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www.woodstockfirstnation.com

www.sjrvtribalcouncil.nb.ca

EN - WE - OW - LE - TENEH 

WOODSTOCK FIRST NATION HEALTH CENTRE NEWSLETTER

Greetings and Happy Easter!

Just a few dates of upcoming workshops to be offered at the Health Center:

-May 3^rd at 6 p.m. the first prenatal session will take place. If Wednesday evenings are not good for people, we can discuss the future dates for the following sessions. I encourage all moms and dads to come along for these classes, even if it is not your first pregnancy. There will be healthy snacks, education, door prizes and a few giggles! Please phone the Nursing Office if you plan to attend. Thanks.

-To the diabetic group. I haven’t forgotten about you! I have been trying to arrange a guest speaker to speak on nutrition and healthy cooking, as many requested. I await confirmation for the first or second week of May. I will let you know as soon as possible.

-Calling all women who want to learn more about Breast Health! I plan to have a session regarding Breast Health at the Health Center on May 9^th at two in the afternoon. I hope you are able to attend. I have done this presentation to communities in Maine, and New Brunswick. Women have learned a lot and had a few good laughs. Sorry men…women only!

Have a Blessed Easter Week with your family and friends.

Susanne Priest

LET’S GET HEALTHY TOGETHER

WEIGHT CONTROL GROUP

Time:  7pm

Day:  Tuesdays

Starting Tuesday April 4th

Location:  Tribal council board room

Lets get together and support each other in our
attempts to eat healthier and control our weight.
There will be a weigh in and record keeping to see how successful we are as a group.  Please come and join the wonderful support that will be offered to all of us.  Anyone is welcome. 

The meetings will be an hour long and Tobi will be the lady that will be helping us make healthy decisions.
Please come and see how much fun it will be.

If there are any questions please feel free to contact
me, Tobi Paul at 325-3570 at the Woodstock First Nation Health Center.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

FASD Mentor Program - It Takes a Community

Understanding Young Children with FASD

Characteristics of Young Children

From toddler through preschool, Children with FASD may be slow to develop.  This may not be readily noticeable due to their young age and small stature.

Health

Severely affected children will continue to have health problems due to organ damage or being prone to infections.

Development

Delays affecting speech and vocabulary may be noticeable in the preschool years, indicating later learning disabilities.  Referral to therapy and special needs preschool may counter any possible learning disability.

Late development of motor skills means children with FASD can be clumsy and accident prone for their age.  They may require more intense supervision.

Learning through experience, seeing and hearing may be delayed.  They rely more on touch to explore their surroundings.  Hot stoves, camp-fires, electrical outlets or eating non-edible substances can be dangerous for the unsupervised child with FASD.

Preschool

Over-stimulation or changes in daily routines can lead to tantrums and destructive behaviour.  A gradual introduction to preschool may ease this situation.

Interacting with other children can be a problem.  Adapting to class routines can be difficult.  Special needs preschool with low pupil/teacher ratios provide speech therapy and other support programs.

As the child nears school age, an assessment is needed to determine what special services should be in place to ensure  a successful transition to school.

Message form your Wellness Worker

Youth Groups

• Ages 6~11: Tues from 4:30- 6

• Ages 12+: Thurs from 7-9

Drumming is at the Heath Centre on Sundays at 7 pm

Here is an interesting piece of information that talks about how we need to restore honor in our communities and therefore combating the illnesses that exist, on many reserves across the country. I found this article helpful in the work of keeping my spirit alive and well. On the 4th bullet, it talks about how our culture is a "protective factor". A protective factor, in simple terms, is something positive that we do that influences the child in a positive way, therefore, maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I hope you enjoy the article...

Today, many communities struggle to hold on to the almost bare threads of culture. The languages, stories, music, dancing, traditions are being restored despite protests from some non-aboriginals who continue to call for assimilation with all its inherent destruction for Aboriginal Peoples. Is it worth the effort, the struggle, the fight to restore culture? Doctor Chandler's research testifies to the benefits of Aboriginal culture.

