Do you know of a woman who is an amazing role model for women and girls across Canada because of the healthy way she lives her life? A woman who helps or inspires other women to make healthy and fulfilling changes to their lifestyle? A woman like this may be a DIVA of Distinction.
The DIVA Foundation is calling for nominations for the next DIVA of Distinction. A DIVA of Distinction is a Canadian woman who fulfills the following characteristics:
- She is a role model for girls and women across Canada because of the healthy way she lives her life, has overcome obstacles, and/or pushes her own boundaries to become a better woman
- She helps or inspires other women to lead healthier lives through making lifestyle changes within one of the pillars of women’s health: physical, mental, social, financial.
A DIVA of Distinction may also have:
- Made significant achievements and inspired other women to strive for their own goals such as athletic, humanitarian, etc.
- Overcome a physical or mental disability to achieve remarkable feats
- Influenced and helped others achieve healthy lifestyles and fulfil their dreams thereby creating a community of healthy women
- Promoted and encouraged healthy lifestyles by her actions and contributions
- Supported other women by providing them with skills and tools to advance in the workplace or in society
- Overcome health issues and use her experiences to help others
- Helped immigrant women integrate into the local community to improve their overall health and well-being
- Volunteered her services to create healthier communities of women
In 2009, the DIVA Foundation awarded their first DIVA of Distinction recognition to Meagan McGrath, a Canadian adventurer who, at the tender age of 33, has climbed the “Seven Summits”, run across the Sahara desert, and has skied unsupported to the South Pole. You can read more about Meagan and what makes her a DIVA of Distinction here.
The deadline for nominations for the next DIVA of Distinction is January 1. The decision will be shared with candidates on March 1. For complete information about the nomination process and criteria for the DIVA of Distinction award, go to: http://www.divafoundation.org/Nomination.html
Nominations can be submitted by anyone via nominations@divafoundation.org using the nominations form.
Posted in DIVA of Distinction.
By DIVA
– 2 December 2010
The Canadian Cancer Society is encouraging women to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness month by getting to know their breasts through self-examination, getting regular clinical breast examinations, and by passing along the message that mammograms save lives. A mammogram is a breast examination technique that that can detect a lump as small as an apple seed. Because risk of developing breast cancer increases after the age of 50, women aged 50 to 69 should receive a mammogram every two years.
Women between the ages of 40 and 49 should receive a clinical breast exam by their doctor every two years, and they should also talk to their doctor about any potential factors that may increase their risk of developing breast cancer. Women with an increased risk may need to be screened more regularly.
It’s important for women of all ages to perform breast self-exams in order to get to know their breasts, so they can let their doctor know if they discover any changes. The Canadian Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer brochure outlines the most common risk factors, risk reduction methods, and screening guidelines for breast cancer. You can download the brochure (PDF) here.
Screening mammography and clinical breast examinations are the most reliable methods of finding breast cancer.
For more information about where you can go to find out about or receive a mammogram, see the Screening Mammography page on the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation web site.
For a comprehensive overview of breast cancer information, see the Canadian Cancer Encyclopedia.
Posted in Uncategorized.
By DIVA
– 22 October 2010
On Sunday October 10, Tesjawini, an Indo-Canadian women’s organization, is hosting a bazaar to raise funds for the Cornerstone Foundation. The work of women entrepreneurs will be on offer, featuring items such as saris, salwar suits, kurtis, gift items, arts and crafts, children’s books, paintings, and homemade snacks. The bazaar will run from 12 noon until 5:00 pm at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre in Ottawa (1265 Walkley Rd). Admission is free.
Tesjawini is a grassroots volunteer organization intended to serve Indo-Canadian women through education, advocacy and solidarity. Their mission is to promote a positive physical, cultural and social lifestyle for women, and to ultimately help women face the challenges of daily life by ensuring their emotional nourishment. Tesjawini offers programs that include empowerment through education, support groups, charity work, and cultural programs. They also offer drop-in sessions to provide information about support services for women in crisis, health services, and services available for new immigrants.
The Cornerstone Foundation is a community organization dedicated to improving the lives of homeless women by providing emergency shelter and supportive housing for homeless women in Ottawa and offering a wide range of services to assist women to seek healing and new opportunities. This year, Cornerstone launched the Journey of Hope campaign to build a new and affordable and supportive housing facility at 314 Booth Street.
Posted in Uncategorized.
By DIVA
– 23 September 2010
It is important to seek a healthy balance between denying what our bodies are telling us and over-reacting to minor symptoms. However, some symptoms that women often overlook or ignore can be early symptoms of cancer and should be checked by a doctor.
WebMD reports that the following common symptoms may be cancer warning signs:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bloating
- Breast changes
- Between-period or other unusual bleeding
- Skin changes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blood in the wrong place
- Abdominal pain or depression
- Indigestion
- Mouth changes
- Persistence pain
- Changes in the lymph nodes
- Unexplained fever
- Persistent fatigue
- Persistent cough
Read about how and when these symptoms may be early warning signs of cancer: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/15-cancer-symptoms-women-ignore
Posted in Physical health.
By DIVA
– 15 September 2010
A recent study published by Statistics Canada and reported by CBC news highlights an important issue in women’s health in Canada today: the conclusively demonstrated link between women’s poverty and poor health.
The StatsCan study indicates that a clear association exists between the occurrence of type 2 diabetes in women and their socio-economic level. In particular, women in lower-income households were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those in high-income households.
