Many of us take our speech, hearing and swallowing for granted. We often do not think about it until something happens to our own health, or that of a loved one.
Have you worked with a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist before? We have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and can help you understand the challenges you may be facing with your communication, hearing or swallowing. We can help find a solution that works for your life, and gets you back involved in the things you love to do.
Think about some times you use communication, hearing or swallowing:
Eating Christmas dinner
Chatting to a friend in a noisy restaurant
Reading and making a family recipe
Calling your mom on the phone
Drinking your morning coffee
Texting your friends
Listening to music
Reading stories with your grandchildren
Listening to the birds
Now imagine…
What if you couldn’t swallow without coughing and choking?
What if you couldn’t hear your friends?
What if you could never think of the right w… w… w… oh, I give up.
What if your speech was slurred?
How would that impact the things you love to do, and your connections with the people around you?
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP)
SLPs are regulated health professionals who have a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. They provide individualized care to meet the needs of people with communication and swallowing difficulties. They focus on prevention, evaluation and management of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Services may address a range of concerns including difficulties with speech sound production, voice, resonance, fluency, language comprehension and expression, literacy, cognitive-communication, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and feeding and swallowing.
Audiologists
Audiologists are regulated health professionals who have a master’s or doctorate degree in audiology. They provide individualized care to meet the needs of people across the lifespan with hearing and balance issues. They focus on the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders. Services may address a range of concerns including hearing loss, central auditory processing, tinnitus, sound tolerance disorders and balance (vestibular) issues. Audiologists also provide guidance on hearing loss prevention.
If you know an Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist, please take the time to thank them for the good work they do. If you feel you may require their services, please discuss the possibility of a referral with your family physician.
This year, National Volunteer Week falls during the week of April 16-22. Volunteers continue to make a significant difference in the health and well-being of our residents and the patients/clients we serve.
Recognizing and highlighting this special week provides Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) with another opportunity to celebrate and thank all of our volunteers for all they do, year-round!
This year’s theme for 2023 is ‘Volunteering Weaves Us Together.’ This reveals the importance of volunteering to the strength and vibrancy of our communities through the interconnected actions we take to support one another. These diverse forms of sharing our time, talent and energy strengthen the fabric of our community. Through volunteering, we experience our interconnectedness, making our lives more meaningful. By getting involved in various ways, we find friendship, develop trust and link our relationships. Threading these connections, we come to a sense of belonging as we contribute towards the same goals.
Prairie Mountain Health is graced with volunteers that support Long-term care, Acute care and Community Health programs across the region. We have volunteers participating on Boards, Foundations, Auxiliaries and various other community meal and harm reduction programs. All work effortlessly to further support and assist collaborative health efforts across our large region. I’m sure you have noticed through various publications and social media, how much volunteers contribute towards the purchase of approved equipment for facilities and sites. We have dedicated volunteers that support the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and Palliative Care program. It would be difficult to cover all the examples how people selflessly give of their time. Amazingly, over the last year, our volunteers have put in a collective total of over 23,000 hours!
We very much appreciate our volunteers who dedicate their time, knowledge, compassion and heart to helping Prairie Mountain Health. 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 “weaving us together”.
Volunteers at Fairview PCH – Brandon
“Here are three examples of Fairview’s many wonderful volunteers. Arlene & Grace both play piano at Fairview, entertaining the residents. Music is a very popular program! Kathy is one of our recreation assistants—she assists regularly with birthday parties held on each of the units. Since the pandemic, our programs in long term care have changed as needed due to guidelines…but one constant is the importance of our friendly volunteers. Thank you to all of our awesome volunteers for sharing your time & talents!” – Maxine Brown, Coordinator Volunteer Services – Fairview
Arlene, Grace & Kathy
Volunteers at Westman Lab – Brandon
Westman Lab would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our volunteers! We have 7 wonderful volunteers that choose to help us!
