The Get Better Together Program – Fall 2022

By Roslyn Cullen, GBT Coordinator

Until you have personally lived with an on-going health issue, it’s difficult to know just what life is like for those who do. Simple tasks and daily routines can sometimes feel overwhelming. To say the least, life can be challenging. Symptoms that you experience can have a big impact on your ability to carry out everyday tasks. The Get Better Together program can help you navigate the challenges and changes that come with having a chronic health condition. It does this by providing you with tools to become a better self-manager and assists you with regaining some of the control that your condition has taken away.

Over the years of coordinating and facilitating the Get Better Together program, I am always so excited to hear how participants quality of life has improved after taking this program. Learning and applying key tools such as action planning, problem solving, decision making, communicating and much more, has helped people gain the ability to improve their lives and manage their symptoms.

The best way to promote this program is to share some feedback from participants over this past year…

This program almost certainly has something for everyone, since it touches on so many of the things that we can do for ourselves. It is empowering to learn that we can take so many doable small steps to improve our lives.

I really appreciate the other participants in the program, and their different approaches to similar problems. Also, the book is a fantastic tool that I will use myself and share with others for years to come. ~ participant in the Aug 2021 virtual program

Presenters are knowledgeable, helpful, supportive, compassionate, encouraging. Liked working with the group to solve my own and others problems/concerns. Enjoyed seeing my own and others positive results. ~ participant in the Aug 2021 virtual program

I really loved the class, it helped boost my confidence and self-esteem ~ participant in the in-person Aug 2021 GBT program

I love the absolute acceptance of people as individuals. There is no judgement on how you perceive your condition, whether or not you reach goals, whether you are feeling positive or negative that day. You are accepted for being you on that day and it feels good. ~ participant in the August 2021 virtual program.

I was hesitant to take this course and thought about it for a while before I signed up. I am so glad I finally did because I learnt so much and enjoyed it! ~ participant in the November 2021 virtual program

My advice to others would be to take the 6-week course! It is reassuring to hear how people with chronic conditions face the same challenges regardless of the diagnosis. It helped me take control of areas of my life that I can control and increased my self-compassion for areas I can’t control. I would 100% recommend taking this course and my life has improved because I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried it. Thank you GBT I am forever grateful! ~ participant in the November 2021 virtual program

This has helped me to be understanding and improve my relationship with all of my care providers, and I now look forward to working WITH them. ~ participant in the November 2021 virtual program

The program has really boosted my confidence in finding different ways to cope with my health issues. While I know I may not be able to solve all the issues on my own, I have now gained some very helpful tools…and most importantly, the hope and support to keep on going!

Thank you so much to the program facilitators. They made me feel comfortable and encouraged and delivered the information in a way that was practical and easy for me to understand. I hope others will have the opportunity to learn from this program too! I am also very grateful for the text book … some very useful and interesting resources to keep reading up on. Thank you!!! ~ participant of the virtual March 2022 virtual program

Feeling like no one understands what you’re dealing with is a really hard place to be. I’ve always found being open to connecting with others in vulnerable ways extremely rewarding and ultimately helps me find my way through some hard moments. Loved being a part of this group. ~ participant in the March 2022 virtual program.

The Get Better Together program is a 6-week program, where participants meet once a week to connect on topics such as fatigue, managing symptoms, physical activity, dealing with difficult emotions, making decisions, healthy eating, medication use and much more.

A great component of this program is that it is led by 2 facilitators, a Health Promotion staff as well as a peer leader who themselves took the program and felt it helped them so much that they took training to become a facilitator.

It is offered both in-person and virtual using Microsoft Teams. Allowing people to connect from the comfort of their own home or get out in a more social atmosphere.

Get Better Together is suitable for adults living with a range of health conditions, including diabetes, depression, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, depression, anxiety and many others. The program is free and participants receive a free resource book to keep.

If you’re looking for that boost in improving your health and want to start with small doable steps, I encourage you to take this program.

Get Better Together has an upcoming virtual session starting October 26. This session will run on Wednesdays from October 26 to November 30 from 9:30 to 11:30 am.

For more information about Get Better Together or dates of upcoming programs feel free to contact Roslyn Cullen at 204-523-3246 / [email protected] or call our toll-free line at 1-877-509-7852.

Heading into Flu Season

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. These viruses can infect the nose, throat and lungs and cause mild to severe illness. The flu virus is mainly spread by tiny droplets. When people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk, these droplets can land in the mouth or nose of people nearby. A person may also get the flu by touching an object that has flu viruses on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes. Some people, such as young children, seniors, and people with certain health conditions are at a higher risk of flu complications. The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potential complications is by getting the flu vaccine each year.

