Superbowl Champion turned Front Line Healthcare Worker

The other night I caught a promo clip aired on the CTV National News, about Dr. Laurent Duverney-Tardif. The full special Front Line, would be on TSN Sportscenter the next day. For those of you who do not know, Laurent Duverney-Tardif is a National Football League (NFL) player who played on the winning 2020 Superbowl team, the Kansas City Chiefs.  

I am not a football fan. But football is ever-present in my home, since my son who is a huge NFL fan.   

However, Duvernay-Tardif peaked my interest back in February, when the KC Chiefs earned the right to play in the Superbowl. Duverney-Tardif was the first Quebecer to play in a Superbowl. Now the first Quebec-born Superbowl Champion. Plus, he is also a francophone who graduated from McGill University Medical School in Montreal in 2018 with a doctorate of medicine and masters in surgery. This young man’s accomplishments fascinated me, as he completed his medical studies while also playing in the very demanding NFL.

Today I watched the 14-minute TSN special which I recorded. It was really well done. It portrays a Superbowl champion with a medical degree, who just could not sit back once the coronavirus pandemic hit hard in Quebec, the place he calls home.

In April, when the Quebec health ministry called out for the assistance in long term care facilities, especially from healthcare students, Duvernay-Tardif, who is not currently enrolled in a residency program wanted to help. So he rolled up his sleeves and has been working two to three shifts per week in a long-term care facility, as an orderly or personal support worker, performing nursing aide duties. He, along with Olympic medalist Joannie Rochette and hundreds of others, signed up to work in the understaffed facilities.

In the TSN special Duvernay-Tardif, age 29, shares his thoughts and personal feelings about his front line role in the long-term care facility, and how it has affected him in the last several weeks. He discusses his life post-Superbowl win, coming back to Montreal, decompressing on a Caribbean vacation and changing his return date due to the coronavirus pandemic. Then came the shift of his focus to the desire to help during the pandemic, in whatever way possible with his medical training. 

There were some implications with Duvernay-Tardif’s NFL contract, as well as in his personal life and with all the considerations, he has gone into this endeavor with fervor and enthusiasm. He is taking great risks with is high level of exposure to Covid-19, which could impact his career as a professional football player. You can see in the special how drained he is, and the toll it is taking. The elderly residents he interacts with on his shifts have certainly made an impact on him and he has impacted them as well.

All this to say this young man is quite remarkable. He is very well-spoken in his second language, English. He has a  very humble demeanor, and a deep level of commitment.

After some quick research on Dr. Duvernay-Tardif, I discovered he founded and runs the LDT Foundation, an organization that encourages physical activity and creativity in child development and education. In the world of professional sports, we often know of athletes who engage in various philanthropic endeavours, such as this one. Perhaps this particular story of an athlete, stepping up to work as an orderly in this health crisis, caught my attention because Duvernay-Tardif, an athletic champion is a person with a medical degree and he is putting his time, energy and efforts to use in a very hands-on manner.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is an excellent role model. 

He is making a meaningful contribution and is most definitely is making a difference!

Below is the link to the TSN Special, Front Line:

https://www.tsn.ca/video/tsn-original-front-line~1983251

Stay safe,

Davina

Please LIKE my Facebook Page JUST ASK DAVINA 

Let’s Hear It For the Class of 2020!

It’s that time of year 🎓

But the Class of 2020 is exceptional. Forever changed. For thousands of graduates- kindergarten, elementary, high school, college and university- their graduation is something to go down in the history books. Their children and grandchildren will be learning in history class about how the pandemic affected them as graduates. 

Even if your own child is not graduating, you likely know of someone who is. In the past few weeks, we have heard and seen of graduations being celebrated in very interesting and creative ways. Traditional ceremonies have been swapped for a different and unique type of acknowledgment.

I recently saw a story on an American news network of a school in the US that took out a huge digital billboard in the downtown center for a week to give glory and accolades to each of their graduates. Each day highlighted individual graduates with their grad photo, their achievements, and the college or university they will attend in the fall.

I saw a story on Montreal’s CTV News last week that actually sparked this blog post. The story was about a Montreal-area high school student, Brian, who was surprised by his teachers when they showed up at his house, all two meters apart, with numerous signs and posters in his front yard, to ask him if he would like to be the Class of 2020 valedictorian.  He was really overwhelmed; it was a beautiful and uplifting moment. A very touching gesture.

Our local schools have also been extremely innovative in marking this grand life event, and making graduations unique. We have seen graduates in their caps and gowns at sidewalk graduations, drive-by graduations, graduation parades, backyard graduations, drive-in movie grads,  grad photo shoots from a distance, virtual graduations and even personal home visits from school administrators equipped with lawn signs and diplomas. We must applaud all their outstanding efforts!

For high school graduates, however, there is no prom night this spring. Prom has always been a much-anticipated end of year rite of passage. Most proms in 2020 have either been cancelled or postponed.