Hazel has been with us since the fall of 2016 Cheryl started in the spring of 2017 Barb started in the fall of 2018 Penny started in the fall of 2020 Heather started in the winter of 2020 Aleeta and Amna both started in December of 2022.
We want to let you all know that we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you so much for all you do!
Healthy Baby Program
The Healthy Baby Program would like to recognize our Volunteer Hailey Pringle! Hailey is a volunteer childminder with the Healthy Baby Program in Brandon. The PMH Healthy Baby program is a community support program for parents who are expecting and for those with little ones under 1 year of age. Hailey provides childminding for parents who attend session with their preschool aged children. This allows the older children to socialize and play with other children while the parents have an opportunity to learn and spend one on one time with baby! Playing, reading, drawing and crafting are all things Hailey does in the childminding room! Hailey has been with us since September and we appreciate her dedication to the program!
Steppin’ Up with Confidence
The Steppin’ Up with Confidence program runs in many communities across PMH. It is an older adult exercise and falls prevention program, peer-led by volunteers in the communities. These Steppin’ Up leaders are all trained in the program and dedicate much time and energy to keeping our senior population moving. Classes meet once a week for an hour and along with some good exercise it is also about socialization and many laughs are had! Thanks to all of you!
Centre for Adult Psychiatry – Our Volunteers 😊
Ngaire & Tai – Pet Therapy – Ngaire has offered Pet Therapy at the Centre for Adult Psychiatry since 2016! Tai has been part of our CAP family for almost 6 years. His trading cards are a hit among the patients. A visit with Ngaire and Tai always boosts the mood rating and brings a smile to people’s faces. We cannot thank Ngaire enough for going above and beyond in providing opportunities for patients to interact with Tai during their stay at CAP. Ngaire brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion in meeting our patients needs. Thank you!
Olubukunola Otaiku ( Bukky ) – Recreation Assistant – For the past 6 months Bukky has been our weekend activities volunteer at CAP. She provided patients with the opportunity to engage in art on the weekend. Her welcoming nature and cheerful disposition are appreciated by our patients and staff. Thank you Bukky and good luck in your nursing studies.
Greeting Card Volunteer – Patients at CAP are very fortunate to receive creative and hand-written greeting cards for many occasions throughout the calendar year. Our heartfelt thank you to this thoughtful individual. You have no idea how much positive impact these cards have for individuals. Thank you!
Lyndon Bournon – Music Therapy – Lyndon offers live music at CAP a couple times each month. He often has people tapping their toes and singing along. In addition, he has also offered to provide information sessions about Adult Education opportunities in Brandon, which is his day job. Thank you Lyndon!
Debbie Fisch – Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) – Debbie has been coming to CAP for 20 plus years to provide education and information about anxiety and the support opportunities available. We value her monthly visits and her commitment to helping people who struggle with anxiety disorders. Thank you Debbie! Please check out https://adam.mb.ca
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM) – ( Susan Spiropolous, Brent Rosnoski, Marian Goldstone )
CAP is fortunate to have monthly informational/educational presentations from Marian, Brent and Susan. They share personal experiences and promote living in wellness. They provide support, education, and advocacy for those living with mental illness through a wide range of peer support and other services. We value the relationship we have formed. They are always available to connect with patients in between their visits. Thank you! Be sure to check out their website: https://moodmb.ca
Lyndon Bournon – Music TherapyNgaire & Tai – Pet TherapyDebbie Fisch – Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM) (Susan Spiropolous, Brent Rosnoski, Marian Goldstone)Olubukunola Otaiku (Bukky ) – Recreation Assistant
Brandon Regional Health Centre Volunteers
Thanks for everything you do!
