Harvest is just around the corner in our prairie region. We encourage everyone (farmers and the public) to take precautions and stay safe this harvest season.
On the Road
Take precautions when driving past or near slow-moving farm equipment.
Ensure all lights including brakes and turn signals are working and properly adjusted before moving farm equipment on public roads.
Keep mirrors and windows clean both in and out of the field.
Be aware of height, length and weight restrictions on farm vehicles and when permits may be required.
In the field
Inspect equipment regularly and ensure everything is in good working condition.
Ensure guards and shields are in place on all equipment.
Ensure first aid kits/fire extinguishers are stocked/full and in good working condition.
Clear plugged equipment after the power is turned off and keys removed.
Never trust hydraulic systems when working under a machine. Always use a safety prop if you must work under a header or other heavy machinery.
Check your tow ropes and chains when pulling out stuck equipment – try to use tow ropes in good condition instead of chains.
Have operational fire extinguishers mounted on equipment and everyone trained to use them. (recommended to have one in cab and one accessible from ground)
Have a shovel accessible on farm equipment for fires.
In the yard
Create a safe, separate and supervised play area for children on the farm.
Before moving a piece of machinery, do a walk around check to ensure no one is near the equipment and warn anyone in the immediate area that the machinery will be moving.
Do not ignore your health during the harvest season. It is important to try to get adequate sleep which will help you rejuvenate from a hard day and prepare you for the next busy day. Stay alert and take breaks! Take a break to eat your meals, even a short one. Get out of the cab and walk around every few hours.
If harvest becomes stressful for producers and their families, free confidential support is available through Manitoba Farm, Rural and Northern Support Services at 1-866-367-3276 (toll-free) or online at www.supportline.ca.
Prairie Mountain Health and Shared Health Joint Employee Family Fun BBQ: A Day of Sun, Fun, and Community at Minnedosa Beach
Prairie Mountain Health and Shared Health Joint Employee Family Fun BBQ: A Day of Sun, Fun, and Community at Minnedosa Beach
Story courtesy of the Minnedosa Tribune
On July 14th, from 11 am to 4 pm, Minnedosa Beach was the place to be as hundreds of Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) and Shared Health employees, along with their families, gathered for a delightful day of sun, fun, and community at the Employee Family Fun BBQ. The event which included physicians, nurses, and volunteers, was blessed with partially clear skies, warm weather, and a light breeze – perfect conditions for a day at the beach.
The picturesque Minnedosa Beach, known for its serene waters, boating, waterskiing and beautiful surroundings, provided the ideal backdrop for the event. As families arrived, the beach quickly filled with laughter and excitement. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the awesome Splash Waterpark, where children of all ages could be seen enjoying the various water features and slides. The gigantic floating inflatable, with its diverse waterscape of activities, was a huge hit with kids of all ages, offering endless entertainment and a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
In addition to the waterpark, a wide array of games and activities were organized to keep everyone engaged. The chillaxing and friendly banter among colleagues and their families added to the festive atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community.
No BBQ is complete without delicious food, and this event was no exception. Attendees were treated to free drinks, chips, hotdogs, and cotton candy ensuring that everyone had the energy to participate in the day’s activities. The aroma of grilled hotdogs wafted through the air, enticing even the most reluctant eaters. The picnic tables, set up under the shade of nearby trees, and beach blankets provided a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy their meals together.
The event’s organizers ensured that there was a well-rounded experience for all ages. For the younger children, there were face painting stations, balloon animals, and a variety of beach toys.
Meanwhile, adults could unwind and socialize, taking in the scenic views of Minnedosa Beach and catching up with colleagues outside of the work environment. The event also featured a playlist of summery tunes that set the perfect mood, adding to the overall relaxed and joyous ambiance.
The Prairie Mountain Health Employee Family Fun BBQ was more than just a day at the beach; it was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of PMH and Shared Health employees. It provided a much-needed opportunity for healthcare workers and their families to unwind and enjoy some quality time together. The event highlighted the importance of work-life balance and the value of taking time to appreciate and connect with loved ones.
