ECM - Mar/Apr 2014

Transcription

ECM - Mar/Apr 2014

ECM MarApr 2014 32pgs_Layout 1 2014-02-20 10:38 AM Page 1
EC
cover stories
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8
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Someone’s Miracle.
Someone’s Baby
THE Health Break ISSUE
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21
The Most Painful
‘F’ Word: Fat
DIY {YEG}!
3 Tips for Building
Strong Families
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10
11
12
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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/SALES DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Reeve
780.974.5355
chris@gryphonpublishing.ca
PRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gryphon Publishing Inc.
Healthy Snacks for
Food-Curious Kids
Letter from the Editor
health matters
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7
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kerri Leland
editor@edmontonschild.com
DESIGN/LAYOUT/ADVERTISING DESIGN . . . . Ardis Baldwin/Allykat Graphics
PRINTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transcontinental Printing
OUR COMMITMENT
Edmonton’s Child is funded and published solely through the support of our advertisers
and sponsors.They support us; please support them.With the support of our advertisers,
Edmonton’s Child is committed to sponsoring and supporting a variety of organizations
that help families in Edmonton.
If you would like information on advertising rates, or if you have some feedback, story ideas
or information for our calendar of events, we would like to hear from you.
Edmonton’s Child is published six times per year.You can find us at 300 locations
throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas.
The opinions expressed in this publication may not necessarily be those of the
publisher. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the express written
permission of the publisher. Edmonton’s Child is not responsible for unsolicited materials.
departments
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PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wendy Mueller
pubs_ec@telus.net
Slowing Down Supper
family matters
15
17
Life Cleaning
Insurance is Part of
Your Child’s Future
Dealing with Weight Issues
in Children and Teens
18
22
Eye Exams Test More
Than You Can See
community matters
Website Helps EdmontonArea Residents Find a PCN
Family Doctor
When to Call 911
24
28
31
The Greener Party
Who’s the Lazy One
Experience Edmonton
The Marketplace
Help is Just a
Phone Call Away
Protect Your Most Valuable
Asset: Your Health
The Link Between
Teeth and Bullying
education matters
26
Time Management Tips
for Parents
Looking for more of Edmonton’s Child Magazine? Visit us at
www.edmontonschild.com, follow us on Twitter, or like us on Facebook!
2 • Join us on Facebook and Twitter!
REACH US AT
Edmonton’s Child
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780.484.3360
Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@edmontonschild.com
Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.EdmontonsChild.com
Mailing Address:
Suite 369, 9768 - 170 St. , Edmonton, AB., T5T 5L4
Our Contributors
Judy Arnall
ATCO Blue Flame
Kitchen
Carrie Bradley
Dale Hemstalk
Kumon
Erin Mooney
Sara Murchison
Signature
Orthodontics
Teresa Osiowy
Dr. Aaron Patel
Andrea Phare
Sun Life Assurance
Company of Canada
RSA
Nancy Rose
Lynn Shafer
Melanie Watson
Stefanie Weiss
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Please go to EdmontonsChild.com
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COVER IMAGE
Elora, 6 years old.
Photo by
Karey Wood/Loft 50.
NEXT ISSUE: May/June will be our “Spring &
Camp Guides” issue. Deadline is April 2,
2014; distribution is scheduled to
begin on April 25, 2014.
EC
Find more at www.EdmontonsChild.com • 3
EC
Letter from the
L
ife. It’s sometimes challenging,
sometimes joyful, sometimes painful,
sometimes just plain old boring. At
times it’s even a bit too exciting, when you
could really go for a dose of boredom. But to
me, the one thing that life should always be is
celebrated.
We call this issue of Edmonton’s Child
Magazine the “Health Break” issue, but in
reality, by devoting this issue to health we’re
truly devoting this issue to celebrating
life...our own, and the lives of those we love.
editor:
special families who work with them. Take a
look ~ we know you’ll fall in love with these
great kids and the support that surrounds
them.
It’s not uncommon for the topic of weight
to creep up when talking about health. In this
issue we have a great article about dealing
with weight issues in children, as well as a
piece outlining the harmful effects of using
the word “fat”. On that note, be sure
to check out our healthy snack
recipes...introducing some fresh, fun food
ideas is a great way to get the whole family on
a healthy track!
usher you into springtime with nary a second
thought to what has felt like another endless
winter.
Now go and enjoy! Meet us back here in
May for some more spring fun and summer
camp excitement!
With warm, spring-like thoughts,
Kerri
By now you’ve seen the most beautiful
little six-year-old girl, Elora, on our cover.
Kerri Leland
With some great tips for spring cleaning
She’s just one of the special kids that
•
Editor-in-Chief
we’re celebrating in “Someone’s Miracle. your life, some fun Earth Day-themed party
Gryphon Publishing
Someone’s Baby” on page 5, a feature on the ideas and an easy but pride-inducing do-it- editor@edmontonschild.com
Edmonton Down Syndrome Clinic and the yourself project, we promise to do our best to
EC
health matters
Someone’s Miracle.
someone’s baby
By: Melanie Watson
W
hen we’re expecting a child, we cultivate hopes
and dreams for them, imagining the perfect life
they will be able to lead. We plan for their
education, both formal and extracurricular, we create a space
for them to grow in and we worry about what challenges they
may face.
Down syndrome (Ds) is the most prevalent of genetic
disorders, and the most visible. It can alter physical
characteristics like height, be demonstrated in facial features
and inhibit intellectual growth. “Children with Ds can be
very complex medically and neuro-developmentally,” shares
Dr. Melanie Lewis, primary paediatrician with the Edmonton
Down Syndrome Clinic, based in the Stollery Children’s
Hospital. These complexities require early intervention,
education and support, as well as life-long strategies.
Meeting the medical needs
“Our goal is to provide support across the lifespan. Our
clinic currently offers direct medical support for
children/young adults from 0 – 20 years,” said Dr. Lewis.
Beyond that, the clinic nurse coordinator, Gayle ParksKrupa, supports numerous family doctors to manage adults
with Ds with advice around routine surveillance, referrals,
and teaching around common issues experienced by adults
with Ds. The clinic, which is funded through Alberta Health
in partnership with the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society,
is the largest clinic in Canada, servicing Edmonton,
Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
Rylie
For Aimee and Richard, the
clinic has become almost a
second home. Their daughter
Rylie’s Ds diagnosis came two
weeks after she was born, when
genetic testing showed positive
for Trisomy 21. “At some point
shortly after that, someone told
us she would change our lives
and be so great for our family,”
shares Aimee.
Through developmental skill-building programs, speech,
behaviour and occupational therapies, education and
mentoring for parents and families, the society has created a
strong network of families and a community of information
sharing.
Elora
“My hopes and dreams for Amelia are that she leads a
happy, healthy meaningful life. I pray that the world treats her
with the respect and dignity that every person deserves, special
needs or not. Always remember when looking at a person with
a disability that they are someone's miracle, someone's baby.”
Melanie Watson is a marketing communications consultant, writer, and
most importantly, a mom to one amazing son.
EC
When Elora was born six
years ago, the EDS clinic wasn’t
yet in place, and Shelley and
Jason had to research on their
own the supports available to
them.
Edmonton Down Syndrome Clinic
Stollery Children’s Hospital
“When I learned that Elora
had Down syndrome, I felt like
Photo credit:
I couldn’t breathe,” shares
Robert Tinga Photography
Shelley Wywal, organizer of
Edmonton Down Syndrome
Society's Visiting Parents Team. “Every time I looked at her
I felt this combination of desolation, fear, sadness and
intense guilt for having those feelings. I loved Elora, yet I
wished that this had never happened and I was terrified of
what the future would bring. I didn’t even know where to
start, it was so overwhelming,” shares Shelley.
This type of honesty is rare for parents to share, yet, is a
key aspect why community assets like the Edmonton Down
Syndrome Society’s (EDSS) Visiting Parents Program are so
valued in the Down syndrome community. As the organizer,
Shelley works with her team to ensure that each family is
supported through information and sharing of personal
stories.
“Sometimes you can begin to tell someone about a
particular situation and they finish your sentence,” shares
Shelley. “However, when you try to explain how you are
feeling to a person with typical kids it can be really difficult.
They may not get what you mean or say something
accidently that makes you feel even worse.”
consultation
· Prenatal
sessions to learners (undergraduate and
· Education
postgraduate), community partners, schools,
·
·
·
·
A happy, healthy, meaningful life
Amelia
Photo provided by family
“The EDS clinic has provided everything we need for
Rylie,” says Aimee. “The support we receive from Dr. Lewis
and Gayle could not be matched by anyone else in this
world. They provide medical knowledge, but they also
provide us with the hug or laugh at the right moment.”
The list of the challenges faced by people with Ds can
seem endless and monumental: learning/developmental
disabilities, physical disabilities, increased risk of congenital
heart disease and more. Aimee and Richard are working to
meet every challenge with the right supports in place. “Any
bad moment can so easily be trumped by the half moons that
her eyes become as she smiles and melts your heart at the
same time,” says Aimee.
For Pam and Randy, parents
of 14-month-old Amelia, they
had many months to prepare for
Ds. “I knew early on in my
pregnancy that Amelia could
be born with one extra
chromosome and it does stop
you in your tracks,” shares Pam.
Amelia and her big
brother Casey
Edmonton Down Syndrome Society
9139-39 Avenue edss.ca
Parent Packages – Just starting out?
· New
Here is information for families of Ds
Programs – for newborns to adults, group
· Skills
classes designed to meet the social and
Photo credit: Gin Quist Photography
“We are big Oiler fans, spending time together as a family,
going to the library and definitely parks in the summer time.
We love going out to eat! Amelia’s big brother Casey's
favourite is Indian food! We love to travel to the States and
hope to resume that when some of Amelia's health concerns
subside.”
Building a supportive community
The EDSS is a member-based society, dedicated to
improving the lives of individuals born with Down syndrome
by providing opportunities and experiences for them to
learn, grow and strive for their individual potential in home,
school and community life from Edmonton and area
continuing to northern Alberta.
families, patients, and other health professionals
Navigational support and advocacy around
accessing community/educational resources and
funding
Provide up to date/evidence-based guidelines
around the appropriate medical surveillance across
the lifespan for individuals with Ds. Collaborative
research directly related to the Ds population
Direct and collaborative medical support/
surveillance to children and young adults up to the
age of 20 years including outpatient and inpatient
care
Liaise with various subspecialty and generalists to
manage the complex care of individuals with Ds
such as: cardiology, family physicians,
pediatricians, ENT, pulmonary, ophthalmology,
psychiatry, hematology, dentistry and
developmental specialists
She offers this advice to parents who are expecting a
child with Down syndrome: “Allow yourself to feel the grief
because if we are all being honest it’s not something anyone
expects to happen to them... But once that baby is in your
arms and you gaze into their beautiful innocent eyes, you fall
in love. You love them unconditionally and vow to do
anything and everything to help them succeed.”
·
·
·
·
developmental needs of our community
Speech, Behaviour and Occupational Therapy individual sessions
Visiting Parents Program – personal visits to
provide support and information
Learning Sessions – offered monthly, for families,
featuring a variety of topics and interests
Social Events – including fundraisers like the
Buddy Walk and Uniquely Me Fashion Show, and
community gatherings like the popular
Christmas party
health matters
EC
Slowing Down
supper
By: Sara Murchison
I
n our fast paced world, eating has become something we all
often do ‘on the go’. While the demands on our time with our
children seem to be increasing, family mealtimes should not be
put on the backburner.
After work and school, parents juggle commutes,
extracurricular activities, errands, homework and the list
goes on! Families do enjoy eating together, but as more and
more is crammed into the after school routine it is
challenging to find enough time to prepare food and sit down
together. When meals do occur they look nothing like what
is conveyed in commercials as parent’s patience are tested by
squabbling children or picky eaters.
For many families a sit down supper can feel like an uphill
battle. As a result the traditional family mealtime is
changing as more often family members are eating alone or
‘on the go’. While this seems more convenient, we need to
ask ourselves what our children missing by skipping family
meals. The answer to this question is complex because meals
are about more than eating. Meals help families create a
feeling of connectedness and offer a routine break from our
“go-go-go” way of life. Eating together provides time for
parents to pass along their values and culture, teach social
and mealtime skills and model healthy food choices. Regular
family mealtimes also play an important role in a child’s
health and wellbeing. A 2011 literature review by the
American College of Nurse Practitioners summarized that
the benefits of mealtimes are shown to be in children’s
vocabulary, academic success, healthy food selections,
positive values and avoidance of high-risk behaviours.
So. . . what can busy parents do to set up a successful
mealtime routine? Start by taking small steps towards
gathering around the table to eat. Here are some tried and
tested tips to get you started:
3
Find ways for everyone to contribute
Providing everyone with a responsibility helps reduce
the stress of preparing the meal alone. Have your children
involved in cooking, setting the table, or menu planning. In
a 2013 Canadian study published in the Journal of Nutrition
Education and Behaviour, Woodruff and Kirby demonstrated
that the confidence in cooking and preparing food of
children in Grades 4 to 8 was associated with more regular
family meals. So start them in the kitchen young by
encouraging their participation in simple, safe, and
supervised food preparation activities.
