Latest news with #Alberton
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Duncan Delport a happy man after moving to Alberton
Duncan Delport is a happy man after moving to Alberton to further his rugby career. Delport, formerly with the Randburg-based Pirates Rugby Club, is no stranger to club rugby circles in the country. He has played over 100 games for the Pirates. 'Achieving the 100th cap was great because not many players reach that milestone,' Delport was quoted as saying at the time. His love for rugby started at the age of eight while he was a learner at Laerskool Theo Wassenaar, steadily progressing during his high school years at Hoërskool President in Johannesburg. 'Now that I am getting older and since moving to the Alberton Rugby Club (ARC), my focus is purely on enjoying the game, having fun, and appreciating every moment on the field,' Delport told the Alberton Record. 'I chose to stay involved in rugby after leaving Pirates because the ARC is closer to home, which makes it easier to stay connected with the community.' Delport acknowledges James Small as a significant influence in his rugby career. 'Being coached by and learning from James Small was a great privilege. His guidance shaped me both on and off the field.' On his plans for Alberton, Delport said: 'I want to give back to the local rugby community by sharing my knowledge and experiences with younger players at the club and in schools.' Besides rugby, Delport participates in local charity initiatives. He also wants to contribute to ARC's growth, build more connections within the community, and eventually pursue a coaching role. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Canadians with Down syndrome living longer, but still dying prematurely, study says
Janet Charchuk, left, who has Down syndrome, poses with her mother Jackie Charchuk in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - George Charchuk (Mandatory Credit) TORONTO — Janet Charchuk knows that having Down syndrome puts her at higher risk of getting Alzheimer's disease at a younger age than the average person. 'It is something that I do worry about at times,' she said in an interview from her home in Alberton, P.E.I. But she's doing everything she can to prevent it. 'Your diet, your sleep, exercise,' Charchuk said. '(Having) friends and being social and doing brain exercises.' Her favourite brain exercise is word searches. She also stays physically active and social, working at an equine therapy ranch, competing in the Special Olympics and serving on the board of advocacy group Down Syndrome International. At 42, Charchuk is among the growing number of people with Down syndrome living well into adulthood. A recent study estimates there were 22,367 people with the developmental disability in Canada as of 2020 — with 30 per cent of them age 40 and older. In Canada, 'the average lifespan of someone with Down syndrome is about 60 years old,' said Dr. Brian Skotko, senior author of the study published earlier this year in the journal Genetics in Medicine. That's a notable increase from an average life expectancy of about 53 years of age in 1970. Back in 1950, the study said, there were an estimated 5,138 people with Down syndrome in Canada and most died as children at an average age of four. Fewer than one per cent of them survived to age 40 years and older. Still, a 60-year life expectancy falls far short of the Canadian average of 82 years. For people with Down syndrome, 'there's one big culprit getting in the way, and that is Alzheimer's disease,' said Skotko. 'The number one cause of death in adults with Down syndrome are complications related to Alzheimer's,' which could include falls, memory loss, or choking, he said. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, which also happens to be a chromosome associated with amyloid plaque linked to Alzheimer's disease, Skotko said. The study is the latest in a series of country-specific efforts to get the most accurate possible estimates of the Down syndrome population — including the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Europe — spearheaded by Skotko, who is the director of the Down syndrome program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. 'People with Down syndrome, if we want them to have a voice and the right policies and the right information and supports, we need to have an accurate accounting of their numbers,' said Skotko. Laura LaChance, a co-author of the study and the executive director of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, said that includes understanding how many people with the disability are adults and the various medical, financial and social supports needed to help them live as long as possible and age well. 'Because individuals with Down syndrome didn't live that long historically, the system still really treats Down syndrome as a pediatric issue, a children's issue,' she said. It 'hasn't kept up to date in supports or pathways or inclusive strategy that's tailored to adults with Down syndrome,' she said. But several doctors and advocates are hoping to change that. One big step is educating more primary-care providers about not only the link to Alzheimer's disease, but also to screen for other conditions — including cardiovascular risks, underactive thyroid and sleep apnea — that adults with Down syndrome are particularly prone to. 'Adults with Down syndrome might not be able to communicate their symptoms as clearly or go to a doctor early. So preventive care is very important — otherwise we'll miss those diagnoses,' said Heidi Diepstra, lead of the developmental disabilities primary care program at Surrey Place in Toronto. Although annual health exams are no longer recommended for the general population in several provinces, they're essential for people with Down syndrome, said Diepstra, who helped develop a specific Down syndrome 'health watch' checklist posted online by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Primary-care providers can use the checklist to help avoid 'diagnostic overshadowing,' where clinicians see symptoms in patients but just assume they are part of having Down syndrome rather than investigating further to find the underlying condition, such as depression or hypothyroidism, she said. The checklist was first developed in 2011 and is expected to be revised by Surrey Place once more funding becomes available, Diepstra said. Even though 'anecdotally' they know some primary health-care providers are using it, it needs to be more widely incorporated into medical practice to meet the needs of patients with Down syndrome, she said. '(We) know from research data that health disparities continue to exist for people with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities),' Diepstra said. 