Agassiz Harrison Observer Thursday, October 23, 2014 9

BC Elders GuideA journey of health

Elders have knowledge and experiences to pass to younger generations to guide them through life, but what

happens when Elders need support? With this in mind, the First Nations Health Authority and the B.C. Ministry of Health developed the BC Elders Guide, based on the popular BC Seniors’ Guide, to help Elders fi nd resources as they age in the community, while still acknowledging their strength and wisdom.“With the creation of Th e BC Elders Guide, we are breathing new life into the Partnership Accord,” said Cliff Atleo Sr., First Nations Health Council, Vancouver Island representative. “It was really something to see the Elders Guide fl y off the shelves when we released it this summer in Penticton. Our people are aging as well, and they came in wheelchairs, with walkers, and with canes, about 3,000 of them.

Our partnership with Health Canada, the Province and health authorities presents a tremendous opportunity to work together to help improve the health of our Elders.”For First Nations and Aboriginal communities, Elders play a pivotal role in the health and wellness of their communities. Elders are sought out for guidance and advice. Today, it is more important than ever that Elders are supported to live long and healthy lives so they are there to provide support for the next generation.“I love the strong visuals represented in the BC Elders Guide. Th e excellent photographs drew me in, and I was thrilled to see such lovely representations of Elders,” said Cindy Maxwell, a social worker with Island Health. “I think we can add even more First Nations details, for example, in the morning when Elders wake up, it’s not just having a bowl of oatmeal that refreshes them and provides

them with nourishment. Elders wake up and thank the creator for a safe passage through the night. Th at is how they start the day, by nourishing the soul. I’m proud to see the input from Elders in the guide and think we are making great progress. I made sure to share the BC Elders Guide with many, and

I’m excited to see what they think of it.”Meeting the spiritual, fi nancial, family andfriendship needs of Elders is incredibly important, and the BC Elders Guide isdesigned to provide help to fi nd resourcesElders may need as they age. For more information visit www.fnha.ca

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Above (L-R): Wickaninnish Cliff Atleo Sr. - First Nations Health Council, Okanagan Nation member Grand Chief Stewart Phillip – President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Lydia Hwitsum – Chair of the FNHA Board of Directors, and Isobel Mackenzie - BC Seniors Advocate, celebrate the release of the BC Elders’ Guide at the 38th Annual BC Elders Gathering in Penticton.

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10 Agassiz Harrison Observer Thursday, October 23, 2014

New sport similar to racquet games

Open instruction time coming this weekend

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in North America, drawing athletes of all levels to the court. Th e sport has been extremely popular in Chilliwack, where dozens of people show up for drop in games throughout the week at Evergreen Hall.

But with the addition of the new gymnasium in Agassiz, pickleball is here now, too. Th ere are gym times scheduled for Tuesday and Th ursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., where two nets are set up to accommodate games. Th is Tuesday, Herb Peters and Henry Kuzminski were busy enjoyed a casual game while waiting to see if others would show up. Both learned how to play pickleball while down in California. While Peters learned the game in 2000, Kuzminski just picked it up this spring. Both Harrison Mills men stay active with numerous activities, from canoeing and kayaking to swimming and cycling.

“It’s extremely important not just for peopleour age, but at any age”

“It’s extremely important not just for people our age, but at any age,” Peters said. “To try to stay active through the day. And there’s still time for the tv or the computer in the evening.” Pickleball is just one more way to get some exercise, socialize and stay healthy. But what exactly is it? Pickleball was started in 1965 in Washington, and uses a court similar to badminton, but is striped like a tennis court. Th e paddle is squared off and solid, unlike its round, netted cousin, the tennis racquet. A wiffl e ball is used, and the game can be played indoors or outdoors, as a singles or doubles game.Th is Saturday, Oct. 25, Gord and Denise Griffi n will be holding an open instruction session for those who are interested in learning the game. Th at will run at the District of Kent’s Community Culture and Recreation Centre from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Th ere are also gym times for pickleball at the Rosedale school on Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and times at Evergreen Hall in Chilliwack on Mondays (8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.), Wednesdays and Fridays ( both from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.). For more information about programs available at the CRCC, phone 604-796-8891.

