To Our Health TOGETHER LEADING THE WAY FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW.
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016
Inside this Issue
Judy’s Journey PAGE 5 Historic Health Partnership Agreement Signed On March 30, 2016, Southern Health-Santé Sud, First Nation BLURRING THE LINES partners, and the First Nation and Inuit Health Branch The agreement formalizes work already begun through the signed a historic Health Partnership Agreement Blurring the Lines project, a four-year partnership between at Long Plain First Nation Urban Reserve. the signatories. “We all recognize that First Nations’ health
The signing of this agreement is on the heels of the is not the individual responsibility of any one organization; Aboriginal Partnership Agreement signed in 2010. The intent we’re doing this together,” says Doretta Harris, Regional of the 2010 agreement was to forge new ties with aboriginal Director - Aboriginal Health for Southern Health-Santé Sud. communities and other sectors, committed in partnership Harris says a lot of the work to date has been about building Physician Assistants to work together to support, prepare and develop the relationships and trust with First Nation communities and ...helping to improve access Aboriginal workforce and to increase the representation getting to know and understand each other better. “With PAGE 8 of Aboriginal peoples in all health care occupations. The this knowledge, we can now move forward together, and rippling effects of the 2010 agreement have been many … use our resources more efficiently so that we can offer a
The March 2016 Health Partnership Agreement has a further broader range of options to integrate services, build more focus to improve First Nations’ health, achieve equitable capacity, and fill any gaps in the health needs of First health status and ensure First Nations access to health Nations people,” says Harris. services on-and off-reserve. It is essentially a rejuvenation of It’s a very exciting time, adds Harris. “All partners are a relationship and taking it on a new journey, building upon motivated by this transformation which is showing positive the strong and meaningful relationships that currently exist. results,” she says. “Aboriginal peoples are becoming
“The signing of this partnership agreement will lead increasingly engaged and are participating in a collaborative to better coordinated services that will improve health effort, with Southern Health-Santé Sud, in areas of decision- outcomes for First Nations,” says Litonya Scott, Director making, planning, and problem-solving health issues of Health, Dakota Ojibway Health Services. “As we move together.” forward together, our First Nation communities, tribal Priorities for further action include developing processes that councils, and Southern Health-Santé Sud will engage will ensure the sustainability of the health partnerships and STARS in the Sky confidently with each other to address the identified gaps address the health status of First Nations in PAGE 11 in health care services, and work collaboratively to blur the (cont. on page 2) jurisdictional lines, and improve access.”
Southern Health - Santé Sud
Blurring the Lines Steering Committee: (lt.-rt.) Dennis Pashe, Health Director, Dakota Tipi First Nation; Litonya Scott, Director of Health, Dakota Ojibway Health Services; Keely Ten Fingers, Blurring the Lines Coordinator; Carol Beaulieu, Health Director, Long Plain First Nation; Joanne Roulette, Health Director, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation; Paula Cameron, Health Director, Swan Lake First Nation; Marianne Woods, Executive Director - North; Caroline Bercier, Tribal Nursing Officer, Dakota Ojibway Health Services; Doretta Harris, Regional Director - Aboriginal Health; Kathy McPhail, Chief Executive Officer; Donovan Fontaine, Manager Engagement, First Nations & Inuit Health Branch. Missing from the picture is, Guy Gosselin, Executive Director - Ginew Wellness Centre, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. perspective because, if they don’t understand what to look out for, they could end up back in the hospital,” says Morga.
The Region has surveyed patients in the past about their hospital stay, but this survey is the first that uses evidence-informed survey questions originally created by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, which are being used across Canada. Manitoba is the first province to forward data as part of this national initiative roll out. Southern Health-Santé Sud’s Patient Experience Group – made up of regional community members and staff – had a chance to give its input into some of the questions.
FORMING A BASELINE Positive This first patient experience survey provides a baseline to measure future changes and improvements to health care Response for programs and services, says Morga. She emphasizes it is just the beginning of the process to continue to improve the the Region’s First patient experience, which is a big focus of the Region’s new, five-year, strategic health plan. “Patient surveys and the Patient Experience Survey information they provide align very well with the Region’s strategic direction of transforming and improving the Results from the first year of surveying acute care patients they would recommend the hospital where they stayed to patient experience, so this fits perfectly with the work that who stayed in Southern Health-Santé Sud’s hospitals are family and friends. Another 95% of them said their pain was we’re already doing within that,” she says. largely positive, says Ales Morga, Manager-Planning & well controlled during their stay. Over 90% of people said “Our Governing Board is strongly focused on hearing Evaluation for the Region. communication with nurses and doctors was good, and their from patients,” says Southern Health-Santé Sud CEO, admission to the hospital was timely and well coordinated. “The surveys show a high level of satisfaction among patients Kathy McPhail. “The initial survey results are encouraging.” in terms of the level of care that they’re receiving, and the “This survey provides an excellent way to hear the patient “We’re learning lots about ourselves,” says Morga. “The communication and coordination with staff,” says Morga. voice and better understand their experiences in our survey is not meant to provide solutions, it’s meant to start hospitals,” says Jane Curtis, VP - Planning, Innovation, conversations. If we’re seeing results that are consistent over AN EXCEPTIONAL RESPONSE RATE Quality, Safety & Risk for Southern Health-Santé Sud. time, then that will be good information to help inform the Surveys were mailed out to around 4,000 patients, who Morga says the survey results also helped identify some planners and decision-makers. It also helps us to celebrate had stayed in one of the region’s hospitals, after their areas that need further work, such as improving the the successes because, overall, people are having good discharge. The response rate varied from 41% to 50% over information about what patients can expect when they experiences and the care that they’re receiving has a lot to an 11-month period (September 2014 to July 2015), which return home. “That’s very important from a patient’s do with that.” is a high response rate. More than 95% of respondents said
Patient Safety Week. “I am liaising with the physicians, the Patient Safety patients, families and all the staff, so I have to be able to look at this from everyone’s perspective, and work with everybody so … More than just Words - that the patient gets the best, safest care that they can.” A TEAM EFFORT Promoting a Culture of Safety “The goal is to provide the best care that we can and if I can help empower staff to reach their full potential and succeed at Stephanie Neufeld does a lot of juggling in a day. She is the Clinical Resource Nurse on the that, then everybody wins,” says Neufeld. “It’s a team effort and 40-bed, medical and palliative care unit at Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC). Her job is to Stephanie Neufeld I give all staff lots of credit for what they do.” make sure the busy ward runs smoothly and efficiently. was recognized by “Safety is a culture at Southern Health-Santé Sud. What that her colleagues during “Stephanie is the driving force on the ward,” says Tina Bueckert, Client Services means is that everybody - no matter what their position is - is Patient Safety Week Manager - Medical/Palliative Care/Cancer Care/Dialysis/Spiritual Care at BTHC. “She knows for her commitment always looking out for the best interests of our patients,” says all the patients and their families and is continually watching out for things that could be to keeping physicians, Angie Cusson, Director of Health Services – Boundary Trails problematic for our patients - such as complications or interactions that could become patients, families and Health Centre. “Whether someone is coming in through the staff informed. possible clinical concerns.” emergency department, has a family member in crisis, are “We have a responsibility to provide safe, ethical, competent, compassionate care, and when saying goodbye to a loved one, or even waiting for someone to come out of the operating the public trusts us with their loved ones - that’s not a responsibility I take lightly,” says room, there’s never a moment where our staff isn’t checking in and making sure that they are Neufeld, whose colleagues recognized her commitment to keeping them informed during okay.”
(cont. from page 1) Historic Health Partnership Agreement Signed
Southern Health-Santé Sud. Follow-up action will also strengthen communications and build cultural competency among health care providers by increasing their understanding of First Nations culture and traditional healing practices; this will translate to culturally safe care for our diverse population.
“We are working towards improved health outcomes, Signatories of the Health Partnership Agreement: (lt.-rt.) Litonya Scott, Dakota Ojibway Health Services; Paula Cameron, Swan Lake First Nation; Chief Francine Meeches, Swan Lake First Nation; Joanne Roulette, Sandy improved services, more access, and greater health equity Bay Ojibway First Nation; Chief Lance Roulette, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation; Carol Beaulieu, Long Plain First for First Nation communities,” says Harris. “This health Nation; Chief Dennis Meeches, Long Plain First Nation; Dennis Pashe, Dakota Tipi First Nation; Chief David Pashe, partnership agreement is already having a widespread, Dakota Tipi First Nation; Kathy McPhail, Chief Executive Officer; Guy Lévesque, Board Chair; Donovan Fontaine, First positive impact in our region and beyond.” Nations & Inuit Health Branch. Missing from the picture are Chief Alfred Hayden and Guy Gosselin, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation.
2 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Patient Safety ... More than just Words - Working Together for Resident Safety In long term care, the safety of residents is a team effort, MESSAGES THAT RESONATE says Charleen Barkman, Staff Educator for long term care Janet Chobotar, Director of Health Services - Vita & Area, with Southern Health-Santé Sud. “We are all involved in says a lot of staff regularly attend Barkman’s inservices. resident care, some of us directly, and some of us indirectly, “She always takes the time to get feedback and knows what but we all have our eyes and ears open to create that culture challenges the units face in providing safe, efficient care to of safety.” our residents and patients,” says Chobotar. “She has built a Charleen Barkman demonstrates excellence in patient Helping equip staff with the knowledge and skills they need great rapport with the staff. She understands her audience safety by developing action plans to help staff better deliver safe people-centred quality care. Charleen was to do their job to the best of their ability is what Barkman and their needs and delivers messages that resonate.” recognized by her peers for her team-work and for her does every day through monthly in-services at different Barkman’s sessions usually last about 20 minutes, so she educational efforts during Canadian Patient Safety personal care homes in the region. Barkman covers many designs them to make the best use of staff’s precious Week. topics including falls prevention, infection control as well as time – this so that the exercise is pertinent and useful. Barkman says it’s rewarding to see staff huddled together dementia and how to deal with responsive behaviours. “I respect the limited time that they have to be off the after a session to discuss how they can implement what “Responsive behaviours is a huge risk area for staff, and floor, so I divide topics up into learning nuggets, just short they’ve learned. “I love what I do and making a difference I teach them that when a resident is aggressive, that topics and thoughts that are powerful and challenge staff’s in dementia care, and promoting a culture of safety and behaviour is a response to something, and we have to figure thinking,” she says. “I use DVDs and games, lectures and working together as a team,” says Barkman, whose peers out what that is,” she says. “I want staff to be ‘in the know’ discussions to stimulate creative thinking. I try to let staff recognized her for her educational efforts during Canadian on best practices because that’s really important to promote know what’s new, what the best practices are, and why what Patient Safety Week. safety in everything they do.” we do is important for resident and staff safety.”
Wiggle, Giggle and Munch
If you heard lots of laughter coming from the Tupper Street Family Resource Centre (TSFRC) or have seen Grandmas coming out of the building wearing bunny ears, it was not likely your imagination but rather linked to the highly successful and aptly named, Wiggle, Giggle, and Munch program.
The weekly program held last fall paired six senior residents from Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie with six families with pre-school children for a morning of songs, games, crafts and healthy snacks. “It has become one of the favourite programs at the centre,” says Shelia Mitchell, Program Coordinator at TSFRC. “You could see smiles all around - not just from our staff and our families - but from Seniors from Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie enjoyed spending time with families and their pre-school the seniors too. You could tell that they all just loved it.” children at the Tupper Street Family Resource Centre for their weekly Wiggle, Giggle and Munch program. CONNECTING GENERATIONS The program’s main goals are to promote the benefits of bean bags on heads, hands and feet, and catching and each other different games and songs. We learned a lot physical activity and healthy eating, to make them part of tossing foam balls. Another important component is playing from each other.” daily life, and to encourage social interaction and learning games and singing together. “We asked the kids what their between different generations. favourite game was, and the seniors would explain to the GRANDMA DAY kids how different some of their games they played are to The Grandmas did not need convincing to set off to the The program includes physical activities that are easy for the games kids play today,” said Mitchell. “They would teach Resource Centre for the program, which the kids called young children and seniors to do together, like balancing Grandma Day. “One little guy took a real liking to a certain Grandma, and he would be with her all the time. They would hold hands. Many of the families said they wished it could Health be an ongoing program because a lot of them don’t have seniors in their life - so it was a nice chance for them to have that connection.”
A Healthy Living Grant from Southern Health-Santé Sud partly funded the program and Lions Prairie Manor Foundation provided funds for the healthy snacks. The recreation department at Lions Prairie Manor also covered Family members the cost of transporting the seniors to the TSFRC for the are the first health weekly program and provided two staff members to attend educators and and assist with the program.
role models for “Our seniors truly enjoyed being around the children and young children! their eyes would light up as soon as they saw them arrive,” Teach your children says Corrine Pratt, Activities and Recreation Manager at Lions the importance of Prairie Manor. “It brought back memories of raising their own staying active and kids and their grandchildren. The residents thrived on it.” having fun!
