June is Men’s Health Month

During the month of June men and boys are encouraged to take charge of their health. Get screened, eat a healthy meal, exercise, get outdoors and check in with a friend. Use this month to set good habits in motion, and carry them throughout the year. There are a variety of websites with resources full of everything from healthy recipes to exercise tips to mental health pod casts as well as testicular and prostate cancer checks. Check them out. Find what works for you and get started today.

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation

The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is a national, registered charity providing information, tools, and motivation for men and their families to live healthier. Canadian men are dying at an alarming rate from chronic illness and leaving their loved ones behind. Yet, 70% of men’s health problems are preventable by living healthier. No matter how you do it—walk, jog, swim, bike, or mow the lawn—any kind of movement adds up to better physical and mental health. Sign up for a ‘Guy’s guide to eating healthy‘ or listen to the Don’t change much pod cast.

Buddy Up

Buddy Up is a men’s suicide prevention communications campaign: a call to action to men, by men. We all have a role to play in men’s suicide prevention. Partners, colleagues, friends, and family. In Canada, men have a suicide rate three times higher than women. Why? We have socialized men to be strong, stoic and self-reliant; showing emotion is a sign of weakness, as is asking for help. Further, men are under served by our traditional health and social service sectors. Men are dying in alarming numbers, all around us, alone. How can we change this reality? Join the Buddy Up Campaign.

Movember

While the month of November is a little ways away, the Movember website is full of resources for guys all year long. Learn more about prostate and testicular cancer and how you can check for signs, early detection is key. Visit Family Man and discover parenting strategies designed with dads in mind. If you are feeling low or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Discover numerous resources on where you can get support and how you can help give support if you have a bro that might be struggling.

The John Howard Society of Brandon

The John Howard Society of Brandon (153 8th street) Men’s Resource Centre is open to all and offers a safe and supportive space for men and their families to access resources and information. The center provides programs, services and individual support on issues affecting men and their families.

Programs offered include: Anger Management, Building Healthy Relationships and a Crossroads Program – focused on developing positive life skills.

Services available: Staff can help you connect to community resources, provide information and advocacy. They offer one on one support, Protection Orders, Third Party Reporting and help with Pardons and Record Suspensions.

Drop in services: Free computer and internet access is available. Workshops focused on Legal Issues, Health and Wellness, Art and Music!

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba works on building meaningful relationships and provides a space where men can open up and share about their experiences. They offer a wide variety of mental health and wellness opportunities from workshops to peer-support, and One-on-One peer support. You can book a one-on-one peer support session (online/in person) with the Men’s Program Coordinator at [email protected]. Discover more about the peer support groups and additional men’s health resources.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was developed & launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). WEAAD involves planning activities to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older adults everywhere they live worldwide and highlight the need for appropriate action. It is intended to give the abuse and neglect of older adults a global relevance that will sustain and move prevention efforts forward throughout the year and for years to come.

WEAAD involves national and international activities developed by countries, communities, neighbourhoods and organizations collaborating in multigenerational and multidisciplinary initiatives. It can encompass volunteer and educational programs, cultural and art events, and the use of information technology, all aiming to create awareness of elder abuse and neglect and how it can be prevented.

The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.” It can take many forms, including physical, emotional or financial harm, and may not be intentional. The issue is closely tied to ageism, an underlying prejudice against older people leading to discrimination and neglect.

Did you know that:

1 in 2 people is prejudiced against older people (Global Report on Ageism, World Health Organization)
1 in 5 Canadians say older people are a burden on society (Report on Ageism, Revera, 2012)
An estimated 7.5% of Canadians 55 and older experienced abuse (Into the Light National Survey on the Mistreatment of Older Canadians, National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, 2015)
1 in 6 people over the age of 60 are victims of elder abuse (World Health Organization)
In 2021, Women aged 55 and older represented 28% of all victims of femicide (Call it Femicide Report, Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 2021)
Nearly 8 in 10 seniors report age discrimination in healthcare (Report on Ageism, Revera, 2012)

Each year on June 15, many communities within Prairie Mountain Health recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as an opportunity to recognize local and regional efforts to raise awareness of the abuse towards older adults. Raising awareness of elder abuse and neglect is challenging, and no effort is too small. Public education and awareness raising are important elements in preventing abuse and neglect.

