Red Deer Emergency Services and Red Deer RCMP teamed up to help more than 1,000 patients in need of lifesaving blood products through the Sirens for Life blood donor challenge last month. The campaign ran from Jan. 3 to Jan. 31. Together with friends and family, the two teams donated 362 units, 24 new donors gave blood for the first time. The RCMP/Red Deer Emergency Services made 45 donations. TEach blood donation helps up to three patients. Canadian Blood Services reminds people that patients need blood every day and that more regular blood donors (every 56 days) are needed in Red Deer. Call 1-888-236-6283 or visit www.blood.ca to learn more about blood donation and to book an appointment.
A local woman is rallying people to be active on Winter Walk Day on Wednesday. Barb Marsh, program co-ordinator for Be Fit For Life, is asking people to walk for at least 15 minutes on that day and then register the activity at www.shapeab.com. For more details, call Marsh at 403-357-3612 or email Barb.Marsh@rdc.ab.ca. Individual walkers or groups can pre-register at www.shapeab.com to receive information to support the event. Winter Walk Day is sponsored by Safe Healthy Active People Everywhere (SHAPE); the local Be Fit for Life Centre; Alberta Motor Association; and the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation on behalf of the Alberta government.
The Central Alberta Council on Aging is hosting a special talk for seniors about the benefits of eating better as you get older. Nutrition for Seniors will feature registered dietitian Jennifer Sundberg, who will speak on the myths and facts about food. The event will take place at 9 a.m. in the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre (4620 47A Ave.) on Tuesday. There will be a $3 charge and everyone is welcome. More information is available by contacting Shirley Thomas at 403-343-0767, Viggo Nielson at 403-340-3494 or Margaret Day at 403-343-0698.
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