logo.jpg - 16736 Bytes Health Corner

 Ask Your Primary Health Care Provider

Welcome to Health Corner!

This new regular column, written by health professionals working within the North Eastman Health Association,
will focus on providing health information to our communities.

Please forward health related questions to:  Health Corner, Box 1030, Lac du Bonnet Health Centre;
Phone:  345-1220;  or e-mail cmcintosh@neha.mb.ca.   For more health information please visit the NEHA website

The North Eastman Health Association Inc. along with Manitoba Health are focusing on Primary Health Care
as a means to improve the health status of the residents of the North Eastman Region.

What is Health Links?

Health Links is a provincial toll-free telephone service, that provides health related information, and referral service to the citizens of Manitoba.  The Health Links phone line is staffed by specially trained Registered Nurses, and is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no charge to the user. 
Health Links is not a service for medical emergencies.  In case of a medical emergency, call your local emergency telephone number.

When Should I Call Health Links?
You can call Health Links anytime you need health information or support, that is not an emergency.  Health Links nurses receive many health related questions ranging from “What can I use on a bee sting?” to “My baby won’t stop crying…what should I do?”  While there is no such thing as a typical Health Links question, almost anything related to physical or mental health issues would fall under the Health Links mandate.

How do I Reach Health Links?
In Manitoba call toll free 1-888-315-9257.
In Winnipeg call 788-8200
Available 24 hours/day – 7 days/week.
This service operates out of the Misericordia Health Centre in Winnipeg.

In addition to providing accurate and up-to-date health related information to individual Manitobans, this telephone service helps to reduce telephone traffic in our health care facilities, thereby allowing staff to concentrate their efforts on direct patient care.

To receive a health links card to place in your wallet, or beside your phone, please call 345-1220.

Stress, depression, and the holidays

Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time but tensions often heighten during the holidays.   Conflicts are bound to arise with so many different personalities, needs, and interests.  On the other hand, you many find yourself especially lonely or sad if you are facing the holidays without a loved one.  Overspending during the holidays on gifts, travel, food, and entertainment can increase stress as you try to make ends meet and ensuring that everyone is happy.  Physical demands of shopping, socializing and preparing for holiday meals can be exhausting.  Exercise and sleep are good antidotes for stress and fatigue.  High demands, stress, lack of exercise, and overindulgence in food and drink- all are ingredients for holiday illness.

Tips to help prevent holiday stress and depression

Acknowledge your feelings. Realize that it’s normal to feel sadness or grief if a loved one has recently died or you aren’t able to be with your loved one’s.  You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.

Seek Support. If you feel isolated or down, seek out family, friends, or community, religious, or social services.  Consider volunteering at a community or religious function.

Be realistic. “Norman Rockwell Christmas’” are for the movies.  As families change and grow, so do traditions and rituals.  Find new ways to celebrate together from afar – share pictures, emails or videotapes.

Set differences aside. Accept family members as they are.  Even at Christmas, they won’t always live up to your expectations.  Set grievances aside until a more appropriate time for discussion.

Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting, and other activities.  Remember Christmas is a season and everything doesn’t have to be done in one day.

Learn to say no. If you say yes only to what you really want to do, you’ll avoid feeling resentful, bitter, and overwhelmed.  If it’s really not possible to say no, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.

Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a dietary free for all.   Overindulgence adds to stress and guilt.

Take a breather. Make time for you.  Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring your inner calm.

Seek Professional Help if you need it.  Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable or hopeless, and unable to face routine chores.  If these feelings last for several weeks, talk to your Doctor or a mental health professional.   You may have depression.

Take back control of holiday stress and depression

Remember that one key to minimizing holiday stress and depression is the knowledge that holidays can trigger stress and depression.  Accept that things aren’t always going to go as planned.  Take steps to manage your stress and you may find that you actually enjoy this years holidays more than you thought you could.  Submitted by Debbie Devigne, Community Mental Health Worker  Source: Mayo Clinic 2007

Winter Travel - Ice and Snow? Take it slow!

Winter travel calls for extra care even under normal weather conditions.  Snow and ice on roadways can reduce tire traction, while vehicle exhaust and ice fog can reduce visibility.  The best safety precaution to take during severe winter weather conditions is to avoid traveling at all.  However, if you must drive, be prepared.

Precautions:
  • Drive carefully. Avoid driving if a winter storm warning or blizzard warning has been issued for your area of travel.  Respect road conditions.  Prior to setting out, check local highway or road conditions hotlines.
  • Turn back or seek refuge if conditions deteriorate.   Don’t be daring.
  • Keep to main roads as much as possible.
  • Travel by daylight and with a companion if possible.   When you are traveling alone, make sure someone knows which route you are taking, and your departure and arrival times.   Be sure to notify them of your arrival to prevent an unnecessary search.
  • Keep the radio on, and listen for weather information and possible weather warnings.
  • Keep the gas tank full and the car in good running condition, properly serviced, with snow tires.
  • Carry your winter travel kit in your car at all times.
    • If Stranded:
  • Don’t panic.
  • Stay with your car.  You’ll be sheltered and easier to find.  Move your car off the roadway to avoid collisions with other vehicles.  Do not attempt to walk for help.  Many travelers have suffered hypothermia or frostbite.
  • Set out warning flares or other markers such as a bright cloth hung from the car window or aerial.
  • Car engines should be run for ten minutes each hour.
  • Check exhaust pipe frequently to ensure it is not becoming blocked with snow.
  • Keep fresh air inside the car by slightly opening a window and running the motor sparingly.
  • Use the dome light instead of headlights.  Using headlights will run the battery down quickly.
  • Keep moving. Exercise hands, arms and legs to prevent frostbite.
  • Watch for traffic or search parties. Don’t fall asleep.
    •   Submitted by Carol Orvis, NEHA  Source: Environment Canada

    Pedestrian Safety

    The 2008 Safe Kids Canada Theme is pedestrian safety.  What does that mean for people living in rural areas?

    Child & Pedestrian Safety
    Children are particularly vulnerable to pedestrian injuries for many reasons.  Children may be exposed to traffic threats that exceed their cognitive, physical, sensory, and auditory development.  For examples, pre-school & school-aged children believe if they can see a car, then the driver can see them.  Have you ever had to double-check for a child in a parking lot or wondered where your child is while driving a larger farm vehicle?  Up until age 6, children are much less able to detect the direction of traffic.  Before age 11, children have a difficult time judging vehicle speed.

    Children are more likely to get hit by cars in areas where there is high traffic volume, higher number of parked cars on the street, higher posted speed limits, and few alternative play areas such as parks.  Do your children cross roads alone?  Do your children play in/near ditches or beside a road?

    Seven out of 10 drivers admit to exceeding the speed limit, at least occasionally, for an average (over the speed limit) of 12 km on highways, 10 km on 2 lane highways and 7 km on residential streets.  Even in the presence of children, many drivers do not reduce their speed.  Increase in speed, however, increases the risk of injury.  It is estimated that a pedestrian struck by a car traveling at 50 km/hr is 8 times more likely to be killed than someone hit at 30 km/h.

    What can I do to reduce pedestrian injuries?

    Reduce traffic speeds.  At speeds greater than 40 km/h, both drivers and pedestrians may be more likely to make mistakes in judging the time required to stop or cross the street safely.  Even small reductions in vehicle speed can lead to significant reductions in injury risk.  It is estimated that for each 1.6 km reduction in average speed, collision frequency is reduced by 5%.

    Walk more, drive less.  Lower traffic volume can also lead to reduced injuries.  Studies have shown that the more people who are walking, the less likely pedestrian injuries will occur.  It appears that motorists adjust their behaviour to respond to the increase number of pedestrians. And of course, walking is the healthy, 'green' alternative.

    Adults can walk with children and repeat the safety information every single time.  Most parents report teaching their children pedestrian safety, but they do not always practice what they know.  Safe Kids Canada recommends pedestrian safety education be repeated every time adults and children are walking together and to continue into adolescence.  Children need to practice safe traffic behaviour in a variety of road situations before they are able to travel the streets on their own.

    Check the Safe Kids Canada website for information on rural community walkabouts and scoring.  Then use the Safe Kids Canada Pedestrian Safety Guide to make your community more pedestrian friendly.

    Advocate for speeding reminders.  Seventy-two percent of Canadian drivers supported the idea of roadside warning signs to tell the driver when they are speeding.

    Although there might not be a lot of traffic in your rural area, the roads may have higher speed limits.  This, coupled with drivers traveling above posted speed limits, increases the threat to pedestrians in rural areas.  Submitted by: Caroline McIntosh  Source: Safekidscanada.ca

    Join the Free Outdoor Gym

    We’re lucky in North Eastern Manitoba to have so much outdoor space full of natural resources.  With the availability of provincial parks like Bird's Hill, Whiteshell, and Nopiming, and the many local parks in towns and villages, why not translate that expanse into a free gym?  According to Health Canada's Physical Activity Guide, Canadians should accumulate 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days.  Local parks, trails, hills, forests and bodies of water are perfect places to get the physical activity that will keep you healthy.

    Here are some easy ways to use nature as your own personal gym:
    1. Try Tai Chi, yoga, or stretching in a local park.  This is a good way to get some activity on very hot days when you might not otherwise want to be doing anything outdoors.  The slow, deliberate movements of Tai Chi and yoga are relaxing, but they also build muscle tone and can help you improve your breathing – a great stress buster.
    2. Have a scavenger hunt with the kids or try Geocaching, either with family or friends. Geocaching is an outdoor activity which involves using a hand-held satellite device – global positioning system (GPS) – to search for a hidden treasure such as a small toy or message called a cache.  This can get you walking around your town or local park, or on a provincial hiking trail.
    3. Why not resurrect your garden or help your friends in their gardens?  Planting, weeding and caring for a garden is a great reason to get outside and do some activity.  Plus, you can grow tasty and healthy herbs or vegetables. Check out the Heart & Stroke monthly column by gardening expert Mark Cullen on planting vegetables. Some people find sharing a community garden with friends and neighbors is a great way to socialize and grow at the same time.
    4. Instead of using a motorboat at the cottage, try a canoe or kayak for picking up small amounts of supplies or for having some fun on the lake or river.  Make sure you wear a lifejacket.
    5. When was the last time you visited your local park or walked around the block or up the local hill in your neighborhood? When walking for exercise, use a focused pace, but one that won’t make you short of breath, so you could carry on a conversation. Using a pedometer makes counting the number of steps you take easy and fun. Many of our local North Eastman libraries have walking kits with a pedometer that you can borrow.  Work up to 5,000 to 10,000 steps per day, stopping when you need to. Try increasing the amount of walking by 5 minutes every week. All the activity you do throughout the day can really add up.
    6. Why not brush the cobwebs off your bicycle so you can ride to your local park or local store. Remember wearing a helmet while riding protects your noggin.

    Stay safe in the heat!  It's easy to stay cool in the summer when you’ve got a lake or pool to jump into.  When that’s not a possibility, bring along lots of water to drink.  You can lose a lot of water through perspiration during physically activity, especially in hot weather.  Without sufficient water, your body can’t keep you cool and this can cause heat exhaustion.  Symptoms include dizziness, headache, increased heart rate and fatigue.  Resting in a cool or shady area and drinking water can help get your body cool down.  As long as you take these precautions, and talk to your doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions, then you are set to get active – indoors or out! Submitted By: Caroline McIntosh.  Adapted from “Join the Free Outdoor Gym” – www.heartandstroke.com

    Trampoline Safety

    Trampolines have become increasingly popular as a backyard recreation.  This has raised health and safety concerns because they can cause serious injuries if they are not used properly.  Some minor injuries caused by trampoline use, include sprained ankles and wrists, to more serious injuries including skull fractures, to broken necks and backs.  The majority of the injuries were caused by unsupervised and inappropriate use.

    Most trampoline injuries are the result of:  Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek  Source: Health Canada

    NEHA's Nurse Practitioners

    Providing a unique kind of care, Nurse Practitioners can be found at Primary Health Care Clinics, within the North Eastman Health Association.  When Manitobans need healthcare, most phone their family doctor.  Today, they have another option: a Nurse Practitioner (NP).

    Nurse Practitioners have been practicing in Canada for many years.  They work in acute and general care settings, primary care (general family practice), hospitals and long term care facilities.  In 1999, the Manitoba Legislators rewrote the Registered Nurses Act to account for the NP practice.  In 2005, the first Manitoba Nurse Practitioner began her practice.  NPs may bring a unique perspective and expertise to their roles.  They focus on patients as a whole, both physically and psychologically.  In this way, they complement, rather than substitute the roles of other health care providers.

    While we recognize that NPs are not a substitute for physicians, the greater use of NPs can reduce waiting times and minimize the demands associated with physician shortages, particularly in rural and remote communities.  As we face the largest aging population in history, the role of the NP will continue to increase and evolve.

    Nurse Practitioners are Registered Nurses who have completed advanced education, typically at the Master’s Level and have passed a National Exam.  The NP Graduate Program takes two years full-time and three to four years part-time to complete. NPs diagnose and treat common illnesses, perform invasive procedures, suture a minor cut, order and receive diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and refer patients to other health care professionals such as physicians, nutritionists, therapists.  They also use their nursing skills to focus on health promotion, disease prevention and involvement of the patient and family in their care.

    An integral part of the NP’s advanced clinical practice is the family.  To improve patient outcomes, the NP ensures that all patient care needs are met in the context of the patient’s psychosocial and physical well being.  The Nurse Practitioner facilitates long-term planning with the patient, family and multidisciplinary team. Furthermore, the NP maintains dialogue with patients and families about the patient’s condition and a future plan, as well as directing or participating in family conferences as needed.

    The North Eastman Health Association currently has five Nurse Practitioners within the region, practicing inside of four Primary Health Care Clinics.  Most of these NPs practice part-time.  All the NPs within the North Eastman region are women and this has given a sense of comfort to most female patients making appointments for annual physicals, pre-natal and post-natal care.  They also, are a part of providing the valid service of Teen Clinics.

    In conclusion, you may be asked,  “Would you like to make your appointment with a Nurse Practitioner?”  You may in return ask the question,
    “What is a NP?” The answer is as follows: A Nurse Practitioner can:  Submitted by: Laura Gmiterek

    Canada’s Number One Killer

    The number one killer in Canada is heart disease, also known as cardiovascular (CV) disease.  It is the most costly disease, putting the greatest burden on the health care system.  Heart disease includes diseases and injuries of the heart, the blood vessels of the heart, and the system of blood vessels (veins and arteries) throughout the body and within the brain.  Oxygen and important nutrients carried by our blood are constricted or blocked causing injury to our heart muscles.

    The buildup of fat deposits in the blood supply system is called Coronary Artery Disease may lead to blocked blood vessels and arteries.  A lack of oxygen can result in a heart attack and permanent damage to heart muscles.  Several factors, alone or in combination, may result in heart disease.  One major factor is cigarette smoking. Other risk factors include: Focus on cigarette smoking:
    In 1996, cardiovascular disease accounted for 37% of all deaths in Canada. Smokers have a 70% greater chance of dying from Coronary Heart Disease than non-smokers. Smoking more than 40 cigarettes per day increases the chance of dying by 200 to 300% in comparison with non-smokers. Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke makes the heart work harder by: Heart Healthy Tips For more information on symptoms and how to minimize your risk, consult your Health Care Provider or the Chronic Disease Prevention and Management (CDPM) team in your area.   Sources: Canadian Hypertension Society and Heart & Stroke Foundation Submitted by: Kelly Deveau RN BN

    Food for Thought

    Food!  Where would we be without it?  It is so much a part of our social fabric.  Every time we get together with family and friends it is generally around food and beverage.  Family and friends influence the way we eat.  There are the traditional foods of the many cultures we represent.  And it all looks so good … just tempting us to taste.  Then there is the way in which we get together to eat those foods. Do we sit at the table and savor our food or are we gulping on the run?

    We do need to eat to keep our bodies healthy and to give us the energy to be active.  But as Canadians we face many different and sometimes conflicting messages about food everyday.  Not only that, but our busy lifestyles mean we have less time to shop for food, prepare meals and eat with our families.
    We are relying more and more on pre-prepared food and meals outside the home.  It is estimated that one in three meals is eaten outside the home.

    Now let’s add in the media’s incessant message about looking good, being model thin, staying young forever and this diet … this diet pill … this diet drink … this diet … diet … diet will give you all the friends, a wonderful career and put you at the top of the world.  How are we supposed to know what healthy eating is?  Well the answer is quite simple, forget all the fad diets and stick with Canada’s Food Guide.  This wonderful tool helps you chose the type of food and portions you need to eat so you can stay healthy and provide your body with the proper nutrients it needs for the energy you need to be the best you can be.  The guide encourages choices lower in fat, sugar and salt.

