer me up is looking at sunny summertime pictures. I thought I would share a few...they might cheer you up as well.
One thing that does cheer me up is looking at sunny summertime pictures. I thought I would share a few...they might cheer you up as well.
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| Beautiful LaHave River |
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| Outside of Bridgewater NS |
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| Wild Apple Blossoms along the LaHave River in Spring 2010 |
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| The ''Old'' Ferry before it was replace in 2010 |
Monday, January 24, 2011
Healthy Workplace, healthy workers
More and more we are hearing how stress can impact the health of individuals. Some of that stress may be generated at work, but in tough economic times financial concerns can also generate a lot of stress. This stress carries into the workplace.
A few of the symptoms of stress are:
January and February are often difficult months because of the reduced hours of daylight and the let down after the holiday season. New years resolutions are often forgotten by the third or fourth week of the new year and this can lead to despondency.
Simple things in the workplace can encourage workers to improve their health. For example a walking program can be organized where all workers are encouraged to track how many steps they take each day. Or a weight loss group can be organized during a lunch hour or before work. The employer can provide the scales and ask three or four interested workers to help with the organizational tasks. For example TOPS has a great workplace program that anyone can join for $ 30.00 a year membership. Details can be found at
http://www.tops.org/default.aspx
Employers have a responsibility to encourage their employees to be healthy...healthy workers help build a healthy workplace with fewer accidents, fewer sick days, and better morale.
A few of the symptoms of stress are:
- Irritability
- Lack of appetite or Overeating
- Lack of energy
- Lack of interest in people and events
- Physical illness, stomach upset, headaches, muscle aches and pains
- and the list goes on.
January and February are often difficult months because of the reduced hours of daylight and the let down after the holiday season. New years resolutions are often forgotten by the third or fourth week of the new year and this can lead to despondency.
Simple things in the workplace can encourage workers to improve their health. For example a walking program can be organized where all workers are encouraged to track how many steps they take each day. Or a weight loss group can be organized during a lunch hour or before work. The employer can provide the scales and ask three or four interested workers to help with the organizational tasks. For example TOPS has a great workplace program that anyone can join for $ 30.00 a year membership. Details can be found at
http://www.tops.org/default.aspx
Employers have a responsibility to encourage their employees to be healthy...healthy workers help build a healthy workplace with fewer accidents, fewer sick days, and better morale.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Getting on with 2011
I have spent the first three weeks of 2011 wishing and thinking. Now is the time for doing.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Physiotherapy is Finished
The weekly visits to the hospital's physiotherapy department have finished but the exercises and the challenges of getting my strength and flexibility in my leg muscles is an ongoing challenge. I can feel improvement and for that I am thankful.
The structure of my work week has changed. I am now working Tues, Wed and Thurs each week, and Wed is working from home. So only two trips into the office most weeks. I am actually looking forward to the change of getting out of the office and visiting the chamber's members and calling on businesses to get them signed up as members. The plan is for that to be 3 to 4 hours a week. So my real in office time will only be 1.5 days if that. Meeting time for committees or board meetings reduces that office time even further.
January is always a hard month for me. Short days with limited sunlight and winter well settled in with its grip on almost everything I do. On a positive note, January is half over and we have had only one snow storm so far this winter. Last night and today are above freezing temps so a lot of that snow fall has melted, hopefully more will go before the -5 to -10 night temps return.
All in all, January has been good so far. I am looking forward to 2011 and everything it will offer.
The structure of my work week has changed. I am now working Tues, Wed and Thurs each week, and Wed is working from home. So only two trips into the office most weeks. I am actually looking forward to the change of getting out of the office and visiting the chamber's members and calling on businesses to get them signed up as members. The plan is for that to be 3 to 4 hours a week. So my real in office time will only be 1.5 days if that. Meeting time for committees or board meetings reduces that office time even further.
January is always a hard month for me. Short days with limited sunlight and winter well settled in with its grip on almost everything I do. On a positive note, January is half over and we have had only one snow storm so far this winter. Last night and today are above freezing temps so a lot of that snow fall has melted, hopefully more will go before the -5 to -10 night temps return.
All in all, January has been good so far. I am looking forward to 2011 and everything it will offer.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Super Day
Today was a day of change and hurry up and wait. I awoke at 5:00 a.m. so got up and started working on the BACC newsletter, finalizing it for mailing to our list. The next "must do" was a trip to Liverpool for my physiotherapy appointment and I got the good news that I have made a lot of progress in just three days. That was definitely encouraging. Then into Bridgewater for lunch, errands and then home. The trees along the way were covered with a light dusting of snow, grey overcast skies and the feeling of winter in the air. I took a few pictures for "my photo journal" that I am keeping on another of my blogs http://artisticpreneur.blogspot.com.. I am having some fun with the photographs and I am starting to "see" my surroundings.
I will be working 20 hours a week for the next few weeks, not a significant reduction in my existing hours which works well for me. I am looking forward to having my job description defined so I know what is expected.
All in all a good day so far. Oh, the traffic to my blogs is starting to increase.
I will be working 20 hours a week for the next few weeks, not a significant reduction in my existing hours which works well for me. I am looking forward to having my job description defined so I know what is expected.
All in all a good day so far. Oh, the traffic to my blogs is starting to increase.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
January 5, 2011
Tuesday morning was my first physiotherapy appointment in 2011 and my first appointment with Donna who will now be my go to person. My back has been sore for four or five days, tight and painful to do simple things like walking. I had stopped my exercises as they seemed to be aggravating the problem and I wasn't sure if that is what I should have done, so I was a bit apprehensive about the appointment.
