Province puts corporate pals ahead of pregnant women, NDP critic says

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A government serving corporate friends over everyday Albertans is putting pregnant women and their babies at unacceptable risk — especially those in rural and remote areas — an NDP shadow minister has charged. Rural hospital closures and doctor shortages are forcing pregnant women to travel hours for care and overwhelming health services in major … Read more

‘Dead children and youth are not red tape’: Bill changes death investigation requirements

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A new bill aimed at cutting red tape will relax the requirement that Alberta’s Office of the Child and Youth Advocate investigate deaths of all youth who received government intervention services. On Feb. 26, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally tabled Bill 38, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, in the … Read more

Women pack social centre to learn more about heart health

By Rob Vogt It was an evening to share information on heart health for women.Approximately 100 women turned out for the second annual Women and Heart Disease Information Night on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Claresholm Social Centre.Organizer Mary Holgate opened the evening by welcoming everyone and sharing her own personal story.She discussed having a heart attack and how its … Read more

Local boy battling rare genetic disease

By Rob Vogt Ataxia-telangiectasia, or A-T, is a rare progressive, genetic disease that affects the nervous system, immune system, and other body systems.There are only 500 documented cases in North America, and three children in Alberta.Children with A-T are in wheelchairs by age10, and rarely survive into their 20s.Local teen Alex Olive was diagnosed with A-T in 2011.His mother Crystal … Read more

Women and heart disease info night next week

By Rob Vogt It will be an evening of information for women on their heart and on how to stay healthy.The second annual Women and Heart Disease Information Night takes place next Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Claresholm Social Centre from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.Organizer Mary Holgate will start the evening at 6 p.m., sharing her story of the … Read more

Taking Off Pounds Sensibly chapter celebrates 20th anniversary

By Rob Vogt TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter Alberta 5256 will be celebrating an important milestone later this week.The chapter was organized on Nov. 16, 2004, with four members, and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.Currently, there are 24 members, and they still have one of the original charter members attending, Marilyn Heyland.She also celebrated her 30 years as a … Read more

Event raising awareness of blood, stem cell donation

By Rob Vogt It’s in you to give.For a long time that was the call to action to donate blood in Canada.Now, an event is being held in Stavely to renew that call and raise awareness of the need for Canadian Blood Services and stem cell donation.An old-fashioned Stavely dine and dance including a spaghetti supper will take over the … Read more