Intense workouts may be safe for heart patients: study

Moderate levels of exercise are often prescribed for people recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery, but a new study finds that pumping up workouts to high intensity levels might be a safe option too. Among 4,800 Norwegian heart patients, who racked up a combined total of over 170,000 hours of aerobic exercise, researchers found three cardiac arrests occurred during workouts and only one was fatal. The number was too small to say for sure that high impact workouts are just as safe as moderate ones, but they show the overall risk of exercise bringing on cardiac arrest is fairly low, according to the authors. "I think we're on the right track, but before we make it a standard recommendation, let's get our safety data," said Dr. Steven Keteyian, the director of preventive cardiology at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan, who was not involved in the study

A millimeter-scale, wirelessly powered cardiac device (USA)

A team of engineers at Stanford has demonstrated the feasibility of a super-small, implantable cardiac device that gets its power not from batteries, but from radio waves transmitted from outside the body. The implanted device is contained in a cube just eight-tenths of a millimeter in radius. It could fit on the head of pin

Australian doctor pioneered full rehabilitation of heart attack patients

Alan Goble was the first Australian cardiologist to recognise the importance of cardiac rehabilitation programs and the need for funding to support them. He was the founder and initial chairman of the Heart Research Centre after it moved out of the National Heart Foundation in 1993 to be a stand-alone organisation; in 1989, he and Marian Worcester had set up the Centre for Social and Preventive Cardiology as part of the NHF (now the Heart Foundation). Alan James Goble was born on July 7, 1925, in Folkestone, Kent, second of three sons of one of the founders of the RAAF, Air Vice-Marshal Stanley Goble, and his wife, Kathleen (nee Wodehouse). He went to Trinity Grammar, Kew, before arriving at Trinity College, Melbourne University. He graduated in 1948 with an MBBS with honours, earned his MD in 1952, and gained his FRACP in 1960 and his FRCP in 1977. Goble's career in cardiology began at the Royal Melbourne Hospital with his appointment to the cardiac clinic in 1956. In 1961, he was appointed honorary cardiologist - the first such appointment at a major public hospital

Sudden cardiac death less likely after exercise, study says

People whose hearts stop functioning during or shortly after exercising are three times more likely to survive than those who have cardiac arrest unrelated to working out, researchers said. The Amsterdam Resuscitation Study looked at 2,517 cardiac- arrest cases in the Dutch capital's greater metropolitan area over a three-year period. Scientists found 145 of the patients were exercising during or within one hour of cardiac arrest and were mostly biking, playing tennis, working out at a gym or swimming, according to the research presented today at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Munich

Active pensioners 'add six years'

Being active and living a healthy lifestyle into your seventies can make a huge difference to your life expectancy, a Swedish study suggests. Academics at Sweden's Karolinska Institute analysed the lifestyles of 1,810 people over 75. The findings, on the British Medical Journal website, said men with the healthiest lifestyles lived six years longer, women had five extra years. Experts said it was never too late to start looking after your health. Being sedentary, overweight, a smoker or heavy drinker is bad for health and shortens life expectancy. The researchers said they did not know how big the effect would be after 75, so they followed a group of people for 18 years

Less chronic disease in store for fit 50-year-olds: study (USA)

Fit 50-year-olds are less likely to get chronic diseases as they age, according to a U.S. study that sheds new light on the link between exercise and healthy aging. "It has been known for decades that if you are more fit, you live longer," Dr. Jarett Berry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, told Reuters Health. "But it has not been clear that you have a higher quality of life, that you age better." It's possible that fit people just delay the onset of chronic illness, for instance, and end up being sick just as long as their weaker peers. But that doesn't appear to be the case, according to the new research, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. "We see truly reduced chronic disease, rather than just delaying the inevitable," said Berry, who led the study. He and his colleagues studied more than 18,600 healthy men and women who had undergone a treadmill test sometime around age 50 to measure their cardiorespiratory fitness

CARG Newsletter - September 2012

The CARG Newsletter - September 2012 is now available online

U of S and Saskatchewan Blue Cross announce $1-million investment to launch childhood obesity prevention program

The University of Saskatchewan has announced an exciting partnership with Saskatchewan Blue Cross to curb childhood obesity in the province. Enabled by the generous $1-million investment of Saskatchewan Blue Cross, the College of Kinesiology will launch the Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It (MEND) program in Saskatchewan this September.