If you are being abused or neglected or know of someone who is, the MB Senior’s Abuse Support Line 1-888-896-7183 is available 24-7. Calls are free and confidential. You can speak to a trained counsellor who will provide one-on-one support to older adults experiencing abuse and other concerned community members.

For more information and resources on Elder Abuse, please visit WEAAD Manitoba at www.weaadmanitoba.ca or The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse at www.inpea.net websites.

Let’s all “Wear something purple” and celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 to show the world we care about ending elder abuse and neglect.

June 3rd is National Health & Fitness Day!

National Health & Fitness Day (NHFD) is an initiative to make Canada the Fittest Nation on Earth, starting with marking one day, the first Saturday in June as the day when Canadians get out and get active in any way they wish. Communities across the country have proclaimed the day and the National Health and Fitness Day Act, Bill S-211, became law in December 2014.

Current Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for ages 0-4 recommend at least 180 minutes of physical activity of any intensity per day; at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity for children and youth (aged 5-17) per day; and at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity per week for adults and older adults (all those over 18 years of age). Data from across Canada shows that only 15% of adults and 9% of children and youth are meeting current physical activity guidelines. The good news is that 84% of 3-4 year-old children are meeting the guidelines. As you can see, intensity of physical activity matters! Moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity includes all activities that make you huff and puff. Moderate means you should still be able to have a conversation but are starting to work up a sweat; vigorous intensity means you’re out of breath and can’t maintain a constant conversation.

Children and youth who meet the activity guidelines are less likely to be overweight, have better bone health, do better in school, and have better scores for mental health. Meeting the activity guidelines for adults is associated with significant reductions in the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, colon and breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Other benefits include higher energy levels and better sleep, better mental health and higher brain function and memory.

On Saturday June 3rd get your kids, spouses, parents and friends outside and get active! A family that plays together stays together! Here are some activity ideas for you and your family:

Let your kids plan the activities for the day! If you’ve never played Grounders or Octopus, you’re missing out! Check out these fun, no-equipment outdoor games from Active for Life.
Head to the park or playground and set up a fun obstacle course.
Make a splash at your community pool, splash park or local recreation centre.
Get together with neighbours for a game of all-ages ball hockey, races (egg-on-a-spoon, three-legged and sack races); a scavenger hunt; a pool party; or a game of soccer.
Play walking bingo! Find the game card here.
Go for a walk – walk around the neighbourhood and discover a new park or ravine.
Tour the community … on bikes!
Take your dog for a long walk. Or, if you don’t have a dog – take your neighbour’s dog for a walk!
Introduce the kids to something new. Bocce ball? Ladder golf? Cricket?
Crank up the tunes and have a crazy outdoor dance party! See who can make up the best new dance moves.

Let’s do our part in making Canada the Fittest Nation on Earth and on Saturday, June 3rd get up, get out and get active!

RBC Foundation donates to Dauphin Regional Health Centre nurses development fund

The RBC Foundation has donated $10,000— through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation— to support retention of and professional development for nurses at Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC). The donation was highlighted as part of National Nursing week (May 8-14).

*From left, DRHC nurse Cheryl Geisel, RBC Dauphin Branch representatives Danielle Sear and Kent Nordin and DRHC Care Team Manager Curt Gullett.*
*(Photo courtesy of Dauphin Herald)*

“Recruitment and retention of health-care professionals is front and centre in Manitoba and Canada right now,” said Greg Thompson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation Chairman. “We continue to provide various levels of training support for nurses to offer even better patient care and we sincerely appreciate RBC Foundation’s contribution to our Foundation, which allows us to offer even more educational opportunities.”

