Better Access to Groceries | B.A.G. Program

Recent news of scurvy in Northern Saskatchewan highlights the health inequity people who live in Northern communities face (1). People living in Northern Canadian communities have less fresh food available, and what is available is more expensive than in Southern communities (3). Northern communities also face barriers to transportation, medical services, social support, and more. In 2023, nearly 27% of Manitobans experienced food insecurity, meaning they worried about having enough food to eat (2). Food insecurity in Manitoba has increased since 2019 (2). In 2021, 47% of households from 92 First Nation communities surveyed experienced food insecurity. When asked, most adults in these First Nations households living on reserve wanted more traditional foods in their diet. However, there were many barriers to accessing traditional foods, such as industrial activities, climate change, cost, time, and knowledge. In Manitoba, 49% of these households worried that traditional foods would run out and getting more wouldn’t be possible (3).

Households can only experience food security when there is consistently enough acceptable, accessible food available that adequately meets physical, emotional, and spiritual needs (5). One way that the PMH Health Promotion team works to address food needs in Northern communities is the Better Access to Groceries (BAG) program. The BAG program serves Camperville, Pine Creek First Nation, and Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, communities with little access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The BAG program brings fresh fruits and vegetables into the community monthly at a reasonable cost to participants. The BAG program helps prevent health conditions like scurvy and supports health in ways such as improving nutrition, self-reliance, mental health, and overall well-being. Food insecurity is a complex problem, and while food banks and other food access services serve an immediate need for food, they do not solve the root cause of food insecurity.

Food insecurity in Canada is tightly linked to income (4). Households that rely on public income supports like social assistance or employment insurance are at a high risk for food insecurity. However, in 2022, 60% of food-insecure households reported that their main source of income was wages, salaries, or self-employment. Meaning that having a job is not enough to ensure enough income for food (4). Those renting rather than owning their home and households with children under 18 are more likely to be food insecure (4). Food insecurity in Canada is also tightly linked with colonization and privatization of land. These factors have affected Indigenous peoples’ ability to care for the land and support their communities physically, emotionally, and spiritually (3).

The PMH Health Promotion team works to support households in having adequate income through different initiatives, including:

Promoting Get Your Benefits! – Bringing awareness to the government benefits accessible to all Manitobans
Connecting people to the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, where eligible Manitobans can get their income tax done for free
Identification card clinics where individuals can apply for an ID card so they can then use the ID to apply for different social services
Tobacco reduction/cessation initiatives
Healthy Together Now projects involving gardening, cooking, and preserving
Cooking and budgeting workshops

References

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

Prairie Mountain Health Welcomes New Year’s Babies | 2025

Dauphin Regional Health Centre

Dauphin Regional Health Centre welcomed Meena Millie Mousseau, born on January 1 at 12:44 am. Proud parents are Rochelle Mousseau & Leslie Guiboche of Ebb and Flow. Meena received a lovely gift package from the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. Congratulations from PMH.

Brandon Regional Health Centre

Brandon Regional Health Centre welcomed McKenna Janzen, born on January 1 at 4:51 am. Proud parents are Jessica & Thomas Janzen and big brother Rowan of Brandon. Mckenna received a lovely gift package from the BRHC Gift Shop & flowers from Carolyn’s Floral Designs. Congratulations from PMH.

Neepawa Health Centre

Neepawa Health Centre welcomed Mateja Waldner, born January 6 at 6:13 pm, weighing 8lbs 5 oz. Proud parents are Daniel and Kayla Waldner. Mateja received a lovely gift from the Neepawa Health Auxiliary. Congratulations from PMH!

Newly-trained Institutional Safety Officers begin at Brandon Regional Health Centre

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is pleased to announce that newly-trained institutional safety officers (ISOs) have begun patrolling Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC). A formal ‘graduation ceremony’ for the 16 officers and one supervisor who were enrolled in the training program was held in Brandon on January 3.

ISOs are licensed as Peace Officers and, in health-care environments, have additional training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, search and investigative skills, evidence collecting and report writing. They also have training which allows them to accept a mental health patient from the police and then secure and protect them until seen by healthcare professionals. The newly-trained officers required established qualification and training/certification as a Manitoba Security Guard and that the candidate was already certified and trained as a Qualified Persons Security Officer (QPSO).

Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says the addition of ISOs fills a critical role in upholding the highest standards of safety and accountability within PMH facilities.

“Safety of our staff, patients, residents and visitors is paramount. We continue to enhance efforts to balance the security needs of our facilities with the continued need to be a welcoming environment for those seeking care,” Slate stated.

