From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories. Susan Lemoine is dreaming of waves lapping on a beach in Hawaii, so much so that she’s been creating Hawaii artwork. The Misericordia Place resident’s dream destination is Hawaii for a few straight-forward reasons: it’s tropical, there is no snow and there are beaches. Susan recently moved into Misericordia Place and is happy to be familiar with some staff after her visits to Misericordia’s Health Centre’s PRIME program, a day program for seniors with complex care needs. Susan studied Fine Arts at university and can’t wait for spring to head out to Misericordia Place’s extensive gardens to sketch flowers. In the meantime, she’s busy painting and keeping active by wheeling herself around Misericordia Place. You can give the gift of adventure! Support Susan's journey to Honolulu, Hawaii - 6,127 km
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From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories. Misericordia Place resident Chris Koladka is churning out kilometres on the rehabilitation biking trainer, barely out of breath. He thinks his 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces hold him in good physical stead, although a problem with his heart has slowed him down considerably. As a member of the Fort Garry Horse militia regiment, Chris was stationed all across Canada - primarily instructing specialized classes in weapons and communication. “If I could go anywhere in the world, it would definitely be to France,” says Chris, who has never travelled outside of Canada. “France because I’d really like to follow the route my unit took leading up to D-Day in the Second World War.” Coincidentally, Chris is wearing a bright yellow Fort Garry Horse T-shirt while he exercises. “I wasn’t in the Second World War,” he clarifies, laughing. “I’m not that old.” Chris would especially love to see Juno Beach in Normandy and pay tribute to those who have fallen. Canada suffered 1,200 casualties out of 21,400 troops who landed at Juno Beach on D-Day – a casualty ratio of one out of 18. Recreation facilitator Ana Anusic offers to help Chris trace his unit’s journey to France. But for now, she is putting Chris through the paces: upper body free weight training will the rehab bike conditioning. “Ana likes to make me suffer,” says Chris, with a wink and a smile. You can give the gift of adventure! Support Chris's journey to Normandy, France - 6,502 km From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories. “Winnipeg is the best,” says Helen Brajczuk quite simply, chatting during her arm biking fitness session. The 92-year-old Misericordia Place resident hails from Belarus, but a European holiday is not of interest at all – even a virtual one. Helen just wants to revisit her favourite places in her hometown: from her Bannerman Avenue house to a walk in Kildonan Park to a Grand Beach excursion! You can give the gift of adventure! Support Helen's journey to visit Winnipeg landmarks - 250 km An interview with Dr. Jennifer RahmanFor World Glaucoma Week , March 7-13, 2021, we sat down to chat (virtually, of course!) with Dr. Jennifer Rahman, glaucoma specialist and MHCF board member. Dr. Rahman has been practicing in Winnipeg as a comprehensive eye physician and surgeon, specializing in glaucoma since 2005, and in 2011, founded GEM (Glaucoma and Eye Management) Clinic. Working with the Eye Care Centre of Excellence, located at Misericordia Health Centre, Dr. Rahman primarily performs glaucoma surgeries. Alongside performing surgery, a large part of glaucoma management is providing education as well as treatment. Glaucoma is a group of related eye disorders, resulting in progressive damage to the optic nerve that if left undetected/untreated can lead to blindness. It’s the most common cause of irreversible blindness, affecting 78 million people world-wide, according to worldglaucomaweek.org. “With a diagnosis of glaucoma, most people jump to the conclusion of blindness. While there isn’t a cure, there are ways to manage the condition and prevent further vision loss,” says Dr. Rahman. Creating awareness, providing education and promoting getting tested are the main objectives behind World Glaucoma Week. Glaucoma is usually associated with older adults, but as Dr. Rahman notes and has seen firsthand, anyone from infants to the elderly can be affected. Regular eye exams are critical in detecting and managing glaucoma, because the earlier it’s diagnosed, the less damage will be done and more vision will be saved. “Regardless of age and family history, everyone should get their eyes tested regularly,” says Dr. Rahman. “An optometrist can provide an initial screening of your eye health and refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed.” It’s recommended that those under the age of 40 go for an eye exam every 2-4 years; from age 40-60 every 2-3 years; and after age 60 every 1-2 years. “The eye as an organ is so beautiful. Even a small intervention can make a huge difference in a patient’s sight, and in turn, their life.” |
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