RBC’s donation will go towards the centre’s Delha Cort Education fund. This fund encourages staff to pursue continuing education, with priority given to facility-related education, which can enhance an employee’s current job performance or personal development toward advancement in their careers.

“RBC recognizes the impact that nurses have in our healthcare system is unparalleled. Dedicated, committed, and always answering the call no matter the sacrifice, they are our caregivers and comforters during our deepest times of need,” said Kim Ulmer, RBC Regional President, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and Western Ontario. “We aim to give back to nurses through a donation supporting their continuing education and professional development, to refresh their skills and open more opportunities for their career options and advancement.”

The DRHC educational endowment fund was named after Irene Delha Cort, who passed away in 1990 and had a bequest to the Dauphin Hospital Foundation to use the funds primarily for staff education and development. DRHC nurse Cheryl Geisel, one of the recent recipients of funding support through her Delha Cort application, participated in the presentation.

Prairie Mountain Health and the Dauphin Hospital Foundation sincerely thank the RBC Foundation for its generous contribution.

May 2023 Donations for PMH

Legion #24 Roblin donates to Crocus Court PCH

Pictured is Crocus Court Care Team Manager Jesus Dangat and Legion #24 Roblin members.

Every year the Royal Canadian Legion #24 (Roblin local) raises funds for the community. This year they donated $4,356 to Crocus Court PCH towards the purchase of an ABI Doppler machine set. This machine will help nursing staff in the assessment of residents that are suffering from venous insufficiency.

PMH thanks you for your generous donation.

Enns Brothers is pleased to donate a new ride-on toy tractor to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Pediatric Ward

Pictured is: Gary Bohn, Branch Manager of Enns Brothers in Brandon and Portage la Prairie. Presenting the tractor to Jessica Brunskill Care Team Manager BRHC SRMC/NICU/Pediatrics along with staff members on the Pediatric Ward.

Gary Bohn, Enns Brothers Branch Manager, says, “We first donated a tractor to the Brandon Hospital in 2019, and it has been amazing to hear stories of how the tractor has positively impacted children who are patients on the unit. Our hope is that this new tractor continues to provide a bit of joy and comfort during an otherwise anxious time. We’re very grateful for the opportunity to support children in our Brandon community and surrounding areas.”

PMH is very grateful for this donation that will provide much joy to the children. Thank you.

International Harm Reduction Day | May 7

Harm reduction can be defined as an understanding that drug use has been and continues to be part of our world. Working with client’s where they are at to minimize the harmful effects of substance use promotes health autonomy and personal choice. The guiding principles include non-judgemental care that does not promote or expect abstinence as the goal of our clients. Provider-client relationships are prioritized through trauma informed and client driven care. Harm reduction approaches within PMH include safer injection and safer smoking kits, overdose recognition and response, opioid agonist therapy, working towards reducing stigma, health inequalities, racism, and cultural safety.

Discover a Harm Reduction event in a community near you, where testing and free supplies will be available.

Brandon | May 5th | 12-2pm | Princess Park
- Condoms, Safer injection supplies, Safer Smoking supplies, and Naloxone Training (no testing)

Swan River | May 9^th | 1-4 pm | 524 Main Street E
- Condoms, STBBI urine & blood testing, Safer injection supplies, Safer Smoking supplies, safer sex supplies and Naloxone Training

Russell | May 9^th | 11-2 pm | Medical Clinic Parking Lot Shell River Ave
- Condoms, STBBI urine & blood testing, Safer injection supplies, Safer Smoking supplies, safer sex supplies and Naloxone Training

Minnedosa | May 11th | 10 am-12 pm | 48 Main Street South (East Entrance)
- Condoms, STBBI urine & blood testing, Safer injection supplies, Safer Smoking supplies, safer sex supplies and Naloxone Training

Wuskwi Sipihk | May 11^th | 1-3 pm | Cultural Building
- Condoms, STBBI urine & blood testing, Safer injection supplies, Safer Smoking supplies, safer sex supplies and Naloxone Training