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 3 Local Health Involvement Groups Lend their Voices on Health Equity
Regional Local Health Involvement Groups (LHIG) – made humanness of it rather than just putting in infrastructure. To making decisions, and build relationships with community up of community members and representatives from me, health equity is about relationships and understanding leaders.
Southern Health-Santé Sud’s Governing Board – held three what the population actually needs.” “We certainly heard from the LHIGs that it’s important as meetings from October to December 2015 (two English and The Board representatives at the LHIG presented health we’re planning and delivering our services that we really one French consultation) to introduce the topic of health equity through fictional, role playing stories. This was very meet the needs of the community,” says Iverson. “We will equity and examine data from the latest Community Health meaningful, says Iverson. “Those simulated stories put a be looking at incorporating what they’ve told us into our Assessment (CHA). human face and emotion to the topic,” she says. “It created planning because health equity is a main theme in our Health equity was the first topic brought to the newly a safe place for everybody to engage and connect, and current strategic health plan.” formed LHIGs because it’s a tremendously important area of share some of their own experiences with each other.” focus for the Governing Board and Senior Leadership Team One of the most important messages that came out of the of Southern Health-Santé Sud. “Another reason we chose to meetings says Iverson, is the need to work together with discuss health equity with our LHIGs was because they are a communities to make the best use of all resources that are very diverse group, which helps us to build our perspective available, and take a multi-pronged approach to try and from the feedback and insight of community members,” ensure health equity. “It’s important to make partnerships We Need says Debbie Iverson, Board representative on the LHIG. happen based on community needs,” she says. “It’s hearing “As we move forward, their input will help guide us in our their stories that provides meaning to the health data, and planning. The value of the information they give us is huge.” Your Input! makes us better decision-makers.” By understandingHealth our patients’ values, we HEALTH EQUITY IS ABOUT BUILDING A BETTER PLAN TO can plan for health services that meet your RELATIONSHIPS ENSURE HEALTH EQUITY needs! Please take 10 Community LHIG member, Yolanda Yobb says the meetings The next step included presenting recommendations from minutesLet’s to fill out this Talk opened her eyes to the many factors that play into health the LHIG meetings to the Governing Board of Southern simple survey that will make a significant equity. “Health equity is about economic development, Health-Santé Sud, which prepared a response to the group. and First Nation issues, culture, immigration and so many difference to patients Some key thoughts include the need to build upon current in our region. other things,” she says. “We can build a new hospital but initiatives that strengthen health equity, make sure that the ! http://bit.ly/1syH1Q4 that doesn’t mean people can get to it or that it has the patient voice continues to be heard,Join keep inequalities your in resources that they need. You have to understand the the health status of Aboriginal communitiesLocal in mind H whenealth Involvement Group
Share your experience Contribute to meaningful conversations Health Meet new people We welcomeLearn people about of health all ages, care topics and trends Let’s Talk backgrounds and cultures. FĔė ĒĔėĊ ĎēċĔėĒĆęĎĔē Ćēĉ ęĔ ĆĕĕđĞ, ěĎĘĎę: ! T Join your southernhealth.ca Local Health Involvement Group or : 204-326-6411 ext. 2218
SouthernShare Health-Santé your experience Sud ANNUALContribute PUBLIC to MEETING meaningful conversations Meet new people Wednesday, October 5, 2016 We welcomeDoorsLearn open people about at 6:30 of health all p.m. ages, care topics and trends Days backgroundsInn Conference Centre and cultures. Winkler MB FĔėTheme: ĒĔėĊ ĎēċĔėĒĆęĎĔē Ćēĉ ęĔ ĆĕĕđĞ, ěĎĘĎęThe Health: of our Children: T IT TAKES A VILLAGE southernhealth.ca or Guest: 204-326-6411 Speaker: ext. 2218 Dr. Rob Santos
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4 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Judy’s Journey .. a story of love, care and compassion
Pictured is Richard Krahn with some members of the Community Cancer Care Program at Boundary Trails Health Centre: (lt.- rt.) Candice Martens, Maureen Hutchinson, Allison Sloan, Sheri Martens, and Lindsey McLaren. Richard shares that the staff go above and beyond to show compassionate care by making meaningful connections with the people they encounter every day. Compassionate health care is more than about treating medication at home and I gave my sweetheart her injection Richard faithfully cared for Judy at home until she neared patients. It’s about giving meaning to the depth of emotions every day for the prescribed time.” the end of her life journey. “We went back to the hospital where I realized this was going to be the end. Jude passed and experiences that connect us to the health of our Judy made it through her treatments and passed the away two days later on September 4, 2014. The Lord freed well‑being. Richard Krahn and his wife Judy experienced this five‑year benchmark for cancer survival. “Once you’ve been her from her pain and restored her health in Heaven.” profoundly during a very vulnerable time when in care at the through this, your life is never normal again. Everything is Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) in Morden/Winkler. somehow different - every little episode, like a cough or “It isn’t easy for those of us left behind. We work through Judy had been diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks headache, could mean the cancer is back.” it day by day. I’m so grateful to the staff at the Community Cancer Care Program in BTHC for their dedication and care.” after the BTHC opened in May 2001. The staff was still The difficulties Richard and Judy faced together getting used to the new building while Judy was undergoing strengthened their resolve to put their trust in the Lord. When the nurses from the Community Cancer Care Program a series of tests and surgery. Her doctors designed a They celebrated healing and restoration for 13 more years. at BTHC sent Richard a card one year after Judy’s passing, care plan that included both chemotherapy and radiation he was very touched. “That was very special,” says Richard, In 2013, Judy’s health tests showed that the cancer treatment. “We were so thankful that we didn’t have to who fondly recalls the dedicated care of ‘the staff upstairs at had returned in full force. She underwent six rounds of travel to Winnipeg for chemotherapy,” says Richard. “It chemo’. “They go above and beyond to show compassionate chemotherapy before her health began to deteriorate could be done right here at the BTHC.” care by making meaningful connections with the people further. The only option left for Judy was more chemo. they encounter every day. They show us they understand The staff did everything they could to help the couple live as “I told Jude, this is up to you, and she said, ‘No, it’s in God’s how we feel when we face health difficulties in our lives, or normally as possible. “They trained me to administer Jude’s hands now.’” in the lives of those we love.” WEST NILE VIRUS What you need to know to protect yourself and your family In Manitoba, West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted to people by the Culex tarsalis mosquito, usually from late June to early September. This risk varies from year to year based on precipitation, temperature, mosquito population and other factors. The majority of people (at least 80%) who are infected with West Nile virus will not have any symptoms and not need medical care.
What are the symptoms? Who is at risk? How do I protect against WNV? • Although most people do not have any symptoms at • Everyone is at risk and can get sick but severe illness • Reduce the time you spend outside between dusk all, some infected with the West Nile virus will develop is more likely in older adults or someone with chronic and dawn because this is the time the mosquitoes are mild symptoms like headache, fever, rash, body aches health conditions or weakened immune systems. most active. and fatigue (very tired). When is the risk the highest? • Apply an appropriate mosquito repellent. • A small number will have severe illness that affects the • The risk varies from year to year but generally • Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long brain and nerve system (high fever, mental confusion, is highest mid July to the end of August. People sleeves and pant legs. paralysis). This can be life-threatening and may result spending time outside for work (eg construction, • Make sure your door and window screens fit tightly in long-term disability. farming) or recreation (eg gardening, golfing) are at and are free of holes. greater risk of exposure. • Keep grass mowed around the home.
How soon do infected people get sick? • Regularly clean/empty areas where water can collect • Usually, people develop symptoms between 2 and 15 (and breed mosquitoes) like eavestroughs, bird baths, days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. wading pools and plant trays.
Who can I contact for information? • Contact your health care provider • Call Health Links-Info Santé toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 • For more information: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 5 ‘I’VE BEEN THERE’ Reaching Out to Newcomers Thirty-two years ago, Gertrud Kropp immigrated to Canada from Germany, so she understands some of the challenges that newcomers have. For the past Southern Health-Santé Sud works with many immigration community service groups to promote health, and enhance 11 years, she has been helping other and settlement groups in different communities across the health care experience and access to services for people immigrant families navigate the health the whole Region to raise awareness and improve access unfamiliar with, and often overwhelmed by the Canadian care system as an outreach worker with to health care programs for newcomers from different Health Care System. Public Health-Healthy Living in Steinbach. countries. These include the Families First and the Healthy Baby “It’s one thing to know day-to-day things Public health nurses in Altona, Morden and Winkler work program, which is offered at Central Station and at the like going to the grocery store, but health with Regional Connections, Winkler’s Central Station, and Parent and Child Resource Centre in Morden. Russian- care is more complicated,” says Kropp Mennonite Central Committee Family Services – this to help speaking Public Health Nurse Helene Wiens says she who often visits with German-speaking promote health services in the region to newcomers. This sometimes also works with other health care professionals families in their homes. “I answer any includes co-hosting presentations covering a wide variety of at the hospital when they need language assistance. “When questions they have and help ensure topics from How to survive a Manitoba Winter, Postpartum people whose first language is not English know that some they can make informed decisions about Depression, Menopause, Communicable Diseases, as well as of us speak different languages, it’s easier for them to ask things like immunizations and other health Immunizations to the Services Covered by Manitoba Health, for help,” she says. needs.”
Seniors and Active Living and how to access them. A regional policy on Interpreter Services – Language Access Kropp says newcomers often ask how to also serves to support service provision where language is a find a doctor or specialist, and she refers MAKING IT EASY TO CONNECT barrier. new families to the Family Doctor Finder Public Health Nurse, Charlotte Klassen speaks Low German service, also making them aware of other and recently attended a community event organized by a BEING CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE health resources in the community such as local bible study group in Winkler. The study group was Delivering culturally appropriate health care is an ongoing the Child Health Clinic with public health intended for Low-German speaking women to learn about priority for Southern Health-Santé Sud, which is making nurses as well as the QuickCare Clinic in cervical cancer and prevention. “I was invited to share efforts to help health care providers better understand and Steinbach. Although she works closely what Public Health-Healthy Living does and the services reflect the many different cultures within the Region. “As an with Public Health-Healthy Living, she we provide,” says Klassen. “After the session, many women example, our print material, such as posters or pamphlets, often connects with new families through came to us with their health concerns and were delighted to all portray people from different cultural groups,” says Bev word-of-mouth from other families she ask their questions and be able to express themselves fully Unger, Regional Manager - Public Health-Healthy Living has helped. in Low German.” Klassen acknowledged that it isn’t an easy for Southern Health-Santé Sud. “This creates a sense of task to book a medical appointment if language is a barrier. Collaborating with the three settlement belonging and inclusion for people of other cultures.” Working with the C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre Physician services in the region (see page 7) is also It’s also important not to make assumptions about what Assistant, Jaymie Allen, she was able to book appointments important, says Kropp, because they may or may not be acceptable in someone else’s culture. for pap tests for a dozen women who might not otherwise can help health care providers better For example, shaking hands or making eye contact may have had the test. understand how cultural differences can work in one culture, but not another. “The things we take affect newcomers’ approach to health SPEAKING MULTIPLE LANGUAGES for granted as normal behaviour, actions and attitudes for care. “It’s nice to be in direct connection us may be intimidating or offensive in other cultures,” says Some staff members at many of the region’s care sites and with immigration services and to listen Unger. “Health care providers should not be afraid to be programs can speak multiple languages including French, to their ideas and some of the concerns respectfully inquisitive. It’s okay to ask newcomers about High and Low German, and Russian. Trilingual public health that they have,” says Kropp. “When the their customs. Working with a family to understand what nurses offer services in High and Low German for families families come in for care, it’s important to their values are will help us provide the best support for attending Public Health-Healthy Living programs at the have a listening ear, and to be aware of the them. Unless we ask those questions, we limit ourselves hospital like the Child Health Clinic, Reproductive Health cultural background which opens lines of and we make assumptions, limiting our ability to create a Services, Immunizations, and Prenatal and Post-partum communication between us. I know from safe environment for the family to talk about what their Care. Nurses also attend events and offer classes in the my own experience of being an immigrant expectations are and what’s important to them.” community, working together with existing multi-language that they need to know they’re not going through this by themselves, but other people have been there as well.”
6 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca New Research Promotes Cultural Safety for Low German Speakers
New research shows that people’s culture and beliefs have a profound effect on how they deal with mental health issues.