4
Teach mealtime rules
Openly discuss mealtime rules and model what you
expect. Praise your child when they follow a rule, and pick
your battles when it comes to reinforcing them.
The first few meals might be bumpy and that is okay!
Regular family mealtimes contribute to your child’s
wellbeing, so don’t give up when you get an eye roll from
your teenager or a protest when the television is turned off.
With time and practice you might be surprised by how much
your family enjoys this time of day!
Sara Murchison is a pediatric occupational therapist who has worked in the
Edmonton area for six years supporting children with disabilities to
participate meaningfully in community, school and family life. She is
passionate about mealtime issues, and has advanced feeding training.
Keep the conversation flowing
Ask open ended questions and keep the conversation
light. Avoid using the meal to discipline or discuss
challenging topics.
EC
6
Reduce distractions
The biggest thing you can do to minimize mealtime
distractions and fuel the conversation is to turn off all screens
and puts phones on silent .
7
Plan for pickiness
If your child does not want to eat what you prepare – it
is okay! Pressure to eat is counterproductive and often results
in the child eating less. Instead, playfully show your child
how to explore a new food through smelling, touching,
licking or nibbling. Children need repeated “taste-tests”
before they will add it to their diet. Parents of picky eaters
feel like short order cooks. To avoid this, make one meal
where the ingredients can be separated to everyone’s liking.
This is less exhausting and time consuming than making
separate meals, but requires more planning.
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Develop a family mealtime schedule
Start by finding one or two weekdays where you have
20 to 30 minutes to sit together for a snack, simple supper or
bowl of cereal before bed. Let everyone know about the meal
ahead of time and give a countdown to when it will begin.
Be creative with your ‘to go’ habits
If you aren’t going to be home for a meal, make the
most of the time you have to together on the road. Try a
picnic on the soccer field or parking the car to eat fast food.
Menu planning
Meal preparation is something a lot of parents would
like to change. Planning quick weekday meal ideas before
you go to the grocery store and keeping recipes simple will
help the supper hour crunch feel less stressful.
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EC
health matters
Dealing with
weight issues
in Children and Teens
By: Andrea Phare
E
very parent wants their child to be healthy and happy.
Yet it can be difficult to begin discussions around a
child’s weight issue due to concerns about impacting
his/her self-esteem. Still, the number of overweight children
and teens continues to increase and has tripled over the past
three decades in Canada. In 2004, 18 per cent of children
and adolescents in Canada aged 2 to 17 years were
considered overweight, and eight per cent were obese.
What does it mean to be overweight?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a ratio that compares weight to
height. It is important to measure weight and height at least
once a year to make sure your child is growing in a healthy
way. A child with a BMI above the 85 percentile is generally
considered overweight.
If your child registers a high BMI for his/her age, your
health care provider may perform further assessments,
including evaluations of diet, physical activity, family
history, and other health screenings for common medical
conditions that can be associated with excess weight and
obesity.
What health concerns are associated with carrying
excess weight as a child or teen?
When a child’s BMI exceeds the 85th percentile, he/she
is more susceptible to a number of health risks, including:
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Liver disease
• Joint problems like osteoarthritis and back pain
• Some types of cancer
Andrea Phare is the Communications Coordinator at Sherwood ParkStrathcona County Primary Care Network. The Primary Care Initiative
(PCI) works to improve access to family physicians and other frontline
health care providers in Alberta by developing and supporting local
Primary Care Networks (PCNs). For more information, visit
www.sherwoodparkpcn.com.
EC
What are the typical causes of weight gain?
Understanding how weight is gained is an important step
toward breaking the trend. Most cases of overweight children
are caused by eating too much and exercising too little.
While children need enough food to support healthy growth
and development, weight gain will result when they take in
more calories than they burn throughout the day.
The following factors contribute to the growing
imbalance between calories in and calories out:
• Busy families are cooking less and eating out more.
• Easy access to cheap, high-calorie fast food and junk food.
• Food portions are bigger than they used to be, both in
restaurants and at home.
• Kids spend less time actively playing outside, and more
time watching TV, playing video games, and sitting at
the computer.
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health matters
EC
The Most Painful
A music program for the whole family!
Come and join us for a music-filled morning
with your child! (Ages 6 m - 5 yrs)
‘f ’ word: fat
•
•
•
•
By: Stefanie Weiss
P
arents have a new "F" word to banish in the house - the
word fat. Although we all laugh at our kids dressing up
in mommy's clothes, or repeating mommy's sentences,
this cute monkey-see monkey-do behaviour can have serious
implications when it comes to body image.
Saying the "F" word to your daughter can be extremely
harmful. "Fat talking" about yourself, your friend, a spouse, or
your child is very negative exposure to kids. We want to talk
as positive around our daughters (and sons for that matter) as
possible.
Saying "I'm fat" is teaching kids they can do the same.
Kids emulate their parents and if a parent vocalizes
negatively his or her weight, chances are their child will
wind up doing the same.
Often, people who throw around the "F" word are not
even overweight. Complaining about being "fat," especially
when you are not, teaches kids that it’s OK to say you’re "fat"
for attention, boredom, or lack of self esteem - even when
there is no weight issue.
Children want to be just like their parents when they are
older. If they constantly hear their parents talk about
themselves negatively, they will start to think that they will
be "fat" one day too.
By introducing the word "fat" to our kids we are now
teaching them to view their peers a certain way, and if they
are overweight what will they think of them? It is setting
them up for a lifetime of judging people based on their looks.
If you want to talk to kids about "healthy eating" or living
a healthy lifestyle, talk about things such as exercise, healthy
choices, fruits and veggies, but NOT the F word.
Stefanie Weiss is a mental health consultant and mother of three
specializing in OCD, Anxiety, ADHD, PANDAS, and other related
mental health disorders. For more information, visit askstefanie.com.
EC
Instrumental exploration
Songs & Finger plays
Craft, Play & Story Time
Rhythm & Movement
For registration and more information
please visit our website at
www.edmontonpreschoolmusic.com
contact Joy at 780-467-0395.
EC
more than you can see
Outside of routine eye exams, children at this age often
see their optometrist for eye infections. Itchy, painful or
swollen eyes are all common signs of an infection. If caught
early, your optometrist can limit the spread of infection, and
ward off more serious complications. Some of the most
common infections are caused from blocked tear ducts or
conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye.
A comprehensive eye exam
performed by a doctor of
optometry can reveal telling
changes about your health.
By: Dr. Aaron Patel
A
s we age, our health can be both a reward and a
challenge.
Whether you’re active or idle, entering your 20s or
leaving your 60s, there are steps you can take to maintain
your best possible eye health as you get older.
INFANTS AND TODDLERS
Even as an infant, regular visits to the optometrist are
important. Infants love to look at lights which makes the eye
exam easy. Optometrists recommend children have their first
eye exam at six months of age and then annually until
they’re adults.
During your child’s first eye exam, a doctor of optometry
assesses your child’s visual abilities, ensuring the eyes are
properly aligned, free of congenital cataracts and developing
normally. Optometrists also look to detect and treat eye
SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN
Eye health takes on added importance when your child
enters the classroom. A school-age child’s eyes are constantly
in use and if visual skills are lacking or impaired, your child
will need to work harder to concentrate and learn.
At this age, optometrists look for eye conditions such as
myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and
astigmatism. As a parent, it’s difficult to know how well your
child can see and many of these conditions go undetected
without an eye exam. In many cases, a child can have a
dominant eye, which can easily mask a vision problem.
To ensure your child can see clearly, optometrists
recommend they have an eye exam each year they’re in
school.
ADULTS
For adults, an annual eye exam is an important part of
maintaining your overall health and a necessary step in
slowing the progression of aging eyes.
During your exam, your optometrist will look for the
onset of age related conditions. Diabetic retinopathy,
glaucoma, retinal detachment, cataracts and age-related
macular degeneration, are all conditions that can be better
treated with early detection. Even the common nuisance of
dry, itchy eyes can be effectively managed with simple,
routine visits to your optometrist. Other health conditions
may warrant more frequent examination such as adults who
have diabetes or glaucoma.
As our eyes age, questions and issues emerge that need
answers and solutions. It’s important to remember that eye
exams are not just about getting new glasses, but about caring
for and protecting the most valuable sense we have - sight.
Common signs and symptoms of a vision problem
include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Headaches or irritability
Avoidance of near or distance work
Covering or rubbing of the eyes
Tilting of the head or unusual posture
Using a finger to maintain place while reading
Losing place while reading
Omitting or confusing words when reading
Performing below their potential
Dr. Aaron Patel is an Optometrist at the Alberta Eye Clinic and the
President of the Alberta Association of Optometrists. For more
information, visit www.optometrists.ab.ca.
EC
We are currently seeking women
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780-492-0642
health matters
Eye Exams Test
conditions, such as strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia
(lazy eyes), before irreversible damage is done.
health matters
EC
Website Helps
edmonton-area
Residents Find a
PCN Family Doctor
I
n response to the growing need to connect patients to a
family physician, eight Edmonton-area Primary Care
Networks (PCNs) have teamed up to develop the Find a
PCN Family Doctor website. This mobile-friendly website
provides the public with an up-to-date and comprehensive list
of all PCN member physicians in the Edmonton area who are
accepting new patients. The user friendly website,
www.edmontonareadocs.ca, is updated quarterly. PCN doctors
can be searched in several different ways, such as the Edmonton
and area map, postal code, gender, location, and language.
As of January 2014, there were 176 Edmonton-area PCN
family physicians accepting new patients. Since the website
was launched in June 2012, there have been over 54,000
unique visitors to the site with an average of 4,700 visitors
each month.
patients. A PCN is not necessarily a bricks and mortar
building – it is a network of doctors and other health
providers such as nurses, dietitians, mental health
professionals, therapists, pharmacists and others working
together to provide primary health care to patients.
The eight Edmonton-area Primary Care Networks
behind this project are:
• Alberta Heartland Primary Care Network
• Edmonton Oliver Primary Care Network
• Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network
• Edmonton West Primary Care Network
• Edmonton North Primary Care Network
• Westview Primary Care Network
• Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network
• Sherwood Park Strathcona County Primary Care
Network
This past summer, the Find a PCN Family Doctor website
was awarded a second place Hygeia award in the website
category by the Health Care Public Relations Association.
This acclaimed awards program recognizes excellence in
Canadian healthcare communications.
The Find a PCN Family Doctor website recently
launched a Facebook page as another means of
communicating with the public. The Facebook page will
share updates on the number of PCN family doctors
accepting in each area, PCN related events and other
healthcare related information. Please search for
edmontonareadocs.ca on Facebook and “like” the page.
What are Primary Care Networks?
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are a made-in-Alberta
approach to improving access to and better coordination of
care for patients across the province. In a PCN, a group of
family doctors working with a multidisciplinary team and
Alberta Health Services coordinate health services for
A PCN can be comprised of one clinic with many
physicians and support staff, or several doctors in several
clinics in a geographic area. Each network has the flexibility
to develop programs and to provide services in a way that
works locally to meet the specific needs of patients. This is
done within the provincial Primary Care Initiative
framework.
This flexibility to develop local solutions to local health
issues makes each PCN unique and encourages the PCN
team to focus on the needs of the local patient population.
There are over 40 PCNs operating throughout Alberta with
more in development. More than 2,800 family physicians in
Alberta are working in PCNs.
Further information about PCN's in Alberta can be found
at www.albertapci.ca.
Why is it important to have a family doctor? Family
doctors provide continuity of care. Building a relationship
with a family physician means he or she understands your
health background and issues. Many years of research
demonstrate patients who have a strong, continuous
relationship with one family physician have better overall
health outcomes than those who see multiple physicians.
EC
No Need to Pass the Gravy
Turkey Bolognese
INGREDIENTS
4 Tbsp (60 mL)
3 Tbsp (45 mL)
½ tsp (2.5 mL)
1 Tbsp (15 mL)
3 cloves
1 medium
1 lb (454 g)
6 slices
1 ½ cups (375 mL)
1 cup (250 mL)
½ cup (125 mL)
1 cup (250 mL)
½ cup (125 mL)
olive oil
dried oregano
dried chili flakes
dried basil
garlic, finely chopped
onion, finely diced
ground turkey
turkey bacon, diced
carrots, peeled & diced
fennel, diced
celery, diced
button mushrooms,
quartered
green bell pepper,
diced
2 -796 ml (28 oz) cans
3 Tbsp (45 mL)
¼ cup (125 mL)
2 tsp (10 mL)
1 tsp (5 mL)
Italian tomatoes, crushed
tomato paste
2% milk
salt
freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
In a large soup pot, brown dried spices in olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until
translucent. Add ground turkey and turkey bacon, crumbling with a wooden spoon as it browns. Add carrots,
fennel, celery, mushrooms and green pepper, and sauté along with meat until evenly cooked. Add canned
tomatoes and gently break apart with spoon until evenly mixed with turkey and vegetables, then add tomato
paste and let simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in milk and cook for another 10 minutes. Taste, and add salt and pepper
to taste. Cover sauce and let stand off the heat for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the tomato
sauce to thicken as it cools down. Toss with cooked pasta and serve with grated parmesan cheese.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
•
•
•
•
•
Per serving
Calories: 401
Protein: 29 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Serves: 4-6
Visit www.albertaturkey.com
for ideas on how to incorporate
turkey into everyday meals.