It only took Donna about 15 seconds to figure out what was wrong and what had caused it. Seems the muscles in the hip area should be both strong and flexible. Mine are neither. My exercises were to build strength but I hadn't been doing anything to increase the flexibility so my back was taking the brunt of a lot of my moving activities. So now I am back to some really basic stuff to help improve flexibility. I have an idea that it will take me as long to learn to walk correctly this time as it did when I was a toddler and anxious to explore the world from an upright position.
I have another appointment for Friday am. Two appointments a week, for a while. Oh joy! However, I will do what is required to get my old body whipped into the best shape it can manage.
It only took Donna about 15 seconds to figure out what was wrong and what had caused it. Seems the muscles in the hip area should be both strong and flexible. Mine are neither. My exercises were to build strength but I hadn't been doing anything to increase the flexibility so my back was taking the brunt of a lot of my moving activities. So now I am back to some really basic stuff to help improve flexibility. I have an idea that it will take me as long to learn to walk correctly this time as it did when I was a toddler and anxious to explore the world from an upright position.
I have another appointment for Friday am. Two appointments a week, for a while. Oh joy! However, I will do what is required to get my old body whipped into the best shape it can manage.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Back to the Future
Well back to work and normal routine. It certainly has been great having a few days out of the office, although I have spent part of most days in my home office at my own computer, writing blogs, newsletters and catching up on a training CD development project. But today is another clean slate and I am off to the physiotherapist for an 8:00 am appointment and then to work.
I sprained/twisted my back (self diagnosed) and have been having some pain and discomfort, hopefully my exercises this morning won't aggravate the situation. Seems to be more in the back area than in the hip which is a blessing...don't want anything to happen to that bionic hip.
It will be interesting to see what this year will bring. I am looking forward to some changes, house renovations or improvement, and some fun, short mini vacations and maybe getting plans underway for a can trip to Vancouver Island and return. Not this year probably 2012 or spring of 2013. But there is a lot to do before then.
I will find out about my work hours later this week or early next week. I also need to find time (make time) to get to the quilting projects that I want to get developed. And of course it is good to be blogging about business topics on a sister blog.
Life is good and getting better!
I sprained/twisted my back (self diagnosed) and have been having some pain and discomfort, hopefully my exercises this morning won't aggravate the situation. Seems to be more in the back area than in the hip which is a blessing...don't want anything to happen to that bionic hip.
It will be interesting to see what this year will bring. I am looking forward to some changes, house renovations or improvement, and some fun, short mini vacations and maybe getting plans underway for a can trip to Vancouver Island and return. Not this year probably 2012 or spring of 2013. But there is a lot to do before then.
I will find out about my work hours later this week or early next week. I also need to find time (make time) to get to the quilting projects that I want to get developed. And of course it is good to be blogging about business topics on a sister blog.
Life is good and getting better!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Doing the Same Thing Doesn't Work
I have been a faithful member of TOPS for four years. In that time I have managed to lose a few pounds but I have also gotten caught up in the trappings of the organization. By that I mean I volunteered to be an area captain, for several reasons, and while I did enjoy most of the experience I have resigned from that volunteer position. The expectations were high, my own and the organization's. I have always felt that if I am to commit to something I must meet all the requirements and I came to the realization that I would never be able to meet all the expectations that were part of that position. Not that the TOPS organization was complaining, they weren't. But I didn't feel I could accomplish what the position needed.
There is also the expectations of the weekly meetings. It isn't a matter of going and getting weighed, having a discussion about how to improve the next week. Our chapter spends a lot of time as a group. There is the annual 10 Km walk, which because of severe arthritis I haven't been able to participate in. There are the cute phrases, I've been a bad girl this week. For pete's sake we are all seniors so what is it with the bad girl phrase. Just because someone ate a piece of pie that doesn't make them a bad anything. Christmas parties are centred around food...a meal at a restaurant and a pot luck.
The conclusion that I have finally reached is that doing the same thing and expecting different results is a sign of insanity. I know that isn't original but it does apply to me and my weight loss/weight control efforts to date. Maybe giving myself time to feel good about who I am and what I am will go a long way to helping me control my weight. Gee you think?
2011 will be an exciting year. I am ready for new ideas, and new experiences. New books, new hobbies and new friends.Of course, there are many friends that I want to keep and that I hold very dear, they are important to me. It will be interesting to see how this new year unfolds.
There is also the expectations of the weekly meetings. It isn't a matter of going and getting weighed, having a discussion about how to improve the next week. Our chapter spends a lot of time as a group. There is the annual 10 Km walk, which because of severe arthritis I haven't been able to participate in. There are the cute phrases, I've been a bad girl this week. For pete's sake we are all seniors so what is it with the bad girl phrase. Just because someone ate a piece of pie that doesn't make them a bad anything. Christmas parties are centred around food...a meal at a restaurant and a pot luck.
The conclusion that I have finally reached is that doing the same thing and expecting different results is a sign of insanity. I know that isn't original but it does apply to me and my weight loss/weight control efforts to date. Maybe giving myself time to feel good about who I am and what I am will go a long way to helping me control my weight. Gee you think?
2011 will be an exciting year. I am ready for new ideas, and new experiences. New books, new hobbies and new friends.Of course, there are many friends that I want to keep and that I hold very dear, they are important to me. It will be interesting to see how this new year unfolds.
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