Family-n-Friends: June 2018

Friday, June 29, 2018

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

On reaching the ripe age of 90 years, all things seemed to be falling apart, especially my health. First of all there was cataract surgery (that was a plus). Then there was a shortage of breath. So I mentioned this to my GP when having my annual medical this past December. He ordered an X-ray, ECG and Blood Work. The result was Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Idiopathic means: Unknown Cause but I suspect it was caused by the years working underground although even children can contact this malady, (so go figure). Pulmonary means: has to do with the Lungs. Fibrosis means: an increase in Scar Tissue. There is no cure except for a lung transplant which is not in my plans. Since being diagnosed, there has been 5 X-rays, C-scan, Oxmetry test, 5 sets of blood work and two pulmonary tests. Furthermore, the specialist wants me to sleep overnight in the Jubilee Hospital "Sleep Clinic".

As mentioned, there is no cure, but it is possible to slow down the scarring with pills which is being done but in my case as the IPF is very advanced. BC has recently approved a drug known as O-fed costing $4000 per month but in my case, they charge me $400 per year (that’s good). I’m also on high doses of prednisone which is supposed to make me feel good (which it does). Now for the kicker, I am on Oxygen. Around my suite, I am connected to a Nitrogen Generator which removes the Nitrogen and sends pure or semi-pure Oxygen into a tube for me to breathe (big deal). On going out, there is a small Oxygen Tank to be carried supplying me Oxygen for anywhere from 2 to 4-hours depending at what settling is dialled.

Having had good health all my life, this latest setback is a shock. I thought I could live to a 100, but my specialist says maybe five more years if all goes well but if not 2 years at most. Why is it that when two or more seniors get together they always start off talking about their aliments?

So much for the dull bad stuff. Having been here a Berwick Royal Oak for over a year now and it is only recently that it has become home. Prior to that it was a place where I go for my meals and sleep at night. After living in Arbutus Ridge for 25 years, yours truly somehow could not come to terms living in Berwick even though it has much to offer. You would think that having lived in 21 communities that one would settle in easily (but no). I missed my Arbutus Ridge neighbours and the clubs in which I had belonged such as the computer club, wine club and the Rate Payers Association; my church friends; my legion friends; the curling friends (being president of the seniors curling), the seniors centre friends and the Cowichan Pipe Band. Anyway, I do drive up to Arbutus Ridge occasionally and join my Thursday Legion Friends for a beer or two (we have been meeting every Thursday at the Legion for over 20 years.)

Friday, June 15th at Berwick, we were asked to “Dress to Impress” as it was the 10th Anniversary of Berwick Royal Oak. This handsome old man dressed semi-formal in a white dinner jacket and black tie. Even though I do get out of breath, I was able dance as there was live music that night at dinner. My dance partner was a nice looking Jewish gal named Gloria. (She doesn't follow kosher). Unfortunately, Gloria shows the early stages of dementia so there is no future there. The week before, we had pub night with live “Country and Western” music. Normally not being a country and western fan. However, the entertainer was extra good (and I danced without my Oxygen).

It looks like my traveling days are over especially having to carry a heavy Oxygen tank or Nitrogen generator with me. It has forced me to give up Carmen in Duncan BC. Carmen and I often would attend the bi-monthly dances at the senior centre in Duncan and then instead of driving back to Victoria over the Malahat Summit between Duncan and Victoria, I would stay at Carmen's place. Now that I must have Oxygen, it is impossible to lug around a 50 lb Nitrogen generator so the stay over in Duncan are out of order. Now I have come full circle as I see Estelle each day and dine with her each evening. We somehow get along well together although we do have some heated discussions. She takes no nonsense from me.

After doing a bit of research, it may be possible get a portable Nitrogen generator of only five pounds (but it is costly). More research will have to be done as it would be good to travel again. Buenos Sires, Argentina and Port Stanley, Falkland Islands are still on my bucket list.

Chow,

David the Elder

Sunday, June 17, 2018

New Jersey: Mark and Shannon

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

What is Emlie up to?

Algonquin College's 50 faces project; a project where back successful alumni are asked to talk about their experience at the school, as well as where they are in their career today. Algonquin College recently posted the article below and the video on their blog.

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The Right Touch

Emilie McKay’s advanced diploma in Massage Therapy from Algonquin College has taken her in directions she never imagined. The skills and techniques she learned in the three-year program opened the doors, she says, but it was the self-assurance instilled by her college professors that allowed her to push through.
“The most important lesson I learned through Algonquin was to take any opportunity that was presented to me,” McKay says. “I’ve been very fortunate to have had a lot of opportunities in my career so far. Having that drive and confidence that Algonquin created for me meant that I’m not going to close these doors; I’m going to keep them open and see where they take me.”
Just six years into her career, McKay has worked as a Registered Massage Therapist in clinics in Ottawa and Perth, been trained in pediatric massage and touch therapy for children with autism, won an award for her research into massage as a treatment for scar tissue, and serves on two committees, on research and government relations, with the Registered Massage Therapy Association of Ontario.
She has found time to give back to her alma mater, as clinical supervisor for the Massage Therapy program’s Scars Outreach at The Ottawa Hospital. And since 2017, she has operated her own mobile pediatric massage therapy clinic in Lanark County.
“Algonquin College was pivotal to where I am now and continues to be to this day,” McKay says. “The faculty really helped to establish my confidence in the career and make sure I knew what I was doing. They still continue to be some of my biggest advocates (as I) pursue different ventures.”
At Algonquin, McKay says, “I learned about the profession as a whole and all the different avenues you can go down, not just hands on work, but a variety of different advocacy roles or business roles you can have through the profession. It was really great to get a well-rounded education.”
Working with children has become a passion for McKay. “It is an under-serviced population with massage and we forget that touch is so very important to children.” Even more so, research shows, for children on the autism spectrum, she says.
But working with children requires a different mindset as well as refined techniques, she says. “Children…don’t understand complex terms, they don’t understand parts of their bodies, sometimes. There might be larger communication differences, especially if you’re working with children with autism or other special needs You have to adapt so the child understands what you’re doing and what’s about to happen.”
Since children are a vulnerable population and touch is involved (pediatric massage is usually performed on clothed clients, McKay explains), parents and caregivers also have to be made comfortable with the treatment.
Her stint as a clinical supervisor for the Massage Therapy program’s Scar Outreach made her realize how much she loves teaching. “I love being a part of seeing the next group of students get through,” McKay says. She is now talking with the college about creating a new course in entrepreneurship for Registered Massage Therapists, passing on the business skills she had to learn on the job.
McKay praises Algonquin’s Massage Therapy program for its emphasis on quality skills and on evidence-based practice. “I still use those principles in my practice today to make sure that I’m using the best possible techniques and treatments for my clients and to make sure that they’re getting the proper care.”