    March is nutrition month.  This year’s promotion is focused on nutrition and healthy eating for an active lifestyle.  Using the balanced approach of Canada’s Food Guide will ensure you get enough energy to get you through your day and your physical activities.  There is no need for the expense of energy drinks and protein supplements.  Having a balance of the Guide’s four food groups and enough fluids, will keep energized and hydrated.  Water is important not only to refresh you but to replace the water lost through sweating when physically active.  Whether you’re revving up for your first 5 km run or wanting some straight talk about nutrition for physical activity, Registered Dietitians are your most trusted source for nutrition and healthy eating advice.  More information can be found at Nutrition Month 2009.

    Canada’s Food Guide is the sensible solution.  Most important it is FREE.  It is available at Canada's Food Guide or see your local community health dietitian, primary healthcare nurse or wellness facilitator to get your copy.  Choose healthy, be healthy the sensible way.

    Information from Healthy Together Now: Chronic Disease Prevention Initiative; Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide Submitted by: Susan Spindler

    Stroke Facts and Warning Signs

    A stroke occurs when the flow of blood to a part of the brain is cut off.  It can also be called a ‘brain attack’.  This can be due to something (usually a blood clot) blocking the flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke).  It can also be caused by a burst blood vessel bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).  Most strokes are caused by a blockage of the blood flow.  Without a blood supply, the brain cells in the affected area start to die.

    Every year some 50,000 Canadians suffer a stroke.  Someone in Canada suffers a brain attack every ten minutes, and every 32 minutes someone dies from one.  The annual death toll of 16,000 makes stroke the third leading killer, after cancer and heart disease.

    The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected and how severe the damage is.  A stroke may affect your ability to move, your ability to speak and understand speech, your memory and problem-solving abilities, your emotions, and your senses of touch, hearing, sight, smell, and taste. In some cases, a stroke can be fatal.

    It's important to recognize the warning signs of stroke, because quick treatment can reduce the risk of brain injury and death.  A stroke usually comes on suddenly, over a few minutes or hours.  With stroke, every minute counts ‘time is brain’.  Each minute delay in calling 9-1-1 increases the odds of permanent brain damage, disability or death.”

    The warning signs of stroke include:
    If you notice these symptoms, call 911 (or your emergency medical number if you do not have 911 service) immediately and tell them you think you are having a stroke.  Stroke (brain attack) is a medical emergency.

    The sooner you arrive in the emergency room, the better your chance of being assessed and screened for the possibility of receiving a clot buster drug.  Clot buster drugs can be given to attempt to actually “stop a stroke in its tracks” or “reverse the stroke that is in progress.”   However, the key to this treatment is timing.

    From the time the symptoms begin you only have a period of three hours to be considered for and receive treatment.

    No one is immune to a stroke.  It is a life-changing event that not only affects the person who may be disabled, but the entire family and other caregivers as well.  Be sure to know the warning signs and action to take.  For more information on how to reduce your risk of having a stroke, please contact your local health care providers. References: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba and The Canadian Stroke Strategy Submitted By: Sharlene Thompson

    How is asthma controlled?

    Asthma is a lung condition that impairs breathing. Inflammation and airway constriction are the two mechanisms that cause the symptoms of asthma.   Inflammation is the main feature. Diagnosis can be challenging as there is no one single test that can be used.  Medical history of symptoms, spirometry and medication challenges can all be used to diagnose asthma.  Diagnosing children under 5 years old is an even greater challenge, as young children can not co-operate to perform some of the tests.  There are several levels of asthma ranging from mild the severe.

    Management of asthma is based on avoidance of triggers and controlling symptoms with medications.  Education of the patient by a health care provider on triggers, medications, and monitoring and knowing what to do in a flare up is a very important part of managing asthma.  Learning what a person’s triggers are, will help in avoiding those triggers.  Some triggers may be smoking, second hand smoke, dust mites, mold, pet dander, cold air, perfume, allergens (things that cause an allergic reaction), certain medication and many more.  Infections like the common cold and influenza may cause a flare up of the asthma. Flu vaccines are recommended for people with asthma.  It appears to be critical to decrease the amount of dust mites in the house to obtain good control of asthma.  Many things can be done in the home to decrease dust mites.  Talk to a health care provider for more information. 

    A person with asthma may need to use medication before going out into the cold air and/or exercising.  These are only some of the things that can be done to avoid triggers. There are 2 different medications: relievers and preventers.  Relievers work quickly and relax the airway.  Preventers work on the inflammation, they should be taken on a regular basis as prescribed by the health care provider.  Preventers work slowly and should not be taken in an emergency.

    Keeping track of symptoms in a diary can be a great help to detect flare ups.  Some people may use a meter (peak flow meter) daily to measure the status of their breathing.  It is recommended that people with asthma have an action plan and use it as taught by their health care provider.  Poor control can lead to airway remodeling, may cause permanent damage. Written by Myriam Duke RN, BScN, CAE  Sources:  Canadian Asthma Consensus Report, 1999  Adult Asthma Consensus Guidelines Update, 2003  and Canadian Pediatric Asthma Consensus Guidelines, 2003 (updated to December 2004).

    Hand Washing Reduces Health Risks

    Germs are essential for human life.  Bacteria in our mouths and intestines help us to digest the food we eat and bacteria on our skin protect us from invading viruses and bad bacteria.  Bacteria are virtually everywhere in our environment and make up 60 per cent of living matter on earth.  Of the billions of types of bacteria only about 50 are known to cause infection.  Viruses cause far more illnesses than bad bacteria because they spread more easily.  If more than one person in your family has the same sickness, odds are it is a viral infection.  Cold and flu viruses invade our cells and rapidly grow in number causing symptoms like runny nose, cough, aches, sore throats, and diarrhea.  Hands spread an estimated 80 percent of common infectious diseases like the common cold and flu.

    Washing your hands correctly with soap or using an alcohol based hand rub is the most effective thing you can do to protect yourself against a number of infectious diseases, such as the flu and the common cold.  Hand washing will not only keep you healthy, it will help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to others.  Infectious diseases are a particular risk to the very young, the elderly, those with a pre-existing disease and people with a compromised immune system.  Hand-to-hand contact can spread mild conditions, such as the common cold, but also more severe or life-threatening diseases. Even if your hands appear to be clean, they may carry germs.  Hands pick up germs in a number of ways.  When people who are sick sneeze or cough, the germs that are making them sick are expelled into the air in tiny droplets.  If these droplets get onto your hands and then your touch your mouth, eyes or nose without washing away the germs, you carry the infection.  You can also get sick if you don’t wash your hands before and after preparing food, after handling raw meat and after using the toilet.  If you had to pick the place in your house with the most disease causing germs, what would you choose? Many of us automatically think of the bathroom, but actually the kitchen is the biggest hot-zone for disease causing germs.  Foremost being the kitchen sink, followed by the dish rag or sponge.  Disinfect your kitchen sink and counters daily. Also, don’t forget the faucet and doorknobs.  Cleaning with soap removes surface dirt and grime.  Disinfecting involves the use of bleach, ammonia, alcohol, or vinegar to kill germs.  Avoid antibacterial cleaners.

    Research does not support the use of antibacterial soaps and cleaning products over regular soaps and cleaners.  Plain soap has ingredients that help to remove dirt and grease from your skin.  Antibacterial soaps offer no benefit in preventing common illnesses and their widespread use can cause antibiotic resistance.  Plain soap has ingredients that help to remove dirt and grease from your skin.  Antibacterial products don’t offer any protection against viruses because antibiotics don’t kill viruses.

    Although hand washing might seem like a simple task, you should follow these steps to thoroughly rid your hands of germs.  Steps for good hand washing technique are:
    Submitted by: Laura Gmiterek Source Health Canada & Public Health Agency Canada

    January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

    The following are the 10 warning signs of being at risk of having Alzheimer disease:
    1. Memory loss that affects day to day function – forgetting things more often especially things that happened recently.
    2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks – having trouble with tasks that have been familiar all of your life.
    3. Problems with language – forgetting simple words or substituting words, making sentences difficult to understand.
    4. Disorientation of time and place – wandering or getting lost.
    5. Poor or decreased judgment – not recognizing a medical problem or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day.
    6. Problems with abstract thinking – having difficulty with numbers or balancing a cheque book.
    7. Misplacing things – putting items in inappropriate places.
    8. Changes in mood and behavior – from calm, to tears, to anger, for no apparent reason.
    9. Changes in personality – the feeling of apathy, fearfulness, or acting out of character.
    10. Loss of initiative – becoming very passive and requiring cues and prompts to become involved.
    Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) has recently released the World Alzheimer Report.  It has been estimated that 35.6 million people worldwide will be living with dementia in 2010.  Also, according to this new report dementia prevalence will nearly double every 20 years, to 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050.  There are currently about a half of a million Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, or 1 in 11 over the age of 65.  In brief, our aging population is creating a rising tide of dementia that threatens our health and social support systems.  When the urgent need to start turning the tide of dementia is recognized, a series of potential interventions could help alleviate dementia’s pressure on families, the health care system, and the economy.  This intervention alone has a potential cost savings of $219 billion over the 30 year period.  This month during Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society is calling on Canadian governments, and the public, to take action against the growing tide.

    Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are progressive, degenerative diseases that destroy vital brain cells.  They are not a normal part of aging.  Alzheimer is the most common form of dementia and accounts for approximately 64% of all dementias in Canada.  Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this fatal disease, but there are things people can do that may help reduce their risk (example: by increasing physical activity).  Usually, dementia is diagnosed in people over the age of 65.  Recently, it has been found that the symptoms actually start much earlier, and an increasing number of people are being diagnosed in their 50’s and 60’s.

    Caregiving is a critical issue for people living with dementia.  One in five Canadians age 45 and over are providing some form of care for seniors who have long term health problems.  One-quarter of all family caregivers are seniors themselves, and one-third of them are over the age of 75.  It suggests that 40-75% of caregivers will have significant psychological illness as a result of their care giving, and 15-32% will have depression.

    Diagnosing dementia is a complex and difficult process.  There is no single test that can tell that an individual has or does not have Alzheimer or a related disease.  Making a diagnosis for dementia takes the time and expertise of skilled practitioners because the diagnosis can only be made after an assessment that ensures that there may not be other possible conditions for the symptoms.  Some of these other conditions include depression, thyroid or heart disease, infections, drug interactions or alcohol abuse.  The process of diagnosing dementia therefore requires a careful history of the symptoms, physical, neurological and mental status examinations, psychiatric and psychological evaluations, laboratory tests, and where applicable imaging of the brain.  It is also required to have information from relatives and caregivers.

    The first baby boomer generation will turn 65 in the year 2011.  This will increase the number of people affected by dementia.  Dementia is more than just an important health concern.  It has the potential to overwhelm Canadian families and our health care system if fundamental changes are not made in research funding and care delivery.  If you have concerns about your memory, or are concerned about someone else’s it is important that you consult with your family doctor.  
    Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek Source: Health Canada & The Canadian Alzheimer Society

    Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month

    November is the Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month.  Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative Colitis (UC) are the two most common forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  These IBD disorders can cause the intestines to become inflamed and ulcerated (red and swollen). More than 200, 000 Canadians are affected by IBD.  Because the symptoms of CD and UC are similar, it is sometimes difficult to establish the diagnosis definitively.  About 10% of Colitis cases are unable to be defined as either UC or CD and are called indeterminate Colitis.  Both CD and UC are marked by an abnormal response by the body’s immune system.  The immune system is what protects the body from infection.  In individuals with IBD, it reacts inappropriately.  For unknown reasons, the immune system can mistake microbes, such as bacteria that are normally found in the intestines, as foreign or invading substances and launch an attack.  In the process, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines where they produce chronic inflammation.  These cells then generate harmful products that ultimately lead to ulcerations and bowel injury.  When this happens, the patient experiences the symptoms of IBD.  Although CD most commonly affects the lower end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine (colon), it may involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract.  In UC the gastrointestinal involvement is limited to the colon.  In CD, all layers of the intestine may be involved, resulting in deep ulcers that go through the wall of the bowel completely.  These can cause complications such as abscesses in the abdomen, or can lead to the development of connections between the bowel and other organs.  CD is often discontinuous, with normal healthy bowel in between patches of diseased bowel.  UC affects only the superficial layers of the colon in a more even and continuous distribution, which starts at the level of the anus.

    The symptoms and complications of Crohn’s disease differ, depending on what part of the intestinal tract is inflamed.  Persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramping pain, fever, and at times rectal bleeding are the main symptoms of CD, but they vary from person to person and make changes over time.  Loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss may also occur.  CD is a disease that is not always limited to the gastrointestinal tract. It may also affect the joints, eyes, skin, and liver.  Fatigue is another common complaint.  Children who have CD may suffer delayed growth and sexual development.  Some patients may develop fissures in the lining of the anus, which may cause pain and bleeding, especially during bowel movements.  Inflammation may also cause a fistula to develop. Fistulas occur most commonly around the anal area.  If this complication arises, the patient may notice drainage of mucus, pus, or stool from this opening.  Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Because Crohn’s is a chronic but fluctuation disease, patients will go through periods in which the disease flares up, is active, and causes symptoms.  These episodes are followed by times of remission when periods in which symptoms disappear or decrease and good health returns.  There is no cure for CD; the short term goal of medical treatment is to bring symptoms under control, by suppressing the inflammatory response to induce a remission.  Remission leads to normalization of quality of life and is hopefully associated with healing of the damaged bowel.  There are several groups of drugs used to treat CD today.  Two thirds to three quarters of patients with CD have required surgery at some point during their lives.  This becomes necessary in two situations; when medications are not working, or if complications arise such as fistulae, abscesses or scarring and narrowing of the bowel.

    Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic ongoing disease of the colon.  The disease is marked by inflammation and ulceration of the colon mucosa, or innermost lining.  Tiny open sores, or ulcers, form on the surface of the lining where they bleed and produce pus and mucus.  Because the inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, symptoms typically include diarrhea (most often bloody) and often abdominal cramping pain along with urgency.  Some individuals will have false urges and pass only tiny amounts of blood and mucus.  In cases of severe bleeding anemia may also occur.  Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, subsequent weight loss, and fatigue.  There may also be skin lesions, joint pain, eye inflammation, and liver disorders.  Children with UC may fail to develop or grow properly.  Approximately half of all individuals with UC have relatively mild symptoms such as:  multiple stools a day, usually without blood, some pain and cramping, a constant feeling of the need to empty the bowel, and no fever or a low grade fever.  Severely ill individuals will experience more than six bloody stools a day, with fever and anemia.  The severity of the symptoms correlate with the extent of the colon involved with the disease. The UC symptoms seem to come and go, with fairly long periods in between the flare-ups where patients may experience no distress at all.  These remission periods can last months or even years.  However, eventually symptoms do return.  This may make it difficult for physicians to evaluate whether a particular course of treatment has been affective or not.  In many patient cases surgery may be considered.  Unlike CD, which can reoccur after surgery, UC is cured once the colon is removed.  Depending on a number of factors, including the extent of the disease and the patient’s age and overall health, one of two surgical procedures may be recommended.  The first involves the removal of the entire colon and rectum and an opening is created on the abdomen wall through which wastes are emptied into a pouch which is attached to the skin with adhesive.  A more recent procedure also calls for the removal of the colon and creating an internal pouch from the small bowel and attaching it to the anal sphincter muscle.  With this method the surgeon can preserve bowel integrity and eliminate the need for the patient to wear an external pouch.

    Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative Colitis have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.  Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a life-long disease, usually starting in early adulthood in otherwise healthy, active individuals.  IBD has a substantial personal burden that can impact career choices, lead to reduced work hours, impact family planning decisions, and lead to disparity and depression.  Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek  Source: Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada & Health Canada

    Physical Activity throughout the Lifespan

    It is well known that higher levels of physical activity lower mortality and cancer rates for both young and old.  Increased activity reduces the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.  Other substantial benefits include less stress, less anxiety and less depression.  Physical activity also increases energy and makes weight control easier.

    Some medical experts claim a decline in fitness is caused by “disuse” and not by aging.  People who are physically active at a young age and continue throughout their lives retain an extremely high fitness level.  People will also have significant benefit if they take up physical activity later in life. Research shows that the lung capacity of fairly sedentary people decreases by about 10 percent per decade.  That's a 1% loss every year!  If you continue to exercise regularly, your lung capacity would only decrease by 2.5% over 20 years.