'This means we need to do more to increase the awareness and uptake of these tools with health-care providers in Canada.' Dr. Liz Grier, a family doctor and medical director of Ongwanada Developmental Services in Kingston, Ont., said both physical and emotional care for adults with Down syndrome has improved over the years — whether they're living with aging parents or in supportive housing — contributing to longer and healthier lives. 'There's better involvement of both medical and social service supports in terms of engaging day programming and other activities,' she said. But Grier also believes care for people with Down syndrome can improve further, leading to longer life expectancy. She said in addition to primary-care providers, it's important for family members and caregivers to be on the watch for both physical and mental health symptoms so the person with Down syndrome can be screened and treated early. Even the high risk of Alzheimer's disease can be managed to some degree, Grier said. Getting enough vitamin B12 and treating sleep apnea are both medical interventions that can help, she said. Supporting people with Down syndrome to live a 'fulfilling, engaging' life is also vital in helping stave off dementia, Grier said. 'Keep the brain stimulated, keep the brain healthy with the right vitamins and nutrients that it needs, stay active from a physical health perspective ... all of those pieces contribute,' she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content. Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press
CTV News
04-07-2025
- CTV News
Impaired driver arrested near Canada Day event: Summerside police
Police in Summerside, P.E.I., say they arrested an impaired driver near the city's Canada Day event grounds on Tuesday. Summerside Police Services was told by the RCMP to be on the look out for a car driving toward Summerside around 9:10 p.m. The vehicle reportedly had been swerving and driving erratically. Summerside police found the vehicle on Heather Moyse Drive near the Canada Day event grounds. Police say officers activated their emergency lights and sirens, but the driver did not stop. The pursuit ended when another police car was able to cut the vehicle off and force it to stop. Police say the driver was showing signs of impairment and was arrested at the scene. The man, a 39-year-old from Alberton, gave two breath samples. Police say one registered three times the legal limit and the other registered twice the legal limit. The man's vehicle was impounded and he was issued an administrative driving prohibition. He is scheduled to appear in court to face charges of: impaired driving failing to stop for police dangerous driving For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
ABC News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Port Adelaide star Miles Bergman rejects interest from Victorian clubs to sign new contract extension
Port Adelaide utility Miles Bergman has rejected offers from Victorian clubs and signed a fresh contract with the Power. Bergman will remain at Port until the end of 2027 under a new deal struck with the in-demand 23-year-old. Geelong, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs were among clubs pitching to lure Bergman from Alberton. But the Melbourne-born Bergman opted to remain at Power in a contract to take him to free-agency status at the end of the 2027 season. "I've loved my time at Port Adelaide since being drafted and the club has continued to give me great opportunities," Bergman said in a statement on Wednesday. "I feel like we can go a long way over the next few years." Bergman's stocks have risen this season with a move into the midfield from his customary defensive role. The 98-gamer has been deployed to play on a series of star on-ball opponents with great success. "Miles's versatility has been on show this year," Port's list manager Justin Cripps said. "He has really elevated his game to the point where he is now recognised as one of the league's most exciting young players." Bergman, who was pick 14 at the 2019 national draft, had been due to fall off-contract at the end of the season. AAP
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sport Results – How did you fare?
Sport Results – How did you fare? Bridge Benoni Northerns Bridge Club June 19 1. Judy Spangeberg and Pat Neumann 61.31% 2. Cathy Saville and John Calvert 60.12% 3. Guylaine Turton and Lisa Adamson 53.13% 4. Heather Stevens and Helen Roberts 52.68% 5. Vaun Robson and Diana Boudenwijns 52.38% Golf Ebotse Links June 21 Morning field 1. Makesh Mahabeer and Sivi Pillat 45 points 2. Theresa Ross and Lorraine Kruger 42 points Afternoon field 1. Andre Watson and Willem Matthysen 46 points 2. Darren Simpson and Phillip Venter 43 points c/o Benoni Lake Club June 19 IPS 1. Peter Eagle 40 points c/o 2. Marcus De Lange 40 points 3. Rowan du Preez 39 points June 20 Joe's Fairway Frenzy IPS 1. Ethan Lee 37 points 2. Julian Lee 36 3. Pops Pollistrini 33 points 4. Phoenix Segood 32 points /co June 21 Monthly Medal A division 1. Alan Brinkley 70 points 2. Kevin Griffiths 72 points c/o B division 1. Mike Fick 70 points 2. Derick Lindsay 72 points C division 1. Malcolm Foster 71 points 2. Matt Dudley 72 points Best Gross 1. Jeremy Wright 78 points Ladies Legator Trophy Medal 1. Heidi Charnock 67 points 2. Keira Howroyd 74 points 3. Emma Jewiss 75 points Nearest Pins • 9th – Punkah Molaka • 13th – Retha Labuschagne June 22 Individual Bonus Bogey • Peter Marks +6 Football Eastern Local Football Association Eastern Super League • Luso 2-1 Alberton • Edu-Vos 0-2 Sporting • Olympia 1-1 Balderstone • Old Bens 8-0 Edenvale • Kempton 1-4 Tembisa • Thanda 2-1 Bedfordview • Impala 2-5 Benoni Reserves • Luso 3-2 Alberton • Edu-Vos 3-2 Sporting • Olympia 1-0 Balderstone • Old Bens 2-0 Edenvale • Kempton 0-0 Tembisa • Thanda 1- Bedfordview • Impala 0-0 Benoni Also Read: Sport Results – How did you fare? Also Read: Sports Results – How did you fare? At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