EC
call 911
For women, symptoms tend to be back or jaw pain;
difficulty breathing; nausea or dizziness; unexplainable
anxiety or fatigue; mild flu-like symptoms; palpitations, cold
sweats or dizziness. Triggers tend to be different between the
sexes, too. In women, it’s often stress; in men, it’s physical
exertion.
By: Dale Hemstalk
• Symptoms of a heart attack: Men and women
frequently report different symptoms. Men tend to have the
“classic” signs, such as pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in
the center of the chest that goes away and comes back; pain
that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms; chest discomfort
with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness
of breath.
• Symptoms of a stroke: There are clear, telltale
characteristics of a stroke, including sagging on one side of
the face, an arm that’s drifting down and garbled speech. But
there are also more subtle signs from the onset, such as
sudden numbness of one side of the body, including an arm,
leg and part of the face; sudden confusion, trouble speaking
and understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both
eyes; sudden loss of balance; sudden headache for no
apparent reason. Risk factors include diabetes, tobacco use,
hypertension, heart disease, a previous stroke, irregular
heartbeat, obesity, high cholesterol and heavy alcohol use.
• Symptoms of heart failure: This is not the same as a
heart attack, which occurs when a vessel supplying the heart
muscle with oxygen and nutrients becomes completely
blocked. Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart
can’t pump properly, which may be due to fluid in the lungs.
Warning signs include shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen
ankles, chest congestion and an overall limitation on
activities. Just one of these symptoms may not be cause for
alarm; but more than one certainly is. Risk factors include
various heart problems, serious viral infections, drug or
alcohol abuse, severe lung disease and chemotherapy.
At no point should anyone be discouraged from calling
911; the bottom line is, if you feel it’s an emergency and you
need to call 911, call 911!
Dale Hemstalk has been providing emergency care for over 20 years.
During his tenure in EMS, Hemstalk has been an educator, Paramedic
Preceptor and Field Training Officer. Working for government agencies
and private companies alike, Hemstalk relies on his experiences to help
design product features that improve efficiency, speed and accuracy while
keeping the field provider’s needs his highest priority.
EC
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health matters
When to
health matters
EC
Protect Your Most
valuable asset:
Your Health
By: Kerri Leland
W
hether you’re a new parent or have young
children, there’s nothing more important than
taking care of your family’s health. A health
benefit plan helps you do just that by providing practical
everyday benefits to help you and your family maintain your
health, while providing valuable protection against the high
cost of an unexpected illness, accident or medical condition.
It’s important to know, however, that you don’t have to
be an employee of a large organization to have a health
benefit plan. Whether you’re self-employed, on contract,
working part-time or have retired early, benefit carriers, such
as Alberta Blue Cross, offer a range of both medically
underwritten and guaranteed-issue individual health plan
options for you and your family that meet every budget and
lifestyle.
Singh emphasizes that without coverage, an ambulance
trip or dental emergency could cost between $200 and
$2,000, an early discharge from hospital could cost hundreds
or even thousands of dollars for prescription drugs and
developing a medical condition could require expensive
long-term medication. He encourages people to apply for
coverage while they are healthy to ensure they qualify
regardless of future medical conditions.
“Our individual health plans provide coverage for
prescription drugs, dental and vision care, ambulance trips
and much more,” says Nirmal Singh of Alberta Blue Cross
Individual Products. “These plans also provide the peace of
mind of knowing you and your family members are protected
in case of an unexpected illness or medical condition that
could otherwise cost thousands of dollars.”
Coverage and benefits vary depending on which plan is
chosen. He also points out that many people are surprised
that individual health plans aren’t as costly as they imagine.
“When you consider what you would pay without a plan for
out-of-pocket expenses like prescriptions and dental care,
and combine that with the tax savings, a plan is a lot more
affordable than you might think,” Singh says.
Because premiums qualify as a medical expense, adding
them to other medical expenses when calculating personal
income tax credits or claiming them as a business expense
(where applicable) can provide significant income tax
savings of up to 45 per cent of the premium cost.
So what happens if down the road you secure employersponsored group benefits? “If you join an employer group
plan sometime in the future, our portability option lets you
hold on to your individual health plan for a small fee, then
resume coverage in the future, without medical review,” says
Singh. “An individual health plan can provide great peace of
mind knowing your family will be protected even if your
health status changes over time.”
EC
EC
health matters
The Link
between
Members of the AAO panel have found that early
orthodontic treatment of a child being bullied can have a
major beneficial psychological effect. According to Dr.
Michael Ragan, one of the most probable overlooked areas of
research in orthodontics today is the psychological effects on
a child with severe crowding and overbite. Early treatment is
one of the most beneficial things for a young child’s selfesteem.
Teeth and Bullying
Submitted By: Signature Orthodontics
A
new study was published in the December 2013 issue
of the American Journal of Orthodontics stating
that unattractive teeth in 11-12-year-olds may be
linked to bullying. The study, which was conducted among
sixth-grade students, reveals a large percentage of children
experienced bullying as a result of dental or facial
appearance. Teeth were the number one targeted physical
feature to increase a child’s chance of being bullied, followed
by the child’s strength and weight.
A panel of 12 orthodontists agreed with the findings of the
study and reported that they have treated many young patients
who were teased and even bullied because of their teeth.
According to the study, the four most commonly reported
facial features targeted by bullies were spaces between the
teeth, missing teeth, the shape or colour of the teeth and
prominent or protruding upper front teeth.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the
experience of bullying among a sample of school children.
They then looked at the effect of bullying on school
attendance and the perceived school performance. They also
looked at the general physical and facial features of the
children and how they related to bullying.
It has been stated that it is common to see a patient’s selfesteem and self-confidence improve while the patient is in
orthodontic treatment and even more when their braces are
removed after treatment is completed.
In the study, nearly half of the students reported being
bullied. Teeth were identified as the number one problem by
the students they surveyed, and 50 per cent of the victims
also recognized teeth as a cause of bullying. Gender was not
a contributing factor.
Orthodontists have long been aware of the relationship
between serious dental problems and self-esteem, no matter
the age of the patient. Dr Gayle Glenn, president of the
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states that a
person’s smile is very important in communication and
personal relationships. Teeth are very noticeable, so when
they are poorly aligned, this can be an easy target for teasing
or bullying. Parents will often tell the doctor that their child
is being “teased” about the appearance of his/her teeth.
Dr. Gayle Glenn states that not all children are candidates for “early
orthodontic treatment” as sometimes the problem is part of the normal
process of tooth eruption. Reassurance is often helpful in these cases. The
Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have a
check-up by an orthodontist no later than age 7 to determine if and when
orthodontic treatment will be needed.
For more information about Signature Orthodontics,
www.signatureorthodontics.com or call (780) 456-1511.
visit
EC
HORSE BACK RIDING SUMMER CAMPS
Week Long Day Camps
15 mins. East of Edmonton
780.922.6483
www.edmontonridinglessons.com
EC
EC
By: Judy Arnall
S
pring is here! And you know what that means! Yes, it’s
time for spring-cleaning! Time to clean out the winter
dirt from our houses, and let in the sunshine and fresh
air! We are making room for good things to come: the warm
weather, long lazy days and relaxing times with our friends
and family.
But why wait for spring? And why should we limit springcleaning to our houses? We can do LIFE CLEANING and we
can start anytime. Life cleaning is about making room in our
lives so we can concentrate our time and energy for those
things that are important to us. There are three areas we
need to look at when we are life cleaning. They are the
people in our live, the obligations in our lives, and the
material matter, or what I call, stuff, we have in our lives.
Let’s look at people first. We need to examine all the
relationships in our lives and prioritize and redirect our
energies to those relationships that give us joy. Now, I’m not
saying that you have to dump your spouse because he annoys
you from time to time. I’m saying that we need to look at the
equity in your relationships. All give and all take is not
healthy for you or the other person. It’s not fair to you when
you give 95 per cent and receive 5 per cent back. We have to
reevaluate those ties we are maintaining only out of a sense
of obligation and duty.
family matters
Lifecleaning
For example, when Aunt Martha calls (and we all have
someone like Aunt Martha in our lives) and complains for
two hours daily, about her aches and pains and all the bad
things that have happened to her and everything that’s gone
wrong in her life, and she spends five minutes listening to
how you are. You can feel the life energy being sucked right
out of you, and you hang up feeling drained. Put a boundary
there. Give Aunt Martha 5 minutes of your most focused,
empathetic listening and then say, “Sorry, I have to go now”.
Remember, moods are contagious. Try to associate with
positive people and you will have a more positive outlook on
life. When we surround ourselves with people who nurture
us, they feed our ability to nurture others. Remember, drop
the “I should” and “I ought to”. Focus on the people in your
life that really matter to you. Who do you want to make more
room in your life for?
Next, let’s look at obligations. Again, prioritizing and
redirecting where your energy will go. You should love your
work 80 per cent of the time, and if not, redirect your
energies to what you really want to be doing. If you had five
years left to live, would you be doing what you are doing
today? A friend once told me that you should find out what
you love to do and then find someone to pay you to do it. If
you can, turn a hobby into a business.
As for leisure time, again, drop the “shoulds” and “ought
to” and cut down on your commitments. When we are
rushing from activity to activity, we become stressed and lose
our patience. Who do we take it out on? We take it out on
the people closest to us, usually our children and partner. It
occurred to me one day while serving a fast food lunch to
four kids in the back of the van. I was in the car swerving on
the down a fast boulevard with the fries flying in the back
seat. You could have heard me yelling in the other corner of
the city when the ketchup dripped all over the upholstery.
Learn to say “No”. When you do add a new activity, drop
one you are no longer as much interested in, so you keep a
flow through calendar rather than just adding and adding.
We need reflection time and downtime as much as we need
activity to keep balance in our lives. What do you want to
make more room for?
The final area to look at is material matter. No, you don’t
have to get rid of everything, as my husband often fears! Just
prioritize and redirect your stuff. If you move to a bigger
house, you will just collect more stuff. If you buy more storage
bins, you will just collect more stuff.
Have you ever come home from an exhausting day at
work and seen dirty dishes, socks, papers, mail, newspapers,
keys, cards, toys, sports equipment strewn all over the
horizon of your house. Does this sight fuel your energy level
or drain it? Don’t you just feel like walking right back out the
door?
We have too much stuff. The solution? Stop at the source
– stop buying it! Imagine it as old and dusty while still in the
store, because that’s the way it’s going to look in a few
months in your house. Do you really want to buy it? Will
your life be that much better if you own it? Can you borrow
it when you need it or rent it?
continued on next page...
family matters
EC
Life cleaning...
continued from page 15.
Remember, The more gadgets you have, the more time,
money and energy it takes to have to shop, clean, insure,
maintain, store, move, and dispose of them.
I use the two-year rule: if you didn’t use it in the last two
years, chances are you are never going to use it. Consider
disposal: garage sale, trash bin, or pass along to someone who
will love and enjoy it as much as you did.
Stop buying those Storage containers that just move
everything around and get to a library where there are many
wonderful books on the psychological reasons why we hold
on to our junk and clutter. Don’t do your whole house in one
day. Start with a drawer and keep going, by doing a little
drawer, closet or room every week. Then start a plan to keep
it up on a regular basis. Some people have a little box by
their door, so whenever visitors leave they have an option to
pick anything out of the box they might need in their house.
Saves transporting to the dump, recycle bins and then you
know that the person truly wants the item rather than
having you foist bags on them.
I’m a sentimental person and I like to keep everything.
But I’ve learned that memories are held in the head and the
heart, not in material things. We can learn to keep the love,
and let go of the stuff.
Follow Edmonton’s
Child on Twitter
Where do you want more space for your life?
Do some serious life cleaning and you will reap the benefits:
more time and energy for the people you love, things you love
to do and more space to do it in. Feel the exhilaration, the
sense of freedom, the enjoyment of a lighter load!
@edmontonschild
as we tweet about fun family events,
products and contests!
SPRING IS HERE! START YOUR LIFE CLEANING
TODAY!
Judy Arnall is a professional international award-winning Parenting
Speaker, and Trainer, Mom of five children, and author of the best-selling,
“Discipline Without Distress: 135 tools for raising caring, responsible
children without time-out, spanking, punishment or bribery” She
specializes in “Parenting the Digital Generation”. For more information,
visit www.professionalparenting.ca, call (403) 714-6766, or email
jarnall@shaw.ca.