Rose has been volunteering here for 31 years, Rose has volunteered in many departments and is currently volunteering in the gift shop. Lois has been volunteering with us for 2 years, she started during the pandemic helping in any way she could, she currently volunteers cuddling babies in our NICU and is an ambassador greeting and helping people way find.Dorothy has been a volunteer with us for 22 years! She has had many roles, she currently volunteers in the health records officeDarrell has been volunteering with us for 4 years, he currently volunteers at WMCC and is always will to help out in other roles if needed. Connie has been a volunteer with us for 5 years, Connie volunteers in our GI unit and NICU and casual WMCCCheryl has been a volunteer with us for 6 years, Volunteers in the lab and diagnostic imaging Barb has been volunteering with us for 5 years, she volunteers as a lab attendantAmanda has recently started volunteering with us and is also a PMH employee, Amanda volunteers cuddling our NICU babies!Aleeta has been volunteering with us for almost a year, Aleeta volunteers as an ambassador and lab attendant
For more than two centuries, vaccines have helped keep people healthy.
‘Vaccines are one of the most impactful scientific innovations of all time, helping to protect generations of people against infectious diseases throughout the course of their lives. A culmination of over 200 years of research, worldwide collaboration and rigorous testing has led to the development of safe and effective vaccines for more than 25 diseases.’
Every April, World Immunization Week brings together people from around the world to highlight the importance of vaccines and how they protect people of all ages against many diseases. This year’s campaign comes with a reminder that it is time to catch-up! The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted essential health services, including routine immunizations and unfortunately many children are still missing the life-saving benefits of recommended vaccines. In PMH we are encouraging parents to contact your local public health nurse or primary care provider to ask about your child’s immunization status. Public office locations in PMH Public Health – Prairie Mountain Health
Visit immunize.ca to learn more about National Immunization Awareness Week.
Suicide is tragic and distressing. Families, friends and communities are deeply affected following a death by suicide. This reinforces the urgency for a better understanding and prevention of suicide. In 2022, Statistics Canada reported that approximately 4,500 people die by suicide every year. We also know that for every 1 suicide death, there are 7–10 people profoundly affected by suicide loss.
Dr. James Bolton, Medical Director of Shared Health Crisis Response Services and Health Sciences Centre Emergency Psychiatry, said it best, “As difficult as these statistics are to read, they serve to highlight the magnitude of the impacts of suicide in our community and why it’s imperative to remember that, however uncomfortable it can be to discuss suicide, it’s a conversation we need to have.”
People at risk of suicide are often seen in healthcare settings – we want to have that conversation. We want to connect with you and will ask about your mental and physical health.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out. We are here to listen and help.
If you or your loved ones need help, please reach out to the below suicide prevention resources.
PMH Crisis Line (over age of 18) – 1-888-379-7699
PMH Crisis Line (under age of 18) – 1-866-403-5459
Did you know? Eating Disorders have the highest overall mortality rate of any mental illness in Canada. While eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, they are also treatable. Unfortunately, research indicates that the majority of people with eating disorders don’t seek treatment, or when they do there are lengthy delays in receiving treatment. Many factors influence the development of an eating disorder including biological factors like genetics, psychological factors like mental health, and social factors like cultural attitudes around food and appearance. Those that struggle with their identity and self-image, dieting and weight loss, body dissatisfaction, experience weight stigma, as well as those who have experienced trauma are at risk. Eating disorders don’t discriminate, they affect people from all ages, genders, racial and ethnic identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and body sizes. Contrary to the public and even medical assumptions, eating disorders do not have a certain look to them. People living in large bodies can be affected by anorexia nervosa, just like people living in smaller bodies can be affected by binge eating disorder.
Here are some ways to counteract the negative social messages around food and bodies:
Help others (and yourself) develop self-esteem based on qualities other than physical appearance: Comment on and affirm characteristics that are not related to the body, but rather skills, talents, personality traits, passions, achievements, etc.
Get rid of your diet and your scale: Learn to understand your body and listen to its cues. Your weight is not a measurement of your health or self-worth. Learn about the Health at Every Size® philosophy.
Avoid labeling food as good or bad: Labeling food as good or bad ties morality to food. Food is morally neutral, as is body size. When food is tied to morality it can lead to feelings of guilt and shame around food leading to disordered eating like restricting, bingeing, and hiding eating behaviours.