A team of researchers at the University of Lethbridge conducted a research study focused on the mental health beliefs and practices among Low German Mennonites. The team interviewed people from Mennonite communities in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario – mostly people dealing with mental health issues or who are caregivers of family members with a mental illness, as well as ministers, nurses, social workers and physicians. The findings are being used to develop a cultural care guideline to help health care providers provide appropriate, culturally safe care to Low German Mennonites dealing with mental health issues.
In general, the lives of Low German Mennonites focus on church, family, home, and work. The research focused on the relationship between religious beliefs and mental illness, says research lead, Dr. Judith Kulig. “Some people believe mental illness is from God and, in some instances, people were told to pray more and things would get better,” she says. “Prayer is certainly one part of being well, but if there is a lack of recognition that mental illness can be a genetic issue or related to a chemical imbalance, people don’t understand the need for medication.”
Many women interviewees recognized that postpartum Pictured is Dr. Judith Kulig presenting the research findings from the study on mental health beliefs and practices depression is a mental health issue that requires extra among the Low German Mennonites. support for mother and baby. But language and other barriers can prevent Low German-speaking women from understand Mennonite culture and beliefs, so they are able getting the help and support they need. “If a mom with to provide culturally-informed care for clients.” LOW GERMAN-SPEAKING small children has postpartum depression, who’s going to COMMUNITIES AND MENTAL care for the children while she goes for counselling or is The report encourages health care staff to be respectfully HEALTH REPORT/CD AVAILABLE attending to her depression? These are practical issues that curious about Low German beliefs and cultural practices, Dr. Judith Kulig’s report and a free CD need to be addressed too,” says Kulig. and to ask questions to understand the mental health issues they are dealing with and the concerns they have. As an highlighting the main findings is available HELPING TO EDUCATE HEALTH CARE example, it may be important for the minister to come to to health care providers and Mennonite communities across Canada (CD is narrated PROVIDERS AND COMMUNITIES the hospital and pray privately with a family, says Kulig. in Low German and English). A booklet Kulig recently presented the findings to the Senior Kulig says it’s also important to provide information and for health care providers about caring Leadership Team and the Governing Board of Southern support to Mennonite communities to help them understand for Mennonites who have mental illness Health-Santé Sud. “Our Board has a keen interest in mental health from a medical perspective. “We need to is also available. All these resources are Dr. Kulig’s research because it’s very relatable to our region, educate people about things like chemical imbalance and available for download free of charge at which has a large and growing population of Low German- mental illness and the importance of taking medication,” mennonitehealth.com. Hard copies of the speaking people,” says Kathy McPhail, CEO of Southern she says. “Certainly there’s a need to support families document and the CD are available via Health-Santé Sud. “This work will provide additional care who are trying their hardest, and praying, and trying to [email protected] guidelines for health care providers to help them better understand mental illness.”
Reaching Out to Newcomers (continued from page 6) Eastman Immigrant Services Altona - 67 2nd St IMMIGRATION SERVICES IN Steinbach - D4 284 Reimer Ave T 204 324 6858 SOUTHERN HEALTH-SANTÉ SUD T 204-346-6609 Email [email protected] Website http://regionalconnections.ca Website http://www.eastmanimmigrantservices.com Newcomers to the Southern Health-Santé Sud region can Portage Learning & Literacy Centre – contact the following immigration and settlement services for Regional Connections Newcomers Welcome Centre advice on schools, learning English, community and provincial Winkler - 2 295 Perry St Portage la Prairie - 110 Saskatchewan Ave W services, job seeking and skills training, integration services, T 204-325-4059 or 204-325-4158 T 204-857-6304 how to obtain a Manitoba Health Card and how to connect to Morden - 34 Stephen St Email [email protected] Website http://pllc.ca/programs/newcomers-welcome-centre health care resources within the region. T 204-822-4387 Oral Health $2.7 million in hospital costs are spent on pediatric dental surgery every year in Manitoba.
Early childhood tooth decay causing these surgeries can be prevented by regular brushing and dental visits.
Pediatric Dental Surgery Rates for ECC in Manitoba Report - Jan. 2016
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 7 Physician Assistants and Clinical Assistants Have Flexible Skills Physician assistants and clinical assistants are alternative health care providers who are helping to improve access for patients in Southern Health-Santé Sud clinics, operating rooms, medical wards and emergency rooms.
“These health care providers are extending what a physician or surgeon can do,” says Dr. Denis Fortier, VP - Medical Services. “They help improve efficiency and allow the right person to do the job they need to do.”
Dr. Denis Fortier, VP - Medical Services, Southern Health-Santé Sud
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS - A CONSTANT PRESENCE assisting the surgeon every day, it has freed up a number of family physicians to spend more Eden Jerao-Shedden says what she likes most about being a physician assistant in a hospital productive time in their clinics, shares Chief of Staff, Dr. Ockie Persson. setting is being able to spend lots of time with patients. “It’s very rewarding to build trust and bond with my patients,” says Jerao-Shedden, who works at Bethesda Regional Health Centre LOTS OF FLEXIBILITY in Steinbach. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in science, physician assistants go through a two-year, university training program which provides them with a range of core skills, opening the door With increasing patient volumes, having a physician assistant has meant better patient care to just about any health care setting under the supervision of a physician. and access, says Dr. Rhythm Gumber, Lead Hospitalist at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. “It helps us on so many fronts. Eden Jerao-Shedden looks after 40% of the patients so I can The supervising physician in each case determines what the physician assistant will do based spend more time with those requiring more complex care,” he says. She attends to patients on the needs of the practice, and helps hone his or her skills in that area of practice, which at the hospital when Dr. Gumber has to accompany a patient on a transfer, and they both do can be anything from assisting in surgery to seeing outpatients in a clinic. “As they gain rounds simultaneously on both floors at the hospital, reducing the time it takes to see all the experience and learn from the physician they are working with every day, physician assistants’ patients. skills and competency grow in many areas,” says Jim Neufeld, Administrator at the C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre in Winkler. “It’s great to be part of a team and work together with the physicians and other health care providers to ensure patients receive quality care,” says Jerao-Shedden. Since Physician Assistant Jaymie Allen joined the clinic three years ago, the practice has been able to provide service to more patients, says Neufeld. “Routine things such as chronic disease Dr. Bernard Thess describes Physician Assistant Heidi Robinson as his ‘extended arm’. She management, lab work and ongoing monitoring are within the scope of what the physician assists the surgeons in the operating room at Portage District General Hospital, provides assistant can do. She essentially relieves the bulk of work that physicians would normally do,” post‑operative care and helps out in the emergency room if required. “In the past, we had to he says. “It’s created more capacity for us to be able to provide more patients in our area with have a family physician or medical student available to do surgeries, so having a physician access to a primary care provider on a timely basis.” assistant always available for general surgery procedures makes everything more efficient,” says Thess. “She is at the hospital when I‘m not, so if there are any complications for patients after surgery, she is there to deal with them. It has made my life easier, and improved the workflow and access for many of my patients.” The clinical assistant at Boundary Trails Health Centre is a foreign-trained physician who Be Tick Aware! currently assists the surgeon in the operating room. “By having a dedicated person who is Black-Legged Ticks can carry a bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi). Getting a bite from these ticks can cause Lyme disease. These ticks are smaller than the Wood Tick (which does not cause infections). Common early signs of Lyme disease are a ring-like rash near the bite as well as fever, headache and sore muscles. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is effective in preventing more serious health problems.
As we spend more time outside during the warmer months, it’s important to take precautions to protect your health against tick diseases.
Tips to Remember: 1. Use the centre of hiking trails and avoid 6. If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers, walking in the bush, sitting on logs, or grasp the tick close to the skin with leaning on trees. tweezers and pull slowly upward with 2. Wear light coloured clothing to make it steady pressure avoiding twisting or easier to see the ticks. crushing the tick. Cleanse the area. Mark 3. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your the date of the bite on the calendar for pants into your socks; this will make it future reference. harder for ticks to attach to your skin. 7. If you develop rash or other symptoms 4. Use a tick repellent (according to in the next month, contact your health instructions) on clothing and skin. care provider. 5. After spending time outside, inspect For more information call Eden Jerao-Shedden (left) a Physician Assistant pictured with Dr. Rhythm Gumber, Health Links-Info Santé (right) Lead Hospitalist in a hospital setting at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre yourself, your children and your pets for in Steinbach. Physician assistants and clinical assistants are alternative health care ticks and remove them promptly. Toll-Free at 1-888-315-9257 providers who help to improve access for patients in Southern Health-Santé Sud Or visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/lyme/ clinics, operating rooms, medical wards and emergency rooms.
8 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Mon équipe santé … enhancing access to French language health services in the region
Mon équipe santé Steering Committee Members. (back row lt.-rt.) Pierre Beaudoin, representing community and Santé en français; Dr. Paul de Moissac, Centre médical Seine; Yvette Gaultier, representing community and Santé en français; Robin Reid, Regional Manager - Primary Health Care; Dr. Emilie Coudière, Physician, Clinique Notre-Dame Clinic; Dr. Denis Fortier, VP - Medical Services; (front row lt.-rt.) Dr. Gisèle Viens, Physician, Centre de bien-être St. Claude & Haywood Wellness Centre; Dr. Chantal Fréchette, Physician, Centre médical Seine; Annie Bédard, Executive Director - Santé en français. Missing from photo are: Karen Ilchyna, Regional Director - Primary Health Care; Claudette Lahaie, Executive Director - Communications & French Language Services; Mona Spence, Director of Health Services - Notre Dame, St. Claude & Area; Jo-Anne Marion, Director of Health Services - Ste. Anne & Area; Sylvia Buchholz, Liaison, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living; Janie Peterson-Watt, Liaison, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living.
Outside of Winnipeg, Southern Health-Santé Sud has the able to work together for a common goal of offering the French‑speaking population of Southern Health-Santé Sud,” highest concentration of rural, French-speaking people best health care that we can to our people, and in this case, says Bédard. to our francophone population.” in Manitoba, most of whom live in villages and parishes As with all My Health Teams, Mon équipe santé was founded by Francophones in the 19th and 20th centuries. Annie Bédard, Executive Director of Santé en français shares developed based on the needs of the communities and The geography and distribution of French-speaking that Mon équipe santé is a very innovative model that has clients it serves. The Mon équipe santé Steering Committee communities in this region lends itself well to the concept been created at the regional level vs. just for one specific is comprised of representatives from Centre Médical Seine, of the francophone My Health Team known as Mon équipe site. She adds that it reflectsSanté en français’s provincial Clinique Notre-Dame Clinic, Centre de bien-être St. Claude santé. vision of care without borders, an integrated network of & Haywood Wellness Centre, Southern Health-Santé Sud, My Health Team, or in this case Mon équipe santé, is ongoing, quality primary health care and social services in and the Francophone community of Southern Health-Santé essentially a primary care network which puts the person French. Sud, with support from Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active at the centre of an integrated community of health care Living and Santé en français. As part of their foundational providers where team members all work together to provide A REGIONAL APPROACH work, the committee did a thorough analysis of gaps in the service a person needs, whether it’s treatment, advice Mon équipe santé has two local operational teams or hubs, services which they needed to fill in different areas. about how to prevent or manage an illness or information both enabling service to the wider community. The hub in about how to stay healthy. the western edge, based in Notre Dame de Lourdes and ACTIVELY OFFERING SERVICES IN St. Claude, is known as Mon équipe santé - Équipe locale La As this model is developing, other provinces are keeping an FRENCH Montagne. The eastern hub is based at the Centre Médical eye on Southern Health-Santé Sud’s innovative, Mon équipe “Mon équipe santé normalizes the fact that French language Seine in Ste. Anne and is known as Mon équipe santé - santé, which enhances access to health care services for the services are readily available,” says Steering Committee Équipe locale La Seine. They offer access to additional region’s francophone and bilingual population. community representative, Pierre Beaudoin. “In the past, health care providers and to a broader, regional French- francophone people have often used English because that “Mon équipe santé – like all the other My Health Teams in speaking population. Additional health care providers will was probably the easiest way of getting a service. But now the region – integrates services and improves access,” says join both hubs: a social worker and nurse practitioner services are being actively offered in French and people will Dr. Denis Fortier, VP - Medical Services. “We are seeing at La Montagne, and a social worker, two LPNs and a feel more comfortable to access whatever service they are increasing collaboration between private physician clinics dietitian in La Seine. “The teams are based at the two hubs, looking for in the language of their choice.” and Southern Health-Santé Sud, and it’s encouraging to be but they are working together to better serve the entire INJURY Prevention
One in three Canadians aged 65 and over fall at least once a year. Many of these falls result in serious injury and loss of mobility and independence. Most falls can be prevented.
Remember: Ask for help if you need it. Give your full attention to what you are doing. Don’t rush. Take breaks when you feel tired.
