c a r i b o u h... t h e Lights Out

the
caribou heard
2012, December
In this Issue
Your link to and from the North
Volume 10, No. 3
Lights Out
Announcements��������������2
15th Congress on Circumpolar Health................... 3
Online Circumpolar
Health Bibliographic
Database........................ 4
Discovery Day���������������4
Photo Ops...................... 5
Community Profile... 7 - 9
Med-Rehab Team��������� 11
Lingerie of the North.. 13
Cooking dinner during power outage in St. Theresa Point,, (l to r) Anita Hudson,
Janelle Schneider (M4), and NIC, Shawna.
A copy of this and
past Newsletters
are on our website
at the following
URL:
http://tiny.cc/nmu_
news/
Google: J.A. Hildes Northern
Medical Unit
W
hen the lights go down in
a northern Manitoba town,
people are out for the evening. To
light fires for warmth and to cook
their dinners that is! And for Anita,
Janelle, Shawna, Dr. Wendy Smith,
and Agency Nurse, Wanita dinner
consisted of smokies Anita found
rummaging in Shawna's freezer (by
flashlight). And even though Wanita is
a vegetarian she ate a smokie!. Can't
be too picky in those conditions, but
I'm sure Wanita regretted it over the
next couple of days.
In October, St. Theresa Point and
Garden HIll were without electricity
from noon on the 24th to mid-morning
the next day.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
This was low/no technology at
its' lowest or rather "no-ist". The
physicians and Nursing Station
staff coped as the true troopers
they are. And even though the
NS's were closed to all except
emergencies the physcians had to
perform emergency examinations
by flashlight as the back-up
generators kept cutting out.
The one upside was paperwork
was caught up with, but that too
had to be performed by flashlight
or what little light that came
through the windows.
Another day in the North —
expect the unexpected. s
the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
Announcements
S
adly we say goodbye to our Receptionist of
the past two years, Olga Cruces. Olga and
her family will be moving back to their home
country of Chile. Olga was a great addition to
our team and we will miss her positive upbeat
attitude. We wish her all the best in this next
phase of her life. And, of course hope to visit
her in sunny Chile.
Congratulations to Dr. Arnold Naimark, U of
M President Emeritus, Dean Emeritus of the
Faculty of Medicine 1971-1981, and collegue
& friend of Dr. J.A. Hildes and the Northern
Medical Unit for being inducted in the Medical
Hall of Fame.
Renal Health Nurses, Deanna and Alex MIller
welcomed the arrival of their first child, Chester
Luke Miller, born on the 24th of November in
Winnipeg, Chester arrived healthy at 7 lbs
2 ounces, and 51 cm; and pretty awesome
according to his parents. Deanna and Alex
have returned to Garden Hill and will be
splitting parental leave between themselves.
Congratulations.
In mid-September, Derry Martens, CEO of
Churchill Regional Health Authority (now
Churchill Health Centre Division) left to take
a job in Saskatchewan. Derry first came to
Churchill as an RN in 1987 staying until 1998.
She returned in 2005 as the CEO. We wish her
all the best.
Goodbye OlgaI
Dr. Wendy Smith with Derry Martens
Send us your announcements: [email protected]
Page 2
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
15th Congress on Circumpolar Health
Fairbanks, Alaska. Site of the 1st and the 15th International Congress on Circumpolar Health
(l to r) Dr. Bruce Martin, Susan Chatwood,
Executive and Scientific Director, Institute for
Circumpolar Health Research, Dr. Pam Orr.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
Dr. Ted Mala, Director of Tribal Relations and
Traditional Healing Southcentral Foundation,
presenting:"Nuka Model" It's All Abut
Relationships - Katherine Gottlieb & Ted Mala,
Southcentral Foundation"
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the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
Online Circumpolar Health Bibliographic Database
T
he Circumpolar Health Bibliographic
Database (CHBD) describes 6,000
publications about all aspects of human health
in the circumpolar region. The database is a
project of the Canadian Institutes of Health
Research (CIHR) Team in Circumpolar Health
Research and can be accessed here.
http://www.aina.ucalgary.ca/chbd/
The CHBD includes all types of publications,
both peer-reviewed and grey literature. It can be
searched using: words from titles or abstracts,
names of diseases or conditions, types of
people, geographic regions, authors, publication
years, and special groups of publications.
Search results can be sorted by year or by first
author.
The records in the CHBD contain citations,
abstracts, subject and geographic indexing
terms, library codes, and links to 2,900 online
publications. As part of the CHBD project,
server space is available to make PDF files of
publications available online or to provide an
additional online location for publications that are
already available online from their publishers.
s
Discovery Day, 2 November 2012
O
Robyn Gordon-Brown, Diabetic Foot Nurse Clinicial conducts a diabetic foot care workshop
ver 220 grade 11 and 12 students from
60 Manitoba hIgh schools investigated
health care career options at the one day
workshops.