• The clear message that is sent by the evidence brought out in this report is that the First Nations communities that have taken active steps to preserve and rehabilitate their own cultures are also those communities in which youth suicide rates are dramatically lower.

• Invest in cultural heritage - insulate against suicide.

• Being connected to your culture provides you with a valuable resource, an ally to draw on when your sense of personal identity is in shambles.

• A strong continuity in culture - a strong protective factor.

• It is not true that all First Nations have a higher rate of suicide that the general population - but some First Nations do have dramatically high rates. Some communities have suicide rates 800 times the national average. But there are other where suicide doesn't exist.

SAVE CULTURE! SAVE LIVES! "The restoration of Aboriginal culture is a necessary, meaningful and comprehensive community approach to suicide prevention. The latest research proves it works". "I hope we all will sit up and take note, especially those Reform politicians who would destroy us by their efforts to get rid of our culture and communities."

.......Tehaliwaskenhas, October 17, 1998

FROM THE SENIOR’S DESK

By Carole Polchies

Another Texas Hold’em has come and gone. It was considered very successful. The group who participated was very pleased with what was on the menu. To name a few things that was on the menu . . .Mouth Watering Hot chicken sandwiches, Hot Hamburger sandwiches, Hamburgers and Red Hot Dogs.

Roger Polchies and Darrell Paul, thanks for all your help. Shawn Sappier did his share of the work, even though he is not a senior (yet!!). Thanks guys for a job well done.

Not to go unnoticed, Grindle Sappier did a great job. To the two ladies who cooked throughout the whole day and part of the evening, with no mention of names, brought smiles to the players with the mention of the menu.

APRIL 02, 2006

The next Texas Hold’em will be held April 02, 2006. Registration time will be 12: p.m. starting time is at 1 p.m. same time and place. Should bring a good turnout again. Sharpen up on your card games and join the fun. Everyone seems like they are having fun at those card games.

EXERCISE CLASSES

Still on every Mondays and Wednesdays. They begin at 10:00 a.m. each morning and they end at 11:00 a.m. Only one hour of your time, and you feel like you are ready to face whatever comes your way. Good or bad or in-between. Honestly though, the turnout is not very favorable and if we do not have more people taking advantage of these workouts, then I am afraid we won’t have anymore. So, please take advantage of them. If you only knew how much better you feel after you exercise. . . .it’s indescribable.

Come on, check and see what I am talking about. It will become a habit you won’t want to break. And besides it’s for your health and well- being. So, what do you say? Are you coming over to join us? Good!! See you there.

‘Til next time. . . . .See ya!!

WORTH NOTING

By Carole Polchies

It seems it’s been many moons ago since the last column of “Worth Noting” went in the newsletter.

Seems that we have lost touch, but we can always renew old acquaintances. I must begin by telling you that we didn’t have much success with our ‘Rosary Night’ for beginners. We were targeting the little people mostly, while encouraging the more mature people to come and join in too. We really don’t mind what age groups come to our sessions.

I really would encourage the parents to send their little ones or at least the ones who have made their first communion and the ones who are preparing for it. What do you say we try again? Please call either Ilona or Carole if the interest is still there. We still have a bit of time before the warm weather come. It seems, that is the time we can lose the interest of the children, as they would rather play outdoors. Sounds logical, doesn’t it.

Father Brennan has not given us a date for our next mass. However, if and when he does, will let everyone know and if it is not newsletter time, we will do flyers, which is the usual practice. Or it might be easier to make phone calls.

Today is considered Spring by some people, although according to our generation, Spring is not official until the 21^st of the Month. Wonder how many people would go with which day. It would be surprising, I think

I LEAVE YOU WITH THIS THOUGHT

 People are only complete when they have a true friend to understand them to share all their passions and sorrows with and to stand by them throughout their lives ~ Susan Polis Schutz

Again, I am reminding you to keep watch for your newsletter. It contains very important tools and it keeps you abreast with what is happening in your community. 

Cheers. . . . .

