Around the Regions

Western Heart Health Coalition

Farewell to Kim Bartholomew

The Western Heart Health Coalition and the NLHHP bids farewell and thank you to the former Western Heart Health Coalition Co-Chair, Kim Bartholomew.

Kim joined the staff of Health and Community Services Western as Health Educator in October 1998. Kim enjoyed being part of every aspect of health promotion and played a big role in helping the Valley Mall in Western become "smoke-free". As described by Western Heart Health Coalition Chair, Stephanie Buckle... "Kim charmed us with her Cape Breton flare"... "yes my dear"...she was known to say, to every request from community groups and staff.

Kim has returned to Cape Breton to be with her family and friends. We all wish her the very best!

Workplace Wellness in Western

The Workplace Wellness Program and the Regional Workplace Wellness Committee promoted National Workplace Wellness Week (October 22 - 26, 2001) at Health and Community Services Western. The purpose of the week was to highlight the importance of a healthy workplace and to encourage employees to participate in health promotion, prevention and wellness strategies. Staff at each site were asked to take on the role of Work Site Leader and to help plan, coordinate, and promote activities to highlight the week. A package with wellness ideas was sent to each Work Site Leader to assist in their planning. Some of the Workplace Wellness activities coordinated included:

• Logging on to www.dietitians.ca to create individual nutrition profiles regarding the foods eaten for one full day
• Picking "a peaceful thought for the day" activity
• A Breast Health session for staff at the Port aux Basques site
• Balancing Work and Home sessions in Deer Lake and Corner Brook
• Lunch-time walks

A Well Workplace Award was promoted for several months prior to wellness week and work sites were encouraged to work at becoming healthier. Three entries were received and the 1st place winner was the Stephenville Annex. They received a plaque and a staff bowling party. The other two runners-up received fruit baskets. All the entries showed creativity in the ways they have worked towards creating a healthier workplace.

Lifestyle Clinic Going Strong in Kippens

The Kippens Community Center is always a buzz the third Tuesday of every month. Public Health Nurse, Pat Young, with the help of other nurses and volunteers, offers a Lifestyle Clinic to the general public in the area. Community members aged 50 to 80 years young participate in the clinic, rain or shine. Guest speakers including a physical education teacher; a pharmacist; and, the regional nutritionist, have presented at the clinic. Pat Young has referred many clinic participants to the Healthy Heart classes at the local hospital; the Diabetes Center; and, their family physician. Pat says, "It's a thrill when I get a thank you call from someone who really appreciated the help you have given them". There are plans to also have the Lifestyle Clinic offered in Stephenville. Other nurses are offering monthly Blood Pressure Clinics throughout the region. Stacey Fowler has been offering monthly Blood Pressure Clinics in DeGrau since June 2000, with an attendance of 20 - 30 people per session.

The Western Heart Health Coalition Meetings

The Western Heart Health Coalition held Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Meetings in Corner Brook, Stephenville and Rocky Harbour in October, 2001. A total of 26 people participated in the day long events. The purpose of the meetings was: to share the Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy with people and organizations key in activating strategies to influence the health of the population; and, to faciliate discussion around what Type 2 Diabetes is and how it can be prevented. The meetings provided a basis for the participants to look at the strengths, challenges and make suggestions for action in their own communities. Based on the comments received, participants were pleased to be updated on the Strategy and felt that the discussions would be helpful in planning other health promotion events. The feedback from the discussions provided a starting point to look at a Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program for the workplace. A working group has been formed to develop this program.