My twin children graduated high school last year, so I know very well about the hype of prom from both the female and male perspectives-from prom dress shopping, to promosals, ordering corsages and the like. 

As soon as prom ends, the grade 11’s, who experience so many trials and tribulations in their five years together, disband. Summer begins, and even though the inner friendship circles keep in close contact, the spirit of the grade as a whole entity, quickly dissipates. So for the Class of 2020, not only did they lose out on the last part of the year, making memories together, but that special prom night is gone, even if there is some semblance of a graduation.

Although some restrictions have now been lifted to allow for informal small gatherings, prom is not an event that can take place right now. There will not be cozy prom night photos or group limo rides with champagne popped en route to the prom dance.

So please, let us not discount this aspect of the graduation rituals. We have to be sensitive to the fact that these high school graduates must be celebrated in some very special way, and in as many ways as they need to feel valued. Imagine that their whole school career these grads looked forward to the last days of high school with their friends, some of whom they have been with since pre-school. We must acknowledge that grads have had it tough, as they really did not have these last memories.

Despite some of the disappointments for the Class of 2020, there have also been unexpected joyful moments. We should honour and give praise to these graduates. So as tired as you may feel of seeing on the news stories of unique graduations, let us continue to celebrate the Class of 2020 in a big way.  

Photo: 06/15/2020 Taken on my walk,

In front of Ecole de la Mosaique,Cote St. Luc, QC

I certainly hope if you know someone graduating that you make a point of recognizing them in some way, even if it is a simple “congrats” or a poster or card, as they deserve to go into their next academic journey with pride and joy.

Question of the day- How are you celebrating your graduate, to make them feel extra special?

Stay Safe,

Davina

Please "Like" my Facebook Page, Just Ask Davina 

Escape Into the Land of Binge Watching

Many of those around us are continuously binge-watching TV shows, and often recommend various series' that are worth the binge. I only discovered the true art of binge-watching a TV series in the last while. Watching many episodes quickly does pass time, as well as provide an escape and it is actually pretty satisfying.

For over 40 years I have been a day time soap-opera junkie. I have followed Another World, the Bold & the Beautiful, General Hospital and Young and the Restless, and the soaps never go on hiatus. In my teens, I was home sick for a couple of weeks, so I got hooked. Decades later, shamefully, I am still a fan!

Back in the day, I taped my soaps daily on VHS and watched them later that day. Lately, I PVR two of them and binge-watch my soaps on weekends. This is the first time in decades the soaps are repeating classic episodes daily.

Hence my venture into binge-watching TV shows on Netflix and Prime. I always felt that the binge-watching that my teens engaged in regularly may be unhealthy, mainly because it involves too much screen time and some of the shows they watch may be violent, disturbing or even ridiculous. 

Binge-watching has been a savior for those who got sick in these past months at home, and a comfort for those of us in need of a distraction from the grim news. It has actually become a lifeline for many, and has connected family and friends, in terms  of show discussions. Many people soothe themselves to sleep by the ritual of watching two or three episodes every night. Truthfully, people are finding solace in binge-watching these days; it is a way to nourish their soul. Some people are early risers and binge-watch before sunrise.

Back in March, I got into Love is Blind, a ridiculous social experiment reality show. The premise was actually absurd, in my opinion. My daughter was also watching this show.  So during the monotony of staying home, this show became a subject of conversation with my daughter, especially about the real-life characters. It seemed to connect us.

Recently, I have embraced binge-watching and even enjoyed some decent shows- sitcoms like Fuller House and Life In Pieces, dramedies like Virgin River, Younger, Sweet Magnolias, Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, Modern Love; dramas like Suits, Northern Rescue and Unorthodox; thrillers like You and even fantasy like Lucifer to name a few. But no, I have not seen Tiger King and don't intend to.

Relax with a comedy or a riveting drama or be impulsive with something different like fantasy. Perhaps re-watch an old favourite like the Office or the Gilmore Girls, which I recently did.

You may also look to make binge-watching as a socially distant activity. Perhaps watch with your friend, partner, sibling, or child. Did you know that Netflix offers Netflix party which allows you to stream the same show online and chat at the same time? Or you can always go the way of the 1980's and stay on the phone while you both watch. This type of binge-watching can become a date night, enhancing connections with your boyfriend or girlfriend, at a time you may not be able to watch together. 

Binge-watching can be absorbing. You can easily lose track of time and put off your bedtime and therefore make you lose sleep. How many of us have clicked "next episode" a few times and the next thing you know it's 2 am...
Early risers may choose to watch a few episodes while the house is quiet.

It's acceptable to sample different types of shows. Decide what relaxes, soothes or excites you. If an action thriller helps you escape all your worries, go for it! Just think about how your choices may feed your escapism. Personally, I enjoy watching short shows that are 22-23 minutes, for the sole reason I will watch a couple of episodes in one sitting, and not have to pause several times. 

What's my latest obsession? 

