Hello Friends:

I can’t believe that it’s been over a year since I sent you a post. It’s a good thing that I didn’t plan another wellness conference in 2020 – YIKES! Little did we know that a Nano-speck would bring the entire global community to its knees.

Right now, there is a kind of hush all over the world, as the sounds of silence descend upon us. This forced stillness is like a blank page that we can draw on to gain perspective and realign our priorities. I thought that now might be an appropriate time to send out a tool that I developed when I wrote my book, Still Sexy After Sixty. It’s called the Sweet Spot Apie (pronounced ‘appy’). APIE is an acronym for Assess, Plan, Implement and Evaluate. Click on the link below and make a few copies for family and friends. It’s all about finding your unique sweet spot in life and acting on it. This tool might help to jump start the process.

As we re-imagine our tomorrows, let’s test positive for joy, keep our distance from doubt and isolate from fear. Wishing you wellness in 2021. And who knows I might just plan another Women’s Wellness Conference for 2022.

Sue

Click here

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The Gravenhurst Opera House hosted the first For The Love of Learning education day on June 15, 2018. Men and women (165) enjoyed a stimulating day dedicated to enhancing their vitality through information, knowledge and now wisdom, as they apply their newfound intelligence to their everyday lives.

Many thanks to Dr. Jane Gair and Dr. Paul Mohapel for their engaging presentations. Jane’s PPT presentation is attached and so is the link to Paul’s YouTube video – The Dark Side of Our Devices.

Also, we couldn’t have done it without the support of Scotiabank, Shopper’s Drug Mart, and the fabulous refreshments provided by the Gravenhurst High School Hospitality Department.

Door pries were provided by the Gravenhurst Opera House, Sawdust City Brewery, Grillious Gourmet Food Truck ad Massage You.

A very special thank. you to my fabulous team – Mary Gair and Bev Heibein – you are amazing!

If you have any suggestions for future sessions or would like to chat, please drop me an email or call Sue at 416-540-8299.

Dr. Jane Gair – Personalized Medicine, Epigenetics and Health

For the Love of Learning_Gair_2018_FINAL

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Hello everyone!

 Thank you so much for having me at the Women’s Wellness Conference in Gravenhurst!  I had the best time and you were a fantastic audience!  I wish I could have had more time, and I am sorry that I ended up rushing at the end, and not getting to all of the material.

For that reason, I have asked Sue to add the PPT presentation to her website, along with some links to documentaries, videos, and articles that I mentioned.

I hope you learned a little bit about genetics and maybe I will see you in the future sometime at another workshop about epigenetics and medicine!  J

All the best, and thanks for the warm welcome!

Jane

Contact Information

Dr. Jane Gair

Medical Genetics

Island Medical Program

University of British Columbia and University of Victoria

jgair@uvic.ca

RESOURCES:

Learning Genetics – Epigenetics

Genetics Home Reference

Cracking Cancer Documentary

18 Things You Should Know About Genetics

What is Epigenetics

Epigenetics Video about mice

Ghost in Your Genes – Nova documentary (may need to get this at the library)

Cancer and Sugar

Super Foods – Marketplace

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Thinking back to the October Conference brings wondrous joy to me as I recall the excitement and camaraderie of over 200 vibrant women assembled to be informed, inspired and ignited to do whatever is next for them. Thank you so much for your unconditional support. Your assurance and participation helped to make it so successful.

I am feeling a bit remiss in not writing to you earlier – I was in catch-up mode but now I am ready to refocus and reprioritize my life. The conference helped me to take an inward look at myself, allowing me to make some hard decisions so that I can accomplish my life goals. Completing my manuscript is one of those goals.