"The corporate social responsibility vision of Saskatchewan Blue Cross is the improved health and wellness of Saskatchewan residents. We care about Saskatchewan people and feel a strong responsibility to address the pressing health issue of childhood obesity, as our children's health will determine the future health of our province," stated Arnie Arnott, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross.

"We are very pleased to be the lead partner of MEND in Saskatchewan, creating a breakthrough pathway for young people to connect with a new obesity prevention program," Arnott continued. "We are tackling the issue of childhood obesity by committing $1-million in start-up funding for a MEND program to be delivered at the University of Saskatchewan, the first of its kind in our province."

MEND inspires children and families to lead and sustain fitter, healthier and happier lives by changing behaviours that cause obesity. Presently in Canada, more than a quarter of children ages two to17 are overweight or obese. In Saskatchewan the problem is even more pronounced with a rate of over 29 per cent.

"The College of Kinesiology is particularly committed to this program. Promoting a healthy lifestyle and highlighting the importance of increased levels of physical activity are key components in reversing this trend," said Carol Rodgers, dean of the College of Kinesiology.

"It is also a wonderful opportunity for students and faculty across the Colleges of Kinesiology, Nursing, Medicine and Pharmacy and Nutrition to work together in an inter-professional model of wellness program delivery," she added.

MEND is a program that has evolved into one of the most successful and internationally recognized obesity prevention initiatives in the past decade with programs in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark.

In Saskatchewan, the program will begin as a three-year project, starting with Saskatoon in the first year and expanding to Prince Albert and northern communities in year two. In its third year, it will expand throughout the province to include Regina and southern regions. The programs are provided free of charge through the support of donors like lead partner Saskatchewan Blue Cross, and will offer three streams, focusing on children aged two to four, five to seven and seven to 13.

Together with their parents, children learn about topics that range from nutrition and portion size to motivation and goal setting. Additionally, children participate in group physical activity while parents discuss ways to improve the overall health of their families.

The leadership Saskatchewan Blue Cross exemplifies in supporting the MEND program is in line with its vision of improving the health and wellness of Saskatchewan residents

2012 Saskatoon Heartbeat Run

Start planning for the 2012 Saskatoon Heartbeat Run in support of the Royal University Hospital Foundation!

Come out on September 16, 2012 and participate in the 10km run, 5km Run/Walk, or the 1km Fun Run!

This scenic course starts and finishes at the Mendel Riverbank, just East of the Kinsmen Park. Don't miss out on a great fall day where you will overlook the North Saskatchewan River and the breath-taking views of trees turning colour and leaves falling.

General Information: Event Director at 1-(306)-667-3828

Volunteer Coordinator Information: 1-(306)-667-3828

Craving Change(TM) - changing your relationship with food

Craving Change(TM) - changing your relationship with food - presented free of charge by LiveWell Dietitians

Understand why you eat the way you do:
Comfort yourself without food - Change your thinking - Change your eating - Most beneficial to attend all 4 sessions

West Winds Primary Health Centre:
Wednesday, September 19 2:00 to 4:00pm
Wednesday, September 26 2:00 to 4:00pm
Wednesday, October 10 2:00 to 4:00pm
Wednesday, October 24 2:00 to 4:00pm
Please call 655-LIVE or 655-5483 to register

CARG patient responsibilities at the Saskatoon Field House

Health Issues:

- Inform the staff if you have been ill and are returning to the program so that they can update your medical chart
- Always exercise at your own pace; don't compete with others or make up for lost time
- For your safety, attend only at designated times as this is part of our agreement with the Saskatoon Field House
- If you have been prescribed Nitroglycerine carry it with you at all times
- Tell the staff immediately if you feel: dizzy or light-headed; nauseated; chest discomfort; any other type of discomfort; tired after a workout; more short of breath; sweat more than usual, notice any unusual heart beats; generally unwell
- Inform the staff if you leave the track during your workout
- Tell the staff if you have any pre-existing muscle or bone problems i.e. arthritis, back problems
- Let the staff know if you are going away for any period of time
- If you feel ill, do not exercise as this will do little good and is potentially dangerous
- Avoid drinking alcohol before attending the program
- Avoid wearing perfume or other scented products, as some participants have allergies to these substances

Track Safety:

- Wear comfortable clothes
- Be sure to step off the track if you stop to talk to someone, or check your pulse
- Follow the lane directions
- Be sure to check both ways before going onto and coming off the track
- Abusive or threatening behavior will not be tolerated
- If you have a problem: address all questions, concerns, and problems related to the program to Elaine Tyerman (655-1859) or the C.A.R.G. Group executive members. DO NOT go to the Field House staff, maintenance, or front desk staff

CARG Pillow Stuffing Bee

Darlene Urban writes: "The next Pillow Stuffing Bee will be sometime mid September to mid October. Watch for posting of dates on bulletin board"

The 2012 CARG Volunteer BBQ

A contribution from Cathy Matlock: The CARG BBQ was held on June 22, 2012 on the most beautiful afternoon and early evening. Vic Zapf picked another awesome day. There are quite a few people who made this day run smoothly and we thank them.

To Darlene Urban, Dolores Perras and Cathy Matlock who went grocery shopping. We try very hard to get it just right.

To Carol-Lynne Zapf who made the coffee and brought a salad, and to Darlene Urban who also brought salads. They were delicious!

To Dolores Perras, Carole-Lynne Zapf, Darlene Urban and Mary Green who served up the food so efficiently. Good job ladies.

To Eva Shabits for the delicious rhubarb punch and rhubarb relish...yum.

To Arlene Block and Sharon Schmnidt who cut up and served the "CARG Volunteer Cakes". Well Done.

To Lloyd and Bonnie Wudrick who organized the "Bean Bag Baseball" game. The winning team has bragging rights until the next game. Thank you so much.

To Lloyd Wudrick and Vic Zapf for cooking up the burgers so efficiently - a job well done.

To Gordon Urban who must have made many K's running with the food and to Paul Matlock who also made many trips on the golf cart delivering what was needed.

What a nice surprise when we heard music wafting through the campground, courtesy of Fay Buettner - what a nice touch. Thank you Fay.

To Vi Remenda, who each morning at the Field House, made sure the reply box was put out. Thank you to the staff member who put it away each day.

To Rolly, Vic, Gordon, Paul, Dolores, Carol-Lynne, Darlene who set up tables, and then put them away afterwards...thank you.

And we won't ever forget the ladies who always insist on doing the dishes - Dolores, Carol-Lynne, Darlene, and Marty - thank you too.

To Pat Auperle and Ritva Steuwe who cleaned off the tables - thank you

Vic Zapf and Cathy Matlock thank you for attending this event. Please spread the news that if you volunteer within the next twelve months you will be invited to attend the next CARG Volunteer BBQ.

Volunteers needed for CARG fee collections

Mary Green writes: Volunteers needed for CARG fee collections

When: The first Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the month
Time: Starting at 6:30 a.m. going until 10:30 a.m. 1 hour long shifts
Number of Volunteers: Four per shift would be nice
Please contact Mary Green at bmgreen@sasktel.net or 343-6552 or sign the list on the notice board at the field house

Don Campbell inducted into the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame

Everyone in CARG would like to congratulate Don Campbell on his induction into the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame (builder category). The induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 15th at the Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon. Tickets for the event will be $75.00 and are available for purchase from the Golf Saskatchewan website. Don was previously inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame in 2003