Attention - Joe Tomah will be expanding his dental services to include:

• Filling

• Extractions

• Cleanings

• Oral hygiene instruction

• Sealants

• Fluoride

• and basic dental services

He will also continue with COHI. (as shown below)

His schedule will be Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday in Tobique. He will be spending Wednesdays in Woodstock. Schedule may change. He will be taking patients very soon, (waiting on supplies). If you would  like to make an appointment call the Health Center (Ethel) at 325-3570

Are You interested in the COHI Program

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE COHI PROGRAM AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE JOE, CALL THE HEALTH CENTER TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT OR STOP BY ANYTIME. 

 THE CHILDREN'S ORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE IS A PAIN FREE WAY OF MAINTAINING YOUR CHILDREN'S TEETH. 

Cohi Clinic

If you are interested in the COHI Program and would like to see Joe, Call the Health Center to make your appointment or stop by anytime. The Children's Oral Health Initiative is a pain free way of maintaining you Children's Teeth.

Thanks

Joe Tomah; Dental Therapist COHI

 The COHI (Children's Oral Health Initiative) is a new dental program. It is designed to prevent the occurrence of dental disease in young children and build healthy habits into adulthood.

The target groups are 0-4 year olds, and 5-7 year olds. The program involves fluoride treatments, sealants, temporary fillings, and oral health instructions. The COHI program will be delivered by Joseph Tomah (Dental Therapist).

If any of these children need further treatment, they will be referred to a dentist.

If you would like to enroll your child in this program please get the permission form from the Health. If you have any questions feel free to cal Joe at 325-3570.

Scope of practice for a dental therapist includes:

• Limited dental exams

• Oral Hygiene instruction teaching brushing & flossing

• Teeth cleaning including scaling and prophy removing tarter & polish teeth

• Fluoride application

• Radiographs (x-rays)

• Application of sealants a plastic coat to protect teeth

• Preventative Resins a small white filing

• Fillings composite (white) & silver

• Pulpotomy  (baby tooth root canal)

• Stainless Steel Crowns silver caps

• Extraction of primary (baby) and permanent teeth (adult) teeth

• Community presentations

• Prenatal & postnatal presentations

• Classroom presentations

Vision Care Benefits and Other Benefits

To view this click the NIHB Administrator Page here

From Your Drug & Alcohol Worker

Note: Arthur Sappier- direct at 325-3592 from Monday - Thursday 9-12 and 1-4. If you want to talk or feel you have a problem with liquor or drugs.

AA meetings will show you the way to quit drinking and help you on the path of sobriety. Here is the list of the meetings for the Woodstock Area:

Mon: Living Free Group, Salvatin Army, Woodstock, 8:30 pm

Tues: Tuesday Night Group, St. Gertrude's Hall, Woodstock, 8:00 pm

Wed: Living Free Group, Salvation Army Woodstock, 8:00 pm

Thurs: Florinceville Group, St. Leo's Catholic Church, 8:00 pm

Fri: Steps to Freedom Group, St. Gertrude's Hall , 8:30 pm

Sat: Living Free, Salvation Army Woodstock, 8:00 pm

Sun: Sunday Group, Woodstock First Nation Health Center, 2:30 pm

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot chance, Courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Catching Your Child With Drugs:

If you've caught your child using drugs or "holding" them for a friend, you might be speechless. Worse yet, you might want to lash out with harsh words. If you feel angry or that you may be out of control at the moment, give yourself a cooling-off period before you talk to your child. The next step, experts say, is to let your child know that you do not approve of drug use or possession.

The following phrases work to get good communication going:

• "Let's talk about how you got these drugs and the impact of what you've done."

• "I'm really disappointed. You know I don't approve of drug use. I especially don't approve of you using drugs."

• "I'm going to stand by you and always love you and guide you, but I do not want you taking drugs. I don't want you making the wring choice and then have bad things happen in your life."

Giving Advice on Avoiding Risky Situations:

Sometimes kids need the language to help them stay away form risky situations. Here are some lines you can provide your child. In addition, this is also an opportunity to get your kids to think for themselves. Ask them what they would say or do in risky situations. Then you can give your child examples form the ones listed below of what he can tell someone who uses drugs:

• "It like you, but I don't like drugs"

• "It makes me uncomfortable to be around drugs."

