Albertans believe health care is in crisis, survey says

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A survey of Canadians’ health care concerns reveals nearly three-quarters of Canadians think health care in their province is in a state of crisis, and the majority think governments aren’t doing enough to fix workforce shortages. The poll was commissioned by the Canadian Health Coalition ahead of the annual meeting of the 13 provincial … Read more

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Clear Lake

By Rob VogtPeople who use Clear Lake, east of Stavely, are urged to be cautious, with a health advisory in effect for blue-green algae in the water.On July 12, Alberta Health Services announced blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom has been identified in the waters of Clear Lake. Residents living near the shores of this lake, as well as visitors to these … Read more

Advance Care Planning: Make a plan in five steps

By Alberta Health ServicesThere are five main steps to advance care planning. For an overview of these five steps, read the following information.Step 1Think about your values and goalsWhen you start making your advance care plan, think about what’s important to you (your values) and what’s right for you (your preferences) when you answer the questions below.There are no wrong … Read more

Garden series speaker discusses benefits of hügelkultur

By Rob VogtHügelkultur, the use of raised beds, was one of the topics at the first night of a gardening information series at the Claresholm Social Centre Monday night.A total of 14 people attended the May 6 event, which featured a presentation by Steve Redmond, an agricultural consultant.He grew up on a farm in Ontario, and earned a degree in … Read more

Province investing in EMS systems

By Steffanie Costigan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Alberta government announced on Thursday $35 million in funding over three years to assist with reducing emergency response times and support EMS workers.  “We will outline significant steps our government and partners are taking to enhance the emergency response capabilities and healthcare across Alberta, said Alberta Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange on Thursday … Read more

Revamped health advisory system gives voice to rural Albertans – minister

4/16/24By: George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Revamped advisory councils blanketing the province will help ensure that the government understands and addresses rural health-care challenges while improving service, the health minister said Monday. Rural Alberta will be heard through 13 new advisory councils – 12 regional and one Indigenous – that give traction to diverse concerns and ideas, said Adriana … Read more

Women and heart disease awareness evening offers wealth of information

By Rob VogtThe message was clear: women need to look out for each other and look after themselves.More than 60 women gathered at the Claresholm Social Centre on Saturday, Feb. 17, for a “Women and heart disease awareness evening” presented by the social centre and Mary Holgate.The evening featured a number of guest speakers covering various aspects of heart health.Heart … Read more