Influenza Immunization Program to begin Monday, October 21, 2013 - Saskatoon

All ages benefit from annual influenza vaccine but it is important those considered at high risk be immunized.

People at high risk of complications or hospitalization:

* People 65 years of age or older
* Pregnant women in all trimesters
* Children 6 months up to and including 59 months of age (younger than 5 years old)
* People who are severely obese
* People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
* Anyone with chronic health conditions

Household and close contacts:

* Of any of the categories listed above
* Of infants less than 6 months of age
* Households expecting a newborn before March 31, 2013

Other groups:

* Healthcare providers, students and registered volunteers
* Physicians and medical office staff
* People providing regular child care to children less than 5 years of age, whether in or out of the home
* People employed in the poultry and hog industry

(Phone 306-655-7500 for more details, or ask your health professional)

Winter 2013 Leisure Guide (Saskatoon)

The City of Saskatoon Leisure Guide is your community source for a variety of arts, culture, and recreational activities throughout the year. Select from Drop-in Programs, which do not require pre-registration and provide the public with access to the City’s recreation facilities and to instructor-led classes, or from Registered Programs, which include an instructor who leads the participants through a pre-defined set of activities

2012 Saskatoon Dragon Boat Festival (Canada)

The Heart and Stroke Foundation has announced that they will be organizing this event this summer, as well as remain the charity of choice. The Festival will include a children’s area, a heart healthy food and beverage menu and all day entertainment. This is sure to be a fantastic day of exciting races and family fun. July 27th and 28th 2012

Hospital Visitation Program at Royal University Hospital (Saskatoon)

Ruth Redden (Volunteer Visitor Program Co-ordinator) writes: Many CARG members have participated in the Hospital Visitation Program at RUH. This program began in 1986 and has been very effective in assisting patients as they adapt to a new lifestyle after experiencing a "heart event". It is also an opportunity to talk with patients and family members about the cardiac education and exercise programs.

A journal article from the Archives of Internal Medicine,(Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Strategies on Utilization Rates, Arch Intern Med/Vol 171 (no 3), Feb. 14, 2011), looked at ways to increase cardiac rehab participation. Along with other points, they identified the benefits of visitation at the bedside and the positive effects of peers.

We know that people, after a heart event, benefit from attendance at a Cardiac Rehab Program. We also know it is best if people hear about programs from many sources. A person who has experienced a heart event and who has embraced our rehab program, is an important connection.

Our program is always interested in recruiting new volunteers to participate in the hospital visitation program currently operating at RUH.

What is involved in becoming a Hospital Volunteer Visitor?
* Interview with Ruth or one of the nurses
* Complete application form for RUH Volunteer Services
* Interview with Volunteer Services, police check and attend hospital orientation
* Buddy with an experienced volunteer and visit on the ward together

If you are interested in this area of volunteer work, please contact:
Ruth Redden (Volunteer Visitor Program Co-ordinator) at 652-6990


THANK YOU ETHYLENE EICHORN:

Ethylene Eichorn has been the program co-ordinator for the Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program since 1994.
She has efficiently co-ordinated the volunteer visitation schedules and has gone above and beyond what was required to ensure this program was successful.
Ethyelene retired from this role in August of 2011 but continues to volunteer her time at RUH.
A Special THANK YOU for a job well done.

Royal University Hospital Every Heart Matters Campaign (Saskatoon)

