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Between You andMe By RUTH CHAMBERS About Whitby's general hospital Happy Birthday to our Dr. J.O. Ruddy Hospital on its tenth anniversary. Many, many happy returns for a very successful future as an ongoing general hospital to serve the residents of Whitby. Ten years ago in May our hospital was born thanks to the dedication and foresight of our towns folk. Many hours of hard labour went into this venture from those who did the planning, to the ones and there were many who pounded the pavements, knocked on doors and raised money in other ways. To have a general hospital in our town is an absolute must. Other hospitals, often larger with more specialized services serve a purpose in centres of greater population. We take ad- vantage of these services when necessary such as in the case of severe chest or head injuries. A general hospital in an area such as ours in a necessary and splendid thing. We must support it to the best of our ability, and give feedback when needed both good and bad. Support of the women's auxiliary must be maintained so that they can continue to function well. Every organization needs new blood both young and old. New ideas, new thoughts; it all adds up to progress. We need new comers to our town to join us in keeping our hospital alive and viable. If you are interested in joining the auxiliary call, Pat Wilcox 668-6607 during the day or in the evening 668-2923, Betty Pascoe 668-2257 or Doris Sims 668-2288. A general membership costs $2, an associate, $5 and a life membership only $25. Such a small amount of money and think how easy it would be to become a member. Let's try and see if we can bring in a few thousand new members. There are membership forms for the asking in the gift shop and at the front desk of the hospital. Soon there would be some in emerge. Just think how easy it would be to sign the ap- plication while waiting in that department? If you have ever been a patient or had a loved one in as a patient you know of the services provided by the auxiliary. The gift shop to name one and the gift cart. Have you ever SDIAL-N-- INSPIRATION Dial 668-1331 and hear a three minute inspirational message by Pastor Emmo Oltmanns of the Emmanuelchurch at 401 Rossland RoadW. in Whitby. seen a sick child's eyes light up when the cart is pushed by? Or how pleased an adult is to be able to buy something by the bed- side? Chronic care beds are needed more and more. We should have some on hand to relieve such places as Fairview Lodge. We are living in changing times. Needs are being met more and more by government, by various agencies and by hospitals. The old family ties are not as strong and many people are doing their own thing which does not include caring for their own. This means we have to provide for many people but fortunately not for all. The "Me, myself and 1" generation are not all inclined to lend support to their own. To my total amazement I was told that some people in their sixties are in chronic care facilities because the are aging at a faster rate these days. These, I was told are the parents of the baby boom babies, the post war of- fspring. Anyone of course can be ill or age faster than others, however, anxiety fear and worry undermine many people and there is an evergrowing lack of security these days for some older people. Oldsters of whatever age need to be needed cared for and loved too. These are the people who often thrive even in old age. The child parent relationship is reversed as time goes on and the child needs to give reassurance to the parent and all the thought that goes with caring and loving. NHITBY FREE PRESSWEDNESDAYMAY 7, 19S), PAGE 5 Tnlis takes away that anxiety older people feel now when everything seems to be changing so very quickly. So, now to rehabilitation so necessary in a general hospital. Accident and stroke victims often need ongoing treatment which should be provided in their own town. What about chemotheraphy treatment? I have talked to friends about their trips back and forth to the city. Drivers and cars are needed; the patient often feeling sick and miserable can hardly stand the trip but has to bear up much I would think CONT DON PG. 8 BRIAN DIMOAN DENTURE THERAPY CLINIC HARWOOD PLACE MALL How to cope. Stress is something we encounter every week of the year But during Mental Health Week, from May 4th to the 10th, we're putting the stress on knowing how to cope with it. Stress is a part of normal living. And a little stress can even help individuals realize new successes or achievements. But evidence is mounting that excessive or prolonged stress is linked to major ilinesses. So the trick is not to ignore stress. But to understand and control it. And now, during Mental Health Week, is a good time to start. If tension, anxiety and daily pressures start mastering you instead of the other way around, try dealing with them in a few simple ways. Keep up your general health. Good physical condition can help you cope with stress situations. Talk about or work out your problems. Talking and physical activity are emotional outiets which can help put problems into perspective. Give your support to friends, family and co-workers during periods of stress. As it helps them, itcan also take your mind off your own problems. Learn some of the new methods of controlling stress. There are ail kinds of techniques, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. And finally, get more information on how you can understand and deal with stress, by writing to: Ontario Ministry of Health, Resource Centre, Queers Park, Toronto, Ontario M7A 1S2. After ail, the more you know about stress, the better you can cope with it. And Mental Health Week is a good time to start. Ontaro Ministry of I-kIath Dennis R. Timbreil Minister 1çi tl I