Staying on your feet Mar. 2015
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 9 Portage/Gladstone My Health Team Gets Underway
After two years of planning, the Portage/Gladstone My Health Team is operational and hiring for new positions, including a prenatal nurse, chronic disease nurse, physiotherapist and shared care adolescent/child mental health worker.
“By adding these additional health care providers who work with physicians, we’re hoping that the physicians can defer some of the work they normally do, and be able to take on new patients who have no family doctor,” says Dr. David Kinnear of Portage Clinic.
My Health Teams connect teams of health care providers (either in the same facilities or through online, electronic medical records) to improve access to patient-focused, primary care and build capacity in the region.
“Our vision is to integrate all our team providers into our electronic record system, so they’re accessing the same patient record and communicating to other team members,” says Kinnear. “Care providers with different talents, all working as a team, and communicating effectively with each other, can improve outcomes for the patient.”
LINKING COMMUNITIES “This strategy gives people access to a broader range of services, not just at the Portage Clinic, but through other community partners too,” says Kinnear. “We hope in the future that some prenatal care can be delivered at Long Plain First Nation. If we can provide women who were not getting prenatal care with better access, we will have better outcomes for mother can be reached,” says Dr. Mike Omichinski. “This will result in increased compliance to and baby.” medications and rehabilitation and should translate into improved health as well as decreased need for hospitalization over time.” A dietitian working at Gladstone Clinic is also part of My Health Team. More services are planned for the community and area, such as maternity services and a chronic disease JUST THE BEGINNING nurse to follow-up with cardiac patients. “Bringing services closer to the patients results in Kinnear says the process is just beginning and the whole team is ‘very enthusiastic, and decreased travel time and also ensures that people who have difficulty with transportation optimistic that they’ll see great things to come down the road.’
You’re asking good questions.
Mobile Clinic Services Update > What is a Two years ago, the new Mobile Clinic hit the road in the Southern QuickCare clinic? Health-Santé Sud. Mobile units are an initiative to bring primary health care to those living in some of Manitoba’s smaller underserviced communities located a distance away from access to medical services. For efficiencies and to help better serve > WE HAVE ANSWERS. communities, the region has recently made an adjustment to the QuickCare Clinics are there to meet your health care schedule as follows: needs during times when most other clinics are closed. • Langruth – Mondays They are staffed by nurse practitioners and registered nurses who can • Plumas – Tuesdays help prevent, diagnose and treat minor health issues. Because they are • St. Ambroise – Wednesdays open evenings, weekends and holidays, they can save you a trip to an emergency room or having to wait for regular clinic hours. • Woodridge – Thursdays • Dominion City – Fridays What health issues can I go to a QuickCare clinic for? • Sore throat, earache, colds and flu, cough, hay fever or nose bleeds • Infections, rashes or sores What services are offered on the • Stomach pain Mobile Clinic? • Immunizations • Regular check ups • Bumps, bruises or sprains • Stress or anxiety • Treatment for minor ailments • Limited lab services The QuickCare clinic nearest you is: • Health promotion and education STEINBACH – Clearspring Centre – 204-326-7569 • Immunizations • Help with managing a chronic disease or condition manitoba.ca/BetterHealth • Referrals to other health services or specialists • Prescription renewal How can I access services? Visit a clinic in a community nearest you or call 1-855-644-3515 to make an appointment at your nearest community.
10 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Thanking Her Lucky STARS Amanda Legault knows firsthand the value of STARS. Legault was involved in a car accident near Altona in 2009 during which she sustained a collapsed lung, broken neck, separated shoulder, five broken ribs and massive head injuries. STARS was called to take the seriously injured Legault, then 21, to Winnipeg. “A ground ambulance would have taken hours, and even if I had survived my accident, at best, my injuries would have left me permanently impaired, both physically and mentally,” says Legault. “STARS got me to Winnipeg in 18 minutes, which was the first reason that I was able to overcome my injuries. I can’t say it enough, I will be forever in their debt.”
Legault has made an amazing recovery and has completed her studies as an educational assistant at Red River College. She has married and given birth to a second child and knows that journey back to health, hard as it has been, might never have been possible without STARS. “I had a fiancé and an 18-month old daughter at the time who needed me to pull through,” she says. “STARS was the first in a long line of miracles that gave my life back to me.” Legault has written a In 2015, STARS flew 541 emergency responses, including 44% to rural hospitals book about her experience called “In my Wake.” and the remaining 56% directly to the scene of an emergency. In return for the gratitude she carries in her heart, Legault has participated in fundraisers for STARS, such as a walkathon in Winnipeg a few years ago. “I wanted to do what I could to make people aware of STARS in the Sky the presence of STARS in Manitoba and to help this amazing service get the support it needs to keep STARS in the sky,” she says. “I also wanted to let STARS Since making its first appearance in Manitoba to help Cam Heke, Communications Lead for STARS Manitoba know in some tangible way, how incredibly thankful I with flood relief efforts in 2011, STARS has flown over emphasizes that STARS is just one link in the chain of am for them.” 1,400 missions within Manitoba from its 24-hour service survival. Ground ambulances and other emergency services base in Winnipeg. STARS is dispatched via the Medical are usually first to the scene, and, along with MTCC, assist Transportation Coordinator Centre (MTCC) located in in determining if the helicopter needs to be deployed. Brandon. On every flight, there are two pilots, an advanced “The speed of the helicopter, coupled with the capabilities care paramedic with critical care skills, and a critical care of our medical crew can make a difference,” says Heke. nurse with emergency room experience. A transport “But equally important are the citizens who initially call physician will sometimes ride along and the crew can 911, ground EMS, firefighters, RCMP, and the health care consult with an on-call physician on the ground. The crew providers who all work together as a team to save lives.” is usually airborne within eight minutes of being dispatched during the day, and ten minutes at night.
“It’s an honour to be a part of a highly-skilled team of engineers, pilots, nurses, physicians and paramedics,” says Paramedic Troy Pauls. We transport the most critically ill and injured patients during their most vulnerable period either directly from an accident scene or from a community hospital. We operate in a confined space and in a non- pressurized aircraft. It is the ultimate team environment.” Amanda Legault, has made an amazing recovery on her journey back to health.
Construction Updates
NEW TABOR HOME IN MORDEN The construction for the new $38 million 100 unit replacement home in Morden began in May, 2015. Many of the internal walls have been framed and work continues with plumbing, electrical, roofing, drywall and contributions from many other trades. Finishing and paint colours have been chosen, furniture and equipment lists are being finalized and landscaping efforts will continue this spring. The project completion date is slated for August, 2016. Once construction is complete, the NEW HEALTH CENTRE IN NOTRE DAME DE LOURDES focus in a few months to follow will be to prepare the building for the new occupants. Tabor The construction for the $20.8 million Health Centre in Notre Dame de Lourdes began in Home’s new address will be 450 Loren Drive in Morden. April, 2015 and the building is really starting to take shape as work continues concurrently on the exterior and the interior of the building. The partitions are up and the gyproc is being installed. Various trades are busy working to meet the target completion date of the summer 2016. Plans are also underway to anticipate transitioning support services from the old hospital to the new health centre.
The new health centre is located adjacent to the Centre de santé - Foyer Notre Dame, and the Centre Albert-Galliot (wellness and primary care center) forming a health and wellness campus with integrated hospital and community health care services in a one-stop shop.
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 11 Just for me, Mommy
They say there is no greater love than to lay down one’s Cecilia’s corneas, lungs, and kidneys were used to heal five life for another - but what does it mean to lay down one’s other people. Her lungs breathed new life into a 9 year-old life? We encounter heroic stories all the time. A stranger boy who suffered from cystic fibrosis. A 39 year-old man selflessly risks his or her own life to rescue someone in need received one of Cecilia’s kidneys after waiting 19 years for a of saving. Does this mean you have to do something so match. Cecilia’s corneas restored sight to two people while dramatic to become a hero? her other kidney was given to a 3 year-old boy.
Cecilia was just six years old when she was struck by a car The hope Cecilia brought to others inspired Cheryl to while crossing the street in Steinbach. It was just after 8 p.m. become an advocate for organ donation. She joined the on Friday June 17, 1994. She was rushed to the Bethesda transplant team three weeks later to keep Cecilia’s legacy Regional Health Centre with severe head injuries before alive. “I have asked myself over the years, what if Cecilia being transported to the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg. needed a transplant? I would have prayed for someone to help her. The real tragedy is that people die waiting for It was a parent’s worst nightmare recalls her mom Cheryl organs that could have been harvested from non-donors Main, “I knew I was about to face the worst thing a parent after they die.” could face, but nobody would tell me anything.” Cheryl is a remarkable woman who lives what she believes. Those unbearable hours of not knowing dragged on as she She donated one of her own kidneys to her nephew in 2006. waited for news about her daughter’s condition. She was She wishes more people would consider organ donation finally notified that Cecilia lost all brain function at 3 a.m. on because there are so many people waiting for life-saving Saturday morning. The doctors did everything they could to donors. bring her back. “What happened to Cecilia wasn’t fair - but it’s also not fair Cheryl faced the most difficult decision of her life: Should Cecilia, while just a little girl, established a legacy of for people who are sick and need an organ. As much as I she take Cecilia off life-support and let her go, or try to hope by rescuing six people in desperate need of a cried that I lost Cecilia, she helped other families stop crying hold on knowing she would never be the same again? A miracle. because she gave them hope.” prompting stirred in Cheryl’s heart when she remembered a movie she watched about organ donation. “I had no idea after watching the movie that I would have to make this WORDS FROM THE HEART HOW YOU CAN HELP decision two months later,” says Cheryl, “I agreed to donate “Just for me, Mommy,” is a poem written by Cheryl Main Cheryl recommends planning ahead to become an organ Cecilia’s corneas, heart, lungs, and kidneys.” about her daughter, Cecilia. It tells the story of a little girl donor: “I remember hearing someone say, ‘Well, I’m just who established a legacy of hope by rescuing six people in leaving it all up to my husband to decide after I die.’ Losing The doctors kept Cecilia’s body on life support until they desperate need of a miracle. a loved one is difficult and families already have enough on found a match for Cecilia’s heart. A transplant team from their mind at a time like that. You can take a lot of stress off Edmonton rushed to Winnipeg to harvest the heart for a six Just for me, Mommy your family by letting them know you want to become an year-old girl. The situation was urgent as Cheryl describes organ donor.” what she saw: “The doctors were running! It was crazy. Their I know I was yours for just a short while sole job was to get the heart and hurry back to Edmonton I’ll try to explain, Mommy, if you try to smile Organ donation saves lives and improves the quality of life for thousands of Canadians every day. You don’t have to do so they could start the operation for the little girl. It was a I was to give people hope busy scene - but the transplant coordinator took the time to through their deepest, dark fears something dramatic to become a hero. Giving life is an act of great love and you have the potential to help someone in pray for me and to say thank you.” And help other mommies and daddies dry their sad tears need of a miracle by signing up to become an organ donor.
12 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Respect and Care for Self ...because you matter
In our everyday lives, we often face experiences that can be “Reactions to an abnormal event are normal. We are human. overwhelming, frightening, and often beyond our control. Failing to recognize this can unconsciously weigh on you, Examples that come to mind are endless... experiencing or says Dr. Denis Fortier, VP - Medical Services for Southern TAKING CARE OF witnessing a moment of violence, physical or sexual abuse, Health-Santé Sud. “While sharing one’s feelings makes a bullying, a natural disaster, a serious car accident – these person feel very vulnerable and is sometimes a scary thing, YOURSELF (5 STEPS) are all encounters that can lead to emotional or physical it is necessary to help keep us connected and heal. The • Give yourself permission to take time to problems. The symptoms can last for a relatively short time, power of sharing our emotions is huge.” recover and allow yourself to feel lousy for awhile. for months or years, or can “surface” years later. Fortier says the key is to feel safe in sharing your feelings In time, most people get over experiences like this without and to also make others feel safe when they come to you. • Eat and Exercise – eat balanced meals; needing help. For some of us however, we need and It is very important following a traumatic or sensitive event drink plenty of water, exercise daily. (Did you know we typically become appreciate the assistance of others to help process the event to gather with others and to debrief – especially with those dehydrated following a stressful event?) in order to move forward. At times it may be enough to talk who have been involved. • Rest when you can and if you find it hard it out with family or friends. Other instances may require “There are variables in any event. Perhaps you saw things to sleep, relax with a book or take a bath. more professional support from a physician or another others did not ... maybe your relationship with the person health provider. • Reduce and Avoid – reduce your coffee involved was different .... perhaps the encounter you intake, and avoid using alcohol or drugs. What might seem like our biggest asset in that we are witnessed happened to you before”, adds Fortier. “We need • Spend time with family and friends, and intricately wired to take care of others is sometimes our to respect these variables and to accept that the situation keep your sense of humour. greatest demise because we lose ourselves in the equation. may have impacted you and others differently.”
