CARDIAC ATHLETIC SOCIETY EDMONTON

Heart Murmurs
February 2011

 

 

FERUARY EDUCATION PROGRAM

On occasion, there are experts on heart disease who hold public sessions in support of better health. The last several months the Mazankowski Heart Institute has been hosting an evening lecture series discussing new developments in the treatment of heart disease. A panel of world class experts presents new and innovative material at a level understandable to heart patients as well as other professionals.

CASE is proposing to take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from the leaders in the field and is highly recommending that members take advantage of the opportunity to attend the next, and final, lecture in the series titled " Heart Healthy Living " It will be held Wednesday February 23 at 7:00 PM at the Mazankowski Heart Institute.

The only catch is that you must book with them in advance at 780 407-4273 to be sure of a space and to obtain free parking in the parkade immediately south of the Heart Institute. This lecture will serve as our February 2011 self help/education program

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Monday March 28 at 7:00 PM at SEESA. Our organization has had a number of challenges this year and we have been meeting them successfully.

It appears that the time to consider how to build and improve our future operations is upon us. One of the tasks that we may have to consider is whether the society's bylaws need changes to reflect how we are now operating. This will lead to proposed amendments being brought to the AGM in March.

As usual, we are looking for new ideas and input on the Executive. A nominating committee has been struck consisting of Burn Evans, Ron Kirschner and Dale Southwood to look for people who will be willing to build CASE. It appears that some functions, such as programs, might benefit from a group of people taking on the job rather than just an individual. It should be considered that spouses as well as regular members are also eligible and probably can bring a new slant on our activities.

CASE IS ALIVE AND WELL!

We have now been operating at the Kinsmen Sport Centre for more than a month and Lynn and the group have been adapting to the new surroundings. Better facilities and equipment are clearly evident as well as lots of inspiration from watching many younger, faster and more agile athletes. We just have to hope that none of us tries to do the backflips while flinging ribbons and hoops in the air! There would be terrible back injuries assured.

We are slowly finding our way around and learning where we can, and can't, go... The Social Breakfasts are still held at SEESA, as they always have been, and people are still winning free food on occasion.

Our January Self Help/Education sessions was also held at SEESA on Monday January 31. We had a terrific speaker and a nice room - their boardroom - complete with executive boardroom chairs! This was big improvement over the metal stacking chairs at the ASD. We heard no complaints of numb bums from anyone there. Unfortunately it was a truly cold night -28 and attendance was not too high.

The executive has decided that future Self Help and Education meetings should be arranged for SEESA. It appears that this has become our 'second home' for many of our social and educational programs.

Jim Hammond has for many years organized our annual Barbeques and Christmas Parties at the Malmo Community Hall. He has retired from his role as Social Director and we all can thank him for his efforts over a number of years. The popularity of these events has been noted and we already have a volunteer to take over his duties. Dave Ingledew has already joined the Executive as Jim's replacement. You will be happy to hear that the bookings have already been made at the Malmo Community Hall for the 2011 events in June and December.

ANNUAL WEIGHT CHALLENGE IS NOW UNDERWAY

We were a bit slow off the mark but on February 1 the annual weight loss challenge began. If you want to participate this year you should be weighed in by February 10 and, if you are after winning the big bucks, you should pay by that date as well!

The person who loses the greatest percentage of their initial body weight by May 13 wins the Challenge. If you want to compete for the fabulous prizes (and better health) there is a $5.00 entry fee and your initial weigh in must be recorded before the middle of February!

Regular weigh-ins to check your progress are scheduled for March 1, March 29, April 26 with final standings determined at the May 24 weigh in.

For the participants information we are also calculating their Body Mass Index and changes over the period of the Challenge. It is safe to say that most of us could stand to lose a few pounds.

NOTES FROM OUR JANUARY SPEAKER

A small group of members had a very informative evening with Ruth West a leading dietician at the Grey Nuns. She focused her remarks on health eating to maintain or lose weight. She began by noting that effective weight control does not imply trying all the various commercial diet programs. Rather, healthy eating that maintains one's weight can be as much a victory as weight reduction. It is easy to eat extra calories by making poor food choices. Maintaining weight implies effective control of amounts and types of food being eaten. That should be the first priority. Good dietary habits to control weight can be adapted to lead to healthy weight loss simply by controlling the caloric intake.

She emphasized that eating regularly is a critical element of weight management. Skipping meals changes one's metabolic rates and tend to result in overeating and weight gain more than regular meals three times a day. She suggested making a point of eating a good breakfast and having vegetables with lunch. This helps to maintain a 'full' feeling and to decrease snacking which often is a major source of extra, unneeded calories.

She noted a number of rules of successful weight losers:

·      They eat fruit and vegetables daily: Vegetables as part of lunch and supper is a good way to fill up and provide vital fiber and nutrients.

·      They eat whole grain bread not white: She suggested that as well as bread, using bran, oatmeal, brown rice and whole grain pasta provides many benefits.

·      They limit fat intake: Fats are everywhere. Healthy weight control generally means avoiding fried foods and limiting the size and frequency of deserts. She suggested putting out a daily fat ration (margarine) and limiting yourself to that amount.

·      They watch their portion sizes: Typical dinners should cover 1/2 the plate with vegetables, 1/4 with meat and 1/4 with rice, potatoes or pasta. She suggests always leaving something on the plate when eating out and to avoid all sugar sweetened beverages and fruit juices. Eat your fruit do not drink it! She noted that restaurant meals are often a problem since many offer larger than needed portions, are high in fat and sodium and lack vegetables and fruit.

·      They exercise regularly.

HEARTS AND FLOWERS

If you are aware of any member who has taken ill, has been confined to their home, or has been hospitalized, please e-mail this information info@edmontoncase.org or call at Donna Haugh at 780-463-0644.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Event	Date	Time	Place
Social Breakfast	Wed. Feb. 23	9:00 AM	SEESA
Education Self Help Session, A Night at the Mazankowski Lecture Series Heart Healthy Living (phone 780 407 4273 to book)	Wed. Feb 23	7:00 PM	Mazankowski Heart Institute
Social Breakfast	Wed. Mar. 23	9:00 AM	SEESA
Annual General Meeting	Mon. Mar. 28	7:00 PM	SEESA
Social Breakfast	Wed. Apr. 20	9:00 AM	SEESA
Annual Barbeque	Fri. June 24	4:30 PM	Malmo
Christmas Social	Sun. Dec. 4	4:30 PM	Malmo

 

Notes: SEESA:            The South East Edmonton Seniors Assoc.   address is 9350 82nd Street, Edmonton

            Malmo:            Malmo Community League                       address is 11525 48th Avenue Edmonton

            Mazankowski Heart Institute                                             address is 8840 112 Street, Edmonton