Volunteer efforts appreciated within Prairie Mountain Health

2026 marks U.N. International Year of Volunteers

Volunteers within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) play an important and essential role providing ongoing support to our personal care homes, hospitals, and community health programs across the region. Volunteers share their time, skills, empathy, and creativity day in and day out, attributes which are vital to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of programs and services within our communities. 

National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026) is a celebration led by Volunteer Canada every April that recognizes, celebrates, and promotes volunteerism across the country. This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” invites Canadians to reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. It encourages people from all backgrounds to ‘Find Your Thing’ — discovering personal ways to contribute, whether through local events, grassroots initiatives, or ongoing volunteer commitments. This year, 2026 is also recognized as the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.

PMH Board of Directors Chair Lon Cullen says volunteers and volunteer organizations play a significant role in supporting PMH teams to make a difference in the health and well-being of the residents, patients, and clients within the health region

“We acknowledge and sincerely appreciate these heartfelt contributions not only during this nationally recognized week, but year-round! Our volunteers and volunteer organizations truly contribute in so many different ways and their time and dedication make a meaningful difference across PMH every day!

PMH is currently supported by 1,085 registered volunteers, including our Palliative Care volunteers. Across the region, our volunteers provide support to 49 PMH facilities and have contributed an incredible 51,096 hours to date (not including palliative care hours). This reflects the strong commitment and impact volunteers continue to have on our communities.

We also have 50 pet therapy teams visiting 43 of our facilities, offering comfort, connection, and a positive experience for patients, residents, and staff.

“We very much appreciate all our volunteers and volunteer groups who dedicate their time, knowledge, talents, compassion and heart to help Prairie Mountain Health work towards its vision of Health and Wellness for All,” stated PMH CEO Treena Slate.

“On behalf of our board, staff and physicians, we sincerely thank you for all you do from the bottom of our hearts. If you see a volunteer, thank them for making every one of their moments matter!

Read more stories about the amazing volunteers across our region:
Therapy dogs and volunteers: Keeping it ‘pawsitive’
Passion Ignites Volunteerism in Palliative Care
Volunteer efforts appreciated within Prairie Mountain Health
Volunteers go the extra mile

April is Oral Health Month

It’s oral health month, and Healthy Smile Happy Child is doing some very important research to help prevent early childhood tooth decay. Healthy Smile Happy Child is a partnership that works with communities to prevent early childhood tooth decay. Last year, we celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary. The partnership shares important oral health information with communities across Manitoba and works with those communities to study oral health in young children.

Follow this link to learn more about important studies with Métis and First Nations communities, and tips for taking care of children’s teeth.

National Immunization Awareness Week | April 26 – May 2, 2026

The Time is Now! Get Immunized.

Not so long ago, there was no way to protect yourself from diseases such as diphtheria, polio, meningitis, or measles. But vaccines changed that landscape. Rigorous testing and continuous safety monitoring provide overwhelming evidence not only that vaccines are safe and effective, but also that they are crucial tools for preventing serious illness and even death. Many diseases are now easily preventable through vaccination, and this has greatly improved our health outcomes.  

Disinformation, misinformation, mistrust in science and growing polarization are undermining public confidence in vaccines here in Canada. Hesitancy is increasing in some communities, and in certain regions, immunization rates are no longer high enough to prevent outbreaks. In 2025, Canada even lost its measles-elimination status. This is a stark reminder that we cannot take for granted decades of hard-earned progress in vaccine confidence and coverage, as it has the possibility of being reversed overnight.  

This is not the time to turn back the clock on life-saving innovation.  

The time is now – to reaffirm trust in the remarkable benefits of vaccines; to continue to rely on the clear evidence of vaccines’ safety and effectiveness; to counter dis- and misinformation; to stay informed; and to keep up to date with our immunizations.     

Immunize Canada invites everyone to stand up for vaccines this National Immunization Awareness Week!

Visit the Manitoba Health website for information on Routine Immunization Schedules and vaccine eligibility criteria for publicly funded vaccines offered in Manitoba. 

In Prairie Mountain Health, you can receive immunizations by contacting your local Public Health Office, Nurse Practitioner, medical clinic or pharmacist.