EC
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family matters
Insurance
is a part of
Your Child’s Future
insurance policies, the guaranteed insurability benefit gives
her six opportunities to buy $150,000 of additional
insurance, and her age or health won't be a factor.
Submitted By: Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
Could my daughter become uninsurable in the future?
Sadly, yes. A common obstacle to buying life insurance is
a medical condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or HIV.
It's possible that some day, my child might not be able to get
life insurance because of a health condition. Even if she's
accepted, the bigger the risk, the higher the premium she'll
have to pay.
A
s I weigh the pros and cons of buying life insurance
for my little girl, I'm thinking about the life
insurance policy that my dad bought for me when I
was still in diapers.
He must have spent considerable time collecting
information before making such an important decision that
over time proved to be very beneficial to me.
The hobbies and adventures my child chooses to pursue
may make her ineligible for insurance.
I think I had better follow his example and learn all I can
about the subject, and in particular, what kind of benefits it
can and can't deliver.
If my daughter decides to race motorcycles or if she takes up
sky diving or scuba diving, insurers will consider her as a higher
risk. However, if the policy I buy for my child has guaranteed
insurability, she won't be penalized for being adventurous.
This is what I have discovered, and if you're considering
buying life insurance for your child or children, you might
want to ask yourself some of these same questions and
consider the possible benefits.
What's the financial benefit of buying insurance now?
As I'm quickly finding out, babies grow up fast, and one
day she may want her own life insurance policy, especially if
she has her own family.
"Insurability” What is it and why do I need it?
Guaranteed insurability allows my child to buy more life
insurance at specified times up to her 45th birthday, no
matter what her health, occupation or lifestyle may be. This
ensures she'll have access to additional insurance, even
though she may become otherwise uninsurable. With some
Insurance advisors will tell you to "buy it now and save."
Buying a permanent insurance policy now means that
premiums will be paid over a longer period, but my daughter
will pay less if she takes over the policy when she becomes an
adult. Any insurance advisor can show you the difference
between premium costs at age zero and costs at the age of 25.
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Another possibility for providing protection for my child
is the child term attachment. It insures my daughter under
my policy, allowing me to include my entire family when I
make my personal insurance decisions. Child term is a good
option, since it has built-in guaranteed insurability. It's also
good for people who are uncomfortable having large amounts
of insurance on their children.
With permanent life insurance policies (whole life and
universal life), a cash value can provide a fund to draw on for
future opportunities.
Premiums paid into a permanent life insurance policy build
up equity in the form of cash value. I remember borrowing
$1,000 on the policy my dad bought for me. I put the money
back into the policy a little while later. The cash value of the
policy is an asset that helped me establish credit, helping me
to get a down payment from a bank for my first car.
In a way, though he didn't know it, my dad started my
financial program way back in 1960. Just as I did with my
policy, my daughter might want to use her policy's cash value
to borrow money to pay for school supplies or cover an
emergency expense. The borrowed money would also help
her take the important step of establishing credit.
The cash value also ensures her policy will remain in
force if, at some point in the future, I'm unable to make
premium payments.
What if the unthinkable happens?
As much as my wife and I avoid talking about life
insurance for our little girl, realistically we have to admit
that if something happens, our family income levels would be
seriously affected. One of our first needs would be to take
time off work, likely for an extended period. My wife is selfemployed and wouldn't have paid bereavement time from a
company. The proceeds from life insurance would help.
I've weighed the pros and cons and I'm convinced that I'll
buy insurance for my daughter. One last thing to do, though:
I must call my financial advisor to find out if I have missed
or forgotten something. I want to make sure my decision is
based on all the facts, including the benefits and the risks.
My dad wasn't a financial genius (and neither am I), but
he made a wise choice that paid benefits. He'd be proud that
I'm following in his footsteps!
© Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2014
EC
family matters
EC
EARTH DAY
The Greener
party
2014
APRIL
22nd
A Great Way to
Celebrate Earth Day!
By: Teresa Osiowy
Y
ou love your kids. You love your planet. Nothing can
bring those two realities into conflict like the birthday
party experience. Never before have parents had so
much conflicting advice at hand to help them endlessly
second guess their every move as parents. When I find
myself waffling, I ask myself “How will this impact my
children long term?” The answer to that can be hard to
know. This I do know. The example I set for them about
caring for others and the planet when they are small will
shape how they do this once they’re grown. It could be the
best gift, birthday or otherwise, that they’ll ever receive.
So, if you’re ready to take a first step toward greener parties
for a healthier planet, here are 10 ideas to get you started:
Celebrate nature - Children who have memorable
early experiences in nature are more likely to grow to
be great stewards of the world around them. With this
in mind you might choose an activity that helps instill a love
for nature. An easy way to do this is to plan a nature
scavenger hunt in a natural area near your home. A program
at the Devonian Botanical Gardens, a hike and picnic at
Mill Woods Park, and tobogganing at Gallagher Park are all
great ways to party outside. With older kids, an energetic
game of Capture the Flag or a hike at Elk Island National
Park will make for an unforgettable celebration.
1
Nurture Your Young Animal Lover - Is your young
one gifted with a love of animals? Why not take
advantage of the birthday party opportunities
available at pet stores, John Janzen Nature Centre, the
Edmonton Valley Zoo or the Humane Society? Or, if you
prefer, you might choose to create your own animal- lover
birthday party by hosting it at a non-commercial farm or
ranch or even at home using an animal theme designed with
or by your kids.
2
Think Globally, Act Locally - This simple message
has great power to change the world that we live in.
Why not make this your party-theme? Hosting at
home or at a venue located within close range of most guests
reduces the environmental impact of driving. Serve food that
has been grown or produced locally. Invite guests to join in
on the theme by giving locally made gifts. Though reducing
the environmental impact of just one birthday party may
appear insignificant, raising the awareness level of a group of
young friends can have a lasting influence on how they
choose to live in the future.
3
Use What You Can Reuse - While we are all familiar
with the slogan “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”, it’s easy to
lose sight of the fact that the most effective way to
help our planet is the first action in the slogan: REDUCE.
We have become a society that consumes disposables. In
doing so, we consume precious resources of water and energy
and add waste products to our world at an alarming rate.
One easy change we can make is to hang onto the kids’
plastic dishes once they’ve outgrown them and re-purpose
them as party and picnic dishes. Nothing is easier than filling
a green grocery bin or laundry basket with dishes, a couple
colourful cloth tablecloths, cloth napkins and the rest of the
party gear and heading off to your venue. Once home, it’s just
a quick load of the dishwasher for you instead of another load
for the landfill. Learning to use what we already have at
hand saves money and the environment
4
Replace Responsibly - If you must invest in party
dishes and other party gear, this is a great time to
switch to items that are made from bamboo or other
reusable, sustainable materials and that are biodegradable
once they wear out. Dishes and linens made from natural
materials are beautiful, elegant and are a treat to the senses
of both young and old.
5
Gifts that give twice - Do you regularly find yourself
hosting ridiculously large birthday parties complete
with overwhelming mounds of gifts? If so, this idea
may be for you. It’s becoming so popular, in fact, I’d venture
to call it a trend. One of the best ways to reduce the
environmental impact of a birthday party is to ask for
charitable donations in lieu of gifts. It may sound crazy the
first time you hear of it. Here’s how it works. With your child,
select a cause that you care about and would like to
contribute to. You may or may not decide to set a fundraising
goal. If you do, be sure to keep it very attainable, after all,
this isn’t about creating pressure on you or your child. Decide
if you’d like to set it up through a business that specializes in
facilitating birthday party charitable donations and can
organize a mini campaign for you or if you’d prefer to set it up
on your own. If setting it up on your own, you may choose
to have your child sign up as a fundraiser for a specific charity
(our son continues to fundraise for the Stephen Lewis
Foundation two years after his “donations in lieu of gifts”
party) or just collect donations from guests and make one
lump sum donation to your cause. One perk of using the
services of a business that runs your mini-campaign is that,
often times, part of the money donated by guests goes toward
the cause your child selects and part goes toward a
meaningful gift for your child, an effective compromise. It’s
important to be sensitive and consider carefully whether
your child is ready for ‘no gifts’ or even reduced gifts. For
children who are ready, helping out with a cause they care
about can be an empowering experience as they learn that
they can use their own resources to make a significant
difference in the world. Gifts that save on the environment
while helping out a cause you believe in... give twice!
6
Tree-lovers’ Invites - Looking for other simple ways
to reduce your party footprint? It’s easy to send invites
electronically using social media, or create your own
using online resources and email those that you can, only
printing paper invites for those guests who you can’t reach
online, in person or by telephone.
7
Yards of Cards - Reduce, reuse, and recycle doesn’t have
to be limited to those occasions that you host. A small
change of habit multiplied by a huge number of party
guests equals an enormous change over time. As you have no
doubt noticed, cards are big business and the number of life
events ‘requiring’ a card multiplies each year. Here too, many
people are choosing to send e-cards to help the environment. Is
your intention for adding a birthday card to a gift just to label
the gift? Well then, label the gift by writing the To and From
right on the wrap or taping it to the bag. Alternately, create a
small slip of a card or make a crafty card from recycled items. My
personal favorite card reducing tip is the tradition that my
grandmother and her sister had of sending the same birthday
card back and forth to each other over a period of many years.
Though more of a testament to their sense of humour, today it’s
also an environmentally savvy way to reduce the amount of
paper, ink and by-products that we process.
Rethinking Loot Bags - Loot Bag, a necessary evil or
a commercialized custom we can live without? If
you’ve ever pondered how you became trapped in
this endless swap of petrochemical polymer toys, pencils that
refuse to sharpen straight, and other birthday paraphernalia,
you are truly not alone. Not to be a party pooper in the eyes
of those who truly enjoy creating the perfect, theme-based
loot bag (believe me, I have been there too), but in the face
of global climate change, isn’t it time we rethink this odd
custom? Every parent I know honestly hates bringing home
all that plastic destined for the dump. There are other
options. If you must send something, consider sending one
useful item - unwrapped - such as a storybook or a wooden
model truck to build. Work with your child to create a
handmade treasure, choose something made by an artisan
from the developing world or decide to shop locally. This
year we took the big step and found that the best loot bag
solution of all...is no loot bag....at all.
9
Wrapping Up - Let’s take a moment to consider the
wrap we give and the wrap we get. It’s easy to reduce,
reuse and recycle here. Can you reuse gift bags you
receive or donate them to someone who will? Perhaps you
could skip adding tissue paper to gift bags that you give?
How about recycling wrapping paper or donating it to the art
programme at your local school? Of course, the bold move
here is no wrapping at all. Are you ready to refuse to add
more refuse to the planet?
10
Still not sure where to start? Ask your kids! The only
thing that surprises me more than kids’ great ideas is the fact
that we adults still forget to ask for them. Zoiks! If the idea
is theirs it’s likely you’ll get the buy-in needed to make it fly.
It’s hard to imagine what a powerful example we set for our
children in everything that we do. Rest assured, the baby
steps you make today in teaching them to care for others and
the planet will have a huge and lasting impact in the world.
You don’t have to be an environmental expert to pick one
small idea and get started. It’s simple, you love your kids, so
love their planet too!
Teresa Osiowy is an author and educator living a life-long learning
adventure. She loves her kids and her planet.
EC
8
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family matters
Healthy Snacks
for food-curious
Kids
Submitted by: ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen
atcoblueflamekitchen.com
Why buy kale chips when you can make them at
home? These healthy chips are an interesting and
inventive way to use kale. Using thicker, curlier kale leaves
results in a better-quality chip. Have your young kitchen
helpers tear the kale into pieces, then assist with drying
the kale in a salad spinner. You can experiment with other
seasonings, or keep it simple with the sea salt and freshly
ground pepper called for in the recipe.
While you probably already know chia seeds from the
terracotta statues that sprout and grow an ornamental
carpet of green, they’ve become more popular in
Canadian kitchens in the past few years. Chia is a plant
whose seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber
and various vitamins and minerals. The seeds are sold in
natural food stores and specialty food stores. When
soaked, the seeds form a gel, which helps thicken this
Fruit and Chia Smoothie.
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Kale Chips
Fruit and Chia Smoothie
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
1 bunch
1 tbsp (15 mL)
1/4 tsp (1 mL)
1/4 tsp (1 mL)
kale (stems removed)
olive oil
sea salt
freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp (25 mL)
1/2 cup (125 mL)
1 cup (250 mL)
1 cup (250 mL)
Directions:
1/2 cup (125 mL)
Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line two large rimmed 2 tbsp (25 mL)
1 - 2 tbsp (15 - 25 mL)
baking sheets with parchment paper.
chia seeds
warm water
apple juice
frozen raspberries
undrained canned crushed pineapple
fresh lime juice
honey or agave nectar
Directions:
Wash kale thoroughly under cool running water. Tear kale Soak chia seeds in warm water for 15 minutes. Chia seeds
into 2 inch (5 cm) pieces. There should be about 12 cups (3 should form a gel.