I have some exciting information that I’ll be sharing soon, but for now I thought you might enjoy reading the wrap-up poem created by Carole Bertuzzi-Luciani – here it is:

Still Sexy After 60 … the Recap in Rhyme

Still sexy after 60 … some question such a title
No big deal but … sexiness is vital

It’s not about the body …. measurements and such
But more about the inside out … that’s important oh so much

We started out on a high … the swag bags were a hit
Everyone excited … arrived ahead of time to sit

I had the pleasure to kick things off … and dared not miss a thing
Set the tone, housekeeping notes … before we got to sing

Shirley Hay led us in Mohawk song … on being more empowered
Which means not backing down to others … or behaving like a coward

Then Krista welcomed us …to the Opera House & town
Sue thanked out loud each sponsor then … called her committee to come down

This conference brought together … speakers of all kinds
Who enlightened, educated and even … entertained our minds

Some with research data … some with anecdotes
Some relied on power point … while others had no notes

First up was Jeanne Bekker … who opened up her heart
And shared with us her story … every juicy part

Next Julie holistically awakened us … on de-tox-ifying
Suggesting a slew of special stuff … we really should be buying

Gravenhurst students served us lunch … all each uniformed in black
Some diners mistakingly missed their spot … the Knights building ’round the back

Next up were the teddy talks … but 12 quick minutes each
With hopes the varied topics … more women they would reach

Suzanne believes connection … is the antidote to stress
Mickey talked on colour … and bragged about her dress

Deb giddily suggested … we might try to date online
Lauri was baffled by her power point … ’bout her cruise out on the Rhine

Martin kept the AV working … Elaine helped out behind the scene
Samantha was there from Cable … Allison snapped each photo gene

The exhibit hall was hopping … while Kelly swept us all upstairs
The vendors all seemed happy … promoting all their wares

The Let it Go Loo was beautifully staged … for you to dump or spew
Some bravely took the challenge … others wondered what to do

Vincenzo was introduced … he then took the stage to tell
About his new play Quiet I’m Talking … with the beautiful Bunny belle

The day was long, the day was fun … our heads were all a spin
Thanks goodness for the apps and drinks … too bad there wasn’t gin

Elaine’s mindful meditation … gently kick started Saturday
We welcomed thirty bright new faces … picked up along the way

CBL recapped day one … we were ready for more fun
More gifts were handed out again … seems the giving wasn’t done

We each were handed a pashmena … in the most colourful of pink
Can’t ever have a bad day … in that colour I do think

First up hailing from BC … Geneticist Jane Gair
With “DNA’s not all in your genes” … she proved her point right there

Speaking out on sleep … Next Colin Shapiro kept us awake
Keeping things light for us … with handouts we could take

We welcomed the stretch break … to keep us hale and hearty
Tea Infusions generously hosted … a welcoming Tea Party

CBL then called up one … not needing introduction
The woman who’s brainchild was … to plan this fab function

Sue Kelly donned another role … to share with us her passion
Then called up her crew to hand out … more gifts in Oprah fashion

CBL then had a shot … to have more fun with us
Saying some things about the nuns … that created such a fuss

The program wasn’t done there … a group photo of us all
Wearing our pink and shouting Thursday … as we posed and sat up tall

Grand prizes were handed out … winners approached the stage with glee
There really was no other place … anyone would want to be

The room it was a hummin’ … high energy everywhere
For the women in that space … we were buoyant in the air

Thank yous were sincerely uttered … applause all around
Flowers where handed out … excitement was the sound

Before we all left the room … new friends had been made
Some rekindled from the past … in hopes we could’ve stayed

But alas, it was all over … last stop was our boxed lunch
Overwhelmingly it was a success … we loved it a whole bunch.

From the speakers to the topics … gifts and extra stuff
To make the 2 days better … it really would be tough

So on that note the time has come … for me to end this rhyme
And thank you for your interest and … especially for your time ~!!~

Written with pleasure by your MC … The Moodivator
Carole Bertuzzi Luciani – October 2017

www.carolebertuzziluciani.com

www.moodivator.ca

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Patti’s Story:  Patti (59) had not gone online before but prodded by friends she took the plunge. After all, she thought it beats trying to meet guys at bars and saves time because there are plenty of men looking for a match too. Patti believed the time was right because she was feeling good about herself: she had joined the YMCA, recently lost ten pounds and the drama of her divorce was well behind her.  To be on the safe side, she set up a new email address that didn’t include her full name.