The annual November event is held at the
Bannatyne Campus and sponsored by
TD Discovery Day in Health Sciences and
Page 4
organised by The Canadian Medical Hall of
Fame.
Nearly half of the students travel from
rural and First Nations communities. The
NMU happily donates some of our unused
Perimeter frequent flyer points to support
travel for some students to attend. s
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
Photo Ops
(l to r) June Gray, former Manager of the Renal Health
Unit; Dr. Wendy Smith, NMU Physician; and HR Coordinator, Sylvia Sunstrum at Winnipeg's 21st Annual
Guardian Angel Benefit for Women's Cancer
(l to r) Churchill's Dr. Deidre O'Flaherty with resident
Jordan Langrell (Jordan is the daughter of the NMU"s
transcriptionist, Joy)
(l to r) Sharon Macdonald, Noralou Roos, Linda Lamirand, Julia Rempel, Amanda Penzick, Marcia Anderson-Decoteau with
daughter, Myla DeCoteau, Yvette Emerson at the 6th Annual Grandmother's Protecting our Children Medicine Walk on the
21st of September 2012.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
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the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
(l to r) All Hallows Eve at the Winnipeg office, Ava Halprin, Kathy Risk, (behind Kathy, Dwayne Koop), Gail Yacucha, Olga
Cruces holding Eileen Koop's daughter, Lucy, Kathy Harlos, Sylvia Sunstrum.
Dwayne Koop, Manqttger of the Renal Healt Unit
celebrating another successful Accreditation process.
Page 6
(l to r) Nancy Mentuck and Gladys Wood of the Renal
Health Unit. Last October, Gladys passed her 6 year
anniversery with the Unit. Congratualtions Gladys.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
People Making a Difference in their Communities
L
Lorna McLellan, ADI in Red Sucker Lake.
orna McLellan, has been working at the Red
Sucker Lake Clinic since 1996: as a referral
clerk, front desk clerk, and also helping out the CHR
and house keeping staff, and since 2005 as the ADI.
Lorna tries to help clients with foot care and to
foster self management. She also enjoys teaching
Diabetes Prevention and Awareness and how
diabetes starts. Lorna remarked "after I went back to
school it was an eye opener"; referring to how much
those at high risk need to be aware of to prevent and
manage diabetes.
She uses charts on how the food we eat affects the
arteries and in turn the feet. She teaches people to
keep an eye on their feet and that the inability to feel
pain can cause ulceration and eventually amputation
if not taken care of properly. She tells clients "if you
get loss of sensation - go use shoes in the house".
discourages watching TV and playing video games.
In the evenings she visits the schools and participates
in physicial activities such as broom ball and floor
hockey. Lorna also supports the July annual beach
bash where people are outside, swimming, and
enjoying healthy activities.
More events like the beach bash would be helpful to
the community.
It concerns Lorna there is a lack of access to
proper shoes in the community and that they are so
expensive. People have to go Winnipeg for shoes
which not all can afford..”
Lorna stresses to clients that prevention of foot
problems also includes seeing the Doctors and the
Diabetic Foot Nurse Clinician. s
She likes to encourage people to get involved and
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
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the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
The NMU Office Decorating Challenge
Page 8
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
People Making a Difference in their Communities
M
ichelle Mink has.been employed at the Easterville
Clinic since July 2000 in her present position as an
On-Call Worker. She completed one year of the Nursing
Course at Red River College but has had to put her
study on hold for the time being. Her cousin, Natalie was
working as an On-Call Worker who encouraged Michelle
to also apply for a job at the Clinic.
Michelle describes her job as a helper to the nurses and
doctors during regular and after clinic hours. She has
been involved with assisting Robyn Gordon-Brown, the
Diabetic Foot Nurse Clinician (DFNC) since January
2011.
Michelle thinks that many community members neglect
their feet because there is not enough education on foot
care. Effective teaching should target people living with
diabetes and be taught by a person who is themselves
living with diabetes. Clients need to hear the point of
view from other diabetics. She thinks the one-on-one
sessions for education are best suited to the individual
needs.
