Holiday Greetings from PMH CEO

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Every year, the holiday season seems to sneak up on us, and sometimes for different reasons. Last year, we had mild weather over the holidays and little snow, so that caught us off guard. It’s a different scenario altogether this year. There’s no worry about not having a white Christmas; in fact, some areas may have experienced more snow than they did most of last year. This is great for outdoor winter activities. Snowshoes anyone?

I would like to take a moment to reflect on the extra things our staff do during the winter months that may go unnoticed. Despite unfavourable winter road and weather, staff consistently go out of their way to ensure our many facilities and services continue to operate. Whether it’s clearing snow from entrances, exits, parking lots, and other places in between, cleaning waiting areas, hallways and patient rooms, or making sure we have plans in place in case nasty weather hits, there is a lot to consider over the winter season.

Many times, our staff are also there to lend extra support, a listening ear, or reassuring hand to those who are in our hospitals, personal care homes, and the community who are not able to be with their families during the holiday season. We are deeply grateful for their dedicated care and compassion!

Some timely tips to consider over the holiday season:

When considering visitation at our sites, if an ‘in-person’ visit isn’t possible, PMH encourages families to provide a personal device, such as a cell phone or iPad, to their family member for a direct connection.

Let health centre patients and personal care home residents know you are thinking of them by visiting the PMH website and filling out the “well wishes” information. By making this request, it will be delivered directly to the person on your behalf.

For those who have lost loved ones or for those facing other stressors and challenges, the holiday season is an extremely difficult time of year. PMH provides mental health services and support for those in need. We all have mental health, and we have to continue to make our well-being a priority. Remember, ‘that if you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for illness.’ To learn about the available resources and supports, please visit our website.

Consider donating to a worthy cause in your community. It may include a Community Health Foundation, Hospital Foundation, Food Bank, or Hot Meal Program.

Here’s to a holiday season filled with love, happiness, fellowship and memories. Decorating the tree, exchanging gifts, celebrating traditions, watching heartwarming movies, enjoying a festive meal, volunteering —whichever ways you choose to celebrate, our wish is that you make it as enjoyable as ever! Maybe even a snowshoe race this year?

On behalf of the PMH Board of Directors, our Executive Management and Regional Leadership Team and our staff, we wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and all the best in 2025.

Treena Slate, CEO
Prairie Mountain Health

Managing Mental Health During the Holidays

In the film Meet Me in St. Louis, Judy Garland sang the line, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.” Unfortunately, many people struggle with heavy hearts and numerous stressors over the holidays. The term “holiday stress” reflects increased symptoms of anxiety, impatience, fatigue, and depressed mood that many people experience over the holiday season. Several factors contribute to holiday stress, including financial concerns, tight schedules and heavy demands, loss of loved ones, isolation, and unrealistic expectations. And when stress is at its peak, it can be very hard to stop and regroup.

Stress cannot always be prevented; however, the following tips can be helpful to manage stressors during the holiday season.

grownups busy on phones and laptops at Christmas time.

Be aware of your feelings. If someone close to you has recently passed away or if you are away from loved ones, realize that it is normal to feel sadness and grief. It is also important to express your feelings. Do not try to “force yourself” to be happy just because it is the holiday season.
Have realistic expectations. Too many people expect the holidays to be “perfect.” There is no such thing as perfection; having those expectations will only add to the season’s stress. An asymmetrical tree or an over-cooked turkey will not ruin your holiday; instead, it will create a family memory. Perennial movie favourites, such as A Christmas Story or A Charlie Brown Christmas, are reminders of the endearing qualities of these imperfections.
Stay within your budget. Before you shop for gifts and food, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then, stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with a mountain of gifts. Some alternatives include giving homemade gifts and starting a family gift exchange. If your children’s wish list exceeds your budget, talk with them about reasonable expectations and remind them that the holidays are not about expensive gifts.
Manage your time and set boundaries. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you cannot participate in every project or activity. Set priorities and let go of impossible goals. Don’t spend all of your time planning activities for your family. You might end up feeling drained and unappreciated. Take the time you need to finish tasks that are important to you. Don’t try to complete everything at once; ask others to help you complete chores.
Keep healthy and take time for yourself. When people feel stressed-out and overwhelmed, they often forget about their self-care. Also, the holiday season is ripe with opportunities to overindulge. Make sure that you are eating regularly and healthily, getting a decent night’s sleep, and getting enough physical activity into your day. This can be difficult when the weather turns cold. Finally, pace yourself. Give yourself opportunities to rest and replenish. By slowing down, you will have more energy to accomplish your goals.
Do something for others. By volunteering or assisting others, we can get out of our experience for a while. Helping out at a food bank or a shelter can also give us some perspective regarding our worries and concerns.
Practice mindfulness. Often, just the act of focusing on our breath and the present moment in a non-judgmental way can help create emotional and cognitive space, which helps us stay grounded, focused, and regulated. One quick strategy is to take three long, deep, nourishing breaths—breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then, you let your breath settle into its own rhythm as you follow it in and out, noticing the rise and fall of your chest and belly as you breathe. If you find that you have a wandering mind or negative thoughts, simply return to the breath.
Be patient with yourself. ‘Tis the season for self-judgment! Instead, engage in self-compassion during the holiday season. Can you talk to yourself gently instead of critically? Aspire to go into the holiday season with the intention of accepting your mistakes, pains, and tender places. Engage in self-nurturing practices: a bubble bath, soft music, scented candles, and a favourite tea. Is there a way you can remember to practice kind words to yourself? A reminder note on your calendar? Perhaps buy an advent calendar for yourself, and every day in December, as you open that little door, you can remind yourself to be kind!
Stay connected and seek support. When we feel sad or overburdened, we often isolate or avoid others, which can add to our burden. Ensure that you are connected with others and seek support if needed. Getting things out in the open can help you manage your feelings and find solutions for your stress. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, consider seeing a professional, such as a mental health counsellor, to help you manage your holiday stress. In Brandon and surrounding Westman area, the 24-hour crisis line number is 204- 725-4411, or you can call toll-free at 1-888-379-7699.