Jessica Peters, Th e Observer

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Agassiz Harrison Observer Thursday, October 23, 2014 11

Take Fiveto Prevent Falls

As the Canadian population ages, injury and death from falls are on the rise. Th is National Senior Safety

Week, November 6 to 12, the Canada Safety Council challenges all Canadians to commit to “take fi ve to prevent falls.” With these easy steps, we can all reduce the likelihood and severity of a fall:1. Check your home for tripping and

slipping hazards. You can use our infographic as a starting point.

2. Bone up on calcium and vitamin D. It’s easy to add a glass of milk or handful of almonds to your daily routine. Check out the Osteoporosis of Canada Calcium Calculator (http://www.osteoporosis.ca/osteoporosis-and-you/nutrition/calculate-my-calcium/) to fi nd out if you’re getting enough. Osteoporosis and weakening bones increase your chances falls and fractures.

3. Check your medications. If you are on more than three medications a day, or take pills that could impair your balance such as sleeping pills, anti-depressants

or blood pressure medications, have a discussion with your doctor about how to best reduce your chance of falling.

4. Get your eyes checked. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, the Doctors of Optometry of Canada recommend that you have your vision checked at least once a year if you are over the age of 65, or every two years if you’re younger. Vision impairments are a leading cause of falls.

5. Exercise to keep strong. Why not try tai chi? Th is gentle strength-building exercise works your core balance and has been shown to reduce the risk of falling. Th e Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada says anyone can do tai chi -- even if you use a wheelchair or are currently experiencing trouble with your balance.

We can all take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from preventable falls. Check back frequently at www.canadasafetycouncil.org for more activities and resources on falls prevention during National Senior Safety Week, November 6 to 12.

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12 Agassiz Harrison Observer Thursday, October 23, 2014

Throness announces fundingfor adult literacy projects

Two local adult literacy projects in Chilliwack-Hope are receiving over $63,000 from the provincial government to help learners improve their reading

and writing skills. Agassiz-Harrison Community Services has received $31,984 for adult literacy, and the Read Right Society in Hope has received $31,630. “Agassiz-Harrison Community Services utilizes the CALP funding to deliver the Community Access to Literacy and Learning (C.A.L.L.) program which aims to improve adult and family literacy skills including reading, writing, listening, speaking, numeracy, computer or other technical skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to self-advocate,” said executive director Laura Midan.  “Th ese skills make it possible for individuals to function successfully within our community on a daily basis.”“Literacy is a fundamental life skill that is oft en overlooked, yet eff ects everything we do: education, employment, driving, ordering at a restaurant, paying bills,” said Read Right Society executive director Jodi McBride. “We are thankful for and excited to continue serving Hope with adult literacy programs.  Our community has a high need for free literacy services, and this funding allows us to continue meeting people’s needs and improving the quality of life.”“Th e ability to read and write can hardly be underestimated as a life skill,” said Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Th roness.

“So much of our everyday life is dependent on our ability to function with technology, and the inability to read or write is a tremendous disadvantage.” Th e Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP), an initiative that distributes funding to not-for-profi t community groups to off er free literacy training that is easily accessible in local schools, native friendship and community centres.Both projects are being delivered in collaboration with the University of the Fraser Valley. Th ese partnerships encourage the transition of adult learners from literacy programs to post-secondary studies and employment training.Projects are tailored to suit the needs of young parents, Aboriginal learners, and other adults in the community, and are delivered by trained volunteers off ering one-to-one tutoring or small group classes.Th is year approximately $2.4 million is being distributed towards 83 CALP projects in 90 communities throughout B.C. It is expected 9,000 adult learners will be helped through the projects.Since 2001, the provincial government has invested more than $25 million in CALP, helping more than 93,000 adults improve their reading and writing skills.To learn more about services provided by the Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, call 604-796-2585.

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