Information from National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW): National Immunization Awareness Week website https://immunize.ca/niaw  

Manitoba Health website Immunization (Vaccination) | Health | Province of Manitoba

March is Nutrition Month

Building on last year’s successful campaign, the Nourish to Flourish nutrition month theme returns in 2026 to highlight the impact of registered dietitians across Canada.

Dietitians play an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Dietitians work in various settings. They are located throughout Prairie Mountain Health in community settings, clinics, hospitals, and personal care homes. 

Here are a few of the many ways that dietitians help people flourish:

1. Dietitians provide personal advice that suits your situation and needs.

Eating is a personal experience for each of us. Our nutritional needs and food choices are unique based on many factors such as age, traditions, income, and medical conditions. Food connects us to our communities, our cultures, and ourselves. 

Clinical dietitians work at hospitals and personal care homes in the region. They help patients/residents to meet their nutrition goals through various health challenges. They also plan and approve menus that provide nutritious, balanced meals that meet the needs of each person.

2. Dietitians empower you to make informed, practical choices every day.

Food is more than fuel. Food is connection, comfort, and a pathway to flourishing. Dietitians support people in making informed choices that help them feel their best.

Cancer Care dietitians help patients/residents nutritionally through their cancer journey.

For more information on CancerCare Manitoba dietitians visit  https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/Patient-Family/support-services/nutrition-services

3. Dietitians are health promoters.

Health promotion dietitians give you the tools and support you need to take care of your health and wellbeing.  It’s not just about telling people what to do – it’s about creating environments, communities, and policies that make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Dietitians in Health Promotion work with communities, organizations, and groups, rather than individuals. They promote healthy eating with a special focus on nutrition and food skills education such as meal planning and nutritious cooking.

4. Dietitians provide support through outpatient nutritional counselling and group sessions.

From managing Illness and navigating complex health concerns, to preventing disease and helping families build positive relationships with food, dietitians provide trusted, evidence-based guidance at every stage of life.

Dietitians provide individual nutrition counselling to help you reach your nutrition goals. They answer general nutrition questions such as for children and during pregnancy. They also provide guidance on specific conditions such as celiac disease and food allergies.

Dietitians also work in clinics throughout Prairie Mountain Health to help people learn about healthy lifestyles and skills to manage health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. 

 Clinics include:

• Chronic Disease Education Program (CDEP)
• My Health Teams
• Renal health clinic
• Prehab osteoarthritis clinic

For upcoming Prairie Mountain Health public classes visit: https://prairiemountainhealth.ca/public-classes/

How to access a Prairie Mountain Health dietitian for individual nutrition counselling

1. Call 1-877-509-7852 yourself to make an appointment
2. Talk with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare provider and they can send a referral.

Prairie Mountain Health Dietitian Spotlight

Meet Chantal

Chantal Morais is a community dietitian. She enjoys working with community groups and organizations; a highlight is bringing community folks together to improve the health and wellbeing in their community such as working as part of the Neepawa Eats Healthy grassroots group to improve nutrition in Neepawa. This initiative has brought together many partners in the community and continues.  Chantal has been able to give PMH clients a voice by inviting patient partners to work on projects and committees.

Morais said, “There is so much variety in community dietetics from cooking with prenatal and postnatal parents as part of the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) and newcomer groups to working on policy, quality improvement, and being active on provincial and national committees and working groups. Each day brings new challenges, different communities and people.”

Manitoba’s Dial – a Dietitian Helpline

Dial-a-Dietitian helps Manitobans of all ages understand how food choices can improve their health and prevent disease. Call Manitoba’s Dial-a-Dietitian helpline at 1-877-830-2892 to receive personal, professional and free nutrition information.

February is Heart Month

February is Heart Month, a time when Manitobans are encouraged to pause and take stock of their heart and brain health. This year, Heart & Stroke is emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing modifiable risk factors for heart disease and stroke—risks that are more common than many people realize. In fact, 9 in 10 Manitobans have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke.

To help individuals understand these risks, Heart & Stroke offers a free, online Risk Screen tool, which provides a personalized action plan based on lifestyle factors, medical history, age, sex, and women’s life stages, including pregnancy and menopause.