• "I'd be happy to help you (go to a teacher, parent or other adult), but I can't be around you when you use drugs."

• "My dad (or mom, grandmother, etc.) would kill me if they knew I was around drugs."

• "I'd get kicked off the team if I was caught around drugs."

Here's what your child can tell someone who offers them drugs:

• "No, thanks. It's not for me."

• "Why would I want to mess up a good thing? I'm cool the way I am."

• You're kidding, right? What would I do something so dumb?"

• "No way, Man. Taking drugs is stupid."

• " NO way, man. Taking drugs is not for me."

• "Can't do it. Gotta get home."

• "I can't use drugs. I have a big test tomorrow."

• "I tried drinking and I threw up."

• "That's illegal. I don't want to get in trouble."

• "I have a big game tomorrow."

• "I'm up for a scholarship and don't want to blow it."

• "My parents would kill me."

• "My cousin smoked marijuana and got caught by the police."

• "I could get kicked off the team if anyone found out"

Important Health Message for Women aged 50-69

Breast Cancer Screening

• If you are a woman between the ages of 50 and 69, you have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

• There is proof that regular breast cancer screening examinations  for women you age can help find breast cancers early and improve chances of recovery.

• As long as you have no signs of breast cancer, you should take part in breast cancer screening every two years. If you have any possible signs of breast cancer, please see you doctor right away. Signs might include a breast lump, puckery skin, a nipple discharge or a rash.

• Region hospital corporations now offer breast cancer screening services for you.

• Breast cancer screening services include:

  • a screening mammogram (breast x-ray)

  • clinical breast examination by a health professional

  • learning about breast self-examination

• You can take part in these services without seeing  a doctor first. Just call the screening site in your area to schedule a time for your examination. There is no fee for this service.

• If you are younger than 50 or older than 69, please talk to your doctor to find out what breast screening methods would be best for you. This is especially important if you have a family history of breast cancer.

If you are between the ages of 50 and 69, you are invited to contact the breast cancer screening site in your area.

Breast Screening Program

1-800-656-7575

Oromocto Public Hospital (357-4747)

Hotel Dieu of St. Joseph, Perth (273-7181)

Carleton Memorial Hospital, Woodstock (325-6780)

Or contact your local region hospital corporation for more information.

What is Home and Community Care?

• Home and Community Care are services to people that are provided mainly in the home.

• Services are provided to people based on needs identified through a client assessment.

• Our belief of care is to help people keep their independence in the their own home and allow them to be close to their loved ones as long as possible.

• Services are provided in a holistic manner that looks at your physical, social, spiritual and emotional need because each person is different and unique.

• Home and Community Care will support and improve the care provided by the family and community but should not replace it.

What services are part of Home and Community Care?

The services that make up home and community care are:

Client Assessment

This is carried out by:

• Talking with you and your family

• Talking with your doctor and other people who have cared for you

• Reviewing your health history

The information gathered from these talks is written down and used to plan your care and the services you need.

This plan will be discussed with you.

Case Management

This is the next step after your assessment to make sure that the plan for your care is right and is provided by the right care giver at the right time.

Home Care Nursing

That is:

• Nursing care that is provided in your home

• Teaching you and your family to help you care for yourself

• Supervising the workers who provide you with the personal care

Personal Care

Help with activities like bathing, foot care, helping you get dressed.

In-Home Respite Services

Caring for you when it is not safe for you to be left alone while your family, who usually cares for your, has a rest.

Who Benefits from home and community care services?

Persons of any age who have an assessed need who:

• Have been discharged from hospital

• Have an illness or disease needing follow up care

• Are unable to live alone while waiting fro care in a long term care facility

• Have a disability requiring assistance to live on their own

• Need nursing care in the home

• Choose to live at home instead of in a long term facility as long as it is safe, affordable and services are available.

Others who may benefit from Home and Community Care:

• Family an friends who need support to continue to care for people in the home.

How are people referred?

You may refer yourself or you may be referred by others, such as family members, friends, your doctor, neighbors, or hospitals.  Just come to the Health Centre or phone Melissa, Debbie or our community health nurse to speak about referrals for our program.

