Brandon Regional Health Centre Gift Shop is Open for Business this Holiday Season
The Gift Shop at Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) has a wonderful selection of gift ideas for this holiday season.
Stop by the shop located off the Main Atrium next to Tim Hortons.
Gift Shop hours:
Monday – Thursday | 10 am to 5 pm
Friday | 11 am to 3 pm
Saturday | Noon to 3 pm
Please note these hours are subject to change due to volunteer availability.
If you are making a special trip in, call the gift shop at 204-578-4058 to ensure they are open.
You can also enjoy a virtual shopping experience and have your gift delivered to a patient.
Call Volunteer Services at 204-578-2065 Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 am to 2 pm, and they will do the shopping for you. These purchases must be paid by Mastercard, Visa or American Express.
Check out some of our selection, and thank you for supporting the BRHC Gift Shop!
Assiniboine acknowledges rural rotating Practical Nursing site in Virden
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) joined health partners and stakeholders in early November to celebrate Assiniboine Community College’s opening of a rural rotating Practical Nursing site in Virden. The Virden site welcomed nursing students in early September. Assiniboine’s expansion of its Practical Nursing program in both permanent and rural rotating sites will allow more students to become certified in this high-demand health-care occupation
PMH Recruitment Supervisor Larissa Kominko
“Assiniboine continues to be responsive to Manitoba’s labour market and support economic growth by meeting community needs. Our rural rotating Practical Nursing sites answer the call on both of these priorities, and it is a pleasure to celebrate a new site in Virden,” stated Mark Frison, Assiniboine President.
PMH Recruitment Supervisor Larissa Kominko spoke on behalf of CEO Brian Schoonbaert.
“Our collaborative partnership with Assiniboine continues to provide excellent opportunities for individuals to enter the health-care field closer to home. We are very pleased to see the Practical Nursing site in Virden and look forward to connecting with participants closer to graduation during the 2023-2024 academic year.”
“We would like to thank ACC Leadership, instructors and preceptors that make this training possible. We also wish to thank the community of Virden for its commitment in providing the necessary supports that went into securing this initiative,” Kominko stated.
Practical Nursing is the largest single program of study at Assiniboine, with 100 per cent of graduates surveyed reporting they had jobs. Since 1975, more than 4,200 individuals have graduated from nursing programs offered by the college.
In addition to rural rotating sites, the college has permanent Practical Nursing programs at its campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie.
Have you ever wondered why some foods give you energy while others make you crash? If you’ve ever been curious about the science behind nutrition, or what foods you should be eating to feel your best both mentally and physically, consider consulting a registered dietitian.
“We’re not the food police so we’re really trying to correct that misconception about our role,” says Chantal Morais, a registered dietitian in Prairie Mountain Health. “Dietitians work across the health system, providing nutrition advice and recommendations in a variety of settings ranging from health promotion and prevention of chronic diseases to personal care homes and critical care units.”
Dietitian have long been important members of health-care teams working across Manitoba, but the importance of their role was heightened during the pandemic with the need for appropriate nutrition and hydration policies in all settings.
“We know that a good baseline nutrition and being well-nourished can help keep people out of hospital, or if they are admitted for care, it’s for a shorter time,” Morais says. “When someone is malnourished, they are at higher risk of being readmitted to hospital, so our work in supporting patients to develop the knowledge and tools to stay nourished decreases recovery time and chances of readmission.”
For Morais, each work day is a little different. As a dietitian working in health promotion, she works with community groups and organizations to promote healthy eating with a special focus on nutrition, food skills education and healthy food environments. With the cost of food on the rise, food security is top of mind for many groups and organizations that Morais works with.
“Because we work with diverse groups of people and communities, we need to be caring, compassionate and aware of social justice and the right to food security,” adds Morais, who also leads various sessions for First Nations communities and health-care providers, and facilitates regional programs including Strive to Thrive and Craving Change. “People are looking for ideas for foods that are culturally relevant to them and are nourishing to their mind, body and spirit within their current budget. We can help with that.”
Passionate about her work and her profession, Morais gets excited when talking about bringing communities and community partners together to improve and support the health and well-being of a community.
“Working with various public health nurses and getting to visit different communities, there’s a lot of variety of work that I get to do,” Morais says. “Seeing communities come together to develop wellness activities and keeping that momentum going in that community is what makes my job worthwhile. Supporting the health and well-being of a community is so rewarding.”