L). Spin kale dry using a salad spinner; pat kale dry with
Place chia seed gel and remaining ingredients (apple juice
paper towels.
through honey) in a blender; purée until smooth. Pour into
Combine oil, salt and pepper in an extra-large zip-lock glasses. Serve immediately. Serves 2 - 3.
plastic bag. Add kale. Seal bag and shake to coat.
Alternatively, combine kale, oil, salt and pepper in a large Cook's Note: Agave nectar is also known as agave syrup. It
bowl; toss until coated. Place kale in a single layer on is a Mexican sweetener that is sweeter and thinner than
honey. Look for it in natural food stores, specialty food
prepared pans.
stores or the natural foods section of grocery stores.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crisp. Cool completely in pans on
racks. Kale chips should be served soon after they are cooled
For tips on energy safety, food or household matters, call
as they will lose some of their crispness upon standing.
ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen’s Answer Line at 1-877-420-9090
toll-free, visit us online at atcoblueflamekitchen.com, or
Makes about 8 cups (2 L).
email us at bfkanswerline@atcogas.com. To buy a copy of
our latest cookbook, the 2013 edition of our popular annual
Holiday Collection, visit the online shop on our website,
drop by the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen office, or call our
toll-free cookbook order line: 1-800-840-3393.
family matters
EC
DIY {yeg}
By: Erin Mooney
P
egboards are inexpensive and a great way to organize a
craft room, closet or office space. Follow these simple
steps to create your own custom organization centre.
MATERIALS
● frame
● pegboard
● pegboard hooks
● spray paint
● strong glue
● hanging accessories (baskets, pots, clipboards)
● 4 screws (length should be the thickness of
your frame, plus 1”)
● 4 drywall anchors
● jigsaw
● drill
STEP 1
Choose a frame size that’s appropriate for the space and
what you want to hang. Remove the backing and glass from
your frame and set the backing on the pegboard to trace the
size. Following the traced lines cut your pegboard using a jigsaw.
You can also have the local hardware store cut it for you.
STEP 2
Spray paint the front of the pegboard, allowing the paint
time to dry in between coats. If you like, you can also paint
a design or pattern on by hand or using a stencil.
STEP 3
Run a bead of glue around the inside of the frame and
press your pegboard into place. Be sure to wipe up any excess
glue that squeezed out the front and allow time for the glue
to dry.
STEP 4
Grab someone to hold the pegboard up while you mark
where the screws will go on the wall. Choose a hole in each
corner of the pegboard and use a screw to press a mark into
the wall behind it. Set the pegboard down, find your marks
and drill a hole the same diameter as your hollow drywall
anchors. Press the drywall anchors into the holes. Position
your pegboard on the wall and in each corner; screw through
the pegboard hole and into the anchor.
STEP 5
Now comes the fun part! Begin placing your pegboard
hooks and hanging your items. You can use the pegboard to
organize your cleaning closet, jewelry, office supplies, or even
create a work station for crafting, homework or gift wrapping.
Erin is the founder of Made Urban, an online market for selling handmade
goods locally. For more DIY’s or to sell your locally made goods visit
www.madurban.com.
EC
EC
from Diverse Individuals
By: Lynn Shafer
H
ave you ever wondered how members of the same
family, from aunts, uncles and cousins to siblings
born of the same parents and raised in the same
household, can be so very different?
We see it in every family – Grandma’s so easygoing but
her son is so strict; Mom’s a zany beatnik and her sister’s a
corporate V.P. Anyone with brothers and sisters will even see
it within their own sibling group.
A ground-breaking study by researcher Robert Plomin in
the 1980s is still the preeminent resource for psychologists
seeking to understand personality diversity within families.
Even among siblings, the study showed, while physical traits
may be very similar, personalities can be as varied as random
individuals from the general population.
Expand that to the extended family, including the vast
non-traditional extended families we see today, and you’re
likely to see more differences than similarities. Still, many of
these families are tight-knit and cohesive. They serve as an
inspirational example for humanity as a whole. Despite a
union of very different people, we can all love, learn and
grow together.
family matters
Tips for Building
3strong
families
How can you build a strong family? Here are some
timeless tips:
• Establish a solid foundation based on shared values. It’s
no secret that very religious families tend to be close-knit
and strong. Why? Because religion provides a structured
means of sharing beliefs and values, a process that begins in
infancy, when babies are taken to worship services and
undergo the rituals that mark their membership in the
religion. While fewer families are religion-focused than were
in decades past, they can all still strive to emphasize the
importance of family values and their role in reuniting every
family member. Creating rituals and traditions are one way to
emphasize values.
• Make your family history a story to celebrate. The story
about how brave Uncle Joe once rescued a dog from a well;
the singing talents of the three great aunts who performed at
county fairs as little girls; the one-cheek dimple that is the
family hallmark -- these are the stories that make your family
special. It’s not about memorizing the family tree, but about
ensuring children know that they are part of something
greater than themselves – and that is both a privilege and a
responsibility. A child who is constantly reminded, with
fondness, that she’s the spitting image of wonderful Aunt
Bessie will feel a bond with Aunt Bessie – even if she’s been
gone for decades.
• Commit to attending, or hosting, family gatherings.
Often, the places for sharing those stories are family
gatherings – weddings and funerals, holidays and
anniversaries. It may be a question of the chicken or the eggs.
Strong families tend to have many shared family stories.
Strong families also tend to gather together frequently – and
that’s where those stories are most often shared. Family
gatherings are also a good place for family members with very
different personalities to learn to find common ground and
practice getting along for the sake of everyone at the special
event. Imagine what a more peaceful world it would be if we
were all forced to play nicely with our obnoxious cousin as
children!
Lynn Shafer is a Brooklyn native and a graduate of Brooklyn College. A
veteran English teacher in New York City schools, she has utilized oral
history to create a body of work that can be read aloud. “Stories from
Brooklyn” is published by Jo-An Books – “Books that are making history.”
Find it at www.jo-anbooks.com and anywhere books are sold.
EC
family matters
EC
Who’s the
lazy one,
You or Your Child? 4
By: Nancy Rose
A
t a recent parenting workshop, a mom asked for
advice on what to do about her “lazy” teenage son.
Not an uncommon issue for parents of teenagers, but
I needed more information before I could help. I asked her to
describe what his laziness looked like.
“He’s 15,” she said, “and he spends all his time in his room
playing video games.” He refuses to do any chores around the
house and doesn’t listen to anything we say to him.”
Lazy is defined by Webster as not liking to work hard or
to be active. When you repeatedly tell your son he’s lazy, he’s
going to start believing that he’s not a hard worker. Is that
what you want for him, to think of himself as a lazy person?
More likely, you want to help him develop the self-discipline
to do what’s expected of him.
No one is born lazy. We come into this world with certain
inborn traits that are the basis of “who we are.” I call these
nine traits the CoreSelf, and I teach parents to look to these
nine traits to understand which parts of their child they
cannot change. Laziness is not one of these inborn traits.
There are however CoreSelf traits that can be mistaken for
laziness, or can contribute to laziness if the child doesn’t
learn how to manage these traits. For example, low activity,
low adaptability, low ease with the unfamiliar and low
persistence.
But not working hard is learned behaviour. Kids do what
works for them in their family. If parents are leaders who put
in the effort to lead, kids respond. If parents have abdicated
that leadership responsibility, kids who rule the roost with
their inaction and isolation are filling that vacuum.
Back to our lazy 15-year-old: why wouldn’t he sit around
and play video games instead of doing chores? He’s learned
that he can do whatever he pleases with no consequences
other than his parents nagging him and calling him lazy.
Have you inadvertently taught your child to be lazy? Let’s
look more closely at the relationship between our lazy
15-year-old and his parents using the Six Leadership Tools
for parents:
1
2
3
Do you emphasize the family? Children, like adults,
thrive when they feel they are a part of something bigger
than themselves. A sense of belonging fosters
cooperation, where everyone contributes to the common
good. Emphasizing the family teaches children that their
actions affect others.
Do you set and communicate clear consistent
standards of behaviour? Have you let your son know
exactly what you expect him to do? Does he know that
he is expected to get the trash cans to the curb every
Thursday night? Are you consistent or hit-or-miss? Do
you sometimes take care of it because you figure he
won’t?
Do you build in accountability? Here’s where things
often start to break down. If you’re wondering why you
have to constantly nag your kids to do what they’re
supposed to do, ask yourself whether you’re holding them
accountable for following through. If you don’t check to
make sure they’ve done what’s expected, you may be
encouraging noncompliance, because they know you
don’t follow through on your end!
5
6
Do you follow through with clearly communicated
consequences? How many times have you heard parents
warn their kids of some consequence if they don’t behave
and then not follow through? These parents are actually
training their kids to ignore them! If there’s no real
bottom line, some children will do exactly what they
want to do, tuning out the constant nagging and threats.
Do you use the language of leadership? Words are
profoundly powerful and effective parent leaders use “I”
messages rather than “you” messages. “I” messages
convey how you feel as a result of your child’s behavior,
rather than the spoken or unspoken blame that’s
inherent in “you” messages. When you call your son lazy,
you are labeling him with a derogatory term.
Do you walk the walk of a leader? Are you modeling
the self-discipline in following through on your
commitments, even the ones you don’t enjoy doing? Do
you make excuses or just ignore your spouse’s requests for
you to get things done?
Has a lack of parental leadership contributed to your
child’s “laziness”? Has your parenting been lazy? Perhaps.
Nancy Rose, “The Acceptance Advocate,” is an author and speaker who
just released her first book, Raise the Child You’ve Got—Not the One You
Want. She has two grown sons and lives in the Napa Valley. Learn more
at www.nancyjrose.com.
EC
1-877-857-6253
reptile.party@hotmail.com
EC
EC
ongoing
Experience
Movies for Mommies, the original parent & baby film
event. Enjoy movies in a baby-friendly cinema, as we
welcome moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers.
Movies are shown every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at the
Magic Lantern Parkland 7 theatre. For more
information, visit www.moviesformommies.com.
march
Sundays at the John Walter Museum. Join them on
Sunday afternoons for a special activity. This is free,
however donations are gratefully accepted. For more
information on the activity, call 780-486-8787.
March 1, 9am-5pm: The Big Hit, Snow Valley Ski
Club & Rainbow Valley Campground. Freestylers 13
and up compete at the Skiers Sportshop Advanced
Terrain Park for cash and prizes! For more information,
visit www.snowvalley.ca/visit/events.php.
March 1, 1pm-2:30pm: Strathcona Coin Kids. Do
you have a coin that's mysterious, old or from another
country? Learn to read the clues your coin may hold
about historical events or great works of art. Hear the
stories that the coins tell, examine coins that are
hundreds of years old and have fun building your own
collection. For more information or to register, contact
Ron Darbyshire, Royal Canadian Numismatic
Association, at coinguy@telus.net.
March 1 - 9: HARRY POTTER™. Experience firsthand
the amazing craftsmanship of costumes and props
displayed in settings inspired by the films’ sets –
including the Great hall, Hagrid’s hut, and the
Gryffindor™ common room. While touring through the
exhibit space, discover iconic items such as Harry’s
original wand and eyeglasses, the Maurauder’s Map,
Gryffindor school uniforms as well as costumes worn at
the Yule Ball. Enter the Quidditch™ area and toss a
“Quaffle”, pull your own Mandrake, encounter
Buckbeak™ the Hippogriff and even a giant
Acromantula spider. For more information, visit
www.harrypotterexhibition.com.
March 6: Azimuth Theatre presents Expanse
Festival. An electric four-day celebration of art-inmotion, The Expanse Festival will move you with the
power of high velocity body-made art. Blending local
and national talent, Expanse celebrates ten years of
explosive, experimental art on the move. For more
information, visit azimuththeatre.com.
March 8: Muttart Conservatory Feature Pyramid: A
Touch of Dutch: Thousands of colourful tulips,
daffodils and hyacinths bring the Netherlands to
Edmonton for our annual spring bulb show. As you walk
through the bloom-filled pyramid, you may feel as if
you’ve been transported to the “Keukenhof”, Europe’s
largest bulb show.
March 10: Club LEGO Jr. at the Fort Saskatchewan
Public Library. Welcome to LEGO Club! Check out all
the awesome stuff we have for you. Get the inside
scoop, special building steps, and Club TV videos. For
more information, call 780-998-4275.
March 12: Language Boost at the Edmonton Public
Library: Riverbend Branch. Did you know that babies
learn about literacy right from birth—and that you are
your child’s first teacher? Early literacy is everything that
children absorb about reading and writing before they
actually learn to read and write. It’s never too early for
edmonton
The Edmonton Public Library hosts numerous
programs for families at the various branches. Enjoy
daytime or evening groups such as: Family Storytime,
Storytime for Visiting Day Care Groups, Baby Lap Time,
Rhymes that Bind, Time for Twos, Preschool Storytime,
Teen Book Club, Fun for Ones, and many, many more. For
more information, visit your local library or go to
www.epl.ca.
