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Seniors’ health Growing older together
Surgery Transforming innovation in the OR and beyond
Women’s health Addressing inequality in care
More than 725,000 Albertans are over the age of 65, a population that continues to climb faster than any other age group. Calgary Health Foundation understands the need to prioritize the care, well- being, and support of aging Calgarians. Initiatives include programs to keep seniors active, socialized, and engaged—like the Move ’n Mingle class— specialized care services specific to the illnesses and injuries experienced by older adults—like the Calgary Fall Prevention Clinic—and initiatives that help seniors live independently at home for as long as possible. A focus on Seniors’ Health also means supporting the professionals who care for older Albertans by providing them with the training, equipment, and resources to excel at their jobs.
Innovation in surgery allows for new procedures, less invasive techniques, and enhanced support through- out the care journey. The first Endoscopic Spine Surgery Program (ESS) in Canada is being launched at Foothills Medical Centre with the support of Calgary Health Foundation. ESS is an alternative to traditional back surgery. This ultra- minimally invasive spine surgery allows the surgeon to make smaller incisions, reduces tissue trauma and blood loss, decreases recovery time, and vastly improves the patient experience. The ESS program will ensure Calgary remains in the forefront of spinal surgery advancement, research, and education and will revolutionize spinal care in Southern Alberta and across Canada.
Women’s health is central to overall family health; however, women’s unique health needs have not received equal attention, funding, and advocacy. Calgary Health Foundation is supporting a research initiative that is multi- disciplinary, partnering with different research institutes to better under- stand diseases that are prevalent among women, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, and osteoporosis. We are also focused on developing a Women’s Health Hub, which would address the expansion and innovation of high- demand services, such as pelvic floor health.
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