Slate added that the advanced skill set for ISOs enhances PMH’s ability to support those in crisis and helps ease the burden on law enforcement, enabling a more collaborative approach to care and safety.

PMH anticipates two more BRHC participants will finalize their training through the program within the next four to six weeks. Training is completed in Brandon through a mix of new online education and in person education provided by Shared Health and PMH certified instructors, as outlined by Manitoba Justice

ISO guards will stand out differently as their body armor will have ‘peace officer’ designations, attributable to the guards being licensed by Manitoba Justice under the Police Services Act. ISO guards will also wear a different colour uniform shirt than the other levels of security guards. Up to four ISO guards per shift augmented by other PMH Security Guards on duty.

Institutional Safety Officers holding certificates — Prairie Mountain Health’s newly-trained institutional safety officers (ISOs) who have obtained certification and enhanced skills to patrol Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC). These officers are the first trained outside the city of Winnipeg under the ISO initiative and were presented with their certificates at a ceremony at BRHC on Jan. 3, 2025.

December 2024 | Donations for PMH

Crocus Court PCH Receives Donation

Jesus Dangat, Manager Health Services - LTC, Crocus Court PCH accepts cheque from Michelle Neepin, Office Clerk, Parkway Consumers Co-op — Jesus Dangat, Manager Health Services – LTC, Crocus Court PCH accepts cheque from Michelle Neepin, Office Clerk, Parkway Consumers Co-op Ltd.

On November 8th, Parkway Co-op held their second annual Cook-Off. Mariia Symiv was the Roblin First place winner in the perogy category. She chose Crocus Court as the recipient of the funds raised from the ticket sales. $1,030 was graciously accepted by Jesus Dangat, Manager Health Services – Long Term Care.

Quit Smoking and Vaping in 2025

The start of a new year is the perfect time to commit to change.

pink scrabble tiles saying New Year New Opportunities

In Manitoba, more people are taking steps to quit smoking and vaping, and the numbers are inspiring. As of 2022, 14.1% of Manitobans smoke, down from 25.7% over two decades ago. Quitting is possible, and resources are available to help you become part of this positive trend.

Vaping is increasing in popularity. In Manitoba 7.8% of Manitobans vape, the highest rate in Canada. However, even as vaping rises, 42.4% of people who vape daily have made quit attempts in the last year, showing that many are motivated to stop.

If you’re thinking about quitting, 2025 could be your year!

Free Resources to Help You Quit Smoking or Vaping in Manitoba

You don’t have to do it alone. Manitoba offers many free tools and programs, whether you prefer in-person, virtual, or group support. Find the best option for you and take your first step today.

Quit Smoking with Your Manitoba Pharmacist

Great for: Convenient, in-person counselling and financial support for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Offered by: Many community pharmacists, some in languages other than English

Participating Manitoba pharmacies provide personalized quit plans, including up to nine counselling sessions and a $100 subsidy for Nicotine Replacement Therapy products that your pharmacist might advise are right for you. Note: the deadline to enroll is March 31, 2025.

Smokers’ Helpline

Great for: Virtual one-to-one support.

Offered by: Canadian Cancer Society

A free, confidential service offering phone coaching with a Quit Coach, text support for motivation, and access to an online community with tools and personalized quit plans available in multiple languages.

Talk Tobacco

Great for: Culturally tailored support for First Nation, Inuit, and Indigenous communities.

Offered by: Canadian Cancer Society

Provides free, confidential, and culturally appropriate support and information about quitting smoking or vaping, designed with input from Indigenous leaders and community members.

Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program

Great for: People who are ready to quit smoking or vaping in the next 30 days! Convenient, in-person support and financial aid for NRT.

Offered by: Shared Health Manitoba

Offers counselling sessions for low-income patients with a health professional and a Quit Card redeemable for up to $300 of nicotine replacement medications at any Manitoba pharmacy.

To speak to someone in Prairie Mountain Health call 1-877-509-7852

ManitobaQuits

Great for: Joining a virtual community with regular quit challenges.

Offered by: Manitoba Lung Association

A Facebook Group offering peer support and quit challenges with opportunities to win prizes.

Packing it In

Great for: Preparing to quit.

Offered by: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Packing it In is a one-session primer on quitting smoking.

Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Motivation Meters

Great for: Staying motivated to quit smoking or vaping.

Offered by: Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA)

An interactive tool that helps you understand the financial and health benefits of quitting, keeping you motivated throughout your journey.

