Sex Plus Week | February 8-14, 2026

In recognition on Sex Plus Week this February 8-14, we’re zooming in on sexual health + artificial intelligence.

Blue and yellow graphic with eggplant and orange

The internet has changed a lot, all the way from dial up internet to today’s TikTok trends. Now, the AI boom is here—and it can be overwhelming to know how this will impact our relationships, our kids, and our access to information about our health.

But we’re dialed in and ready to face the future!

Together, we can challenge barriers to information and create space so everyone can ask more, learn more, and know more about how AI will impact our health, our rights, and our futures.

During Feb. 8-14, Action Canada For Sexual Health and Rights will be providing the following activities and resources:

Free resources on sexual health and artificial intelligence.
Sex Plus Trivia Challenge to test your knowledge.
Social media toolkit to dial up the conversation.
Collaborations with our partners across the country.
Feb. 11^th – Sexual Health (Mis)information in the Age of AI Webinar –Webinar Registration – Zoom

In our region multiple sites will be recognizing Sex Plus week by offering the following events:

Brandon:

Feb 4^th Peer to Peer Testing Event at Ask Auntie 24 6^th Street from 10am-1:00pm
Feb 9^th STBBI testing event at Brandon University 270-18^th St. Mingling area – Time TBD

Dauphin:

Feb. 9^th Healthy Sexuality Bingo for Waskaa’igan Neegan Overnight Drop-in Centre participants 40 1st Avenue NW from 4pm-5pm.

PMH hosts weekend workshop for medical students

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) was pleased to host 75 first and second-year medical students from the University of Manitoba in Brandon and Minnedosa on Jan. 23 and 24. The weekend workshop was part of the medical student Rural Interest Group (RIG), held in partnership with Health Careers Manitoba and Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Sciences. The RIG weekend promotes the benefits of practicing medicine in rural communities and available lifestyle opportunities to medical students early in their training.

PMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung says the workshop provides the health region with additional opportunities to engage medical students early in their training. Groups also got some work in through clinical workstations prepared at each site.

Medical students practice skills during Rural Interest Group weekend workshop

“We continue to have success with this proactive and student-led initiative,” Dr. Fung stated. Although 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 generate a lot of interest and excitement every year!”

Student RIG Co-Presidents Zeta Ward, Kaesy Enns and Kiana Tait say participants always look forward to the event.

“On behalf of the Rural Interest Group and the University of Manitoba Medical Classes of 2028 and 2029, we extend our heartfelt thanks to PMH for warmly welcoming our group 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.”

Health Careers Manitoba and PMH sincerely appreciated the support of regional physicians, staff and community volunteers who helped make the RIG weekend a success. PMH also greatly appreciated the sponsor support, which this year included the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation and Minnedosa CDC/Tourism Board.

Last year, PMH hosted 75 students between Brandon and Killarney. In addition, a second RIG workshop was held in early 2025 in Swan River with another 20 students participating.

Front of Package Nutrition Labels

looking at labels while grocery shopping

You may have noticed that some packaged food has a new symbol on the front showing a magnifying glass. This symbol helps consumers identify foods and drinks that are high in saturated fat, sugars, and/or sodium. Regularly eating foods high in these can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. These symbols can be used to quickly compare similar food products to help you make an informed choice.

Some information about these symbols include that they are always black and white and have “Health Canada” at the bottom to indicate that the government requires it.

Most packaged foods require the symbol but there are some that do not. Here are some reasons:

The food is not high in saturated fat, sugars, or sodium
That food has a health protection benefit, including foods such as vegetables and fruit
Nutrition information is not required on that food such as whole cuts of raw meat with no other added ingredients.
Symbol could appear redundant such as on packages of sugar or salt (includes seasoning salt, celery salt etc.)

Learn more about the front-of-package symbol.