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Some may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children

Complications of the flu can include pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, or worsening of chronic medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

Flu vaccine signals your body to develop antibodies, which then provide protection against flu illness. It takes about two weeks to develop protection.

This year Manitoba Health is offering a high-dose flu vaccine for clients 65 years of age and older. This vaccine contains more antigen so it helps your body build up a stronger immune response and provide stronger protection against the flu virus.

You can get your flu and/or Covid vaccine at a local community clinic, pharmacy or your health care provider.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Flu Clinics will be starting November 1^st. For Flu Clinic dates and locations continue to check the PMH website and our Social Media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Flu clinics will also be offering the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Flu vaccine will also be available at Covid-19 clinics starting the first week of October. For current Covid-19 Clinics in PMH click here.

Once again, this year you will be able to book your flu vaccine appointment online or call toll free 1-844-626-8222. Walk-ins will be accepted.

Swan River’s ‘Meet off Main’: Giving Thanks

With addiction becoming increasingly visible in communities, groups in Swan River knew they needed to do something…. ‘quickly!” The growing poverty and addiction in the town were further heightened by the COVID- 19 pandemic when many organizations and businesses closed their doors to the public following provincial protocols.

This potentially denied essential needed services and contacts to the town’s most vulnerable residents. Businesses were impacted and concerned. Community organizations and worried students could see and feel the growing issue on the town’s streets daily.

Feeling that time had run out to act, Swan Valley Inter-agency, in partnership with Red Road Compass, Community Mobilization, Community Mental Health Association and Prairie Mountain Health My Health Team, came together to offer ‘Meet off Main nights.’

With so many pressing issues – addiction, mental health, trauma, poverty, homelessness and crime, there were no easy solutions. Meet off Main aimed to provide a safe, welcoming space for people to use the washroom, have a drink of water/coffee/tea and a warm meal while meeting valuable local service providers.

With regular friendly faces provided by local addiction supports, social work supports, nurses, volunteers and community connectors, Meet off Main ultimately strived to connect those in need with those who can help.

After one year of providing space, hospitality, respect and services, those who use the program are incredibly grateful and appreciative. Those who use the space look forward to the warmth of the area and meal and those who greet and interact with them.

“I still can’t believe you guys do this; it’s so amazing. People need it so much,” one appreciative guest shared.

After one year, organizers realized what was suspected— it was not enough.

Thankfully, because of ongoing community and organizational support, Meet off Main is looking to expand the number of days open and the services offered. Many exciting changes are on the way.

This Thanksgiving, while reflecting on all the good things throughout the year despite our challenges, remember that the work that gets done, the donations that get dropped off, and the people that show up to help are invaluable and appreciated.

Meet off Main Highlights

Over 1500 visits by over 100 unique guests.
A dynamic service model that offers PROVIDERS at the site after regular hours.
Incredible support from community members, businesses and faith groups integral to the program.
Donations and volunteers ALWAYS WELCOME!

For more information about Meet off Main, contact the Swan Valley CMHA Branch (204-734-2734) or the Swan Valley My Health Team at the Swan Valley Primary Care Centre (204-734-6600).

Closer to Home with Rural Medicine Opportunities

“Dauphin will always be home,” said Dr. Lauren Baker. “To provide care to a community that means so much to me is rewarding and also fulfilling. I absolutely love it here.”

From a young age, Dr. Lauren Baker admired the doctors in her hometown of Dauphin and credits their compassion and kindness for inspiring her career in medicine. Today, as a first-year resident in the Parkland Family Medicine Residency Program working out of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, Dr. Baker is experiencing this support and kindness firsthand, from doctors who are now her colleagues.

“It’s such a strong teamwork environment here between all the health-care providers,” said Dr. Baker. “Everyone helps each other out and each doctor brings a unique set of skills to the community. From obstetrics to geriatric care, it’s an amazing opportunity to be able to learn alongside them.”

Dr. Baker’s first real experience in clinical medicine was through a program called Home for the Summer; an educational work placement to help medical students gain interprofessional skills and practical experience. While participating in the program, Dr. Baker quickly realized the support and opportunity available in rural health care settings, including in her home town of Dauphin.

“Throughout my journey I’m thankful to have had a variety of experiences and a lot of hands on learning,” said Dr. Baker. “Today in the residency program and as a new mom, I also feel lucky to be able to say it has been very supportive and the instructors are there for you every step of the way.”