    Performing strength-training exercises can increase bone density and improve overall muscle strength.  Strength-training also improves coordination and balance, thus reducing the chance of falling as we age.  The main reasons we tend to gain weight as we get older are that we tend to eat more and exercise less.  Older athletes do have more body fat than younger active people, yet they have significantly lower body-fat levels than sedentary people of similar age. 
    All it takes is 30 minutes a day!  Submitted by Kelly Deveau, Primary Health Care Nurse

    Get Motivated to Exercise

    The benefits of exercise include but are not limited to; improving your mood;  lightening your weight;  building muscles which burn calories, even at rest;  reducing stress, anxiety and depression;  improving your sex life;  giving you more energy;  improving your sleep making you feel great;  making you look great and making you proud of yourself.  With inadequate amounts of exercise people are more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood fat levels, excess weight, and type 2 diabetes.

    You want to become more active but just don’t have the motivation.  Try these simple tips to get motivated.
      Lisa Kroeker RNBN NP, Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Phone: (204) 345-1218 E-mail: lkroeker@neha.mb.ca

    Take Care of Yourself

    What is Self Care? Self care is care provided “for you, by you.”   It’s about identifying your own needs and taking steps to meet them.  It is taking the time to do some of the activities that nurture you.  Self care is about taking proper care of yourself and treating yourself as kindly as you treat others.

    First take care of yourself. Only when we first help ourselves can we effectively help others. Caring for yourself is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It is also one of the easiest things to forget. But you benefit greatly from self care and so do others in your life.

    When we find ourselves focusing more on others than ourselves, we become worn out, stressed out and run down.  For those of us who spend time helping and caring for others, it is too easy to neglect our own needs.  It’s like “running on empty” when we don’t take the time to re-fuel. We spend so much time and effort caring for our partners, children, pets, friends, family members, employers and employees. Add to that the numerous volunteer activities, errands, housework, family functions, meetings, etc. – and there isn’t much time left for caring for ourselves. We need to balance the stress and activity of daily life with activities that bring a sense of peace and well being to our minds and bodies. Those who neglect their own needs and forget to nurture themselves often become unhappy have low self-esteem and feel resentment.  Self care means treating yourself as a worthwhile person and showing that you are valuable, competent and deserving.

    What are some examples of Self Care activities?

    Practicing self care does not have to cost much.  In fact there are many things that you can do that are free or affordable:
    • Talk openly with a trusted friend
    • Sit outside and listen to the birds
    • Practice breathing exercises
    • Make room in your life for a nap. Rest awhile and “recharge”
    • Make exercise a regular part of your life
    • Take a warm bath/shower
    • Listen to music you enjoy
    • Journaling
    • Read a good book
    • Plant a garden
    • Buy yourself a little something
    • Attend a class to learn something new

    Submitted By: Carol Orvis Source: Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre

    Hypertension – High Blood Pressure

    If your doctor finds that your blood pressure is consistently higher than normal after several visits, you may be diagnosed with hypertension.  High blood pressure affects one in five Canadians.  It is the number one risk factor for stroke and heart disease.  43% of Canadians with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it because there are no symptoms.  You can’t see it, or feel it, but the good news is that you can control it.

    Hypertension may be diagnosed during a regular physical examination.  Your doctor or healthcare provider will use a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) to check your blood pressure.  This common device should be familiar to you as it consists of a cuff that fastens around the upper arm and is attached to a bulb.  The doctor inflates the cuff by squeezing the bulb.  The doctor then releases the air from the cuff and listens with a stethoscope for the first heartbeat that can be heard.  Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers.  These numbers represent the pressure against the walls of your blood vessels as the blood moves through them.  Systolic pressure is when pressure is highest in the arteries and occurs when the heart contracts.  Diastolic pressure is the moment of minimum pressure in the arteries and occurs when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic), written as 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). A high normal range is between 130/85 - 139/89 mm Hg, and if your blood pressure is consistently more than 140/90 mm Hg, or if you have diabetes, 130/80 mm Hg is considered as high. Your doctor may also check for hypertensive retinopathy, which is damage to the blood vessels in the eyes caused by high blood pressure. Since high blood pressure puts people at risk for stroke and kidney failure, the exam will also cover all the major organs, such as the brain, lungs, and kidneys for damage.  Depending on the outcome of these tests, more tests like urinalysis, blood tests, and an ECG may be necessary.  If high blood pressure is well controlled, most serious complications may be avoidable.  However, for people with very high, uncontrolled blood pressure combined with retinopathy, serious problems could develop.  Overtime high blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls causing scarring that promotes the build up of fatty plaque, which can narrow and eventually block arteries.  It also strains the heart and eventually weakens it. Very high blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst resulting in a stroke.

    For 85% to 95% of people with hypertension, the cause of their high blood pressure is unknown. It is called primary hypertension, a condition that probably is a result from a variety of causes. Some risk factors that may result in high blood pressure are:

    Individuals with high blood pressure are often urged to change their diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, limit their alcohol intake, and generally lead less stressful lives.  If changes to your lifestyle are not effective enough, your doctor may prescribe a medication.  You should know that even with medication, making healthy lifestyles choices is not only recommended to help lower your blood pressure, it may also help improve your overall health and make you feel better.
    Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek Source: Manitoba Health and The Heart & Stroke Foundation

    Safe Kids: Got Wheels? Get a Helmet!

    Has your child ever said to you “Do I have to wear a helmet?  It’s not cool!” Or perhaps you’ve heard this one?  “But nobody else has to wear a helmet!” How do we as parents respond to that?

    “Got Wheels? Get a Helmet!” is the theme this year for Safe Kids Canada.  Activities with wheels are a great way for kids to be active, get fresh air, and its fun for the whole family, too!  But how do we keep our kids safe?  Every year in Manitoba, about 150 cyclists are hospitalized and several are killed.  Cycling injuries often involve collisions of bicycles with motor vehicles.  Wearing a helmet can save lives and prevent serious injury.  In fact, in a crash, a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent.

    For the past few years, Manitoba Healthy Living has been working in partnership with schools and early learning child care centers to offer bike helmets for under $15.  This is not a fundraiser for schools, but rather an initiative to provide helmets to as many children as possible at an affordable price.  Your child may have brought home a letter from school, from Manitoba Healthy Living, along with an order form.  Their letter states that, “Even mild head injuries can result in long term effects”, and urges parents to take advantage of the low cost bike program.  They offer bicycle helmets, as well as “multi-sports helmets”, which they describe as being appropriate for bike riding, in-line skating and skateboarding.

    When purchasing a helmet be sure to look for one that has been approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or ASTM International.  For safety reasons, do not buy a secondhand helmet.  You will not know if the helmet has been in a crash, and you likely won’t know how old it is.  Helmets should be replaced after five years, as the plastic will dry out making it unsafe to use.  Also, helmets cannot protect you a second time after they have been in a crash.  Cost versus quality:  A study conducted by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute tested helmets ranging in price from under $20 to $200, and found no significant differences in performance, although there may be some differences in the look and graphics.  They concluded that a good helmet doesn’t have to cost a lot, and that the most important thing was to find a helmet that fits you well so that it will be positioned correctly if an impact occurs.

    Safe Kids Canada offers these tips for fitting a helmet: Making sure that everyone in the family wears a bicycle helmet when riding sets a good example for all.  Older children are less likely to wear bike helmets, due to their natural tendency to challenge authority at this age, peer pressure, and concern over physical appearance.  Urge them to keep wearing their helmets – there is nothing “cool” about a head injury.

    Most importantly, you should be a good role model and wear your helmet also every time you cycle. For more information on bicycle helmets or bicycle safety, visit Safe Kids Canada or call 1-888-SAFE-TIPS (723-3847). Look for displays and activities in your community during Safe Kids Week 2010 May 31 – June 5th.  Submitted By:  Marilyn Sitar, Wellness Facilitator  Source: Safe Kids Canada, Manitoba Health and Healthy Living, Manitoba Public Insurance, Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

    Coping With Stress

    Stress is a fact of daily life and is the result of both good and bad occurrences that happen.  It may come from major events in life or from minor incidents.  If you did not feel stress of some sort, you would not be alive.  However, the negative effects of too much stress associated with being under pressure can affect your health.

    When you find an event stressful, your body will undergo a series of responses in three stages:
    1. Stress will Mobilize Energy by releasing adrenaline. Your heart will beat faster and you start to breathe more quickly.  Both good and bad events can trigger this reaction.
    2. Consuming Energy Stores; if you remain in the mobilizing energy stage for a period of time, you will begin to consume energy when your body releases stored sugars and fats.  You will feel driven, pressured, and tired.  You may consume more coffee, alcohol, or smoke more.  You may also experience anxiety, negative thinking, or memory loss, catch a cold, or get the flu more often than normal.
    3. Draining Energy Stored; if you do not resolve your stress problem, your body’s need for energy will become greater than its ability to provide it.  At this stage, you may experience insomnia, errors in judgment and personality changes.  You may also develop a serious illness such as heart disease or be at risk of mental illness.
    Signs that you are over-stressed may include:  the feeling of irritability;  sadness or guilt; change in sleep patterns;  change in weight or appetite;  difficulty in concentrating or making decisions;  negative thinking;  loss of interest, enjoyment, or energy in something you used to once enjoy;  or restlessness.

    Stress is considered to be a risk factor for many diseases, including:  heart disease, some types of bowel disease, herpes, and mental illness.  Stress also makes it hard for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar.  It is also a risk factor in alcohol and substance abuse, as well as weight loss and gain.  Stress has also been identified as a possible risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease.  Severe stress can cause biochemical changes in the body, affecting the immune system, leaving your body vulnerable to disease.

    You can enhance your life by getting stress under control.  Here are several strategies to help you deal with stress:
    Major events in our lives can bring on stress, like a new job, getting married, getting divorced, moving your home, or coping with the death of a loved one.  There are also the long term worries such as financial problems, your children’s future, your job, or an ongoing illness that can cause a great deal of stress.  Then there are those day to day irritations such as traffic jams, rude people, or machines that don’t work.  Not all stress-provoking events have to be negative.  How we approach these events greatly affects our physical, mental, and social well-being.  We can either welcome these events as challenges enriching our lives, or we can view them as stressful, taking away from our enjoyment in life.  Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek,Source:  Health Canada & Public Health Agency of Canada

    Coping with Cancer  April is Cancer Awareness Month

    You may have many reactions when you first find out that you, or someone you love, has cancer.  You may have felt overwhelmed, devastated, numb, frightened, angry or a sense of disbelief.  Your reactions can be very strong, conflicting, or disturbing.  They may come and go quickly, and they may change often.  The diagnosis may raise many fears: of death, of physical change, unpleasant treatment or feeling sick, of being out of control, about how the family will react and cope, of how to handle day-to day tasks, work, or finances.  Some people feel all alone, even if friends and family are with them.  Others report a sense of watching things happen to someone else, from the outside.  Some people find it difficult to understand what the doctor is telling them, and need to be told the same information many times.  All of these responses are normal.  It is also normal for similar feelings and fears to come up a number of times throughout the cancer experience.  Many people with cancer and their loved ones search for a reason behind the illness.  Trying to find the reasons behind the cancer may interfere with your ability to cope.

    Cancer is a complex disease, and it is often impossible to know why things happen the way they do.  Some people may feel guilty and blame themselves.  They may feel that something they did in the past led to getting cancer.  If you are struggling with feelings like this, it’s important to recognize that no one deserves to get cancer.  It may help to remember that you can’t change the past.  Try to focus on the present and how to best deal with the situation ahead.  If you are having a hard time moving past such feelings, it may help to talk to a counselor or someone on your healthcare team.  Almost everyone worries that cancer or cancer treatment will be painful.  While some people do experience pain, some have pain only once in a while and some people don’t have any at all.  There are many ways to control and prevent pain, and living with cancer does not have to mean living with pain.  If you are worried about pain, or if you are in pain, it’s important to tell someone on your healthcare team.  Your healthcare team is there to help you. You don’t have to face pain alone.

    Finding out that you or someone you love has cancer often leads to thoughts of death.  This is a normal reaction.  These kinds of thoughts can be overwhelming, especially at first.  But more and more people are surviving this disease.  When first diagnosed, many people with cancer and their families focus on the possibility of dying of cancer.  Over time, as the reality of day-to day life with the disease settles in, many people can begin to focus instead on living with cancer.  That can mean: finding the strength and resources to cope with the challenges of the disease; adjusting to so much uncertainty;  finding new ways to appreciate the pleasures and joys of life. This change of focus can take time.

    Once the initial shock of diagnosis has lessened;  people often feel a sense of hope.  Hope allows people to cope with the difficulties of the present and to imagine a positive future.  Hope is very personal.  You might find it easy to be hopeful or you might find it hard to bring hope to what is such a difficult experience.  People find hope in different ways.  You may find hope by enjoying nature or spending time with your family.  Your faith may give you hope, or you may be inspired by stories about people who have overcome cancer, or who lead active, fulfilled lives during and after treatment.  Many people find hope in the fact that cancer research has made so much progress in recent years, or in the possibility of living with certain cancers as lifelong diseases.  For some people, a cancer diagnosis brings renewed clarity and purpose to life, and this can bring hope.  Others find hope in starting new projects or making plans for the future.

    As you learn to cope with cancer, you may have to experiment to find the best way to make yourself feel better, and get a sense of control over the emotions.  You might want to try venting your emotions.  Sometimes the stress of living with cancer can be overwhelming.  You may feel as though you need to get rid of some of your tension and emotions quickly before you explode.  You could try letting yourself have a good cry, hitting or throwing a pillow, putting on some loud music and screaming, or writing down your fears and worries.  Another source of relieving stress is through laughter.  It’s okay to laugh at the funny side of life.  When you laugh your brain releases chemicals that relax your muscles and make you feel good.  You may be surprised at the positive effects of watching a funny movie or TV show, enjoying the amusing things children or pets do, or laughing at a witty remark from a friend.  Creative activities such as:  drawing or painting, writing poetry or stories, singing or making music and dancing, may also safely release feelings.  Any activity that holds your attention can be useful to distract you.  Working with your hands, doing puzzles, models or even reading a book is another way to keep from thinking about your pain and worries.  Other methods to try to relieve stress are deep relaxation, imagery, and exercise.  These activities can be considered complementary therapies when they are used together with conventional cancer treatment.  Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek Source: CancerCare Manitoba

    Cancer and your Healthcare Team

    Cancer is a disease that starts in our cells.  Our bodies are made up of millions of cells, grouped together to form tissues and organs such as muscles and bones, the lungs, and the liver.  Genes inside each cell order it to grow, work, reproduce, and die.  Normally, our cells obey these orders and we remain healthy.  But sometimes the instructions get mixed up, causing the cells to form lumps or tumors, or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.  Tumors can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).  Benign tumors cells stay in one place in the body and are not usually life threatening.  Malignant tumors cells are able to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.  Cancer cells that spread to other parts of the body are called metastases.  The first sign that a malignant tumor has spread is often swelling of nearby lymph nodes, but cancer can metastasize to almost any part of the body.  It is important to find malignant tumors as early as possible.  Cancers are named after the part of the body where they start.

    When diagnosed with cancer it is important to know that you will never be alone.  Teamwork is needed to treat cancer.  Before any treatment begins you will need to meet with members of your healthcare team.  They will recommend treatment options and talk to you about your choices that are available to you.  You healthcare team will consider the type of cancer that you have, the stage and grade of your cancer, your age, your general health, and any other medical problems you might have.  The team working with you may include many different healthcare professionals. You are the most important member of your healthcare team.  Your situation is unique and your treatment will be developed just for you.  As a member of your team you should be involved in the decisions that affect you.  Learn about your cancer and your treatments in a way that feels right for you and talk to your healthcare team about your worries or concerns.  You should always keep your doctor, clinic, and hospital appointments and be sure to write down any questions that you need to ask your healthcare team, so that you won’t forget them.  Also, ask your healthcare team how you can contact them between appointments if you have any questions that need to be answered quickly.  Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek  Source: CancerCare Manitoba

    Obesity

    Obesity is an issue that has been identified as a priority for health care providers.  Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI), the ratio of weight to height that is greater than 30, overweight is a BMI over 25.  The numbers of Canadians who are overweight or obese has increased in the past 25 years.  Research has determined that obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and other breathing problems, some cancers such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer and mental health problems, such as low self-esteem and depression.

