August is National Immunization Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual event in August.  It serves to highlight the importance of immunizations throughout the lifespan.

The theme for 2025 is Don’t let history repeat itself.  Protect your future.  Get immunized!

Prairie Mountain Health continues to offer childhood and adult immunizations regularly through scheduled appointments, walk in and outreach events.  Contact your local Public Health office to schedule an appointment today or to inquire about what vaccines you are eligible for. 

If you have immunization records from another province or outside of Canada, please submit a copy to Manitoba Health by accessing Immunization Update Request Form

For more information on National Immunization Awareness Month please visit National Immunization Awareness Month | immunizecanada

Unmasking Mental Health | Mental Health Week May 5-11

Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking those struggles can make it even harder. Struggling with poor mental health or an addiction often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgement and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel. We often feel like we have to hide our struggles—at work, online, even with loved ones. We’re afraid to open up and be honest with our struggles, because we don’t want to appear weak, or we fear the judgment and misunderstandings that might result. But constant masking can be draining and isolating, which in turn can often make things worse. It can also be a barrier to reaching out for support. Almost 1 in 5 Canadians who need mental health support don’t reach out because they were uncomfortable talking about their struggles.

This May 5-11, Canadians are called to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. We all experience ups and downs in our mental health, and each person’s mental health is affected by unique situations and experiences.  There is no “normal”. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country.

This year, a number of special events have been planned in the region to highlight mental health and the ways we can work to unmask it and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health challenges. Check out the list below to see what’s happening this Mental Health Week (May 5-11) in your area:

• Dauphin:
  • A free workshop on Reducing Stigma around Mental Illness will be presented at the Parkview Lodge lounge (29 2^nd Ave. NE), in the back room, on Thursday, May 8 at 3:00 pm. Free coffee and donuts available.

• Roblin:
  • The Roblin HERO Club will be leading a community awareness walk on Wednesday, May 7, with refreshments. The walk will start from the HERO Club (146 Main St.) at 1:00 pm.
  • The Roblin HERO Club will be holding a Hamburger sale at noon at the Co-op Store on Friday, May 9.

• Swan River:
  • The Canadian Mental Health Association will have a display set up Wednesday, May 7 at the community booth in the Swan Valley Co-op food store. Drop by to pick up information on mental health and chat with a CMHA representative.
  • A free workshop on Reducing Stigma around Mental Illness will be presented at the Swan River Library on Thursday, May 8 at 3:00 pm. Free coffee and donuts available.

Speech-Language Pathology Month – May

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) work with preschool children and adults.

In Preschool Services, services are provided in a client’s home, in a clinic or in a child care centre or preschool setting. In Adult Services, SLPs work with clients in hospitals or in long term care homes. In 2024, a role for SLP was developed in Cancer Care assisting clients in their recovery of swallowing or communication difficulties follow head, neck and throat cancers.

Jordan Hagemeister has been a SLP for 11 years and works in Cancer Care and Adult Services out of the Brandon Regional Health Centre. To become a SLP, he completed his undergraduate degree in the University of Alberta and then completed his Masters of Science Degree at Minot State University in the United States. He agreed to share about his experience of working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Prairie Mountain Health.

What drew you to working in Cancer Care?

“There is an expanding population of Manitobans that deal with complex issues associated with cancer and the side effects of treatment. There are often significant impacts on a client’s speech, voice, and swallow function. I chose this area because it is challenging work that requires adaptability, creative thinking, and compassion to help improve the quality of life for our clients.”

What is the most enjoyable part of your work?

“Building connection with the clients and helping them solve their problems, educating them, and empowering them to take control of their care and promote self-advocacy.”

Why did you choose Speech-Language Pathology as a career?

“For me working with the adult population is a blend of my passions including neurology, physiology, and psychology. It is a career that challenges the mind while providing valuable services to clients with complex and challenging needs. It is very rewarding to practice a profession where you help make a difference in people’s lives.”

SLPs working in adult services often work with clients living with swallowing difficulties (called dysphagia). SLPs in PMH have worked hard over the last 1.5 years to obtain this advanced competency in order to visualize a client’s anatomy at the back of their throat in order to accurately diagnose, treat and intervene when a client has swallowing difficulties.

If you are or know of a young person who might be considering Speech-Language Pathology as a career, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions you may have.

Revealing the Truth: How Tobacco and Nicotine Industries Target Youth

On May 31, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health advocates worldwide will mark World No Tobacco Day. This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal,” shines a spotlight on the deceptive strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to attract young people and hook a new generation of users — specifically targeting teens and young adults. Their efforts focus on making harmful products look trendy, harmless, or fun.

Despite progress in reducing tobacco use globally, these industries continue to evolve their tactics. Common strategies include:

• Flavoured products and chemical additives mask the harshness of tobacco, making it easier to start and difficult to quit.
• Stylish branding and social media marketing that frame nicotine use as fashionable or rebellious.
• Deceptive product designs that mimic sweets, toys, or everyday gadgets, directly appealing to youth while minimizing the perceived risk.