About First Week Challenge

Great for: Short-term commitment with a prize incentive.

Offered by: Smokers’ Helpline

Encourages you to quit smoking for the first seven days of the month, with a chance to win $500, increasing your likelihood of quitting for good.

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

Let’s make 2025 your year to quit for good!

Blue Monday

Heard of “Blue Monday,” but not sure what it is or what it means. Blue Monday is a term applied to the third Monday of January (January 20 this year!) and has been labelled “the most depressing day of the year.” A UK travel company conceived the idea in the early 2000s. A psychologist was commissioned to generate a formula to promote this day as the most depressing time of the year. The travel company’s goal was to sell more vacation packages to warm and sunny winter destinations. The formula looked at factors such as shortened daylight hours, bills coming due from holiday spending, cold and gloomy winter weather, and the point on the calendar where most people tend to give up on their New Year’s resolutions. Though there’s little scientific evidence to claim that it is the most depressing day of the year, in the years following, many mental health organizations capitalized on the idea to promote awareness about seasonal depression and the need for support and other self-help strategies to beat the winter blues.

Manitoba’s winters are long, dark, and cold. People must take care of their mental health this time of year. Research suggests that up to 35 percent of the general population experience the “winter blues,” which can include changes in appetite and increased lethargy as the daylight hours grow shorter. The winter blues differs from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which affects about three to five percent of the population and is a serious form of depression. Symptoms of SAD include feeling significantly depressed most days, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, and disrupted sleep patterns.

People experiencing the winter blues or SAD can benefit from several strategies and practices to help mitigate the effects of seasonal depression. These include:

Maximizing exposure to sunlight. Spend more time outdoors during the day and arrange indoor environments to receive maximum sunlight. The use of light therapy lamps has proven benefits as well.
Exercise. Exercise relieves stress, builds energy, and increases mental and physical well-being. Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk. Physical activity and increased exposure to natural light can raise spirits.
Social support & Connection. When feeling down, it’s natural to want to withdraw and isolate, but strong social networks and frequent connection with others will reduce isolation, a key risk factor for depression.
Stress reduction. Make changes in your life to help manage and reduce stress. Too much stress exacerbates depression and puts you at risk for future depression. Take the aspects of your life that stress you out, such as work overload or unsupportive relationships, and find ways to minimize their impact.
Take Vitamin D – Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to depression and seasonal affective disorder in adults. There is sufficient research to show that not having enough of the vitamin can lead to depression-like symptoms. Eating food rich in Vitamin D or, taking a Vitamin D supplement and getting adequate sun exposure can help reduce the risk of developing depressive symptoms.

While it may not be scientifically accurate to designate the third Monday in January, or any day of the year for that matter, as the most depressing day of the year, it does offer the opportunity to engage in healthy conversations about mental wellness, especially at this time of year. Talking openly about seasonal depression and the support that is available for those who struggle helps reduce the stigma around mental illness and opens pathways for support and recovery. This year, a number of special events have been planned in the region to highlight the effects of seasonal depression and the support available. Check out the list below to see what’s happening on January 20 in your area:

Swan River: The Canadian Mental Health Association will have a display set up from 9:00 am-4:00 pm (January 20) 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.

Roblin: HERO Club West will be going to the Roblin Residence and playing Blue Bingo with Blue Prizes, Blueberry muffins with Blueberry Tea and Coffee.

Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School Cosmetology Class spreading Christmas Cheer

Participants of the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (DRCSS) cosmetology class in Dauphin volunteered at the Dauphin Personal Care Home (PCH) on Dec. 6 to provide some residents with haircuts and styling prior to Christmas. The PCH Activities Department indicated residents were very grateful for the opportunity and the students really enjoyed meeting residents and further strengthening their skills. The residents of the Dauphin PCH would like to thank the students from the DRCSS Hairstyling class for their generous nature. There were plenty of different styles completed for the ladies at ‘Beauty Parlour Day’. The residents were very grateful to have such talented students. It brought much joy and happiness to all of them!

Rivers Pen Pal Program Creates Friendships Between Generations

The Rivers Personal Care Home and Rivers Elementary Grade 6 class have found a heartwarming way to bridge generational gaps and foster meaningful connections through an intergenerational pen pal program. Led by Prairie Mountain Health volunteer Tamara Robak and the recreation staff at the Personal Care Home, the program is bringing together two very different generations and forming friendships.