    Obesity has been linked to many chronic diseases but its relationship to chronic disease is a consequence of poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.  The increase in the percentage of Canadians that are overweight is related to; work and play that is less physically demanding, more automated transport, less physically active employment opportunities and leisure activities that include more television and video games.  Youth are less active, they are more likely to be transported by vehicles to school and have less physical activity in their school curriculum.  Food choices have changed.  Canadians have access to inexpensive, high caloric foods and eat larger food portions in relation to the amount of physical activity participated in daily.  Obesity is a consequence of poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle but it is poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle that causes health problems.  It does not just cause health problems for obese people but in people of all sizes.

    What can you do to improve your health no matter what size you are?  Look at the list above, what factors are impacting your health?  It is never too late to make lifestyle changes that will improve your health.  Start with one change and once you have mastered that change make the next.  Don’t focus on your BMI or waist circumference but focus on the minutes of physical activity performed each day or on how many fruits and vegetables eaten each day of the week.  It is a process and each improvement made will lead to better health for your body, heart, and mind!  Not sure where to start.  Talk to your doctor, nurse, dietitian, or anyone from your local healthcare team.  Submitted By: Lisa Kroeker, RNBN, NP  Adapted from Health Canada’s “It’s your Health” website

    May is MS Awareness Month

    The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada marks the month of May as MS Awareness Month.  Canadians have one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world.  An estimated 55,000–75,000 Canadians have MS.  While the exact cause of MS is not known, current research increasingly points to a complex interplay of environmental and possibly genetic risk factors.  Together these two factors may influence a risk for developing MS given a prescribed set of conditions which are yet to be discovered.

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an often disabling disease of the central nervous system which is composed of the brain and spinal cord.  Your central nervous system (CNS) communicates with the rest of your body by sending electrical messages along your nerves.  Nerve fibers have a layer of protection around them called myelin which is crucial for transmitting these messages quickly. It is not yet understood why, but with MS, your immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, leading to scarring or demyelination.  As well as damage to myelin, injury to the nerve itself may also occur.  As a result, messages get sent through the body too slowly or not at all.  The scarring or lesions can occur throughout the CNS and their location will have some impact on the symptoms experienced.  MS is unpredictable, affecting vision, hearing, memory, balance, and mobility.  Its effects are physical, emotional, financial, and last a lifetime.  There is no cure.

    It is hard for your doctor to predict what your future holds because MS varies so much between individuals and there is no typical rate of progression or disability.  Some people with progressive MS may, at some point experience a plateau, where their progression seems to level off.  Others may become very disabled. Many people fear that they will die from their MS, but this is very unusual.  In a small percentage that have a shortened life span;  it is almost always due to complications associated with severe progression. Coping with a chronic illness such as MS takes planning and can be especially challenging if you experience fatigue, depression, cognitive difficulties, or have trouble getting around.  Below are some strategies that may be helpful:
    Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek Source: MS Society of Canada

    Vaccines save lives

    Vaccines have saved more lives worldwide than any other health intervention in the past 100 years.

    Often, adults are not aware that they may lack protection against some serious diseases. Many adults wait for their health care provider to recommend immunization, instead of taking the initiative to get the information they need.  This leaves adults of all ages vulnerable to diseases such as influenza, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, and tetanus.

    Not only are under-immunized adults at risk of contracting diseases themselves- they can also infect others.  For example, adults who become infected with pertussis or influenza can pass on a disease to infants who are at greater risk for diseases.

    Not all vaccine-preventable diseases are passed from person to person.  A simple and enjoyable activity such as gardening can put you at risk, since the bacteria that makes tetanus toxin are found naturally in soil.  The only way to prevent tetanus is to get a tetanus booster every ten years.

    Our recent experience with the H1N1 vaccine reminds us that immunization protects not only individual health but also the health of people in our community.  The more people who are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases, the lower the risk of exposure to potentially life-threatening illnesses. It is important to keep immunizations up-to-date throughout our lives.  Recommended immunizations begin at two months of age and continue into adolescence and adulthood to provide ongoing protection.

    Immunization is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your family from preventable diseases.  Take time to review your immunization status.
    If you require immunizations contact your local Public health office or your family doctor. Immunizations Save Lives!

    Article Prepared by:  Vicky Pizzey & Kari Lange (North Eastman Health Association)  Information source: Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion (CCIAP), 2010.

    Poison Ivy

    Poison Ivy is a climbing plant of the sumac family.  It grows on sandy, stony, or rocky shores.  The plant also sprouts in a dense growth of bushes or small trees, in clearings, and along the borders of woods.  This glossy perennial can spread by seed, or by producing shoots from its extensive underground stems.

    The sap of the plant contains an oily resin that causes an irritating inflammation of the skin in most people.  All parts of the plant, including the roots, contain this poisonous resin.  Most people develop symptoms 24 – 48 hours after contact.  The extent of a reaction depends on the individual’s sensitivity and the amount of sap in contact with the skin.

    The compound parts of the plant consist of three pointed leaflets.  The middle leaflet has a much stronger stalk than the two side ones. The leaflet edges can be smooth, or toothed, but are rarely lobed.  The leaves vary greatly in size, from 8 - 55 mm in length.  They are reddish when they emerge in the spring, turn green during the summer, and become various shades of yellow, orange, or red in the fall.

    The plants stem is woody and of two kinds.  The most common kind will grow as a trailing vine, with upright leafy stalks 10 - 80 cm high.  The second kind is an aerial vine that may climb from 6 -10 mm high on trees, posts, or rough surfaces.  The plant produces clusters of cream to yellow-green inconspicuous flowers during the months of June and July.  The berries that appear by September are clustered, globular, waxy, and a green to yellow color.  The size of the berries ranges from 3 – 7 mm in diameter.  They often remain on the low, leafless stems of the plant all winter.

    Poison Ivy causes an irritating inflammation of the skin, called Rhus-dermatitis, or Poison Ivy dermatitis.  The inflamed areas frequently develop blisters which are accompanied by intense itchiness.  Contact with any broken part of the plant may cause a reaction in some individuals.  The rash spreads by exposure to the sap and not from the sores themselves.  Therefore, an individual has to actually come into contact with the sap before developing an allergic reaction.

    If you suspect that areas of your skin have been contaminated, carefully wash them with soap and cold water.  Cold water should be used because hot water tends to open the pores of the epidermal layer.  The heat would increase the chances of the resin being deeply absorbed into the skin.  If soap is not available, vinegar (2 tbsps in one cup of water), or alcohol (1/2 cup to 1/2 cup of water), can be substituted.  It is important to know that these practices may not prevent a reaction but will likely prevent the infection from spreading.  If a reaction should develop, you should get the advice of your Physician, or Nurse Practitioner, for the proper treatment.  Skin irritations such as itching, red inflammation, blistering, and in severe cases oozing sores that result from exposure to Poison Ivy normally disappear in 10 days. Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek   Source: Health Canada

    World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

    Tuesday June 15th, 2010 will mark the fifth year that communities across Manitoba heave recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  Around the world, communities and seniors organizations will use this day to promote the vision of: My World…Your World…Our World…Free of Elder Abuse.

    The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) introduced the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to support the Madrid Plan of Action on Aging.  The INPEA is working with interested individuals, agencies, organizations, governments, and businesses throughout the world to promote this special day.

    This special day is a time to share information, learn more, discuss the issue of abuse of older adults, and become involved. Please wear a purple ribbon during the week of June 9th to 15th as a sign of recognition that…ABUSE HURTS AT ANY AGE

    If you would like information/assistance with planning an event in your community please contact:
    Janelle Curtis, Elder Abuse Consultant
    Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat
    Phone 204-945-8036 or email 1-888-896-7183

    The response and recognition of this day in the past has been overwhelming, and Manitoba continues to be a leader in Canada in recognizing this inaugural event.  Please remember that raising awareness on the abuse of older adults is everyone’s responsibility.  Look for opportunities in your community to bring this issue forward and ensure that older adults know where to get assistance.  For more information on resources, events and services visit: Age & Opportunity  Submitted by Pat Porth, Community Resource Coordinator, Two Rivers Seniors Council at: 345-1227, or e: mail: tworiver@granite.mb.ca

    Supportive Housing

    The needs and abilities of older Manitobans change gradually over time.  The kinds of changes and when they occur vary from one person to the next.  Although many seniors can remain active and independent in their own homes, others need a little help to continue living in the community.

    It isn’t always easy for seniors and their families to determine what solution will work best for them.  Although the family home may be full of memories, it may also feel empty, leading to isolation, depression and even malnutrition.  Some home-based services such as Services to Seniors and Home Care are available to eligible individuals to help with their daily activities or health needs.  However, an increasing number of older adults find themselves in need of an alternative, comfortable housing option.

    The Supportive Housing concept was introduced for seniors who require 24-hour support and supervision in a secure apartment setting.  This community housing option can help seniors delay or avoid personal care home placement until an intensive level of care is required.  Living in a supportive environment offers independence while at the same time providing social interaction, personal safety and basic amenities like 3 meals per day in a community dining room, housekeeping help, laundry assistance and daily recreation programs.  If additional personal care is required, it is funded through the Regional Health Association (RHA) at no cost to the client. Eligibility for personal care services is assessed through the RHA Home Care Program.

    People living in the community access Supportive Housing through Home Care.  In the North Eastman region individuals work with a Home Care Case Coordinator to complete their assessment application.  If deemed eligible for the program, they will meet with the sponsoring organization for a tour and orientation to ensure a match within the setting.

    Presently there are two Supportive Housing programs within North Eastman.  They are Stony Plains Terrace in Beausejour and Ironwood in Pinawa.  If you are interested in touring Ironwood Supportive Housing, you are welcome to attend their grand opening on Sunday July 18, 2010 at 1:00 PM.

    For more information on accessing Supportive Housing please contact your local Home Care Case Coordinator. Source: Manitoba Health Aging In Place / Long Term Care Strategy Submitted by: Grace Honke – Manager of Senior Support Programs

    Hamburger Disease – E. coli 0157:H7

    When you eat under-cooked ground beef, it may result in a type of food poisoning that is commonly known as hamburger disease.  You can minimize your risks by handling and cooking raw ground beef properly.

    Hamburger disease is caused by a specific type of bacteria called E. coli 0157:H7. E. coli live in the intestines of cattle, and can be transferred to the outer surface of meat when an animal is butchered.  The process of grinding can then spread the bacteria throughout the meat.  You cannot tell the difference between contaminated ground beef by the way it looks, smells, or tastes.  Two of the most common ways to come into contact with E. coli 0157:H7 are by handling raw ground beef without taking the proper precautions, and by eating ground beef that is under-cooked.

    People who have become infected with E. coli 0157:H7 experience a wide range of health effects. Some do not get sick at all, while others feel as though they have a bad case of the flu. The symptoms of hamburger disease range from severe stomach cramps, to vomiting, fever, and watery or bloody diarrhea. These symptoms usually appear within two to ten days after contact with the bacteria, and clear up within seven to ten days. There are some people who get hamburger disease that will experience life threatening symptoms, including kidney failure, seizures, and stroke. While most of these people will recover completely, others may suffer permanent health effects, such as kidney damage, and some may die.

    Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so when you are running errands, make grocery shopping you last stop.  At the grocery store pack raw meat separately from other products in your cart, or bags.  Always be sure to refrigerate or freeze perishable foods as soon as you get home and never defrost food at room temperature.  You should thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave if you are going to cook it immediately. Always marinate food in the refrigerator.

    Here are some food safety tips when barbecuing hamburgers:
  • Wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds before and after handling any raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
  • Use hot soapy water to clean all surfaces (refrigerators, counters, dishes, utensils, or thermometers) that come in contact with raw meat.
  • Make burger patties thin so that they cook all the way through.
  • Do not let ready to eat foods like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, or other, come in contact with raw meat or its juices.
  • Pre-heat the gas barbecue before starting to cook. If you are using a charcoal barbecue, use enough charcoal and wait until it is glowing red before starting to cook.


    • Your burgers are safe to eat when:
  • The internal temperature of the patties is at 71°C (160°F).  Color alone is not considered a reliable indicator that a burger is safe to eat.  Burgers can turn brown before all the disease-causing bacteria are killed.
  • Reduce the heat or raise the height of the grill if food starts to burn during cooking.  Remember it is the internal temperature of the patty that is important.
  • Probe-type food thermometers with digital read outs work best for determining if the burger is done.  If you are cooking more than one, take the temperature in several of the thickest patties.
  • Remove the patty from the grill and insert the thermometer at least an inch through the side of the patty as close to the middle as possible.  Continue cooking your burgers if any reading is less than 71°C (160°F).
  • Remember to wash the thermometer in between temperature measurements.  Oven safe meat thermometers designed for testing whole poultry and roasts during cooking are NOT suitable for measuring the temperature of patties.
  • Use clean utensils and plates when removing cooked meats from the heat source.
  • Cover and store leftover cooked food in the refrigerator or cooler within 2 hours.
  • Reheat leftovers to 74°C (165°F).
  • By following some common sense guidelines in the way you handle and cook food, you can drastically reduce your risk of contracting hamburger disease and other food-borne illnesses.
    • Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek  Source: Health Canada.

    Healthy Indoor Living

    In this country of 4 seasons, we all have a tendency to spend a great deal of time indoors.  It is important to ensure that our homes are a safe and healthy place to live.  Home health risks come in many shapes and forms.  They can be present in our air, soil, and water.  They can be inhaled or ingested or absorbed through the skin.  Some come directly from nature itself, such as radon gas, which can enter the home through the soil beneath the foundation.  Other risks come from substances such as lead or from household products.  You probably use many chemical products in and around your home.  These products include cleaning liquids and powders, polishers, drain cleaners, or paint thinners.  Household chemicals should be used, stored, and disposed of as recommended.  Always be sure to read the label before you buy, and follow the instructions every time you use a household chemical product.  By law, the label must include instructions on how to use and store the product safely.  It must also show warnings of potential hazards.  Also, you should store chemical products in the original containers.  Try not to store products that may release harmful fumes inside your home. These items include paints, solvents, gasoline, fuels, or varnishes.  Store them in a separate building, if you can, or in an area that is well vented to the outside.  Buy only the quantity you need for the job, and discard any leftovers as directed by your municipality or township.  Never burn household chemical containers, pour the contents down the drain, or reuse empty containers for other purposes.  Make sure that your home has sufficient fresh air.  An exhaust fan that vents to the outside should be installed above your stove, open windows when painting, varnishing, or installing new carpets.

    Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment.  It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soils and rocks.  Through small spaces in the soil and rock upon which your house is built, radon can accumulate to relatively high levels and become a health hazard.  It can seep into a home through dirt floors, cracks in the concrete, sumps, joints, basement drains, under the furnace base and jack posts if the base is buried in the floor.  Concrete block walls are particularly porous to radon and radon trapped in water from wells can be released into the air when water is used.  Human skin is thick enough to not be affected, but if you breathe in alpha particles, they can damage bronchial and lung tissue and can lead to lung cancer.  Also, take off your shoes when you come inside.  The soil outside your home can contain substances you don’t want inside.

    Mould is a type of fungus that comes in a variety of colors and can grow in damp areas inside your home.  Mould grows where there is too much humidity from water leaks, cooking, showering, and flooding.  It can grow on wood, paper, fabrics, drywall, and insulation, inside walls or above ceiling tiles.  People living in homes with mould and damp conditions are more likely to experience:  eye, nose, and throat irritation; coughing and mucous build-up;  wheezing and shortness of breath; worsening of asthma symptoms and other allergic reactions.  Inspect your home for visible signs of mould or areas with excessive moisture.  Look for stains or discoloration on floors, walls, window panes, fabrics and carpets, or a musty earthy odor.  Measure humidity and keep it low, about 50% in summer and 30% in colder weather.  If necessary, use a dehumidifier.  If contaminated surface is small, clean the mould by yourself by using water and dish detergent.  There’s no need to use bleach. If the affected area is large take precautions to protect your health.  In such a case, consider hiring a professional to clean it up.

