“…This is a great show. I mixed it last year and it was awesome!…” Carl Stretton

If you’re a music fan in the city, you probably know Carl Stretton.  He’s been mixing bands, playing bass, hosting jams, and supporting music for decades.  So when he says a show is awesome, I generally pay attention.  Here’s some more from Carl:

“Blues fans old and young (all ages) are welcome. Some great players on this tour. Big Hank with a great lineup. Some Canadian greats. Jack Lavin from Powder Blues Band on bass, Dennis Meneely of Streetheart and many bands, Saxophonist Dave Babcock from Edmonton… The ensemble is pretty stellar and a great blues dance party is guaranteed. Family friendly. Fun Times!”

Here’s a video that shows you all you need to know.

BIG HANK’S TRIBUTE TO THE BLUE’S SONGS OF CHRISTMAS

Big Hank Lionhart and the R&B Kingpins are going to fill your ears and spirits with the glorious gift of Christmas Blues!  Featuring a brand new line-up, fresh songs and a whole lot of good cheer this will be the ‘don’t miss’ show of the Holiday Season.

This show is a collection of traditional Blues Christmas tunes from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s 50’s, and 60’s, by the likes of Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, BB King, Eric Clapton, Charles Brown, Etta James and more.

It’s not the standard collection of carols; rather it’s a tribute that gives you a look into the souls of the fabulous music legends sharing their Christmas Blues. A refreshing take on a holiday concert, it has played to sold-out houses and received rave reviews across British Columbia for the past 4 years.

Call 403.406-6592 to reserve your ticket today!  $15 cover.

You can learn more about The Krossing here.

This story was originally published on the PCN website in May 2018.  

Scott: Healthier weight while taking anti-psychotic meds

My health issue is schizophrenia and the side effects associated with the anti-psychotic medication I take. I had a conversation with my family doctor about the bariatrics clinic at the hospital and he assessed my obesity and referred me to the Health Basics course. I had hoped to get control of my body weight because I have had chronic pain, injuries, and intense frustration with my physical abilities.

A major barrier to my mental concentration was the lack of structure regarding my knowledge around health. I had been advised to control my eating by family and friends but I felt that my weight would naturally sort itself out if I could just get my medications decreased. I had previously connected with a dietitian through AHS however I could not keep a food journal or make adjustments that she recommended.

In the Health Basics program, I committed to the group therapy process and began journaling for the first time. I increased the proportion of fruits and vegetables in my diet. I now plan snacks and focus on “in-control” eating. Further, I practice the 80/20 rule regarding the Healthy Road vs. Easy Street and this keeps my spirits up when I slack off. I simply remind myself that I can make a better choice in any moment to “save the day”.

The last I weighed myself, I had dropped fourteen pounds and my waist was quite a bit smaller. I am getting comments about my physique. I am working through the side effects of my medication with gratitude for the treatment team that helps me, and I am overall noticing less symptoms of depression. In addition, I am maintaining my active lifestyle and achieving the high level of performance that I demand from myself.

I recommend anyone needing weight loss and a healthier lifestyle to take the Health Basics course and attend and participate for yourself AND the others in the group. Make your nutrition a priority because I believe “you are what you eat”. Find a career that forces you to exercise at a high intensity. One big motivator to me is that I need to start a family and I believe that I can have more fun in life with a body that I am happy with.

I am on track to continue to be healthy. I eat enough fruits and vegetables. I continue to journal my food intake. I drink water as my main beverage. I stretch daily. I make my soccer referee job the priority in my career. I am currently participating in the sleep course at the PCN to make sure that I am improving other areas of my health as well.

Here are some other stories from Primary Care Network:

Finally the dam broke

Achieving Mental Health is an Everyday Task

About the Red Deer Primary Care Network: 

We (RDPCN) are a partnership between Family Doctors and Alberta Health Services. Health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, nurses and pharmacist work in clinics alongside family doctors.

In addition, programs and groups are offered at the RDPCN central location. This improves access to care, health promotion, chronic disease management and coordination of care.  RDPCN is proud of the patient care offered, the effective programs it has designed and the work it does with partners in health care and the community.