World COPD Day

The 2025 theme for World COPD Day is “Short of Breath, Think COPD.” World COPD Day takes place on November 19th. This year’s theme aims to emphasize that although COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, it is often not diagnosed correctly. COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable disease, but extensive under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis lead to patients receiving no treatment or incorrect treatment. Appropriate earlier diagnosis of COPD can have a very significant public health impact. Earlier diagnosis and treatment results in better clinical outcomes, including improvements in symptoms, lung function and quality of life.  A diagnosis of COPD should be considered in any patient who has shortness of breath, chronic cough or sputum production, a history of recurrent lower respiratory infections and/or a history of exposure to risk factors like tobacco, cooking fuels, or occupational hazards.

If you have questions about COPD or other chronic lung conditions like Asthma or Pulmonary Fibrosis – please contact the Lung Health Clinic 204-578-4203. The Lung Health Clinic offers education & self-management skills to better manage chronic lung disease and live life to the fullest. The Lung Health Clinic also offers Pulmonary Rehab Classes for people living with chronic lung disease:

• In-depth education and exercise
• Free, 12-week course
• 2 sessions per year (Spring & Fall)
• Held Wednesday afternoons 1-4pm at BRHC

Occupational Therapy Lymphedema Cancer Care

In October 2024, Prairie Mountain Health received funding through the Cancer Care Manitoba, Centre of Hope, to hire a part-time Occupational Therapist. The Occupational Therapist’s role was intended to provide lymphedema management services for cancer survivors. Before this time, there was either a long wait for service or clients had to travel to Winnipeg for care.

Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid, which, when left untreated, can lead to chronic inflammation, hardening of the tissues, a decrease in function, and a decrease in quality of life.

Kayla Bueckert assumed the role of Occupational Therapist at that time and quickly completed extensive coursework to become a certified lymphedema therapist. She worked hard to integrate herself into the Cancer Care practice environment to work with referred clients effectively.

She works with clients who experience lymphedema in their breasts, upper extremities, lower extremities and in their head and neck areas.

Since Kayla started, she has had nearly 200 individual patient visits. She has begun collecting program data on how frequently clients need to see her before they can transition to self-managing their symptoms. She has also started to recognize the value of early intervention, where clients seen earlier in their symptom onset can have their symptoms treated and actively managed, preventing or delaying chronic symptom progression. She is actively working to reduce wait times for service and to expand the role of Occupational Therapy to meet clients’ needs beyond their experience of lymphedema.

Here is some feedback from clients who were seen by Kayla:

How long did it take you to get into lymphedema treatment? How knowledgeable were you about lymphedema before your symptoms?

It took 9 months to schedule an appointment with a lymphatic therapist in Brandon. However, I understand the new wait time after Kayla has begun is 4 months. Upon meeting my oncologist in Winnipeg for the first time, I had never heard of Lymphedema. The oncologist explained the type of surgery I would need and that I would be prone to developing Lymphedema. She briefly explained what to expect, but I didn’t fully understand it, and we didn’t go into detail about what can be done or how to be referred to a lymphatic therapist.  ~Gerharda Reuvekamp~

How has lymphedema impacted your quality of life?

My quality of life was dismal at best.  I was very depressed.  I cried at the thought of how bad my situation would be as a senior in a care home and told my husband that I will be seriously considering MAID in my future. Kayla Bueckert at Cancer Care Brandon quite literally changed my life.  My will to live.  She was able to see me for 2 weeks straight, and I improved 50%!  Since then, I have only been able to see her periodically due to her enormous case load, and my progress has slowed. ~Michelle Green~

What would you say the difference is after receiving some treatment and education on the topic?

The information I received from Kayla was so helpful. I felt (and feel) I was taken care of very well. She taught me how to manage the swelling, the importance of wearing my garments daily and how to do skin stretch massages. She also taught my husband how to do these for me. Many primary caregivers don’t know about lymphedema, which is a serious side effect of cancer treatments and also don’t know how to treat this (many think that taking a diuretic pill and deep tissue massage will help, but neither is the wrong treatment and might even make the condition worse). ~Gerharda Reuvekamp~

What are your thoughts on those in rural areas with little to no treatment for lymphedema?