    Lead is a highly toxic metal that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust and has may industrial uses.  Lead can cause many harmful health effects, especially to the nervous system, blood system, and kidneys.  Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause learning disabilities and other harmful effects on children’s development.  If your home was built before 1960, lead-based paint was probably used both inside and outside.  For homes built from 1960 – 1990, small amounts of lead may be in some of the paint used.  Do not use sanders, heat guns, or blowlamps to remove paint in older homes.  This can create dust and fumes that contain lead.  Use a chemical stripper, preferably one with a paste that can be applied with a brush.  Chemical strippers contain potentially harmful substances themselves, so use them carefully.  Always wear goggles, gloves, and a good quality breathing mask.  Lead can also be found in plumbing pipes.  Homes built before 1975 may have lead pipes or have solder or other plumbing parts that contain lead.  This can leach into water sitting in pipes.  You can look at the pipe entering your home, and if it is soft or easily dented when scraped with a knife, or if it is grayish-black, it is likely made of lead or contains lead.  If you have lead service lines or materials in your plumbing lines, you should look into getting your water tested for lead content.  As a precaution, you should always let tap water run until it is cold before using it for drinking or cooking.  This is particularly important when water has been sitting in the pipes for long periods of time, such as first thing in the morning.  Don’t use hot water for drinking or cooking. Submitted By:  Laura Gmiterek Source: Health Canada

    West Nile Virus

    West Nile virus is a relatively new disease in Manitoba.  The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes.  Most individuals who are bitten by an infected mosquito do not become ill and for those who do, the symptoms are usually mild.  In some cases, the virus causes serious illness and sometimes death.  Most mosquitoes do not carry West Nile disease.  In Manitoba, the main carrier of the virus is the Culex mosquito, which is usually less common than other mosquito types.  The risk of the disease varies from year to year and is influenced by precipitation, temperature, mosquito populations, and many other factors.  Manitobans are at highest risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito in July, August, and early September, but exposures have occurred in June.

    Many people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms and do not get sick or have only mild symptoms.  When infection does cause illness, symptoms will usually appear within 2 – 15 days.  The extent and severity of symptoms may vary widely between each individual.  In mild cases, there may be flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches.  Some people may also develop a mild rash, or swollen lymph glands.  Some people have a weaker immune system and are at greater risk of developing symptoms and health effects that are more serious, including meningitis, encephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis.  Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain or spinal cord. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain itself.  Acute flaccid paralysis is a polio-like syndrome that can result in the loss of function of one or more limbs.  For people with more severe illness, symptoms could include the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, drowsiness, blurred vision, or deterioration in eyesight, confusion, loss of consciousness, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, and paralysis.  Other symptoms that have been identified include movement disorders, Parkinsonism, poliomyelitis-like syndrome and muscle degeneration. Anyone who has a sudden onset of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

    Individuals of any age or health status can be at risk of developing serious health effects from West Nile virus.  People with weaker immune systems are considered to be at greater risk for serious health effects. People at higher risk for serious health effects from West Nile virus include:  individuals with chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, alcoholism, or heart disease; people that require medical treatment that may weaken the immune system, i.e. chemotherapy.

    Because West Nile virus can cause severe complications for people of any age and any health status, it is extremely important to reduce the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes.
    To reduce the places around your home where Culex mosquitoes may lay their eggs, eliminate unnecessary standing water:
    - regularly clean and empty your eavestroughs, pool covers and other items that might collect water;
    - clean and empty bird baths weekly;
    - ensure that openings in rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or tightly sealed around the down-spout; and
    - make sure your yard is clear of old tires or other debris that collect water.

    Adult mosquitoes like to rest in long grass and sheltered shady areas.  You may reduce your exposure to mosquitoes by regularly maintaining these areas around your home.  Steps you can take include:
    - cutting the grass around your home; and
    - trimming hedges and trees around doorways and outdoor seating areas.

    If a doctor suspects that a patient has West Nile virus, a blood test will be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.  There is no specific treatment, medication, or cure for West Nile virus.  Serious cases are treated with supportive therapies to ease symptoms and prevent secondary infections.  These cases may require hospital or nursing care.  Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek Source: Health Canada & Manitoba Health

    Food Allergies

    In Canada, there are nine priority food allergens.  The following are substances which cause allergies:  peanuts; tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts [filberts], macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts [pignolias], pistachio nuts, and walnuts); sesame seeds; milk; eggs; fish (including shellfish and crustaceans); soy; wheat; and sulphites.

    Reactions to these allergens among allergic individuals range from mild to severe.  Trace amounts of these foods can potentially be found in a wide range of food products including snack foods, health foods, baked goods, seasonings, and many other foods.  Allergic reactions happen when the body’s immune system reacts to a particular protein or irritant.  The reaction may be caused by food, insect stings, and medications.  When an individual comes in contact with an allergen, symptoms may develop quickly and have the potential to progress rapidly from a mild reaction to a severe one.  The most dangerous of these symptoms include breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure, or shock, which may result in loss of consciousness and even death.  Severe allergic reactions can occur quickly and without warning.  A person experiencing an allergic reaction may have any of the following symptoms: There is currently no cure for any food allergy.  The only way to prevent a reaction is to totally avoid the specific food.  If a severe reaction should occur, the appropriate emergency treatment is an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline).  This should be followed up with further treatment and observation in a hospital emergency room.

    Severe allergic reactions are not predictable.  You may have a mild reaction one time and a severe one the next time, or opposite.  Know what foods or other factors trigger a reaction and avoid them.  When eating out or in a restaurant, tell your server about your food allergy, and ask specific questions about the food to be served.  Even if a dish does not contain the food you are allergic to, it still might have been in contact with it through utensils and cooking pans.  When in doubt don’t eat it.  When purchasing foods to which you are allergic, learn to read the nutritional and ingredient labels and precautionary labels on foods to prevent contact with even trace amounts of foods you are allergic to.

    If you know that you react to a food allergen, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you, and know how to use it.  You may also practice using the epinephrine auto-injector every few months, and train other family members as well.  Always wear a Medic Alert identifier so that, in case of an accident, others know about your allergies and reactions.  If you or your child is having serious allergic reactions go to your nearest Emergency Department, or dial 911 for instructions.  Submitted by: Laura Gmiterek  Source: Health Canada.

    Heart Health and Dietary Fats – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

    Fat is found widely in the Canadian diet –in snack foods, fast foods, convenience foods, meats, milk, cheese, peanut butter, margarine, oils, shortening, and on and on.  Many of the foods we eat every day contain some fat.  Is this harmful?  Are all these fats the same? Do they affect our health in the same way?

    To decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and other health issues, decreasing your total fat intake along with other lifestyle changes is important.  But also important is the type of fat chosen most often.  Choosing polyunsaturated and monounsaturated sources can have a positive influence on cholesterol levels, lowering your risk of heart disease.  So the answer is no – all fats are not the same.  Different fats affect health in different ways.  The following is a look at the types of fat in our diet and where they can be found.

    Monounsaturated fat:  This type of fat can help to lower blood cholesterol levels.  They are found in olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, soft non-hydrogenated margarine made from these oils, avocados and some nuts such as almonds, pistachios, cashews, pecans, and hazelnuts.  Foods that contain mostly monounsaturated fats are good choices.

    Polyunsaturated fat:  This type of fat can also help lower blood cholesterol levels.  They are found in corn, soybean oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, and soft non-hydrogenated margarine made from these oils.  Omega-3 fats, a type of polyunsaturated fat, can be found in fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, herring, sardines, mackerel, trout), flaxseed and omega-3 enriched eggs.  Foods that contain mostly polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fats are also good choices.

    Canada's Food Guide recommends that you include a small amount – 30 to 45 ml (2 to 3 tablespoons) – of unsaturated fat each day (also known as mono- and polyunsaturated fats).  This includes oil used for cooking, salad dressings, soft non-hydrogenated margarine, and mayonnaise.  It is even better if these amounts come as monounsaturated and omega-3 sources.

    Saturated fat: This type of fat has been shown to raise blood cholesterol levels.  They are usually solid at room temperature and are found in animal products such as lard, cheese, meat, poultry, and butter.  Non animal sources of saturated fat include coconut oil, palm oil, and margarine made from these oils.  Reducing, but not eliminating, intake of saturated fat is important.

    Trans fat: The type of trans fat created through the process of hydrogenation, also raises blood cholesterol levels.  Hydrogenation changes the structure of the fat from a liquid to a solid form.  During this process, trans fats are created, and research has shown that processed trans fats raise blood cholesterol levels.  Not only do they raise the “bad” cholesterol – LDL, they can lower the “good” cholesterol – HDL.  These fats can be found in shortenings, baked goods, snack foods (potato chips, tortilla chips, and crackers), frozen french fries, cookies, and hydrogenated margarine.  Try to limit, or avoid, products that list vegetable oil shortening or partially hydrogenated oil in the ingredients.

    So therefore all fats are not created equal when it comes to heart health.  To reduce your risk the emphasis should be to reduce all types of fat in your diet, but ensuring the ones you do choose more often are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated choices.

    Submitted by: Kristen Ticknor, Community Dietitian, NEHA  Sources: Dietitians of Canada website “Bringing Fats Into Focus: Tips for Making Informed Food Choices” ; and Canadian Egg Marketing Agency; “Dietary fats, oils and cholesterol” Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba accessed 27/8/2010.

    Cooking For 1 or 2 People
    One or two person households are a growing sector in North America.  According to the 2006 census, Manitoba had 312,805 families, 50% percent were 2 person families.  This is up from 30% of Manitoba families in 1951.  Whether it’s a big family or small family, they all have something in common;  everyone needs to eat!  Sometimes, cooking for one or two may seem like it’s not worth the trouble;  however, everyone needs a variety of foods to stay healthy.  Homemade meals usually are more nutritious, better tasting, and more economical, compared with restaurant meals.  Small quantity cooking can be made easier and more interesting.

    Start with the Basics:  Nutrition and physical activity play a vital role in maintaining good health.  Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide provides individualized plans to help guide your food choices.  Visit the web site at:  Canada's Food Guide and enter your gender, age, and physical activity level to print out a personalized plan.  Use this guide to help plan your menus to meet your nutritional needs.

    Plan for More Convenient and Economical Cooking:  Planning makes a difference in eating healthy meals.  Set a goal to plan menus for a week at a time, and incorporate your “planned-over.”  For example, making a small roast on Sunday could provide the planned-over meat for a sandwich on Monday and a vegetable beef stir-fry on Tuesday.  To help plan, read your recipes ahead of time and refer to the grocery store fliers for other ideas.  Organize your shopping list based on the grocery store layout.

    Reduce Your Favorite Recipes:  Choose recipes that fit with your tastes and time requirements.  Whether you’re a 20-something single person or an “empty nester couple” with grown children, you don’t need to throw out your favorite family recipes.  You can adapt many of them to fit your current household size.

    Try these tips to help reduce your recipes:
    • Choose recipes that are easy to divide mathematically.   In recipes calling for three eggs, use two eggs and remove 2 to 4 tablespoons of liquid (if present) from the recipe (for dividing ingredients, see below).
    • If a recipe calls for a can of beans or soup and you would like to divide the recipe in half, use what you need and either refrigerate or freeze the remaining food.  Label the container with the contents and date.
    • Add seasonings gradually.   Sometimes you may need to add more (or less) of the spice to reach the desired flavor.
    • Check for doneness of halved recipes five to 10 minutes sooner than the original recipe.
    • Keep notes about what works and what doesn’t.

    Reducing recipes:
    Making half a recipe: When the recipe calls for:
    1/4 cup  use   2 Tablespoons
    1/3 cup  use   2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
    1/2 cup  use   1/4 cup 3/4 cup  use   6 tablespoons
    1 tablespoon use  1.5 teaspoons

    Making 1/3 a recipe:
    1/4 cup  use   1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon
    1/3 cup  use   1 tablespoon + 2 1/3 teaspoons
    1/2 cup  use   2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons

    Stock Your Pantry, Refrigerator and Freezer  Avoid the “there’s nothing to eat” dilemma by having some items on hand in your pantry.  Keep some time-saving ingredients available.  Consider purchasing prewashed, precut fruits and vegetables if that fits your budget.  While usually more expensive than buying the whole product, they may be in more convenient amounts for your needs.  Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are other options available in containers of various sizes.  Take advantage of your freezer.  You may be surprised to learn that many foods freeze well, including breads, meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and seeds.  Freezing food keeps it fresh longer and helps prevent waste.  For best quality, freeze food while it's fresh.  Don't wait until it's been refrigerated or left on your counter for several days. Frozen vegetables and chicken breasts allow you to use just what you need, too. 

    Prepare one-dish meals:  For quick and simple cooking, choose a dish that serves as the whole meal.  Look for dishes that include foods from several food groups, such as meats, whole grains, legumes, and vegetables.  Healthy examples include:  beef, barley and vegetable stew;  chicken, vegetable and rice casserole;  turkey and bean casserole (made with turkey breast, white beans and tomatoes);  and vegetarian chili with diced vegetables and beans.

    Use Your Leftovers/ “Planned-over’s” Creatively: Making family-sized recipes can provide you with leftovers for future meals.  Freeze the remaining food in meal-sized containers.  Be sure to label the containers with the contents and date to avoid “surprise meals” later!  What if you don’t like “leftovers”?  Consider them as “planned-over” and try them in completely different recipes.  For example, add leftover fruit to muffin, quick bread or pancake batter.  Freeze planned-over vegetables and use in stews, soups and other dishes.  Use extra bread to make French toast, bread pudding or stuffing.  Use planned-over meat in tacos, soup, or stir-fry, or on salads.

    Remember you don't have to settle for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or a bowl of cereal every night.  With a little planning and creativity, you can create healthy and tasty meals for you and your dining partner.   Submitted by: Kristen Ticknor, Community Dietitian, NEHA Sources:  Adapted from: Cooking for One or Two, FN-521, Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., LRD, Food and Nutrition Specialist, August 2006; www.mayoclinic.com accessed 20 July, 2010

    What is Depression?
    Depression is one of several forms of mood disorders, which affect people of all ages, gender, race and socio-economic classes.  Clinical depression is a medical condition that should be taken seriously.  It is estimated that 4 to 5 percent of Canadians may have signs of depression at any given time however this is most likely a low estimate.  This illness has a negative effect on the economy of Canada, costing over 52 billion dollars a year in lost wages and productivity.  Due to the stigma surrounding mental illness, three quarters of the people who suffer from depression do not seek medical help.  Today there are very effective treatments for depression, which people can access readily through medical professionals such as Doctors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists or Mental Health Workers.  For those who do seek professional help, 80 % will have significant relief from their symptoms.  As well, there are various self-help organizations and educational programs available to assist in recovery. 

    Anyone experiencing any 4 of the following symptoms for a period of more than two weeks may be clinically depressed and should seek medical advice. The causes of clinical depression are varied.  One’s family history is significant;  twenty to twenty-five percent of persons with depression have a family member who also has a history of depression.  As well one’s psychological make-up can contribute to depression.  Having low self-esteem, being very pessimistic about life and being adversely affected by stressful situations makes one vulnerable to the illness.  Environmental factors such as having undergone traumatic experiences, death of a loved one, severe illness, divorce, loss of income, negative working conditions, as well as living in poverty are all possible factors in triggering an episode of depression.  Lastly, but very significantly, the imbalance of one’s brain chemicals can lead to depression as well as to various other mental illnesses.  The use of medications to re-establish a balance of the brain chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and cortisol has revolutionized the treatment of depression.

    Once diagnosed by a doctor, and having taken medication for between 6 to 12 weeks, the person should begin to feel a lifting of his depressed mood and experience a return to more normal mental and physical health.  Throughout this period and beyond, it is vital that the individual have various supports to assist him through the difficulties which depression can sometimes create in everyday living.  Having several close friends in whom one can confide and rely upon for assistance is very important.  The support person should be able to listen without being judgmental, as well as be patient and supportive through this period.  They can give assistance with daily living chores, if necessary, and ensure that the individual being treated complies with the doctor’s direction and takes medication if required.

    This article has been submitted by Judy Dunn, the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, North Eastman Region Outreach Manager and can be reached by phone at (204) 444-5228 or through e-mail: jd4mdam@gmail.com or go to the MDAM website for information about all mood disorders at Mood Disorders. The MDAM head office toll free number is 1-800-263-1460 and can also be reached during regular business hours for additional information.  All communications are treated confidentially.  For free, comprehensive, up-to-date brochures about clinical depression, please access the Mood Disorders Canada website at www.mooddisorderscanada.ca.  Look under “What’s new?” on their home page, and select ENG to read the brochure.

    The contacts listed here are not crisis services and if you are having any thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide Talk Line at 1-877-435-7170 or the Crisis Stabilization Unit at 1-866-427-8626 or go to your local emergency unit. Submitted By: North Eastman Mental Health Promotion Committee

    ghost2.bmp - 8050 BytesHalloween Safety
    Halloween is that time of year where children can use their imagination.  They can be anybody, or anything other then who they were born to be.  It is a day that they can play dress-up, with wonderful and outrageous costumes.  Halloween is really for children and your children should ideally participate in all aspects of the day, from helping to decorate the house to deciding on their costume.