The City of Edmonton offers free public skating at
arenas year-round. Great exercise and lots of fun!
Schedules are available at City of Edmonton arenas,
call 780-496-4999, or visit www.edmonton.ca/arenas.
The Den (formerly the Teen Centre) in the Town of
Morinville offers various activities and a place to hang
out for ages 13-17. For more information and hours,
call 780-939-6044.
For information on indoor/outdoor swimming
pools, call 780-496-SWIM or visit www.edmonton.ca.
Also, call your local YMCA for information.
your child to build literacy skills that will help with
reading, school and more. Join us as we learn ways to
incorporate early literacy skills into everyday routines
through books, songs and rhymes. Babies welcome!
Visit the “Read. Talk. Play.” For more information, visit
www.epl.ca/readtalkplay.
March 13-16: The Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen's
Show is the best place to make a great deal on a new
boat for early spring delivery. The Spring Boat Super
Show & Sale is the boat buying opportunity that lets
you preview the new 2013 models. There is a huge
selection of boats and motors on display! Thursday and
Friday from 12 to 9pm, Saturday from 10am to 8pm,
Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
March 16, 10am-4pm: MOM TO MOM SHOP & SWAP,
Butterdome. This contemporary expo for families
features over 100 business exhibitors and 100 swap
tables selling pre-loved children’s clothing and items.
Shop local small businesses and many handmade
vendors, participate in family focused workshops/
demos, enjoy the kids zone with inflatables, cafe treats,
photos and VIP prizes! Admission is FREE! For more
information, visit www.momtomomshow.com.
March 16, 11am-3pm: St. Patrick’s Day Fairy
Festival at John Janzen Nature Centre. Did you know
Leprechauns are a type of fairy? Join us to celebrate St.
Patrick’s Day and learn all about fairies and leprechauns!
Meet a garter snake, go on a shamrock scavenger hunt,
and make some fairy wings! Make sure to grab your
own package of Fairy Dust to take home and enjoy! This
magical day will be one not to be forgotten!
March 16, 7:30pm: Northwest Dance Project. The
stage is set for Oregon-based Northwest Dance Project,
one of the hottest dance companies in North America.
Earning international awards and acclaim, this everemerging collective is the face of breathtaking artistry.
Passionate, versatile, and masterful technicians perform
stunning works from prolific Vancouver artists Wen Wei
Wang and NWDP Artistic Director Sarah Slipper, and
other renowned European dance makers. For more
information, visit www.nwdanceproject.org/tour.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 20-23: Edmonton Home + Garden Show at
Edmonton Expo Centre - Real Advice. Real Inspiration.
Real Experts. The Edmonton Home + Garden Show is
the most trusted resource for every home improvement
project, inside and out. With celebrity guests and more
than 550 exhibitors and a slew of exciting new features,
there’s real advice, real inspiration and real experts at
every turn. Be sure to bring your tots by for a fun-filled
day of child friendly and parent loving activities on
Friday, March 21 for Family Day presented by
Edmonton’s Child. The first 200 mom and pops through
the door will be gifted an exclusive grab bag. Buy
tickets online and save at
www.edmontonhomeshow.com.
March 22, 2pm: MaKey Makey Fun, Edmonton
Public Library - Jasper Place Branch.This will bring
out your inner inventor. Using a gizmo called a MaKey
MaKey and a computer, you’ll turn everyday objects
into computer keys that control your keyboard. Hack a
banana and turn it into a piano, design playdough
video game controllers or create whatever else you can
dream up.
March 22: Book Punks Book Club at Edmonton
Public Library - Idylwylde Branch at 3:30pm. Do you
love to read and talk about books? Come to a book club
that breaks all the rules! Typical book clubs have their
members read the same books. Our members can each
read something different! Typical book clubs talk about
plot, characters and so on. We talk about anything and
everything we want! Typical book clubs don’t play
games and make cool stuff... we do! This program is
best suited for kids aged 8–12.
March 23, 12-4pm: Artists in Action at Muttart
Conservatory. Have you ever wondered how artists
create their masterpieces? Join us as we discover artists
in action throughout the Muttart Conservatory.
Observe, learn, or join in on the many artistic projects
on display. From music to demonstrations and
workshops, this event is sure to inspire your artist
within!
March 27-29: Northlands Farm & Ranch Show 2014.
Northlands Farm and Ranch Show is proud to present
several special events designed to bring people
together, entertain and educate. This includes the REAL
Beef Short Film Showcase and Reception, , Heifer in Your
Tank, 4-H Day and the U of A Multi-Species Annual
Intercollegiate and 4-H Judging Competition. For more
information, visit www.farmandranchshow.com.
March 30, 2pm: The Itch of the Golden Nit at The
Arden Theatre. Flashes of imagination come to life On
a quest to save the universe, 11-year-old Beanie travels
across galaxies in search of the Golden Nit. But beware
of Evil Stella and her flaming sidekick who are on a
mission to prevent Beanie’s heroic adventure. Will his
lazor lip gloss and camouflage pants be enough to help
him return the nit to its rightful place at the heart of the
sun before sunset? For more information, visit
www.ardentheatre.com.
april
EC
April 1: April Fool’s Day
April 18: Good Friday
April 4 - 6: St. Albert Lifestyle Expo & Sale 2014 at
Servus Place. Includes kid-friendly events such as the
Kid’s Korner, petting zoo, and Inflatable Bouncers!
For more information, visit
http://business.stalbertchamber.com.
April 21: Easter Monday
April 12 - June 15: Muttart Conservatory’s Feature
Pyramid: Kissed by a Rose. Romantic roses
compliment beautiful hydrangeas and geraniums in
our annual wedding show. Take a romantic walk under
a natural arbor, enjoy the delicate blooms from a
marble bench, and share a special moment under an
adorned gazebo. Hydrangeas will be featured until
mid-May, when a changeover will turn the spotlight
onto Geraniums.
April 12: Our Fantastic Festival City at Winspear
Centre. Known world-wide as Canada's Festival City,
Edmonton's streets and squares are frequently filled
with musicians and dancers, magicians and dare-devils.
Accompanied by thrilling orchestral showpieces, this
concert brings the best acts from around Edmonton to
the Winspear stage for a dazzling and daring
celebration of our vibrant city. For more information,
visit www.edmontonsymphony.com.
April 12: momstown Community Celebration at
West Edmonton Mall 10am - 4pm. The Ice Palace is
about to transform into momstown! A bustling
community with so much to explore! Travel through
Literacy Lane for educational activities, stroll the Arts
District to develop creativity or make your way to the
Avenue of Champions for active fun! Visit
edmonton.momstown.ca for more information and to
register for this FREE family event.
April 21: Hop to It at Edmonton Valley Zoo from 12
to 4pm. It’s an EGG-stravagant Easter event! Hands on
science experiments, crafts, airbrushed tattoos, touch
table, and a scavenger hunt all EGG-related! “Get Closer”
with a variety of amazing animal encounters and watch
as the resident animals of the zoo go on their very own
Easter egg hunt! Which animals will eat the eggs, play
with them, or smash them?
April 22: Earth Day
April 23: Darrell Scott & Tim O’Brien at the Arden
Theatre in St. Albert at 7:30pm. Unbridled
confidence, sheer spontaneity, and exuberant energy
will flow freely when Darrell Scott and Tim O’Brien
team up to close the Arden season. Outstanding
country and Americana songwriters and
instrumentalists, each revered for their mile-long
accolades as soloists and collaborators, have an
undeniable synergy that explodes when the duo
performs together. For more information, visit
www.ardentheatre.com.
April 26: Spin for Strong Kids at William Lutsky
Family YMCA from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Be a hero for
YMCA Strong Kids, Families and Communities by
participating in our high-energy 4-hour indoor cycling
relay event. Register individually or as a team of up to
five participants. Show your team spirit, have fun, build
community and be active all for a great cause, our
YMCA Strong Kids Campaign! For more information
contact Sandy Coull at scoull@edmonton.ymca.ca.
April 26: Book Punks Book Club at Edmonton
Public Library - Idylwylde Branch at 3:30pm. Do
you love to read and talk about books? Come to a book
club that breaks all the rules! Typical book clubs have
their members read the same books. Our members can
each read something different! Typical book clubs talk
about plot, characters and so on. We talk about
anything and everything we want! Typical book clubs
don’t play games and make cool stuff... we do! This
program is best suited for kids aged 8–12.
Editors’ Notes: Times and dates are accurate at time of
printing; however, changes can occur. Always call ahead to
confirm. To list your event in Edmonton’s Child, e-mail us at
editor@edmontonschild.com.
EC
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education matters
EC
Time
management tips
for Parents
Submitted by: Kumon
T
hey say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
aspirin. Mapping out your day in advance is the best
way to declutter your busy schedule, bust stress and
tackle the challenges that the daily grind has in store for us.
Time management these can mean the difference between a
healthy and even-keeled lifestyle and frantic slurry of events
we sometimes call “a day.”
Take Care of Yourself
Parents give so readily of themselves to their children. It’s
a beautiful part of being a mom or a dad – to give your time,
your focus, and your energy to the little ones in your life. But
don’t forget to take care of your needs as well. When you are
overworked and tired, your efficiency and productivity take
a nose dive. It is harder to help the children with their
schoolwork, cook a healthy meal and do just about anything
your family needs when you are running on empty. Relaxing
and refreshing yourself might not sound like good time
management on the surface, but it really is. When you are
energized and feel good, your work is more productive, your
attitude is better and you are healthier.
More educational tips and hints can be found online at
www.facebook.com/kumon. To learn more about Kumon, visit
www.kumon.ca.
EC
Here is a collection of tips that you can adopt to keep
your family’s engine running smoothly and on time, with as
few headaches and meltdowns as possible.
Est. 1987
Know Your Limits
The first thing to consider when managing your time is
how much of it you have available that day. These days there
never seem to be enough hours, but the reality is that there
is enough time to get things done, but only if you have the
discipline not to take on too much. With all the different
things competing for your attention these days, it’s important
to know when to set limits for yourself and your family.
When you are spread too thin, you don’t do your best work,
you can be distracted and other problems can persist.
Knowing when to say, “That will have to wait for another
day” is a huge step toward a manageable and successful
schedule. If you know that you are just too busy to manage a
play date this week, don’t offer up your home for it. It might
disappoint your little guy or gal today, but in the long run, it’s
better to have a manageable week than one that is too
crammed and hectic. When you do have to say “no” to
something or someone, it’s best to be honest. Explain that
your schedule is just too busy to try to squeeze in another todo this week, but that with a little more notice, you would be
happy to host a play date in the future.
Montessori Preschool Programs For Ages 2-6
University Educated Montessori Teachers
*Both full time and part time spots available
We are one of the few well-rounded programs that provide children with academic, emotional and social benefit!
All inquiries are welcome via email to:
mjkasza@gmail.com
Please call (780) 487-6419
www.westendmontessori.org
Have a Flexible Routine
Having a basic routine to follow each week saves
everyone from wasting time worrying about the everyday
things that always have to be done and will help you avoid
stress. Homework, study time and family meals should fall on
or around the same time each day. Also, try having your
children pick out their clothes for the morning before they
go to bed each night, and make sure their school supplies are
packed away and ready to go for the morning.
While routine is good, of course there will be those
moments when it breaks down. We all know those mornings,
when nothing seems to go as planned. Take the one morning
when, while everyone is getting ready, the family dog,
Wrinkles, sneaks out of the screen door and starts harassing
the neighbor’s cat. What do you do? Well, aside from
corralling Wrinkles back inside, you should have some time
built into your routine to account for the unexpected. If your
schedule is so rigid that every minute is accounted for,
situations like this can throw your entire day upside down. By
giving your family an extra 15 minutes each morning, you can
help prepare for the unexpected. When things do go smoothly
your family can use this little extra time to talk to each other,
read a favorite book or just spend time with one another.
Multitask Within Reason
Used within reason, multitasking can be your friend. For
example, if you have some extra work to do at home such as
filing, you can work on that while you watch your favorite
TV show without feeling so guilty about it. Or while the
lasagna is bubbling in the oven, you can use that time to
catch up on your email. Multitasking, when practiced
sparingly, can save time without scrimping on quality.
Accepting Preschool/Kindergarten
Registration 2014/2015 School Year
Children from 2½ to 6 years of age who qualify
for Program Unit Funding (PUF). Please contact Elves
about tours and enrollment at 780.454.5310, ext: 232.
ON-SITE STAFF INCLUDES:
• Certified Teachers
• Teacher Assistants
• Nurses
• Educational
Consultant
• Occupational and
Physical Therapists
• Speech Language
Pathologists
• Social Workers
Visit our website at www.elves-society.com
for further information.
