Former resident donates artwork to Erickson Health Centre
The walls of the Erickson Health Centre are a little brighter thanks to a recent donation from a former resident. Vera Johnson, who was born in Erickson, donated a painting depicting a soothing scene within Riding Mountain National Park.
“As I neared retirement from teaching in Alberta, I became interested in painting. An oil painting course offered by a local artist excited me. My first attempts at painting were subjects that I drew from childhood memories. These were of my childhood home in Manitoba, my grandparents, their home and local places of interest. So, I decided to do a series of paintings related to the Park.
The painting is entitled “Family Fun at Clear Lake”. Johnson says it conveys feelings of togetherness with beloved family and friends and elicits a sense of relaxation by being by the waters of Clear Lake.
“On many occasions when I have visited hospitals where I live in Edmonton, I am always uplifted by the art work I see. My hope is that this painting will bring a smile to those who visit Erickson Health Centre.
PMH sincerely thanks Johnson for her thoughtful and insightful donation.
Nurse Practitioner hits the ground running in Souris area
Note: As part of national Nurse Practitioner Week, which takes place this year from November 13-19, PMH is pleased to introduce the newest recruit to the health region.
Hello, my name is Danielle Lewis MN RN (NP) and I am the Nurse Practitioner (NP) who recently accepted a position within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region at Souris Medical Associates, Souris Hospital, and Sioux Valley Health Centre.
I grew up on a cattle farm close to Melita. I enjoyed living the farm life, playing hockey, baseball, badminton and acting in community musicals. Upon my high school graduation, I moved to Winnipeg to attend University.
While working on my nursing degree, I worked as a health care aide at St. Boniface hospital on a variety of floors and Jocelyn House providing palliative care in a home setting. After graduating with my Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Manitoba, I worked as a Registered Nurse in the Intermediate Care Nursery, Children’s Acute Medicine, and Brandon Emergency Room.
I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan Master of Nursing Nurse Practitioner program in 2020 and began working at Swan Lake First Nation Health Centre. Afterwards, I joined Southern Health in the first solely NP lead model in Manitoba, which included primary care, in-patient care and enhance primary care/extended hours.
Excited to work closer to home, I came back to PMH in August of 2022. My primary site is Souris and includes clinical as well as hospital practice. I also work part-time at the Sioux Valley Health Centre. I provide care for a range of acute and chronic health concerns and conditions. In my practice, I do a lot of teaching and believe in empowering patients to understand their health and participate in their care.
In addition to being an NP, I am a wife and Mom of two boys ages 5 and 2. I continue to play hockey, baseball, enjoy camping and teach yoga. In both my practice and personal life, I believe that if you do not make time for health, you will be forced to make time for illness.
The health staff and community members have been very welcoming and supportive. I look forward to working with you all and growing my role for many years to come.
For more information on Nurse Practitioners within PMH, view the health region’s website.
Sober Living Garden Program – A Healthy Together Now Feature
Gardening is a wonderful way to get outside and connect with nature while reducing stress and getting in some exercise. With 2022 being named Canada’s “Year of the Garden” and food prices increasing due to high inflation rates, the Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region (CHHA) decided to apply for funding to build, plant and maintain several new raised garden beds in the compound that houses the Sober Living Program in Brandon, as well as revitalize some existing beds. Their vision was that participants in the Sober Living Program and their other programs would be involved with the building, planting and maintaining of the beds, along with CHHA staff. CHHA has had pre-existing garden beds for several years, however this was the first time they were integrated into their programming.
The goals of the program were many – including enhancing and providing opportunities for Sober Living Program participants to learn new skills such as healthy eating, meal planning, gardening and preserving food; providing low impact outdoor physical activity through the process of preparing and maintaining the garden beds; providing positive activities for program participants to interact with and contribute to their community thus contributing to their mental health.
The project was quite successful with many benefits to the program participants, as well as the downtown community. The Sober Living Program participant who tended the garden beds repeatedly commented that working in them helped him maintain his sobriety. Produce from the gardens was shared with other program participants and used for the community meal preparation of the Sober Living Program.
Partnerships with the Global Market, Samaritan House, the BNRC’s Creation Nation and the City of Brandon were strengthened and the CHHA benefited through many donations and discounts. The City of Brandon donated soil and mulch and the Creation Nation’s men’s group cut the lumber for the garden beds and Russ, the Coordinator, provided input as to how the beds should be constructed. Because of the cost savings they were able to purchase haskaps, saskatoons, three apple trees, a pear tree and an edible cactus to plant a mini-orchard, the first of its kind for the downtown core and accessible to the entire community. They also hope to extend the gardening program into the winter with the purchase of small fig trees, mini-pineapple plants, aloe vera and prickly pear cactus and a portable greenhouse. This will encourage program participants to continue to build their interests in gardening and healthy eating throughout the winter, thus providing gardening opportunities and all the benefits that come with them year-round.