    Coming up with a creative disguise doesn’t mean that safety needs to be forgotten. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind: You might want to offer an alternative to sugar-based treats.  Gum should be sugarless.  Stickers, multicolored pencils, or beads can be a nice surprise in place or in addition to traditional treats.  Ask your children what they think a good treat would be.  Submitted By: Laura Gmiterek Source: Health Canada

    Senior Safety Tips for Winter Walking
    There is nothing like an outdoor walk to enjoy the crisp winter air and the snow covered landscape.  Not only can you enjoy the beauty of the season, it is also one of the best ways to keep fit.  Winter can also be a challenging time of the year to be outside.  Freezing rain, icy surfaces, and piles of hard packed snow can become hazardous for a senior pedestrian.  Just one bad fall on ice can have long term consequences.  These include: chronic pain in the affected area;  a disabling injury that may mean loss of independence;  or fear of another fall, which discourages a healthy and active lifestyle.

    As winter approaches, outfit yourself for safe walking: Once snow and ice arrive make sure that your walking surfaces are safe:

    Healthy Tips for the Holidays
    The holidays are a time for enjoying the company of friends and family.  Why not focus on the occasion and fun activities, not on the over-abundance of food! 
    Here are some ideas to keep the holiday in check.
      Source: Dietitians of Canada www.dietitians.ca & http://www.diabetes.ca

    Kick the Habit!
    The Canadian Council for Tobacco Control established the first National Non-Smoking Week (NNSW) in 1977 as a way to reduce smoking in Canada.  The theme of the first NNSW was “Kick the Habit” and since then themes have emphasized not only quitting, but also the dangers of second-hand smoke, tobacco sales to minors and the promotion of smoking in media and advertising.  Now in its 34th year, NNSW has become a mainstay in Canadian health promotion, helping to build people’s resolve to quit and make good on New Year’s resolutions.

    Quitting is a personal decision and everyone has their own reasons to kick the habit.  This is reflected in this year’s theme for NNSW “There are hundreds of reasons to quit…what’s yours?” (January 16-23, 2011).  The theme asks smokers to focus on the benefits of quitting. This helps build motivation to set a quit date or support a quit attempt.

    The nnsw.ca website has a list of resources that support this year’s theme, including downloadable posters that promote little-known facts about smoking like “Reason #23 Cigarette Filters Could Contain Pigs Blood” another reads “Reason #76 Polonium 210 - Who Wants to Smoke That?” The messaging on the posters is fresh and innovative, pointing out disturbing facts about smoking that will leave an impression on whoever sees them.

    National Non-Smoking Week is a great time to think about quitting smoking, but it’s important to have a plan before any quit attempt is made.  The Canadian Cancer Society’s Smokers’ Helpline 1-877-513-5333 is staffed with quit specialists who can offer support to smokers’ including creating a plan for quitting.  Smokers’ Helpline has an online version as well, which is available 24/7 www.smokershelpline.ca.

    In the North Eastman region local wellness facilitators are a great resource to find out about additional quit smoking programs.  You CAN quit.
    And we can help.

    Submitted by Will Cooke, Tobacco Control Coordinator, Canadian Cancer Society, MB Division.

    “Pass the Thing-A-Ma-Jig”: Is it Alzheimer’s?
    (Part One of a two part series)

    As we age, it is not uncommon to forget the names of common articles or the names of people.  Phrases like, “put it on the thingy,” or “I was just talking to What-His-Name,” become more common.  It is called naming difficulty or word-finding difficulty.  But is it Alzheimer’s disease?

    Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the brain that affects many older adults.  Alzheimer’s disease is an actual progressive degenerative disease of the brain, meaning that it slowly progresses with time.  As the brain becomes more diseased with plaques and tangles, symptoms become more apparent.  Not just memory is affected.  Often our language, our concentration and our ability to plan and organize start to deteriorate.  Mood and behaviour may also change.At first, mostly short term memory starts to decline, while the person can still remember long ago.  As the disease progresses, a person may forget what was said just seconds ago.  Often, repetitive questions or repetitive stories start, or appointments are forgotten.  The person often becomes disoriented to time, as he forgets the day, the date, even the year.  The ability to do simple calculations or to draw a clock begins to deteriorate.  Organizing a grocery list or remembering birthdays may become difficult.  The person may slowly lose the ability to look after money or concentrate on tasks, and driving will eventually be affected. Sometimes the person with dementia will say “Pass the thing-a-ma-jig,” as language deteriorates. Many of us develop word-finding difficulty as we age; however, and word-finding difficulty alone is not enough to make a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

    There are many forms of dementia; however Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, and makes up about 50% of all dementias. Other dementias such as Vascular Dementia (usually related to heart disease or strokes) are less common, however a large percentage are a combination of both Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia.

    Can Dementia be prevented? As of 2008, 1.5% of the Canadian population was diagnosed with Dementia. That figure is expected to double in the next 30 years to 2.8% of the population. Age is the most common risk factor for dementia. In 2008, 7% of Canadians over 60 had dementia, while a whopping 49% of people over 90 had dementia. The Alzheimer Society reports that regular exercise, healthy diet, an active social life, intellectual activity, and protecting your head can promote good brain health. Is there a cure?  The Alzheimer Society tells us, “While it is not possible to restore function to the brain cells damaged by Alzheimer Disease, there are treatments and strategies that can help both the person with the disease and the caregiver.”

    A full assessment is important if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one. See your doctor. Stay tuned next week for the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s 10 Warning signs.  Submitted by Melanie Shumilak

    “Pass the Thing-A-Ma-Jig”: Is it Alzheimer’s?
    (Part Two of a two part series)

    Because the progression of Alzheimer’s disease is slow, changes may be slow and subtle. Loved ones may not notice that changes are happening and diagnosis may be delayed. The Alzheimer Society of Canada identifies 10 Warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease that we should all be aware of.

    10 Warning Signs
    1. Memory loss that affects day-to-day function: It's normal to occasionally forget appointments, colleagues' names or a friend's phone number and remember them later. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may forget things more often and not remember them later, especially things that have happened more recently.
    2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks:  Busy people can be so distracted from time to time that they may leave the carrots on the stove and only remember to serve them at the end of a meal.  A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble with tasks that have been familiar to them all their lives, such as preparing a meal.
    3. Problems with language:  Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer’s disease may forget simple words or substitute words, making her sentences difficult to understand.
    4. Disorientation of time and place:  It's normal to forget the day of the week or your destination -- for a moment. But a person with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost on their own street, not knowing how they got there or how to get home.
    5. Poor or decreased judgment: People may sometimes put off going to a doctor if they have an infection, but eventually seek medical attention. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have decreased judgment, for example not recognizing a medical problem that needs attention or wearing heavy clothing on a hot day.
    6. Problems with abstract thinking: From time to time, people may have difficulty with tasks that require abstract thinking, such as balancing a cheque book. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may have significant difficulties with such tasks, for example not recognizing what the numbers in the cheque book mean.
    7. Misplacing things: Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in inappropriate places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
    8. Changes in mood and behaviour: Everyone becomes sad or moody from time to time. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease can exhibit varied mood swings -- from calm to tears to anger -- for no apparent reason.
    9. Changes in personality: People's personalities can change somewhat with age. But a person with Alzheimer’s disease can become confused, suspicious or withdrawn. Changes may also include apathy, fearfulness or acting out of character.
    10. Loss of initiative: It's normal to tire of housework, business activities or social obligations, but most people regain their initiative. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive and require cues and prompting to become involved.
    People may think these symptoms are part of normal aging but they aren't.  It is important to see a doctor when you notice any of these symptoms as they may be due to other conditions such as depression or an infection. Source: Warning Signs  Submitted by Melanie Shumilak

    Dieting… Contributing to Eating Disorders
    Eating Disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder, include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviours surrounding weight and food.  Eating Disorders are serious emotional and physical problems, that can have life-threatening consequences for females and males.

    Experts agree that there are many contributing factors that combine to cause the onset of Eating Disorders or Disordered Eating.  DIETING is one of those factors.  Dieting is any attempt in the name of weight loss, “healthy eating” or body sculpting to deny your body of the essential, well-balanced nutrients and calories it needs to function to its fullest capacity.  Not everyone who diets develops an Eating Disorder;  however, almost every Eating Disorder begins with a diet.

    What you need to know about dieting:
    Tired of Dieting?  Try Living!
     Imagine the time, energy and money you could save for other activities and interests if you decided to stop dieting.  We all need to take care of our bodies and make sure we are fueling them with a nutritional balance of foods.  We don’t need to let the way our body curves or doesn’t curve determine how we feel about ourselves or how we live our lives.  Next time the dieting desire crosses your mind, take a time-out.  Think about the reasons why you want to lose weight.  Are they really worth it?  Think about the potential dangers of dieting.  And most of all, take the time to remember you are worth so much more than what you weigh!!!

    Submitted by: Connie Holmlund, Community Mental Health Worker, Child and Adolescent Services, NEHA 204-345-1231 cholmlund@neha.mb.ca   Adapted from National Eating Disorders Association - February 6 to 12, 2011 is Eating Disorder Awareness Week  For more information on Eating Disorders: National Eating Disorder Information Centre, National Eating Disorders Association, Eating Disorders On-line,  and Manitoba Health reference

    Are You At Risk?
    Although February is heart month, every month is a good time to talk about what we can do to improve our health and the health of our heart.  We all know about the risk factors we cannot change including our family history and age, but what about all the risk factors we can change.  When we know what our risks are, it allows us to make better choices in our everyday lives and decrease our chances for heart disease in the future.  So, instead of learning about the consequences of heart disease including heart attacks and strokes afterwards, let’s focus on an ounce of prevention.

    Risk Factors you cannot change include age, gender, family history and race. Age:  As we age, the risk of heart disease increases.  For men after the age of 45 and women after the age of 55 the number of individuals affected with heart disease is greater.
    Gender:  Men in general are more likely to develop heart disease, until after menopause when women are just as likely to develop heart disease.
    Family History:  You are at a greater risk of developing heart disease if a person in your immediate family has a history of heart disease.
    Race:  For example individuals from the First Nations population have a higher incidence of diabetes, and people with diabetes have at increased risk for heart disease.

    Risk Factors you can change include smoking, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, and stress.

    Smoking: If you don’t smoke, congratulations on a great choice! If you do smoke quitting is the #1 best change you can make to prevent heart disease.

    Lack of exercise: Maintenance of daily physical activity will decrease your risk for heart disease.  Physical activity can help you handle stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and maintain a healthy weight.  Canada’s Physical Activity Guide suggests adults accumulate 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days.

    High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure damages blood vessel walls, puts strain on your heart and eventually weakens your heart muscle.  Some helpful tips to remember are:  choose foods lower in fat and salt (sodium), take your medication as prescribed by your doctor, be smoke-free, limit alcohol intake, maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.

    High Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fatty wax-like substance that deposits in your arteries increasing your risk for heart disease.  You can help improve your cholesterol levels by being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, being smoke-free and eating a healthy diet lower in saturated and trans fats.

    Overweight: Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes which increases your risk of heart disease.  In general, excess body weight can be reduced with healthy eating and regular physical activity.

    Diabetes: Diabetes is a condition where your body is unable to regulate its own glucose (blood sugar).  Having diabetes increases your risk for heart disease.  Careful management of diet, exercise and medication can lower your risk for heart disease.

    Excessive Alcohol Intake: More than two alcoholic drinks a day raises blood pressure levels which increases your risk of heart disease.

    Stress: Stress is often a productive part of everyday life.  But, when stress becomes “dis-stress” that’s when it becomes a factor for heart disease.  Although you may not be able to eliminate stress completely there are helpful ways to deal with it.  Some of these helpful hints include:  share your feelings, be physically active, take care of yourself, do relaxation exercises and lead a heart healthy lifestyle.

    Small changes lead to healthy lifestyles and healthy lifestyles lead to healthy hearts!
    Submitted by Jamie Kotowich, Primary Health Care Nurse Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation

    Healthy Eating – Parent & Child ‘Feeding Relationship’
    Fundamental to parents’ jobs is trusting children to decide how much and whether they want to eat.  If parents do their jobs with feeding, children will do their jobs with eating and grow into the bodies that are right for them.

    Have you ever said or heard phrases such as:
    “If you eat just one more bite…”
    “What a good boy, you ate all your dinner…”
    “You are going to sit here until your plate is empty…”
    “If you eat all your dinner, you can have ....”

    At a time of increased focus on health, nutrition, and weight, many questions are being raised about what people can do to achieve overall health and well being.  The answer is not the newest celebrity endorsed diet or an unachievable exercise regime in attempts to mimic what the media presents as the ‘norm’.  Healthy eating behaviors strongly influence our relationship with food and nutrition throughout our lifecycle.  Therefore, developing a healthy relationship with food early in life is key.

    Parents want the best for their children and want to ensure they are feeding their children well.  The feeding relationship is based on Ellyn Satter’s “Division of Responsibility”.  Ellyn Satter, a Registered Dietitian and guru in feeding children, says it is important to know that parents and children have different jobs when it comes to feeding.

    Parents provide structure, support and opportunities.  Children choose how much and whether to eat from what the parents provide.  It is important to respect children’s ability to dictate when they are hungry and when they are satisfied.  We are born with the ability to decide when we are satisfied, but over time we seem to defy this intuition and learn to under or over eat.  It is also important to provide your children with a healthy variety of food at set meal and snack times.  Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating is a great resource.  The parent is responsible for what, when, where.  This includes choosing and preparing the healthy food, providing structured meal and snack times and making meal time pleasant and family oriented.  It is important to show children what they have to learn about food and mealtime behaviour.  Try not to let children graze for food or beverages between meal and snack times to ensure they are ready to eat when the time comes.

    The child is responsible for how much they will eat and whether they will eat.  They will eat the amount they need and they will learn to eat the food their parents eat.  Establishing a healthy relationship with food with plenty of variety will allow your child to grow predictably into bodies that nature intended.

    Young children should eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day as their stomachs are small and their nutrient needs are high.  If a child does not want to eat at the meal or snack time, either save the food for when they are hungry or wait until the next meal/snack time.  Children’s growth dictates their needs, and remember, their bodies know best when they are hungry or not.  Children tend to go through phases of growth and food preferences; research suggests that children can be offered a particular food 15 times before they accept it.  Trying a new food with a favorite food may help ease the integration of a variety of foods into the diet.  Food is not meant to be a reward or a bargaining tool!  Submitted by Kari MacLellan, Registered Dietitian  For further information on this topic, please contact the Registered Dietitian at your local health centre.

    Liver Health
    Liver disease affects 1 in 10 Canadians.  Although some liver problems are temporary, some can last a lifetime with serious complications.  Problems with your liver can arise from unhealthy living, genetics and exposures to viruses or chemicals.

    The liver is a football-sized organ located under your rib cage on the right side of your belly.  This important organ works 24 hours a day to process everything we eat, drink, breathe in or rub on our skin.  The liver fights off infection, neutralizes toxins, manufactures proteins and hormones, controls blood sugar and helps with blood clotting.

    Signs of liver trouble may include: discolored skin and eyes that appear yellowish, abdominal pain, itchy skin, dark urine, pale or tar colored stool, fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite; although, many individuals will experience no signs or symptoms.  Liver problems can be diagnosed with blood tests, imaging tests and tests of liver tissue.  See your family practitioner if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you.

    There is no known cure for liver disease, but most liver problems can be prevented by protecting your liver with healthy lifestyle choices.

    Eat a healthy diet and exercise daily.  A well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables helps the liver function at its best.  Exercise helps strengthen your body and your liver so it can ward off viruses and pollutants.

    Maintain a healthy weight. The leading cause of liver disease in Canada is fatty liver, which is linked to obesity.  If you are overweight, consult your healthcare provider and strive for a gradual sustainable weight loss.

    Get vaccinated.  Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.  Hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food and water.  Hepatitis B is spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids.  You can be at risk of contracting these serious liver diseases both in Canada and abroad.

    If you use any alcohol use it in moderation. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men.

    Avoid risky activities such as sharing needles used to inject drugs and unprotected sex.  If you use illicit drugs, do not share needles and get help quitting.  If you choose to have sex, use condoms.  Getting tattoos or body piercings can also put you at risk for liver disease.  If you choose to have these procedures done, be cautious and inquire about the cleanliness and safety of the shop.

