DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Growing healthcare demands, across Durham Region; emergency department pressures; and major investments in mental health and hospital redevelopment were front and centre during a presentation to council members in Scugog, earlier this week. During the Township of Scugog’s General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting, on Monday, May 4th, Cynthia Davis, president and CEO of Lakeridge Health, and

BRANDON CLARK The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes will have an opportunity to learn more about local wellness programs, community supports, and senior services during the upcoming Victoria Manor Wellness Fair on Wednesday, May 20th. The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Victoria Manor and is open to seniors, caregivers, families, and community members interested in healthy aging and wellness resources. Organizers say the fair is de

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley Appreciating life is about learning to see the value in what’s already in your hands. Family, friends, health, or the simple luxury of enjoying your morning tea. Those are the things which truly matter. Life is a collection of stories, moments, growth and flashes of wisdom. We spend so much time chasing more, thinking those things will make us happy. Yet, in the small ordinary moments, we often overlook, happiness can reside. There are days when y

by Lauren Walker Purpose and passion. How do you live your life? I'm turning forty this year and I feel like I'm finally coming into my own. I was vacuuming my house this morning and I realized, while I dislike doing it, I can be joyful doing it. Vacuuming gave me the idea for this article, so thank you! A Joyful Shift A shift happens when you get older. I spent my twenties wondering who I was and what I wanted to be. I wasn't experiencing very much joy at all. Going through

KIM COULTER RMH Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES: Standing atop the CN Tower, on July 31st, 2021, Sandra Jack celebrated surviving cancer for five years, post-surgery. More than that, she was paying forward the care she was receiving and fundraising, to help more people survive cancer. Helping others was her lifelong mission. Sandra touched lives through her career in education, her public service on municipal council, her advocacy on community committees, and her many passions. The

LAUREN WALKER Special to The Standard Let's take a closer look at how our emotions and physical health are connected and how we can improve that connection. Let's dive into some healthy habits. Whether it's taking a half hour to go for a walk, taking an art course or meditation. An activity that allows you to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself. Exercise You knew I'd get here sooner or later. Movement is a natural high which releases happy hormones i

TINA Y. GERBER-MCCURLEY Special to The Standard I have said this many times, God didn't promise you a life without pain, struggle or hardships. He did, however, promise to give you strength to get through it. It is important to keep those parts working properly by remaining active. Keeping body parts active as you age is essential to maintaining your independence, helping to reduce pain, and preventing further injuries. Since my visit to the hospital, last December, I will ad

RYAN YOUNG, RMH KAWARTHA LAKES: Ross Memorial Hospital is inviting community members to help shape the future of healthcare in Kawartha Lakes. Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) is hosting four Community Town Halls, focused on Master Planning and what the future holds for our hospital and community. Whether it be physical infrastructure and the long-term space needs of the hospital, to clinical programs which will be needed over the next 10 – 20 years to serve our community, the To

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard For Jamie McTaggart, life changed dramatically at just 25 years old when unexplained numbness in her left leg and foot led to a diagnosis which would shape her future: multiple sclerosis (MS). “I couldn’t understand why it was happening,” Ms. McTaggart recalls. “It was scary, especially because my grandmother had MS and her condition worsened very quickly. I was terrified of what my future might look like.” Diagnosed in 2009, Ms. McTaggart began nav

by Lauren Walker My favourite go to snack is apples dipped in peanut butter. I don't mind bruises on my apples, I'll happily gobble them down any time. They may be flawed on the outside but just as sweet on the inside. The so called 'imperfections' on the outside can effect how we see ourselves and effect our physical wellness. Let's look into the mind and body connection. Emotional Wellness - There are those who find it difficult to make meaningful change because of unresolv

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard Ontario has become the first province in Canada to publicly fund the drug vorasidenib tablets (VORANIGO) for eligible adults living with a specific type of glioma, marking a significant shift in how quickly patients can access breakthrough treatments. The funding comes through Ontario’s Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program, an initiative designed to shorten the gap between federal approval, by Health Canada, and public access

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley Every generation has its own battles; our parents and grandparents went through war, famine, and grew up in the middle of a worldwide economic meltdown. They struggled with high costs, job insecurity, and political conflicts. Things have not changed, and many are still overwhelmed today, as most media wants to keep us scared and agitated. Sometimes, life doesn't make sense. There are moments when the path ahead feels uncertain. Faith means believi

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Paramedics in Kawartha Lakes are keeping pace with rising call volumes, while maintaining strong response times, according to the 2025 Operational Key Performance Indicators (O-KPIs) report, presented to Council, on Tuesday, March 10th. Last year, paramedics responded to more than 14,000 patient calls, or, roughly one call every 37 minutes. Despite the increase in demand, the service met or

KIM COULTER RMH Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES: The Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) Foundation is happy to welcome the team from Mary Brown’s Chicken, in Lindsay, as the newest member of the WE ARE THE ROSS Business Community! Peter Patel presented the proceeds of the Mary Brown’s Guest Appreciation Event fundraiser to Kim Coulter, RMH Foundation Communications Specialist, on Tuesday, March 10th. Over the two-day event, on March 4th to 5th, $1,550 was raised to support critical inv

by Lauren Walker My last article touched on a few key items about exercise after a stroke. We've worked with many clients seeking rehab and our goal is to develop strength through the use of progressive weight bearing exercise. Our current client was affected on the left side and therefore her arm and leg suffered subsequent weakness. Let's dive into the key to getting our client up and walking with assistance. Assess the Client One size does not fit all, in this situation. T

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley As we welcome March, I am hoping for a time of renewal and looking forward to Spring. March, with its changing weather and longer daylight hours, present both opportunities and challenges. I would think and believe, as a senior, I play a vital role in my family, community, and so do YOU. I want to ensure I remain healthy, active, and engaged. It is more important than ever. It was a tough start to 2026 and the key to my success is maintaining my o

Nancy Newton , Soroptimist KAWARTHA LAKES: Members of Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes celebrated International Women’s Day (March 8th) by helping local women and their babies. Club members donated diapers, clothing, baby food and other items to the Kawartha Lakes Pregnancy Centre. Michelle Botting, the Centre’s Executive Director, acknowledged the impact of the donation. “The Kawartha Lakes Pregnancy Centre (KLPC) walks alongside anyone facing challenges related

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard SCUGOG: A popular summer tradition is set to return to the shores of Lake Scugog, this June. Township staff recommended Scugog Council waive municipal rental fees, to support the annual Dragon Boat Festival. A staff report, from Shawna Cornish, the Township of Scugog’s Manager of Parks and Recreation, was included on the agenda for the General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting, on Monday, March 2nd. The report provides an update on the

by Lauren Walker I'm going to share with you about a client we work with who suffered a stroke. You may think progress cannot be made in such a case but in six months, the improvement is significant. Under careful supervision, our client went from not being able to stand to walking with assistance. What is the goal? Let's first be clear, significant issues, such as a stroke, require careful exercise programming with a professional. Our client had undergone physiotherapy and s

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley I will admit, I am tired of living with so many health concerns. It has definitely been a very challenging time. I keep pushing and trusting a breakthrough will arrive because God is present and supportive during these trials, so we are never alone in our struggles. It is important to remember, being concerned about your health is normal, but one mustn't let health anxiety take over their life. God has provided me with comfort, strength and compan