The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Program is well-established in Dauphin, known for its resident support and educational opportunities. Each month, residents gather for two days of learning from local physicians. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from emergency simulations to farm safety, each intended to prepare them for what they’ll see on the job, especially in a rural community.

“I truly believe that learning family medicine in rural Manitoba is the best place to prepare you for whichever path you want to pursue in the future. You get it all here.” said Dr. Baker. “In rural programs, you really build up the skills and confidence to work independently. This means working through situations where you might feel unsure of how to get started.”

Rural Family Medicine Programs are offered in both small and larger health facilities across rural Manitoba, providing medical students with diverse training opportunities that are unique to the health needs of the populations they serve.

Dr. Baker alongside Dr. Scott Kish, Site Education Director and Site Medical Lead of the Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit at the University of Manitoba

The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Program Dauphin program is led by Dr. Scott Kish, Site Education Director and Site Medical Lead of the Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Kish is well-known in the community, devoting his efforts to the program and his full-time practice, making sure everyone feels supported. Recognized both provincially and nationally, Dr. Kish is a recipient of the Family Physician of the Year Award in Manitoba and the Rural Physicians of Canada Rural Service Award.

“Looking at how programs like this have developed in places like Portage la Prairie, Steinbach, at Boundary Trails Health Centre and in communities in Interlake-Eastern Health Region, I’m excited about the training opportunities that exist in rural communities across Manitoba,” said Dr. Kish. “Each area has started to really grow and it’s encouraging to see how we are able to meet the community needs.”

In Dauphin, the ‘community’s needs’ include care for more than 8,000 Dauphin residents as well as people living in surrounding communities and parts of northern Manitoba.

“Caring for people who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures is a true benefit to us as care providers,” said Dr. Baker. “We serve many different populations here in Dauphin including Indigenous, Ukrainian, German, and Filipino residents to name a few. Learning from those we serve helps us build up knowledge and experience to provide more comprehensive care.”

For Dr. Baker, being part of the residency program in her hometown of Dauphin has been the perfect fit, offering her opportunities to care for her community and become a great doctor close to home while balancing her life as a new mom.

“Being a part of the community, having those connections, there’s a familiarity with patients that I really value,” said Dr. Baker. “They often feel more comfortable around me because of our shared community experiences and networks. This helps to develop trust, making it easier for them to open up and easier for me to provide better care.”

“It’s a great place to learn and practice,” added Dr. Kish. “With a great group of physicians, the incredible geographic location, many opportunities, and outdoor activities like kayaking and cycling, it feels like a world-class destination.”

For information about the Family Medicine Residency—Rural Stream visit their webpage. For employment opportunities in the Prairie Mountain Health Region, visit the Health Careers Manitoba webpage.

Safer Care for Older Adults

Canadian Patient Safety Week (CPSW) is an annual campaign held in October that provides the opportunity to share resources with the public to help improve patient safety and the quality of care provided in Manitoba.

It’s Safe to Ask

The ‘It’s Safe To Ask’ brochure, encourages you to ask and discuss 3 key questions to become an active participant in your care.

The Medication Card is an excellent way to keep track of medical history, allergies and a list of medications you take. Having the medication card with you during appointments or in an emergent situation will improve communication between health-care providers and yourself.

Mental Illness Awareness Week – October 2-8, 2022

When is Mental Illness Awareness Week and why does it occur?

Mental Illness Awareness Week, this October 2^nd-8^th, occurs the first week of October annually as an initiative to raise awareness and reduce stigmatization of mental health issues and mental illness. The aim of this initiative, and others such as World Suicide Prevention Day (every September 10^th) is to reduce barriers that prevent people from accessing services for their mental health and substance use- which starts with openly discussing these topics.

What is mental health?

Mental health is a person’s state of mental well-being, which includes the ability to copy with emotions, feelings and thoughts, and connection to others. Everyone has mental health and everyone will experience challenges with their mental health at some point in their life (such as dealing with grief). Mental health is not predicted by mental illness. People without mental illness can languish with poor mental health and people with mental illness can flourish with great mental health (see Keyes Dual Continuum of Mental Health).¹

Who is affected by mental health concerns and mental illness?

