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2 Red Deer Express HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, March 18, 2015
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Wednesday, March 18, 2015, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING Red Deer Express 3
BY MARK WEBERRed Deer Express
Red Deerian Carmen
Tayles shares not only
helpful tips on achieving a
healthy weight in her new
book, but she also refl ects
on her own personal jour-
ney in getting there.
No ‘Stone’ Unturned –
Achieving a Healthy Weight
for Life was released last
year, and chapters cover a
wide spectrum of subjects
from exploring the impor-
tance of proper food choic-
es, the selection of supple-
ments, tips for exercise
and the psychology behind
weight gain and weight
loss. It’s all told in a very
accessible, and very well-
researched style.
From the start, Tayles
is also very open about
her own experiences – she
candidly refl ects on her
own struggles with weight
early on and her eventual
triumph over it. Those
moments are some of the
strongest in the book, be-
cause they really connect
the reader to Tayles – of-
ten those of us who have
weight issues have similar-
ities in our backgrounds.
Her insightful comments
are, in many ways, the
highlights of the material.
“I think that when you
are told over and over again
that you are fat, you start to
believe it and see no alter-
native there,” she said, re-
ferring to her memories of
her mother and grandma
always talking about being
and/or getting fat. Anxiety
over weight issues began to
surface early on. “It wasn’t
until I started writing the
book that I could actually
pinpoint when it fi rst be-
came an issue for me. It
took me way back to when
I was fi ve.”
For example, her grand-
mother felt that oatmeal
everyday was a mistake,
as she thought it was con-
tributing to Tayles’ weight
problem. “It was my favou-
rite breakfast – I would get
up looking forward to that.
One morning, there was a
piece of toast sitting there.
I said where’s my oatmeal,
and she said you guys
aren’t getting that any-
more – you’re getting fat.
I thought, what does that
mean?
“As I was growing up,
they were always on me
about my weight. I’m also
tall, so I was also always
bigger than the other kids
my age.
“So it made me more
self-conscious, to be always
reminded of that.” She re-
calls starting to sneak food
into her room as to bypass
the criticism, which includ-
ed raiding the freezer for
Christmas baking prior to
the holiday season.
There was of course teas-
ing at school, too. So on goes
the depletion of a healthy
sense of self-esteem, and
food becomes a source of
comfort, which in turn
leads to increased instances
of emotional eating.
“It’s a psychological is-
sue. We try to fi ll a void
with food – it’s just like self-
medicating.”
As the years passed, Tay-
les tried a number of diets
and did experience suc-
cess. But the pounds would
return. Ultimately, Tayles
realized she was obsessed
with her weight, but it
wasn’t helping her to slim
down.
She eventually went
for counseling, and began
to see that weight issues
were a part of her life, but
weren’t her whole life. She
also began to tackle issues
like negative self-talk and a
negative self-image. She be-
gan to utilize visualization
as a tool to alter her think-
ing about her body and the
body that she ultimately
wanted to have.
“It’s very powerful – it
works really well. It’s defi -
nitely one of the pieces
to the puzzle in achieving
your goal.”
It also speaks to the
power of the mind when
it comes to reaching one’s
goal with weight.
“Psychological issues
must be addressed to be-
come a life-time non-smok-
er and it’s no different as
it relates to becoming suc-
cessful at losing and keep-
ing weight off,” she writes.
“We fail to lose weight not
because of will power, but
because we have failed to
resolve our issues, inner
confl icts and thoughts.
When we think we have
failed, we give ourselves
permission to revert back
to our regular routines be-
cause these are easiest for
us.”
As mentioned earlier,
the book of course offers
plenty of practical advice
on choosing healthy, fresh
foods and eliminating as
much as possible boxed and
processed choices.
Drinking a proper
amount of water, getting
the right amount of rest,
adopting an active lifestyle
and watching portion sizes
are also keys to success, she
said. A sense of account-
ability can also do a world
of good, too. “A weight loss
group also provides the
support most people need
to be held accountable,
to know that you are not
alone, and that there are
many people in your posi-
tion that share your feel-
ings,” she writes.
Tayles is careful to con-
sistently recommend folks
that medical advice is es-
sential, as everyone’s situ-
ation is different. There’s
a great sense of balance
throughout as well. She
recognizes that there will
be days when you crave
something sweet, and that
completely depriving your-
self is never wise.
As for dealing with pain-
ful parts of her past, Tayles
opts to look at how even the
hardest circumstances can
ultimately bring some form
of good into our lives.
“It makes me grateful
and thankful everyday that
I’ve had the opportunity
to actually experience all
of these different things
because when I run into
someone who is maybe be-
ing tested or tried by some-
thing like this, I can maybe
empathize with them for a
moment.”
Weight loss should be an
exciting jury, not one of
drudgery, as she alludes to
in the closing chapter.