Morais comes by her commitment to community and her passion for food and nutrition naturally. Her family operates a small cattle farm located between Hamiota and Virden, and while she doesn’t refer to herself as a farmer, she credits living on a farm with giving her an appreciation of the role of agriculture and its importance to the culture of rural communities.
“Having an understanding of agriculture, the largest industry in southwestern Manitoba, helps me better relate to the communities and people I work with on a daily basis,” Morais says.
Chantal Morais (centre and wearing a striped shirt) stands in the Neepawa Arts Forward kitchen with Immigrant Settlement Services’ Cooking in Canada program preparing for a meal with newcomers.
Morais has worked in rural Manitoba since completing her studies at the University of Manitoba. She worked first in Virden alongside a clinical team and then, after completing a master’s in public health, transitioned to her current role supporting health promotion in Hamiota and surrounding area.
“There are lots of opportunities and so much you can do as a dietitian,” Morais says. “Working rurally, I’m part of a really great interprofessional team and a great team of dietitians. I know rural jobs can be a bit lonely, especially if you are the only dietitian at a particular site, but there’s a whole team to stay connected with and always somebody that you can consult with. There’s always support here.”
Allied health providers like dietitians work in every community, across the full continuum of care needs and across the entire lifespan of the patients they serve.
“Our allied health providers are always there,” Morais says. “We’re often working behind the scenes in hospital, long-term care facilities, primary care facilities and in prevention. If you’re interested in nutrition, there’s so much opportunity to grow and mould your practice to align with your interests and what you’re passionate about.”
From Nov. 6 to 12, Manitoba’s health service delivery organizations are celebrating the diverse and highly specialized skills of our province’s allied health professionals. Representing nearly 200 disciplines working in every sector and area of our health system, allied health professionals are vital members of our health-care teams.
Recipe submitted by Kristen Yakimishen, RD Clinical Dietitian
I saw this recipe in the Metro newspaper (Winnipeg), 10 years ago and have been making it since. I saw this recipe in the Metro newspaper (Winnipeg), 10 years ago and have been making it since. Time needed: at least 45 minutes to roast and 20 minutes to simmer, plus prep time. This recipe usually takes me about 1½ – 2 hours to create.
You will need
1 large butternut squash, cut in half, seeds removed
4 red peppers, cut into halves, seeds removed
2 large ripe tomatoes (and more for garnish if desired), leave whole, cut stem scar out
2 onions
2 cloves garlic
1½ tbsp fresh sage, chopped
¼ tsp hot pepper flakes
Heart healthy oil
6 cups vegetable broth
Salt and ground black pepper
Sour cream (for garnish)
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 400ºF.
Arrange squash on a large, oil-greased baking pan with cut sides down.
Arrange the peppers and tomato on an oil-greased baking pan with cut sides down (can stack peppers if short on room).
Roast all vegetables in oven at 400ºF for about 45 minutes or until squash is tender (soft enough to be easily scooped out with a spoon). When cool enough to handle, scrape the squash flesh from the rind and cut the red pepper into chunks.
Meanwhile coarsely chop onions and mince garlic.
In a large pot, using just enough oil, cook the onions, garlic, sage, and hot pepper flakes on medium-low heat until the onions are very soft (this takes 10-15 minutes). Stir often.
Add the broth, squash, red peppers, and tomatoes.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes for flavours to blend. Stir often.
Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Regular blenders or plastic immersion blenders may require the soup to cool first.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomato, parsley, etc.
Freezes well, but best re-heated on the stove
Facts about butternut squash
This type of squash grows fine in our region.
Butternut squash is high in potassium, Vitamin C, and very high in Beta-carotene (made into Vitamin A in the body).
Butternut squash can also be made into chili or pasta sauce.
In Australia, squash is a staple, and it was cubed and roasted— great as a side, or on top of pizza, or pasta.
Former resident donates artwork to Erickson Health Centre
The walls of the Erickson Health Centre are a little brighter thanks to a recent donation from a former resident. Vera Johnson, who was born in Erickson, donated a painting depicting a soothing scene within Riding Mountain National Park.
“As I neared retirement from teaching in Alberta, I became interested in painting. An oil painting course offered by a local artist excited me. My first attempts at painting were subjects that I drew from childhood memories. These were of my childhood home in Manitoba, my grandparents, their home and local places of interest. So, I decided to do a series of paintings related to the Park.
The painting is entitled “Family Fun at Clear Lake”. Johnson says it conveys feelings of togetherness with beloved family and friends and elicits a sense of relaxation by being by the waters of Clear Lake.