Stand up against size or body-based bullying: Do not encourage or laugh at jokes that make fun of anyone’s body or size (including your own). A person’s worth and morality are not related to how they look. Celebrate body diversity.
Criticize the culture that promotes unhealthy body image, not yourself: Look at how encouraging people to dislike their bodies helps to sell products. Encourage people to question, evaluate and respond to the messages that promote unhealthy body image and low self-esteem.
Do you spend most of your day thinking about food and your body?
Do you avoid meals, restrict certain foods, binge eat, or purge after eating?
Do you feel guilty or out of control when eating?
Do you think that life will only be good if an ideal weight is achieved?
If you answer yes to any combination of these thoughts and behaviors, you may have an eating disorder. There are programs in Manitoba which can help you wherever you are on the journey to recovery.
It’s World Cancer day on February 4th. This event aims to save millions of preventable deaths yearly by raising awareness about the disease. This year the World Cancer Day’s agenda is to ‘Close the Care Gap’ and promote equitable care for everyone. The Prairie Mountain Health Navigation Services Team is here to support patients and health care providers, from the time of clinical suspicion of cancer and through the diagnostic period to treatments. We help anyone recently diagnosed with cancer, to understand their diagnosis, care plan, and assist through the cancer journey with resources and other helpful supports. Please help us ‘Close the Care Gap’, by connecting with us in Navigation Services.
Prairie Mountain Health Navigation Services Team Front row: Tanis – Navigation Clerk, Katy – Nurse Navigator, Michelle – Registered Dietitian Second row: Audrey – Nurse Navigator, Jannelle – Oncology Social Worker Third row: Joyce – Community Engagement Liaison, Kelsey – Nurse Navigator Back: Angela – Oncology Social Worker
“No person with cancer should have to spend more time fighting their way through the cancer care system than fighting their disease”.
H. Freeman, MD
Community Engagement Liaison, Joyce Gibson
Community Engagement Liaison
In the Prairie Mountain Health Region (PMH), there are several Community Cancer programs (CCPS) offering cancer treatments and services. One of the services offered is that of the Community Engagement Liaison. Joyce Gibson fills this role within the PMH region. Joyce focuses on serving the Under-Served Population Program (UPP), First Nations, Metis, Inuit, Seniors, LGBTQ, Immigration Services and low-income residents. The Community Engagement Liaison works with communities providing support and information regarding cancer prevention and the importance of early detection and cancer screening.
These services are provided free of charge. You can contact Joyce about attending your Health Fair, Clinic, Community Event etc.
For more information, please contact Joyce Gibson at 204-638-2198 or [email protected].
International Day of People Impacted by Suicide Loss
International Day of People Impacted by Suicide Loss – Nov. 19, 2022
Losing someone to suicide is a unique loss and can lead to several conflicting feelings and many unanswered questions. There is no one way to feel or grieve a death by suicide – we all react and grieve differently. It is important to remember that you are not alone – that suicide impacts more people than we often know about.
International Day of People Impacted by Suicide Loss is an annual event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experiences.
The Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN) is hosting an in person event for everyone in Brandon and Area to attend.
Please join SPIN on November 14th 2022, at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Brandon Manitoba, as we host the International Day of People Impacted by Suicide Loss.
Doors open at 5:45pm for viewing a wall of remembrance/ community booths, and mingling
At 7pm: Screening of the film Surviving Suicide, a documentary exploring the lives of 4 individuals living in Canada who have an intimate relationship with suicide. Throughout the film, we get to know these people, the role that suicide has played in their lives, and the life that they have found after Surviving Suicide.
7:45pm: Post-screening discussion moderated by filmmaker, Paul Plett, with panelist Bonnie Bricker (featured in the film)
Admission: Donation based/ pay what you can (cash only). If folks cannot afford the recommended $7 cost of admission, please donate what you can afford. If you are able to give more than $7 you are helping others to attend.