John Cross, Volunteer Chair Every Heart Matters Campaign writes "Chances are, you know someone with a heart rhythm disorder. It might be your grandmother or your grandson. A young athlete or a busy mom. A neighbour or a trusted friend. In fact, one in four of us will experience an abnormal heartbeat at some point in our lives. For many, an irregular heartbeat can diminish enjoyment of life. For others, it will prove fatal. In the 1950s, when Royal University Hospital opened its doors, Dr. Louis Horlick and, a few years later, his colleague Dr. José Lopez, were champions of modern, holistic cardiac care. Today, they continue that vision by joining the Royal University Hospital Foundation as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Every Heart Matters Campaign. Our goal is to advance the excellent cardiac care program at Royal University Hospital by raising $5.5 million for a laboratory and program dedicated to the treatment, research and education of heart rhythm disorders. This advanced sub-specialty is called Cardiac Electrophysiology or EP. As you will read on the following pages, a comprehensive cardiac care program - with the addition of the EP Laboratory - will make a vital difference to our patients, their families and their medical team at RUH. But we need your help. Please join me by supporting the Every Heart Matters Campaign"

Seasonal Influenza Immunization begins on October 11, 2011

Vaccine is available for everyone this Year. All ages benefit from annual influenza vaccine but it is important those considered at high risk be immunized

People at high risk of complications or hospitalization:

* People 65 years of age or older (or turn 65 prior to March 31, 2012)
* Pregnant women
* Children 6 months to 4 years of age
* People who are severely obese
* People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
* Anyone with chronic health conditions

Household and close contacts:

* Of any of the categories listed above
* Of infants less than 6 months of age
* Households expecting a newborn before March 31, 2012

Other groups:

* Healthcare providers, health care students and registered volunteers
* Physicians and medical office staff
* People providing regular child care to children less than 5 years of age
* People employed in the poultry and hog industry

If you have any questions, contact the Saskatoon Health Region at 655-4620

Saskatoon transplant pioneer celebrates 19 years of health

A Saskatoon woman has reason to celebrate. It was 19 years ago that Sherry Duncan Paterson underwent a double-lung heart transplant, making her a pioneer in the Canadian transplant world. 19 years ago, after the birth of her second daughter, Paterson was diagnosed with a rare disease called primary pulmonary hypertension. It's a serious condition of the lungs that forces the heart to work harder and can lead to heart failure and even death. "All of my symptoms of the disease had been masked by my pregnancy," says Paterson. "So it really hit me out of nowhere, so the news was really devastating to my whole family." At the time, doctors told Paterson her only hope was to undergo a double lung heart transplant. She was placed at the top of the wait list, and three months later received word a donor match had become available. Paterson was flown to London, Ontario, where she was given a new heart and set of lungs and was told to expect another five years out of life. "We just tried to cram so many memories and happy times into the five years," says Paterson. "I was thinking I wore myself out." But luckily for her family, five years became 10 and then 15. Now, 19 years later, Paterson is considered a pioneer in the transplant world. She's one of only a few to have done so well for so long after undergoing a multiple organ transplant - CTV

The Star Phoenix Bridge City Boogie 2011

The 5th Annual Star Phoenix Bridge City Boogie will be held June 12, 2011. Miren Luczka, Race Director writes: For those of you new to the event, The Bridge City Boogie is a 2km, 5km and 10km wellness event with emphasis on fun, fitness and community. The Boogie is all inclusive with age categories reflecting the diversity of participants. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first time walker, you'll have no trouble finding an event that suits your fitness goals. I think you'll be surprised by the beauty of the area and delighted by the runners and volunteers you'll meet on the course. To make the Boogie happen, there will be over 550 people volunteering their time before, during and after the race to help make your Boogie experience a positive one. The Bridge City Boogie is all about giving back to the community and donates 100% of the proceeds to local charities. We're proud to announce that in 2010 The Boogie donated over $89,000 to three charities: Raise-a-Reader, the Saskatoon Crisis Nursery and the Boys and Girls Club of Saskatoon. This year we're happy to announce that we’ve added the Saskatchewan Children's Festival to the list of beneficiaries. While all money raised from the Boogie goes to charity, it is important to point out that participants are only required to pay the registration fee as our event is not a pledge-a-thon

