The Pulse: November 2013

November is PH Awareness Month!

November represents a chance to share the impact of PH with the wider community. While PH touches the lives of patients, caregivers and family members very directly, the general public is still largely unaware of this disease. November is the month to change that.
We kicked off Awareness Month with a bang by wearing purple to recognize PHA USA’s online awareness day. Now, all across Canada, support groups are holding 6 Minute Walk for Breath events to raise PH awareness in their own towns and cities. We cannot wait to hear the reports of these events, and will be sharing photos and stories over our Facebook page as we receive them. Please share and tell us what you’re doing to share what PH means to you with the world. Remember:
Long-time PHA Canada supporter and sponsor Actelion will once again be matching all of the funds raised during Awareness Month, up to a maximum of $10,000. This means that your donations counts for double! For more information on getting involved in Awareness Month, visit our website!

News and Events
PH Support Group in Vancouver
We are excited to announce the founding of a new PH support group in Vancouver, BC. Tarya Laviolette is a young mother and holds a Masters’ degree in Public Health. In her own words:

“I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension just over a year ago. When I was first diagnosed, I felt like I was under water; and when I looked for a local support group, I was surprised and saddened that I didn't have one to reach out to. PH is difficult and scary, and I think we'd all be better off if we could get together and talk with people who really get it. I decided to start up a support group to try and connect with other PH patients - and here we are. I'd love to meet you, and see how we can help each other through the tough days.”
To connect with Tarya and help to grow the support group, visit the group Facebook page.

“Let Me Breathe” Vegas Night Fundraiser for Pulmonary Hypertension

It’s Back! The PHA Canada – Toronto Chapter is excited to present our 5th annual fundraising event. With over 200 guests expected, the night will feature casino game favourites, live entertainment, live and silent auction, door prizes, raffles and more. This year's auction and raffle draw prizes include an Apple iPad and Toshiba 50" TV!
This year, we will also be providing new snacks such as sandwiches, a fruit & veggie tray and a cheese platter. Tickets are $25 per person. 19+ event. Cash bar. Tickets can be purchased at the door. All proceeds go to PHA Canada. For more info or to donate, visit our website or email contact info@phatoronto.ca.

Inside PHA Canada

Annual Report
PHA Canada is putting the finishing touches on our 2013 annual report. The upcoming annual report provides an overview of all of the significant moments and achievements in 2013, including a detailed financial report. Members can expect to receive a copy of the annual report in December, and a PDF version will also be available on our website.

2014 Theme – We need your ideas!
Every year, PHA Canada selects a theme which focuses our efforts and goals. 2013 focused on "Keeping the PHlame of Hope Alive." In 2014, we wish to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and the positive impact that an early diagnosis can have on the patient. We need to find a theme phrase that captures this focus: can you help?
If you have an idea for a theme phrase which captures our early diagnosis emphasis, we want to hear from you! This theme phrase contest will run until Friday, November 8th. The person who comes up with the winning phrase will receive a PHA Canada goody bag with an exclusive gift which was given only to our Conference speakers! To participate, please send your theme phrase ideas to bmcbride@phacanada.ca

Resource Tip of the Month - PHA Canada is here to help
As a National organization, one of our main goals is to provide support to our community in your fight against pulmonary hypertension. No matter what sort of effort - from a small awareness table at a local community centre to a large-scale gala - you choose to undertake, we are here to help. This could be as simple as sending you materials to distribute, or a display banner to put up at your event, to more complex like setting up an event webpage. PHA Canada can even provide small seed grants of up to $1000 to help cover some out of pocket costs. Contact us at beaware@phacanada.ca for any type of assistance you may need for your event.

Low Sodium Recipe - Spinach artichoke pizza base

This is a low fat, no salt pizza that includes ingredients which help to promote the healthy growth of endothelial cells: the innermost lining in the body. Ingredients in this pizza also help to produce nitric oxide in the body. Both are valuable for PH Patients. This recipe was adapted by Kate McGoey-Smith, a 2013 conference speaker whose session on low sodium and unprocessed foods received rave reviews.
Ingredients (~ 8 Pizzas)¨

Avocado – 1 ripe scooped out
Artichoke hearts - 14 oz packed in water
Baby Spinach – 9 oz or 1 1/2c frozen spinach
Garlic cloves – 2 to 6 chopped
Nutritional yeast – 1 c
Ground pepper – pinch
Salt substitute - pinch
Hot sauce – 6 shakes
Whole wheat low fat 8” round thin pitas (keep intact)

Grilled Toppings:
¨ Choose your choice of veggies: asparagus, red pepper, purple onion, roma tomatoes. Wash, prep and grill veggies on parchment paper covered baking sheet at 400 F for about 20mins, turn and cook until tender. Then microwave sliced mushrooms and zucchini slices for about 1 min on high until tender.
STEPS

In food processor, pulse the drained artichokes with garlic until chopped
Add nutritional yeast, avocado and spinach (in bunches) until fully and well mixed
Shake in hot sauce and salt substitute and pepper and pulse again
Spread base evenly over the pita and then let each person “dress” their own pizza with their choice of grilled/microwaved veggies.

Bake pizzas on baking sheet for about 7 mins at 400F. Enjoy!