The concept that engaging with nature benefits our physical, psychological and social well-being is hardly groundbreaking — bridging the gap between our natural and built environments has been a principle of good public policy for decades. With the proper access to it, a “prescription for nature” makes our communities healthier and people happier.

Dr. Mark Evans and the rest of the Paediatric Surgery Division of the Stollery Children's Hospital rely on collaboration, communication and a great deal of precision to deliver the best possible care to their patients.

These smaller housing models make a big impact.

Two years ago, Joanne McGrath’s father sent her an article on dementia. The piece profiled University of Calgary researcher Dr. Marc Poulin and his study, “Brain in Motion I.” Its objective was to assess the effects of exercise on brain health, including cerebrovascular and cognitive functions with the help of research participants. At the time, McGrath’s mother was living with dementia, and her father was his wife’s primary caregiver. McGrath clicked on a link at the bottom of the article, curious about participating in the study. For one, McGrath met the criteria: she was between the ages of 50 and 80, and, due to the diagnosis of a first-degree relative, she was at increased risk of developing dementia. Two, the study meant engaging in a more physically active lifestyle. Who wouldn’t benefit from becoming more physically active? And three, well, it was for a greater good. “My mom has dementia, research is the key, so let’s sign up,” she thought.

Michael Civitella, executive director of operations and facility development for the new Calgary Cancer Centre, looks back on his distinguished career in health-care administration Michael Civitella began his path toward patient care at a hospital in his hometown of Montreal. In the summers between undergraduate semesters at McGill University, a young Civitella moved from one seemingly unrelated post at that hospital to another — a stint as an orderly, a job in the x-ray department, physiotherapy, the kitchen, maintenance and many others.

A team of researches and clinicians is working with Indigenous Canadians to create culturally appropriate dementia care.

Calgary's inclusive offerings for people living with dementia continue to grow.

Sexual changes related to cancer treatment are common. In fact, research shows that sexual health challenges are one of the most distressing and longest-lasting side effects of cancer treatment. Nevertheless, Kelsey Kenway, an occupational therapist at the Central Alberta Cancer Centre (CACC) in Red Deer, says she often hears the following words from people who have undergone cancer treatment and are struggling with sexual health: “I should just be thankful to be alive.”

As young children, our great grandparents walked 10 km to school every day, in a snowstorm, uphill, both ways. Perhaps not, but studies show that just four generations ago, children roamed an average of 10 km as part of independent outdoor play. As you might expect, this distance has diminished significantly in the decades since. Children today? Their roaming distance from home averages about 275 meters.

In performing arts, the boundary between the stage and the audience is known as “the fourth wall.” Breaking this boundary is typically considered a no-no. There are exceptions, of course — Annie Hall, Fight Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off — but conventionally, the audience and the performers exist in two separate realities; only one of which, the audience, knows that the other is there. Despite this boundary, it’s the performer’s job to engage the audience by telling a story, teaching a lesson, making us laugh, making us cry. That’s the power of good theatre and film: it influences our thoughts, our emotions and, perhaps, our actions.

Meet two researchers who are aiming to make an impact in the ways we deal with dementia — and in the ways we can prevent it.

Marriage comes with all sorts of milestones: Anniversaries, vacations, kids. Similarly, separating from your spouse brings its own set of milestones: Finding your own place, filing for divorce, and for some, figuring out all the ‘firsts’ that now come with co-parenting. One of the most important co-parenting firsts is successfully navigating your child’s birthday party with an ex. How do you keep it all together for the sake of keeping it all about the kids?

As Tom McKay approaches his 10th year of participation in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer presented by Evraz, and benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation, he can’t help but reflect on the mileage he’s covered so far.

In their quest to raise funds for cancer research, the members of Linnea‘s Legion have formed lifelong friendships and unbreakable bonds.

Calgary’s Child Magazine contributor Shannon Cleary joins Global News Morning Calgary.

At 3500 meters above sea level, nestled between the Kunlun Mountains and the Great Himalayas, the sparsely populated region of Ladakh in northern India might be the unlikeliest place to find an all-female hockey league. But there you’ll find the Ladakh Women Ice Hockey Foundation (LWIHF), a league that began with hand-me-down equipment and a rink made by the players’ own hands.

You've signed your child up for soccer or hockey, and the league sent you an email: We need coaches! Maybe you've never coached kids' sports before, or maybe your coaching credentials are as long as your arm. Either way, you're excited to help out...

Providing care for loved ones can have many benefits, but it can also take a tremendous toll; extreme stress is a normal part of dementia caregiving. Thankfully, there are many programs that provide caregivers with education, practical tools and, perhaps most importantly, a network of support for a role that is very challenging.

For Julie Bertram, a nurse practitioner at Sage Hill Retirement Residence (an integrative supportive living facility in Calgary’s northwest), learning the stories and personalities of her patients is one of the most rewarding — and important — aspects of her job.

The retreats help cancer survivors and their caregivers transition to their “new normal” after a cancer diagnosis.