Ready, Set, Go Fish:   Patti chose a popular site that required a nominal monthly fee, then invited her friend over and with the help of a bottle of wine they created her profile. The site prompted Patti to answer two questions” What is important to you? My 2 awesome children, my wonderfully, big supportive family, my close circle of friends and can’t forget my red wine! What are you looking for? A special man, who is passionate about life, wants to take a risk and is ready for a committed relationship—one of trust, friendship, respect, and eventually love. Patti reported her geographic area and selected the age-range of men between 55 and 65.

The One That Almost Got Away      As soon as Patti posted her profile, she received numerous emails and started communicating with three men—Doug, Luke and Darryl. By the 4th week, Patti had exchanged cell phone numbers and was ready to meet all three gentlemen.                                                                                                                          Darryl (64) was first up and although a meeting was scheduled he became ill and had to cancel. She was SO disappointed because she felt a strong connection with him. This happened a second time and she thought for sure he was seeing someone else or was married. Meanwhile Patti met Luke at a music festival and Doug at a coffee shop and both meetings were less than satisfactory. Although Darryl continued to text her, she remained quiet as she was still suspicious. Patti remembered Darryl’s sense of humour and cute texts that warmed her heart, So although hesitant, she agreed to another meeting.

Thirteen months later Patti and Darryl are still going strong. They’ve agreed to take the relationship slow, providing each other time to deliberately build their bond of trust and respect. Time will tell what the future holds for them but they have had a positive experience and feel enriched for knowing the other.

While on line dating may have not met with the social mores of Miss Manners’ time, it is now the new way of fishing…. Don’t be afraid to put your line in the water.

As published in the CARP Connector, Chapter 58, Edition #2. 2016

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This year, June is creating lots of opportunities for me to feel grateful. Here are five ‘F’ words describing what is categorically important in my life: (in no particular order)

Friends: About a dozen of my nursing classmates from St. Michael’s Hospital gathered for the retirement party of Ella Ferris, Executive V.P. of SMH – do you believe that she started in the kitchen at 14 years of age and ended an outstanding career 51 years later as one of the most esteemed Nursing and Administrative leaders in Ontario. We assembled not just to honor Ella, but to collectively celebrate our roots at SMH and the privilege of caring for others as Registered Nurses.

Fun: Another get-together occurred near the former site of St. Joseph’s High School, Islington. Thirty former graduates from the same school assembled to revel in our 65th birthday year and rejoice, re-connect and reminisce. What a great bunch of hot babes!

Faith: On June 18^th friends, family and cottagers gathered at St. Paul’s church in Gravenhurst for the Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life of Susan Clark (67)—Paul’s sister who died much too young from the scourge of breast cancer. The packed church was a testament to Sue’s life—it felt like a great big communal hug. Father Joe delivered an uplifting sermon which gave us all hope for the next great adventure still to come.

Family: During this sad time it is family and dear friends who are the wind beneath your wings. They know you the best: your past, your relationships, struggles, aspirations and triumphs. And so this past weekend our wonderful big extended family gathered on the shores of Morrison Lake to support us in missing Sue.

Future: Looking ahead to this autumn, Still Sexy After 60 presents the first annual Women’s Wellness Conference at the Gravenhurst Opera House (October 14-15, 2016). I am grateful to have the support of my talented executive who makes this an amazing journey. We’re creating a leading-edge event that disrupts aging and celebrates women in all our glory! Please join us in making history in Muskoka.

Thank you, thank you, thank God for you,

the wind beneath my wings.

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Sue Kelly and Bev Heibein graciously accept a community grant from Mayor Paisley Donaldson and District Councillor Sandy Cairns.

The first-ever Still Sexy After 60 – Women’s Wellness Conference will host 100 women at the Gravenhurst Opera House, October 14-15, 2016. It will bring together health and research experts providing an energizing and empowering agenda sure to motivate women for the rest of their lives. Stay tuned to this site for registration information.