*Rivers Grade 6 class shown with volunteer Tamara Robak, Recreation staff Margaret Higginson, Resident Louise and teacher Mrs. Rankin.*

Writing letters has become a rare and cherished activity in an age dominated by digital communication. For the residents, putting pen to paper brings back memories of how they once communicated, offering them a sense of friendship and comfort. Receiving handwritten letters is a delightful surprise for the residents, bringing joy and a sense of connection with their new young friends.

This program offers students more than just an opportunity to practice letter writing. It allows them to develop friendships with the older generation and learn the art of traditional communication. The program goes beyond a simple writing exercise, creating a space for meaningful social interaction, artistic exchange, and cross-generational learning.

In October 2024, the students were paired with a resident and wrote their first letters. With the support of volunteer organizer Tamara, the residents wrote back to their new young friends. In December, Mrs. Rankin’s Grade 6 class delivered Christmas cards to their pen pals and met them in person for the first time. The students not only got to meet their pen pals but shared in the Christmas spirit by singing songs and reciting poems.

This pen pal program has proven to be an excellent way to connect different generations, bring joy, and build friendships. We look forward to continuing this meaningful exchange throughout the school year and growing these intergenerational friendships.

Cucumbers

Looking to add a fresh taste to your meal? Add cucumbers! Cucumbers are full of moisture and provide a refreshing crunch to your meal.

Cucumbers belong to the gourd family along with squash, pumpkins, zucchinis, and melons. They all grow on vines along the ground. Cucumbers are classified into two main types: slicing and pickling varieties. The most common slicing cucumber is the long English cucumber, which is wrapped in plastic to help retain moisture. There are also mini English cucumbers as well that are often sold in packs of six or more, and these mini cucumbers are seedless. Pickling cucumbers are smaller with thick bumpy skin, and are perfect for pickling.

In Canada, most commercial cucumbers are grown in Ontario and Quebec, and many people grow cucumbers in their personal gardens as well all across Canada. Commercial cucumbers are grown in the field June to early September, and in greenhouses year-round. Commercial cucumbers are started in propagation greenhouses that start the plants from seeds, and once they’ve reached a certain size they are moved to a production greenhouse. Outside, cucumbers grow along the ground on vines, however in greenhouses cucumber plants are trained to grow vertically for easier access to the cucumbers. Slicing cucumbers are picked by hand, washed, and wrapped in plastic before being shipped to the grocery store. Pickling cucumbers have thicker skins and are harvested earlier, when the pickles are still small, and a machine is used to harvest them.

When buying cucumbers from the store look for firm, dark green cucumbers. Avoid cucumbers with wrinkles, a yellowish colour, puffy or soft spots. Store cucumbers in the fridge at home and leave the plastic wrapping on until you’re ready to eat it, and wash before eating. Cucumbers do not freeze well at all, they are best eaten fresh.

Both the skin and flesh of the cucumbers have nutrients, so both can be eaten, however if eating the pickling variety raw, some people prefer to peel them. Raw cucumbers are about 95% water, contain a small amount of carbohydrates, and contains Vitamin K as well.

Pickles are made by fermenting mini cucumbers in a brine, vinegar, or other solution. Pickled cucumbers are flavoured differently in different regions of the world. Many different vegetables and fruits are pickled as well such as carrots, beets, asparagus, and many more! Some flavours of pickles include:

Brined pickles are fermented in a brine, but no vinegar and do not keep as long as pickles made with vinegar. Brined pickles usually must be kept in the fridge.
Bread and butter pickles are marinated in a solution of vinegar, sugar, and spices, and can be stored in the fridge or canned and stored in a cool, dark spot.
Gherkins or Cornichons are tart pickles made with vinegar and tarragon. Sweet gherkins contain sugar in the pickling brine for sweeter pickles.
Kosher Dill pickles are not necessarily kosher in the way that is has been prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary law, but instead the pickles have been made in the traditional way of Jewish New York city pickle makers. Kosher Dill pickles are made with a generous amount of garlic and dill in a natural salt brine.

Pickles have similar nutrients as cucumbers, however some pickles may have a high salt or sugar content depending on how they are prepared. Pickles are fermented foods, so they also may provide some beneficial bacteria to your gut health.

Check out these delicious ways to enjoy cucumbers:

Crisp Cucumber Salsa Recipe: How to Make It

Greek Salad Recipe: How to Make It

Easy Refrigerator Pickles (10 min & 4 Ingredients) – Pinch and Swirl

References:

What’s in Season? Cucumbers – Canadian Food Focus

How Fermented foods & Probiotics Help Gut Health

Pickled cucumber