“Eliminating stigma and talking about suicide by the people left behind allow not only for healing but for further education and advocacy in the name of suicide prevention and life promotion.” Sean Krausert, Executive Director of CASP
If you are struggling yourself or are concerned about someone else’s suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out for help. You can contact the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line at 1-877-435-7170, a crisis line available 24 hours per day. A trained crisis worker will listen to you and direct you to the resources you need.
Submitted by: Carla Mitchell, MSW/RSW, PMH Palliative Care
“Grieving Is How We Say Goodbye”
The third Tuesday in November marks National Grief and Bereavement Day in Canada. Throughout the month of November, culminating on Nov 15th, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association is promoting the resources and tools to help Canadians on their grief journeys. Everyone will experience grief at some point in their lives. National Grief and Bereavement Day is the opportunity for Canadians to share and normalize talking about grief, and to highlight the resources that can help those among us who are coping with loss.
Grief is the natural and normal response we have when we lose someone or something that holds great value to us. The grieving process gives us the opportunity to say goodbye to that important piece of our life and acknowledge the adjustments that will come as we move forward, heal and grow.
Prairie Mountain Health Palliative Care is marking National Grief and Bereavement Day by acknowledging those who are experiencing grief and promoting the resources and supports available in our health region. While grief can feel like a lonely journey, there are supports available so that you do not walk this path alone.
Telephone Support Lines
Province Wide Bereavement Phone Line (Palliative Manitoba): 1-800-539-0295
Hope for Wellness Line (Indigenous peoples): 1-855-242-3310
Healing Hearts Substance Use Bereavement Support Group (Brandon): 1-204-573-0188
Memories Chapel Journey Through Grief Support Group (Brandon): 1-204-727-0330
New Beginnings Grief and Loss Group (Neepawa): 1-204-476-3027
Palliative Manitoba Kids and Teens Grieve Too! Support Group (virtual): 1-800-539-0295
Paull Funeral Home Grief Recovery Program (Swan River): 1-204-293-9661
Prairie Mountain Health Camp Bridges (Children 7-15): 1-204-578-2340
Westman Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Grief Groups (Brandon) 1-204-721-2174
In addition to the above listed services there are several upcoming community events where you can find support in your grief. Many communities offer programs during the months of November and December, such as Community Memorial Services, Memory Trees or Blue Christmas gatherings. If you would like more information about local events happening in your community please reach out to the Palliative Care Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator, Carla Mitchell, at 204-578-2310 or [email protected].
On November 15th, in recognition of National Grief and Bereavement Day, a screening of the documentary Speaking Grief will be hosted by Brockie Donovan and Westman Hospice in Brandon. Speaking Grief validates the experiences of grievers and guides those who wish to support them. This event will happen on Nov 15, 2022 @ 4:00 pm. To RSVP call 204-727-0694.
What do you know about choosing a mobility aid for your loved one? What if your loved one has dementia? Should they use an aid or will this increase their risks for falling? Who can help?
The priority for all caregivers is ensuring their loved one is cared for and safe. Noticing changes in a person’s ability to walk can be alarming but can also be a warning sign to changes in cognition and health.
Studies have shown that changes in a person’s walk often can be a symptom prior to the onset of dementia. Studies have also shown that people with dementia have an annual fall risk of 60-80% (Allan et al. PloSONE 2009) which is 2 times that of someone without dementia.
In the article Caregivers: Does your loved one need a gait aid? Marguerite Oberle Thomas speaks to the risks and benefits of using a mobility aid as well as the importance of seeking professional advice from health care professionals such as an occupational therapist prior to purchasing.
When is Mental Illness Awareness Week and why does it occur?
Mental Illness Awareness Week, this October 2nd-8th, occurs the first week of October annually as an initiative to raise awareness and reduce stigmatization of mental health issues and mental illness. The aim of this initiative, and others such as World Suicide Prevention Day (every September 10th) is to reduce barriers that prevent people from accessing services for their mental health and substance use- which starts with openly discussing these topics.