EC
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Enter for your chance to
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child.com/contests.
win at www.edmontons
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The
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Edmonton Home + Garden Show
1-866-941-0673
Edmonton Expo Centre, Northlands
michelinep@marketplaceevents.com
www.edmontonhomeshow.com
Real Advice. Real Inspiration. Real Experts. The Edmonton Home +
Garden Show is the most trusted resource for every home
improvement project, inside and out. With celebrity guests and more
than 550 exhibitors and a slew of exciting new features, there’s real
advice, real inspiration and real experts at every turn. Be sure to bring
your tots by for a fun-filled day of child friendly and parent loving
activities on Friday, March 21 for Family Day presented by Edmonton’s
Child. The first 200 mom and pops through the door will be gifted an
exclusive grab bag. Buy tickets online and save at
www.edmontonhomeshow.com.
Edmonton Reptile Parties • Edmonton
1-877-857-6253
reptile.party@hotmail.com
www.edmontonreptileparties.com
Reptile parties are here! Great for celebrating your child’s birthday or
special event. Looking for an interesting educational program for your
scouting, youth or church group, classroom? Reptile parties are a fun,
affordable and informative form of entertainment for all ages!
Heritage Park Historical Village • Calgary
403-268-8500 • 1900 Heritage Drive SW
info@heritagepark.ca
www.Heritagepark.ca
Heritage Park is celebrating 50 years in 2014! Designated as a
Canadian Tourism Commission Signature Experience, the Park is a
Calgary must see. Explore the lively historical village in the summer—
meet friendly pioneers, ride our authentic steam train, or sip tea on
the verandah of the new Famous 5 exhibit. Year-round, discover
Gasoline Alley Museum, home to a world-class collection of vintage
vehicles. Interested in events? Heritage Park ordinarily has 33 events
in 52 weeks, but during our golden anniversary we have even more
planned! Keep in touch on Facebook and Twitter at HeritageParkYYC
to get the latest news.
LEGO® KidsFest
860-953-4500
info@legokidsfest.com
www.legokidsfest.com
LEGO® KidsFest brings its one-of-a-kind, interactive experience for five
identical sessions during the weekend of May 16-18 at the BMO
Centre @ Calgary Stampede. The award-winning LEGO KidsFest is a
traveling extravaganza featuring three acres and dozens of hands-on
building, creative experiences and one-of-a-kind activities. Children of
all ages and builders of all skills and levels are welcome. The show
only makes seven North American appearances each year. For tickets
and more information visit www.legokidsfest.com.
Visitor Services, Legislative Assembly of Alberta
780-427-7362
10820 – 98 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2N6
visitorinfo@assembly.ab.ca
www.assembly.ab.ca
OPEN FOR YOU TO DISCOVER 362 days a year.
Alberta’s Legislature invites you to discover its history and
parliamentary traditions through its educational programs, tours and
events. Take a guided building tour, stroll the grounds, visit
monuments, splash in the pools or explore Alberta art and crafts in
the Legislative Assembly Gift Shop.
CAMPS
Ortona Gymnastics Club • Edmonton
780-492-7300 • 11610-65 Avenue
C/o University of Alberta
Saville Community Sports Centre
generalinfo@ortonagymnastics.com
OrtonaGymnastics.com
THE FUN IS ON at Ortona Gymnastics Club. Five days of high-energy
hijinks new moves & amazing creations. Week-long programs
designed for kids 3-14 years old. Half day & full. July & August. MoveCreate-Achieve- Energize VISIT OrtonaGymnastics.com
Royal City Soccer Club • Edmonton, Calgary & Red Deer
1-800-427-0536
www.royalsoccer.com
Welcome to the Royal City Soccer Club’s summer day camp 2014,
Canada’s #1 grassroots soccer day camp. Our program is designed to
promote development, team building, and of course…FUN!
Sportball • Edmonton
780-850-2511
Edmonton@Sportball.ca
www.sportball.ca
Sportball is a non-competitive sports program for children 16 months
– eight years old. Children are introduced to seven popular sports:
soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis and golf.
Sportball classes are high-energy, fun and creative. We have some
amazing camps running this summer. Go to www.sportball.ca to find
out more.
YMCA of Northern Alberta
5 centres in Edmonton
northernalberta.ymca.ca
Excitement awaits this summer with YMCA Day Camps! Designed for
children and youth, our weekly camps will spark the imagination,
boost confidence and build valuable life skills - all while having fun
and making friends. Develop healthy lifestyles through swimming,
games and unique activities in one of our many themed camps.
CLASSES & PROGRAMS
City Arts Centre (City of Edmonton)
In Edmonton: 311 • Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
10943 84 Ave., Edmonton
CityArtsCentre@edmonton.ca
www.edmonton.ca/CityArts
The City Arts Centre offers art programs in Garneau and at a variety
of recreation centres throughout the city. Try your hand at painting,
drawing, pottery, dance, stained glass, cooking, and silversmithing.
Our friendly instructors and reasonable cost make learning art fun
and affordable.
Fliteway Figure Skating Club • Edmonton
780-472-1810 • 11520 153 Ave. Castle Downs Arena
hammerclyde@gmail.com
www.flitewayfigureskating.com
Learn To Skate / Ages 3 and Up. Summer Skating Camps /Stay Cool
This Summer *Badges / Report Cards *Professional Coaching Staff
*First Time Skaters to Advanced *North Edmonton's Place To Skate
*Positive Learning Atmosphere *Great Physical Literacy Activity.
J’Adore Dance • Edmonton
780-701-4942
www.jadoredance.com
Inspiring the love of dance! J'Adore Dance offers dance programs for
the entire family! From Mom & Baby, Parent and Tot, Full Year
Children's Programs and Adult Dance Fitness classes, J'Adore Dance
has something for everyone! Come find out why so many rank us #1
in Edmonton for family friendly dance programs!
Cadence Creek Equine
780-922-6483
52152 Range Road 224, Sherwood Park, AB
www.edmontonridinglessons.com
Located 5 minutes from Sherwood Park and 15 minutes from
Edmonton, Cadence Creek Equine is pleased to offer their Summer
Horseback Riding Day Camps for girls ages 6 to 15. Eight weeks to
choose from in July and August. Learn how to ride and take care of a
horse in this fun, interactive day camp.
momstown Edmonton & Area
780-566-1064
info.edmonton@momstown.ca
http://edmonton.momstown.ca
momstown offers a unique blend of early education programming
and mama support delivered both online and in-person. We host over
30 events per month in Edmonton & area, all included with a year
membership! Join us for a free trial membership at
edmonton.momstown.ca.
DiscoverE • Edmonton
780-492-8779
E2-040C ETLC University of Alberta
Discovere@ualberta.ca
www.discovere.ualberta.ca
DiscoverE is a student-delivered initiative of the Faculty of
Engineering with a focus on fun, accessibility and mentorship! We
deliver high-impact classroom workshops, unique clubs and events,
and engaging summer programs to nearly 23,000 youth every year,
and our programs reach over 70 communities across northern Alberta
and the Northwest Territories.
Rhythm, Rhyme and Story Time
Edmonton, Sherwood Park
780-467-0395
rrst.joy@gmail.com
www.edmontonpreschoolmusic.com
You and your child (ages six months to five years) are sure to enjoy
this music-filled program together as you sing, dance, and explore a
wide variety of musical instruments. Watch as your child develops
vocabulary, language skills, fine motor skills, counting, rhythm and
social skills. With the added fun of a craft, playtime, a story and
parachute games, you have the perfect recipe for fun-filled learning!
J’Adore Dance • Edmonton
780-701-4942
www.jadoredance.com
Inspiring the love of dance! J'Adore Dance offers dance programs for
the entire family! From Mom & Baby, Parent and Tot, Full Year
Children's Programs and Adult Dance Fitness classes, J'Adore Dance
has something for everyone! Come find out why so many rank us #1
in Edmonton for family friendly dance programs!
Sportball • Edmonton
780-850-2511
Edmonton@Sportball.ca
www.sportball.ca
Sportball is a non-competitive sports program for children 16 months
– eight years old. Children are introduced to seven popular sports:
soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis and golf.
Sportball classes are high-energy, fun and creative.
EDUCATION & SCHOOLS
The Edmonton Catholic School District is celebrating 125
years of teaching and learning. In 1888, three nuns from the order of
the Faithful Companions of Jesus began teaching 23 Catholic
students. Our school district has now grown to more than 37,000
students in 88 schools today. All schools offer a quality faith-based
education and a variety of programs including early learning,
language and sports. To join our family, log on to www.ecsd.net.
Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association
Edmonton
info@ecbea.org
www.ecbea.org
ECBEA is a non-profit organization of volunteer parents dedicated to
promote the learning of Chinese language and culture. Today, 2000
students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 are learning Chinese in
the Chinese Bilingual Program at five elementary, four junior and
three senior highs in the Edmonton Public School System.
Edmonton Public Schools is helping to shape the future in every
one of our classrooms. We're focused on ensuring each student learns
to their full potential and develops the ability, passion and
imagination to pursue their dreams and contribute to their
community. Visit epsb.ca to learn more about our schools and
programs.
Elk Island Public School
www.eips.ca
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school systems,
serving over 16,300 students in 44 schools. Our students, staff, parents,
and community work together like the pieces of a puzzle to create a
picture of quality education and endless opportunities for all students.
Visit www.eips.ca for more information about our educational
programs services for Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Elves Special Needs Society • Edmonton
780-454-5310 • 10825 - 142 Street
info@elves-society.com
www.elves-society.com
A designated special education, not-for-profit school program, for
individuals ages 2 ½ -20 with special needs such as Autism, FASD,
Down Syndrome, speech, gross/fine motor, cognitive or behavioural
delays, complex needs, developmental delays, medical-fragility. On-site
staff includes Certified Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Nurses,
Occupational/Physical Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and
Social Workers. A Saturday FASD Respite Care Program is also available
with possible transportation.
Kumon Math & Reading Centres
Edmonton, Sherwood Park
800-ABC-MATH
Locations in Edmonton and Sherwood Park
www.kumon.ca
Kumon is an after-school math and reading program that empowers
children to achieve more on their own. Kumon’s individualized study
approach develops solid fundamental skills, as well as self-confidence,
focus and motivation for students to succeed in school and in life. We
offer programs for children Pre-K through high school and free
placement testing.
Oxford Learning
Edmonton West, Edmonton South & Sherwood Park
780-988-3186
#250 6655 178 Street, 3840 Gateway Boulevard,
112A - 101 Granada Boulevard Sherwood Park
edmontonsouth@oxfordlearning.com
www.oxfordlearning.com
We provide tutoring programs unlike any other. Students participate
in a personalized learning experience that engages and fires them up
for a lifetime of learning. Children discover the thrill of improvement
and the means to success. - Preschool, French, English, math and high
school tutoring programs are available.
Progressive Academy • Edmonton
780-455-8344 • 780-455-1425
www.progressiveacademy.ca
A private accredited school dedicated to providing exceptional,
innovative programs for students three years of age to Grade 9.
Preschool program focuses on early literacy and offers a balance of
academic instruction and dynamic play. Intellectual aim of our school:
for students to think for themselves and learn how to learn.
PRESCHOOLS, PLAYSCHOOLS
& JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN
Little Caterpillar Academy • Edmonton
780-297-0519 • 8939 82 Avenue
littlecaterpillaracademy@gmail.ca
www.littlecaterpillar.ca
Now offering a Jr. Kindergarten Program to complement our
preschool program. Little Caterpillar Academy offers an enriched
preschool program for kids ages 2.5-5.5 years with a specialized
curriculum that is rich in character development, literacy, language, art,
music and fitness. A fully integrated program with a team of certified
professionals, where all kids excel personally, academically, and
socially. Emerge, explore, fly!
☞
EC
Oxford Learning
Edmonton West, Edmonton South & Sherwood Park
780-988-3186
#250 6655 - 178 Street, 3840 Gateway Boulevard,
112A - 101 Granada Boulevard Sherwood Park
edmontonsouth@oxfordlearning.com
www.oxfordlearning.com
Little Readers Program. Young children WANT to learn. They want to
know more and be more independent. Most of all, they want to be
like you. Little Readers® makes the most of this critical time when
children are most receptive to learning. We teach children as young
as three years old to read. Our classes are small and we use a
proprietary phonics-based program that’s as fun as it is effective.
Through a balance of play, exploration, and discovery, we build
strong readers and keen little learners.
Lohlun Clinic - Circumcision Edmonton and Vasectomy
Edmonton
4935 - 55 Street • 780-999-0413
drlohlun@circumcisionedmonton.ca
drlohlun@vasectomyedmonton.com
www.circumcisionedmonton.ca
www.vasectomyedmonton.com
Providing surgical excellence in both circumcision and vasectomy. For
more information please visit our website.
Signature Orthodontics
780-456-1511
info@signatureorthodontics.com
www.signatureorthodontics.com
At Signature Orthodontics Dr. McKee and Dr. Russett provide children
and adults, a great smile in a "state of the art" warm and relaxing
environment, performed with excellence in orthodontic products and
techniques, all in an atmosphere of individualized care focusing on
each and every patients unique needs!