    Use medications wisely and only as directed.  Discuss any herbal supplements and non-prescription drugs with your family practitioner.  Never take medications with alcohol since the combination puts extra strain on your liver and can cause serious complications.

    Avoid contact with blood and body fluids.  Hepatitis viruses can be spread by accidental needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids.  Do not share toothbrushes or razor blades as this can also lead to an exposure to the hepatitis virus.

    Protect yourself from chemicals.  Be sure to cover your skin with gloves, long sleeves, a hat and a mask. Ensure good ventilation or wear a mask when using an aerosol cleaner.  Take similar precautions when spraying insecticides, fungicides, paint and other toxic chemicals.  Ensure manufacturer's instructions are always followed.

    Following these healthy living tips can help provide protection for our livers and keep us feeling our best.  Submitted by:  Christy Arnott, Primary Healthcare Nurse Sources: Canadian Liver Foundation Website “Liver Health”   Mayo Clinic Website “Liver Problems”

    Healthy Teeth for a Healthy Life

    It is a common misconception that, “Cavities in baby teeth don't matter.  Those teeth are just going to fall out anyway!”  The truth is baby teeth are important.  They help children learn how to eat and speak.  Baby teeth help shape the face and guide adult teeth into the right place.

    Childhood Tooth Decay, also know as Early Childhood Caries, or ECC, happens when food and cavity-causing bacteria are left on your child’s teeth.  The germs feed on sugar in the food and then create an acid.  This acid then weakens the teeth.  After repeated exposure to the acid, a cavity is created in the tooth.  If left untreated, the cavities can spread and the child may need to have dental surgery requiring general anesthesia.  The good news is, tooth decay is preventable.

    Early Childhood Caries does not only affect the teeth but also a child’s overall health.  Some side effects include:  pain;  affected growth;  difficulty sleeping and eating;  speech problems;  trouble learning or concentrating; poor self-esteem; as well as increased infections, including pneumonia.  There is also a link between Early Childhood Caries and increased risk a developing other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes later in life.

    The first steps to preventing cavities start in pregnancy!  During and after pregnancy a growing baby needs calcium and vitamin D from healthy foods in order to build strong teeth and bones.  Health care professionals should also be consulted about the need for prenatal vitamins for moms and vitamin D drops for infants.

    A healthy diet is important for healthy teeth.  Every time you consume food or drinks containing starch or sugar, a twenty minute acid attack occurs on teeth.  To reduce cavity risks stay away from sticky foods and save sweet foods for mealtime.  Snacks are important for growing children, but try limiting them to 2 or 3 a day and make healthy choices such as cheese, vegetables, fruit and nuts.  Give water to drink between meals and snacks.  Milk or water are the only things that should ever go into a baby bottle and babies should never be put to bed with a bottle.  Wean babies from bottle and sippy cup by 12 to 14 months of age.

    Caregivers should also keep a healthy mouth to prevent passing on germs to their child.  Babies are not born with cavity-causing bacteria.  It is usually passed on by family members and caregivers through saliva exchange when testing temperature of bottles or food;  tasting or sharing foods, cups or utensils;  sharing toothbrushes;  or by cleaning off soothers and bottle nipples in your mouth.  By following good oral care for yourself, you are also role-modeling for your child.

    Brush teeth for two minutes twice a day (morning and bedtime) using a soft-bristled brush.  Clean all surfaces of teeth, along the gumline and the tongue.  A slight smear of fluoridated toothpaste can be used starting at age one.  Ages six and up can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, while children three to six can use half that amount.  Children need help brushing their teeth until the age of eight.  Flossing once a day should begin by age three or when teeth are touching.  Flossing cleans between the teeth, where the toothbrush cannot reach.  Starting by age one everyone should visit a dental professional at least once a year.  To support this, most Manitoba dentists are participating in “The First Visit Free” program for children three and under.

    Information provided by Healthy Smile Happy Child.  For more information please visit Early Childhood Tooth Decay   Submitted by Michelle Berthelette, Wellness Facilitator

    Is Your Tetanus Shot Up-to-date?

    Vaccination has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other medical intervention.  Vaccines help your immune system to recognize and fight bacteria and viruses that cause diseases.  It’s a great time to ask - Is your Tetanus Shot up to date?

    Tetanus is an acute and often fatal disease.  Tetanus is caused by bacteria, or germs, which get into a cut, puncture wound, or burn.  Tetanus germs are common in the environment as the germ is found in dirt, dust and manure.

    Tetanus germs in a wound form a poison, or toxin, that causes your muscles to tighten and go into spasms.  A spasm is a painful tightening of the muscle that cannot be controlled.  Tetanus can be very serious if the breathing muscles are affected by these spasms.  About 3 out of every 10 people who get tetanus will die from the disease.

    If it has been 10 Years or longer since you have had your last tetanus shot, please contact your local public health nurse to book a vaccination appointment;  this immunization is provided free of charge to all residents of Manitoba.  Your public health nurse can also check your immunization records to see when you had your last tetanus shot.

    Public Health offices are located in each of NEHA’s health centres.

    To reach your Public Health Nurse for:
    Beausejour call 268-7468
    Lac du Bonnet call 345-1219
    Pinawa call 753- 3147
    Oakbank call 444-6130/6131
    Pine Falls call 367-5406
    Whitemouth call 348-4613.

    Submitted by Kari Lange Immunization Coordinator, NEHA  Source: Manitoba Health

    May 31 is World No Tobacco Day.

    Take this day to consider all of the reasons you smoke and all of the reasons you would like to quit. Consider every cigarette and why you are smoking it.  Is it out of habit?  Boredom?  Craving?  Comfort?  Try to eliminate even one or two cigarettes that are unnecessary that day and you will be on your way to quitting.

    We are all aware of the health risks associated with smoking;  heart disease, lung disease, cancer, it affects every cell of our bodies.  Quitting is hard.  Our bodies grow accustomed to high nicotine levels and we don’t feel “normal” when the nicotine isn’t there.   Nicotine withdrawal feels terrible.  No doubt about it.  Decreasing caffeine intake while cutting down on nicotine can help.  Nicotine makes caffeine less useful in the body.  While you smoke you need more coffee/colas/teas to feel their effect.  Once you have less nicotine in your system, you will feel the effect of caffeine more.  Too much caffeine can feel like nicotine withdrawal.  Start by reducing the amount of caffeine you consume by half.

    Also, speak to your health care provider about nicotine replacement products.  These can be very helpful in the withdrawal process.  Typically people use too little of these products for too short a period of time while they are quitting.  Nicotine replacement products, along with other products on the market, can significantly increase your chances of quitting.

    Finally, seek the support of your family and friends and choose a day that is meaningful to you as a quit date.  It can take several tries to quit smoking.  Each attempt can bring you closer to understanding the best way for you to quit.  The Smokers' Helpline is also available for support:  call 1-877-513-5333 or check the website: Smokers' Helpline  Quitting Smoking can be difficult, but the benefits are immediate and so worthwhile.  Submitted by Lori Dziewit, Nurse Practitioner

    My World…Your World… Our World…Free of Elder Abuse…

    What is Elder Abuse?
    Elder abuse is any action or lack of action by someone in a position of trust that harms the health or well-being of an older person.  Elder abuse can happen at home, in the community, and in acute and long term care facilities.  Abuse exists in many different forms.  Abuse can be physical, psychological, or sexual.  It can also exist in the form of neglect and financial exploitation.

    Many abused seniors are reluctant to identify themselves.  They often do not take any action against their abusers.  They may be embarrassed and ashamed, unsure that any good will result, afraid of being rejected by loved ones, or afraid of having to leave their home.  Nobody deserves to be abused or neglected.  Abuse is a complex matter and there are many factors involved.

    If you or someone you know is being abused, you're not alone.  Quite often you can't stop an abusive situation alone.  If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, in an emergency, contact 911 or your local police service.  For non-emergent situations contact the Seniors Abuse Support Line at 1-888-896-7183.  These calls are completely confidential and can be anonymous; you do not have to give your name.  If you suspect abuse in a personal care home, hospital or any other designated health facility contact the office of The Protection for Persons in Care at 1-866-440-6366.

    World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) takes place on June 15th and was created to raise awareness about an issue that is often hidden due to fear and shame.  Awareness empowers older adults with information on their rights;  how to protect themselves;  and where to get help when needed.  It is also an opportunity for professionals, family members and friends to learn ways to support older adults who are experiencing abuse.

    Why not look for ways to bring this issue forward and collaborate with others on how you can create a safe, supportive community for all!   Last year 40 communities and organizations across Manitoba participated in Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  Here are some ways you can get involved: Please wear a purple ribbon on June 15th recognizing that… ABUSE HURTS AT ANY AGE.  Also Watch for Purple Ribbon displays throughout your Community!   Together we can create a community that is free of abuse and safe for people of all ages!  Source:  Manitoba Seniors & Healthy Aging Secretariat and the Manitoba Elder Abuse Awareness Day Planning Committee   Submitted by Pat Porth, Community Resource Coordinator Two Rivers Seniors Resource Council Inc.  345-1227 or email: tworiver@granite.mb.ca

    Rabies

    What is Rabies?
    Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system.  The virus is carried in the saliva (spit) of an infected (rabid) animal.  Rabies is endemic (prevalent) in Manitoba, particularly throughout the southern half of the province.  There is no cure for this disease and it is 100% fatal.

    Who gets Rabies?
    Humans and warm-blooded animals including pets (ex: cats, dogs, ferrets), farm animals (ex. cows, horses), wild animals (ex. skunks, bears, foxes) and bats can be infected. Common wildlife carriers of Rabies in Manitoba are skunks, bats, and foxes.

    How is Rabies Spread?
    Humans get Rabies after being bitten or scratched by an infected animal.  Rabies can also be spread when rabid animal saliva gets into a cut, wound, or the moist tissue lining of the mouth, nose, or eyes.

    How can you tell if an Animal has Rabies?
    An infected animal may or may not show symptoms of rabies. However, animals with rabies often act in strange ways.  They may attack without a reason; night-roaming animals may wander about in the day; pets may seem aggressive, depressed, or lethargic.  Rabid bats often appear normal.  If you find a bat, dead or alive, do not touch it with your bare hands.

    How do I avoid Rabies?
  • Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep their rabies vaccinations up-to-date.
  • Do not let your pets roam free outdoors, especially at night.
  • Do not handle wild animals; appreciate them from a distance.
  • Teach children not to approach unfamiliar animals, even if they seem friendly or appear to be sick and in need of help.
    • For more information, call:
  • Health Links-Info Santé at 1-888-315-92
  • Your local Public Health Office
  • Your local veterinary clinic
  • The CFIA – federal veterinary Office (weekdays) at 983-2200.
    • Submitted By: Vicky Pizzey, RN. BScN. Communicable Disease Control Manager, NEHA

    Measles Epidemic

    Since January 2011, over 350 people in Quebec have caught measles.  Normally, the province of Quebec sees between 0 to 4 cases every year.

    Measles used to be very common in Canada, but thanks to the success of vaccination campaigns, has become rare.  There was one case of measles in Manitoba in 2010, and before that, the most recent case was in 2004. There have not been any cases in Manitoba in 2011.

    This current outbreak in Quebec has been brought into Canada by travelers to Europe, where there have been outbreaks for the last several years, due to declining use of the vaccine.  How could a disease considered by many to be an illness of yesteryear and a rite of passage in childhood be cause for concern?  Measles is an extremely contagious disease.  Most people who become sick with measles recover fully.  But, a potentially dangerous virus, measles kills 1 out of every 3000 people who are infected, and it can also cause serious lifelong problems, like brain damage.

    Most people in North Eastman Region choose to vaccinate their children.  But there are a few who are choosing not to vaccinate their children for a variety of reasons.  Information from fraudulent sources convinces parents their child will develop Autism from the Measles vaccine.  Some parents choose no vaccines for their child, thinking the disease itself will give “natural” and better immunity.  None of these reasons are based in science, rather it is hearsay and junk science.  Most of the children infected in Quebec are not fully immunized.

    The good news is:  Measles is a vaccine preventable disease.  However, it is only preventable if people are vaccinated.  The Measles vaccine has been around for almost 50 years and is very safe and highly effective in preventing the disease.  The vaccine recommended for all children over one year of age, is a two dose vaccine offered free of charge by Manitoba Health through your local Public Health Office.  The first dose is given at 12 months of age, and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.

    Give your child the gift of preventing a potentially life threatening disease.  We all want the best for our children and that includes the Measles vaccine.  If your child is due for the Measles vaccine or you would like more information about the vaccine, call your Public Health Nurse today.
    Référence: Sante et Services Sociaux Québec.  Measles.  Submitted by Myrna Suski, Director of Public Health, NEHA

    Feet First

    Our bodies are complex systems made up of many parts working together to get us from place to place, keeping us healthy and allowing us to do the things we love. But some body parts take a harder toll than others, particularly our feet.

    Healthy feet are strong and flexible. Each foot contains 26 bones, which are held in position by hundreds of ligaments, tendons and muscles. They allow us to walk and run as they support the weight of the whole body. Every time we take a step, this complex mechanism goes into action automatically. It is really quite amazing.

    For an average adult, our poor feet act as shock absorbers to about a million pounds of force a day. Our feet protect our bodies from feeling the impact of all of that force.

    Our feet are our main means of transportation. We often take them for granted until we have a problem and then it may be too late. Our ability to walk is important to our well being and that is a very good reason to take care of your tootsies on a daily basis!

    Foot Care Recommendations for Healthy Feet:
    1. Inspect your feet: Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin.  Any white, moist tissue, between the toes could be a sign of foot fungus.  Check the bottom of the feet for calluses, cracking or areas of redness or irritation.  Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet may indicate Athlete's Foot.  Any growth on the foot is not considered normal. Seek medical attention for any foot problems.
    2. Wash your feet regularly:  Wash your feet each time you shower or take a bath, washing the bottom of your feet and in between your toes.  It is also important to dry in between your toes after showering, especially if you have a tendency to develop foot fungus.
    3. Trim your toenails:  Trim toenails straight across, but not too short.  Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; this can lead to ingrown toenails.  If you do end up with sharp edges on the sides, it's ok to round a little at the edges to remove the sharp point.
    4. Shoes:  Make sure that your shoes fit properly.  Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest, and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.  Those strappy sandals that women love so much can have a downside.  They create friction that, combined with the usual dryness of the skin on the bottom of your feet, can cause cracked heels.  In extreme cases, your feet can bleed or become infected.  Protect your feet by alternating between wearing sandals and closed shoes.
    5. Alternate shoes:  It's important to not wear the same shoes day after day.  Changing your shoes gives your feet a break from rubbing the same pressure spots on your feet.  It also gives your shoes a chance to air out and decrease the risk of fungal infection.
    6. Wear the right shoe for the right activity:  A running shoe should be worn for running, a walking shoe for walking and a hiking boot for hiking.  Although it may be fine to take short hikes in sports sandals, long walks in flimsy sandals that do not provide good support, can cause foot problems.  Hiking in running shoes can increase your chance for ankle sprains and running in old gardening shoes puts you at risk for foot or leg injuries.
    7. Avoid wearing old shoes:  Once shoes have worn out, replace them as soon as possible.  Wearing worn out shoes can result in a range of foot problems including skin and nail conditions.  Shoes that no longer provide you with good support may also cause ankle and knee discomfort.
    8. Avoid walking barefoot:  Walking barefoot puts your feet at risk for puncture wounds, warts, fungus, ankle sprains, tendonitis, and infections.  Always protect your feet with the appropriate pair of shoes.  Always use sunblock on your feet at the beach or when wearing sandals
    9. Be cautious with self-treatment: Be careful with drug store medications and cautious with home remedies.  Self-treatment may turn a minor problem into a major one.  This is especially true for people with diabetes.  People with diabetes should not self treat problems with their feet.
    10. Exercise daily:  Walking is a good exercise for your feet.  It helps with blood flow and muscle tone.  With your shoes off, twist your feet in circular motions, then move toes in an up and down motion.  To build strength and gain flexibility in your feet, the best approach is to use them.
    11. Don't ignore foot pain:  Foot pain is not normal.  It does not matter how old you are, if you are experiencing persistent foot pain, seek medical attention.
    Healthy feet are an important part of overall good health, so practicing proper foot care can benefit your whole life and keep you walking longer.  Happy trails!  Submitted by Sharlene Thompson, Primary Health Care Nurse Adapted from the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association

    Savour the Flavour – And Add Some Spice!

    We’ve heard the Healthy Eating messages – lower the amount of saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium in your diet. Eat more vegetables. Eat fibre rich foods. How about one more….. add some spice to your life!