Overall the program was a great success, and will be for years to come!
Interested in receiving funding for a project focused on healthy eating, physical activity, mental well-being or tobacco prevention and reduction in your community? Visit Prairie Mountain Health’s ‘Healthy Together Now’ page for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
International Day of People Impacted by Suicide Loss
International Day of People Impacted by Suicide Loss – Nov. 19, 2022
Losing someone to suicide is a unique loss and can lead to several conflicting feelings and many unanswered questions. There is no one way to feel or grieve a death by suicide – we all react and grieve differently. It is important to remember that you are not alone – that suicide impacts more people than we often know about.
International Day of People Impacted by Suicide Loss is an annual event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experiences.
The Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN) is hosting an in person event for everyone in Brandon and Area to attend.
Please join SPIN on November 14th 2022, at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Brandon Manitoba, as we host the International Day of People Impacted by Suicide Loss.
Doors open at 5:45pm for viewing a wall of remembrance/ community booths, and mingling
At 7pm: Screening of the film Surviving Suicide, a documentary exploring the lives of 4 individuals living in Canada who have an intimate relationship with suicide. Throughout the film, we get to know these people, the role that suicide has played in their lives, and the life that they have found after Surviving Suicide.
7:45pm: Post-screening discussion moderated by filmmaker, Paul Plett, with panelist Bonnie Bricker (featured in the film)
Admission: Donation based/ pay what you can (cash only). If folks cannot afford the recommended $7 cost of admission, please donate what you can afford. If you are able to give more than $7 you are helping others to attend.
“Eliminating stigma and talking about suicide by the people left behind allow not only for healing but for further education and advocacy in the name of suicide prevention and life promotion.” Sean Krausert, Executive Director of CASP
If you are struggling yourself or are concerned about someone else’s suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out for help. You can contact the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line at 1-877-435-7170, a crisis line available 24 hours per day. A trained crisis worker will listen to you and direct you to the resources you need.
Submitted by: Carla Mitchell, MSW/RSW, PMH Palliative Care
“Grieving Is How We Say Goodbye”
The third Tuesday in November marks National Grief and Bereavement Day in Canada. Throughout the month of November, culminating on Nov 15th, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association is promoting the resources and tools to help Canadians on their grief journeys. Everyone will experience grief at some point in their lives. National Grief and Bereavement Day is the opportunity for Canadians to share and normalize talking about grief, and to highlight the resources that can help those among us who are coping with loss.
Grief is the natural and normal response we have when we lose someone or something that holds great value to us. The grieving process gives us the opportunity to say goodbye to that important piece of our life and acknowledge the adjustments that will come as we move forward, heal and grow.
Prairie Mountain Health Palliative Care is marking National Grief and Bereavement Day by acknowledging those who are experiencing grief and promoting the resources and supports available in our health region. While grief can feel like a lonely journey, there are supports available so that you do not walk this path alone.
Telephone Support Lines
Province Wide Bereavement Phone Line (Palliative Manitoba): 1-800-539-0295
Hope for Wellness Line (Indigenous peoples): 1-855-242-3310
Healing Hearts Substance Use Bereavement Support Group (Brandon): 1-204-573-0188
Memories Chapel Journey Through Grief Support Group (Brandon): 1-204-727-0330
New Beginnings Grief and Loss Group (Neepawa): 1-204-476-3027
Palliative Manitoba Kids and Teens Grieve Too! Support Group (virtual): 1-800-539-0295
Paull Funeral Home Grief Recovery Program (Swan River): 1-204-293-9661
Prairie Mountain Health Camp Bridges (Children 7-15): 1-204-578-2340
Westman Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Grief Groups (Brandon) 1-204-721-2174
In addition to the above listed services there are several upcoming community events where you can find support in your grief. Many communities offer programs during the months of November and December, such as Community Memorial Services, Memory Trees or Blue Christmas gatherings. If you would like more information about local events happening in your community please reach out to the Palliative Care Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator, Carla Mitchell, at 204-578-2310 or [email protected].
On November 15th, in recognition of National Grief and Bereavement Day, a screening of the documentary Speaking Grief will be hosted by Brockie Donovan and Westman Hospice in Brandon. Speaking Grief validates the experiences of grievers and guides those who wish to support them. This event will happen on Nov 15, 2022 @ 4:00 pm. To RSVP call 204-727-0694.
What do you know about choosing a mobility aid for your loved one? What if your loved one has dementia? Should they use an aid or will this increase their risks for falling? Who can help?