Obituary: Dr. John Edward Merriman

Dr. John Edward Merriman born August 12, 1924, in Hamilton, Canada to Horace and Helen Merriman. John passed away peacefully, with family by his side, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on February 7, 2011. He will be missed by his beloved wife Emily Hope Merriman (nee Sully) and children Jeffrey (Jo Ann), Waterloo, Ontario; Helen Baker (Hugh), Toronto, Ontario; Peter (Patti), Ottawa, Ontario; and Heather Dandridge (Chuck), Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; twelve grandchildren, Robert, Jennifer, Suzanne, Michael, Katherine, Jeffrey, Patrick, Scott, Brett, Jaclyn, Sarah, Eric; sixteen great-grandchildren; and a sister Catharine Helen Prinsep. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother Ramsay Owen Merriman. John led an amazing life. He was devoted to God, his family and his work as a physician. Ever seeking the Lord, he and Hope found their final church "home" at St. Antony's Orthodox Christian church in Tulsa. John was granted his MD from Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada in 1947. In 1954, he took his young family west to Saskatoon, to the University of Saskatchewan where he was a professor of medicine. Always an innovator, he took a sabbatical leave in 1963 to London, England to research computer applications in medicine. He helped pave the way for modern cardiac rehabilitation techniques, when he established the first cardiac rehabilitation program in North America at the U of S in 1968. In 1977 John, Hope and Heather moved to Tulsa where he established a medical practice where he worked until his retirement in 2010, at the age of 85. John was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the American Academy of Orthopedic Medicine in 2005. Trisagion prayers and visitation will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday February 10 and Funeral service at 10:30 am Friday, February 11, both at St. Antony's Orthodox Christian Church. Family suggests contributions to the Medical Mission Fund at St. Antony's Orthodox Christian Church, 2645 E. 6th St, Tulsa, Ok. 74104. Services Entrusted to Stanleys Funeral Service (743-6271). This obituary was published in the Tulsa World on 2/9/2011

Video: Preparing for Cardiovascular Surgery - Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Canada

Preparing for Cardiovascular Surgery is a 23 minute video produced by Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Canada, in 2004. Your host, Deborah Lendzyk-Sorestad, R.N., BSN, introduces the video: "It has been determined that you will require cardiovascular surgery. In this program we will introduce you to many members of the team that will be involved in your surgery. We hope that this will help prepare you for the days ahead, and help alleviate some of the anxiety that is normal for you and your family to feel at this time"

Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative

Age-friendly Saskatoon, an initiative of the Saskatoon Council on Aging, will support older adults to lead healthy independent lives, to be active and socially engaged. This important initiative is designed to involve the greater Saskatoon community and will be led by older adults

Surgery offers new start - Chris Daly, Guinness World Record holder (Saskatchewan, Canada)

"Chris Daly is the world's longest survivor of quintuple-bypass surgery - a feat recognized by Guinness World Records earlier this year. The agency of all things superlative created a category specifically for Daly and his quintuple-bypass brethren. A record for quadruple-bypass survivors - 30 years and 213 days - already existed. Former Hamilton resident Alfred Revell, who died in 2009 at age 94, owns that mark. When Daly turns 92 on Christmas Day, he'll be celebrating 30 years, two months and 20 days with his record-setting heart. Daly lives on a Saskatoon-area acreage" - Star Phoenix

Donation boon for cardiac care (Saskatoon, Canada)

"Royal University Hospital will be creating a state-of-the-art cardiac treatment facility thanks to a $1.5-million donation from the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation. The new facility, a cardiac electrophysiology laboratory, will deal with the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms, which are often fatal. Cardiovascular disease accounts for 35 per cent of all deaths in Canada - around 78,000 annually. About 50 per cent of these deaths are sudden, due to a lethal cardiac arrhythmia. Two cardiologists currently conduct electrophysiology procedures at RUH, but due to lack of a lab they can only do these procedures one day per week. The waiting list for treatment is eight to nine months long and those in need of advanced procedures must go out of province. Having a dedicated laboratory could help prolong the lives of many patients and may offer a cure to others. Picture shows Arla Gustafson, with the Royal University Hospital Foundation, giving Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation members a tour of the donation wall - Star Phoenix