Progressive Academy • Edmonton
780-455-8344 • 780-455-1425
www.progressiveacademy.ca
A private accredited school dedicated to providing exceptional,
innovative programs for students three years of age to Grade 12.
Preschool program is Reggio inspired and offers a proper balance of
academic instruction and dynamic play. Intellectual aim of our school:
for students to think for themselves and learn how to learn.
STUDY
CENTRE
U of A Child Study Centre Junior Kindergarten
780-492-7341
Education Centre South, University of Alberta
childstudycentre@ualberta.ca
www.childstudycentre.ualberta.ca
This pre-school program is designed for 3.5 – 5 year old children in
conjunction with the Department of Elementary Education. It is
based upon the Reggio Emilia philosophy and offers children early
literacy, numeracy, arts, movement, and science experiences.
Professors from various disciplines and field visits also support
children in their learning.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
780-437-0167 or 1-800-932-8677
www.tops.org
TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support group. TOPS advocates a
basic exchange menu plan and moderate exercise for losing weight
and maintaining it. We do not sell, promote or endorse any products.
TOPS provides the support, encouragement and educational
opportunities needed to make healthy, permanent lifestyle changes.
SHOPPING & SERVICES
Alberta Turkey Producers • Edmonton
780-465-5755
4828 - 89th Avenue
www.albertaturkey.com
Alberta Turkey Producers is the voice of the turkey production
industry in Alberta. Our leadership and service contribute to creating
a stable environment for the protection and growth of the Alberta
turkey industry. Visit our website for recipes and ideas on how to
incorporate turkey into everyday meals.
West End Montessori • Edmonton
780-487-6419 • mjkasza@gmail.com
www.westendmontessori.org
We are one of the few well-rounded programs that provide children
with academic, emotional and social benefit!
Allykat Graphics • Leduc
780-739-0669
akgraphics@shaw.ca
www.allykatgraphics.ca
Designer of this publication. Specializing in multi-page publications,
logo design/branding, brochures and websites. If you are in business,
you could use our services. Let us design your printed material in our
unique style and see superior results.
HEALTH
Alberta Association of Optometrists • Edmonton
780-451-6824 or Toll-Free: 1-800-272-8843
#100, 8407 Argyll Road
www.optometrists.ab.ca
The Alberta Association of Optometrists promotes excellence in the
practice of optometry, representing over 600 doctors across Alberta.
The AAO wants to remind you that good vision is about making
good choices and that your best choice is to see your Doctor of
Optometry for a comprehensive eye exam.
Eylyn Photography
780-906-3406
info@eylynphotography.com
www.eylynphotography.com
We specialize in maternity, birth, newborn, baby, family, and lifestyle
photography. Located in South Edmonton and serving Leduc,
Sherwood Park, St. Albert and surrounding areas.
Now booking spring sessions and Mother’s day mini session. Visit
www.eylynphotography.com for more information.
Alberta Blue Cross • Edmonton
780-498-8000 • 10009-108 Street
www.ab.bluecross.ca
Protect Your Health. Thousands of Albertans enjoy the affordable
protection of Alberta Blue Cross individual health plans. You can too.
If you’re without employer-sponsored group benefits, we’ve got a
plan to fit your family’s needs and your budget. Prescription drugs,
dental, vision, ambulance and more. Call us today or visit our website
for your free information package.
Centre for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health •
Edmonton
780-492-0642
1-052 Li Ka Shing Centre for
Health Research Innovation
pregnant@ualberta.ca
www.exerciseandpregnancy.ca
The Centre for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health was developed in
2013, with the mission of conducting research to improve the lifelong health of pregnant and postpartum women and their children.
We are currently seeking pregnant and postpartum women to
participate in health research studies. “Growing Healthy Futures”.
Grammas’ Toy Shop
780-435-7495
4451 – 99 Street NW
grammastoyshop@telus.net
www.grammastoyshop.ca
New and reconditioned toys. cleaned, sanitized and ready for play! We
carry most current toys as well as collectibles. Fisher Price, Star Wars,
Barbie, Tonka, Playmobil, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Thomas, Hot
Wheels. Table, kitchens, vanities, outdoor toys, dolls and stuffed animals.
Retired LEGO set 100% complete guaranteed with instructions.
Kids’
FURNITURE
GALLERY
Kids’ Furniture Gallery • Edmonton
780-435-5472
3805 - 99 Street [NEW LOCATION]
kidsfurnituregallery.com
A family owned and operated business that provides quality furniture
and accessories from crib to college. The store has earned a great
reputation in Edmonton as a first-choice destination for all furnishings
that meet the changing needs of children as they grow.
Kingsway Mall
780-477-5756 • 109 St. & Kingsway
www.kingswaymall.ca
Kingsway Mall is Edmonton’s premier fashion shopping mall,
featuring over 200 modern and stylish stores, restaurants & services.
Little Monster’s Swap Meet!!! • Spruce Grove
info@littlemonstersswapmeet.com
221 Jennifer HeilWay, TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre
www.littlemonstersswapmeet.com
The Little Monster’s Swap Meet is Canada’s largest baby sale! An
entire indoor soccer field (and sometimes two!) FULL of brand new
and gently used baby and children’s items. The LMSM sales book up
months in advance and the line up to get in starts hours before the
doors open! Clothes, toys, bikes, strollers, playpens, cribs, hair
pretties, diapers... HUNDREDS of tables with EVERYTHING for baby,
toddler and maternity!! Check out our website or find us on
Facebook for updated information.
Loft 50 Photography & Design Studio ~ Karey Wood
780-966-3119 • 130, 120 Pembina Road, Sherwood Park
karey@loft50.com
www.loft50.com/karey
LOFT 50 Photography & Design studio is 2000 square feet of
luxurious light in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Karey specializes in
maternity, newborn, child and family photography. Graphic design
services include both print and web design.
Montana’s Cookhouse
Edmonton, St. Albert or Sherwood Park
www.montanas.ca
At Montana’s Cookhouse, we’re all about big food and big fun. As
masters of the grill, we love our meat grilled to perfection and
served sauced up! We are proud to serve food pleasing to little and
big appetites - hickory smoked ribs, fresh (never frozen) AAA steaks,
and delicious fun-to-eat favourites for the kids. Escape to the
cookhouse today!
Once Upon a Child • Edmonton
780-428-3366 (South), 780-488-3348 (North)
3833 - 99 Street (South), 13531 St. Albert Trail (North)
When you sell to us, we immediately pay. When you buy from us,
you get outstanding values. Once Upon a Child takes the growing
market of children's items, focuses on budget-concious families and
implements a recycling element. We buy/sell gently used and new
equipment, clothing, furniture, toys, etc.
Oyaco Products Inc. • Calgary
1-866-768-4224 • 3125 - 16 Street NE
info@oyaco.com
www.oyaco.com
Oyaco Products Inc. is a distributor of innovative, safe and high
quality baby, maternity and children's products.
Sunlife Financial – Katy Plesuk
780-424-8171 ext 2290 • 2928 10303 Jasper Avenue
Katy.Plesuk@sunlife.com
www.sunlife.ca/katy.pleasuk
I will work closely with you to fully understand your specific
situation and goals. Based on your needs, I’ll help you make
informed financial choices to build your savings and protect what
you save against unexpected events and to prepare financially for
the future.
West Coast Kids • Edmonton
780-489-0707 or 1-800-377-8278
10424 - 169 Street (facing 170th Street)
edmonton@westcoastkids.ca
www.westcoastkids.ca
Visit Edmonton’s largest specialty children’s store. We carry a large
selection of children’s furniture, bedding, strollers, clothing and
innovative, unique children’s products from around the world. Our
staff works hard to ensure you will receive personalized, informative
service and competitive prices.
Editor’s Notes: This guide is provided as a reference only. Please
research your choices carefully and choose the companies that work
best for you and your family.
EC
We buy and sell gently used kids items.
Clothing, furniture and equipment, toys, books, etc.
Edmonton South: 3833 - 99 Street Ph: 780.428.3366 • Edmonton North: 13531 St. Albert Trail Ph: 780.488.3348
EC
MAR 29 • APR 26 • JUN 7
2 FIELDS
An indoor soccer field
FULL of brand new &
gently used children’s items.
• AUG 23 • OCT 4
2 FIELDS
CANADA’S LARGEST BABY SALE!
www.littlemonstersswapmeet.com
info@littlemonstersswapmeet.com
EC
Help is Just a Phone
Call Away!
AADAC Help Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-332-2322
Alberta Mental Health Board,
Edmonton Mental Health Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-427-4444
!
WIN
Find Edmonton’s
Child on Pinterest!
The Welcome Wagon Reaches:
• New Residents • Expectant Mothers
• New Mothers • Brides-to-be • New Executives
• Inter-city Relocation • New Businesses
• Job Opportunities Available
With Civic & Business
Information, Gifts & Invitations
1-866-824-7545
To have your business represented or to receive a
Welcome Wagon visit, go to: www.welcomewagon.ca
LEGO®KidsFest
® KidsFest! Very
Enter to win tickets to LEGO
ers will be invited to
Important Kid (VIK) winn
y, June 27 from
the VIK preview event Frida
take part in a Master
3 – 4 pm where they will
learning building
Builder Academy session
ilders and will be
skills from Master Model Bu
on into Creation
the first to put their creati
ized map of the
Nation, a basketball court-s
out of LEGO® bricks.
United States built solely
access to the
VIK winners will also have
on Friday,
general admission session
. Tickets are
June 27 from 4 – 8:30 pm
er session.
non-transferable to any oth
it
For your chance to win, vis
m/contests.
.co
ild
www.edmontonsch
Capital Health Link:
24-hour information and advice on all health
related concerns including illness, prenatal,
and postpartum questions and concerns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-408-LINK (5465)
Capital Health – Community Sector
(Public Health Centres – general inquiries) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-413-7900
Child Abuse Hotline (24 hours) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-387-KIDS (5437)
Child & Family Services Authority (Child Welfare) . . . . . . . 780-422-2001
City of Edmonton Community Services
Assessment & Short-term Counselling
We can help with such concerns as: Daily life stresses, issues with dating,
marital or partner relationships, problems with family parenting challenges,
abuse or violence in the family. To speak privately with a
professional social worker call: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-496-4777
Community Service Referral Line
Edmonton and surrounding area (Information
about available community services) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-482-INFO (4636)
211 Edmonton (Information about available
community services - Edmonton only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Distress Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-482-HELP (4357)
24-hour telephone support and referral service
Edmonton Gleaners Association (Food Bank) . . . . . . . . . . . 780-425-4190
Family Support for Children with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . 780-427-4354
HEARTS (Helping Empty Arms Recover Through Sharing)
Support for pregnancy loss;
a program of Parent’s Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-464-3217
Kids Help Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-668-6868
Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kidshelp.sympatico.ca
Kids Kottage Foundation – Crisis Nursery
24-hour child care for parents in crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780- 944-2888
Kidsafe Connection (childhood injury prevention) . . . . . . . . . . 780-407-7250
La Leche League (Breastfeeding Support) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-478-0507
Mental Health Children’s Crisis Response Line . . . . . . . . . . 780-427-4491
Mental Health Adult Crisis Response Team (24 hours) . . . . 780-482-0222
Military Family Resource Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-973-4011 ext. 6300
Missing Children Society of Canada
An organization dedicated to the search for
abducted and runaway children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-661-6160
ParentLink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.parentlinkalberta.ca
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.tripleP-staypositive.net
Poison and Drug Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-332-1414
Ronald McDonald House
A home away from home for out of town families
with seriously ill children in Edmonton hospitals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-439-5437
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-423-4121
Terra Association
Prenatal information and parenting
assistance for teenage parents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-428-3772
The Salvation Army Community and Family Services
Offers assistance to families including counseling
and an emergency food depot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-424-9222
Northeast location:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-472-6743
Strathcona Sexual Assault Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-449-0900
St. Albert Family & Community Support Services . . . . . . . . 780-459-1756
St. Albert Stop Abuse In Families (SAIF) Society
Our aim is to send the message that family violence and bullying
will not be tolerated in our community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-460-2195
St. Albert Youth Community Centre
(for youth in Grades 7- age 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-418-0678
The Support Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-482-0198
Walk-in counseling. Free drop-in solution-focused therapy; call for hours.
Victims Assistance Program (Family Violence) . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-422-0721
Shelters (all 24 hour access)
A Safe Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-464-7233
Kids Kottage (crisis care nursery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-944-2888
Lurana Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-424-5875
Safehouse (street kids ages 13 to 19 who are at risk) . . . . . . . . . 780-474-9938
WIN House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-479-0058
Women’s Emergency Accommodation Centre . . . . . . . . . . . 780-423-5302
Youth Emergency Shelter Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780-468-7070

ECM - Mar/Apr 2014

Transcription

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