It is setting these patients up for a life of misery.  The aftercare for women after breast cancer surgery is abysmal.  ~Michelle Green~

It’s very frustrating that not only has there been minimal access to lymphedema in Brandon prior to April 2025, but there is also very little KNOWLEDGE about it. I saw my oncologist, radiologist, physiatrist, three rheumatologists, two neurologists, two massage therapists (external to CancerCare), and two physiotherapists (external to CancerCare). I also had a nerve test done, and NO ONE thought of lymphedema as the cause of what was going on. The CancerCare team members are AMAZING, but the actual clinical help for managing side effects from cancer treatment is not there. After one hour with the OT at Brandon’s CancerCare Centre, I was able to start moving my arm.  I wish I had known more about the risks of lymphedema, cording, and seromas. ~Elizabeth Glaseman~

If there is one thing you would like to say regarding your journey through cancer care, what would it be?

Cancer takes so much away from people; it’s difficult to survive but not be able to thrive because of side effects from life-saving treatment. You want to be able to put cancer behind you, to live the life you’ve been given a second chance at. But when you’re constantly dealing with things like pain, incapacitation, declining movement ability, etc., it takes a real toll on your physical and mental health. To go from someone who hiked 10 km every weekend, swam twice a week, and did yoga to now not being able to grab soup from a top shelf is really frustrating. I am 40 years old, and cancer treatment has left me in the body of an elderly person. ~Elizabeth Glaseman~

They have been a Godsend.  My quality of life has improved dramatically.  I wish I could see my OT more often.  To think that each breast cancer patient is not automatically referred after surgery displays a failure of the Manitoba health care system. ~Michelle Green~

Based on the professional treatment and education I received from Kayla. I am very supportive of an additional certified lymphedema therapist in Brandon and/or rural areas, so that more people can get access to timely and effective treatment of this serious side effect condition from cancer treatments. ~Gerharda Reuvekamp~

Prairie Mountain Health is grateful to Kayla for her efforts in helping the clients she serves and for her fearless entry into a new practice environment for Occupational Therapy.

October of each year is National Occupational Therapy Month. Prairie Mountain Health has Occupational Therapists who work in hospitals, clients’ homes, long-term care homes, schools, preschools, and management. Occupational Therapists make a difference in the lives of Manitobans every day!

Canadian Patient Safety Week

October 27 – 31, 2025 | All Voices for Safer Care

Provincial Shared Health, Prairie Mountain Health and all Healthcare Organizations across Manitoba are working together in promoting Canadian Patient Safety Week.

This year’s national theme is an invitation to listen more deeply, ask important questions and take meaningful action – together. This includes all voices in making care safer; voices of patients, clients, families, the public (our future patients/clients) and all healthcare team members.

Recent data shows that in 1 in 17 hospital stays involved at least one harmful event.  This data is only for acute care services.

In the past, patient safety efforts have been focused on potentially preventable physical harm.  But healthcare harm can come in other forms, such as psychological, spiritual and social harm.  Despite best efforts, rates of patient harm are not decreasing.  Partnering with patients, families, communities and the public to learn and work together is important to strengthen safe care.  Learn more at Healthcare Excellence Canada’s Spotlight Series page (Canadian Patient Safety Week)

Did you know?  Many Manitobans wonder about what questions to ask?

Some patients, clients and residents may be worried about how their healthcare team will respond to questions.  Comfort level with asking questions of healthcare team members may be affected by:

• How they have been treated in the past while asking questions
• Relationship with their healthcare provider
• Experiences of trauma, systemic racism and/or stigma
• Health literacy (a person’s understanding of their health, finding information about their health needs and using it to make health decisions)

It’s Safe to Ask is a resource for patients, clients, residents and their families on how to ask questions about their health and fully participate in their plan of care. 

Events: 

Access Canadian Patient Safety Week Activities on the Patient Safety Week – Shared Health – Health Providers page.

• Tuesday Oct 28 – 12:00-1:00pm Have your lunch and Learn in collaboration with CHI
• Tuesday Oct 28 – 11:00-12:30pm Live Webinar – From Awareness to Action: Beyond Harm, Toward Safer Care (English- with French translation available)
• Wednesday Oct 29  11:00-12:00pm Live Webinar – Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network – Taking multiple medications? 5 questions to ask
• Thursday Oct 30 – 11:00-12:30pm Live Webinar – From Awareness to Action: Beyond Harm, Toward Safer Care (French- with English translation available)
• Friday Oct 31 – 12:00 – 1:00 pm Live Webinar Shared Health Provincial Patient Safety Team It’s Safe to Ask

Enter the Draw HERE! Chance of winning a $50 Gift Card

This year, we are putting a spotlight on Manitoba’s It’s Safe to Ask resources.