Routine Immunization Schedule

• To more equally distribute the number of injections per visit, the schedule for hepatitis B vaccine is now 0, 2 and 6 months - a change form the previous schedule of 0, 2 and 12 months. This schedule change will not affect the protection achieved.

• Varicella vaccine is a live vaccine, making this the second live vaccine to be used in the routine immunization schedule. Vaccine administrators are reminded that the two live vaccines (i.e. MMR and Varicella) must be administered on the same day (using a separate syringe and sit) or separated by at least one month.

To find out more information, the website is: http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/476.html

PHARMASSIST WE TAKE THE TIME SMOKING

Smoking causes 30% of all deaths in Canada.  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in Canada and it is the most preventable of all human cancers.  It can also increase the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, colon, kidney, cervix and bladder. To reduce this risk factor for cancer, choose not to smoke or to use tobacco products suck as cigarettes,   cigars, a pipe, sniff or chewing tobacco.  The exposure of non-smokers to second-hand smoke increases their risk of getting lung cancer and other diseases as well.

Avon Orders

IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO PLACE AN AVON ORDER OR SEE AN AVON BOOK, PLEASE CALL CAROLE POLCHIES AT 328-6734.

Diabetes Facts Sheet:

Smoking and Diabetes to view this go to here (you need Adobe to view this)

What Should A Client Do When They Are Refused A Drug At A Pharmacy?

*Information from FNIHB (First Nations Inuit Health Branch)

If your doctor has prescribed a drug and you take it to the pharmacy and the pharmacists tells you that the drug is not covered under the NIHB program, ask the pharmacist what alternatives are available, and ask them to discuss this with the prescribing doctor, who should be able to recommend an alternative over the phone.  If there is no alternative, you can request the the pharmacists put your prescription through the Drug Exception Process for approval.  Drugs which are not listed in the Drug Benefit List may be approved in special circumstances by the Drug Exception Center.  The pharmacist will contact the NIHB Drug Exception Center toll free number.  The Exception Center will fax a covering letter and a “Exception Drugs Request Form” to your doctor to complete.  Once your Doctor has completed this form and returned it to the Drug Exemption Center, the request will be reviewed by a Medical Consultant for consideration as an exception.

If your doctor has not completed the form and returned it to the Centre within a two week period, the Center will assume that the prescription has been cancelled or the request has been changed to an alternative drug, listed in the Drug Benefit Listing.

MESSAGES ON TOBACCO AND YOUR HEALTH

NICOTINE

Nicotine is an odorless, oily, compound.  The brown staining we associate with smoking is tar.  Nicotine is a very powerful, poisonous drug—the amount contained in just one cigarette directly injected into a vein would kill you.  Nicotine is a stimulant, not a relaxant so it triggers an increase in adrenaline in the bloodstream, increases blood pressure, increases heart rate and speeds up respiration.  It creates stress in the body, thus increasing the demand for something to help the smoker cope—which of course, is another cigarette. 

EFFECTS ON LUNGS

Smoking accounts for about 80-90% of all chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  Smoking is involved in 85% of all lung cancer deaths.  Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, which binds to the same receptors on red blood cells as oxygen, thus  throwing oxygen out of the bloodstream.  As a result, less oxygen reaches the brain and muscles, slowing reaction

Time and impairing energy, strength and co-ordination.  Meanwhile , the nicotine in smoke speeds up heart rate, increasing the body’s need for oxygen.  That’s

Why smokers become short of breath.  Their bodies need more oxygen, but their blood carries less and less the more they smoke.

EFFECTS ON THE HEART

Cigarette smoking accounts for 30% of all heart disease deaths.  It increases the amount of cholesterol in the blood, narrows the blood vessels and causes stiffness in the artery walls, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke due to blockage and rupture of the arteries. 

CANCER

According to “Eating Smoke:  A Review of Non-Traditional Use of Tobacco Among Aboriginal People”, smoking tobacco causes 85 per cent of all lung cancers and is linked to cancers of the mouth,

throat, lip, tongue, esophagus, larynx, pancreas, stomach, kidney, ureter, bladder, and colon.  It has also been linked to some cases of leukemia and 30% of cervical cancer cases in women.  In total, about 30% of all cancer deaths are related in some way to smoking cigarettes. 