For more information, you can also review the newly released 2026 Heart Month Report: The state of risk factors for heart disease and stroke in Canada or contact Heart and Stroke directly at 204-926-3132 or email: [email protected].

In Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), Primary Care offers a regional Heart Program that provides ongoing education, support, and encouragement to clients following a cardiac event or diagnosis. Our program offers 1:1 education for clients with a variety of heart conditions and those recovering after heart surgery. We also offer group classes every Tuesday, 1:30–3:00 p.m that can be accessed in-person in Brandon or virtually from the comfort of your own home. Topics include: The Heart, Nutrition, Exercise, Stress & Coping, and Heart Medications. Each session is facilitated by clinical staff with expertise on the topic. Referrals to this program are accepted from healthcare providers and through self-referral. If you are uncertain if this program is right for you and want to learn more, contact the PMH Heart Program at 204-578-4225 or 204-578-4204.

In addition to cardiac specific education, our Chronic Disease Education Program and Health Promotion Team also offer a variety of group classes that support heart health at a broader level; including such topics as nutrition, blood pressure and cholesterol management.  Get Better Together supports those living with health conditions to better manage their health through group support and discussions.  Commit to Quit and the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling programs provide education and counselling for people interested in quitting smoking.  To learn more about any of these offerings, you can follow the links or call 1-877-509-7852.

For families looking to get active and learn more about heart health, the 2026 Mega Heart Event is coming up on February 22, 2026 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Wellness Institute, 1075 Leila Ave, Winnipeg, MB. This is a free, family-friendly event featuring walks, Zumba, CPR demos, science activities, health booths, and more for young and old.

In honour of Heart Month, we encourage everyone to take one step this February toward better heart health: try using the online Risk Screen tool, check out a link in the article above, add a walk into your week, cook a heart‑healthy meal, or start a conversation with a family member about risk factors.

Every step counts — and together, we can build a heart‑healthier Manitoba.

Sex Plus Week | February 8-14, 2026

In recognition on Sex Plus Week this February 8-14, we’re zooming in on sexual health + artificial intelligence.  

The internet has changed a lot, all the way from dial up internet to today’s TikTok trends. Now, the AI boom is here—and it can be overwhelming to know how this will impact our relationships, our kids, and our access to information about our health.  

But we’re dialed in and ready to face the future! 

Together, we can challenge barriers to information and create space so everyone can ask more, learn more, and know more about how AI will impact our health, our rights, and our futures.  

During Feb. 8-14, Action Canada For Sexual Health and Rights will be providing the following activities and resources:

• Free resources on sexual health and artificial intelligence.
• Sex Plus Trivia Challenge to test your knowledge.
• Social media toolkit to dial up the conversation.
• Collaborations with our partners across the country.
• Feb. 11^th – Sexual Health (Mis)information in the Age of AI Webinar –Webinar Registration – Zoom

In our region multiple sites will be recognizing Sex Plus week by offering the following events:

Brandon:

• Feb 4^th Peer to Peer Testing Event at Ask Auntie 24 6^th Street from 10am-1:00pm
• Feb 9^th STBBI testing event at Brandon University 270-18^th St. Mingling area – Time TBD

Dauphin:

• Feb. 9^th Healthy Sexuality Bingo for Waskaa’igan Neegan Overnight Drop-in Centre participants 40 1st Avenue NW from 4pm-5pm.

Break Up with Nicotine in 2026

January brings a clean slate and a chance to make meaningful changes for your health. Many people choose the New Year as their quit date for smoking, vaping, or other nicotine use. Whether you spent time preparing in December or are starting fresh right now, you can still set yourself up for success.

Your quit day might feel exciting, and it might feel stressful. Both are normal. What matters most is having a plan that fits your approach. Some people choose to quit all at once. Others prefer to reduce over time. Both are valid and can lead to long-term success. Some tips to help set yourself up for success include:

1. Make Smoking Inconvenient on Purpose
If you are not ready to quit all at once, start by making each cigarette harder to access. Smoke only in one specific place, such as at the end of your driveway. Create smoke-free areas, such as inside your vehicle, garage, or home. Keep your cigarettes in a spot that is annoying to reach, like inside a sealed container in the trunk of your car. The extra effort helps break mindless habits.

