Red Cross Talks (Page 52)

When Lynn Alcock received a call from the Red Cross to assist temporarily in the Health Equipment Loan Program, she immediately said yes. Nine years later, the former mental health counsellor still enjoys giving her time to help Yukoners. When asked what keeps her coming back, volunteer Cornelia Tegart says it is all about helping people.

In case you didn’t know, Halloween is a big deal, especially when you are four years old.
My son is at that age where you have more costume ideas than time. Or resources. Or your parent’s money.
 
While I navigate negotiating costume expectations vs reality; my wife and I also have to ensure we have a Halloween outing that is fun; (hopefully) memorable; and safe.
 
When it comes to safety and Halloween, some things are obvious but we often miss other aspects as we stockpile our candy in September.

Three years ago, I encountered my first winter in Canada and to this day I still remember the very first snowflake that fell on my hand. It was magical. 

However, my fascination quickly turned into horror as I found myself walking through 20 cm deep snow embraced by the minus 30°C temperature. This is how my home city, Winnipeg, jolted me into the realities of winter. Or as Winnipeggers called it, ‘Winterpeg’.

While the holidays can be an exciting time, it can also be a difficult time for some of us. Even for those surrounded by festivities, food and family, it can be a time when we feel alone, disconnected or isolated, for many reasons, which affects our sense of wellbeing and mental health. Here, we’ve gathered some information on stress, and tips for taking care of yourself and others. 

Over the past six month, the Red Cross has been working to improve healthcare in Cyclone Idai impacted Mozambique. Canadian Red Crosser Jenn Houtby recently returned from Mozambique, where she was able to take stock of just how much work has been accomplished over the last months. 

Thirty years ago, in August 1989, Barb McNeill of Summerside, PEI, swam the English Channel, one of 15 Canadians to date and the only one from PEI who has done so. Decades later, her passion for swimming and water safety is perhaps rivalled only by the love of her golden retrievers.

Swim badges are an exciting part of Red Cross Swim Lessons. When children are recognized for mastering swimming and water skills in their current Red Cross Swim  level and earn a swim badge - it's something worth celebrating! We encourage you to celebrate your child's accomplishment by giving this meaningful item the place it deserves. Check out 5 DIY ways you can keep swim badges as mementos.

Dealing with years of chronic pain would be stressful enough on its own. Now add to that the hardship of being in the hospital for months at a time, finally getting to return home, but with no support from people around you to help make that transition.