“Celebrate your baby
steps to success and re-
ally love yourself; who you
were, who you are, and who
you will become on this
amazing journey.”
For more information
about the book, or to pur-
chase a copy, check out
www.carmentayles.com or
fi nd her on facebook under
‘Carmen Tayles – author’.
Copies can also be bought
at Only Women’s Fitness
and Nutter’s.
3201-48 Ave., Camrose1-888-784-8441
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The 40s, 50s & 60s
CARMEN TAYLES
Author details weight loss journey in new book
4 Red Deer Express HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, March 18, 2015
BY JENNA SWANRed Deer Express
Divorce and separation
can be a trying time for
anyone especially if there
are children involved.
Family Services of Cen-
tral Alberta (FSCA) is
available to help Central
Albertans navigate the
complex world of parent-
ing after separation while
helping to maintain emo-
tional and mental health of
a family.
On March 28th, FSCA is
offering a ‘Parenting After
Separation’ course.
Charlotte Dennehy, clini-
cal manager for FSCA ex-
plained the course aims to
help parents understand
the impacts their split may
have on their children as
well as help to understand
the legal realm of divorce
and separation.
“The purpose of the
program is to help parents
make the adjustment of di-
vorce or separation easier
on their children. Having
parents understand the full
emotional impact on their
children and on themselves
and how the legal process
works is very important.”
She explained one of
the biggest issues facing
parents going through a
divorce or separation is
understanding that you are
now in a co-parenting re-
lationship and no longer a
spousal relationship.
“It’s hard for some to un-
derstand that things like
what the other person does
is no longer of their con-
cern,” said Dennehy. “And
often times each parent has
very different ways of par-
enting and it can be hard to
develop a strategy.”
Parents will have to in-
form their children of the
separation, in which Den-
nehy explained will occa-
sionally lead to negative
choices made by parents in
which they may inadver-
tently affect their children
by confi ding in them their
feelings about their partner
and perhaps talking nega-
tively about the other par-
ent, which she said is not
healthy for the children.
“What family research
has shown is that divorce
itself doesn’t necessarily
hurt children, it’s the con-
fl ict between parents that
will really hurts them.
“If parents are con-
stantly fi ghting and in tur-
moil, it will have negative
impacts – kids intuitively
know they are part of both
of their parents, so if they
hear dad or mom speak-
ing negatively of the other
person then they think be-
cause they are a creation
of their parents, they are
the negative things they’ve
heard their parent speak.”
The free course delves
into the impacts a divorce
and separation will have
on children of varying ages
and what type of behaviour
to expect depending on a
child’s temperament and
age.
Dennehy explained from
a legal perspective there
are fi nancial benefi ts to
taking the course as well.
“Rather than phoning
your lawyer two to three
times a week, if you know
and understand how the
legal system works and pro-
mote mediation then it will
save you a lot of money,”
she stated. “If you can both
learn to work with the le-
gal system and understand
custody versus access, child
support and alimony and
the residences for the chil-
dren then the entire process
is going to be easier.”
Some feedback FSCA has
heard from past partici-
pants of the course is that
they wish they would’ve
taken the course earlier in
the divorce or separation.
“Central Alberta has a
very high divorce rate and
it’s important for parents to
watch and make sure their
actions aren’t negatively
affecting their children so
I often tell people that even
if they are thinking about
divorce or separation – go,”
said Dennehy. “Because it’s
going to show you divorce
isn’t easy, often times peo-
ple think divorce is an easy
way out but it isn’t.”
To register for the course,
visit www.fsca.ca.
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BY KALISHA MENDONSARed Deer Express
For some children, social interaction is
not an easy task. It can be diffi cult for them
to express thoughts, read body language
and communicate effectively. That’s where
the Think Social Winter Program comes
in. The program is presented by the Learn-
ing Disability Association of Red Deer, but
is not strictly for children who have been
diagnosed with a learning disability.
“The program is a social skills program
for kids who need help making friends or
keeping friends. It’s for kids who need help
with starting conversations, reading body
language and other diffi culties that chil-
dren with learning disabilities - or really
any child - can have making friends,” said
program director Jeanette Davis.
Registration for the program is best
done in person at the Association’s offi ce.
“Lots of children with learning disabili-
ties have low self esteem and have trouble
making connections with other children,
especially if they have associated behav-
ioral issues. ADHD is prevalent in a large
number of kids with learning disabilities,
and that’s the only kind of way it’s not in-
visible. These kids are acting out,” Davis
said.
“For some of these kids, the problem is
their peers don’t like the way they are be-
having and they’ve got certain personality
traits that make it hard to understand how
they are behaving. However, I think the
important thing is it is open to everyone,
not just kids who are identifi ed as having
a learning disability. If there are parents
who feel their child would benefi t and
could learn something from this program
to have more positive peer relationships,
then they are welcome.”