The day and half conference will also include a theatre event and an evening reception providing an opportunity for attendees to talk 1:1 with all the guest speakers.  All meals will be provided by local caterers. A group of rooms have been allocated at the Marriot Residence Inn.

Still Sexy After Sixty Women’s Wellness Conference was awarded a grant from the Terence Haight Financial Assistance Program, which supports non-profit community organizations, enhancing the quality of life of Gravenhurst residents. 

Terence Haight was born in Peterborough, Ontario, November 5, 1920. His father, a newspaper pressman, moved the young family to Bracebridge for the beauty of the area and clean air. In his lifetime, Terence owned and operated a bakery and a hardware store.

Why did Terence Haight choose Gravenhurst? We know he had a great appreciation for the Town of Gravenhurst during the time he ran his bakery, but more importantly his wife Audrey McDonald grew up in the Town,

What his friends and neighbours did not know was that Terence had invested in mining stocks and quietly amassed a small fortune. To everyone’s surprise he bequeathed over $ 1 million dollars to the Town of Gravenhurst.

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There’s been a flurry of controversy in print, radio and social media about the newly revised Ontario Sex Education Curriculum, due to start in Ontario’s elementary schools this fall.

It’s complicated. Talking about the birds and the bees is probably one of the toughest topics for parents to tackle with their children. When we were kids we didn’t have the World Wide Web, cell phones and Facebook. Sexting (sending explicit sexual images or messages electronically), date rape drugs, reality TV and online social networks were non-existent. There is no question that the primary ‘teacher’ of sexual and social values should be parents—but what is their level of competence and comfort?

I recall my Mom sitting down with my sister Carol and me for our talk about menstruation and how babies are made – Mom was equipped with the handy Kotex booklet and a sanitary belt. She did a great job. Later that evening my Dad asked Carol and I to come into the living room for a chat—“Did we have any questions we’d like to ask?”  Are you kidding???  I know this sounds like a page from Leave It To Beaver, but this open and frank discussion set the stage for ongoing communication. But let’s face it—it’s tough to raise children in today’s society which is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-gendered, multi-networked and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered, questioning). Accurate and reliable information is more vital than ever if children are ‘to become informed, productive, caring, responsible, healthy and active citizens in their communities’. (The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8 – preface).

Many parents believe that this program is pushing the curriculum too fast. That it is taking away the innocence of childhood and does not support family values. As a Registered Nurse I believe that health is a whole person experience—it is holistic in nature and addresses the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, religious and sexual needs of a person. These essentials help to develop a person’s self-esteem which is the foundation for healthy growth and development. A positive self-esteem helps a child:

• to feel good about who they are,
• to understand and solve problems,
• to say NO or YES as appropriate,
• to trust they are a person of worth,
• to not be a follower,
• to not succumb to peer pressure, and
• to be free to develop their personal beliefs and values.

The sex education curriculum provides timely information that most students would have already gleaned from the internet or TV, but at least all students will receive the same accurate information, at the same time, by caring and knowledgeable teachers. Kids are then able to go home and discuss the material with their parents. Some schools offer workshops for parents so they have an understanding of the content and teacher prompts which help to bring the lessons to life. Parents do have the right to have their children opt out of any class.

Summary of the sex education topics by grade level:

Check out the new curriculum and Parent’s Guide at: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng

To LEAVE a COMMENT please click at the top right corner of this blog.

I apologize if you signed up to receive my blogs and didn’t get them. The function has now been repaired and it would be great if you could take the time to do it once again. Thanks – Sue

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Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss Psychiatrist identified in 1969, the five stages of Loss and Grief (similar to the 5 stages of dying): denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It describes the emotional stages that survivors experience after the death of a loved one (or the loss of a pet, friend, limb, breast etc.) Grief does not have a schedule—there are no deadlines for the resolution of grief. Of course these stages can occur in any order and can be re-visited over time as one moves to peaceful acceptance.

