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

Have you 'Bean' checked? Advertisement to have your kidneys checked.

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?

Grandview hosts medical residents for evening of learning

Eight family medicine residents who are currently with the Parkland Unit in Dauphin participated in a recent training and fun night in Grandview on February 4th. The group trekked from their base in Dauphin to Grandview and networked with Dr. Elliott, other health-care professionals and community representatives. The evening promoted the benefits of practicing in Grandview and showcased infrastructure and available lifestyle opportunities.

Medical Residents visiting Grandview stand on the curling ice.

Following a warm welcome and hospital tour, the group had dinner and storytelling from a local family who has used local life-saving services. This touching and informative session stressed the importance of local and provincial resources and the teamwork required for success.

Volunteers taught the group about the sport of curling and how the town’s recreation is a local hub of connections and activities. Many who participated have never curled before and found the activity to be especially fun.

“On behalf of the residents, we wish to thank the community of Grandview for organizing this evening. It is invaluable for our education and gives us a better understanding of working in the area. Grandview is a beautiful town and we loved the opportunity to try curling and see the cute local snow sculptures!” Dr. Vlad Omelchenko noted.

The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit of the University of Manitoba began in 1991 and has graduated over 200 residents. Some 75 per cent of the program graduates have stayed in rural communities within Manitoba.

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.

February 2025 | Donations for PMH

Dauphin Regional Health Centre receives donation from Dauphin Hospital Foundation

The Dauphin Hospital Foundation recently contributed $21,000 for the purchase of two hysteroscopes for the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. A hysteroscope is a thin, surgical telescope that is able to display images of the inside of a uterus. It is an important tool used to further advance women’s health in rural Manitoba. Pictured (standing) are LPN Amanda Hryhoruk and Dr. Katherine Pernarowski, who is holding the Omni Hysteroscope ready to use. The second picture contains the various instruments that can be used with the scope. Prairie Mountain Health and the Dauphin Regional Health Centre thank the Dauphin Hospital Foundation for their generous contribution.

LPN Amanda Hryhoruk and Dr. Katherine Pernarowski, who is holding the Omni Hysteroscope ready to use.

Various instruments to use with hysteroscopes

Swan River hosts medical students as part of rural workshop

*Medical students spend time within Swan River Community Health and made a visit to the Swan River HERO Club as part of a focus on mental health services.*

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) partnered with the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee (SVMPRRC) to host a medical student rural interest group (RIG) workshop in Swan River February 7-9. The weekend event featured 19 first and second-year medical students from the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine who explored the benefits of career and lifestyle opportunities in the Swan River Valley. The workshop followed another very successful RIG event held in late January within the communities of Brandon and Killarney, where PMH hosted a record-breaking 75 students between the two rural centres.

PMH Co-organizers Tamara Kemp-Boulet and Darlene Gray were very pleased with how the additional Swan River workshop unfolded.

*Medical students had the opportunity to do some ‘hands on learning’ with the assistance of health care professionals including EMS (ambulance) staff.*

“The weekend went very well! We had a total of 19 medical students and the focus of the Swan River RIG was on Mental Health and Addictions. We were able to tour locations such as Canadian Mental Health Association and the HERO Club to see how partners are coming together to collaborate and provide services for the community. The Swan River physicians, Council, and Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee provided an awesome experience for the students Saturday afternoon with snowshoeing, archery, snowmobile rides, fish fry and a Swan Valley Stampeders hockey game.”

Student RIG Co-Presidents Regina Klassen and Caitlin Culleton say participants really enjoyed their time in the Swan River Valley.

“The Rural Interest Group and the University of Manitoba Medical Classes of 2027 and 2028 were honoured to join the Swan River community for a weekend of clinical skills and festivities. We remain grateful to PMH, the community of Swan River and the SVMPRCC for providing us with this opportunity, as this was the northern-most trip for us this year. It gave students invaluable insight into what it means to live and work rurally.”

PMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung thanked all involved with the successful initiative.

“We sincerely thank the organizational and financial support received from the SVMPRCC that allowed us to extend the workshop event to Swan River this year. We very much appreciate the support of the U of M, regional physicians, our staff and community volunteers who helped make the RIG weekend possible and a success.”

Nineteen first and second-year medical students from the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine explored the benefits of career and lifestyle opportunities in the Swan River Valley Feb. 7-9.

Philippine Recruitment Initiative – Last Arrivals

Larissa, Mae, Garry & son holding welcome sign at Winnipeg airport. — Pictured L-R: Larissa, Mae, Garry & son

With mixed emotions, Prairie Mountain Health embraced the last arrivals from the Philippine Recruitment Initiative (PRI). It has been a journey over the past few years for 28 healthcare workers who have travelled from the Philippines to settle in various areas of the Region. The last of the candidates arrived on January 21and 27.

Felicia Morales and her husband, Carlo Jay Pundol, along with Jackline Daguman all arrived on January 21and have settled into Dauphin. Felicia will be working as a Health Care Aide at the Dauphin Personal Care Home and Jackline as an Internationally Educated Nurse – Undergraduate Nurse Employee (IEN-UNE) until she completes the necessary training to be licensed as a Registered Nurse, also at the Dauphin Personal Care Home. Both began work on January 27.

Mae Flor Pamonag her husband, Garry, and 4-year old son arrived in Winnipeg on January 27. They will be settling in Brandon where Mae will work at the Brandon Regional Health Centre as a Supervised Internationally Educated Nurse – Licensed Practical Nurse (SIEN-LPN) position until she finishes the training to obtain a license as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Mae will begin work in early February.

PMH Recruitment Manager Larissa Kominko says as part of the overall Philippine recruitment initiative, 11 registered nurses, two licensed practical nurses and 15 health care aides (for a total of 28 new employees) were recruited to work in the health region. They have been located in various communities which include Dauphin, Brandon Hartney, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Russell, Swan River and Virden. The first arrivals to the health region under the initiative were in November 2023.

Larissa, Jackline, Felica & Carlo holding welcome sign at winnipeg airport — Pictured L-R: Larissa, Jackline, Felica & Carlo

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

sexPlus week graphic with faces and birth control pills.

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

Take this job… and love it!

Do you need a job? Are you considering a new career path? Are you looking for fulfilling and rewarding work as part of a team?

No matter what type of career might interest you in health care, Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) likely has a position that fits the bill! There are hundreds of job postings across almost all healthcare sectors in PMH. The region posts all current job opportunities on its website and advertises extensively through its PMH social media framework and other external sources.

“We are always recruiting and continually reviewing our recruitment and retention strategies,” stated Treena Slate, PMH CEO. “We have many sites and facilities open 24/7, 365 days a year, so our needs are great. We are trying new things, getting the word out at events, networking and being seen. Plus, we’ve enhanced our workplace wellness initiatives to support our employees’ well-being. Staff are our most valuable and appreciative asset. In that, there is no debate!”

Human Resources Recruitment Supervisor Larissa Kominko says the healthcare workforce has many moving parts which contribute to numerous job vacancies

“Staff relocate to other areas, others retire, and some are on leave. For work-life balance, staff choose part-time positions over full-time opportunities. Positions also get filled internally, creating a domino effect and leaving another position open. So, our vacancy rates fluctuate at any time, and our job postings reflect that.”

Kominko says PMH offers the following as part of the PMH experience:

Competitive wages, paid vacation and income protection (sick time);
A comprehensive health benefits package, including a pension;
Employee wellness and well-being supports;
Incentive grants for identified occupations such as a $4,000 Conditional Grant for nurses to work in rural communities; a $4,000 grant for Health Care Aides to work in Personal Care Homes
Relocation Assistance;
Education support for employees seeking to enhance their learning or to advance their career;
Opportunities to learn and advance while working and living in great communities that provide exceptional lifestyle opportunities.

