May 2nd, 2024

Local Life

Eye on the Esplanade: Behind the scenes

By JACK NEMO on August 6th, 2021

As Alberta reopens, the theatre in the Esplanade is preparing to crack its doors back open with some exciting shows this fall. I have my own part to play in welcoming the public back into the seats – I’m one of the theatre technicians and I help facilitate the needs of performers or groups, ideally ... Read More »

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Common Sense Health: Long-term survival after heart attack

By DR. W. GIFFORD JONES AND DIANA GIFFORD JONES on August 6th, 2021

An interview between Diana Gifford-Jones and Dr. W. Gifford-Jones Diana Gifford-Jones: You were 74 when a coronary attack nearly killed you. A short time later you had a coronary bypass. Readers often ask what you have done to prevent another coronary for so long? W. Gifford-Jones, MD: I have no single answer. I’m convinced it’s ... Read More »

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What’s Up Doc?: Uncontrolled heartburn leads to serious complications

By DR. NOORALI BHARWANI on August 3rd, 2021

About 10-20% of the population experiences heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD). Excessive reflux of acidic, often with alkaline bile salt and duodenal contents, results in a multitude of symptoms for the patient including heartburn, regurgitation, cough and dysphagia. There are also associated complications of reflux including erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-malignant condition), stricture ... Read More »

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All Psyched Up: Life’s a puzzle

By DR. LINDA HANCOCK on July 31st, 2021

Since I was a child, I have enjoyed challenges. When people gave up on untangling knotted string, I enthusiastically took on the task. Answering riddles, doing word games and figuring out mysteries were always fun for me. In fact, I believe that this way of approaching the world has helped me to do my work ... Read More »

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Science Smarts: Understand the beauty that surrounds us

By PATTY ROOKS on July 31st, 2021

Although the skies have been hazy and smoky lately, the evening sunsets are amazing. The colours you see on the horizon in the evening are breathtaking. We often take these beautiful phenomenons for granted. If you have time this weekend, take a moment and look to the sky in the west and enjoy the view! ... Read More »

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Common Sense Health: Symptoms of magnesium deficiency

By DR. GIFFORD-JONES AND DIANA GIFFORD-JONES on July 30th, 2021

Magnesium is involved in roughly 80% of metabolic functions in the body. It is critical in delivering energy to cells and for the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant inside cells. Today, due to depletion of magnesium in the soil and modern food processing, about 60% of North Americans are deficient in this vital mineral. ... Read More »

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Eye on the Esplanade: A truly magnificent display

By Xanthe Isbister on July 23rd, 2021

The Black Gold Tapestry, by Calgary artist Sandra Sawatzky, is one of the 21st century’s most significant Canadian works of art and it is on display at the Esplanade until early September. The 67-metre, hand-embroidered masterpiece visually narrates the history of oil, tracing its impact on human civilizations around the world and throughout the centuries. ... Read More »

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Viva Vitality: Screen time and young children

By Amanda Poll on July 23rd, 2021

We live in a digital age and children are growing up in front of screens. Children under five years old are exposed to more screens than ever before, including televisions, computers, gaming consoles, smartphones and tablets. What is the right amount of screen time for my child? Young children learn best from face-to-face interactions with ... Read More »

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All Psyched Up: Let’s sing along

By DR. LINDA HANCOCK on July 23rd, 2021

Ever since I was a small child, I have loved music! My dad had a beautiful bass voice and sang not only in the church choir and the barbershop chorus but also in the car and around home. We always knew he was in the area because we could hear his cheery whistling as he ... Read More »

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Common Sense Health: How accurate is your blood pressure reading?

By DR. GIFFORD-JONES AND DIANA GIFFORD-JONES on July 23rd, 2021

Having your blood pressure taken during an annual checkup is always part of the routine. In fact, compared to CT scans and MRI procedures used to detect complex problems, most people don’t give blood pressure readings much thought. As long as the doctor reports normal readings, there’s no reason for concern. But have you ever ... Read More »

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Science Smarts: Build your own rocket

By PATTY ROOKS on July 23rd, 2021

I do not know about your household, but there is a bit of midsummer boredom occurring around here … With the never ending heat, it is hard to find a fun outdoor activity to keep cool these days. This week is sure to not disappoint. I guarantee participants will get the odd cool spray when ... Read More »

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