Regardless of the encounter and varying depths of severity We all have personal expectations of how we should think, OTHER COPING STRATEGIES on the ‘big scale’ of possibilities, the first point to remember feel, and behave. Remember that there is no cookie cutter • REMEMBER that your emotions are is to acknowledge and face the moment. Too often we do approach to grieving, healing and moving forward. While normal reactions to abnormal events. It is not want to be too needy and make a fuss because ‘so it may be a longer journey for some than others, it starts OK to feel whatever it is you are feeling. and so’ is going through something ‘bigger’ and we do not with giving yourself permission to validate and process your • TALK IT OUT! Talking about your feel worthy. Others also tend to be stoic and ‘stay strong’, thoughts. emotions helps let them go, and it can: wanting to support others, often avoiding or overlooking o REDUCE emotional intensity our own feelings. o HELP DEFINE what you are feeling and clarify things in your mind and feel in control • DON’T BLAME yourself or others. Blaming gives a false sense of regaining control Health and will hurt others more. Accept that you cannot always control what is happening around you, but you can control your response to the situation. Our health begins at home! • RECOGNIZE that feelings of fear and vulnerability are normal following a Stock your kitchen with traumatic event. groceries to encourage • FEAR comes from a sense of danger and more homemade meals is NOT a sign of weakness. Fear can be used to exercise caution, alertness, and increase your strengths. • THE WORLD around you may look, sound, and feel differently for awhile. • BALANCE your life by keeping activities as close to “normal” as possible. • KEEP work / family / volunteer / recreational / social / spiritual obligations the same. • ALLOW time for intimacy and free time with loved ones.
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 13 Planning Underway for the Bethesda Primary Care Centre in Steinbach
Planning is currently underway, the tender has been awarded and the sod turning event was held on May 30, 2016 to construct the new Bethesda Primary Care Centre in Steinbach. In addition to creating a centre of excellence housing health care providers under one roof, this initiative will enhance primary care services to the community and will also support Signing of the lease agreement for the Bethesda Primary Care Centre in Steinbach recruitment/retention initiatives, attracting various health care providers to Steinbach took place on December 28, 2015. Participating in the celebratory moment were (back including physicians and other disciplines. row lt.-rt.) Garth Reimer, Chair of Bethesda Foundation; Darrel Penner, President of Bethesda Wellness Inc.; Dr. Mark Duerksen, President of Steinbach Family Medical. Darrel Penner, President of Bethesda Wellness which is the entity responsible to oversee (front row lt.-rt.): Dr. Wilfried Kaethler, member of Steinbach Family Medical; Kathy the construction of the facility, reports that the Bethesda Primary Care Centre will be built McPhail, Southern Health-Santé Sud CEO; Ken Klassen, VP - Capital & Planning, on property north of Stonebridge Crossing, near the Eastman Education Centre on Loewen Southern Health-Santé Sud. Boulevard.
“This is a huge accomplishment and a major investment in the community. We would like to express our utmost appreciation to the Steinbach Family Medical, Bethesda Foundation, and Bethesda Wellness Inc. for working together collaboratively with Southern Health-Santé Sud and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living in helping to move forward this exciting project”, shares Southern Health-Santé Sud CEO Kathy McPhail. “This collaborative venture will result in a primary care facility that will house a number of health care services under one roof, including the Steinbach My Health Team, QuickCare Clinic, mental health services, physician services and more.”
Dr. Mark Duerksen, President of Steinbach Family Medical, expressed excitement and enthusiasm for the project, also suggesting that amalgamating services under one roof would provide more efficiencies in health care delivery and would enhance ongoing physician recruitment efforts. It also provides better space for the already vibrant Family Medicine Teaching program at Steinbach Family Medical, which is the main source for physician recruitment. It is projected that the clinic space could accommodate 28-30 physicians, support staff, and other health providers. He also expressed appreciation for the vision and leadership of the Bethesda Foundation and Bethesda Wellness Inc. in getting the project to this point.
“Planning for this project began a number of years ago, this with credit to the solid The Bethesda Primary Care Centre will be built on property north of Stonebridge contribution of partners who share this common vision,” concludes Garth Reimer, President Crossing near the Eastman Education Centre on Loewen Boulevard. It will be of Bethesda Foundation. “The Bethesda Foundation is committed to ensuring the project 29,4772 feet in size and will cost approximately $12 million including the street is completed on time and in a manner that the community will appreciate, noting deep and infrastructure costs. The tender has been awarded to Three Way Builders in appreciation to the generous donors who ensured community contributions required to see Steinbach and the construction completion is slated for late summer of 2017. the project move forward.”
Tetanus is a bacterial infection found in the soil which getting other things to protect against other diseases that enters the body through a crack, cut or break in the skin. It are more common out there,” says Buchan. produces a poison which causes muscles to tighten, and is sometimes called lockjaw, because a person’s mouth can GET ASSESSED IF YOU HAVE A DIRTY lock into place with the painful spasms that it causes. WOUND Dr. Buchan shares that anybody with a puncture wound ONE DOSE IS NOT ENOUGH that could have rust or dirt in it, especially if they are unsure Although cases of tetanus are rare in Canada, it’s important when they last had a tetanus shot, should go to their local that people keep up their tetanus vaccinations to protect Emergency Room to be assessed. “Emergency Rooms themselves. Given over a series of doses, the tetanus have two types of vaccines, one that gives them immediate vaccine is almost 100% effective after three doses, but protection, as well as a longer-term vaccine,” notes Dr. immunity declines over time. Buchan, adding that people can go to any regular clinic or
“You need an ongoing tetanus vaccination program so that Public Health-Healthy Living office to get the longer-term, Spring is a Good you can maintain your immunity levels,” says Dr. Shelley booster vaccination. Time to Protect Buchan, Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health-Santé Primary care providers such as doctors, nurse practitioners, Sud. Children receive the tetanus vaccine at two, four and physician assistants and public health nurses can also Yourself with a six months, and boosters at 18 months, before school entry check a provincial database to see when a person’s last and at age 15. Adults should get them every 10 years after immunization was. Tetanus Shot that.
If you’re one of those people who can’t wait for spring so The tetanus shot is combined with other important vaccines AT YOUR NEXT VISIT you can get your hands in the dirt and plant your garden, or that need to be maintained over time. “In childhood, it’s At that next visit with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or maybe sow your crops, it’s probably a good time to check combined with five other vaccines and, for older kids and other health care provider, ask to know when you received whether or not you need a tetanus booster. adults, it can be combined with diphtheria and pertussis your last tetanus booster. (whooping cough). So when you get a tetanus shot, you are
14 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Are You Due for a Health Pertussis Booster?
People often don’t think about checking whether their PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE immunizations are all up to date until there’s an outbreak It’s particularly important for people who are more at Be Wise! Immunize of a communicable disease such as Pertussis (whooping risk for diseases like Pertussis, such a pregnant women, cough), as there was recently in the Morden and Winkler children under one year of age or people with weakened areas. immune systems. “During our prenatal classes we explain boosters at the same time as their flu shots if they need them. Health care staff at Boundary Trails Health Centre and in to parents how important it is to have that Pertussis the communities of Morden and Winkler have been working booster so that their babies have protection for their first When a case of a disease like Pertussis does occur, public together to change that. When people visit their physician, few weeks until they can be vaccinated,” says public health health nurses follow up with family members and anyone nurse practitioner, public health nurse or the emergency nurse, Monique Gauthier. “Those parents are often then that person may have been in contact with to check their room, they are being encouraged to allow staff to check telling grandparents and other family members to get their immunization status and to recommend vaccines when their immunization records and to get any boosters they booster shots before they come to visit the new baby. So it’s needed. snowballed in terms of getting the message out there.” need. People should not think that diseases such as Pertussis are Public health nurses are working with midwives, physicians, Gauthier has also been talking to early childhood workers gone forever, says Gauthier. “They are gone for the most emergency room staff, and pharmacists to do presentations in daycares because adults with Pertussis often don’t have part because we’ve been vaccinating for them but, if we and information sessions, getting the message out the classic whoop when they cough. “We tend to not see back off our immunization programs, we’ll see them coming about the importance of immunizations and the latest the serious complications as adults, so often they don’t back,” she says. look at it as a problem. But if you’re in contact with young recommendations. Adults over the age 18 are being advised If you want more information on pertussis immunization or children, there is a possibility you could make them sick,” to have at least one dose of the Pertussis vaccine in addition would like to know if your immunizations are up to date, says Gauthier. Public Health-Healthy Living has offered to the dose given during adolescence. please call your public health nurse or primary care provider. early childhood workers Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Avoid Animal Bites and Stay Safe from Rabies
Who doesn’t look forward to warmer weather – to enjoy Anyone bitten by an animal should seek medical attention outdoor activities and interact with friends, families and and report the injury to a public health nurse, who will neighbours? While this is a good thing, it can also mean make every effort to follow up on the animal and do a risk increased contact with pets, domestic animals like cows and assessment for rabies. If the animal has or is at risk for horses, and wildlife, which unfortunately sometimes bite. rabies, or the animal’s owner isn’t known or can’t be found, the person bitten is offered a vaccination. “If you are walking Public Health-Healthy Living nurses in Southern Health- HOW TO PREVENT by somebody and their pet bites you, get their name, phone Santé Sud region usually follow up on 300 to 400 reports number and address so that Public Health-Healthy Living ANIMAL BITES of animal bites every year, most of which involve pets such can follow up with them,” says Dr. Shelley Buchan, Medical • Stay away from wild, stray or unknown as cats and dogs. Animal bites can put you at risk for rabies, Officer of Health for Southern Health-Santé Sud. animals an infectious and contagious disease of the central nervous system which can be fatal if not treated with the rabies • Never feed wildlife or animals you don’t vaccine. LEAVE WILD ANIMALS ALONE know Rabies is endemic in the skunk population and people • Never leave small children unattended in should avoid feeding or coming into contact with any wild BE RESPONSIBLE AROUND ANIMALS the presence of an animal animal. “If someone is bitten by a skunk, we vaccinate To avoid animal bites - and the potential for rabies - pet immediately. Skunks also interact with pets, cows, horses, • Don’t disturb an animal that is sleeping, owners should understand how their pet is likely to act goat and sheep in rural areas, so we can see rabies coming eating, is feeling unwell, or caring for its around other people. Ensure pets are kept under control and from different directions,” says Buchan. “Not a lot of animals make sure their rabies vaccinations are up to date. People young test positive for rabies each year in our region, but there interacting with someone else’s pet should do so cautiously • Never enter a home unannounced or are enough to know that it is out there and the potential and responsibly to avoid scaring or annoying the animal. Be reach through a fence – dogs are very is there, so people should be cautious and make sure they especially cautious around young children because they’re protective of their territory report and seek treatment for any animal bite.” not always gentle with pets. Animals – whether domestic • Don’t run or bike past a dog because they or wild – will be extra protective and dangerous when they like to give chase have young nearby.
