Local breweries tap into diversity

Canada needs a strong plan of action to tackle chronic kidney disease.

Canada is facing a looming health crisis that remains largely unaddressed and invisible at the policy and health system level. More than four million Canadians live with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 50,000 currently receive dialysis or are living with a transplant, both life-sustaining but burdensome treatments.

With no cure, CKD profoundly impacts quality of life, contributing to lost income, overall poor health, and uncertainty about the future. The implications of CKD extend far beyond patients and families. CKD is now the 11th leading cause of death in Canada and one of our most expensive chronic diseases. Health-care costs exceed $11.7 billion annually, with most expenses incurred in the later stages of the disease, particularly dialysis and transplantation.

By 2050, the total cost burden of CKD is projected to rise to $17.6 billion and an estimated 6.2 million Canadians will be affected, driven by an aging population and rising rates of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Concern over closure

As advocates for seniors in Manitoba, CARP Manitoba (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) is deeply concerned about the closure of the Lions Club Charleswood Adult Day Club.

This closure will have a significant impact on seniors in the community who rely on the Adult Day Club for social connection, companionship, meaningful activities and stimulation. It will also place additional pressure on other Adult Day Clubs throughout the city, many of which are already experiencing increased demand and are now being required to establish waiting lists.

Families of affected seniors are understandably concerned that, without access to this important community-based support, their loved ones may eventually require admission to personal care homes. Adult Day Clubs play an important role in helping seniors remain independent, connected to their communities and living in their own homes for as long as possible.

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This month’s round-up of new, new-ish and returning local brews includes a summery lager to beat the February blahs, an ale inspired by a 50-year-old classic British comedy and some bigger, gutsier beers in a range of styles.

First up is the Sookram’s Brewing Co. Liming Lime Lager (Winnipeg — $4.15/473ml can, brewery, beer vendors, Liquor Marts), medium straw and clear in appearance, with tart, zippy lime aromas coming with fresh malt and a hint of chalkiness. It’s dry, light-plus-bodied and racy, with the lime zest/key lime flavours coming with medium acidity, which peps up the fresh malt and bread dough notes, while an almost-salty, grapefruit rind note comes through on the finish (it’s five per cent alcohol). Why a warm-weather beer in winter? Well, the beer was released in January ahead of Sookram’s Summer in the Winter party. In addition to the citrus infusion, the name comes from “to lime” or “liming,” a Trinidadian term for hanging out with pals, which seems like the perfect thing to do while sipping this lager. 3.5/5

If you’ve ever contemplated the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow, the Barn Hammer Brewing Co. Pub Ale (Winnipeg — $4.20/473ml can, brewery, beer vendors, Liquor Marts) is for you. Medium copper in appearance and slightly hazy, this Brit-style pub ale (sporting a Holy Grail-like chalice on the can) offers deep roasted malt, spiced coffee cake, caramel, flaked oat and hints of dried fruit aromatically. It’s dry, malty and medium-bodied, bringing modest hoppy notes along with the coffee cake, roasted malt and subtle chalky notes and, at 5.2 per cent alcohol, has a finish that satisfies. An ideal brew for fish and chips and a rewatch of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. 4/5

Notably darker (and slightly more evil) is the Dastardly Villain Ale Works the Villainess Baltic Porter (Winnipeg — $3.95/473ml can, Oxus Brewing Co., beer vendors, Liquor Marts). Deep cola brown and with an off-white head, this porter brings cola, Tootsie Roll and mocha notes aromatically with mild herbal component. It’s full-bodied and off-dry, with Tootsie Roll, caramel, mocha, chocolate-covered coffee bean and white pepper flavours, modest bitterness from the hops and, at 6.5 per cent alcohol, a finish that’s pretty punchy. A nice dark beer to enjoy around a fire, especially while it’s on sale until the end of February (it’s regularly $4.40). 3.5/5

Former Michigan State University head football coach Mel Tucker is suing the university and school leaders, alleging that they wrongfully fired him last year and violated his constitutional rights after he was accused of sexual harassment.

The federal lawsuit filed Wednesday in Michigan accuses school officials of undertaking an “improper, sham investigation” of allegations that Tucker sexually harassed and exploited rape survivor and activist Brenda Tracy.

The suit, which seeks unspecified damages, alleges that Michigan State officials violated his rights to due process and equal protection as well as his employment agreement with the school.

The complaint also contends that interim president Teresa Woodruff and athletic director Alan Haller made “false and defamatory” public statements against Tucker, “further destroying Plaintiff’s reputation, his professional standing, and his livelihood.”