The priority for all caregivers is ensuring their loved one is cared for and safe. Noticing changes in a person’s ability to walk can be alarming but can also be a warning sign to changes in cognition and health.
Studies have shown that changes in a person’s walk often can be a symptom prior to the onset of dementia. Studies have also shown that people with dementia have an annual fall risk of 60-80% (Allan et al. PloSONE 2009) which is 2 times that of someone without dementia.
In the article Caregivers: Does your loved one need a gait aid? Marguerite Oberle Thomas speaks to the risks and benefits of using a mobility aid as well as the importance of seeking professional advice from health care professionals such as an occupational therapist prior to purchasing.
Five New International Medical Graduates Recruited
Dr. Sidra Jawed | Neepawa
Physician recruitment efforts continue within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. One of the initiatives the region utilizes as part of overall recruitment strategies includes the provincial Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG). The ‘IMG Program’ assists foreign-trained doctors in obtaining their medical license to be able to practice as a primary care (family) physician in Manitoba.
“During the past year, the region sponsored five physicians to participate in the ‘IMG’ Program,” said Brian Schoonbaert, PMH CEO. “After much consideration, doctors that successfully graduated from the program were strategically placed at various sites within PMH communities (or nearby areas) that require additional sufficient physician resources.
This year, these communities included Neepawa, Roblin, Russell, Virden and Swan River. Physicians and their start date in each community are listed below.
Shady Attalla Virden (started Sept. 19)
Dalia Bushara Roblin (started Oct. 3)
Samin Izadi Swan River (started Sept. 19)
Sidra Jawed Neepawa (started Sept. 19)
Dina Koreen Russell (started Sept. 19)
Dr. Samin Izadi | Swan River
In return for regional sponsorship, IMG doctors agree to practice in their respective communities for four years. The Program is supported by the University of Manitoba —Max Rady College of Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and Manitoba Health.
Last year, five PMH-sponsored IMG physicians were placed in the communities of Killarney (2), Minnedosa, Roblin and Swan River.
“The International Medical Graduates program is an excellent example of partners coming together to provide Manitobans the care they need where and when they need it,” said Minister of Health Audrey Gordon. “The program supports physician placement in much needed rural communities throughout the province by matching them with internationally trained physicians. The province is proud to strengthen healthcare by supporting this program and delivering quality care to all Manitobans.”
During the next rotation, which is already underway, PMH is sponsoring five more IMG physicians who commenced their training program this past June. If successful, they will be able to commence practice within the health region sometime next fall (2023).
November is Falls Prevention month and Falls Prevention can be fun!
Falls are the leading cause of death in Prairie Mountain Health. But here’s the thing – they are often completely preventable. It’s everyone’s responsibility to prevent falls.
Let’s talk Seniors. Steppin’ Up with Confidence is an older adult exercise program offered in communities across PMH. Move your body! It is one of the best ways to prevent a fall. Here’s how:
Better Balance – keeping those little stabilizing muscles in your body alert to help you stay balanced in day to day activities like walking to pick up the mail on a cracked or slippery sidewalk.
Muscle Endurance – a few trips from the house to your car getting packed to go visit your grandchildren, carrying multiple items, possibly up or down a couple of stairs takes some stamina! Keep that oxygen flowing through your blood and into your muscles to help them work and make life a tad easier.
That Double ‘S’ – STRONG muscles around your core and joints provide SUPPORT to move with ease in a larger range of motion. Oops, you had a fall?! Those well supported hip and shoulder joints and strong limbs can help you to crawl to a chair and get back up. Not to mention the stability in your midsection from your regular exercise that helps in every single movement your body does.
Stretchy flexy – take care of those valuable muscles you have in your body by stretching them. Flexibility helps reach that top shelf in the pantry or bend over into the freezer, twist while you move clothes from the washer to the dryer or get up and down off the floor to play with a pet or new great grandchild.
Movement is much more than ‘just a workout’, it’s a tool to assist us as we age to continue being able to do the things we like to do and take care of ourselves.
Steppin’ Up with Confidence is a free, peer-led program offered for 1 hour once per week. And even more than some exercise and falls prevention, it’s fun. Take a friend or meet someone new in the group, maybe you would even like to be a leader!
For more information on Steppin’ Up, to find out if there’s a program near or in your community or find out about becoming a leader, contact:
Sydney Lochhead, Health Promotion Coordinator 204-523-3224 // [email protected]
Falls Prevention is an important topic for all ages, not just seniors. Check out these PMH Resources to learn more.
Who else believes that October is synonymous with pumpkin? This rather large round orange gourd is commonly served up as pumpkin pie or featured in other baked goods; we even have a spice blend named after it (pumpkin pie spice). However, did you know that pumpkin is extremely versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet applications?