Encourage Clients, Patients and Residents to Ask Questions about their Health, Medications, and Medical tests.

Learn more about Patient Safety Here: Patient Safety – Prairie Mountain Health or  Patient Safety – Shared Health

Mental Illness Awareness Week | October 5 – 11, 2025

Mental Illness Awareness Week is a time to listen, learn, and work toward a better understanding of the realities of mental illness. Across Canada, one in five people will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. This week serves as an important reminder of the value of mental health education and awareness.

We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to increase understanding, share accurate information, and build mental health literacy within our communities.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is an excellent resource for learning about mental illness, including facts and myths, treatment options, mental health in the workplace, and how to support yourself or a loved one when concerns arise. Visit their website for more information: » General info on mental illnesses

Despite growing awareness, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to accessing mental health care. Knowledge and compassion are two of our strongest tools in breaking down that stigma. This week, we encourage you to take time to educate yourself, start conversations, and support those around you on their mental health journey.

Prairie Mountain Health Celebrates Malnutrition Week October 6-10^th, 2025.

This is How Dietitians Help Patients Heal: Tackling Malnutrition in Hospitals

Did you know that up to half of adults and a third of children in Canadian hospitals are affected by malnutrition? It’s a serious issue that often goes unnoticed. And no—malnutrition isn’t just about not eating enough. It’s about not getting the right nutrients your body needs to heal, fight infections, and stay strong.

When people are in the hospital—especially after surgery, injury, or dealing with chronic illness—their bodies need even more nutrients. That’s where dietitians come in.

Why Dietitians Are Essential

Dietitians are nutrition experts. They know how to assess a patient’s health, figure out exactly what nutrients are needed, and create personalized nutrition plans to support recovery.

They work closely with doctors, nurses, and other specialists to make sure nutrition isn’t overlooked. For example:

• Swallowing problems? Dietitians team up with speech-language pathologists to create safe, nutritious meals or recommend tube feeding.
• Digestive issues? They adjust diets to help patients absorb nutrients better.
• Wounds or infections? Dietitians increase protein and energy in meals to help the body heal faster.

The Hidden Costs of Malnutrition

Malnourished patients often stay in the hospital longer, recover more slowly, and face more complications. This not only affects their health—it also costs the healthcare system around $2 billion each year in Canada. Malnutrition can lead to muscle loss, weaker immune systems, and a higher risk of getting sick again.

Catching Malnutrition Early

The good news? Hospitals in Canada use special tools to spot malnutrition early:

• Canadian Nutrition Screening Tool (CNST): A quick two-question check done within 24 hours of admission.
• Subjective Global Assessment (SGA): A more detailed review by a dietitian to confirm malnutrition and plan treatment.
• Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (INPAC): A system that helps hospital teams work together to catch and treat malnutrition quickly.

These tools help dietitians act before things get worse. By identifying risks early and providing the right nutrition, dietitians don’t just treat illness—they help patients recover faster and stronger.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30

“Achieving reconciliation is like climbing a mountain – we must proceed a step at a time. It will not always be easy. There will be storms, there will be obstacles, but we cannot allow ourselves to be daunted by the task because our goal is just and it is also necessary.” – Justice Murray Sinclair 

We are approaching the 10^th year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, that were released in December 2015. There are 7 Calls to Action that are specifically written with a focus on Health and Health Care. Prairie Mountain Health has been incorporating Health Recommendations into their annual action plans and day to day actions. Read the following recommendations and reflect upon how you see these Calls to Action being acknowledged and followed. 

Calls to Action 18 – 24:  Recommendations for Health are as follows:

18. We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to acknowledge that the current state of Aboriginal health in Canada is a direct result of previous Canadian government policies, including residential schools, and to recognize and implement the health-care rights of Aboriginal people as identified in international law, constitutional law, and under the Treaties. 

19. We call upon the federal government, in consultation with Aboriginal peoples, to establish measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, and to publish annual progress reports and assess long-term trends. Such efforts would focus on indicators such as: infant mortality, maternal health, suicide, mental health, addictions, life expectancy, birth rates, infant and child health issues, chronic diseases, illness and injury incidence, and the availability of appropriate health services. 

