Heart Health Session at Garneau Hall

On Sunday, March 12, 2017, HSS presented its first Heart Health information session to the residents of Garneau Hall. The purpose of this presentation was to provide information about common heart conditions. Over 20 keen participants attended!

The presentation was created by two HSS medical students and discussed key topics about heart conditions and heart-healthy lifestyle choices. These topics included: how atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and heart attacks happen in the body, how to recognize and act on the symptoms of heart conditions, and how to minimize the risk of common heart conditions. An important take home message was how to approach making heart-healthy choices with simple diet and exercise changes. 

The residents of Garneau Hall seemed very engaged by the presentation, and also appreciated receiving their own take-home booklets which provide examples of healthy dietary choices. One participant noted, "this booklet is great because I can see from the pictures what is too much or not too much to eat." We at HSS look forward to visiting Garneau Hall and other residences to talk about heart health again in the future! ~ KF (Medical Student)

Mental Health Session at Garneau Hall

On January 23rd, 2016, HSS hosted its first session on Mental Health at Garneau Hall. The aims of this presentation were to increase awareness and attention to mental health, and to decrease stigma towards mental health issues. We had a great turnout with over 15 participants!

This session was developed by two HSS medical students, covering important topics related to mood and depression. This included recognizing signs and symptoms of depression, understanding what is normal/abnormal behaviour and what you can do about it. Learning different ways to seek help was an important take home message, as having support from a healthcare provider or even family/friend can make the world of a difference for an individual experiencing mental health illness.

The residents of Garneau Hall seemed to be very intrigued and engaged by the mental health topics presented. One particular point that seemed to resonate with the audience was learning how to recognize depressive tendencies in not only yourself, but those around you, and being in a position to seek help. ~ CL (Medical Student)

HSS Hosts Session on Bone Health and Fall Prevention at Garneau!

HSS continues to expand and reaching out to Edmonton Seniors. By hosting a session on Saturday November 28th, HSS was able to establish a new partnership with Garneau Hall. 

The session on Bone Health/Fall prevention was developed and hosted by HSS medical student volunteers and the HSS initiative (resident) physician co-founders. Participants were very enthusiastic and engaged. Lots of great questions were asked and it was great to see participants keen to take part in the session activities.

Stay tuned for further updates on HSS's ongoing partnership with Garneau Hall! ~ Dr. A

HSS Establishes New Partnership with SouthEast Edmonton Seniors' Association (SEESA)!

HSS's July 17th 2015 session was an exciting milestone for HSS as it marked the beginning of a new partnership with SEESA. 

This session on Bone Health/Fall Prevention was developed and hosted by three HSS medical student volunteers and the HSS initiative (resident) physician co-founders. The session participants were very engaged with the presentation content and asked a lot of really great questions about osteoporosis risk factors, prevention, and medications.

Session participants enjoyed the portion of the presentation where they had to identify fall hazards in photos taken in an HSS medical student volunteer's home. Session participants also really like the component of the presentation involving low-impact exercises/chair aerobics.

At the conclusion of the session, participants were provided with handouts that were purchased from Osteoporosis Canada.

Evaluations completed by participants and verbal feedback from participants indicated that they really enjoyed having the opportunity to learn about Bone Health/Fall Prevention and ask questions. The participants indicated that they would love to have HSS back for more sessions! HSS looks forward to nurturing this new partnership and hosting further sessions at SEESA! ~ Dr. A

HSS Hosts Second Session on Memory and Aging at Strathcona Seniors' Centre

HSS hosted its second session at the Strathcona Seniors' Centre on March 8th 2015.

Like the first session, the session content and activities were developed and hosted by two HSS medical student volunteers and the HSS initiative (resident) physician co-founders. With the rest of the HSS team present to help out, session participants were exposed to Memory and Aging topics like the different types of Dementia and what strategies are available to help prevent and treat Dementia. 

Session participants particularly enjoyed participating in a role play where one of the HSS (resident) physician co-founders simulated having memory loss. Session participants were able to interactively identify what risk factors predisposed this simulated person's memory loss and what memory aids and preventive measures this simulated person could use and take to slow down the progression of her memory loss.

At the conclusion of the session, participants were provided with handouts that were obtained from the Alzheimer's Society of Canada website.

Evaluations completed by participants indicated that participants really enjoyed the interactive nature of the session and having certain myths about memory and aging dispelled. ~ Dr. A

HSS Launches First Session at Strathcona Seniors' Centre!

HSS successfully launched its inaugural session on Hypertension at the Strathcona Seniors' Centre on January 31st 2015.

The session was developed and hosted by two HSS medical student volunteers and the HSS initiative (resident) physician co-founders. With the support of the rest of the HSS team, session participants were able to learn and ask questions about Hypertension risk factors, prevention, medications, and complications.

Session participants were also able to take part in interactive activities such as a matching game on Hypertension risk factors and how to measure portion sizes to create snacks they were later able to eat.

At the conclusion of the session, participants were provided with handouts that were graciously donated by Hypertension Canada and copies of the Canada Food Guide.

Evaluations completed by participants indicated that participants really enjoyed the presentation style, enthusiasm of the presenters, and the opportunity to ask questions about Hypertension. The majority of participants indicated that they would like future sessions on Memory/Dementia followed by Bone Health/Fall Prevention. ~ Dr. A