2. Join a Support Group or Get Professional Help
Research shows that people who use counselling or support programs can double their chances of quitting compared to trying alone. Join a free group offered in PMH, such as Commit to Quit, connect with the Chronic Disease Education Program (CDEP) to speak with a nurse, or call Smokers Help Line for free coaching. Inform a close friend or family member of your quit plan and explain to them what you’ll need as support.

3. Use Delay Techniques to Push Past Cravings
When you feel the urge to smoke, tell yourself you will wait ten minutes. During that time, drink water, chew gum, or step outside for fresh air. Most cravings peak and fade within a few minutes. Delaying teaches your brain that you do not need to respond instantly, which is a powerful way to build control. If you’ve been tracking your nicotine use, have a plan ready before a common craving time comes.

4. Expect Ups and Downs
Quitting is not about perfection. Some days will feel simple, while others will test your patience. If you slip, it does not mean you failed. Look at what caused it and plan how to handle that trigger better next time. Celebrate each day you stay on track. Every effort counts.

5. Replace Hand and Mouth Habits with Safer Options
Smoking is not only about nicotine. Many people miss the hand-to-mouth motion. Prepare simple replacements. Try sugar-free gum, mints, a stress ball, a straw, or a water bottle with a straw. Keep these items with you so that when a craving hits, you have something to reach for.

6. Nicotine-Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Products include patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and sprays. For many people, using more than one type of NRT at the same time works best. Be sure to speak to a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before starting NRT to find the right one for you.

You are not alone in this journey. PMH is here to help. For support from a Registered Nurse, call 1-877-509-7852 or visit the Chronic Disease Education Program at Prairie Mountain Health to learn more about all the resources available to help you succeed.

Diabetes Awareness Every Day: Prevention, Care and Local Support

In Canada, someone is diagnosed with diabetes every three minutes.

Diabetes is a condition in which our body can’t control blood sugar properly. This happens because it does not make enough insulin and/or cannot use insulin well. Insulin is what helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy.  Too much sugar in your blood over time can damage your body and lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, and nerve problems.

The good news is that diabetes can be managed, and many complications can be prevented through healthy habits, regular check-ups, and proper treatment. Many cases of type 2 diabetes can also be delayed or prevented by eating balanced meals, being active, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Support in Prairie Mountain Health

Diabetes and other chronic conditions impact every aspect of life including physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Managing them day after day requires incredible strength and resilience. Programs within Prairie Mountain Health are here to provide support and guidance, helping individuals stay on track with their wellness journey.

The Chronic Disease Education Program (CDEP) provides practical skills and support to help you manage conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. We offer personalized one-on-one appointments and interactive group classes to fit your needs.

To learn more about the program and available classes, please visit our website.

The Health Promotion Community Development Team partners with individuals and communities to create environments that make healthy living easier for everyone. We focus on the social determinants of health; factors like income, education, housing, and access to nutritious food, that influence overall well-being.

For example, eating healthy is much simpler when fresh food is affordable and readily available. Our team provides tools, resources, and support to help people overcome these barriers and take charge of their health.

Celebrate, Reflect, and Thrive

This December, take time to reflect on the achievements and progress of the past year, and look forward to beginning the new year as your best self. During this season, focus on healthy habits, enjoy time with friends and family, and savour festive foods in moderation. Staying active can also help you feel your best.  For practical tips and ideas, see Healthy Eating for the Holidays and Events-Canada’s Food Guide.