By Anastasia Gibson, Ph.D., C. Psych
Registered Psychologist, Prairie Mountain Health

Helping Yourself Heal During the Holiday Season

If you are grieving, the approaching holiday season can be difficult. For many people, the sights, sounds and smells associated with the holidays may bring up memories about the person who has died. The twinkling lights, cheerful music, family gatherings and societal expectation of joyous holiday spirit can bring about a renewed sense of personal grief.

There is no right or wrong way to feel during the holiday season. It is important to be tolerant and compassionate with yourself as you continue to heal. We hope that these suggestions, adapted from the work of Dr. Alan Wolfelt, will help you to cope with your grief during this joyous, yet painful, time of the year.

Woman and granddaughters looking at photos by Christmas tree.

Be Compassionate with Yourself: let your holiday grief be what it is and give yourself permission to feel what you feel.
Survive: If the death was recent, you may be in survival mode this holiday season and that is okay – the world will keep turning whether you participate in the holidays or not.
Be Tolerant of your Physical and Psychological Limits: grief can leave you feeling fatigued and low energy levels may naturally slow you down. Respect what your mind and body are telling you and build in time for resting and self-care.
Eliminate Unnecessary Stress: avoid overextending yourself and take steps to reduce the expectations placed on you during the holidays. Consider simplifying your holiday rituals instead of abandoning them altogether. Keep the traditions that matter most to you and set the others aside, at least for now.
Be with Supportive, Comforting People: identify those friends and relatives who understand that the holiday season can increase your sense of loss. Being with people who encourage you to be yourself and accept your feelings – both happy and sad.
Talk About the Person Who Died: recognize the need to remember your special person and include them in conversations and traditions. It can be help to acknowledge the person who died, perhaps by setting a place at the holiday table, hanging an ornament/stocking or cooking their favorite meal.
Do What is Right for You During the Holidays: focus on what you want to do and what feels right for you. Muster up the courage to communicate your wishes to the people in your life who support you.
Plan Ahead for Family Gatherings: Decide which family traditions you want to continue and which new ones you would like to begin. Structuring your holiday time can help you anticipate what is coming and reduce feelings of panic, anxiety and fear. However, as you make your plans leave room to change them if you feel you need to.
Embrace Your Treasured Memories: memories are part of the legacy left behind when someone dies. Keep in mind that memories are tinged with both happiness and sadness. If your memories bring laughter, smile. If your memories bring sadness, it is alright to cry. Sharing your memories with family and friends can be a comfort.
Renew Your Resources for Living: Spend time thinking about the meaning and purpose of your life and define the positive things that still surround you. This is not to discount the hurt, because the hurt is part of grieving, but it can also be helpful to identify things that make life meaningful.
Attend a Remembrance Ceremony: many communities host special remembrance ceremonies during the holidays. The act of joining together with others in grief and ritualizing mourning can be very healing during the holidays.
Believe in a Better Next Year: believe in your capacity to heal and grow through holiday grief.

