A new series of informative talks begins in Newmarket next week at Revera's Renoir Retirement Residence with guest speakers tackling different topics of interest to seniors and community.
The first topic is cancer screening and prevention with Shoshana Sherman, the co-ordination advisor for primary care and diversity at Southlake Regional Health Centre.
In partnership with CHATS, a non-profit organization advocating for high-quality, services to older adults and caregivers in York Region and south Simcoe County, the goal of the talk is to help those in attendance learn about: colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screenings; Ontario’s free cancer screening program; and how to reduce the risk of cancer.
“Part of what we do is educate and inform,” said Sandra Castino, sales consultant at the Renoir who brought the idea for the series of talks from the previous retirement residence with which she worked. “We want to invite our residents and the public to come because it’s great information.”
Sherman’s role at Southlake focuses on educating primary care providers and the community on cancer prevention and screening.
“She and I have done many different topics together and we brainstormed what would be a really important topic to seniors,” said Castino. “Cancer is everywhere and it’s something we live with everyday. A lot of people are connected to cancer and it’s really important to know what to look for with signs and symptoms.”
With one in 24 Canadians having been diagnosed with at least one cancer in the previous 25 years, according to the government of Canada, this topic couldn’t be more important, said Castino.
“There’s so many different types of cancer and we want to touch on what people need to be aware of with them,” she said. “Cancer doesn’t just affect seniors, it affects everyone, so even if they’re gathering information to pass onto loved ones for awareness, that’s our main objective. Knowledge is key and if they can pass it onto someone else, maybe they can save a life.”
Castino is hopeful the talks will take place monthly at the Renoir and deal with topics of interest to the senior community.
“I’ve done these talks at other senior homes before and people really appreciate the information,” she said. “And it’s open to anybody, you don’t have to be living at the Renoir to attend and those from other senior centres are invited because it’s key information.”
The talk will be Wednesday, August 23 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Renoir Retirement Home at 270 Doak Lane.
To RSVP, email [email protected]