To Learn More:

• Change the Conversation About Diabetes – Diabetes Canada
• Diabetes Canada Patient Resources: Getting started with diabetes management – Diabetes Canada  
• Diabetes Canada Virtual Learning: Virtual learning – Diabetes Canada 
• Diabetes Canada Youtube Channel: Diabetes Canada – YouTube
• Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide: Canada’s Food Guide 
• ParicipACTION Let’s Make Time to Move ParticipACTION – Home – ParticipACTION

November is Falls Prevention Month

Protect, check, and improve hearing and vision

November 2025

Released July 30, 2025 – McMaster University –
Authors – Dr. Paul Mick, MPH, MD, FRCSC, Dr. Roslyn M. Compton, Dr. Walter Wittich, Natalie Morog

The Bottom Line

• Early self-screening of hearing and vision can be done online.
• If problems are found, get help from a health professional that specializes in hearing and/or vision care.
• Strategies to improve hearing health may include using hearing aids or other technologies, learning new communication strategies, practicing safe listening, and having regular hearing health checkups.
• Strategies to improve vision health may include using lenses or other technologies, using eye protection, and having regular vision health checkups.

Sensory abilities naturally decline with age. In a large Canadian-based study, it was estimated that by 75 years of age, almost 50% of older adults have mild hearing or vision loss. By the age of 85 years old, about 40% have both mild hearing and vision loss. Males are more likely than females to have hearing and dual sensory loss. Since hearing loss often occurs gradually over time, many people don’t realize they have it. Sensory loss affects communication, cognition, and social relationships and is even associated with an increased risk of falls. Some signs of hearing problems include needing to ask for repetition and difficulty communicating in noisy environments. Some signs of vision problems may be blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, double vision, loss of colour perception, seeing floaters or flashing lights, or severe eye pain. There are a number of effective strategies you can take to protect, check, and improve hearing and vision.

What the research tells us

Protect your senses: To prevent vision loss, wear sunglasses in bright sun. When in noisy environments, wear earplugs. Exposure to loud sounds can cause preventable noise-induced hearing loss. You could be at risk of noise-induced hearing loss if you spend considerable time in noisy environments, use loud machinery, use firearms, or listen to amplified music. Strategies to reduce the risk include turning down the volume, limiting your time in noisy environments, and using properly fitted hearing protection. Decibel X is a free phone app to measure noise levels. Decibel levels of 85 dB HL have the potential to be damaging to your ears.

Test your senses: Check your hearing and vision using your smartphone to recognize if there are sensory problems. You can also check your hearing using the free Hearing Numbers app (iOS or Android), which will help you track changes in your hearing. The World Health Organization recommends vision screening every 1-2 years for adults over 50 years old, as well as hearing screening every 5 years for adults aged 50–64 years old and every 1–3 years for adults 65 years or older. Most age-related changes to your hearing and vision can be corrected or treated if identified early. Use these links to find your closest hearing or vision healthcare provider.

Seek help if you have sensory problems: Seek help and information about how to live with sensory impairments as soon as you notice sensory problems. Additional vision rehabilitation options are available through Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada. Many of these services are designed to consider the possibility of having more than one age-related impairment (i.e., vision and hearing loss). Adaptations and accessibility solutions are just around the corner.

Embrace technology and adopt new strategies: Depending on an individual’s situation, they may be helped by using technologies (e.g., hearing aids or glasses) and modifying communication strategies and environments (e.g., turning down noise, using closed captioning, or increasing lighting). Hearing and vision healthcare professionals can help you decide if you are ready for hearing aids or glasses. Use your technology on a regular daily basis and encourage friends and family to use their devices as well.

Hearing aids: The research tells us that hearing aids and other technologies can improve quality of life. Hearing aids can make communication easier, improve our psychosocial well-being, and provide tinnitus relief. The better the quality of input, the better one can understand and remember. Other technology aids that can improve hearing include remote microphone systems and personal amplifier systems.

Use good communication strategies: Whether you or a loved one is using hearing technology or not, good communication strategies are a must. Communication strategies are easy to use and cost no money. Some examples you can start using right away include:

• getting someone’s attention before speaking;
• facing the person you are speaking to and ensuring they can see you;
• reducing background noise when possible or moving to a quieter location;
• rephrasing rather than repeating when something is not understood;
• taking turns speaking when in groups; and
• having a positive attitude!

The above article, along with additional material can be found at www.Preventfalls.ca.  Prairie Mountain Health is committed to providing continuous education and resources to staff, clients and families to assist in reducing falls and injuries related to falls. 

For more information related to falls prevention, including risk checklists, resources and videos, visit PMH’s website.