Community support played a crucial role in the success of the event.
Local businesses and organizations generously contributed, helping to make the day memorable for all attendees. Their support underscored the close-knit nature of the Minnedosa community and its commitment to recognizing and celebrating the efforts of healthcare professionals.
As the day drew to a close, families began to pack up their belongings and shared stories of the day’s adventures. The smiles and laughter that filled the air were a testament to the event’s success. It was clear that the Family Fun BBQ event had achieved its goal of providing a day of relaxation, enjoyment, and community building to our heroic health care providers.
In the end, the event served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the healthcare community. It brought together individuals from a wide variety of roles within PMH and Shared Health, reinforcing the bonds that unite them in their shared mission to provide quality healthcare. The Employee Family Fun BBQ at Minnedosa Beach was a shining example of the positive impact that a supportive and connected community can have on the well-being of its members.
**Thanks to the members of the PMH Employee Wellness Team for organizing and supporting this fun event.**
New Neepawa Residency Unit begins within Prairie Mountain Health region
New Neepawa Residency Unit begins within Prairie Mountain Health region
The first Neepawa-based Family Medicine Residency Program. From left are Dr. Brian Milligan, Program Director, Residents Dr. Gabrielen Alvero and Dr. Emma Ball and Jenna Kilburn, Program Administrator.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues to support efforts to enhance access to physician and primary care services in the region. The region already has strong partnerships with two Residency Programs (Brandon Satellite Campus and Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit, based in Dauphin) and in early July, a third program got underway in Neepawa.
The two-year Residency Program, with two Year 1 Residents, is under the guidance of Dr. Brian Milligan of the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic. Jenna Kilburn is the program administrator at the Neepawa site. The Residency Program is funded by the University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Besides their home base in Neepawa, the residents will also do rotations at other regional and provincial sites.
PMH is excited about the possibilities going forward. The community of Neepawa and surrounding area is growing and the new hospital under construction is slated to be completed in the summer of 2026.
“This provides exceptional opportunities for physicians to train in a rural setting and the potential to further increase the number of physicians who remain to practice in our rural communities, like Neepawa,” stated Treena Slate, CEO of PMH.
It’s back to school season, which means for most families that it’s time to pack lunches. Packing lunches can feel like a challenge trying to balance nutrition, budget, variety, food safety, and figuring out what your kids will actually eat. Here are a few tips for streamlining the task of packing lunches.
Get your kids involved – Involve your kids in the decision making and preparation. Decision making can start at the grocery store with simple decisions, for example, “would you like bananas or oranges in your lunch this week?”. When kids can be involved in some planning and decision making about meals, there is a better chance they will enjoy what’s packed! Involving kids in packing lunches also teaches important life skills like meal preparation, grocery shopping, as well as helping them discover their own preferences, and build a healthy relationship with food.
Make lunches the night before – Mornings are busy! Make life easier by packing lunches the night before. Pack lunches while cleaning up supper, especially easy if the leftovers can be packed in lunches.
Pack foods your kids like – Packed lunches are not the place to get your kids to try new foods. Save trying new foods for when they are at home, and in a relaxed environment. Pack foods that you know your kids like, even if that means packing the same items every day. This also means including food items that are just for fun. Different foods have different purposes, some foods purpose is enjoyment. Making these foods scarce only makes them more exciting to kids, and makes them want them more, which can cause a power struggle between the parent and child. When these “fun foods” are available in packed lunches regularly, eventually your child will see them as just another packed item, and will reduce their perceived “obsession” with them. In the long run, this will help kids develop a healthier relationship with food, and help them not feel out of control around these foods when exposed to them as a child, teen, and into adulthood.