She said she creates each program to
target the needs of individual children so
parents can feel assured their child is re-
ceiving the maximum benefi t.
“What we usually do is the facilitators
will role-play things in front of the kids,
and we will have a de-briefi ng and discus-
sion about what is right and wrong with
the situation. We get the kids to look at
what might have been weird or awkward
and why that behaviour isn’t going to work.
We look at the unappealing behaviours and
then show the kids how they can change
those behaviours into something positive.
“We then work on the skills through role-
playing and games. We have games where
we have to have meaningful questions and
conversations to continue.
“Within two or three weeks of the pro-
gram, people will start noticing the chang-
es, either parents or teachers. We get feed-
back from the parents to make sure they
are happy with the program and see if they
are noticing a difference in their child.”
Davis said the program has even brought
in yoga instructors to teach deep relaxing
breathing techniques for the kids. She said
they also discuss why different people get
upset over different things, and things that
are realistic to be upset about and what
things are not. She said the kids also learn
how to recognize the difference between
anger and disappointment.
The program will run two groups, start-
ing with ages seven to nine on April 8th
and April 14th for the older age group. The
registration deadline for the sessions is
April 2nd.
For more information, call the LDA at
403-340-3885.
Course offers help for families affected by divorce
‘Think Social Winter Program’ engages social skills
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Wednesday, March 18, 2015, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING Red Deer Express 5
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BY JENNA HANGERRed Deer Express
It’s not uncommon to see
a group of people hanging
out together, each holding
a cell phone which is fre-
quently checked for texts,
social media alerts or other
notifi cations.
It’s also not unusual to
walk into a family home
and see dad on the laptop,
mom watching TV and all
the kids streaming videos
or playing games on the
iPad.
Some health offi cials are
saying what has become a
normal way of life is hav-
ing consequences, especial-
ly on the younger genera-
tion who are being raised
in a society that’s growing
increasingly dependent on
and accustomed to technol-
ogy.
Cris Rowan, a pediat-
ric occupational thera-
pist from B.C. and CEO of
Zone’in Programs Inc. has
been all over the world edu-
cating the masses about the
physical and mental health
issues associated with tech-
nology overuse.
According to a research
review by Rowan, found
on www.zonein.ca, excess
technology has been re-
lated to the rise in children
with mental health and be-
havioural issues.
These include Attention
Defi cit Hyperactivity Dis-
order (ADHD), autism, ag-
gression, increased impul-
sivity, depression and an
inability to self-regulate.
The Canadian Mental
Health Association reports
almost 20% of children
suffer from mental health
issues, two-thirds of these
suffer from multiple disor-
ders.
The American Academy
of Pediatrics and the Cana-
dian Society of Pediatrics
have laid out guidelines
that say infants between
zero to two years shouldn’t
be exposed to any technol-
ogy, three to fi ve years
should be limited to one
hour a day, and six to 18
years only two hours a day.
Rowan’s research report
says children are using an
average of four to fi ve times
the recommended amount.
According to the Bristol
University study in 2010,
children who use more
than the suggested hours
have a 60% increase in psy-
chological disorders.
Studies have also shown
radiation from wireless de-
vices can do more damage
to children then to adults.
“The problem with chil-
dren that is most worri-
some is that children have
thinner skulls and more
water in their bodies which
causes them to absorb
more radiation, and they
have higher cell turnover,”
Rowan said.
Obesity is another is-
sue arising from overusing
technology.
The Canadian Commu-
nity Health Survey in 2013
found one in fi ve youths
from 12-17 were overweight
or obese.
Recent studies have also
shown excessive time play-
ing video games not only
affects children’s weight,
but also the way their brain
is forming.
Rowan said research has
shown the frontal lobe of
children who spend an ex-
cessive amount of time on
video games is noticeably
deteriorating because of
the lack of healthy stimu-
lus.
But it’s not just in
younger kids where there
is concern about technol-
ogy overuse, it’s happening
with the older age groups
as well, experts have said.
It’s an important stage of
life when teenagers sepa-
rate from their parents
and form their own social
group.
But when they turn to
varieties of social media to
try and connect with their
friends it’s not meeting
their needs.
“(They) want to have this
meaningful conversation
with somebody but instead
they just do facebooking or
texting.
“They never get what
they are really seeking,
which is meaningful con-
nection,” Rowan said.
“All their parents are
thinking they are connect-
ing socially, but there is
a poverty of connection
and it’s not meaningful for
them.”
Rowan said parents need
to take the initiative to get
themselves off of technol-
ogy and spend time with
their children, which is
very important for their
early developments.
The Zone’in report said
Canadian parents spend
an average of 3.5 minutes
per week having meaning-
ful conversation with their
children and 20% don’t
know how to play with
them.
Ultimately, technology is
one of those things the say-
ing ‘everything in modera-
tion’ is key, experts say.
