Health & Wellbeing

Health & Wellbeing Political 

Better days lie ahead for rural health care, minister says

Posted on: Staff Writer

GEORGE LEE MACLEOD GAZETTE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE Health-care understaffing, limited access to services and reduced emergency department hours — they’re features of rural life that Albertans should not be forced to endure, the health minister acknowledged Oct. 7. But Adriana LaGrange said her government is on the case through health-care delivery restructuring and a strategic document called Rural Health Care Action Plan … Read more…

First Responders Health & Wellbeing Local News 

Hospital receives chest compression system

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob VogtThe Claresholm General Hospital has received a new piece of valuable equipment that will benefit health care in the community.The LUCAS Chest Compression System arrived two weeks ago, and with staff trained last week, is already in use.Barry Arnestad, clinical nurse educator, said the new equipment is a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR device that allows nurses and doctors to … Read more…

Health & Wellbeing Recreation Safety 

Drowning deaths more common in the summer

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Justin Sibbet, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A warm day on the water can quickly become a worst nightmare in mere seconds, but mere seconds may also prevent such a catastrophe. Next week is National Drowning Prevention Week, with July 25 being recognized as World Drowning Prevention Day. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) theme this year for World Drowning Prevention Day … Read more…

Health & Wellbeing Political 

Alberta’s general surgery is at a tipping point, with lives on the line: AMA

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Mia Parker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter According to a July 8 Alberta Medical Association news conference, Alberta’s general surgeons are facing increasing human resources shortages, which are limiting their ability to provide urgent, life-saving care to patients. This news conference marked the start of the AMA’s general surgery information campaign, seeking to inform the public of the issues faced in … Read more…

Health & Wellbeing Political 

Albertans believe health care is in crisis, survey says

Posted on: Staff Writer

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…

Health & Wellbeing Local News Safety 

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Clear Lake

Posted on: Staff Writer

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…

Health & Wellbeing 

Advance Care Planning: Make a plan in five steps

Posted on: Staff Writer

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…