AHS host local events for Mental Health Week

May 1-7 is Mental Health Week

Alberta Health Services (AHS) invites you to boost your mental health by enjoying some outdoor activities and taking part in activities to mark Mental Health Week,
May 1-7.

Research has shown outdoor activities can improve mental wellness; these activities can include gardening, playing outdoor sports, walking and running, or just sitting and enjoying the scenery. Positive effects include improved mood and energy; less negativity and worry; lower blood pressure; faster recovery from stressful events; increased creativity; improved cognitive development in children; and an overall calming effect.

 

Local Events Include:

Cold Lake, St. Paul

• A display with mental health information, including a list of local mental health resources, will be visiting local libraries.

 

Bonnyville

• A display with mental health information, including a list of local mental health resources, will be visiting local libraries.
• A HeartMath workshop on May 3 teaches stress-reduction tools and techniques, including breathing and mindfulness exercises. The workshop runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Provincial Building, #210 4902 50 Ave. Call 780-826-2150 to register. 

 

Other Events in the North Zone:

Athabasca

• AHS representatives, along with the adult day program participants, are hosting a community barbecue May 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Buy Low parking lot,
  4919 48 St. Cash donations to the adult day program will be welcomed.

• An educational display highlighting mental health support services available in the region will be set up at the Athabasca Public Library, 4720 48 St.

 

Lac La Biche

• An educational display highlighting mental health support services available in the region will be set up at the Lac La Biche Public Library, 10307 100 St.

 

Fort McMurray

• AHS representatives will be on hand during a ‘dusk to dawn’ community event to provide mental health support to those who may require it. The day includes a community breakfast, sunrise meditation, yoga, a lunchtime barbecue, acoustic performances and games. The event runs from5 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Snye Point Park.

 

Smoky Lake

• A display with mental health information, including a list of local mental health resources, will be visiting local libraries.
• A HeartMath workshop on May 12 teaches stress-reduction tools and techniques, including breathing and mindfulness exercises. The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Smoky Lake County Office, 4612 MacDougall Drive. Call 780-636-2024 to register.

 

During this week and beyond, AHS encourages you to take care of yourself and to share, through Facebook and Twitter, how you are taking care of your mental health. Hashtag posts with #AHSMentalHealthWeek and tag us @AHS_NorthZone and we will re-tweet.

 

You’ll find us online:

 

• New addiction and mental health website: www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/amh.aspx
• Ways to Wellness: www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page13769.aspx.
• Help in Tough Times: www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page13094.aspx

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AHS_behealthy
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Alberta-Health-Services/179579998746821
• www.ahs.ca

 

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.