    Often when fat and sodium is reduced in foods, so is flavour.  One way to make healthy food taste great is to add a little spice.  Not only will it help with the overall flavour of the food, but those spices give us something more – a healthy dash of antioxidants and other compounds that are showing more and more potential in reducing blood vessel inflammation (a major risk for heart disease and other chronic diseases).

    Here’s a list of some power-packed spices and how to get started making them a part of your meals:

    Sweet, Sweet Cinnamon
    Cinnamon, the seasoning that’s as comforting as grandma’s apple pie! But the spice is more than comforting, its full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties – in fact one teaspoon of cinnamon has the same amount of antioxidants as ½ cup of blueberries.  Add 1 – 2 teaspoons to: low fat yogurt with berries or bananas;  a bowl of oatmeal;  or to French toast batter.  Or sprinkle half a teaspoon of cinnamon over ground coffee before brewing. Cinnamon and apple is a natural flavour combination.  A sliced apple tossed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a re-sealable plastic bag makes a great snack.  Plus the cinnamon coating helps keep the apple slices from turning brown.

    Fields of Garlic
    The perceived health benefits of garlic, a species in the onion family, have long been passed down through the generations in many cultures.  Research focuses on how garlic may protect against heart disease, cancer and the common cold. Add freshly chopped or minced garlic to pasta dishes, stir-fry dishes, pizza, fresh tomato sauce, and meat and poultry.  Add pizzazz to steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, pasta or rice with a pinch of garlic powder.  For Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, stir 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper into 4 cups hot cooked mashed potatoes.

    Ginger
    For centuries, ginger was used as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions, especially soothing distressed stomachs.  Now modern medicine is attempting to validate the use of ginger to ease indigestion and reduce pain.  The potential benefits appear to be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of gingerol – one of the active ingredients in ginger.  Add ¼ tsp ground ginger to carrots, sweet potatoes and fresh fruit.  Mix an easy, delicious marinade for chicken, fish, meat, or even vegetables, made with chopped fresh ginger, garlic, low sodium soy sauce, and sesame oil.  Add flavour to soft margarine or butter by mixing in some ground ginger and chopped lime zest - use the spread to top grilled fish.

    Healthy food doesn’t need to taste “blah”.  Experiment with spice – oregano, basil, paprika, curry, parsley…..and see where your taste buds take you!   Submitted by Kristen Ticknor, Registered Dietitian, NEHA References:  www.canadianspiceassociation.com/csa.asp  www.mccormickscienceinstitute.com  Top 10 Culinary Herbs and Spices:  Flavorful and Functional, by Sharon Palmer, RD, Today’s Dietitian, Vol. 9 No. 7 P. 36.

    Child Passenger Safety

    Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of preventable injury and death in children aged 0-14.   You can help protect your child by buying the right car or booster seat to fit your child and using it properly.

    There are many car and booster seats to choose from.  New seats will have a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) label, which tells you that it is safe for use in Canada.  This label is a sticker with a circle and a maple leaf.

    Car and booster seats are tested for safety based on heights and weights, so it is important to match your child’s height and weight to those listed on the seat and the box.  You will need to upgrade your car or booster seat as they grow. Infants under one year of age are safest with a rear facing infant seat.

    For the next stage, there is a wide assortment of ‘2 in 1’ and ‘3 in 1’ seats to choose from.  These are quite practical in that they can be used for a longer period of time, by either converting from rear facing seat to a forward facing seat as the child grows, and/or from a forward facing seat to a booster seat.  ALWAYS follow the manufacturers’ recommendations which are listed on the instructions, to know how your seat is designed to be used, and if and how it can be used for different heights and weights as your child grows.

    Forward facing car seats are designed for children who have had at least 1 year to let their spines, bones and muscles grow strong. The best choice for a forward facing car seat is one with a 5 point harness.  Using a tether strap will provide extra protection.  A tether strap is a strap that is attached to the car seat and connected to your car.  Check your owner’s manual to find out where the tether anchor is located.  If your vehicle does not have a tether location, contact the car dealership to have one professionally installed.

    Booster seats can be used from about the age of 4-5 years to about 9 years.  Using only a seat belt before the child is big enough can put him or her at risk for “seat belt syndrome” during a crash (injuries to the spine and internal organs).  All new booster seats must be used with the lap and shoulder belt in the vehicle.  Booster seats without a back should only be used in a vehicle that has headrests in the back seat.

    And finally, seat belts!  Seat belts are designed for people who are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall.  Both the lap and shoulder belt should be used.  The lap belt should fit low over the hip bones, the shoulder belt should go over shoulder and across the chest (not touching the neck), and the child’s knees should bend comfortably over the edge of the vehicle’s seat.  Children 12 years and under should always sit in the back seat.

    Final tips:   All car and booster seats should be installed in the rear seat of the vehicle. When car seats are installed securely and correctly, they should not move more than one inch in any direction.  Always refer to your booster seat instruction booklet and your car owner’s manual for correct installation procedure.

    Installation of child seats is offered in the North Eastman Region from time to time.  For information contact your local Wellness Facilitator.  For more information on current recommendations, please visit the Safe Kids website at www.safekidscanada.ca or call 1-888-SAFE-TIP.  Submitted by Marilyn Sitar, Wellness Facilitator (Sources: Safe Kids Canada, Health Canada).

    Breakfast for Learning

    With the new school year upon us, parents and kids are gathering all the needed books, supplies, and gear. New shoes, check.  Backpack, check.  Breakfast…. It’s often not seen as a true “school supply”, but breakfast is as valuable to a child’s school day as pencils and paper.

    The breakfast meal serves many important functions in a child’s day.  Eating breakfast on a regular basis may help improve academic performance, particularly a child’s math skills, concentration, and his or her ability to problem solve.  This is because a balanced breakfast provides the body’s first “fuel” for the day, allowing the brain and muscles to wake up after sleep and perform to their best ability. Missing breakfast can cause distractions like hunger pangs, irritability, and bad moods; these distractions can affect everyone in the classroom. A child starting his or her day with a full stomach can benefit all students and enhance the learning environment.

    Breakfast also fuels a child to participate in gym class, sports, and group activities.  This in turn can help children learn to interact with peers positively in many situations in school and life.

    Breakfast is a key time for children to get the essential nutrients they need for proper growth and development.  If a meal is missed, it becomes very important that the child make up for the missed nutrients throughout the rest of the day.  This can be very difficult for children with small appetites, very active kids, and teens with high nutrient needs.  Encouraging kids to have a healthy breakfast every day helps them learn healthy lifestyle habits they will continue for the rest of their lives.  As well, it can teach them about proper nutrition, and can help kids avoid many chronic diseases in later life.

    The best way to get kids eating breakfast is by parents being role models and eating breakfast themselves.  A balanced breakfast includes foods from at least three of the four food groups, but after that, anything goes.  Whole-grain cereals and breads, fruits, eggs, and dairy products are common breakfast foods that are all good choices.  For lasting energy and focus, avoid foods that are high in added sugars.  If time is an issue, try setting out the non-perishable items and dishes the night before, and have washed and/or cut up fruit in the fridge ready to go.  Another tip is to plan breakfasts that can be eaten on the go, like yogurt tubes, smoothies, bagels, and toast “sandwiches”.  A healthy breakfast goes a long way to help them do their best in the classroom and in all aspects of life.  Submitted by Laura Creek Newman, RD Source: IFIC Review: Breakfast and Health, by International Food Information Council Foundation, December 2008, Food Insight 

    Breastfeeding Benefits

    Breastfeeding benefits mom and baby and also benefits families, communities and our environment.

    During pregnancy mothers provide all the nutrients that are needed for their unborn baby to grow and develop.  Mothers make colostrum (the first milk that is produced) during pregnancy and this milk continues to provide babies with the nutrients they need to grow and develop long after birth.  It is recommended that babies have human milk for the first 6 months of life but the benefits for both mom and baby keep increasing the longer a baby breastfeeds.

    DID YOU KNOW?
    Human milk is tailor made for your baby making it very easy to digest.  Human milk changes as your baby’s needs and age change.  It also has a natural laxative which gives babies an easier time passing bowel movements.

    Human milk is so easily digested that babies do require more frequent feedings. Human milk helps in the growth and maturation of the baby’s digestive system which is complete around 6 months of age. Human milk has the fatty acids needed to develop both the baby’s nervous system and their vision.  This is related to breastfed babies having higher IQ’s and performing better in school.

    Human milk protects babies from many diseases, both during breastfeeding and throughout life.  Mothers pass along their immunity and then breast milk helps stimulate the baby’s own immune system.  Human milk protects against Crohn’s disease, diabetes and obesity.  Breast milk also decreases the risk of allergies, asthma, other types of respiratory infections, ear infections and childhood cancers, and many more diseases.

    Mothers also benefit with decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.  Breastfeeding mothers also regain their pre-pregnancy weight much more quickly. The family benefits by having decreased sick time away from work or other commitments, which means decreased medical costs and fewer visits to an emergency room.

    Families who are breastfeeding get more hours of sound sleep.  Breastfeeding releases endorphins, which creates a feeling of relaxation and well being in both mother and baby.  This allows mothers to fall asleep or return to sleep much quicker.  Breastfeeding is even an ideal pain reliever for the baby.

    Breastfeeding requires an initial period of learning and adapting for mother and baby, but in time breastfeeding becomes very easy.  There is no preparation with human milk, it is always available it never spoils and it is free.  This means an annual savings of approximately $3000.00 for a family.

    There is much more to breastfeeding than MILK. Breastfeeding is the natural next step to pregnancy and childbirth.  After birth, breastfeeding creates attachment between mother and baby that meets every security, affection and physical contact need.  These are all essential to the development of a new little human being. Submitted by Michelle Kehler, Public Health Nurse/ Lactation Consultant, NEHA. For breastfeeding questions, phone: 204-444-6130,
    Email: mkehler@neha.mb.ca

    Head Lice

    HEAD LICE: What You Should Know

    HEAD LICE are small insects that live on people’s heads.  They are challenging little pests!  Here are some quick facts: What Do LICE Look Like?
    What Do NITS Look Like?
    ANYONE can get head lice!

    How Do Lice Spread?
    What is the RECOMMENDED BEST Way to Get Rid of Head Lice?
    If you have head lice, it is important to CLEAN items that touch your head or neck in one of the following ways:
    If you have any concerns or questions, or have difficulty getting rid of head lice, contact your doctor, local Public Health Nurse, or Health Links-Info Santé (toll-free at 1-888-315-9257), or check out Manitoba Health Source: www.gov.mb.ca/health. Submitted by: Kristal Plaetinck, Public Health Nurse, NEHA

    Cervical Cancer – When Was Your Last Pap Test?

    Having a check-up by the doctor and making appointments to have a pap test are not procedures that women usually look forward to.  We are often busy with the rest of life and these things tend to get done last.  However, the importance of having a regular pap test is crucial.  When cervical cancer is detected and treated early, the chances for successful treatment are better.

    What is Cervical Cancer?
    Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix, and typically progresses very slowly.  It begins when the cells of the cervix start to change and become abnormal, also called pre-cancerous cells.  Pre-cancerous changes in the cervix are quite common, and usually happen in women ages 20-30.  If left undetected and untreated some of these cells have the potential to turn to cervical cancer.

    In Canada in 2011, it is estimated that 1300 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed, and there will be about 350 deaths.  Since 1977 the number of women with cervical cancer has decreased by 50% because many women have been getting pap tests regularly.  A pap test is a laboratory examination of cells taken from the cervix to detect changes.

    Your risks of cervical cancer increase if you smoke, have a family history of cervical cancer, are sexually active, have a weakened immune system, have HPV (human papillomavirus), don’t have regular pap tests, and have used birth control pills for a long period of time (usually more than 5 years).

    Signs and Symptoms
    The following signs and symptoms can be related to cervical cancer or other health concerns.  It is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor to determine the cause: What can you do?
    All women who are sexually active, or have ever been, should have a pap test every 1 to 3 years, depending on any previous results.  Since there are no symptoms of HPV or early changes to the cervix it is very important to have a pap test done even if you feel fine.  You should continue to have a pap test if you are menopausal, abstain from sex, or have had many normal results.  You may be able to stop pap tests if you are 70 years or older, and have had three or more normal results within the past 10 years, or have had a total hysterectomy and have had no previous abnormal results.

    If you are between the ages of 9 and 26, the HPV vaccine should be considered.  It protects against some of the HPV infections that are known to cause more than 70% of cervical cancer cases.  However, if you have the vaccine it is still important to have regular pap tests, as it does not protect against all HPV infections.  Speak to your doctor or health care provider to see if this is something that is right for you. Sources:  Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer care Manitoba, Manitoba Cervical Cancer Screening Program (MCCSP)   Submitted By: Crystal Nazarewich, Primary Health Care Nurse

    The North Eastman Travel Health Clinic

    Thinking of taking that long deserved vacation?  Is your trip booked, sun screen and suitcase packed, are your immunizations up to date?

    The North Eastman Travel Health Clinic offers pre-travel service for all travelers who want to stay healthy and enjoy their journey.  We provide information on all health risks according to the country you will be travelling to.  You will also receive information pertaining to travel related illnesses, including malaria.

    It is best to book an appointment 6-8 weeks before you travel. Although most vaccines can be given on short notice, vaccines need time to become effective and provide you protection from disease.  Some vaccines need to be given in a series and scheduled a month apart.

    As travel health is a non-insured benefit, just like dental service, a fee is charged for each visit for all individuals or families for consultations, immunizations, and documentation.

    If you wish to make an appointment with the Travel Health Clinic please call 268-7467.  Look forward to seeing you!.  Submitted by Jodene Dudgeon, Public Health Nurse & Travel Health, NEHA

    New Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines

    Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day and adults need 150 minutes per week.  The new physical activity guidelines state: Children (5-11 years) and Youth (12-17 years) • For health benefits, children aged 5-11 years and youth aged 12-17 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. This should include:
    In January 2011, The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) announced the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines (explained above).  Canadians should try to exceed the minimum activity upper limits, as the greater the variety, intensity and duration of the physical activity, the greater the health benefit.  “The new Physical Activity Guidelines provide a minimum target to gain substantial heath benefits.  Currently, only 9 per cent of boys and 4 per cent of girls accumulate 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day,” says Dr. Mark Tremblay, Chair of the Physical Activity Guidelines Committee of the CSEP.  “Canadians must add more physical activity to their daily routines to promote and preserve their health and well-being.”  These guidelines are the result of over four years of research analysis funded by several groups including the Public Health Agency of Canada.

    Audrey Hicks, President of CSEP states that, “Our scientists have undertaken the most rigorous process to date to develop guidelines that reflect the evidence and will truly benefit all Canadians”.  The new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines can be found online and are downloadable on Manitoba CSEP Guidelines
    For more information visit Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.  Excerpts from Press Release: Laura Teed - Hill & Knowlton - TORONTO (ONTARIO) January 24, 2011. Submitted by Bonnie Stefansson, Wellness Facilitator, NEHA

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

    What Is FASD?

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term used to describe a spectrum or range of symptoms of a disability associated with children and adults who were prenatally exposed to alcohol.  FASD is a life-long physical condition. FASD includes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (PFAS), Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) and Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD) (This is Me Tool - reference link below).

    Nine brain domains can be affected by FASD which include academic skills;  focus and attention;  thinking and reasoning (Cognition);  communication;  executive functioning, memory, sensory (Neurological signs); living & Social Skills (Social Adaptive) and Brain Structure.  Three of the above mentioned nine domains need to be affected to receive an FASD diagnosis.

    An FASD assessment takes place within a multi-disciplinary approach in accordance with the Canadian Guidelines for FASD Diagnosis consisting of assessments from Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, Developmental Pediatrician, Geneticist, Psychology and Social Work.

    There are multiple benefits to diagnosis of which include:
    International Awareness Day is recognized on September 9 annually. For more information see International Awareness Day

    Circles of Support is an 8 week informational series that will begin in January of 2012.  If you are interested in attending please contact Devon for more information.

    For information on an FASD assessment your regional contact person is:
    Devon Ungurain, R.S.W.
    FASD Regional Diagnostic Coordinator
    Ph#: 753-5245

    For further information online in regards to assessment please see The Manitoba FASD Centre

    References: This is Me.   An interdisciplinary development team in Manitoba, Canada has developed "This is Me" - A Tool For Learning About and Working with People who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  Submitted by Devon Ungurain, R.S.W., FASD Regional Diagnostic Coordinator, NEHA

    ©Copyright 2012