http://www.lite959.com

Not long ago, it took me 3 weeks to get my son an appointment to see a doctor. 3 weeks?! I was shocked. They told me that I can come to the walk in clinic instead. Walk in clinics should be for those who don’t have a doctor, not because I need someone to check my son’s itchy skin! Besides, I don’t have up to 4 hours to wait at a walk in clinic with my 4 year old. Plus I’d have to bring my 2 year old at the same time. And I just don’t have 4 extra hours in the day. So what did I do? I booked the appointment and then self diagnosed my son and went to the pharmacy to pick up some cream. 3 weeks later, I saw my doctor who prescribed the same thing I diagnosed him as having!

From that experience, I went to find a new doctor. Where the new doctor assured me that I won’t have to wait 3 weeks to book in my son… OR 6 months to get a physical. It wasn’t easy finding the doctor. After searching online and making a million or so calls, I actually found one through word of mouth.

It’s SO frustrating, especially those who are sick, to get in to just see a doctor. So now what? I went to our sister station 660 News to see if anyone there knew anything about what’s going on with our medical world. I came across my colleague Craig Lester. Craig informed me that he’s been working on a 5 part series that talks about just this. I will post his series here so you can follow along. Some VERY interesting information in it!

“the problem with the shortage starts with the number of family doctors being trained in the country.” Read the story here!

UNICEF
Partners for Safety
Provided by UNICEF

While trick-or-treaters won’t be carrying UNICEF boxes on Halloween night, UNICEF wants to ensure children are safe as they go door to door collecting candy. For the 17th year, UNICEF’s Partners for Safety will be on patrol. More than 800 vehicles will patrol Calgary streets from 6 to 8pm, making sure this will be a safe Halloween.

The Partners for Safety include: Calgary Police Service, Emergency Medical Services, Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Transit, Shaw TV, Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services and Calgary’s Child Magazine. Any child experiencing a problem can go to a partner vehicle or fire/police station for help.

Halloween safety tips:

* Tell your parents which area you will visit and when you will be back.
* Stay out of houses and cars unless parents permit.
* Travel in groups down one side of the street before crossing to the other.
* Look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at intersections.
* Avoid shortcuts through alleys, lanes or private property.
* Check treats with an adult before eating them.
* Wear bright, reflective clothing.
* Use makeup instead of masks, which can limit your vision.
* Carry a flashlight.

The UNICEF Partners for Safety remind all motorists to be extra cautious when driving on Halloween night!

For more information, visit unicef.ca or contact 403-270-2857.
BONUS CODE Safety

It’s that time of year again, and Alberta Health Services wants you to get your annual flu shot. For a list of flu shot locations go to www.albertahealthservices.ca/influenza.asp. Yes, I will get my flu shot. With two small children in the house – one that goes to preschool – we have a high risk of getting sick. I believe being proactive is the best medicine! But, when it comes to the common cold, I know I have to do more than just get a flu shot.

There’s nothing more frustrating than suffering from a common cold. Who has time to be sick? A runny, stuffy nose makes me feel miserable, along with coughing, sneezing and aches and pains. As a mom, I DEFINITELY don’t have time to be sick. Moms CAN’T get sick! If I get sick, nothing gets done! And, surprisingly, no one eats right. I certainly can’t take any time off work. My absence affects everyone. There’s a mad scramble to find someone to fill in. So I say it’s better to NOT get sick.

I try to avoid the common cold at all costs, mostly with excessive hand washing. I even use my sweater sleeve to open doors. I’d wear a mask…if I wouldn’t be laughed at. So instead, I take Cold FX. I’m a firm believer in it. My husband, on the other hand, thinks Cold FX only prolongs a cold. Still, I take Cold FX at the first sign of a sore throat.