“The most important
thing really, it’s the second
step in my 10-step plan,
is for the parents to pull
themselves off tech and
make themselves available
to the child. Because I have
never seen a child with a
problem that didn’t have
parents with a bigger prob-
lem.”
Experts point out downsides to technology overuse in kids
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6 Red Deer Express HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, March 18, 2015
BY ERIN FAWCETTRed Deer Express
Red Deer schools are be-
ing proactive about the is-
sues of cyber-bullying.
Both Red Deer Public and
Red Deer Catholic divisions
have programs and re-
sources put in place to help
combat cyber-bullying.
“When it comes to pro-
viding safe and caring envi-
ronments for our students,
this is a primary concern
for us,” said Paul Mason,
superintendent with the
Red Deer Catholic School
division.
“With the developments
of social media and stu-
dents having access to each
other 24-7, this has added
another element to con-
tinue to provide a safe and
caring environment.
“The ways we look to
address this are along the
lines of prevention and
being proactive in our ap-
proach.”
He added a number of
Red Deer Catholic School
offi cials recently attended
a cyber-bullying workshop.
“They looked at topics and
themes and how to recog-
nize cyber-bullying. We
want to ensure that our
staff are trained to be able
to recognize and deal with
as it does occur.”
According to the survey
‘Protecting Canadian Fam-
ilies Online’, conducted by
Leger on behalf of Primus
Telecommunications, par-
ents are more concerned
about cyber-bullying (48%)
than they are about teen
pregnancy (44%), drug use
(40%) or alcohol use (38%).
As well, one in fi ve par-
ents admit to knowing their
‘underage’ children have
facebook accounts.
Nearly one in fi ve par-
ents (16%) reported know-
ing their children between
the ages of eight and 10
have a facebook account,
despite a 13-year age mini-
mum in place for having an
account.
The survey also found
the majority of parents
(81%) feel that they are
most responsible for pro-
tecting their children from
cyber-bullying. And when
parents were asked who
else should be responsible
for protecting their child
they responded schools
(54%), social media compa-
nies (41%), the government
(31%) and friends (30%).
The survey showed that
one in 10 parents admit to
being aware their child, or
one of their child’s friends,
has received images or
messages online intended
to hurt someone.
For parents who learn
that their child is being
cyber-bullied, education
remains the primary form
of defense, the survey con-
cluded.
Jeremy Horlings, vice
principal at Gateway Chris-
tian School said students
need to remember there
are severe consequences to
any kind of bullying.
“Digital actions have real
world consequences,” he
said.
“We will deal with cy-
ber-bullying issues in the
school regularly and in dif-
ferent variations. It’s about
educating kids and making
them aware.
“One of the things that
we have to mindful of is
that the idea of sending
anonymous notes that are
hurtful is not new. You
think of when we went
through school the ‘bully’
was a bigger person, a phys-
ically stronger person and
now we have different cat-
egories of cyber-bullies,”
he said. “You have cyber-
bullies that everyone would
see as an angel in class – a
really well mannered per-
son – but they are a passive
aggressive person.
“They are quiet and peo-
ple might have said or done
things to them and they
don’t say or do anything –
they are very compliant.
All of a sudden, they get on
their computer and it gives
them that access to be the
bully.
“If they are technologi-
cally-savvy, then that be-
comes their muscle – it be-
comes their chance to get
back.
“They can create false
profi les of other students
or they can create a fake
profi le and make terrible
comments.”
Horlings added part of
the problem is that youth
have great access to one
another, cyber-bullying can
happen day or night.
“Bullying used to take
place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
within the confi nes of the
school. It was horrible but
you could also generally es-
cape it and go home and it
didn’t follow you.
“With cyber-bullying it
follows you – your phone
buzzes when you are get-
ting on the bus, your phone
buzzes when you are sitting
at the supper table, you go
to your desktop or laptop
and it’s there. They call it
24/7 bullying. It doesn’t
leave you. That is some-
thing that is concerning
because they don’t feel like
they can escape it.”
Horlings added the type
of technology also plays a
role in the accessibility to
cyber-bullying.
“What I have seen more
and more are different
apps and different types of
social networking sites that
allow it to become easier to
fall into the temptation of
cyber-bullying.
“For example, things like
anonymous social network-
ing sites. Because these are
anonymous, kids are get-
ting extremely negative
and we are seeing attacks.”
Ron Eberts, associate
superintendent – technol-
ogy services for Red Deer
Public Schools said cyber-
bullying has been around
for a long time.
“With the proliferation
of the various media, when
it was just facebook, or just
Twitter, or just Instagram
– it wasn’t as much. But
now with Snapchat and the
ability to say something
and have your tracks clean
behind you – it gave people
who were bullies already a
safer place from their point
of view to do their bully-
ing.”
He added if any student
is being cyber-bullied, he
urges them to seek support.