What is mental health?
Mental health is a person’s state of mental well-being, which includes the ability to copy with emotions, feelings and thoughts, and connection to others. Everyone has mental health and everyone will experience challenges with their mental health at some point in their life (such as dealing with grief). Mental health is not predicted by mental illness. People without mental illness can languish with poor mental health and people with mental illness can flourish with great mental health (see Keyes Dual Continuum of Mental Health). 1
Who is affected by mental health concerns and mental illness?
1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental health or mental illness issues each year.2 In Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), the Community Health Survey (2019) noted that 34,000 residents live with a mood or anxiety disorder mental illness, with PMH having the highest prevalence of mood or anxiety disorders in the province. The 2019 Community Health Survey also identified that, tragically, 1,000 Manitobans die by suicide every year.3
Managing Everyday Stress
It IS possible for people to thrive, whether or not they have mental illness. In order to thrive, all people, with mental illness or not, need to be able to manage everyday stressors.4
Tips to manage daily stressors are: 5
Identify your stressors
Categorize stressors by their ability to change (changeable or unchangeable) and importance (important or unimportant)
Plan a strategy for each stressor
Mental Wellness Supports Available Across PMH
PMH has supports available to help people learn how to manage their daily stressors, as well as supports for when people are experiencing poor mental health or a high state of mental illness.
PMH Mental Wellness Promotion and Prevention Supports – These programs are offered in various communities throughout PMH. Times and locations vary, this programming is typically FREE for participants:
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) – Program that offers participants the skills they need to build wellness tools, understand stressors, identify when things are breaking down, develop a crisis plan, and transition back to everyday tasks after a crisis. An education in-service is being offered on WRAP programming, as well as More than Mamas, on October 7th 1:30-3pm for PMH employees.
Strive to Thrive – 5 class program that explores mental wellness symptoms with participants and looks at tools that participants can use to improve their mental wellness-to thrive. Participants explore what it means to thrive, manage life transitions, improve resilience, and build support. Strive to thrive is facilitated over 5 classes.
Get Better Together – Workshop held over 6 weeks for people wanting tools to manage their health conditions.
LivingWORKS SafeTalk – Training that is for community organizations and individuals. Participants learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging with person at risk, and connecting them with an intervention resource for support.
PMH Mental Health/Mental Illness Crisis Supports – These resources are available throughout PMH. Discover the details here.
Provincial Crisis Resources
Manitoba Suicide Line – 1-877-435-7170
Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1-888-292-7565
Klinic Crisis Line – 1-888-322-3019
Farm & Rural Stress Line – 1-866-367-3276
Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee Events
The Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee is made up of PMH employees, as well as people from external organizations across the North PMH area (former Parkland Regional Health) that support mental wellness and suicide prevention programming and events.
Recently, to honour World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th, communities across the Parkland Chalked the Walk. People wrote positive messages on the sidewalks to promote hope, resilience, and suicide awareness and prevention.
1Priairie Mountain Health. (2021). Class 1: Introduction. In (2nd ed.) Strive to thrive: Mental wellness for all-Facilitator guide (pp.6-10). Prairie Mountain Health.
3McPherson, N., Williams, C., McTavish, P., Allen, A., Gaber, M., Ostash, A., Tregunna, N., Allan, J. (2019). Prairie Mountain Health community health assessment 2019. 2019CHAFeb102020.pdf
4 Prairie Mountain Health. (2021). Class 2: Thriving. In (2nd ed.) Strive to thrive: Mental wellness for all-Facilitator guide (pp. 12-24). Prairie Mountain Health.
5Lorig, K., Holman, H., Sobel, D., Laurent, D., Gonzalez, V., & Minor, M. (2013). Living a healthy life with chronic conditions (4th ed.). Bull Publishing Company.