Everyone has a job – Feeding kids can be a challenge, and meal times can feel like a power struggle if not everyone knows their job. According to Ellyn Satter, parents and kids each have a job to do at mealtime. At home it’s the parent’s job to provide food regularly, and to decide what, when, and where food is provided for their kids. At home it’s the child’s job to decide if they are going to eat what is provided, and how much. At school, the jobs shift a little. At school, it’s the parent’s job to decide (with input from the child) what is packed in the lunch, it’s the child’s job to decide if they are going to eat what is packed, in what order, and how much, and it is the teacher’s job to decide when and where the food is eaten. This may mean that your child doesn’t eat everything in their lunch or on their plate, but it helps your child learn to understand and listen to their own hunger cues, helping them develop a healthy relationship with food.
Pack a variety of foods – Some kids eat a larger variety of foods than others, and that is ok. Kids are still learning about different foods and their preferences. Here is a lunch checklist to include different important nutrients. If kids are given a snack time at school, don’t forget to pack enough for lunch and snacks.
Protein food
Whole grain carbohydrate food
Fruit and/or vegetable
Fun food
Water
Examples:
Homemade “Lunchables”
Sliced meat and cheese
Whole grain crackers
Baby carrots and grapes
Banana chocolate chip muffin
Water
Sandwich
Tuna salad sandwich
Whole grain bread
Snap peas and fruit cup
Brownie
Water
Leftovers
Chicken noodle soup in a thermos, hummus or tzatziki for crackers and celery
Whole grain crackers
Celery sticks and mandarin orange
Gummies
Water
Don’t forget food safety – Use ice packs and thermoses to keep foods at a safe temperature until lunch time.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues to move forward on several major construction and renovation projects in partnership with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long Term Care and Shared Health. The following is a brief update as of mid-July 2024.
Visuals are renderings only and not intended to reflect how the final project will actually appear.
Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC)
Construction to expand and renovate clinical spaces within the BRHC campus continues, with work on the new Critical Care bed tower addition. Once completed the entire project will feature:
a new 16-bed Intensive Care Unit – main level.
approximately 30 additional medical beds on – the 2nd floor.
3rd floor – mechanical space.
4th floor – shell space for future expansions.
The anticipated completion for the Critical Care bed tower project is forecast for the winter of 2026.
Western Manitoba Cancer Care Centre (WMCC)
Work continues on the expanded and renovated WMCC, which serves as a regional cancer hub, providing enhanced cancer services for patients across western Manitoba. The project includes:
9,418-sq.-ft. expansion and renovation of existing space, including additional exam rooms and treatment spaces.
space for the ‘Paul Albrechtsen Centre for Hope’ for counselling and recovery patients to have additional support and resources.
second medical linear accelerator, used for delivering external beam radiation treatments to patients with cancer.
Total anticipated completion of the project is currently forecast to be late September 2024.
Neepawa Health Centre
The new hospital is being built east of Neepawa on the north side of the Yellowhead highway near the Lions Campground.
It will be over four times the size of the existing hospital, and will better serve patients from this broader western Manitoba geographic area. Features of the new health centre will include:
60 acute care inpatient beds, up from 35 at the current Neepawa site.
an expanded emergency department designed to best practice standards that include treatment and assessment rooms, trauma rooms and an ambulance bay.
adding a hemodialysis suite with nine dialysis stations.
enhanced space for a number of other programs, such as surgery, diagnostics, and palliative care, as well as outpatient services like chemotherapy (6 treatment stations).
The anticipated project completion is summer 2026.
Dauphin Regional Health Centre
Renovations to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) continue through the summer. The second phase of the clinical spaces renovation project includes:
adding nine additional inpatient beds (seven on Medicine Unit, two on Surgery).
renovating vacated space (former cancer care unit on third floor) into a new physiotherapy area and some administrative offices.
renovating a conference room and adding additional storage space.
Phase 2 completion is anticipated by the fall of 2024, therefore further increasing hospital capacity.
Work continues to bring the new Endoscopy suite, which was part of Phase 1, into operation. The new suite on the hospital’s main floor will relocate all endoscopy procedures out of the existing operating room. This will further free up operating space, and increase surgical capacity at DRHC. PMH is working toward having the new suite operational within the next few months.