These tactics don’t just encourage experimentation; they increase the likelihood of long-term addiction and serious health consequences. Being aware of the advertising tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industry is crucial in protecting public health, especially among young people. These industries invest heavily in sophisticated marketing strategies designed to glamorize their products, downplay the risks, and appeal to the curiosity and lifestyles of teens and young adults. From sleek, tech-inspired packaging to influencers on social media and flavours that mimic candy or fruit, these approaches are carefully crafted to make harmful products seem harmless or appealing.

 By understanding and recognizing these strategies, individuals and communities can become more resilient to manipulation. Knowledge truly is power; when people are informed about how they’re being targeted, they’re better equipped to make conscious, healthy decisions and to advocate for stronger regulations that hold these industries accountable. Recognizing the tactics is the first step in resisting them and in protecting future generations from addiction and lifelong health consequences. To learn more about this global advocacy work, visit World No Tobacco Day 2025: unmasking the appeal.

What You Can Do: Resources to Quit

If you or someone in your family is thinking about quitting smoking or vaping, support is available and taking that step can make a huge difference to your health and well-being. In Manitoba, there are a variety of free resources to help you on your quit journey, including personalized counselling, quit aids, and online, phone, or text-based support. Visit our website for a complete list of available services, or call the PMH Chronic Disease Education Program’s Toll-Free line at 1-877-509-7852 to speak with a nurse educator and learn more about the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program. In addition to seeking help, it’s also essential to have open, honest conversations with your children and family members about the risks of smoking and vaping. Many youth are influenced by products designed to look fun, harmless, or trendy. Talking with your loved ones about these tactics can help them recognize when they’re being targeted and empower them to make informed, healthy choices. More information can be found at Health Canada or the Consider the Consequences campaign website. 

Have you ‘Bean’ Checked?

March is kidney awareness month and PMH encourages everyone to learn more about protecting their ‘beans.’  PMH wants to take additional steps to encourage community members to protect their kidneys by understanding the importance of early detection and screening. 

The Importance of Regular Kidney Testing in Manitoba: Catching Kidney Disease Early

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function over time. In its early stages, kidney disease often has no symptoms, which makes it difficult for individuals to detect the condition without proper testing. According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, approximately 1 in 10 Canadians are affected by kidney disease, and Manitoba is no exception.

How Common is Kidney Disease?

Manitoba has the highest rates of kidney disease in Canada. About 1,793 people out of every million in the province develop kidney failure, which is higher than the national average. The most common cause of kidney disease in Manitoba is diabetes, but high blood pressure, family history, and certain ethnic backgrounds also increase the risk.

Why is Kidney Disease Hard to Notice?

Kidney disease doesn’t usually cause problems or symptoms until it is already quite serious. This means that people may have kidney disease for years without realizing it. That’s why it’s so important to have regular blood and urine tests. These tests can help doctors spot problems early, even before symptoms appear. Catching kidney disease early can make a big difference.

Who Should Get Tested?

Doctors recommend that people who are at higher risk for kidney disease should get tested annually. This includes people with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, or certain ethnic backgrounds. Routine tests, like blood work and urine tests, can help doctors check for kidney problems.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Kidney Health

Maintaining kidney health is closely linked to overall lifestyle choices. Here are some key things to do to help keep kidneys healthy:

• Stay Active: Engaging in regular physical activity helps control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, both of which are vital for kidney health.

• Maintain a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while low in sodium and processed foods, supports kidney function. Limiting salt intake can help reduce blood pressure, a key factor in kidney health.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking adequate water aids in flushing out toxins and supports kidney function. However, individuals with existing kidney conditions should consult healthcare providers regarding appropriate fluid intake.

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the kidneys and impairing their function. For more information or to speak to a Registered Nurse about quitting smoking or vaping  contact 1-877-509-7852 (toll-free) or visit Chronic Disease Education Program – Prairie Mountain Health

• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and liver disease, both of which can harm the kidneys.

• Manage Chronic Conditions: Effectively managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension is essential. Regular check-ups and adherence to prescribed treatments can prevent kidney damage.

Take a self-screen today to see if you are at risk for kidney disease. It’s never too late to ask yourself Have You ‘Bean’ Checked?

Kidney Foundation – Are You at Risk?      

Colon Cancer Awareness Month | March

Did you know that colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Manitoba? However, with regular cancer screening, colon cancer can be prevented. Also, if colon cancer is detected early, it can be cured 9 out of 10 times! March is colon cancer awareness month, and it is a great time to learn more about colon cancer screening and what you can do to reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal or bowel cancer, starts from small growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum. Polyps can grow for several years without signs or symptoms. Most of the time, polyps do not turn into cancer, but sometimes they can if they are not removed. Fortunately, there is an easy and convenient way for people to complete colon cancer screening at home using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). FIT is a safe test that looks for hidden blood in poop, which may be a sign of polyps or colon cancer. If you are between the age of 50-74, you can request an at home colon cancer screening kit at cancercare.mb.ca

Cancer screening is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of colon cancer, but here are a few other things to do!