MBTELEHEALTH IS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN SOUTHERN HEALTH-SANTÉ SUD: Altona Community Memorial Health Centre Centre de santé Montcalm Health Centre (St. Jean Baptiste) MBTELEHEALTH BRINGS Bethesda Regional Health Centre (Steinbach) Centre médical Seine (Ste. Anne) CARE CLOSER TO HOME Boundary Trails Health Centre (Morden/Winkler) Centre médico-social De Salaberry District Health Centre (St. Pierre) Eden Mental Health Centre (Winkler) East Borderland Primary Health Care Centre (Sprague) Every year, more and more people are using MBTelehealth Carman Memorial Hospital Gladstone Health Centre services in health care. Telehealth systems use a high‑speed Centre Albert-Galliot (Notre Dame de Lourdes) Lorne Memorial Hospital (Swan Lake) and secure video link to connect clients to health care Centre de bien-être communautaire – La Broquerie Portage District General Hospital providers across Manitoba for consultations with specialists Centre de santé St. Claude Health Centre Vita & District Health Centre and to provide oncology, mental health and other appointments ‘closer to home’. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MBTELEHEALTH SERVICES PLEASE VISIT MBTELEHEALTH.CA
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 15 Early Diagnosis Crucial for Controlling Diabetes
“If caught early enough, diabetes can often be controlled by breakfast, which helps maintain blood sugars throughout being more physically active and by changing the way you the day,” says Penner.
eat,” says Kathryn Penner, Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Eating high fibre foods and lots of fruit and vegetables Educator based at Boundary Trails Health Centre. “The most throughout the day helps to control blood sugar, as well as important thing is to take control of your own health early drinking water instead of sugary drinks such as pop or juice. on – this helps to greatly reduce your risk of getting any of “If the doctor has prescribed medication, it’s important to the complications related to diabetes.” take it. If you have concerns about it or how it’s working, talk to your doctor or pharmacist,” adds Penner. “Check TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES blood sugars regularly, get a good night’s sleep and try to Around 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1 (see side manage stress.” bar) which is more common in children and young adults. Symptoms for either type of diabetes can include unusual Type 1 Diabetes is more likely to be given by insulin pen thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, unplanned weight or pump than a syringe these days. “The health care team loss, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, reoccurring infections, works with a person to determine the right insulin plan that irritability and mood changes. fits their lifestyle,” says Penner. “See your doctor right away if you have any of these About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 (see side symptoms so that he or she can determine if they are bar). “Type 2 Diabetes is most common in adults, although caused by diabetes or something else,” says Penner, who we are starting to see it in children too, especially those adds the next step is to connect with the local chronic from high risk populations,” says Penner. Some common risk disease education team who teaches people how they can factors for Type 2 Diabetes include carrying extra weight manage their diabetes themselves. For more information around the waistline, having high blood pressure and/or Kathryn Penner, Registered Dietitian and Diabetes on the Chronic Disease Education Team, please visit www. high cholesterol and lack of exercise. People over 40, people Educator – Southern Health-Santé Sud. southernhealth.ca Primary Health Care, Chronic Disease with a family history of diabetes, people of aboriginal Education section. descent, or women who had diabetes during pregnancy also have a higher risk for diabetes. If diabetes is not treated, it can cause a number of complications such as, eye disease and/or blindness, THE DIFFERENCES SET REALISTIC GOALS nerve damage causing numbness in hands and feet which Eating People with diabetes can live long, healthy, active lives. increases the risk for injury or infection, heart disease, stroke BETWEEN TYPE 1 AND “It’s important to set realistic goals for physical activity, and and kidney disease. TYPE 2 DIABETES
to include healthy food choices and regular meals, especially Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin, a hormone which the body uses to control the amount Nutrition & Healthy Eating Nutrition & Healthy Eating of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Eating Nutrition & Healthy Eating Nutrition & Healthy Eating too much sugar does not cause Type 1 Diabetes, which is also not preventable. Type 1 Diabetes is treated with insulin, but Pledge to make a small, Pledge to make a small, planning daily meals, and counting how Pledge to make a small, Healthy Pledge to make a small, many carbohydrates a person consumes nourishing change and nourishing changeYou can: and also helps keep blood sugar at the right level. nourishing change and nourishingstick with it, change and stick with it, stick with it, Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas stick with it, stick with it, does not produce enough insulin or when one meal at a time! one meal at a time! the body can’t properly use the insulin one meal at a time! one mealone meal at a time! at a time! produced. It is possible to sometimes control Type 2 Diabetes through healthy nourishing change and
You can: Pledge to make a small, You can: eating and physical activity, but it may You can: You can: also be necessary to prescribe diabetes fill more of your plate with vegetables fill more of your plate with vegetables fill more of your plate with vegetables fill more of your plate with vegetables medications, including insulin. choose whole grain instead of white bread choose whole grain instead of white bread choose whole grain instead of white bread choose whole grain instead of white bread serve smaller portions serve smaller portions serve smaller portions serve smaller portions enjoy fruit for snacks instead of sweet salty treats enjoy fruit for snacks instead of sweet salty treats DIABETES RESOURCES enjoy fruit for snacks instead of sweet salty treats enjoy fruit for snacks instead of sweetfill more of your plate with vegetables saltychoose whole grain instead of white bread serve smaller portions treatsenjoy fruit for snacks instead of sweet salty treats drink water in place of sugary beverages like pop drink water in place of sugary beverages like pop drink water in place of sugary beverages like pop drink water in place of sugary beverages like pop drink water in place of sugary beverages like pop • Canadian Diabetes Association website - Nutrition & diabetes.ca - for more information and resources.
• www.southernhealth.ca (under programs and services section) - to access contact information for the chronic disease education teams in the region.
• getbettertogether.ca (or call 204-428-2760 or 1-800-742-6509) - for more information or to register for Get Better Together (a program for those living with chronic health conditions).
16 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Diabetes: Life Changing, but Controllable
Pat Giesbrecht felt overwhelmed last July when she learned LIFESTYLE CHANGES she had Type 2 Diabetes. “Nobody in my family had Giesbrecht, who is approaching 70, knew several years ago diabetes, so this was new for me,” she says. “Where did this that she was pre-diabetic, which is why she has always tried come from? What was I going to do about it? How was I to eat healthy and exercise regularly, which she credits as going to live with this? All sorts of things were going around the reason she is only on the low end of the diabetic cycle. in my head.” “To anyone who has been told they are pre-diabetic, don’t
But Giesbrecht was determined to be in control of her own take it lightly,” says Giesbrecht. “You can make necessary health, and so she set about educating herself and began lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or getting more monitoring the foods she ate. “From October to December, exercise, so you may not become a Type 2 Diabetic.” I kept track of everything I ate and tested my blood before Besides monitoring what she eats, Giesbrecht wears weights and two hours after I ate. I wrote down in a little book how when doing housework to increase her exercise intensity, each food affected my blood sugar levels,” she says. “Now and meditates to reduce stress levels. I am modifying how I eat based on what I noticed. For Having diabetes has changed her lifestyle, and there are Pat Giesbrecht was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in example, one of my favourite dishes is a baked potato, but good and bad days, says Giesbrecht. “With diabetes, there 2015. Today, she is determined to continue to control it sends my blood sugar sky high. So if I’m going to have is always fluctuation. There’s no saying I can get down to her diabetes through diet and exercise. a baked potato, I know I have to plan ahead and walk two this number and it’s going to stay that way. It’s constantly lots of advice and explain what’s happening in my body. But miles to counterbalance it.” changing, so you have to stay on top of it,” she says. they aren’t having breakfast with me, or taking my dog for She’s also learned a lot from her Diabetes Educator, Kathryn Giesbrecht does take diabetes medication, but is a walk or saying ‘Pat don’t sit so long, get up and move’. It’s Penner, who likes the idea of Giesbrecht’s little book - so determined to continue to control her diabetes through diet up to me to take control. My advice to others with diabetes much she is planning to suggest it to some of her other and exercise. “The most important thing is to stay active is to remember that there is help, but ultimately your health clients. and motivated,” she says. “Kathryn and my doctor give me and your life is in your own hands.”
2016 Healthy Communities Conference Explores Social Equity
Representatives from several communities attended the 2016 Healthy Communities Conference held April 14 in Austin, where they explored the theme of how to build social equity in communities.
Attendees participated in an interactive poverty simulation hosted by Brandon United Way – an exercise that helped to understand about the many factors that preventing people from having equitable access to education, food, health care, housing, employment and other resources we often take for granted.
Social equity is about fair access to all these things, and ensuring that everyone can participate in the political, Attendees participated in an interactive poverty simulation – a role playing activity where some people assumed economic, ecological and cultural life of the community the role of family members living in poverty. they live in. To be healthy, people need to have choices and options that allow them to meet the fundamental needs of the shoes of those who have less. Participants were asked were transportation and lack of affordable housing. It was themselves and their families. to remember these feelings and were asked to be more really valuable to hear the ideas about what strategies and accepting when meeting and working with people who resources each could use to address these issues and help EXPERIENCING POVERTY experience poverty.” build social equity communities.” The poverty simulation – a role playing activity where some people assumed the role of family members living After a walkabout of the community during lunchtime, the The Healthy Communities Committee of the RM of North in poverty, and others the role of service providers to community groups participated in round table discussions Norfolk and MacGregor organized the conference in these people - was very powerful, says Healthy Living to identify the social equity assets and gaps that exist in partnership with Southern Health-Santé Sud. “Working Facilitator, Dianna Meseyton-Neufeld. “Taking on these communities. Communities then used this information to with the committee is always an inspiration and a validating roles gives you a very different perspective and it can develop an action plan that they could take with them to experience that demonstrates how communities can, and be very uncomfortable,” she says. “The simulation made continue working on. do make huge differences to improve the health, overall everyone realize the choices some people have to make to prosperity and social equity of their residents,” says survive. Often it’s the processes and the way our society is SHARING IDEAS Meseyton-Neufeld. structured that leaves them little choices. Many participants “Many of the communities realized they shared the same felt a sense of hopelessness and frustration when walking in issues,” says Meseyton-Neufeld. “Two that came up a lot
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 17 You only need one reason to quit. We have three ways to help.
Smokers’ Helpline has proven tips and tools to help you quit tobacco use. We have three ways for you to get free, personalized and non-judgmental support, advice and information that can improve your chance for success. You can quit! We can help. Working with Schools to Phone Support HelpOnline Program StudentsText Messaging QUIT SMOKING
Southern Health-Santé Sud is partnering with school Samantha Brinton was one of the 34 youth ambassadors In-the-Nic-O-Time Challenge was hosted by divisions in the region to deliver programs designed to at PCI involved in the In-The-Nic-O-Time Challenge as part the Portage Collegiate Institute in 2015. (lt.-rt.) Shauna Cochrane‑Thomson, Teacher - PCI; Peter help high school students quit smoking. One of them is the of her activities with SWAT (Students Working Against Saunders, Teacher - PCI ; Maureen Owens, Healthy Manitoba Lung Association’s In-the-Nic-O-Time Challenge, Tobacco) a provincial program offered in many Manitoba Living Facilitator, Public Health-Healthy Living; Dana which Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) has offered for schools. Pruden; Teacher - PCI and George Koch, Manitoba Lung the past two years. In the Nic-O-Time Challenge educates Brinton spent her lunch times encouraging students to sign Association. students in Grades 9 to 12 about the dangers of tobacco and up for the challenge and says the one-on-one contact was encourages quitting, cutting back or not starting smoking. really important. “When we were talking to them about the Manitoba youth smoking rates have gone down by 50% in damage that can be caused to their body by tobacco use the past 15 years. “Strong partnerships like the In-The-Nic- and asking them to sign up for the program, they were a lot SMOKE-FREE O-Time Challenge are helping keep that momentum going,” more willing to,” says Brinton, who is in Grade 11. “You could says Maureen Owens, Healthy Living Facilitator for the potentially save lives by encouraging people to stay away ENVIRONMENT Portage la Prairie area. from tobacco, and it’s a great way to meet people who have the same values as yourself.” A total of 274 students from PCI registered in 2015. Of those POLICY PROVIDES 10 indicated they wanted to quit and 14 wanted to cut back. Southern Health-Santé Sud recently completed a different PRACTICAL TOOLS A coordinator from the Manitoba Lung Association works project with the Steinbach Regional Secondary School and with teachers who champion the program. Student youth the Hanover School Division. The project focus was to support FOR HEALTH CARE ambassadors promote and help run the two-week, online youth leadership in commercial tobacco use prevention challenge. Students received motivational messages via text through SWAT teams and to facilitate tobacco prevention in PROVIDERS or email during the two weeks and prizes if they completed middle year schools. It also focused on school-based tobacco Southern Health-Santé Sud’s new Smoke- the challenge. use cessation for high school students which included free Environment Policy is based on support for a Cessation Counsellor in the High Schools. current research and best practices from all over Canada. The region’s Tobacco Working Group - with the help of University of Saskatoon, Masters of Public Health student, Louann Van Damme - developed the policy over many months. “The use of commercial tobacco has changed over the years so, to stay relevant, we need to constantly look at our Smoke-free Environment Policy and keep it current,” says Healthy Living Facilitator, Irene Ascough. “We took a look at the relevant literature, took a scan of our You only need one reason to quit. environment to see what was realistic, You only need one reason to quit. and we talked to all kinds of stakeholders YouWe only have need thr eeone ways reason to helto quip. t. about what would work best for our YouWe only have need thr eeone ways reason to helto quip. t. facilities in the region.” SmokerWes’ Helpline have has proven thr tipsee and ways tools to help to you quithel tobaccop. use. The intent was that the policy should do WeSmoker haveWes ’three Helpline have ways has for proven youth tor tipsgetee andfree, ways tools personalized to help to you and quit helnon-judgmental tobaccop. use. more than just tell people where they Smokers’ Helpline has proven tips and tools to help you quit tobacco use. Wesupport, have advicethree waysand information for you to get that free, can personalizedimprove your and chance non-judgmental for success. could or could not smoke, says Ascough. support,Smokers advice’ Helpline and has information proven tips that and can tools improve to help your you chance quit tobacco for success. use. Wesupport, have advicethree waysand information forY ouyou can to getquit! that free, canWe personalizedcanimprove help. your and chance non-judgmental for success. “We also wanted to provide staff with We have three ways forY ouyou can to getquit! free, We personalizedcan help. and non-judgmental support, advice and informationYou can quit! that canWe canimprove help. your chance for success. tools to engage in conversation with support, advice and information that can improve your chance for success. You can quit! We can help. their clients and to empower them to Phone SupportYou canOnline quit! Program We can help.Text Messaging look at their tobacco use, helping them Phone Support Online Program Text Messaging Phone Support Online Program Text Messaging understand that there is support available Phone Support Online Program Text Messaging to them,” she says. One of those supports is the Smokers’ You only need one reason to quit. We have three ways to help. Helpline. “There is good evidence that
Smokers’ Helpline has proven tips and tools to help you quit tobacco use. people who receive support for quitting We have three ways for you to get free, personalized and non-judgmental support, advice and information that can improve your chance for success. smoking tend to be far more successful You can quit! We can help. than trying to go it alone,” says Ascough. Phone Support Online Program Text Messaging “The Smokers’ Helpline is our number one go-to resource for people who want to stop or reduce their tobacco use in the region. The Helpline is not just for people who want to quit or reduce their © Canadian Cancer Society 2010. smoking - it can also be for someone who is concerned about someone else’s © Canadian Cancer Society 2010.