PMH undertakes several methods to promote healthcare careers. There are career presentations to various student groups and organizations, student practicums offered from multiple disciplines, and summer employment opportunities. There are also conditional grants offered in some areas for some hard to recruit to regional classifications.

“We often say recruitment is everyone’s responsibility because many times while recruiting to fill a healthcare position, a person’s spouse or significant other may also be looking for a job. And that might not be in health care. So, then you are partnering with communities, economic development departments, Chambers of Commerce and all those types of stakeholders to assist with mutually beneficial recruitment plans,” Kominko stated.

Many community foundations and local health care committees also offer bursaries for those entering healthcare fields. PMH sincerely thanks all local efforts to assist in workforce recruitment.

The region also participates in Take Our Kids to Work days and a Discover Health Careers (formerly Home for the Summer) Program for those already enrolled in a healthcare field. Volunteer opportunities at our sites can provide an introduction to the field for those who are curious about a career in healthcare.

A complete listing of current job postings and instructions on contacting PMH Human Resources is available by viewing the PMH website at www.pmh-mb.ca/careers.

In the meantime, you can do your part by helping spread the word about our job opportunities. If you have a family member going to school with plans to enter the healthcare workforce, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a question about a job posting. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

PMH hosts medical students interested in rural medicine

Student doctors practicing medical procedures.

A record breaking 75 first and second-year medical students took part in a weekend workshop January 24-25 as part of the University of Manitoba’s student rural interest group. The student group (30 in Killarney and 45 in Brandon) split up into clinical workstations at each site and networked with other health-care professionals and community representatives. The Rural Interest Group (RIG) weekend promotes the benefits of practicing medicine in rural communities and available lifestyle opportunities. In 2024, PMH hosted 55 medical students.

The event is held in partnership with Health Careers Manitoba and the Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Sciences. Student RIG Co-Presidents Regina Klassen and Caitlin Culleton say participants really enjoyed their time in the region.

“On behalf of the Rural Interest Group and the University of Manitoba Medical Classes of 2027 and 2028, we extend our heartfelt thanks to PMH for warmly welcoming us again this year. These events are invaluable for our education, offering students a first-hand understanding of rural medicine, opportunities to network with doctors and residents, and insights into working within the health region.”

PMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung says the RIG workshop provides the health region with additional opportunities to engage medical students early in their training.

“We continue to have success with this proactive and student-led initiative,” Dr. Fung stated. “Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) has been a mainstay for this workshop and the community of Killarney has also been a proud host in past years. The region participates in and explores many avenues of health-care provider recruitment. This event, and the Rural Week event in May are two that create a lot of interest and excitement every year!”

Health Careers Manitoba and PMH sincerely appreciate the support of regional physicians, staff and volunteers who helped make the RIG weekend a success. Sponsor support also came from the City of Brandon, Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, Killarney Foundation and The Machado Advisory Group.

Medical students learning techniques from Doctors.

PMH is getting set to host a second RIG workshop in Swan River from February 7-9. PMH anticipates another 20-24 students for the Swan River RIG initiative. The region is partnering with the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee to host the medical students.

January 2025 | Donations for PMH

Russell Health Centre Receives Donation

Darryl Fuz makes donation to Russell Health Centre staff — Pictured, at centre, is Darryl Fuz, GM of the Paterson Grain Terminal in Binscarth. Also from left are Rebecca Terleski (RN), Doctor Elhaji, Stacy Falkevitch (CRN) and Tracy Scott. *(Picture and files courtesy of the Russell Banner).*

The Paterson Family Foundation has once again stepped forward to provide a generous donation to the Russell Health Centre. The Foundation donated $10,000 to be used for emergency care and services at the Russell Health Centre, which includes the purchase of a vital signs machine and ring cutter. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Paterson Family Foundation has donated to the Health Centre.