1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental health or mental illness issues each year.² In Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), the Community Health Survey (2019) noted that 34,000 residents live with a mood or anxiety disorder mental illness, with PMH having the highest prevalence of mood or anxiety disorders in the province. The 2019 Community Health Survey also identified that, tragically, 1,000 Manitobans die by suicide every year.³

Managing Everyday Stress

It IS possible for people to thrive, whether or not they have mental illness. In order to thrive, all people, with mental illness or not, need to be able to manage everyday stressors.⁴

Tips to manage daily stressors are: ⁵

Identify your stressors
Categorize stressors by their ability to change (changeable or unchangeable) and importance (important or unimportant)
Plan a strategy for each stressor

Mental Wellness Supports Available Across PMH

PMH has supports available to help people learn how to manage their daily stressors, as well as supports for when people are experiencing poor mental health or a high state of mental illness.

PMH Mental Wellness Promotion and Prevention Supports – These programs are offered in various communities throughout PMH. Times and locations vary, this programming is typically FREE for participants:
- Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) – Program that offers participants the skills they need to build wellness tools, understand stressors, identify when things are breaking down, develop a crisis plan, and transition back to everyday tasks after a crisis. An education in-service is being offered on WRAP programming, as well as More than Mamas, on October 7^th 1:30-3pm for PMH employees.
- Strive to Thrive – 5 class program that explores mental wellness symptoms with participants and looks at tools that participants can use to improve their mental wellness-to thrive. Participants explore what it means to thrive, manage life transitions, improve resilience, and build support. Strive to thrive is facilitated over 5 classes.
- Get Better Together – Workshop held over 6 weeks for people wanting tools to manage their health conditions.
- LivingWORKS SafeTalk – Training that is for community organizations and individuals. Participants learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging with person at risk, and connecting them with an intervention resource for support.

PMH Mental Health/Mental Illness Crisis Supports – These resources are available throughout PMH. Discover the details here.

Provincial Crisis Resources
- Manitoba Suicide Line – 1-877-435-7170
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1-888-292-7565
- Klinic Crisis Line – 1-888-322-3019
- Farm & Rural Stress Line – 1-866-367-3276

Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee Events

The Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee is made up of PMH employees, as well as people from external organizations across the North PMH area (former Parkland Regional Health) that support mental wellness and suicide prevention programming and events.

Recently, to honour World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10^th, communities across the Parkland Chalked the Walk. People wrote positive messages on the sidewalks to promote hope, resilience, and suicide awareness and prevention.

¹Priairie Mountain Health. (2021). Class 1: Introduction. In (2^nd ed.) Strive to thrive: Mental wellness for all-Facilitator guide (pp.6-10). Prairie Mountain Health.

²CMHA National. (2022). Fast facts about mental health and mental illness. https://cmha.ca/brochure/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/

³McPherson, N., Williams, C., McTavish, P., Allen, A., Gaber, M., Ostash, A., Tregunna, N., Allan, J. (2019). Prairie Mountain Health community health assessment 2019. 2019CHAFeb102020.pdf

⁴ Prairie Mountain Health. (2021). Class 2: Thriving. In (2^nd ed.) Strive to thrive: Mental wellness for all-Facilitator guide (pp. 12-24). Prairie Mountain Health.

⁵Lorig, K., Holman, H., Sobel, D., Laurent, D., Gonzalez, V., & Minor, M. (2013). Living a healthy life with chronic conditions (4^th ed.). Bull Publishing Company.

World Breastfeeding Week

In Canada we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week from October 1-8. World Breastfeeding Week is a time to celebrate the role breastfeeding plays in providing children with the healthiest start in life.

Breast milk has just the right amount of fat, vitamins, protein, carbohydrates and minerals for optimal growth of the infant. Breast milk also contains antibodies and other immune factors to help protect against infections and disease. Breastfeeding benefits mothers short- and long-term health and will strengthen the special relationship between mother and baby.

This year’s theme is “Step Up For Breastfeeding: Educate & Support” This theme shines a light on how we need to come together to restore breastfeeding support systems to pre-pandemic levels. We all can play a part in protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Together we all make up a warm chain of support for breastfeeding.

Ways to “Step Up For Breastfeeding: Educate and Support”:

Support mothers to breastfeed their child whenever and where ever they need to.
Support mothers to take maternity leave.
Educate yourself on the benefits of breastfeeding.
Support family members who are breastfeeding their children by encouraging them in their decision and efforts to breastfeed.
Bring a new family who has had baby a meal. Breastfeeding makes a mother hungry.
Educate yourself on where mothers can find help with breastfeeding.