The initial phase also saw completion of the new cancer care unit on the hospital’s main floor. The new unit opened in January 2024.
Russell Health Centre (Cancer Care unit building expansion)
Construction on the addition to the Russell Health Centre for an expanded cancer care unit is complete. The expansion project added another 3,300 sq.-ft. to the health centre’s existing CancerCare Manitoba chemotherapy treatment space. This is roughly four times the size of the former space and included:
replacement of the existing nursing station and medication storage area;
creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area;
improved patient privacy.
The local Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee (ECCC) raised a majority of the $2.9 million capital construction project. The Province contributed $700,000 for the remaining capital costs.
The new space went into operation for patients and staff July 15.
A grand opening ceremony is being planned for the near future.
Swan River CT scan project
The CT scanner was installed within the Swan Valley Health Centre in May. The new diagnostic equipment went into operation in mid-June. Two x-ray technologists have been trained to operate the scanner.
In addition to a provincial investment of more than $2 million, community groups raised more than $1 million towards the project, which includes equipment, installation and renovation of the space within Swan Valley Health Centre.
The CT scanner will service a population of approximately 14,000. Patients in the area previously had to travel to Dauphin, Brandon or Winnipeg for scans.
Dauphin Medical Clinic honoured with 2024 Teaching Site of the Year Award
Dauphin Medical Clinic honoured with 2024 Teaching Site of the Year Award
The University of Manitoba, Department of Family Medicine, held its U of M 2024 Inspire DFM Awards June 5th. The awards are held annually to celebrate outstanding staff, faculty, residents, and teaching sites who elevate the Department of Family Medicine, improve healthcare, and help to train the next generation of caring and committed family physicians.
The Dauphin Medical Clinic was honoured to receive the 2024 Teaching Site of the Year award. From nominator Dr. Chavi Tejpal, a Postgraduate Year 2 lead resident at the Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit:
“I support Dauphin Medical Clinic for multiple reasons. The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Program, created in 1991, is the second oldest rural training program in Canada for Family Medicine. With its strong roots and training, Dauphin provides more than academic opportunities for our residents.”
“Having been a part of this program, I have experienced first-hand the exceptional community foundations, resources, and support structures it offers to its residents. One of the standout features of the program is its unwavering commitment to the health of the community.
The availability of resources such as the Primary Care Outreach Clinic (PCOC), public health initiatives such as breast feeding and immunization clinics, and multimodal mental health services ensures that residents are equipped to effectively address a wide range of patient needs.”
Dr. Tejpal says the program fosters a culture of collaboration and support among inter-professionals, providing residents with invaluable opportunities for interdisciplinary learning to enhance patient care.
“I am particularly impressed by the dedication of preceptors who open their homes as spaces for wellness activities, demonstrating a personal investment in the growth and development of residents. The active involvement and presence of a dedicated dietitian and mental health worker further illustrates the programs commitment to comprehensive care and resident support.”
Dr. Tejpal adds that accessibility of local specialists enhances the learning experience, providing residents with exposure to diverse medical perspectives and specialties such as a geriatric, adult and child psychiatrist, surgeons and unique niches in family medicine such as cancer care, geriatrics, dermatology, obstetrics, anesthesia and emergency medicine.
Dr. Anthony Wightman, who recently completed his first year of the residency program says the Dauphin Medical Clinic plays a vital role in the success of the Parkland Family Medicine Program.
“Manitoba has a vast catchment, diverse population, and skilled physicians. It is the best province to train for family medicine in, and the Parkland program is the best family medicine site within Manitoba for three reasons: its location, the resources, and the team.
PICTURED: The Dauphin Medical Clinic recently received the U of M, Department of Family Medicine’s 2024 Teaching Site of the Year Award. From left are award nominators Dr. Anthony Wightman, (first year Medical Resident), Dr. Chavi Tejpal (second-year Medical Resident), Dr. Sheldon Permeak – Associate Head, Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba and Dr. Scott Kish, Stream Lead – Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit.