© Canadian Cancer Society 2010. © Canadian Cancer Society 2010. smoking. They have excellent resources © Canadian Cancer Society 2010. and the staff is well-trained to be able to © Canadian Cancer Society 2010. have those conversations.”
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COLOURS CMYK IMAGES HI-RES X FPO Steinbach student, Desiree Although it was tough to begin with, Ridge kept Ridge celebrated an important working with Stoez until she found something that worked for her. “She asked me to read a self-help anniversary in March - it was book about quitting smoking, and instead of going exactly a year since she quit for a cigarette, I would read and within two or three smoking. Ridge who was then 18, weeks my cravings had gone. I felt super proud of had been smoking for four years myself.” when she decided she wanted to Stoez also encouraged Ridge to enter the online quit and approached the school’s Manitoba Quits: Quit Smoking Challenge run by the Manitoba Lung Association. “I was still unsure about smoking counsellor, Angela Stoez, my capability to quit, so I just entered the contest for for help. one week of no smoking, which I easily achieved,” says Ridge. “As it turned out I could have entered the “I had tried to quit several times on my own and one month category. It was a great way to boost my failed,” says Ridge. “I appreciate all the time that confidence.” she spent with me, encouraging me. I would text her all my successes and, if I wanted to go for a smoke, Ridge says having someone who can be a positive she’d suggest I do something else instead, like make a influence is a big help for anyone who wants to quit smoothie, or watch TV or read a book. I honestly don’t smoking. “Talk to people who don’t smoke. They think I could have done it without her.” won’t make you feel bad if you fail,” she says. “They’ll support you and encourage you to do better.” Ridge says it was hard for her to break the habit because everyone in her household smokes, but she was determined to quit for the sake of her baby A Year daughter. “I didn’t want my daughter to be influenced like I was by my parents and my siblings. I saw them Smoke-free and my friends smoking and that’s why I started.”
Share and Learn Bus Tour WHAT IS FOOD SECURITY? The World Health Organization defines food security as when “all Helps Communities Plan people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to Food Security Programs maintain a healthy and active life.”
As food costs rise, more communities are struggling to provide short-term relief – through Food security workshops held later in Winkler, Richer, Carman, Roseau River and MacGregor food banks and other programs - for individuals and families striving to meet their basic provided a follow up to the bus tour. “The rural workshops brought people with similar needs. Public Health-Healthy Living staff in the region recently organized a bus tour and goals together to collaborate and plan,” says Leigh Finney, Healthy Living Facilitator for the workshops which brought community groups and organizations together to share ideas about Steinbach area. “It was a great opportunity to build common ground as to what food security the things that they, and others, are doing to improve food security. is all about and to identify gaps in the community and who has the means to fill them.”
Morden has brought the Donate Love Food Bank and Many Hands Resource Centre into one SHARING IDEAS ON THE BUS location and are now planning programs jointly. Winkler soon hopes to move its food bank Last October, the Urban Share and Learn Bus Tour visited four different organizations involved to a more accessible location at the Central Station Community Centre, which offers many in food security work in Winnipeg. “We invited some of the people involved or interested skill-building programs such as cooking lessons and community meal programs, as well as a in food security in their respective communities to hop on the bus with us,” says Healthy location for Public Health-Healthy Living programs such as Healthy Baby. Living Facilitator, Cheryl Pearson, one of the organizers of the event. “One of the most valuable outcomes of the bus tour was the ability for people to share their own community’s HEALTHY LIVING WORKING WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS experiences and ideas in an informal, relaxed setting.” Healthy Living Facilitators continue to work with communities and to help them access funding through Healthy Living Together and Healthy Together Now grants offered by Southern Health-Santé Sud – this to support various food security initiatives across the region.
“Some of the grant funds are supporting skill building, for example, programs with school groups and young moms about how to use leftovers better, or how to shop healthfully with rising food costs,” says Pearson. “In Winkler, we are planning to offer cooking classes as part of our Healthy Living Together program in conjunction with the local food bank.”
The bus tour and workshops have provided some momentum for many different communities in the region to begin planning, or expanding their own food security initiatives. Richer already has a community garden and Ste. Anne has a food bank located at the RM of Ste. Anne on Main Street. The community of Richer, in association with the local school, is hoping to run a pilot BAG (Better Access to Groceries) program, which will increase access to fresh nutritious fruits and vegetables through a bulk buying concept which will help increase food security for families in the Richer school catchment area.
The community of Roseau River and area have an active planning group. They are excited to be exploring ideas about how to help people in the area have access to good food and celebrate the production and sharing of food. The Carman Food Security group is growing Public Health-Healthy Living staff in the region recently organized a bus tour and workshops which brought community groups and organizations together to share and so there’s lots of interest in developing a community garden for 2017. ideas about the things that they, and others, are doing to improve food security. “We are all working towards building community capacity to try and create a system so that Photo credit, Steven Sukkau - Goldenwest Radio. all people can have food that’s affordable and accessible,” says Finney.
Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 19 Protect Yourself When Travelling to Zika-affected Countries
Pack plenty of bug repellent and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites if you are travelling to an area affected by the current Zika virus outbreak or an area at risk, and for two months to a Zika virus-affected country, especially if you are a pregnant woman, or could become after returning to Canada. Women who are pregnant or could potentially be pregnant, should pregnant. see their health care provider if they have any symptoms associated with the Zika virus within two weeks of their return. Testing for the Zika virus is available on a priority basis for pregnant The Zika virus has been around for a long time, mainly in Africa and Asia, but in 2015 there women. were outbreaks in North, Central and South America. The mosquito-borne Zika virus causes a mild, short-lived disease, and only around 25% of people infected exhibit symptoms. It has Zika virus can persist for an extended period of time in the semen of infected men. Men now been confirmed by the scientific community that the Zika virus can cause babies to be returning from Zika affected areas whose partners are pregnant should use condoms for born with microcephaly – abnormally small heads – and a rare neurological disorder, Guillain- the duration of the pregnancy. It is also strongly recommended that couples wanting to Barré syndrome. conceive should wait for six months during which time men should use condoms, and that men returning from an affected area or an area at risk of the Zika virus, even if they show no symptoms, should use condoms with any partner for at least six months after returning from Health officials have developed recommendations to protect these areas. pregnant women from being infected with the Zika virus and “We don’t have a vaccine or a treatment for the Zika virus, and we don’t have any early transmitting it to their unborn children. The Public Health Agency detection or treatment for infants if they are infected with the Zika virus, who could be of Canada advises pregnant women to avoid travelling to areas at risk for microcephaly,” says Dr. Shelley Buchan, Medical Officer of Health for Southern where there are ongoing outbreaks of Zika virus, which it lists on Health‑Santé Sud. “This is a permanent disability, so that’s why the recommendations are its website. If travel is essential, they should take strict measures to broad because we are trying to prevent any Canadian families from being exposed and having avoid mosquito bites during the day as well as from dusk to dawn. to deal with these serious health issues.”
Canada’s climate prevents the mosquitoes which carry the Zika virus from living here, and to date the 67 cases of Zika virus reported in Canada have all been travel related. As research continues regarding the role of sexual transmission of the Zika Virus, health officials strongly recommend caution. Women should avoid becoming pregnant during travel
TO ZIKA-AFFECTED 3 easy ways
PROTECT AGAINST ZIKA VIRUS Southern Health-Santé Sud BY PREVENTING 3 easy ways MOSQUITO BITES
PREGNANT WOMEN AND THOSE CONSIDERING BECOMING PREGNANT 3 easy ways +PZJ\ZZ`V\Y[YH]LSWSHUZ^P[O`V\YOLHS[OJHYLWYV]PKLY[VHZZLZZ`V\YYPZRHUKJVUZPKLY 3 easy ways WVZ[WVUPUN[YH]LS Visit www.southernhealth.ca 0M[YH]LSJHUUV[ILWVZ[WVULKZ[YPJ[TVZX\P[VIP[LWYL]LU[PVUTLHZ\YLZZOV\SKILMVSSV^LK Southern Health-Santé Sud Southern HealthSouthern-Santé Health Sud-Santé Sud MOSQUITOES BITE IN DAYLIGHT AND EVENING HOURS MTS Directory Prevent mosquito bites: MONITOR YOUR HEALTH AND WATCH FOR THESE SYMPTOMS: MTS Directory SV^NYHKLML]LY YLKL`LZ SHJRVMLULYN`Visit www.southernhealth.ca For a listing of services available in your community, look under Visit www.southernhealth.caYHZO T\ZJSLVYQVPU[WHPU OLHKHJOLZ “Southern CallHealth–Santé Health Sud”, Links-Info your community Santé acute/long term care/transitional toll free or primary at health1-888-315-9257 care facility name; or in the yellow pages under Health Services And speak to a Registered Nurse, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week If you get sick while travellingVY^P[OPUKH`ZHM[LY`V\YYL[\YU MTS Directory14 see a health care providerHUK[LSS[OLT^OLYL`V\OH]LILLU[YH]LSSPUNVYSP]PUN MTS Directory For a listing of services available Call Health in your Links-Info community, Santé look under “Southern Health–Santé Sud”,toll your free atcommunity 1-888-315-9257 acute/long term For more information: Canada.ca/zika-virus And speak to a Registered Nurse, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week For a listing of servicescare/transitional or primary health care facility name;available or in the in your community, look under “Southern Health–Santéyellow pages under Health Services Sud”, your community acute/long term care/transitional or primary health care facility name; or in the yellow pages under Call Health Links-Info SantéHealth Services 20 Spring 2016 toll free at 1-888-315-9257Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca And speak to a Registered Nurse, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week Call Health Links-Info Santé toll free at 1-888-315-9257 And speak to a Registered Nurse, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week Want to Play? NATURE IS THE GREATEST PLAYGROUND – THERE ARE NO EXPECTATIONS, NO CHALLENGES, AND NOWHERE YOU HAVE TO BE - JUST THE EXCITEMENT OF DISCOVERING A COLOURFUL BUTTERFLY ON A FLOWER, CHASING A FRIEND AROUND THE YARD. Do you remember the sheer joy of just being a kid? No children, they are letting them know how important they Play is not just important for children - adults benefit expectations, no challenges, nowhere you had to be - just are. Playing, laughing and being physically active help from play too. Play can help ground us in our values and the excitement of discovering a colourful butterfly on a develop strong family relationships and family time, and morals, providing us with a sense of meaning, perspective, flower, chasing a friend around the yard, or the feel of cool contribute to a sense of belonging. Play provides a way and purpose as we role play life scenarios, and create grass under your bare feet on a hot, summer day? to share your family’s culture and help develop and pass opportunities for self awareness, and explore what’s “right on family traditions. When children play with one another, and wrong”. Chances are those are the childhood memories you cherish they build friendships and learn to respect differences and most. Free play is not only joyful and memorable but it also Through play, we build our brains, enhance communication problem-solve conflicts. has positive health benefits for life. Oh … and it’s fun! skills, build pathways for literacy, promote good mental Nature is the greatest playground, and play can help us health and develop a sense of emotional well-being. PLAY IS VALUABLE TO OUR HEALTH connect with our surroundings. It provides a place for It can decrease stress and feelings of anxiety. Play Play can build a sound foundation for the six components of exploration and creativity and obstacles to advance physical develops problem-solving skills, critical thinking strategies, health – physical, social, environmental, emotional, spiritual skills like jumping and running. It builds appreciation and strengthens brain connections and enhances memory and and intellectual/mental. connection with the world around us, our community, and creativity. We may not think about the muscles we’re building when our natural world. So what are you waiting for?? … get out and play! we climb the monkey bars … or our cardiac endurance Children at play can express their emotions and nurture when we race our hardest to “avoid the tag” - but that’s interests. It can be a safe place where they can express what’s happening. Play encourages physical movement and their feelings, helping them to deal with difficult emotions CELEBRATE THE research shows children that develop their physical skills and provides a way to communicate and master coping and experience joy in movement are more likely to stay strategies. Play builds confidence, and it is where children SHEER JOY OF active throughout their lifetime. can practice being in charge and making choices in a safe Play can support the development of strong, social space. relationships. When parents engage in play with their PLAY Free play is the simplest thing to do. It’s just living in the moment, getting back to basics and being aware of your Physical Activity surroundings and finding fun in everyday, simple things. Some simple ideas you might want to try: • play catch • take a walk, jump in or over puddles • climb a tree • build a fort • make a mud pie • lie on the ground and imagine pictures in the clouds • collect rocks, leaves, shells or feathers and discuss their individual beauty • count the spots on a ladybug “When children pretend, they are using their imaginations, to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic Limit recreational screen time to no more than 2 hours per day. wand. A sock can be a puppet. A small Lower levels are associated with positive health benefits. child can be a superhero.” -Fred Rogers Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 21 ‘Teens and Stress’ … perspective from a 16 year-old “I think stress is a problem for teenagers like me … because when you get to a certain age, you start worrying about certain things … like, school, your grades, your friendships – what people think about you, boyfriends, sports, your families, body image, your first car and drivers and, for most teenagers like me, we juggle a part time job on top of all that.” The Parents’ Corner THE LETTER YOUR TEENAGER CAN’T your grown up friends together and have a ‘surviving-your- IS IT STRESS WRITE YOU teenager-support-group-rage-fest’ that’s fine with me. Or talk about me behind my back - I don’t care. Just don’t give Dear Parent: up on me. Don’t give up on this fight. I need it. OR ANXIETY? This is the letter I wish I could write. This is the fight that will teach me that my shadow is not It’s not always easy to decide whether a This fight we are in right now. I need it. I need this fight. bigger than my light. This is the fight that will teach me that person is suffering from stress or anxiety, I can’t tell you this because I don’t have the language bad feelings don’t mean the end of a relationship. This is the which is why Dana Geisel, Mental Health for it and it wouldn’t make sense anyway. But I need this fight that will teach me how to listen to myself, even when it Promotion Facilitator teaches teens and fight. Badly. I need to hate you right now and I need you might disappoint others. parents to look for the following four to survive it. I need you to survive my hating you and And this particular fight will end. Like any storm, it will cues (the 4 D’s) that indicate they are you hating me. I need this fight even though I hate it too. blow over. And I will forget and you will forget. And then it experiencing anxiety. It doesn’t matter what this fight is even about: curfew, will come back. And I will need you to hang on to the rope homework, laundry, my messy room, going out, staying in, • Distressing – Your symptoms are very again. I will need this over and over for years. leaving, not leaving, boyfriend, girlfriend, no friends, bad upsetting to you. I know there is nothing inherently satisfying in this job friends. It doesn’t matter. I need to fight you on it and I need • Disruptive – Your life is being for you. I know I will likely never thank you for it or even you to fight me back. disrupted. You can’t hang out with acknowledge your side of it. In fact I will probably criticize I desperately need you to hold the other end of the rope. friends, you are avoiding school, and you for all this hard work. It will seem like nothing you do To hang on tightly while I thrash on the other end - while you can’t get your school work done. will be enough. And yet, I am relying entirely on your ability I find the handholds and footholds in this new world I feel to stay in this fight. No matter how much I argue. No matter • Duration – Your symptoms are lasting like I am in. I used to know who I was, who you were, who how much I sulk. No matter how silent I get. long after the initial stressor has we were. But right now I don’t. Right now I am looking for disappeared. Please hang on to the other end of the rope. And know that my edges and I can sometimes only find them when I am you are doing the most important job that anyone could • Disproportionate – You are feeling pulling on you. When I push everything I used to know to its possibly be doing for me right now. much more anxious than anyone else edge. Then I feel like I exist and for a minute I can breathe. around you is feeling about the same I know you long for the sweeter kid that I was. I know this Love, Your Teenager situation. because I long for that kid too, and some of that longing is Anonymous what is so painful for me right now. If you experience stress or anxiety, “According to recent studies, the numbers there are people who can help. Talk to a I need this fight and I need to see that no matter how bad guidance counsellor, your family doctor or or big my feelings are - they won’t destroy you or me. I of teenagers suffering from a diagnosed contact other resources: need you to love me even at my worst, even when it looks anxiety disorder aren’t changing. But there are like I don’t love you. I need you to love yourself and me for definitely more teens struggling with moderate Southern Health-Santé Sud the both of us right now. I know it sucks to be disliked and to chronic levels of stress and anxiety, and their labeled the bad guy. I feel the same way on the inside, but Mental Health Access - Toll-free: ability to cope isn’t keeping up”, says Dana I need you to tolerate it and get other grownups to help 1-888-310-4593 you. Because I can’t right now. If you want to get all of Geisel, Mental Health Promotion Facilitator. 22 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca A Frightful Day in Manitou ... Code Grey in action! Last summer, when LPN Wayne Van Den Bussche was tool and afterwards a useful learning opportunity. “It gave finishing his shift at the Pembina Manitou Health Centre us the chance to identify what to do and provided learning (PMHC), imagine how shocked he was to step outside outcomes of how we could be more efficient should it ever and see a tornado snaking out of the dark clouds towards happen again,” she says. the ground. Facility staff quickly called a Code Grey Emergency Codes are developed regionally and tweaked emergency – which deals with threatening weather – and to suit the needs of different sites across the region, says began moving residents and their visitors to a windowless Larry Skoglund, Disaster Management Officer for Southern hallway in the centre of the building. Health-Santé Sud. “They are living documents set up as “We pulled out the Code Grey document, went through the standardized, regional documents for various potential checklist, and followed the guidelines,” says Jenn Sager, emergencies/disasters. Task sheets associated to each Client Services Manager at PMHC. “Luckily, because we were emergency code are tailored to meet site operations/ Larry Skoglund, Regional Disaster Management changing shifts, staff remained at the facility to provide layout,” says Skoglund. To date, standardized versions of Officer - Southern Health-Santé Sud reviewing extra hands to help relocate and reassure our residents Code Grey (threatening weather) and Code Yellow (missing Emergency Codes. and families. Regardless of their role in the facility, all staff persons) are completed and the Southern Health-Santé Sud helped out. They were great.” is currently rolling out a revised Code Red (dealing with Myth: The low pressure with a tornado fires). Family members were also a terrific help in keeping the causes buildings to explode. Opening the 26 residents calm and supported, spending over an hour The staff at a facility often practice implementation of windows will equalize the pressure. in the hallway. “To keep everyone distracted, one person emergency codes in the context of table top exercises. In Fact: Violent winds and debris cause most even played guitar for the residents and, because it was addition to involving site staff, mock exercises sometimes structural damage. Opening windows to someone’s birthday, we also sang ‘happy birthday’ in the also include community and local emergency services. equalize pressure has no effect. It is more hallway,” adds Sager. This allows everyone to see how they work in a real life important for you to move to a safe area situation. Adaptations to the action plans are subsequently away from windows and exterior walls. In a SCARY, BUT A USEFUL LEARNING incorporated as necessary. tornado, every second counts, so use your EXPERIENCE PMHC staff members were certainly glad that they had the time wisely and take cover. In addition, Three tornadoes touched down in nearby fields in the Code Grey plan in place last June. “It’s a guide, and a useful open windows may allow rain, hail and Manitou area that afternoon, but thankfully there was little tool, and we were very thankful we had it,” says Sager. winds to enter the house where they may damage and no injuries. Although a scary experience at the “It ensured we didn’t miss any steps and helped to keep cause damage. time, Sager says that the Code Grey action plan was a great everyone calm. I am grateful for the outcome.” IN A CAR OR TRUCK: Vehicles are extremely WHAT TO DO IF dangerous in a tornado. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its A TORNADO IS THREATENING path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible -- out of the traffic lanes. [It is safer to get the car out of mud later if necessary than to cause a crash.] Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If in the open country, run to low ground away from any cars (which may roll over on you). Lie flat and face-down, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris. IN THE OPEN OUTDOORS: If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado. IN A HOUSE WITH A BASEMENT: Avoid IN AN OFFICE BUILDING, HOSPITAL, windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of NURSING HOME OR SKYSCRAPER: Go directly to IN A CHURCH OR THEATRE: Do not panic. If sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover an enclosed, windowless area in the centre of the building -- possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very away from glass and on the lowest floor possible. Then, hallway, away from windows. Crouch face-down and protect heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are your head with your arms. If there is no time to do that, get waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow under the seats or pews, protecting your head with your down through a weakened floor and crush you. you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators; you arms or hands. could be trapped in them if the power is lost. IN A HOUSE WITH NO BASEMENT, A DORM, AFTER THE TORNADO: Keep your family together OR AN APARTMENT: Avoid windows. Go to the IN A MOBILE HOME: Get out! Even if your home is and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Carefully render lowest floor, small centre room (like a bathroom or closet), tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only aid to those who are injured. Stay away from power lines under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. alternative is to seek shelter out in the open. Most tornadoes and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and can destroy even tied-down mobile homes; and it is best not electricity! Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a to play the low odds that yours will make it. If your community and other sharp objects. Stay out of any heavily damaged shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding permanent building within easy running distance, seek shelter use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, or fuel tanks nearby. Remain calm and alert, and listen for case the roof and ceiling fail. protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from information and instructions from emergency crews or local trees and cars, which can be blown onto you. officials. Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2016 23 SIMPLE TIPS TO KEEP THE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME HEALTHY How is the Clean air is essential for good health, and this is especially Home health risks come in many shapes and forms. They true when it comes to indoor air. As Canadians, we spend a can be found in the air in forms such as with smoke, radon, air quality in great deal of time indoors. That’s why it’s important to make and carbon monoxide. They can also be found in household sure our homes are safe and healthy places to live. All of us products, water and dust, like household chemicals and your home? have the ability to control the quality of our own indoor air. lead. “As Canadians, we spend close to 90% of our time inside - at home, at work and in recreational environments. Most people, however, are unaware of the effects that poor indoor air quality can have on their health”, says Dr. Buchan, Medical Officer of Health. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO HELP “IMPROVE THE AIR QUALITY” IN YOUR HOME, HELPING YOU TO BREATHE EASIER: COMMON Everyday dirt and dust Mold and mildew SYMPTOMS OF Dust and dirt on our carpet, furniture, and floors can Mold often proliferates in warm and humid easily become airborne irritants to those with asthma environments, like poorly-ventilated bathrooms and INDOOR AIR or allergies if not dealt with regularly. Choose a wet- laundry rooms. The best way to keep mold from cleaning method on hard surfaces such as floors and growing in these areas is to control moisture. This can POLLUTION shelves, like a mop or wet cloth, which will help prevent be done by using a dehumidifier, running the furnace, the dust and dirt from becoming airborne during using a fan, or opening the windows if the air outside is Symptoms of poor indoor air quality cleaning. dry. are very broad and depend on the contaminant. They can easily be mistaken Pet dander Smoking for symptoms of other illnesses such as Animal dander is a very common household allergen. Cigarettes contain dozens of harmful chemicals which allergies, stress, colds and influenza. The To help control animal dander in your home, make sure are released into the atmosphere when smoked. most common symptoms are: to vacuum weekly, clean pet areas often, and keep your Secondhand smoke can cause asthma and respiratory • coughing pet clean and brushed. infections in children and increased risk for lung cancer. To keep the air free from harmful chemicals in the home, • sneezing Furnace and central air quit smoking or smoke only when you are away from • watery eyes It is important to change or clean the filter regularly home or outside. on your furnace or central air system to ensure that it • fatigue consider bringing a little of the outdoors is circulating clean air. A disposable air filter should be One final tip … • dizziness IN by adding some houseplants as living air purifiers. changed every 3 months, and a reusable air filter should For more information about Indoor Air Quality please • headaches be cleaned once a month. visit Health Canada at www.hc-sc.gc.ca • upper respiratory congestion Health TO OUR HEALTH! Thank you for reading our Spring 2016 issue reaching households across Southern Health-Santé Sud. Created by Southern Health-Santé Sud, this newsletter is published to share stories about health care, promotion and wellness. Many regards to the numerous interviewees who contributed to our stories. Reproduction of materials in whole or in part is encouraged with confirmation from: Lorraine Grenier Regional Director - Communications & French Language Services Southern Health-Santé Sud Improving [email protected] Your Health: 1-800-742-6509 Make small changes to your diet, one meal at a time! THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! 24 Spring 2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud Newsletter // www.southernhealth.ca