20. In order to address the jurisdictional disputes concerning Aboriginal people who do not reside on reserves, we call upon the federal government to recognize, respect, and address the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples. 

21. We call upon the federal government to provide sustainable funding for existing and new Aboriginal healing centres to address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harms caused by residential schools, and to ensure that the funding of healing centres in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories is a priority. 

22. We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients. 

23. We call upon all levels of government to:
i. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field.
ii. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities.
iii. Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals. 

24. We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism. 

Learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

The National Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-800-925-4419

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Canada.ca

Orange Shirt Day | September 30

With the coming of Fall, we often think about the changing colors, school starting, sweaters, shorter days, and now Orange Shirt Day. September 30 is Orange Shirt Day. This day is more than just a national holiday, it is a day that commemorates the children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools. It is a day to reflect on the impacts of residential schools on individuals, families, and communities. 

Every Child Matters – Wear an orange shirt on September 30

Explore the story of Phyllis Webstad, creator of Orange Shirt Day. Because of her advocacy for the children, survivors, and families that are affected by residential schools, Phyllis received an honorary doctorate from Brandon University in June 2024.

Events Across PMH

If you have an event you would like to share with the region please email [email protected].

Brandon

Swan River

Join us on September 30th for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Walk, beginning at 10:30am at Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre. Bannock and Refreshments will be served.

Dauphin

📅 September 30, 2025
West Region Treaty 2 & 4 Health Services is hosting an Orange Shirt Day event in Dauphin.

Event details:

• Location: Dauphin (venue details to be confirmed/posted closer to the date)
• Focus: Honoring Survivors, commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and raising awareness through community gathering
• Vendors: 10 Indigenous vendors will be featured, showcasing crafts, clothing, and beauty items (no food).
• Vendor registration:
  • Table fee: a donated vendor item for door prizes
  • Deadline to apply: September 22, 2025
  • Interested vendors can email [email protected] with vendor name, contact information, and a short description of offerings

The day will include opportunities for community connection, cultural sharing, and raising awareness about the legacy of residential schools.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Day |September 9

Each year on the 9th day of the 9th month, people across the world recognize International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day. This date highlights the importance of everyone supporting a health pregnancy over the 9 months, including it being alcohol free. #EveryonePlaysAPart

FASD is a diagnostic term for a range of lifelong physical, emotional, and developmental effects caused by alcohol exposure before birth. This can occur before the pregnancy is known. Approximately 4% of Canadians are affected by FASD.

FASD Support in Manitoba

Manitoba FASD Network

All diagnostic assessments for children and youth (under age 18) in Manitoba are coordinated through the Manitoba FASD Centre and the Manitoba FASD Network.

If a child or youth was exposed to alcohol during pregnancy and has developmental or behavioral concerns, anyone can make a referral.

Contact Prairie Mountain Health FASD Diagnostic Coordinators:

• Dauphin: 204-622-6223
• Brandon: 204-578-2487

Life’s Journey Inc.

Life’s Journey is a not-for-profit agency supporting individuals with neurodevelopment and co-occurring disorders. Life’s Journey helps people with diverse abilities living in Manitoba. Life’s Journey includes traditional Indigenous healing as a significant component of their clinical services.

This agency strives to provide clinically informed, culturally relevant, wellness oriented, relationship and strengths-based services.

Westman Services is located in Brandon and provides services to individuals eligible for funding through Community Living Disability Services. Individualized services include:

• outreach support and mentorship
• family support
• supported independent living
• cluster housing
• homeshare (foster)
• shift-staffed residences
• day program

Westman Services offers various clinical services, including psychology, occupational therapy, addiction support, and access to a Nurse Practitioner. All services are voluntary.

The Rural Connections program provides individualized services for transitional youth and adults impacted by FASD and ineligible for other government support programs. Individuals must be ineligible for funding through Community Living Disability Services, Provincial Alternative Support Services and Community Mental Health. The program is available within the Brandon and Steinbach regions. Rural Connections offers outreach support and mentorship.

For more information on Life’s Journey, Westman Services or the Rural Connections Program call 204-772-1591.

FASD Coalitions

Brandon and Area FASD Coalitions – If you are interested in joining the  Brandon and Area FASD Coalition, please call 204-578-2487.

Manitoba FASD Coalitions – For more information visit the Manitoba FASD Coalition