“What we want to make
sure our kids know is that
if they are being cyber-
bullied, they need to tell
someone – their parents,
a teacher, a counselor at
school. Trying to deal with
it on your own is not the
way to go. Building a sup-
port system is key.
“The more people you
can tell and you can get in-
volved the better.”
Meanwhile, Primus is
joining forces with PRE-
VNet, the country’s lead-
ing authority on bullying
prevention, to develop an e-
learning program designed
for Canadian parents and
adults to use with children
and youth.
With the goal of reducing
the incidence of cyber-bul-
lying across the country,
the program is scheduled
to launch later this year
and will be the fi rst interac-
tive resource of its kind.
“Our research shows on-
line safety has become a top
concern for parents across
the country and our aim,
as one of Canada’s leading
ISPs, is to help them un-
derstand how to deal with
it - even before it becomes a
problem,” said Brad Fisher,
Primus executive and on-
line safety advocate.
“By partnering with
PREVNet, we can provide
parents and adults working
with youth a much-needed
resource so they can turn
their concerns into positive
action.
“This program will arm
them with the knowledge,
skills, support and confi -
dence they need to tackle
this important issue and,
most importantly, protect
their kids.
According to PREVNet,
though, youth and adults
may not be speaking the
same language when it per-
tains to online communi-
cations and cyber-bullying
prevention.
“The rate of digital inter-
actions will only increase
as technology continues
to evolve,” said Dr. Wendy
Craig, scientifi c co-director
at PREVNet.
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WARRIOR WOMEN – Maxine Winchester leads a yoga session at the Yoga Alliance of Red Deer (YARD). YARD, which has been in operation since 2002 is the only non-profi t yoga association in Red Deer and has a variety of classes and programs in place for people of all ages and skill levels.
Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
Wednesday, March 18, 2015, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING Red Deer Express 7
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BY MARK WEBERRed Deer Express
Coordinators with momstown Central Alberta aim to
provide all kinds of programs and ways of connecting
for moms in the community.
momstown.ca is described as a, “Unique blend of
early education programming and mama support deliv-
ered both online and in-person.
“With a momstown program pass, Canadian moms
can choose from an extensive range of programs for
children ages 0-6 years old.
“Each month your local chapter runs 20-plus events
- all created by early childhood educators and includ-
ing developmental areas of art, literacy, music and sci-
ence,” according to the web site.
“All our programming is themed around eight educa-
tional program pillars - art, music, literacy, nutrition,
science and discovery, fi tness and adventure, play and
social and prenatal.”
Tanya Kitchen Johnson is the owner of momstown
Central Alberta, and a busy mother in her own right to
four daughters.
Ultimately, it’s all about providing fun and educa-
tional activities for families, where children can learn
new skills and moms can build friendships with other
mothers in the community, she said.
As Kitchen Johnson pointed out, it’s also particularly
helpful for mothers who are new to a given community
as well.
momstown was fi rst launched in Burlington, Ontario
in 2007, and was later started in Alberta in 2009.
“You know the saying it takes a village to raise a
child? Well, people don’t really know their neighbours
anymore,” she explained.
“So sometimes these moms are having babies, but
they don’t know anyone. Maybe their friends aren’t in
the same life stage as them, or they haven’t had kids
yet, or their kids are older.
“So that’s how it started – to get these moms out of
the house and meeting people,” she said, adding that it
helps to ensure new moms aren’t just surviving moth-
erhood, but thriving.
Also, sometimes support systems wane a bit when
baby number two or three comes along. This can some-
times lead to cases of postpartum depression – a wom-
an may not fi nd the robust support that she did with her
fi rstborn, for example.
“Our programs are very sibling-friendly, so it allows
them to get out of the house, it allows moms some con-
versation with other moms while they are doing these
amazing programs with their kids – so everyone is win-
ning.”
Programs run the gamut from ‘Art & Play’, ‘Tales
for Tots’, ‘Baby Basics’ and ‘Alphabet Play’ to ‘Toddler
Time’, ‘Junior Chef’, ‘Music & Movement’ and ‘Rhyme,
Rhythm & Read.’
According to the web site, momstown’s ‘Active Ma-
mas’ program, “Lets you get fi t and stay active at your
own pace.
“You’ll have a chance to try new fi tness classes and
programs, get professional nutrition advice, learn
about wellness options, and connect with moms in your
community.”
There is also ‘Mom’s Night Out’ – which features a
range of events from supper clubs to craft nights, all
based on the interests of a particular momstown chap-
ter.
Kitchen Johnson said there are more than 20 events
planned each month, which can also bolster a child’s
overall socialization.
Currently, there are about 250 members who take
part in various momstown activities and programs.
Check out www.central-alberta.momstown.ca for
more information.
LEARN THROUGH PLAY – Crystal-Gayle Hallet enjoys some quality time with son Blake, 8 months, during a weekly momstown meet-up.
Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express
momstown Central Alberta offers a range of programs
8 Red Deer Express HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, March 18, 2015
BY JENNA SWANRed Deer Express
In a society dominated
by media images of thin
women and buff men, body
image can cause immense
amounts of stress for some.
Recently a six-week pro-
gram titled ‘Letting Go’
was conducted by Marnel
Hesterman of Incite Inspi-
rations, which employed
the use of the emotional
freedom technique and
the process of ‘tapping’ to
address the issue of body
weight and self acceptance.
“As human beings we
put ourselves under stress
all day long, every day and
for a lot of us if we are car-
rying extra weight then
we are constantly beating
ourselves up over it,” ex-
plained Hesterman.
“So we’re not making
proper food choices be-
cause we are reacting to the
stress we are under.”
Hesterman explained by
helping participants of the
program diffuse some of
that stress and beliefs they
have around weight and
weight issues, they no lon-
ger reach for those foods
to calm themselves when
they are feeling the stress
and instead replace it with
self love so they can make
better choices.
“We use the Emotional
Freedom Technique to not
only work on the issue of
craving but the whole issue
of eating and the food we
are putting into our bod-
ies,” she explained.
“I found many of the
participants had been on
so many different diets and
weight plans and programs
and had very mixed results
which often ended in them
rebounding and gaining
back the weight they had
lost if any – which left them
feeling stressed out and
frustrated.”
She explains the science
behind EFT and tapping
as a way of decreasing the
stress hormone cortisol
and increasing the happy
hormone serotonin.
“Tapping can change our
thought pattern by creating
new neural pathways and
creating different perspec-
tives and life choices,” said
Hesterman. “We are able to
see things from a different
perspective when we can
relieve the emotion that
is around it.” Hesterman
stated some of the biggest
changes she saw in par-
ticipants was in their food
and drink consumption in
which she saw participants
making better food choices,
as well as being more ex-
cited over the movement of
their bodies.
“We focus on movement
as being fun rather than be-
ing dreaded exercise,” said
Hesterman. “I also found
that a lot of the participants
talked about how much bet-
ter they were getting along
with family members and
their children thanks to
different practices they
were putting in place from
the sessions such as includ-
ing more family time and
having lighter and brighter
outlooks on life.”
Local business owner
and entrepreneur Susan
Walker said she experi-
enced a number of ‘Aha’
moments throughout her
‘Letting Go’ sessions stat-
ing she has experienced
much release from the
stresses of life following
the program.
“Understanding why I ate
at certain times was a huge
realization for me to under-
stand why,” said Walker.
“It allowed me to get over
the asphyxiation with my
weight and it’s allowed me
to be able to have my photo
taken again which was an
issue for me and feel better
about myself.”
Understanding stress
and the kind of stress you
are under is a big part of
the program, explained
Walker, who added that
while she thought the only
stress she was experienc-
ing was coming from her
work, however she has
since realized that many
things including driving
and her personal life can
also add to her stress level.
She has since, under the
mentorship of Hesterman
and the program, begun a
practice of self-love.
“Just having to say that
you love yourself and say
to yourself that you’re go-
ing to take the time to show
that you love yourself even
once a week can make
a huge difference,” said
Walker. “At the beginning
of the sessions I wasn’t able
to say that I loved myself
but now I can.”
Hesterman invites Cen-
tral Albertans to try the
techniques for themselves
during next sessions.
The next Letting Go pro-
grams are April 7-9th.
For more, visit www.in-
citeinspirations.com.
403.346.3356
TodayWOMEN
Emotional Freedom Technique used with weight loss
MOTHER DAUGHTER MOMENT – Reading to your children is a great way to spend time with them while helping them to develop their cognitive skills. Victoria Thomas reads a book to 15-month-old daughter Olivia. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
Wednesday, March 18, 2015, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING Red Deer Express 9
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Earl Dreeshen, MP4315 - 55th Avenue, Suite 100A403-347-7426 • www.earldreeshen.ca
A Voice for A Voice for Families in our Families in our
CommunityCommunity
It’s completely normal for babies to cry
when they’re hungry, tired, wet or even
scared.
But some babies cry for no apparent rea-
son. They’re fed, rested, clean and in your
arms - and yet they still cry.
You’ve tried everything and nothing
seems to soothe them.
This can be a frustrating thing for par-
ents and caretakers.
The good thing, you’re not alone and this
is normal.
While some babies are just fussy and dif-
fi cult to soothe, others have what is called
colic, meaning they cry longer than three
hours a day three days a week for at least
three weeks.
Here’s some advice for parents with a
colicky baby.
Colic is common and will someday end.
Many babies go through a colicky stage
starting when they’re a few weeks old and
ending by four or fi ve months.
They’ll cry for long periods of time often
at the same time each day, usually in the
afternoon or evening.