Michelle Mink, On Call Worker, Chemewawin
Nursing Station
Michelle has learned from the DFCN the importance
of looking at feet, keeping feet in good shape, and
the importance of wearing appropriate footwear and
regular follow-up care. s
If you would like to profile someone in your nursing station or community who is making a difference to improve the health of the
community please send information and photo to Julie Creasey: julie.creasey/med.umanitoba.ca
(l to r) From Poplar River Nursing Station: Virginia Batenchuk, DOT Worker; Edith Martel, NIC;
Victoria Bruce, Clerk; and summer student Kari Wosnitza.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
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2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
Noella Green from Bloodvein assists the diabetic foot nurse, Robyn Gordon-Brown apply a walking plaster slab that
offloads the pressure from a toe pulp ulcer. This is a short term offloading device until the client is assessed by a specialist
in Winnipeg to determine if a total contact cast is appropriate for this client. The offloading device helps spread the surface
area over the entire foot instead of the 1st toe. This treatment can speed up the healing time of a neuropathic diabetic foot
ulcer.
toe pulp neuropathic diabetic ulcer
Page 10
post callous paring of the neuropathic diabetic toe pulp
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
News from our Med-Rehab Team
Rankin Inlet, NU at Sunrise 9:30 am - temperature -44ºC with wind chill. NMU Rehab Team
(l to r) Zac Harris -OT, Alysha Friedman -OT, Mike Wheeler -PT, Jeannine Wheeler –SLP, and Francine
Mach –PT.
T
he.NMU Medical Rehabilitation Team is
stationed in Rankin Inlet and is comprised
of two Physiotherapists, two Occupational
Therapists, and one Speech :Language
Pathologist.
With Zac in the position of OT locum, the Rankin
Inlet team is pleased to be fully staffed at this
time.
Lorna Doubt, OT was previously in the
Administrative Team Leader position. Although
it was sad to see her go, the NMU is pleased to
announce her retirement in October 2012 after
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
providing incredible service for more than two
years in the Kivalliq region.
Lorna has returned home to Ontario and
is enjoying having this time to spend with
family and friends. She was an active part of
community life and is greatly missed by both
professionals and clients. Since her departure,
Mike Wheeler has temporarily taken over this
position.
The role of the Rehabilitation Team is to prevent
and minimise disability, while maximising
...continued next page
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the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
Rehab, cont'd
independent living of an
individual in his or her own
community. Responsibilities
include not only direct client
care, but also education, client
advocacy, and participation
in community development
activities.
The Rankin Inlet Team travels
two - five times per year (per
discipline) to each of the
communities throughout the
Kivalliq region; a total of 60
visits!
The communities we visit:
Arviat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield
Inlet, Coral Harbour, Repulse
Bay, and Whale Cove.
Each community visit consists of
two - five days in which services
are provided in the health
centre, schools, group homes,
elder’s centre/hospice, and
personal homes.
Some benefits of living in
the North are having the
opportunities to engage in many
winter adventures, such as:
going exploring on snowmobiles,
ice fishing, dog sledding, visiting
cabins, curling, playing hockey/
skating, and of course surviving
the walk to work in -50ºC, etc.
Some people are even fortunate
enough to see local wild life
such as the arctic hare, caribou,
arctic foxes, and of course, the
“nanauq” (polar bears). s
Picture taken by Mike
Wheeler of a polar bear seen
during a community visit in
Arviat, November 2012
Page 12
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
Lingerie of the North: How to Make a Parka Sexy
Alternatively and probably more appropriately called "What Not to
Wear… In the North"
By Amy Dytnerski RNBN, Diabetic Retinal Screening Nurse.
Y
ou can try to deny it all you want, but let’s face
it: winter is upon us. It happens every year,
and we know it will happen, but it always seems to
come with some initial shock. Winnipeg is cold, this
we know, but as you travel
up North it tends to get a few
(or several) degrees colder.
I’m no Stacy London, but as
we gear up for another great
winter I wanted to give you
my thoughts on some of the
dos and don’ts of what to wear
(and not wear) in the North.
warm. Parkas are the lingerie of the North, and they
are hot. Well.....they are mostly warm, but warm is
the new sexy, right? Throw on some good quality
warm gloves, a toque and a scarf and you’re set to
be one hot mama or pappa. The
key to looking saucy and sassy is to
actually have as little skin exposed
to the cold as possible. Long johns
are also mandatory — embrace it.
There is nothing that says “I am an
established healthcare professional”
quite like wearing an insulating layer
of long underwear to work.