EFFECTS ON WOMEN

Aboriginal women on reserves have a 62 per cent higher rate of heart disease.  Lung cancer is a major cause of death among Inuit people, with Inuit women having one of the highest rates in the world.  All of these health problems can be traced to smoking.

• Women smokers have an unusually high rate of infertility.
• Women smokers enter menopause an average of 5 years earlier than non-smokers. 
• Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer.
• Women smokers have an increases incidence of osteoperosis.
• Women who smoke during pregnancy suffer a higher rate of  miscarriage, premature and still birth.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is greatly increased.

EFFECTS ON MEN

According to Health Canada, Aboriginal men living on reserves have a 40% higher death rate from stroke than other Canadians.

• Smoking causes impotence. 
• Smoking reduces sperm motility and sperm count

EFFECTS ON CHILDREN

• Children of smokers are at high risk of asthma, chronic bronchitis, allergies and heart problems.

• Children of smokers are hospitalized more frequently for bronchitis 

• And pneumonia the first year of their life.

• They have more acute respiratory illness before the age of two than children who do not live with smokers.

• They have chronic ear infections.

• They have a greater chance of developing cancers when they are older.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Nicotine has harmful effects  on the stomach therefore the effectiveness of many medications is greatly reduced in smokers.

• Smoking accelerates the aging process causing wrinkled skin and impaired vision.

• Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

  Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease, a condition almost exclusively linked to smokers who may suffer limb amputation as a result.

Some older people think that they have smoked for so long that it is too late to quit and that it will not do any good.  Research has shown that a person of any age can benefit from quitting at any time—no matter how long they have smoked including in those persons age 65 and over.  Health benefits begin immediately upon and the longer people refrain from smoking, the more their health improves. 

Problem and Compulsive Gambling

Raph McNabb-Executive Director taken form a article form Problem Gambling Resources Network (Alberta)

Invisible, Insidious, Devastating, but Preventable.

Although gambling can be fun and a costly form of some, for many people gambling leads to addiction, family destruction, divorce, bankruptcy, criminal acts, and suicide attempts.

John was 32, married with tow young children, he had good steady job, was a church member and a good solid citizen. After playing VLT's over a two year period and losing more and more money, John hung himself in his basement. The note he left read "I can't stop gambling, this is my only way out." Unfortunately this is not an isolated case.

The chief coroner in Alberta points to gambling as the main reason for 150 cases of suicide in the province during the last three years. How many more suicides go unreported?

During the last ten years, governments promoted, encouraged and profited from the expansion of gambling, and must accept their fair share of responsibility for gambling addicts. As a result of VLT, slot and other gambling expansion, thousands of Albertans ranging form teenagers to pensioners have become problem or compulsive gamblers. The rapid escalation of compulsive gambling in Alberta has resulted in a huge growth in Gamblers Anonymous self help chapters (from 3 chapters in Alberta in 1992 to over 50 chapters today). A recent (2002) study for the Alberta Gaming Research Gaming Institute, using the new "Canadian Problem Gambling Index,” shows that 15% of adults in Alberta have a problem with gambling (ranging from a minor problem to a serious addiction).  The study indicates that 5.25 (100,000) of adult Albertans are now addicted to gambling.

Studies by the NECHI institute show even higher rates of compulsive gambling among Natives.  Unfortunately studies also show the prevalence of teenage Problem Gambling is 2 to 4 times that of  Adults.  Teens gamble with family and friends, on card games, on sports, board games, scratch tickets, with each other on video  arcade games etc.

Any type of gambling can result in addiction, however the continuous forms are by far the most addicting.  These rapid, continuous forms of gambling include Bingo, VLT’s  and slots which allow the gambler to enter a trance or dream like state where he/she can escape from life’s problems as long as the money holds out or the place doesn’t close. 

Compulsive gambling is a progressive disorder with the gambler losing more  money and spending  more and more time gambling.  A compulsive gambler’s life and  the life of  his/her family becomes a nightmare, as gambling takes over.  Finally the gambler will get to the desperation stage where he/she must obtain money through illegal activities (theft, embezzlement, fraud etc.) to support the  addiction.