Above all, love yourself and allow yourself to be surrounded by loving, caring people who understand your grief this holiday season. The Palliative Care Volunteer Service extends the invitation for grievers to participate in several events being hosted across Prairie Mountain Health. Please note, many religious organizations also host Blue Christmas Services. For more information about these events, or to add your community event to the list, please contact the Palliative Care Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator at 204-578-2310.

Prairie Mountain Health Remembrance Ceremonies:

Brandon Brockie Donovan Tree of Memories Lighting: December 5, 2024 at 7:00pm

Brandon Memories Chapel Christmas Service: December 6^,2024 at 7pm

Boissevain Longest Night Service December 21, 2024 at 7:00pm

Carberry Memory Tree of Lights Ceremony: December 13, 2024 at 5:30

Dauphin Pathways Funeral Service: December 16, 2024, at TBA

Erickson Memory Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 21, 2024 at 7pm

Killarney Tree of Lights Service: December 11, 2024 at 7:00pm

Minnedosa: Longest Night Service: Dec 21, 2024 at 7:00pm

Rivers Community Memorial Service: November 3, 2024 at 3:00pm

Russell Memory Tree Lighting: November 29, 2024 at 7:00pm

Souris Blue Christmas Ceremony: December 1^,2024 at 7:00pm

Swan Rivers Angels Among Us Service: December 4, 2024 at 7:00pm

Virden Memory Tree Lighting: November 21, 2024 at 7:00pm

If you cannot join an event in person, you may wish to join a free webinar being hosted by the Canadian Virtual Hospice titled “Grief Chats: Grief and the Holidays” (December 9^th, 2024). Visit the website to register.

Wishing you comfort this holiday season,

Palliative Care Volunteer Service

Submitted By: Carla Mitchell, MSW/RSW
Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator
PMH Palliative Care Program

Take Our Kids to Work Day offers students a glimpse at health care careers

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) once again participated in “Take Our Kids to Work Day”, a national program which took place on November 6. The coordinated day, aimed at Grade 9 (or equivalent) students, is hosted by parents, friends, relatives and volunteers at workplaces across the country.

The program supports career development by helping students connect school, the world of work, and their own futures. Students spend the day in the workplace of a parent, relative, friend or volunteer experiencing and learning about the world of work as they begin to explore possible career paths.

PMH has been very supportive of this day and encourages students wishing to enter the health care industry to participate. This past year, PMH had 103 requests from students to take part in the initiative. This was up significantly from 2023, when 67 students participated.

“This day is a welcomed opportunity to have students explore health care careers,” stated Larissa Kominko, Recruitment Manager for PMH. “The hope is that one day these could be our future health care workers, so we continue to look at ways to enhance the program and experience.”

Kominko wishes to sincerely thank all staff who spent time with Grade 9 students during the day.

Give the gift of your time during this festive season

During this holiday season, the spirit of giving is all around us. The festive season offers a chance to spread some cheer not only during the Christmas season but perhaps during periods throughout the year as well. This would be an excellent time to consider being a volunteer within a Personal Care Home (PCH) within the health region. Volunteering in a PCH is meaningful in that it improves the lives of both residents and the volunteers. And it will give you a feeling of joy to know you are making a difference!

There are many different ways you can make an impact at the PCH. Some examples are assisting residents to play bingo, playing a card game with a resident, assisting recreational staff at programs such as bowling, parties and more, or register to be a friendly visitor. The possibilities on how one can make a positive impact is endless.

Volunteering at a PCH provides a unique opportunity to create meaningful connections with residents. Volunteering your time to sit down with a resident to talk and listen to their stories, laugh together during an activity or just to offer a comforting presence, can create strong, lasting bonds and friendships. Companionship from a volunteer enriches the lives of the residents in the facility with a positive impact. Volunteers in a PCH are a very important part of the Health Care Team.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in a Personal Care Home, contact Prairie Mountain Health at [email protected] or please stop in at a facility and pick up a volunteer registration form from recreation staff.

More information on volunteering in general region-wide can be found on the PMH website here Volunteer Services – Prairie Mountain Health

On behalf of the PMH volunteer program, we thank our volunteers past and present for all that they do for our patients, residents and staff. Happy holidays to everyone! All the best in 2025!

December 5th is International Volunteer Day, Prairie Mountain Health Volunteer Services would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible volunteers. Your unwavering dedication, selflessness, and compassion make a tremendous impact on our community, and we are truly grateful for the time, energy, and care you give.

Your contributions help us provide the highest level of service, and your efforts inspire all of us to continue making a difference. Today, we celebrate YOU and the incredible work you do every day.

Thank you for being a vital part of the PMH family and for helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

With deep appreciation,

PMH Volunteer Services Team

Volunteers playing bingo, and games and playing music for residents at personal care homes.