I called the makers of Cold FX, and asked them how Cold FX actually works. Can the ginseng in Cold FX really relieve symptoms of cold and flu? I spoke to Michael McDougall, Senior Manager of Media Relations with Afexa Life Sciences. Here’s how he explained Cold FX to me. Essentially, Cold FX is an extract of ginseng in capsule form. So why get it in a pill? How about tea or on your own? McDougall told me grinding up a ginseng root and eating it will produce some of the effects, but Cold FX contains only the active ginseng ingredient to boost your immune system with immune enhancing compounds. Cold FX enhances your immune system when it’s fighting off an infection. It also turns up your immune system’s “alarm bells,” so your body is ready to respond to an attack.

McDougall says the best way to take Cold FX is on a daily basis…especially during cold and flu season from September until March or April.

Who takes Cold FX? Lead athletes, singers and media personalities are all clients of Cold FX. Being sick just isn’t worth their time.

Who shouldn’t take Cold FX? Clinical trials are being considered for people with autoimmune disorders and people taking blood thinners, but have not been done yet. If you have either, please consult a docoter before. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult your physician as well. Pediatric studies and trials for children are ongoing.

Cold FX is an all natural product, and so far, it’s worked for me. It’s even reduced the frequency and duration of my colds. Do I think it’s a cure for the common cold? No. Do I think it makes me feel better? Yes. I have things to do and children to parent! Having an option to feel better, makes me feel better!

My son just turned 2. I did a month of planning, and came up with the idea of doing a Pirate Party. With a 2 year old, I didn’t come up with a lot of activities, as 2 year olds don’t pay much attention. I did, however, come across the BEST BALLOON ARTIST EVER!! His name is Trixtan.

I met Trixtan at Montana’s Restaurant on 130th. He was going around to the tables to do balloon animals for the kids… and he blew me away making a frog for my 2 year old and a helicopter for my 4 year old. Gone are the days of balloon dogs and flowers. So I hired Trixtan for my son’s birthday. He was AWESOME! He was great with the kids, and stayed long enough to make sure every kid had their own custom made balloon. Check out the collection!

He even dressed the part of a pirate for my party! Thanks Trixtan! Here’s a link to his site. www.trixtan.com Be sure to also check out his show “Our Next Show“.

Thank you Trixtan. You are a remarkable talent!

Bonus Code: PARTY

I do have one big pet peeve at work… and that’s pens and pencils that have been chewed on. I usually keep my own stash of stationary supplies at my desk. Because, I do (occasionally) put my pen in my mouth… and don’t need someone else’s spit… ewww!

Here’s a tempting pencil for anyone who has the habit of chewing your pencil… the Matitizia Pencil by Italian Designer Cecilia Felli.

It’s not an ordinary pencil, it’s an edible pencil made from licorice root. If you like licorice, then this is for you.

Not sure if the pencil will be mass produced, or if it’s good for your teeth… better ask your dentist before you pick one up.

The inner beaver in you may not have the best teeth after chewing pencils, but there are several health benefits to Licorice Root. It’s been known to help treat stomach ulcers, it helps for respiratory illnesses. Licorice has been used by the Chinese for more than 5,000 years. Its roots have tremendous therapeutic properties. The Greeks used licorice as thirst quencher and to relieve swelling caused by water retention.

A pencil to help your habit, and a licorice to help your cravings!

Bonus code: PENCIL

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to meet one of the most inspirational people in my life. She has touched my heart and my soul. Her name is Lee Horbachewski. She has been fighting depression for more than six years and in honor of Mental Health Awareness week, she will be dying her hair blue this November to help raise funds and awareness for mental illness and suicide prevention.

Its part of the Going Blue 4 U campaign. The Mental Health Association is an organization that’s near and dear to my heart. And it was through my own brother who I lost, due to mental health issues, that I learned to understand the pain that no one else can see.

As today is National Depression Screening Day. – I encourage you to be a part of Lee’s journey. To help out with the Going Blue 4 U campaign, and help them raise funds, click here!

BONUS CODE: Blue