Dauphin organizations recognize Men’s Health Awareness

Four individuals holding a large cheque standing in front of a colourful background. — Pictured from left to right are Darian Bercier, Business/Consumers Operations Manager of the Dauphin Co-Op, Greg Thompson, Chairperson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation, Jordan Steiner, Deputy Chief of the Dauphin Fire Department and Co-op Grocery Department representative Matt Pugh.

Dauphin organizations and a local business combined efforts to raise funds and awareness for Men’s Health as part of Men’s Health Awareness Month in November 2025.

The Dauphin Fire Department and Dauphin Co-op Food Store partnered to raise funds to establish a Men’s Health Fund within the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. Thanks to some matching employee funding from the Co-op, the total presented to the Dauphin Hospital Foundation was $1,115.

The fundraising initiative was spearheaded by Co-op Grocery Manager Mark Gorchynski, who recognized that men sometimes do not seek medical attention as promptly as they should.

-With picture and files from Dauphin Herald.

Brandon Crisis Response Unit partners police with mental health crisis supports

Prairie Mountain Health and the Brandon Police Service continue to promote the benefits of a program that provides mental health services on the scene of police crisis calls.

Launched last fall, the Prairie Mountain Health-Brandon Police Service Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a joint initiative between the Brandon Police Service (BPS) and Prairie Mountain Health (PMH). The unit pairs a BPS officer with a mental health clinician from Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) to respond to calls where people are experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to de-escalate situations and provide clinical intervention, with coverage offered seven days a week.

Cst. Joss, member of the Crisis Response Unit with Brandon Police Services — Cst. Joss, member of the Brandon Police Service, Crisis Response Unit

Manitoba Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe were on hand in Brandon Jan.19 to announce $290,000 in ongoing funding to support a team including two full-time police officers and three full-time mental health clinicians, along with peer support workers from Peer Connections Manitoba.

BPS and PMH have developed policies, safety protocols and a triaging system that includes pathways to engage community agencies. Two BPS constables are dedicated to the unit, which is also staffed by mental health professionals and peer support workers to ensure a comprehensive response to mental health calls.

The announcement comes as local officials highlight the importance of compassionate crisis intervention for families and residents.

“The crisis response unit represents a critical step forward in how we respond to mental health crises, bringing police, health professionals and community partners together to deliver timely, trauma-informed care with dignity and compassion,” said Tyler Bates, chief, BPS. “This unit is already reducing unnecessary hospital transfers, supporting front-line officers and ensuring people in crisis are connected to the right help, strengthening community safety and well-being.”

“The new PMH-BPS Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a significant step forward in how Brandon supports individuals experiencing mental health or addiction crises,” said Chris Bromley, director of health services, mental health and addiction, PMH. “This unit builds on PMH’s existing crisis resources. PMH continues to operate its 24-hour Mobile Crisis Unit, and the Brandon area benefits from a strong Community Mobilization Westman program. Together, these teams create a more coordinated and comprehensive response system for people in crisis in our community.”

The project supports the mandate of the Department of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness to hire 100 mental health workers to work alongside law enforcement and community organizations, Smith noted.

Blue Monday

You may have heard of Blue Monday, often described as “the saddest day of the year.” While this idea is sometimes used as a marketing message, it does highlight something important, the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

During the winter months, many people notice changes in their mood and energy. Symptoms of SAD can include:

Lower energy
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep difficulties
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Feeling very sad or tearful
Wanting to withdraw from others

To help bring awareness to the Winter Blues, here are a few simple workplace activities to create connection and open the door for conversation about how we are really doing.

Blue Monday Activities

Blueberry Muffins – Serve blueberry muffins during coffee or lunch breaks using the printable tags created by the SPARK Committee.
Glimmer Station – Set up a table with blue sticky notes or paper and invite staff to write down a “glimmer” — something good, kind, or positive they noticed during their day.
Affirmation Cards – Print and cut small affirmation cards for staff to take with them.
Wear Blue Day – Invite everyone to wear blue — socks, scarves, shirts, scrubs, or accessories.
Gratitude Graffiti Wall – Create a gratitude wall using a large roll of paper and markers where staff can leave messages of appreciation for one another.
A Warm Hug in a Mug – Set up a hot beverage station with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate so staff can enjoy a warm drink and share one with a co-worker.