The Parkland Family Residency Program is close enough to Brandon and Winnipeg that specialist support is available in emergencies. However, it is far enough that its physicians and residents must often differentiate and effectively treat their patients before support is available or accessible.”
Dr. Wightman concludes this relative isolation means that the residents are driven to be independent, assertive, and skilled in the clinic, ER, and hospital. Residents who graduate from the Parkland program often pursue additional training in anesthesiology and emergency medicine, providing benefit to the residency program and communities as a whole, which is necessitated by some of the area’s remoteness. Medical Clinics and facilities in nearby Grandview and Ste. Rose also play a participating role in the Parkland program.
“The Parkland program’s remoteness is balanced by a significant support network. It incorporates a clinical dietitian, respiratory therapists, and community mental health workers into its training team, which other sites do not. Parkland’s physical setup is also excellent. The emergency room is clean, modern, and has easily accessible ultrasound machines which residents are encouraged to use.”
The Dauphin Medical Clinic is across the street from Dauphin Regional Health Centre. With over 20 physicians, Dauphin has a wealth of family doctors, plus physicians in emergency medicine and anesthesiology, obstetricians and general surgeons to learn from. Dr. Wightman believes since Dauphin is so well staffed, these physicians have ample time to teach and support residents. This breadth of experience includes disciplines covering obstetrics, pediatrics, general medicine, geriatrics, addictions, emergency, anesthesiology, and palliative care. “I recently completed a month of training at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre ER – many of the doctors there trained in Parkland and spoke highly of it,” stated Dr. Wightman. “On all my off-service blocks, attendings have spoken positively of the program. Now, after several months, I am honoured to be able to attest to its excellence myself. The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Program, with strong support from the Dauphin Medical Clinic, is the best teaching site in Manitoba.”
Health officials, partners, stakeholders and staff gathered outside the Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River July 31 to formally acknowledge enhancements to diagnostic imaging services in the Prairie Mountain Health region with the recent addition of a new CT Scanner in the hospital. Shared Health and Prairie Mountain Health both sincerely thanked and congratulated local municipal and community leaders for their hard work and generous contribution of $1-million towards the capital investment, which came in at over $2-million.
PICTURED: (l-r) Lance Jacobson, Swan River Mayor, Karen Beheyt, PMH Manager Rural Diagnostic Services, Duane Whyte, co-chair Swan Valley Medical Services/Recruitment Committee, Alaynah Hohne and Kali Sauder, Shared Health Diagnostic Imaging Technicians, Treena Slate, PMH CEO and Mohammed Bhabha, Executive Director of Diagnostic Imaging for Shared Health.
“We know this service is already making a difference in our region, stated Treena Slate, PMH CEO. “Having this service in Swan River will alleviate hardships on patients and families who no longer have to travel or be transported by ambulance and can now have their CT scan closer to home.”
Slate took the opportunity to once again thank the representatives of the local municipalities and community leaders that got behind the project from the start.
“From my heart, I want to sincerely thank you for your dedication, perseverance and patience as all the necessary details were worked out provincially.”
Swan Valley Medical Services/Recruitment representative Duane Whyte and Swan River Mayor Lance Jacobson, Chair of the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation, reiterated that having the new scanner operating in the northern part of the health region is already having benefits not only locally but regionally and provincially. They indicated the new diagnostic equipment further strengthens overall services that are offered at the health centre and will also assist in future health care staffing recruitment efforts.
Mohammed Bhabha, Executive Director of Diagnostic Imaging for Shared Health, led off the proceedings by extolling the benefits of having the CT Scanner in Swan River.
“Until two months ago, residents in Swan Valley who needed this type of diagnostic scan would need to leave the community to get it, with the next closest CT scanner being nearly two hours away in Dauphin. Some patients would have to travel even further, to Brandon and Winnipeg, to get the care they need. This now reduces pressures on emergency response services who often transport these patients, keeping ambulances in this area and available to respond to other calls. And it will open up appointments in other communities, which will allow more people to get the care they need sooner and closer to home.”