The crying may sound high-pitched like
they’re distressed, but there’s no clear rea-
son why.
Their face may be red from exertion,
with their legs curled up and fi sts clenched.
It’s really hard for parents not to assume
the worst when their baby cries for no rea-
son.
If your baby seems distressed and has
been injured, is ill or you notice any chang-
es in your baby’s normal behaviour, it is
important to make an appointment with
the pediatrician.
It may be helpful to keep record of your
baby’s crying spells, sleeping patterns and
feeding schedule.
The doctor can help rule out possible
medical reasons for fussiness, but if none
are found, then colic may be what is diag-
nosed.
And sadly, there’s no clear cause for
colic.
Allergies, food intolerance, refl ux, gas,
an undeveloped digestive or nervous sys-
tem, parental anxiety, overstimulation and
differences in the methods of soothing and
feeding a baby have all been considered as
possible causes.
Since the baby can’t tell you what’s
wrong, it’s often a guessing game.
Why one baby is colicky and another is
calm and content is another mystery pedi-
atricians and parents have struggled with
since the dawn of time.
Though you may never forget these
days, the good news is your baby will. A
baby with colic will develop just like a nor-
mal baby.
When a baby cries for long periods, he
or she will swallow air that gets trapped as
gas and cause more distress. Keep gas-re-
lief medicine on hand for when your baby
seems gassy.
To prevent refl ux and gas, hold your
baby upright during feedings and burp
your baby often.
If the baby is bottle-fed, try changing the
kind of bottle or nipple you use. Some al-
low less air to be swallowed than others.
Also, switch to a hypoallergenic formula
for a few days to see if the baby’s symp-
toms decrease.
Moms who breastfeed their babies may
want to avoid certain foods that could up-
set a baby’s sensitive stomach. Some of the
most common foods that cause discomfort
include dairy, soy, wheat, eggs, nuts, and
fi sh.
If the baby’s symptoms go away, you can
fi nd the cause by slowly adding these foods
back into your diet.
Typically, if a food upsets your belly it
will more often than not upset their belly
too.
You can also try new ways of soothing
your baby.
A simple pacifi er can work wonders.
Many babies love the comfort of swad-
dling, rocking, white noise, being walked,
quiet music, or a warm bath. Some babies
just need a few minutes of alone time af-
ter a stimulating day. When nothing else
seems to work, lay your baby on his or her
back in the crib.
Studies show that symptoms of colic
may be due to an imbalance of good bacte-
ria in a baby’s intestines. Treatment with
probiotics may help.
Talk to your pediatrician for a recom-
mendation.
Caring for a baby with colic can be ex-
hausting and stressful. It’s important to
take care of yourself so you can be the best
parent possible.
When colic won’t go away, let a friend or
your spouse take over so you can get out
of the house for a break. Talk to a trusted
friend about your feelings and frustra-
tions.
Also, remember that you’re not a bad
parent because your baby cries or because
you have feelings of resentment. Know
your limits and seek professional help if
you’re at your wit’s end.
This, too, shall pass, and in a few short
weeks or months your baby will be cooing
and smiling and your world will be happy
again.
Jack Wheeler is a personal trainer and owner of 360 Fitness in Red Deer.
When lullabies just simply won’t work Jack
W H E E L E R
AFTERNOON WALK – Trevor and Gyongi Powell enjoy a walk at Kerry Wood Nature Centre with children Laina, 9, Dalton, 7 and Elliot, 4. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express
10 Red Deer Express HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, March 18, 2015
BY KALISHA MENDONSARed Deer Express
Socialization and communication are
building blocks to our society, necessary
for people to connect with one another. For
those living with aphasia, these skills are
stolen are the results can be devastating.
Luckily, those with aphasia in Central
Alberta do not have to suffer alone, thanks
to Coffee Chat. Coffee Chat is a program for
those who are living with aphasia – an ac-
quired language disorder that typically af-
fects people who have suffered brain damage.
“Coffee Chat was developed to be a pro-
gram for people who have suffered a stroke
and who now have aphasia, to be able to
participate in an active communication
group where they get the confi dence, abil-
ity, and support to be able to actually con-
verse,” said speech language pathologist
and program facilitator Karrie Paige.
Aphasia can take several forms, and is
most commonly caused by strokes. A per-
son living with this condition would have
symptoms ranging from diffi culty remem-
bering words to the loss of the ability to
speak, read and write. It does not impact
intelligence, only language skills.
The group is an unstructured socializa-
tion program that can be accessed by speak-
ing to local speech pathologists and PCN
doctors. It is designed to be a comfortable
place for people who may struggle with con-
versation to work through topics of their
interest and to engage with others who also
have aphasia.
“Before people have a stroke, socializa-
tion is an essence of what we do – speaking.