Read the CBC news story: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/08/18/diabetes-income-canadians.html#ixzz0xA5NdqRB
Read the Statistics Canada study: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2010003/article/11325-eng.htm
Posted in In the news, Physical health.
By DIVA
– 5 September 2010
Want to see the Raptors play in Toronto? Surprise a special someone with diamonds and pearls? Show off a John Morris signed Olympic gold medal curling shirt or a Chris Neal signed hockey stick? Learn Karate? Indulge at a spa? Golf at the best courses around? The choice is yours…
For these and other silent auction treasures, join us at the DIVA Foundation Golf Classic at the Camelot Golf and Country Club, on September 20th. Tickets also available for lunch and keynote address, which will allow you to bid on these fantastic items in the silent auction.
For more information: www.divafoundation.org/Golf.html
For tickets: email tickets@divafoundation.org or call Darlene at 613-444-0123
Time is running out. ACT NOW!
Posted in Events, Golf Classic.
By DIVA
– 3 September 2010
DIVA Foundation President Grace Betts, and board member Dr. Emma Stodel appear on the television program Daytime to promote the upcoming DIVA Foundation Golf Classic. The interview airs today on Rogers TV at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 10:30 PM. [To watch the segment click here]
Grace and Emma speak with TL Rader and guest host Cub Carson about the DIVA Foundation, upcoming events, and what participants can expect from the DIVA Foundation Golf Classic on September 20th. Emma also discusses the psychology of golf and gives a glimpse of what participants at the Golf Classic can expect during her seminar on the mental game of golf.
To buy tickets for the DIVA Foundation Golf Classic email tickets@divafoundation.org or call Darlene at 613 444 0123
For more information visit http://divafoundation.org/Golf.html
Posted in About DIVA, Events, Golf Classic, In the news.
By DIVA
– 23 August 2010
If you’re not a golfer or don’t have a full day to commit, you can still enjoy The DIVA Foundation Golf Classic and support the DIVA Foundation Speakers’ Series. Tickets are now available for just the lunch and keynote address portion of the event. The keynote speaker is Olympic gold medalist Sylvie Fréchette. Your lunch and keynote ticket also enables you to participate in the silent auction.
Tickets for the lunch and keynote address are $75.
To purchase tickets, call Darlene Wilson at (613) 444-0123, or email tickets@divafoundation.org.
Posted in Events, Golf Classic.
By DIVA
– 17 August 2010
The deadline for buying tickets for the DIVA Foundation Golf Classic is August 10, so be sure toget your tickets now!
When?
Monday 20 September, 2010 8:00 AM for breakfast
Where?
Camelot Golf and Country Club, Cumberland, Ontario (http://www.camelotgolf.ca/)
The event
- Nine holes of golf in a scramble format
- Half day of golf instruction (short and long game clinics with CPGA pros; mental game seminar with Dr. Emma Stodel)
- Inspirational keynote by Sylvie Fréchette, Olympic gold-medalist in synchronized swimming
- Silent auction
- Breakfast, lunch, and cocktail reception
The purpose
To raise money for The DIVA Foundation’s 2011 Speakers’ Series. The Speakers’ Series provides affordable education for women about important women’s health issues. The 2011 series will address four pillars of women’s health: physical, mental, social, and financial. The Speakers’ Series will showcase some of the most notable experts in fields related to women’s health. The series will include 5 presentations in Ottawa or Gatineau and will be delivered in either English or French. Click here for more information on The DIVA Foundation Speakers’ Series.
Tickets
$200 per golfer
Register now!
Posted in Events, Golf Classic.
By DIVA
– 3 August 2010
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) Conference, Changing the National Perspective on Hospice Palliative Care, will be held October 28–31 at The Westin hotel in Ottawa, Ontario.
In May, 2009 the DIVA Foundation partnered with CHPCA to host the Celebrating Excellence in Hospice Palliative Care and Recognizing the Challenges of Caregiving luncheon at the National Arts Centre, Ottawa. The DIVA Foundation recognizes the important role that women play in providing end-of-life care in Canada.
The CHPCA Conference is the foremost national conference in Canada focusing on hospice palliative care. This event provides hospice palliative care professionals, volunteers, and family or informal caregivers with the opportunity to share their experience and expertise on a national platform. For more information, please visit: http://conference.chpca.net/chpca
Throughout the conference, participants will learn about the important issues facing people who work with those who are dying, and will hear experts in a number of fields debate and discuss these issues and offer solutions. Participants will hear both consensus and controversy, and will leave with many answers, and perhaps some questions not thought of before.
The conference will feature the following plenary speakers:
- The Honourable Sharon Carstairs, a champion for hospice palliative care in Canada since 1994 as a Senator and as federal Cabinet Minister
- Dr. Kathleen M. Foley, Medical Director of the International Palliative Care Initiative of the Public Health Program of the Open Society Institute
- Dr. David Kuhl, Associate Professor, Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia and the Director of the Centre for Practitioner Renewal
- Maureen McTeer, Canadian lawyer, author of Tough Choices: Living and Dying in the 21st Century, and recipient of the DIVA Award for Outstanding Contributions to Women’s Health and Well-Being.
Registration for the conference is now open; the early bird deadline for registration is July 15. Click here to register and for more information.
Posted in Events.
By DIVA
– 13 July 2010
