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UBC’S Palliative Care will hold a forum on March 3 and 4 to inform the public and dispel myths about palliative care.

Palliative care is aimed at relieving or alleviating illness without curing. People with terminal illnesses receive pal- liative care.

The forum, called Making Death a Part of Life, offers a

Heiping

THE B.C. Cancer Agency has produced an activity workbook to help kids cope with cancer diagnosis in the family. -

The booklet is currently being used in the children’s support group classes held at the Vancouver and Fraser Vailey Cancer Centres and by cancer centre counsellors.

The workbook can be purchased for $10, plus ship- ping costs through the Vancouver cancer centre at 877-6098 local 2194.

The booklet, called Time for Me, was produced by the staff of the B.C. Cancer Agency. It is aimed at help- ing kids, with a family mem-

_ ber living with cancer, under- stand the diagnosis of cancer and cope creatively with the cancer experience.

———— HEALTH —

way for people to have their questions about death and dying answered. Family members, caregivers and those facing chronic or termi- nal illness are invited to hear experts speak about issues ranging from grief coun- selling to pain management to wills to funeral practices. There will also be 26 exhibitors including the North Shore’s Abreast in a Boat which is a breast cancer support group. = Other

exhibitors include the B.C. Bereavement Foundation, Canuck Place, Music Therapy Association of B.C. and B.C. Cancer Agency.

Last year, the forum attracted hundreds of people ranging from couples facing the realities of aging parents to healthcare professionals.

Dr. Romayne Gallagher, acting head of Palliative Care

at the UBC Department of

Family Practice, said aware- ness and knowledge are

rum aims to demysiify death and pal

essential to help people let go of their fear of death.

Just like the besr births, which happen when a woman knows what to expect and trusts those around her, the same goes for the best experi- ences for people in dying, said Gallagher.

Palliative care provides whole person support (physi- cal, spiritual, emotional) through a team of specialists.

Survey information gath- ered at last year’s conference

Sunday, February 27, 2000 — North Shore News - 21

indicates the public hoids many misconceptions about palliative care issues. For example, some attendees believed those dying had lit- de control over their caoice of treatment. Next weekend’s event will highlight choices people have regarding health care and treatment.

Kim Soo, exhibit coordi- nator for Making Death a Part of Life, discovered pal- liative care support while car- ing for her terminally ill

kids cope with cancer in the family

It can be difficult enough for an adult to understand a diagnosis of cancer, let alone a child.

The activity workbook, for children ages six to 12, focuses on the special bond between children and their family; provides answers to questions children common- ly ask about cancer; looks at changes that may have occurred in family life and provides tips for children on coping with the illness.

One of the writers of the workbook, art therapist June Slakov said many parents and children find it difficult to talk about cancer, or even to know where to begin. -

She said the diagnosis of cancer affects everyone in a family, even the youngest members. This activity book can Provide a starting point for discussion, she said.

The workbook contains art, music, writing and other activities.

Nurse Karen Janes, who provided the informational component of the workbook, said cancer is a very powerful word, even for children.

She said it was a reality that many young children, or their friends, have had some- one in their family diagnosed with cancer, whether that is 2 parent, sibling, grandparent or an aunt or uncle.

Janes said children should be provided with accurate information about cancer.

Children may imagine the worst when they don’t have the information they need.

Janes said some children feel it’s their fault their mom or dad got sick because in a moment of anger they may have said something cruel.

Or they may have over-

heard a parent saying: stress contributed to their cancer, and because the child may have be fighting with a sib- ling, they blame themselves for causing the stress. Included in the workbook are strategies for children when they are feeling low. Janes said it is important for kids to realize they will

experience a range of emo- tions during their parent's illness.

It’s important for kids to play even when times are dif- ficult.

They should have fun and not feel guilty about that. They can watch a funny video or make cookies or sleep over at a friend’s house.

DR. DEBRA ROVINELLI DR. BART McROBERTS DR. CORINNE KNIGHT DR. NANCY HARDIN

WEST VANCOUVER OPTOMETRY CLINIC

925-2525

1069 24th Street (24th & Haywood)

Saturday and evening appointments available.

liative care

mother. Soo said it was a relief to know that people who specialized in this type of care could help make her mother comforcable. The ill woman's remaining days and energy were thus centered on enjoying the company of those she loved, said Soo.

The forum takes place at Robson Square Conference Centre, 800 Pudson St. (at Howe). Entrancs is by dona- tions. For more information call 822-1603.

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