The CT scanner was installed within the Swan Valley Health Centre in May. The new diagnostic equipment went into operation in mid-June and is expected to service a population area of approximately 14,000. Two X-ray technologists received training to operate the scanner. For more on that health care training journey, read the related Shared Health article.
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – held on August 31 every year – is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.
This year’s theme for 2024 is “Together We Can,” highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together in support of those connected to the tragedy of overdose. No one should stand alone in our fight to end overdose.
While every individual action matters greatly, coming together as an international community creates a powerful collective action. One that moves us with greater speed toward our shared goal of preventing and, ultimately, ending all overdoses.
For people who use drugs and those who don’t. For heartbroken friends and family members of lost loved ones. For activists who fight for sorely needed policy reform. For healthcare and harm reduction workers. For tireless advocates. Overdose can affect anyone, and we encourage you to remember the tenacity of our community. Lean into the power that we can have when we work together.
This August 31, reach out and connect with others in your local community and join the global IOAD movement. Our collective voices are stronger, louder, and the most impactful when brought together. Join us in continuing to be a part of the change. Get Involved – International Overdose Awareness Day (overdoseday.com) has other options for getting involved, resources, and campaign materials available if you’d like to host an event in your community.
On August 1, Brandon and Area Gone Too Soon and Substance Use Awareness will be hosting an event at Dinsdale Park at 5:30. All are invited to put up purple ribbons and pictures of those who have died due to toxic drugs and or substance-related harms. You can also add your loved one’s name and/or photo to the local campaign by emailing [email protected]. Visit the Brandon and Area Gone Too Soon and Substance Use Awareness Facebook page.
Join us on Saturday, October 5 for the Westman Yoga Festival, a day filled with relaxation, mindfulness, and rejuvenation. Get ready to dive into the world of yoga and connect with like-minded individuals. Lunch will be provided. Held at the Keystone Centre from 9am to 4pm. For all abilities ages 18 plus. Cost is $52.50. Register here. Registration deadline is September 27.
Beets are a popular garden vegetable in Manitoba. These vibrant-coloured root vegetables can be enjoyed in many different ways, from soup or borscht to salads, pickles, and juices. There are three basic varieties of Beta Vulgaris (beetroot or beets): chard – grown specifically for its leaves, beets – grown for their round roots, and sugar beets – grown for making sugar from their long, thick root. The red beets normally grown in gardens look very different from sugar beets. While red beets are usually short, round, and a rich red-purple colour, sugar beets are a longer, pointed shape and have white-yellow skin. Beets are rich in nutrients such as Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, antioxidants, folic acid, and fiber.
Around the world, sugar beets are grown commercially to be processed into sugar. Canada produces sugar from sugar cane that was grown in other parts of the world, and sugar beets that were grown in Alberta and Ontario. There is only one sugar beet refinery in Canada, located in Taber, Alberta. Approximately 10% of sugar produced in Canada is made from sugar beets. There is no difference between the sugar made from sugar cane and sugar beets, however, if you want to support Canadian beet farmers, look for Roger’s Sugar with a black factory stamp that begins with “22”.
Red beets are known for staining everything they touch a deep pink colour, but did you know there are also yellow or golden beets and Chioggia or candy cane beets? Red beets are the sweetest compared to these other colours.
Beets are often sold in bunches with their stems and leaves attached, but they can also be purchased in bulk without their leaves. Beets sold in bunches are usually fresher, and the first sign of aging is wilting leaves. Choose beets that are no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, with clean, unblemished skin. Large beets can be tough and woody.
To store beets, keep them in the fridge for up to three weeks in the crisper drawer. Remove the leaves 2 inches above the root, this will help the beet retain moisture longer. The beet leaves can be stored loosely in a plastic bag in the fridge, and added to soups or salads. Wash the leaves only right before using them. Raw beets don’t freeze well, however cooked beets can be sliced or chopped up and frozen. Beets can also be pickled, and stored in the pantry for over a year.