Taking time to check in with one another, enjoy a snack or warm drink, and notice the good in our day can help support our mental wellness and reduce the effects of the Winter Blues.

If you feel you would like to connect with someone for additional support through Prairie Mountain Health you can call:

OVER THE AGE OF 18
NORTH of Riding Mountain National Park: 1-866-332-3030
SOUTH of Riding Mountain National Park: 1-888-379-7699

UNDER THE AGE OF 18
NORTH of Riding Mountain National Park: 1-866-332-3030
ALL AREAS: 1-866-403-5459

More information and resources can be found on the Mental Health page at www.prairiemountainhealth.ca.

Kelly Lewis
HOPE Community Coordinator

Break Up with Nicotine in 2026

January brings a clean slate and a chance to make meaningful changes for your health. Many people choose the New Year as their quit date for smoking, vaping, or other nicotine use. Whether you spent time preparing in December or are starting fresh right now, you can still set yourself up for success.

Your quit day might feel exciting, and it might feel stressful. Both are normal. What matters most is having a plan that fits your approach. Some people choose to quit all at once. Others prefer to reduce over time. Both are valid and can lead to long-term success. Some tips to help set yourself up for success include:

This is my year to quit - cigarettes in ashtray

1. Make Smoking Inconvenient on Purpose
If you are not ready to quit all at once, start by making each cigarette harder to access. Smoke only in one specific place, such as at the end of your driveway. Create smoke-free areas, such as inside your vehicle, garage, or home. Keep your cigarettes in a spot that is annoying to reach, like inside a sealed container in the trunk of your car. The extra effort helps break mindless habits.

2. Join a Support Group or Get Professional Help
Research shows that people who use counselling or support programs can double their chances of quitting compared to trying alone. Join a free group offered in PMH, such as Commit to Quit, connect with the Chronic Disease Education Program (CDEP) to speak with a nurse, or call Smokers Help Line for free coaching. Inform a close friend or family member of your quit plan and explain to them what you’ll need as support.

3. Use Delay Techniques to Push Past Cravings
When you feel the urge to smoke, tell yourself you will wait ten minutes. During that time, drink water, chew gum, or step outside for fresh air. Most cravings peak and fade within a few minutes. Delaying teaches your brain that you do not need to respond instantly, which is a powerful way to build control. If you’ve been tracking your nicotine use, have a plan ready before a common craving time comes.

4. Expect Ups and Downs
Quitting is not about perfection. Some days will feel simple, while others will test your patience. If you slip, it does not mean you failed. Look at what caused it and plan how to handle that trigger better next time. Celebrate each day you stay on track. Every effort counts.

5. Replace Hand and Mouth Habits with Safer Options
Smoking is not only about nicotine. Many people miss the hand-to-mouth motion. Prepare simple replacements. Try sugar-free gum, mints, a stress ball, a straw, or a water bottle with a straw. Keep these items with you so that when a craving hits, you have something to reach for.

6. Nicotine-Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Products include patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and sprays. For many people, using more than one type of NRT at the same time works best. Be sure to speak to a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before starting NRT to find the right one for you.

You are not alone in this journey. PMH is here to help. For support from a Registered Nurse, call 1-877-509-7852 or visit the Chronic Disease Education Program at Prairie Mountain Health to learn more about all the resources available to help you succeed.

Brandon Regional Health Centre Auxiliary contributes over last year

The Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Auxiliary capped the last year by generously contributing to new equipment purchases for the Brandon Regional Health Centre and Western Manitoba Cancer Centre (WMCC). The contributions for 30 capital equipment pieces totaled close to $304 thousand. Equipment purchases included:

Two Bladder Scanners totaling just over $34,000.

These are portable ultrasound devices used to quickly and non-invasively measure urine volume in the bladder, helping assess for urinary retention or incomplete emptying. These units help to prevent unnecessary catheterizations. One unit was purchased for BRHC and one for WMCC.