Another way of looking at the grieving process is through three broad and overlapping phases:

1. Retreating – the experience of disbelief, shock, confusion and disorientation
2. Working Through – the experience of feeling the full impact of the death – the expression of feelings and responses
3. Resolving – the integration of the loss into one’s life

Jayne, Sandi and Monica are transitioning through their wall of grief and are now in the Working Through phase. It is a deeply personal and singular journey; therefore the following experiences do not necessarily describe any one person, but is the collective culmination of courage, choices and clarity on their journeys of recovery.

The first year is tough as they re-live the ABCD’s of the post-death period—anniversary, birthday, Christmas and death. Sandi is almost through her first year after the death of Trent. She describes the task of transitioning to a single person as lonely: from we to me, from ours to mine, and from us to my—the aloneness enveloped her in a state of acute vulnerability that was hard to shake. But through the process of re-discovering herself she realized that she liked being a couple and set about to explore online dating. Actually her daughter set her profile up and Sandi has now been on a few dates. She had to learn to trust again and not look at relationships through rose-coloured glasses – instead she looks at life with eyes wide open.

Jayne’s journey through the thicket of grief required her to sort through her shards of emotional shrapnel—she was always the one to resolve problems, keep peace in the family, and go the extra mile to meet work obligations. She said ‘yes’ to everyone but herself. She has learned to be kind to herself and not be afraid of the boogie man—she has stopped the tape running incessantly in her head, about all the ‘what-ifs’ that might be just around the corner. Instead she enjoys just watching the flames of a fire or going for long walks to distract her from the intensity of life. Jayne is starting to get comfortable in her own skin.

Monica has discovered that by focusing on her own health and well-being, she can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Grief shakes one’s foundations and one of the pillars is self-esteem. Being in a new city was like double jeopardy but she joined a yoga group, met new people, attended a learn-to-knit class and found satisfaction in creating wooly gifts for her grandchildren and friends.

Mourning time is really convalescent time for the body, mind and spirit. My three widowed friends are slowly regaining their equilibrium as they look inward to relax their bodies, re-focus attention on themselves and inspire their spirits to a new transformation.

The post Three Faces of Widowhood – Part ll: Working Through appeared first on Still Sexy After Sixty.

This past year, three dear friends became members of the secret order of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood called WIDOWHOOD.  They didn’t take a blood oath or swear undying loyalty—their husbands died prematurely and left them to pick up the pieces.

None of us know when the Grim Reaper will select our lottery ticket. For Jayne (63) and Bob (59) it occurred after a 13 year battle with a rare form of cancer, in a palliative care bed in St. Albert, Saskatchewan. Jayne tenderly performed his final bed bath and savored each stroke as she lotioned his body for the last time. In the end Jayne made the final call to ‘pull the plug.’ If you knew all the facts, that decision was easier than the discordant disruption of life she was living now.

Sandi (64) and Trent (64) had just pulled into the parking lot of Starbucks in Calgary, Alberta. Sandi could smell the strong aroma of the heady coffee, as Trent’s head suddenly took a dive into the steering wheel. Sandi thinks that he succumbed to the perfect storm of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight and worry—as he supported Sandi through her colon cancer treatments. Sandi didn’t get to say good-bye and it continues to trouble her as she journeys on the road to recovery.

Having just moved from Waterloo, Ontario to Moncton, New Brunswick to be closer to their grandchildren, Monica (66) and Don (69) spent their first night in their new townhome. Suddenly at 2:00 A.M Don shot up in bed with excruciating chest pain. Four hours later in an unknown hospital, in an unknown city Monica was quietly told that Don had surrendered to the cardiac assault. Monica could not accept that she would never hold Don again and tentatively went to his bedside, asked that all tubes be removed and slipped under the covers to hold him, smell him and touch him one last time. Three hours later she reluctantly agreed to let him be.

It has now been between 6 and 11 months since Jayne, Sandi and Monica were anointed with their new status as widows. Grief invaded their worlds and left them feeling numb, fearful, helpless and hopeless. Through the process of grieving, they now feel less like road kill and more like being on a road trip, with no destination in sight. Tune in next week to glimpse into their unique and singular journeys of loss, recovery and re-birth.

Are you a member of this esteemed society of sisters?

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