Rossburn | May 12 | 11-2 pm | 23 Main Street
- Condoms, STBBI urine & blood testing, Safer injection supplies, Safer Smoking supplies, safer sex supplies and Naloxone Training

Learn more about Harm Reduction

Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Position Statement: Harm Reduction

Manitoba Harm Reduction Network

Toward The Heart

National Harm Reduction Coalition

April 2023 Donations for PMH

Russell Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee (ECCC) receives another donation- Eunice Koss and Betty Beischer, members of the Russell ECCC accepted a $20,000 donation from (front row;) Councilor Darlene Jackson back row: Councilor Judy Usiner, Reeve Grant Boryskavich, Councilor Albert Holopina, Councilor Brett Bauereiss, Councilor John Pickup and (front right) Councilor Kathy Bennett, members of the RM of Riding Mountain West council. The money has been earmarked for equipment for the Cancer Care Unit. Fundraising continues for equipment and paving of a new parking lot, designated for chemotherapy patients.

Pictures and files courtesy of Russell Banner

Palliative Care is Everywhere

The first full week of May marks National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada. The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is the national leader in the pursuit of quality hospice palliative care in Canada through supporting initiatives of public policy, education, knowledge translation awareness and collaboration. The Prairie Mountain Health Palliative Care Team is joining this annual awareness campaign to celebrate this year’s theme “Palliative Care is Everywhere”

Palliative care is a commitment to whole person care that helps to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for those who have a life limiting illness that cannot be cured. Palliative care helps clients, and their families, with physical care, emotional needs, pain and symptom management, spiritual care, cultural needs, end of life planning and bereavement. Comprehensive and quality palliative care is holistic care designed to support the client’s mind, body, spirit, and family when and where they need it the most.

Palliative care can be provided where ever the client is located, including in their own home, the hospital, a personal care home and/or the palliative care unit. The Palliative Care team can assist the client and family with determining their preferences for end of life care and help facilitate the resources needed to support these goals. Some people choose to die at home with the resources of family, nursing and home attendant support. If their needs can no longer be met in the home, or if they choose to die in a healthcare facility, admission to the hospital, palliative care unit or a personal care home is available.

The Regional Palliative Care team assists with connecting clients and families with helpful resources regardless of where they live in Prairie Mountain Health. When a referral is made, the Palliative Care Coordinator contacts the client or family to talk about their needs and develop a plan of care. The Regional Palliative care team works closely with many members of the interdisciplinary team including: the client, their family, facility staff, home care, pharmacists, physicians, other allied health professionals, community organizations and trained palliative care volunteers.

Every family navigating the challenges that arise when a loved one is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness deserves the best quality of care and support we can offer. Referrals to the program can be made by the client themselves or their family and physician. Learn more.

Palliative care is everywhere – Meet the team!

Melissa Peters – Regional Palliative Care Coordinator Covers: Brandon and area

Emergency Department renovations well underway in three PMH health centres

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues to move forward on several major construction and renovation projects in partnership with Manitoba Health and Shared Health. There are three important Emergency Department renovation projects occurring in the Killarney, Souris and Virden Health Centers.

These Emergency Department (ED) renovations will remodel the EDs so that they can provide:

dedicated space for registration and triage for those attending the ED. This will provide greater privacy but also better sight lines for staff to view patients and the waiting area;
refreshed treatment spaces (e.g., new paint, flooring, etc.); and
improved wayfinding for those arriving at the Emergency Department and for those coming to visit inpatients.

PMH’s Regional Lead of Clinical Services Planning, Debbie Poole, stated: “We are very appreciative of the physician and staff involvement in the renovation planning and look forward to opening day where we can share the new look with the community.”

PMH remains committed to providing timely updates for patients, staff and community residents as the renovations progress through various stages.

Construction completion on these ED renovations is anticipated in the Fall of 2023. The cost of the three projects together totals over $ 1 million.

Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Programs within PMH

May 1^st to 7^th is Mental Health Week. This week is an initiative of CMHA and this year the theme is: My Story. Everyone experiences mental health and each person’s mental health story is unique.

This year, CMHA will focus on mental health community programs and champions, while challenging people across Canada to tell their story using the hashtags #MyStory and #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek.

CMHA has a toolkit that you can use, with virtual backgrounds and social media messaging and pictures.

Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Programs also exist within Prairie Mountain Health, facilitated by various departments including Health Promotion Community Development, Mental Health, and Dietitians.

Craving Change
Get Better Together
Strive to Thrive- for more information email [email protected] or call 1-877-509-7852
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Prairie Mountain Health has Mental Health services across the lifespan for children and youth, adults , and seniors. If you would like to make an appointment to speak to a mental health worker, call the intake line. If you are in crisis, call the crisis line for your area.

CRISIS – SOUTH DISTRICT (formerly Brandon, Assiniboine)

Adult crisis line, 24/7: 1-888-379-7699
Youth Under 18 crisis line 24/7: 1-866-403-5459
Crisis Stabilization Unit: 1-855-222-6011 or 204-727-2555
Mobile Crisis Services: 204-725-4411

CRISIS – NORTH DISTRICT (former Parkland)

Adult and Youth Crisis Line, (24/7): 1-866-332-3030

NON-CRISIS – SOUTH

Adult Community Mental Health Intake: 1-855-222-6011 (M-F 8:30-4:30)
Youth (17 and under) Community Mental Health Intake, see resources here.

NON-CRISIS – NORTH

Mental Health Intake (all ages)
- Roblin: 204-937-2151
- Ste. Rose du Lac: 204-447-4080
- Swan River: 204-734-6601
- Dauphin: 204-638-2118

Committees such as the Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN) and the Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee (MWSPC) facilitate mental wellness and suicide prevention initiatives across the region. The Expressions Committee also is another important committee to mention and promote; it is a collaborative effort of people recovering from mental illness; people submit expressions of their art and this year a Book Sale will happen that showcases people’s art.

Across the region Community Volunteer Income Tax Programs are available that allow people to file their income tax and therefore receive various government credits and benefits. There is also a project that encourages people to file their income tax called Get Your Benefits. Poverty can have a negative impact on people’s overall health; programs such as the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and Get Your Benefits provide a way for people to access their income tax returns, credits, and benefits that increase their income and can therefore improve their overall well-being.

If your organization or group is planning an initiative to promote Suicide Prevention or Life Promotion and require some funding support, please see the attached forms. Each year SPIN provides funding to a maximum of $1500 for groups/organizations to offer programs or events to make Brandon and area suicide-safer, under the following categories:

Mental Health Promotion/Activities that build healthy, resilient communities
Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion Initiatives
Suicide Intervention or Post-Intervention Initiatives
Other (specify)

Applications are being accepted until May 17^th 2023

In the Prairie Mountain Health region there are many mental health organizations and initiatives that facilitate people telling their story through programming, education, and peer groups, including: the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) , Peer Connections Manitoba, Huddle , Indigenous Mental Health services, SERC, the Buddy Up Campaign , Kids Help Phone , Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM), Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) , and Immigration. There are many more mental health supports across our region.

Manitoba 211 is a free confidential service that can be used to help people navigate this web of community, government, and social services support. This service is not just for mental health navigation. Text/call 2-1-1 or visit mb.211.ca

What’s going on around Prairie Mountain Health this Mental Health Week?

Swan River HERO Club BBQ May 5^th from 11am-2pm at Extra Foods
Roblin HERO Club BBQ May 2 from 11:30am-1:30pm at Co-op Food Store
Dauphin HERO Club Fundraiser May 5^th 11:30am-1:30pm, catered by Irvings Catering. Caesar salad and pudgy fries and coffee. Cost is $15/ticket.
Annual Clinician Workshop by SPIN and United Way (see poster image)