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World Alzheimer’s Day: Awareness, Support & Saskatchewan Resources

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 2, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Saskatchewan Focuses on‍ Support, Awareness as alzheimer’s Cases⁢ Expected to Triple

Swift Current, SK – As World Alzheimer’s Day is⁤ observed today, Saskatchewan residents ‌are being reminded of the growing need ⁢for support adn resources ⁣as the number of‌ individuals diagnosed‍ with ‌the disease is projected to triple⁣ by 2050. Currently, approximately⁣ 20,000 people ⁣in the province are living with Alzheimer’s,⁣ with an average ⁢of 10 new diagnoses made each day.

Alzheimer’s disease,the‍ most common form of dementia,disproportionately affects older populations,with the risk doubling every five years after the age of 65. While saskatchewan’s rate of diagnosis is consistent with the rest ⁤of ⁣Canada, the ⁣anticipated surge in cases⁢ underscores the importance of proactive support systems.

Stacie⁢ Noble-Wiebe, First Link Coordinator at the Cypress Resource⁣ Centre of the Alzheimer Society‌ of Saskatchewan, serves individuals and families⁢ in Swift Current, Shaunavon, Gull Lake, ‍Eastend, and a large portion of southwest Saskatchewan. Noble-Wiebe emphasizes a team-based ⁤approach to‍ navigating the challenges of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

“It takes ‌a team to help individuals and families navigate the ⁣Alzheimer’s journey,” she stated.

The Alzheimer Society⁣ of Saskatchewan offers⁣ a range of free programs and resources, including virtual and ⁢in-person support groups.⁣ A Swift Current Care Partner Support⁤ group meets on the second Thursday of⁣ each month ⁢from 1:30-3:30 pm at the Burnham Room, first United Church (223⁢ 3rd Avenue NE). Upcoming virtual events ‌include “Navigating Home Safety with Dementia” on September 24th from⁣ 7:00-8:30pm,and “virtual Care Essentials” begining October 7th.⁣ A “Virtual Minds in Motion” program is⁢ scheduled for October 6 – December 8, 2025.

For immediate assistance, the Dementia Helpline is available at 1-877-949-4141, Monday⁤ to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm. ‌The SaskAbilities Dementia Pleasant ⁤Life Enrichment Program,coordinated by Lindsay Tetrault,can be reached at 1-833-526-5299.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Stacie Noble-Wiebe directly at cypress@alzheimer.sk.ca or 306-673-2685 ⁢(available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and ⁢Thursdays ‍from 8:30am-5:00pm). Program details and event schedules⁢ are available on the Alzheimer ⁣society of saskatchewan website.

September 2, 2025 0 comments

Health

Title: Brantford Daycare Closes After Rabid Bat Discovery

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor August 17, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

A bat found at a Brantford daycare has tested positive for rabies, prompting the centre’s closure while it completes cleaning and works to prevent bats from getting into the building in the future.

According to a letter sent out by Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) Aug. 14, a dead bat found at Creative Minds daycare on Aug. 11 tested positive for the virus.

The centre, located on Wade Avenue in West Brant, first emailed parents on Aug. 11 about a dead bat found on the third floor, and again on Aug. 12 after a live bat was found in a stairwell.

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Then, due to the positive rabies test and discovery of the second bat, the centre decided Aug. 13 to close “immediately,” according to a letter sent to parents from owner/operator Vicki McNabb.

Creative Minds said one child and one staff member had direct contact with the rabies-positive bat. The parents of the child were immediately notified and have been receiving support from Creative Minds, their family doctor and GEPH.

The second, live bat “had no contact with any children or staff (that we are aware of) before it was safely captured and released,” according to Creative Minds’ letter to parents.

Creative Minds runs toddler and preschool programs, according to the regional daycare wait list OneList.

In messages shared with parents and The Spectator, the daycare outlined steps it is taking:

A professional deep clean scheduled for the weekend
Daily morning inspections of the facility once it reopens
Work by a licensed wildlife control company to seal flashing, close the chimney and install one-way exit doors to allow any remaining bats to leave while preventing re-entry

The centre said it will remain closed until that work is finished and it has received clearance from health authorities.