It is an Israeli romantic comedy, The Baker and the Beauty on Prime. This show is completely binge-worthy. It actually does a nice job of portraying Israeli life, Sephardic, Ashkenazie, Yemenite, Moroccan and Egyptian- without the religious angle. I really like the way it depicts Israeli identity-the people, their passion and their deep love of their country. Just be forewarned, it is in Hebrew and you will likely need to enable the subtitles. An adaptation of the Israeli show just ended its 1st season on ABC and it is set in Little Havana, Miami. So right now, I am watching both shows simultaneously, which is pretty amusing, and I am enjoying both series', seeing their parallels and differences!

So don't feel guilty- because binge-watching may be the most relaxing couple of hours you have each day, amidst the chaos in the world and struggles in our personal lives. It may be something to look forward to, since going out to dinner and movie may not be possible just yet. 

Question of the day: What TV show did you recently binge?

Stay Safe,
Davina

Please "Like" my new Facebook page Just Ask Davina

Summer Staycation

In recent times, I have not taken a summer vacation and always done a staycation. This was mostly because my kids were at sleepaway camp and I enjoyed Montreal in the summer, therefore there really was no need. 

However, for many, this summer will be quite different. Currently, you cannot pack up and head off to Europe, cruise the Mediterranean or fly out west to the California coast.  Summer 2020 will be spent at home, mainly with our families. Our kids, many of whom usually go to overnight camp, are saddened and feeling the loss of spending time with friends- away from their family-and many students have lost their summer jobs. Very few people will be travelling, except perhaps to their country cottages or camping grounds. We will be spending more time staycationing in our backyards. 

But rest assured home-li-days do not have to be homely. 

These days, everyone is thinking about how they can make their outdoor space more summer-friendly and transform their backyard into a relaxing vacation-type atmosphere.  

2020 just may be the summer you reorganize and transform your balcony or deck. Maybe it’s time for a refresh. I had decided that since we would be spending more time in our backyard, I would get my deck refreshed with a powerwash and weather treatment. I also bought a new patio umbrella, new cushions for my chairs, a couple of reclining chairs, plus an additional fold-up patio table. This way, when I have another family over we can sit outside together, but apart. Don’t forget to stock up on some wine and shatterproof wine glasses-perfect for those small outside gatherings. During these challenging times we must improvise and get creative. There are some things we can do to make our staycation enjoyable that are definitely not as pricey as a family travel vacation. 

Due to current health and safety restrictions, many people will not venture to public pools and beaches. Montreal’s CJAD radio reported last week that demand for home pool installations has tripled this season. For relief from the heat, a family-size inflatable pool or kids slip and slide area is also a good option. I do hear that inflatables are already hard to come by right now. But, a sprinkler attached to your hose will also do the trick while working on your quaranTan. 

You may want to consider getting some outdoor lighting for your deck or colourful lights around the pool that you’ve been dreaming of for years. A DIY fire pit may not be that simple, but is a great addition for toasting marshmallows and make s’mores with the kids at night. Arranging a weekly “movie under the stars” can also provide family night entertainment. All you need is a projector-which is not a big investment-and a makeshift screen, like a sheet draped over the clothesline. With a bit of tech savvy you’ll be all set. Just add popcorn, candy and a classic movie like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off or Grease. 

Smaller children may enjoy camping in the backyard. Or your tweens might prefer the glamping experience, that is, glamorous camping. This may be an adventure your kids won’t soon forget. Just borrow a tent and pack all the essentials you would take on an actual camping trip.  

It could also be interesting to set up a backyard giant board game for both adults and kids. If you are not that creative, get badminton or tetherball set up and keep everyone busy.

My teenage son has taken up Pickleball. For a kid who is usually playing spring baseball and flag football this has been his physical outlet. The set was purchased online and he plays with his father, his uncle or cousin.  For those unfamiliar with Pickleball, it is a paddleball sport that looks like tennis, sounds like ping-pong and has the action of badminton. Here, it’s set up on the road outside the house and they use chalk to outline the court bounds. Thankfully, it’s a quiet street with very little traffic. 

Street Pickleball action

For a change of scenery, you may also picnic at the local park under a tree.  Grab some colourful beach towels, even if you’re just hanging out. It will make you feel like you’re on vacation. 

Music is an important element of spending time outside, so make a summer music playlist that will help set you into vacation mode. You may also want to get some portable speakers. Try some homemade crafty cocktail recipes and perhaps create a new drink weekly. What about a Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler or a Strawberry Tequila Soda? 

This weekend's homemade cocktail!

Whichever way you choose to enjoy the outdoors and keep your family busy this summer, make it special by adding something new to your outdoor space.  It may be as simple as planting a small garden with colourful flowers and vegetables on your balcony. 

My goal of this blog post was for everybody to take away one idea that would inspire an unforgettable staycation. And remember that you don’t have to travel to make it a vacation. 

Question of the day-What is your favourite summer-inspired food or drink? 

Stay safe,

Davina 

Please "Like" my new Facebook page Just Ask Davina