You never really know what
Working in the North is
situations you will encounter — I
rewarding, exciting, and it’s
could tell you about the time the
also an incredible adventure.
nursing station driver locked us out,
Most of the time you don’t
and the keys to the van in, while on
know what to expect when
the way to the airport in the pouring
you get geographically
freezing rain; but perhaps I’ll save
vertical, so your best bet is
that for another time. Dress yourself
to be a planner. If you’re
like an Arctic yeti man (or woman)
going to survive winter up in
and you’ll thank yourself for it.
the North the key is to dress
for success. Success looks
I’ve covered the basics of what to
a little different in the North,
wear to survive the Northern winter,
where practical tends to trump
in summation: warm, washable
style. It means wearing easily
clothes, boots, long johns, and a
washable, warm clothing, and
parka are staples. Here are some
Amy models this fun and colourful "Unitard"
some type of rubber boot.
things
I suggest you do not wear up
she found at a Thrift Store. Not so trendy
Any moisture up North, even
in
the
North:
anymore but will keep you warm at -30°C;
the tiniest amount, equals
which is always fashionable.
unfathomable amounts of
•
Anything white – mud and
sticky mud due to the high
dust do not mix well with white.
clay content in the soil. The key is to wear a) clothing
• High heels – these are especially not conducive
that is easily washable b) clothing that you are not
for out running the dogs or walking through snow.
attached to, and c) a generous combination of both
• A sequined unitard – mainly because no one
a) and b). Foot wear that can withstand snow and
should wear that. Ever. A unitard snowsuit is
mud and has good grip on ice is essential. While I
however a different story.
don’t own a pair myself, I have heard rumours among
those who frequent the North that BOGS brand boots
• A bikini - that goes for gals and guys. While I
are pretty nifty (yes, nifty is a technical nursing term).
keep requesting NMU hot tubs for the nursing
They are insulated rubber boots that I have been told
residences this request keeps getting denied for
are good up to minus -40° C, but don’t quote me on
some reason.
that. Bottom line, clothing and footwear that is easily
Stay warm and have a great winter season – see you
washable and warm = pure genius.
in the North!
The key to surviving the northern winter is to dress
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
Page 13
the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
Keeping it Simple
Page 14
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
the caribou heard
Advanced Trauma
Life Support®
Course for Doctors
This Course fills up
Fast - Register Early
The Advanced Trauma Life
Support® Course is publshed
by the American College of
Surgeons and provides a
framework for the management of the injured patient. It
is intended to allow the single doctor in a rural hospital
to effectively assess and manage multiple trauma.
The Course teaches a systematic approach for the
effective assessment and resuscitation of the severely
traumatised patient. The 2 day course consists of:
• pre-course test
• didactic and interactive core content
lectures
• practical skill stations
• surgical skill station
• triage scenarios
• initial assessment and management skill
station
• post-course test
Upon completion of the course physicians should feel
confident in the concepts and principles of primary
and secondary assessment, establishing management
priorities, initiating resuscitative measures and
demonstrating the practical skills used in the initial
assessment and management of patients with multiple
injuries.
A verification card is provided upon successful
completion of the course and is valid for 4 years from
the date of issue. a student refresher course must then
be taken to maintain ATLS® provider status.
The next advanced Trauma Life Support® Provider/
Refresher Courses will be held:
2013
- January 25-26
- March 15-16
- May 24-25
- August 23-24
- October 18-19
- November 22-23
Please contact ATLS Department of Surgery:
AE402 - 840 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg MB R3A 1S1
Phone: 787-2394
Fax: 787-4618
Email: [email protected]
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
Manitoba Continuing Professional
Development
Information on ATLS, ACLS, PALS,
Registration,
Forms, and more.
Check out the MCPD
website for Events,
Programs, and Courses.
http://manitobacpd.com
5th International Meeting
on Indigenous Child Health
Strong Communities,
Healthy Children
SAVE THE DATE!
April 19-21, 2013
Portland, Oregon, USA
Join the Canadian Paediatric Society and the American
Academy of Pediatrics in cooperation with the Indian
Health Service and the First Nations Inuit Health
Branch, Health Canada for the 5th International
Meeting on Indigenous Child Health. Child health
providers and researchers dedicated to working with
American Indian, Alaska Native, First Nations, Inuit,
and Métis children and families are encouraged to
attend. Participants will have the opportunity to share
model programs and research and develop practical
skills that can be utilised in community settings.
For updated conference information, visit www.cps.ca
or www.aap.org/nach.
To submit abstracts visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/
DBR9VP8
Deadline for workshop proposal submission:
August 24, 2012
Deadline for abstract submission:
September 21, 2012
Page 15
the caribou heard
2012, December
Volume 10, No. 3
the
caribou heard
The Caribou Heard is published by the J. A. Hildes
Northern Medical Unit, Section of First Nations, Métis,
and Inuit Health of the Department of Community Health
Sciences at the University of Manitoba.
Page 16
Submissions can be made to Julie Creasey at T162770 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3E 0W3, julie.
[email protected]
Phone: 204-789-3510
Fax: 204-774-8919
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba
J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Publication