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

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley Prayer isn’t just for storms, it’s also for ordinary days. I give daily whispers of thanksgiving and gratitude, to God. Life gives us different choices, different ways of life, and presents those who will attempt to distract us and keep us separated from the truth! This is why we need discernment and wisdom, and need to keep going. It comes down to, a relationship with Jesus is the only thing which matters. Life offers many choices and challenges.

By: Lauren Walker Working with older adults for 20+ years has allowed me insight to the aging process. I'll be turning forty this year and most of my clients are 30+ years older than I. I see common threads amongst the aging population and as they age, little things become big challenges. My purpose, as a personal trainer, is to help them maintain functionality in their daily lives. Let's look at the common issues I help my clients with. Its All in the Hips One of the biggest

KIM COULTER RMH Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES: Since it launched in 1972, Armada Toolworks Ltd has been advancing its design, development and manufacturing skills. Today, this Lindsay based company is a leading supplier of custom made automotive components. They know having the right tools in the right hands is critical to success. Support from the Armada Toolworks team for the WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign will help fund the highest priority investments at Ross Memorial Hos

KIM COULTER RMH Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES: In 1946, life was changing in the Kawartha Lakes. With the end of the Second World War, families were reuniting and growing; community business and industry launched an era of prosperity; and Ethelreda (Hutton) Morrison, from Elm Tree Corners, graduated from Ross Memorial Hospital’s Nursing School, beginning a long career devoted to patient care. Ethelreda’s daughter, Marlene Morrison Nicholls, has been supporting Ross Memorial, for

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers today, yet, too many people in Ontario are not being screened regularly. Dr. Rebecca Wray, a local physician and primary care lead, with the Central East Regional Cancer Program, stresses understanding the new cervical screening program and taking action is vital, for first-time testers, long-time patients, and anyone with a cervix. Ontario’s cervical cancer screening program underwent a ma

by Lauren Walker Valentines Day is fast approaching which makes me think of how to keep our hearts healthy. Health is always number one in my book and being well means more time for who you love. Your heart is a muscle Why is it so imperative to look after your heart? It only supplies blood and oxygen to your entire body! Keeping the traffic flowing means finding ways to make your heart more efficient. This means, yes, you guessed it: exercise is vital to keep it strong. What

Ian McMillan Community Care Durham DURHAM: David Brazeau knows firsthand the meaningful impact a committed board of directors can have on a not-for-profit organization. With more than a decade of board leadership experience, including two six-year terms as board chair, David brought his passion for governance and community service to Community Care Durham (CCD) in 2023, joining the organization’s board of directors. An accomplished communications professional with experienc

Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley As my husband and I faced health issues, leading into January 2026, I found myself prayerfully asking the Lord to fix me when I am the problem, and to protect me when I am not. The challenges brought anxiety, upset, and conflict with loved ones. However, I’ve learned, listening is one of the quietest and most powerful ways to show love. I know God is near, listening with love, every time we turn our hearts toward Him. My life is far from perfect, but