Ultrasound for PICC placement – for Outpatient Care Unit totaling just over $35,000.

An ultrasound used to place a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), which helps to avoid repeated needle sticks for treatments lasting weeks or months.

Eight Maternity Unit Beds totaling $69,588.

Replacing current beds which are end of life.

Nineteen new Beds for the A3 Unit at a cost of $165,272.

Replacing current beds which are end of life.

Prairie Mountain Health and Brandon Regional Health Centre sincerely thank the BRHC Auxiliary for their continued support to the benefit of patients across Western Manitoba.

Ultrasound for PICC placement, Maternity beds and bladder scanner

Prairie Mountain Health Welcomes New Year’s Babies | 2026

Kendra Henry & Aaron Dayton and daughter Brielle

Brandon

Welcome Brielle! Brandon Regional Health Centre’s 2026 New Year’s baby was born January 1 at 1:16 am. Proud parents are Kendra Henry & Aaron Dayton of Virden. Brielle received a lovely gift basket from the BRHC Gift Shop & flowers from Carolyn’s Floral Designs. Congratulations from Prairie Mountain Health and the Brandon Regional Health Centre.

Dauphin

Welcome Jack! Dauphin Regional Health Centre’s 2026 New Year’s baby was born on January 1 at 1:54 am. Proud parents are Holly & Joel Warkentin of Fork River. Congratulations from Prairie Mountain Health and Dauphin Regional Health Centre.

PMH begins site visits with MLPIMG physicians destined to practice next fall

When it comes to doctor recruitment within Prairie Mountain Health, the region’s Recruitment and Retention Team feels it’s ‘all hands-on deck’. Which is to say, it truly does take representatives from the province, region and individual communities to all work together to promote the benefits of living and working in rural Manitoba.

One of the initiatives the region utilizes as part of overall physician recruitment strategies includes the provincial Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG). The MLPIMG Program assists foreign-trained doctors in obtaining their medical license to be able to practice as a family physician in Manitoba. PMH has sponsored seven physicians during the year 2025-2026 and has begun individually introducing each of the candidates to the communities they will be practicing in following their successful graduation from the program in summer of 2026.

Tamara Kemp-Boulet, Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for the health region says the physicians were designated to be placed at various sites within PMH communities that require additional physician resources.

Dr. Shams and Dr. Ola tour Killarney with their 6 year old daughter

“The seven internationally trained doctors have signed return-of-service agreements requiring them to work in rural communities within the health region,” she said. “Communities allocated for this graduating class include Killarney, Minnedosa, Ste. Rose, Russell, Rossburn and Shoal Lake starting in the fall.”

Husband and wife Shamsudeen and Olamide Usman are among those who were recruited by PMH through the University of Manitoba Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates.

The Usmans will finish the one-year training program this June in Winnipeg before they begin practicing family medicine at the Tri-Lake Health Centre in Killarney in fall.

Doctors Karen Aquino and Moazzam Raza will be based in Minnedosa, Dr. Saleema Arif will practice in Ste. Rose, Dr. Porimol Debnath will be in Russell and Dr. Ana Hernandez will provide care in Rossburn and Shoal Lake, Kemp-Boulet said.

Dr. Moazzam Raza pictured with residents of Minnedosa

All of these communities were identified as having a shortage of doctors, and recruitment efforts continue for other areas in PMH, she said.

PMH organizes site visits for new physicians, so they can get accustomed to relocating to an area that suits their needs. These visits can include checking out daycares, schools, recreation activities, touring the health-care facility and meeting with council members and real estate agents, Kemp-Boulet said.

In 2025, the region sponsored eight physicians to participate in the MLPIMG program. They were placed in the communities of Swan River (3), Roblin (2), Neepawa, Virden and Souris.

In return for regional sponsorship, MLPIMG doctors agree to practice in their respective communities for four years. The Program is supported by the University of Manitoba —Max Rady College of Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, Shared Health-Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office, and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.