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A spokesperson for Creative Minds said the roof of the roughly 100-year-old building, which has housed the daycare since 2016, was replaced in March and that crews are looking into whether those repairs could have affected bat access.

A GEPH spokesperson said everyone with direct contact has been identified and contacted.

Another bat in the Brantford-Brant region tested positive for rabies last week, and a resident was exposed to another bat with the virus at the end of June.

While there is a low risk of coming into contact with an infected animal in Ontario, rabies is fatal if not treated before the start of symptoms.

It is transmitted from the saliva or mucus of an infected animal, like a fox, raccoon, skunk or bat. The virus can enter through bite or scratch wounds — sometimes too small to see — open cuts or mucus membranes like the eyes and mouth, according to GEPH’s release.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash with soap and water, get medical attention immediately and report the incident to GEPH at 519-753-4937, ext. 470.

If a bat enters your home, call Hillside Kennels Animal Control at 519-469-3247 or 888-469-3247.

Visit bchu.org/rabies or hnhu.org/rabies for more information.

Celeste Percy-Beauregard’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories about Brant County. Reach her at cpercybeauregard@torstar.ca.

August 17, 2025 0 comments

World

Cold Lake Childcare: $150K Incentive After Funding Cut

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com June 9, 2025

written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Cold Lake Considers Funding Child Care Spaces

City aims to create 100 new spots amid provincial funding snub.

Cold Lake may invest up to $150,000 in local childcare, offering a potential solution after the province excluded the city from its priority funding list. The city hopes to create 100 new licensed childcare spaces.

Proposed Incentive Program

The Child Care Space Incentive Program emerged from discussions at a Corporate Priorities Committee meeting,according to City of Cold Lake CAO Kevin Nagoya. The program would allocate $1,500 per new licensed space, up to $30,000 per project, funded by the municipal budget.

Did you know? According to a 2023 report by the Canadian center for Policy Alternatives,the median monthly cost for infant care in Alberta’s major cities ranges from $1,000 to $1,400. Source

The City of Cold Lake seeks to assist both for-profit and non-profit operators with capital expenses related to building, expanding, or renovating their facilities. “It doesn’t matter wich approach that you take, childcare space is a childcare space,” Nagoya said, emphasizing the goal of “maximum exposure” with the 100-space program.

Provincial Funding Snub

On May 15, Cold Lake learned it was not selected for Alberta’s targeted childcare funding.City officials are challenging this decision. Nagoya stated that the omission of Cold Lake from the province’s list of community priorities is “quite problematic,” given the community’s needs.

Cold Lake is seeking clarification from the province and plans to appeal directly to the Minister of Children and Family Services. “I think everybody in this room would disagree with [Cold Lake not being a priority] which is quite fascinating,” Nagoya added.

Concerns and Clarifications

coun. Chris Vining voiced concerns that the city’s program might be less effective if the new childcare spaces do not qualify for provincial-federal subsidies. Nagoya clarified that the city’s grants would focus on capital costs, not operational expenses.

Pro Tip: When evaluating childcare options, consider factors beyond cost, such as staff qualifications, program curriculum, and safety protocols. Visit facilities and speak with current parents to gather insights.

He also noted that cold Lake’s higher construction costs, or the “Cold Lake factor,” necessitate local support for childcare providers. “The grant that you see here this evening is to provide some sort of a capital grant to assist . . . irrespective of them being profit or not-for-profit status,” he said. “Any dollar helps.”

Accountability and Budget

The policy includes accountability measures, with half of the grant issued after project completion and licensing. The remainder will be disbursed after a second report demonstrating ongoing compliance and impact.

Kristy Isert, General Manager of Corporate Services, announced that a budget amendment is scheduled for consideration at the council meeting on June 10.“Council will decide at that time where to fund the program from,” she explained. “We are proposing that the initial portion of the program be funded from council contingency.” Council approved a motion to approve the child Care Space Incentive Program Policy, as presented.

June 9, 2025 0 comments