We go for coffee, we go for drinks, and we
talk. At the end of the night, sometimes we
don’t even know what we talked about but
we were socializing and engaging with oth-
er people. Having aphasia means that that
part of being human is stolen from you.
Their voice is stolen in that they often have
so much they want to say, but their brain is
holding it hostage and they just aren’t able
to get the words out,” Paige said.
“A lot of our clients who have aphasia
become socially isolated and are afraid
to talk because often when they try the
words don’t come out right, or they fi nd
that they can’t participate in the kinds of
coffee groups, or beers with the friends or
whatever.”
Paige’s role as a facilitator and speech
pathologist is to help the clients under-
stand and follow conversation, and then in
turn provide assistance in participation.
Some of the tools she uses to help people
communicate are boards with various an-
swers and phrases on them and even iPad
programs.
“We know that people with strokes need
more opportunities to communicate and
use their skills. Unfortunately, there aren’t
many opportunities in the community. A
lot of people don’t even know what aphasia
is or how to work with someone who has
it,” Paige said.
“We’re doing training all the time to
teach what’s called supportive conversa-
tion for people with aphasia. It teaches
people to interact with people affected by
aphasia so that the person affected can un-
derstand what is being said to them and so
that they have a way to respond.”
Paige said there are similar programs
across the country that aim to educate and
rehabilitate those living with aphasia and
the people in their lives. The programs are
monitored by speech pathologists so that
they can help people understand how to
interact with a person living with aphasia,
and to help those affected to take their turn
in conversation.
The cost is $2 to $4 per session. For more
information, contact 403-342-8678.
‘Coffee Chat’ a program for those living with aphasia
BY KALISHA MENDONSARed Deer Express
For those who have lost a
loved one to suicide there is
a support group within the
City that provides a safe
place to grieve and com-
pare experiences.
Suicide Information and
Education Services hosts
the Living Beyond Suicide
Loss support group once a
week. It is a closed group
meaning that those wishing
to access the service must
contact the organization pri-
or to appearing at a meeting.
“This really came about
through a need in the com-
munity. We get a lot of calls
from people asking if there
is support for this kind of
loss, and so we’ve had the
group going for a few years
now. It is unfortunately
well-attended – I say un-
fortunately because of the
content of the group – but
those who attend certainly
are appreciative that this
group exists,” said Program
Facilitator Dawne Adkins.
“The support group
meets weekly and it is an
opportunity for all those
who are grieving specifi -
cally a suicide loss – as
opposed to other kinds of
grief – to get together and
share in their journeys and
support each other and
learn from each other and
work though the process.”
The group is meant for
survivors of suicide. Ad-
kins said that the term
survivor carries a lot of
misconceptions in this con-
text and that what it really
refers to are the people who
are left behind after a per-
son commits suicide.
The program is run in
an open discussion style
where attendees can speak
to others who are dealing
with the same kind of loss.
Adkins said that some of
the things the group dis-
cusses are how to answer
questions from friends and
family surrounding de-
tails of an incident, where
to fi nd other supports for
grieving and how a person
might learn from another
person’s experience deal-
ing with their grief.
“We have talked about re-
sponding to questions such
as, ‘How many kids do you
have’ after a person has lost
a child to suicide and other
sensitive questions that sur-
vivors face. We are about
supporting and giving sug-
gestions on how to respond
to such questions and situa-
tions,” Adkins said.
“We like it to be a very
safe place for people where
they can share and say
things that are on their
minds that they may not
be able to share elsewhere.
They are in a room of peo-
ple who really get what
they’re going through.”
Adkins said that the
group has a wide variety
of age and demographics
and that there are many
types of relationships rep-
resented in the group, such
as parents grieving the loss
of a child, friends grieving
for a friend, grandparents,
siblings and more.
Part of the focus of the
group is to talk about how
survivors can take care of
themselves as they work
through their journey. The
group discusses the many
ways that people deal with
stress, loss and grief and
aims to let everyone feel
comfortable dealing in
their own way.
“Everyone processes
things differently and so
communication becomes a
big issue. For example, if
a person is lost in a fam-
ily, all family members ex-
perience that loss and are
grieving but grieve in a
different way because they
would all have a different
relationship to that per-
son,” she said.
“We communicate to see
how one person is feeling,
how their experience com-
pares to someone else and
then to allow people to real-
ize that all of those varieties
of feelings are okay.
“We let people know to
be kind and gentle, not only
to themselves, but to each
other.”
Anyone wishing to be-
come a part of the group
must fi rst contact Suicide
Information and Education
Services to take part in an
intake process before they
are admitted to the group.
Adkins said that the intake
is done to assess where a
person is at as they move
through their grief, and
also to become acquaint-
ed with her so that when
someone comes in, they
have a friendly face in the
group.
‘Living Beyond Loss’ helpsfamilies in the wake of suicide
Wednesday, March 18, 2015, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING Red Deer Express 11
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