The Pulse: PHA Canada's monthly e-newsletter

Conference update - Deadline fast approaching!

We have over 144 attendees and counting at our upcoming September Conference! The final registration deadline for Conference is August 22nd. After that date, registration will only be available on site and will depend upon availability. Onsite registration is not guaranteed, so if you are planning to attend Conference, register today on our website.

Conference teaser
New this year: Reenergize with two “mini” sessions!
This year, we're excited to give Conference attendees an even greater opportunity to relax before dinner by taking part in mini “alternative therapy” sessions. “Chair Yoga” consists of yoga poses tailored specifically to the needs of PH patients. Dr. Rana Awdish will lead this 15-minute restorative session.“Breathe your way to calm” will focus upon using the breath as a tool to promote wellness. By looking at our breath in a positive way instead of as a limitation as we often experience it, Dr. Rana Awdish will introduce breathing techniques chosen specifically to calm the anxious nervous system and promote healing.
Want more details on Conference sessions? In-depth descriptions for all of the sessions are available on the Conference website!

News and Events

‘Pop a Cork for PH’ Garden Party Vancouver PH patient Tarya will be hosting a garden party on August 11th to raise awareness and funds for PH. There will be a wine tasting sponsored by Renaissance Wines as well as a silent auction, live music, snacks to enjoy and a 50/50 draw. We’re excited to hear how this lovely community event goes, and are continually inspired by the fantastic creative fundraising ideas of PHA Canada members!

Super Talitha – a children’s book about PH
Talitha Decker is a 3 year old from Fort McMurray whose heart and dreams are bigger than her little body. Since Talitha was diagnosed with PH several months ago, her family and community have fundraised over $30,000 for the pulmonary hypertension community. Talitha’s family friend Kelsey Hepples even published a book titled “Super Talitha”, which describes Talitha’s journey with PH. We are working to set up a partnership with Kelsey so that proceeds from her book may benefit PHA Canada. Additionally, Kelsey may be doing a reading and a book signing of Super Talitha for the children at Conference! Stay tuned for more news surrounding this fantastic initiative.

Children’s Wish Foundation – accepting wish applications!
The Children’s Wish Foundation is a Canadian organization. Their purpose is to provide children who have high-risk life-threatening illnesses or conditions the opportunity to realise their most heartfelt wish. We have learned that the Children’s Wish BC chapter has funds available to grant more wishes than their current number of applicants. If you know of a special child who is battling a challenging disease, consider putting their wish forward! Learn more on the Children’s Wish website.

CORD requesting nominations for Board of Directors
The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) is inviting interested candidates to apply for their Board of Directors for the 2013-2016 term. They are particularly interested in the following skills:

• Finance, accounting
• Grant writing
• Fundraising and special events
• PR, communications
• Management, admin
• Experience with patient/family issues
• Teaching/curriculum development experience
The submission deadline is September 7, 2013. For more information, contact info@raredisorders.ca. To apply, fill the online form.

Resource Tip of the Month - Westjet's Companion seats
Did you know that WestJet may provide seating at no charge for the companion or caregiver of a PH patient? In order to apply for special additional seating, all you need is to fill out the application form with your doctor. PHA Canada member Dianne Gale can vouch for this service:
"We travelled from Victoria to Toronto with WestJet. I applied & received a companion fare: WestJet gives them to individuals who cannot travel alone. I got it because I couldn't manage my oxygen by myself. Alf went for free, so we just paid for my flight each way. WestJet gives you a number, and once you're approved, you use that number whenever you book. They granted me companion seat privileges permanently."
We love resources that can make life with PH a little bit easier. Learn more about Westjet's free companion seating here!

Low Sodium Recipe of the Month - Quinoa Tabouli Salad
This recipe from the Looney Spoons Collection is for traditional middle eastern tabbouleh, with a modern upgrade. This tabbouleh features the superfood quinoa instead of cracked bulgur wheat. Serve it with grilled kebobs, hummus and pitas, or alone as a salad. Fresh and delish!

Ingredients: 4 large servings
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1-3/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
½ tsp ground cumin
1 cup peeled, seeded and finely diced English cucumber
1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
½ cup each finely grated carrots and chopped green onions
½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method: Place quinoa in a medium pot and add vegetable broth and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
Transfer quinoa to a mixing bowl. Add cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, green onions, parsley and mint. Mix well. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and garlic in a small bowl. Pour over salad. Mix well. Add salt and pepper and mix again. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the best flavour.
Nutritional info: Per 1 serving : 220 calories, 9.5 g fat, 0mg cholesterol , 85mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate, 4.3 g fiber, 6g protein
Source: The Looney Spoons Collection

An enormous thanks to Ruth Dolan for sending across the Looney Spoons recipe collection, and to Janet and Greta of Looney Spoons for allowing us to share this recipe!