When Ken died in February 2021, we had an outpouring of messages from readers, with many telling us how much his columns meant to them. In light of that, we thought we would go back through our files and re-publish some of them. Ken would be flattered by the kind words readers expressed. We miss...
Saskatoon Folkfest set for Aug. 17-19
Saskatoon Folkfest has announced that 17 pavilions will collectively showcase the diversity within our community on Aug. 17-19. Folkfest 2023 will immerse festival patrons in multiculturalism through dynamic local performances, displays, activities, and incredible flavours while they discover and explore the traditions and history that make Saskatoon a vibrant and welcoming city. Folkfest is delighted...
World Cup win would cement Sinclair’s legacy
If an unseeded player like Marketa Vondrousova can shock the tennis world and win the women’s singles at Wimbledon, if eighth seeded Florida Panthers can make it all the way to the Stanley Cup final, then there’s no reason why Canada’s women’s soccer team can’t win the FIFA Women’s World Cup. For the sake of...
Communication key to diagnosis
In 2018, an international organization found that 67 per cent of medical errors were the result of miscommunication. Another study from the U.S. showed that 1/3 of people with chronic illnesses underused medications because of cost and did not inform their caregivers. Half of people leaving hospitals could not identify their diagnoses or names of...
Coughing again – Could it be COPD?
Ask any singer what they detest the most and they will say, “People who cough at concerts.” So, how do you tell if your annoying cough is due to getting older or being a little out of shape? Is it a common cold? Or could it be a life-threating condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary...
Drought and smoke trigger my fight or flight response
Rain is drumming gently on the skylight directly above my head. Before last night (it’s the third week of July), I was starting to wonder if it would rain again this summer. After several dry weeks, I get like that. Kind of panicky, you know. Still, the skies only delivered 2.2 millimetres after dinner. It...
Gardening advice from a physiotherapist
It’s that time of year again … the sun is out, the temperatures have warmed up, and we get outdoors. Gardening is an outdoor activity that is a great form of exercise and an excellent way to boost our mood. During the winters we tend to be less active, then when spring and summer hits,...
The blue bin police had me under surveillance
Be on the lookout for the recycling police. This force rummaged in blue bins in my neighbourhood for three pickups. After they rummaged, they left notes on the do’s and don’ts of recycling. I felt violated. I didn’t want anyone to know staples of my diet are Fruit Loops, KD and one-bite brownies. The recycling...
BackDoor Gallery a slightly-hidden gem
To find it, one traverses over the stepping stones in the lawn, through the gate, into the lush yard, to the back door and down the stairs. And there, covering the walls and standing on every flat surface, are works of art of every description. She also taught in the now-defunct Home Economics college at...