• Live smoke free
• Move more
• Eat healthy
• Avoid alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight

Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms that may suggest colon cancer: blood in stool, abdominal discomfort that lasts more than a few weeks, or change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few weeks.

For more information on colon cancer screening and prevention, visit CancerCare Manitoba’s ColonCheck website at cancercare.mb.ca.

Sexual Health Week is back with a new name and look: SexPlus Week! 

Running from February 10th to 16^th, SexPlus is an annual awareness campaign dedicated to creating a future where sexual health is part of every conversation about health. SexPlus calls us to challenge misinformation, encourage curiosity, and dismantle barriers that keep people from accessing the knowledge, care, and freedom they deserve. There is no specific theme or topic to SexPlus Week; however, Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights is excited for people and groups to use the time to celebrate and share work already being done, whether that’s an already planned workshop series, an existing resource, or regular practices with clients.  Please feel free to participate in any way that works for you, visit Action Canada for sexual health & rights information.

Getting tested for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) is an important part of routine health care. Getting tested is important because it can help protect you and others. STBBI testing is available at physician clinics, nurse practitioners, teen clinics, and public health and primary care locations.

PMH Public Health and Primary Health Care offices.

During Sex Plus Week, Feb. 10^th-16th, PMH will be hosting a few different events:  

• Brandon:
  • Assiniboine Community College – Feb. 12 from 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
  • Neelin Teen Clinic from – Feb. 12 from 11:30 am-1:30 pm
  • Brandon Correctional Centre – Feb. 11 & 14
• Birtle: Outreach Van will be at the Birtle Pharmacy – Feb. 13 from 11:30-2:30
• Erickson: Erickson Food Bank – Feb. 12 from 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
• Swan River: Public Health Nurse will be available for testing at the SVRSS Teen Clinic on February 12 from 9am to noon.

Learn more about PMH’s Teen Clinics.

For more information, please visit Healthy Sexuality – Prairie Mountain Health

Eating Disorders Awareness Week | February 1-7, 2025

For Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW), the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) works with organizations across Canada to develop a social media campaign. For 2025, EDAW’s theme is “Embracing Possibilities.” The theme highlights the current challenges with eating disorder care across Canada. The campaign also highlights resources and events across Canada available to individuals with disordered eating and eating disorders.

Currently, one-third of Canadians report thoughts and behaviours consistent with an eating disorder. Young Canadians and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community carry the greatest risk of developing an eating disorder. Recent surveys of grade 7 to 12 students in Ontario and BC found over half of the students have felt preoccupied by their weight. Nearly half of the students reported not eating in order to change their weight.

In 2023, nearly 27% of Manitobans experienced food insecurity, meaning they worried about having enough food to eat. People who experience food insecurity are more likely to experience disordered eating than those who do not experience food insecurity.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has seen a significant increase in hospitalizations for eating disorders, with a 66% increase for females and a 47% increase for males. This highlights the greater need for earlier intervention for eating disorders. Even though rates of eating disorders keep increasing, research funding remains insufficient.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Health Promotion staff have been working on eating disorder prevention through several initiatives, including working with NEDIC on EDAW. EDAW helps bring awareness to the challenges and barriers of eating disorder care and recovery in Manitoba. Other ways Health Promotion staff promote eating disorder prevention include:

• Empowered Eating – a group program for participants wanting healthier food relationships. For more information and to register, go to Public Classes – Prairie Mountain Health.
• Presentations to high school students on eating disorders, body image, media literacy, and healthy relationships with food
• Manitoba Eating Disorder Network – A network of healthcare providers to connect and share resources about eating disorders, as well as create resources to share with other providers
• Work with parents, teachers, coaches, healthcare providers, and more to help kids and teens have a positive and healthy relationship with food and their bodies

If you, or someone you know struggles with disordered eating or an eating disorder and needs help:

• (All ages) Call the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) helpline at 1-866-633-4220 or online chat
• (18+ only) Call Women’s Health Clinic in Winnipeg for information and referrals at 1-866-947-1517 ext. 137
• (All ages) Talk with your family doctor about the Health Sciences Centre Eating Disorder Program
• (Age 14+) Get support at Body Peace Canada

References
Results of MHRC Poll 21 — Mental Health Research Canada
(PDF) The Big Picture: An overview of the 2023 BC Adolescent Health Survey provincial results
New data on household food insecurity in 2023 – PROOF
Mental Health Hospitalizations in Canadian Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Over the COVID-19 Pandemic | Public Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network