Brandon Manitoba has many resources to help families during their breastfeeding journey. These include the following:

La Leche League Canada This is an international organization that is dedicated to helping mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.
Local Public Health Nurse. Find your local area nurse at Public Health Contact.
Western Medical Clinic Family Physicians can assist with breastfeeding concerns.
Spirited Soul Birth Services For a breastfeeding class.
The Baby Bump for prenatal classes.
Lactation Consultant at Brandon Regional Health Centre – 204-578-4286
Healthy Parenting Winnipeg
Additional Resources Within Manitoba

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is preparing to hold its 2020/2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, October 13th from 12 pm (noon) until 1 pm. Chief Executive Officer Brian Schoonbaert invites PMH staff, community representatives, organizational members and area residents to participate in the online interactive meeting.

Donations for PMH

Memorial Ride raises funds for DRHC

Nearly 100 motorcyclists took part in the 5th Annual Memorial Ride in late August 2022 as participants and supporters contributed towards fundraising efforts for the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC). The Memorial Ride made its way through Parkland-area communities, which included a route that ended up in Rossburn.

The event is spearheaded by Tony’s Auto Electric and JDS Laundromat in Dauphin.

This year, the 300 kilometre Memorial Ride raised a total of $3000 that was donated back to the health centre through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation.

The Dauphin Hospital Foundation and Dauphin Regional Health Centre sincerely thanks all who contributed to this memorable cause.

World Suicide Prevention Day

On September 10th, SPIN and Prairie Mountain Health acknowledge World suicide prevention day. This year’s theme is Creating Hope Through Action. This highlights that our actions, each day, can connect someone to life and the help that they want to receive. We aim to work together to create a movement of preventative action to recognize the impact of suicide and ultimately, strive to prevent it. Small actions can make a huge difference.

World Suicide Prevention day is a time to connect and reflect, People in over 50 countries will recognize #WSPD. Every year, 160 million people world wide contemplated suicide and, tragically, 800,000 of them die by suicide. This means that more than 159 million people who survive a suicide related crisis every year. There is no reason that anyone has to die by suicide and, if we all do our part, we can prevent those deaths that do happen and the devasting impact that they have.

The power of coming together and reaching out to each other is immeasurable. Often, we fear intervening when someone is struggling, because talking about suicide is difficult. There are some things you can do. You can listen with a non-judgmental ear and remind the person that others care for them. Check in with people regularly to see how they are doing, listen supportively. You do not need to have all the answers. Be aware and introduce them to resources in the area. Let them know that they are not alone. It is a myth that talking about suicide will put the idea in their head.

Find events near you

Brandon: Friday Sept 9^th come out to Princess Park in Brandon from 11:30am to 1:30pm. SPIN will be acknowledging WSPD by providing soup and bannock. Therapy dogs will be present. If it is raining the venue will be at the cultural center (638 Princess Avenue). Find details here.

SPIN is also doing a call for nominations to acknowledge anyone or organization that is making an impact for suicide prevention. Please email your nomination to: [email protected] Please include: Who you are nominating, the type of work they are doing. Why you feel they are deserving, and contact information.

Roblin, Swan River, Ste. Rose, and Dauphin: ‘Chalk The Walk’ September 9^th – 11^th. Use chalk to help beautify your community (driveways, sidewalks, etc.) with images & messages of Hope, Resilience, Suicide Awareness & Prevention. Go for a walk to see the images with a friend or family member and have the talk – chat about mental wellness.

SafeTALK Training: a FREE 3 hour in person training. This educational opportunity will help you to be ready to reach out to someone thinking about suicide, overcome attitudes that act as barriers to help, talk openly about suicide and identify and connect people to resources in your area.

Brandon – Thursday September 8^thfrom 5pm to 8pm Elspeth Reid Family Resource Center. Space is limited, email [email protected] to register.
Roblin – Friday, September 9th from 9am to 12pm – Location To Be Decided. Contact Pamela Hansen to register – 204-937-3727 or [email protected]
Swan River – Friday, September 9th from 9am to 12pm – Swan River Veteran’s Hall. Contact Olivia Acorn to register – 204-734-6684 or [email protected]

We encourage people to place awareness messages or messages of resilience in their front window. Light a candle in the window at 8:00pm to show your support of suicide prevention, or to remember a lost loved one or for someone who is bereaved by the loss of a loved one.

For more information, have a look at these resources through the IASP website:

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. Locally you can contact Westman Crisis Services at 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699 in Brandon Area, or 1-866-332-3030 for PMH-North- In an emergency call 911 or contact a local hospital or health office.

Follow SPIN social media: Twitter: @brandon_spin Instagram: Spin_Brandon Facebook: spinbrandon

Author: Web Services