“On many occasions when I have visited hospitals where I live in Edmonton, I am always uplifted by the art work I see. My hope is that this painting will bring a smile to those who visit Erickson Health Centre.
PMH sincerely thanks Johnson for her thoughtful and insightful donation.
Nurse Practitioner hits the ground running in Souris area
Note: As part of national Nurse Practitioner Week, which takes place this year from November 13-19, PMH is pleased to introduce the newest recruit to the health region.
Hello, my name is Danielle Lewis MN RN (NP) and I am the Nurse Practitioner (NP) who recently accepted a position within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region at Souris Medical Associates, Souris Hospital, and Sioux Valley Health Centre.
I grew up on a cattle farm close to Melita. I enjoyed living the farm life, playing hockey, baseball, badminton and acting in community musicals. Upon my high school graduation, I moved to Winnipeg to attend University.
While working on my nursing degree, I worked as a health care aide at St. Boniface hospital on a variety of floors and Jocelyn House providing palliative care in a home setting. After graduating with my Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Manitoba, I worked as a Registered Nurse in the Intermediate Care Nursery, Children’s Acute Medicine, and Brandon Emergency Room.
I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan Master of Nursing Nurse Practitioner program in 2020 and began working at Swan Lake First Nation Health Centre. Afterwards, I joined Southern Health in the first solely NP lead model in Manitoba, which included primary care, in-patient care and enhance primary care/extended hours.
Excited to work closer to home, I came back to PMH in August of 2022. My primary site is Souris and includes clinical as well as hospital practice. I also work part-time at the Sioux Valley Health Centre. I provide care for a range of acute and chronic health concerns and conditions. In my practice, I do a lot of teaching and believe in empowering patients to understand their health and participate in their care.
In addition to being an NP, I am a wife and Mom of two boys ages 5 and 2. I continue to play hockey, baseball, enjoy camping and teach yoga. In both my practice and personal life, I believe that if you do not make time for health, you will be forced to make time for illness.
The health staff and community members have been very welcoming and supportive. I look forward to working with you all and growing my role for many years to come.
For more information on Nurse Practitioners within PMH, view the health region’s website.
Sober Living Garden Program – A Healthy Together Now Feature
Gardening is a wonderful way to get outside and connect with nature while reducing stress and getting in some exercise. With 2022 being named Canada’s “Year of the Garden” and food prices increasing due to high inflation rates, the Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region (CHHA) decided to apply for funding to build, plant and maintain several new raised garden beds in the compound that houses the Sober Living Program in Brandon, as well as revitalize some existing beds. Their vision was that participants in the Sober Living Program and their other programs would be involved with the building, planting and maintaining of the beds, along with CHHA staff. CHHA has had pre-existing garden beds for several years, however this was the first time they were integrated into their programming.
The goals of the program were many – including enhancing and providing opportunities for Sober Living Program participants to learn new skills such as healthy eating, meal planning, gardening and preserving food; providing low impact outdoor physical activity through the process of preparing and maintaining the garden beds; providing positive activities for program participants to interact with and contribute to their community thus contributing to their mental health.
The project was quite successful with many benefits to the program participants, as well as the downtown community. The Sober Living Program participant who tended the garden beds repeatedly commented that working in them helped him maintain his sobriety. Produce from the gardens was shared with other program participants and used for the community meal preparation of the Sober Living Program.
Partnerships with the Global Market, Samaritan House, the BNRC’s Creation Nation and the City of Brandon were strengthened and the CHHA benefited through many donations and discounts. The City of Brandon donated soil and mulch and the Creation Nation’s men’s group cut the lumber for the garden beds and Russ, the Coordinator, provided input as to how the beds should be constructed. Because of the cost savings they were able to purchase haskaps, saskatoons, three apple trees, a pear tree and an edible cactus to plant a mini-orchard, the first of its kind for the downtown core and accessible to the entire community. They also hope to extend the gardening program into the winter with the purchase of small fig trees, mini-pineapple plants, aloe vera and prickly pear cactus and a portable greenhouse. This will encourage program participants to continue to build their interests in gardening and healthy eating throughout the winter, thus providing gardening opportunities and all the benefits that come with them year-round.
Overall the program was a great success, and will be for years to come!
Interested in receiving funding for a project focused on healthy eating, physical activity, mental well-being or tobacco prevention and reduction in your community? Visit Prairie Mountain Health’s ‘Healthy Together Now’ page for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
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.