4th Annual Bridge City Boogie - Saskatoon, Canada

The Bridge City Boogie is a 2km, 5km and 10km wellness event with emphasis on fun, fitness and community. The Boogie is all inclusive with age categories reflecting the diversity of participants. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first time walker, you'll have no trouble finding an event that suites your fitness goals. You'll be surprised by the beauty of the area and delighted by the runners and volunteers you'll meet on the course. To make the Boogie happen, there will be over 550 people volunteering their time before, during and after the race to help make your Boogie experience a positive one. Takes place June 13, 2010

H1N1 preparation in Saskatoon Health Region 'unacceptable', says HSAS president

"The president of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) says the Saskatchewan Party government has not done enough to ensure Saskatoon has adequate health professionals for an H1N1 outbreak. According to Chris Driol, speaking at a news conference Tuesday morning, there are not enough respiratory therapists in the city to meet the expected demand during an H1N1 flu outbreak. "This is unacceptable," said Driol. "Saskatchewan residents who become acutely ill need the best possible care. That's what putting patients first is all about." According to Driol, Saskatoon's standard operating procedure requires one respiratory therapist for every four to six ventilators. The current staffing in the Saskatoon Health Region has one therapist for every six to eight ventilators. While Driol says the health region has added 37 beds and has increased the amount of ventilators to 90, the human resources required to manage the ventilators is 'woefully inadequate."" - Star Phoenix

Half-price Saskatoon Yellow Jackets game

When you purchase your ticket for this Saskatoon Yellow Jackets game on July 16, 2009, you just have to mention that you are either a Heart and Stroke volunteer or Survivor

Saskatoon Dragon Boat Festival 2009 for Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan

The grip on your paddle tightens; you can feel your heart pounding. Anticipation…the horn sounds and a flurry of activity starts, the splash of paddles hitting the water, the drummer yelling, crowds cheering from the shore. The drummer urges the team to paddle harder, faster! Your team crosses the finish line; it’s a mixture of satisfaction and exhaustion. But, the true winner in this race is the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan who benefits from your support and participation. The Saskatoon Dragon Boat Festival - presented by SaskPower is roaring back to town! It will take place over two days at the end of July with practices starting approximately two weeks prior. The festival will be filled with activities for the entire family including entertainment and food & beverage services. Each team participates in three 500-metre races. Team building is at the heart of a good dragon boat race as 22 people work together in synchronization, paddling towards a common goal. The 2009 festival is in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan through the Dragon Boat Pledge Program.

2009 Chronic Disease Prevention & Management (CDPM) Provincial Conference

2009 Chronic Disease Prevention & Management (CDPM) Provincial Conference - June 18-19, 2009 - Sheraton Cavalier, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. "The purpose of the 2009 CDPM Provincial Conference is to provide health care practitioners, policy makers, administrators, organizations, and individuals committed to prevention and living well with chronic disease an opportunity to share ideas, practices, and initiatives."

Saskatchewan Stroke Conference 2009

Saskatchewan Stroke Conference 2009 - Heart and Stroke: Pre-hospital, Emergency and Acute Stroke Care in Saskatchewan - April 30 to May 1, 2009 - Hilton Garden Inn, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. "Want to learn more about your role in stroke care in Saskatchewan? How you can enhance your own program and procedures? Learn about implementation of best practices from others who are making it happen right here in our province"

Games for Health Canada Summit

Games for Health Canada will be held at the Saskatoon Inn on March 19 and 20 in conjunction with Summit09. Games for Health will be of interest to health care practitioners, planners, stakeholders, researchers, educators & service providers. This inaugural Summit will profile exciting innovations and best practices that use eGame technologies in training, diagnosis, and treatment of health care issues. Be inspired by how you might use new technologies to enhance your own practice