With pumpkin being high in micronutrients like vitamin A and C, a good source of Vitamin E, folate, iron and low in energy (calories), it is a great addition to your diet (1). In fact, 1 cup of cooked pumpkin contains approximately 245% of you daily recommended intake for Vitamin A (1).
You may be wondering, how do I and can I use a pumpkin in my cooking? Luckily for us, pumpkin can be found in many different forms: from the whole gourd, to cooked, canned and pureed. The easiest and most convenient option is plain/unsweetened canned pureed pumpkin. Yet, for those who like a cooking project, you can also prepare your own puree. The Minimalist Baker has a simple step by step guide on how you can cook your own pumpkin (How to Roast Pumpkin (& Make Purée) | Minimalist Baker Recipes).
Now moving on to the delicious section of this article: the recipes. As highlighted before, pumpkin is commonly seen in dessert applications but it is also a great addition to savory dishes. Its creamy texture when pureed provides richness to a dish without the need for extra cream and its bright orange color adds visual appeal. One of my favorite fall soups is this rich and flavorful curry pumpkin soup (Simple Curry Pumpkin Soup Recipe | Ree Drummond | Food Network). Warm and comforting on a chilly fall day, this soup is velvety smooth from both the pumpkin and coconut milk and bursting with flavor from the warm spices and aromatics. Another delicious savory way to use pumpkin is to add it to your pasta sauces. Try making this pumpkin and sage alfredo pasta sauce (Pumpkin Sage Alfredo Pappardelle with Brown Butter – A Cozy Kitchen) or this dairy-free mac’n’cheese recipe (Vegan Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese | Minimalist Baker Recipes).
Being an October staple, I of course have to end the article with some creative and new sweet pumpkin recipes. Using our reliable can of pumpkin puree, you can essentially transform any typical baked good into a “pumpkin-ifed” version by adding in ~1cup of the puree & 1-2 tsp of pumpkin spice to the recipe. Instead, try adding 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree and ½ tsp of pumpkin spice to your next bowl of oatmeal for a play on pumpkin pie (don’t forget to sprinkle it with toasted pecans). Or add ½ cup of pumpkin puree, 2 tsp pumpkin spice to 1 cup of vanilla Greek yogurt to make a protein rich pumpkin pie dip.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) was proud to host the provincial Family Medicine Residents’ Retreat, which took place in Brandon on September 23-24, 2022. The in-person event had been on hold for the past few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PMH CEO Brian Schoonbaert was pleased with the event and was confident participants would leave with a much better understanding of the many physician practice opportunities available in rural Manitoba.
“We believe that the lifestyle choices new physicians seek can be found in our rural settings. Our landscapes offer open prairies, serene and bustling communities, many lakes, small ‘mountains,’ numerous walking, hiking and biking trails, and close access to both provincial and national parks. We hope that recruits recognize what we already know; living and working in rural settings can be very rewarding!
Over 90 family medicine residents attended the weekend gathering, which featured information sessions on breastfeeding, geriatric frailty, Medical Assistance in Dying, point of care ultrasound and physician billing and finance information. An interactive job fair allowed many recruiters, including Regional Health Authorities and physician clinics throughout the province, to showcase their areas to prospective doctors.
PICTURED: Above- PMH was well-represented at the Residents’ Retreat Job Fair. From left are Dr. Mryanda Sopel, Dr. Nolan Brackenreed, Dr. Adrian Fung and Dr. Leah Koetting. At left, Residents get some suturing practice in while at right, it’s a special arts and crafts painting project as part of a team building exercise.
Schoonbaert says PMH will stay in touch with those interested in rural medicine.
“Within our health region alone, there’s lots to look forward to, including the construction of a new $127-million hospital in Neepawa and larger renovations planned for Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) that will add a new ICU, more medical beds, and an expansion to the neonatal ICU. There are also enhancements planned for the Westman Cancer Centre so that when paired with the BRHC upgrades, Brandon will become the intermediate care hub for western Manitoba.”
Some other smaller capital projects are planned for hospitals in Dauphin, Souris, Killarney and Virden, which will help enhance localized service delivery and improve access to quality patient care. There are other exciting developments and expansions which have been announced by Manitoba Health and Shared Health, including the construction of a new hospital in Portage and additions to hospitals in Steinbach, the Boundary Trails Health Centre in Morden/Winkler and Selkirk, to name a few.
Schoonbaert sincerely thanks all of those from PMH that helped to organize the event and represent the health region at various functions.
The last Residents’ Retreat was held in 2019 and hosted by Interlake/Eastern RHA.