Brandon Wheat Kings Help PMH Spread the Warmth

Thank you!

Prairie Mountain Health would like to thank the following people and businesses for helping make our Spread the Warmth campaign a success at the November 22nd Brandon Wheat Kings game!

Thank you to all attendees who brought donations! We collected new mitts, gloves, toques, socks and underwear to help our more vulnerable population during the cold winter months. The items collected will be given out to our various programs and services, such as our Emergency Departments, 7th Street Health Access Centre and Public and Mental Health offices.

Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for our gift basket; the money raised will be used to purchase hygiene products and other necessities to help people in the community.

Thank you to the following businesses for their generous donations toward the Spread the Warmth prize pack that was given to lucky winner Marilyn!

MCM Architects
Heritage CO-OP
Shoppers Mall Brandon
Forbidden Flavours
SKIN Clinics Brandon

Thank you to our volunteers for helping at the game!

PMH Staff standing behind table, collecting mitts and toques

Congratulation Marilyn on winning the prize pack!

Marilyn and Lacey with prize package — Prize pack winner Marilyn Mosset, accepting prize from PMH staff member Lacey Shannon of Melita.

Three self-care tips to boost your nutrition and wellbeing over the holidays

Food is more than nourishment. Food is a connection. Food is culture. Food is creativity.

Sharing food with others and eating together are common threads throughout the world. Food is a creative expression of values and traditions. This is evident during the holidays.

Mother and two daughters throwing snow in the air.

The holidays can bring joy, but they can also bring some stress. Here are three self-care tips to boost your nutrition and wellbeing over the holidays:

Stay hydrated

Our bodies are mostly made of water. So, it is not surprising that you can feel down in the dumps when you have not had enough fluids. Common symptoms of not getting enough fluids are headache and tiredness. Dizziness is another symptom which can increase the risk of falls.

Many times, we think we are hungry when we are actually thirsty. Try having a glass of water. Like a wilted plant, you may find it is the pick-up your body needs. Bring water with you when doing errands and shopping for the holidays.

Be mindful

With the hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays, we may eat on the go more. We may eat differently when we are stressed. During the holidays, we also tend to graze on food when it is within reach. As a result, self-awareness can fade away.

Mindful eating is about bringing your awareness back to yourself and tuning into your senses. Focus on the flavours, textures, and aromas of your food. Slow down and enjoy every bite.

Mindful eating is also about tuning into your hunger and fullness cues. Avoid going to a party or gathering famished. Have a glass of water and a light snack before you go. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it may also help you stop overeating.

Keep a regular sleep schedule

A lack of sleep may lead to food cravings and affect your food choices.

A key factor in getting a good sleep that is often overlooked is going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. I know it may be difficult with travel, hosting company and all the extra activities that come with holidays but try to keep a regular sleep schedule.

Sometimes, your sleep is disrupted, like when caring for a sick child. But you can do things that are within your control to help with sleep, such as turning off electronics one hour before bedtime.

With a night of good sleep, it may be easier to reach for carrot sticks instead of cookies (well, if you are a cookie lover like me, you may still have a cookie or two).

A final thought: Let go of perfection. Release expectations of what the holidays should look like. The perfect life and the perfect holiday do not exist. They are just ideas portrayed in stories and media.

Wishing you well this holiday season!

By Vanessa Hamilton, RD/Healthy Living Facilitator
Health Promotion and Community Development

November 2024 Donations for PMH

Russell Personal Care Home recognizes Orange Shirt Day

Group of Staff and Residents at Russell PCH wearing orange shirts.

Thanks to donations from the Waywayseecappo First Nation and Gambler First Nation, the staff and residents of Russell Personal Care Home donned orange T-shirts in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day at the end of September. (Picture and files courtesy of Russell Banner).

Donation for Hamiota Adult Day Program

Kathy Therrien presenting cheque to Jamie Woodhouse.

Kathy Therrien, representative of the Hamiota United Church Thrift Shop, was happy to provide a donation to Jamie Woodhouse, Coordinator of PMH Adult Day Program, now up and running once again. The closure of the program occurred during the pandemic, so with a new start, these funds are more than appreciated. Should there be any questions about involvement in the program, please reach out to the Hamiota District Health Center.

Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation Annual December Campaigns

“Under the Tree of Lights”

Lit up trees in the winter at Brandon Regional Health Centre

Christmas is fast approaching, and with it comes all the joy and happiness of the season. It is also a time of reflection and memories of loved ones. You can memorialize or honour someone special this holiday season! For a minimum $15 donation (tax receipt issued), the BRHC Foundation will:

Hang a personalized tag in memory or honour of a loved one on the “Tree of Lights” in the BRHC atrium.
Turn on the lights on the evergreens that are located in the traffic circle at the Brandon Regional Health Centre
You can choose one of the gifts, “Under the Tree of Lights,” where you would like to see your donation directed:
- Gift #1 – M5 Microdebrider Shaver for the Operating Room ($16 660)
- Gift #2 – D Blade for the Intensive Care Unit ($8000)

The BRHC Foundation presents the “Gift of Flight” compliments of WestJet!

You can win a round trip flight to any regularly scheduled WestJet destination for two (2) people! (No cash value, fees, taxes, surcharges not included, blackout dates and restrictions apply). The draw will be held on Friday, December 13^th, at 2:00 p.m. in the Brandon Regional Health Centre Atrium. Must be 18+ to participate.
Tickets (1 for $10 or 3 for $20) are available in the Foundation Office at 204- 578-4227 or by emailing [email protected]

Proceeds from the draw will be directed toward the Brandon Regional Health Centre’s Pediatric/Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

For more information on the BRHC Foundation and how you can support the Brandon Regional Health Centre, visit https://www.brhcfoundation.ca/

Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week | Nov 24-30, 2024

Every year, Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week provides an opportunity for Manitobans from all walks of life to engage in meaningful discussions and explore solutions for addressing the harms caused by substance use and addictions.

Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week runs from Nov. 24-30, and the theme for 2024 is Forging Connections.

The theme acknowledges the power of working together and bringing different experiences, ideas, and opinions to address the challenges of substance use health.

It also challenges us to look for opportunities to collaborate with partners, communities and individuals to develop connections, identify common ground and work together to find effective solutions and actions we can all support.

Within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), several addiction services are offered. They include Community-based Counselling, Family Programs, School Based Services, Youth Services, Education and Training, Non-Residential Treatment Programs, RE/ACT Program, In House Treatment Programs, MOST Clinic, RAAM Clinics, Impaired Driver’s Program, and Auricular Acupuncture. Addictions Services has 9 Community Office locations within Prairie Mountain Health and 2 In-House Treatment Centres.

How to Access Our Services:

Individuals wanting to attend community-based or in-house treatment programs must first meet with a Community Addictions Worker to complete the intake and assessment process. Information is gathered to determine the level of involvement with substance use and gambling, and information is provided for services available and recommended.

Currently, in the Brandon-Parkwood Community Office, intake services are available by phone appointments during the following times: Monday and Wednesday, 9 am to 4 pm and Friday, 9 am to noon. In-person drop-in intake appointments occur at 9:30 am on Fridays. In all other locations (including Dauphin, Swan River, Virden, Rossburn, and Minnedosa), intake services are assigned to the next available counsellor and are scheduled appointments.

Should the client decide they are interested in accessing one of the in-house treatment programs, the community addictions worker will make the referral to the program.

Community Offices

Brandon – CEYS
940 Princess Avenue, Brandon, MB, R7A 0P6
204-729-3863

Brandon 7th Street Health Access Centre
20 – 7th Street, Brandon, MB
204-578-4800

Brandon Parkwood
510 Frederick Street, Brandon, MB
204-729-3838

Dauphin
404-1st Ave NE, Dauphin, MB, R7N 1A9
204-622-2021 **Travels to Roblin bi-weekly

Hamiota
177 Birch Ave E, Hamiota, MB R0M 0T0
204-859-4000 **Travels to Birtle, Rossburn, Russell, and Waywayseecappo on a weekly or bi-weekly basis

Minnedosa
Court House, 70-3rd Avenue, Minnedosa, MB, R0J 1E0
204-867-6102 | 204-867-5140
***Travels to Erickson, Neepawa and Carberry to provide services weekly or as needed.

Ste. Rose du Lac Health Centre
Willard Monson House, 540 Central Ave E, Ste. Rose du Lac, MB R0L 1S0
204-447-4040

Swan River
126-6th Ave N, Box 141, Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0
204-734-2030 | 204-734-9509

Virden
283 Nelson Street W, Box 2500, Virden, MB, R0M 2C0
204-748-4720 | 204-748-4721

In-House Treatment

Willard Monson House
28 day Co-ed Program
540 Central Ave | Box 490
Ste. Rose du Lac MB R0L 1S0
Phone: 204-447-4040
Fax: 204-447-4050

Parkwood
21 day Co-ed program & 6 week extended program (Recovery Beyond 21)
510 Frederick Street
Brandon MB R7A 6Z4
Phone: 204-729-3838
Fax: 204-729-3844