The problem gambler will go to great lengths to hide heavy losses, mounting debts, and an ever increasing preoccupation he/she has developed with gambling.  Compulsive gambler’s become guilt ridden and ashamed of their gambling activities. 

The art of deception, rationalization, lying , and denial are all used to keep the addiction from being discovered by spouse, family, friends, work-mates, etc.

Women too, are now gambling more than ever before; they often gamble to escape other problems in their lives such as boredom, loneliness, depression, poor marriages, etc.  They hide gambling problems from family, friends, co-workers even while this insidious disease is systematically  destroying their own life and families’ lives. 

Children are many times neglected and left outside gambling  establishments, or left home alone while their parents gamble.  Problem Gamblers must feel free to contact helping agencies. 

Compulsive gamblers may need others to help diagnose this hidden disease and with help they can recover from it.  Fortunately this is now available!  If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem. 

EARLY SIGNS OF A GAMBLING PROBLEM

1. Spends increasingly more time and money gambling.

2. Has growing debts.

3. Lies about whereabouts, or where the money went.

4. Mood swings—has highs when winning/lows when loosing

5. Misses work, late for work, or extra long lunches to gamble .

6. Borrows money, takes advances, is usually broke.

7. Brags about wins, minimizes losses.

8. Excessive use of telephone and mysterious calls (from creditors)

9. Misses special occasions to gamble (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)

10. Is more irritable and has trouble concentrating.

Gamblers Anonymous HOTLINE 1-800-461-1234

For information on meeting times and places  you can call the HOTLINE number or this information is also available from Gail at The Health Center. 

If anyone has anything they would like put in the newsletter you can call Ethel at 325-3570.

DON’T METH UP YOUR LIFE

METH FACT: FIRST TIME USE

• DEATH CAN OCCUR EVEN AFTER FIRST TIME USE

METH FACT: BRAIN

• METH ENTERS THAT PROTECTIVE LAYER OF THE BRAIN IN LESS THAN 6 SECONDS

METH FACT:  INTERVENTION

• EARLY INTERVENTION IS CRITICAL TO TREATMENT

METH FACT: LIFE SPAN

• THE AVERAGE LIFE SPAN OF A METH USER IS 7-10 YEARS

To learn more click to here

Children and Their Fears

To read about "Children and Their Fears" go to the Canadian Mental Health Association by click here

Help

WE are looking for volunteers to help out with future events for the children. If you have an idea of what the kids would like to do or may be as a parent you have an idea of a future event or outing we could plan for the kids . Please give us a call we would love to hear form you. Call the Health Center for more information at 325-3570.

WALMART PICKUPS

Just to let the community know that I am available for Walmart pickups in the evenings and on the weekends.  The fee for this is $5.00 to be received upon delivery.  Give me a call at:325-3570-work; 325-9241-work.

I will do my best to go there as soon as you call.  If you would like to call a bit before you pay I will try to meet you there if possible. 

Thank you,

Kim DeMerchant

PRESCRIPTION PICKUPS

PRESCRIPTION PICKUPS ARE DONE DAILY IN THE AFTERNOON.  IF YOU HAVE A PRESCRIPTION THAT NEEDS PICKED UP PLEASE CALL BY NOON OF THAT DAY.  ANY CALLS AFTER NOON WILL BE PICKED UP THE FOLLOWING DAY.  DON’T FORGET TO CALL IN YOUR REFILLS 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE AS DRUG STORES REQUIRE THIS FOR REFILLS.  PLEASE CALL THE HEALTH CENTER TO HAVE YOU PRESCRIPTION PICKED UP AT 325-3570.

Thank You

On February 24, 2006, I returned home to find my infant 3 month old son gone.  As was his father.  I suspected that he had left for Texas with the baby to be with his family.  I was scared that I would never see him again.  There were many offices and much paperwork to be filed.  There was also the power of all of your prayers.  Chief and Council made it possible for Kathleen and I to fly to Texas immediately.  My family and friends stayed by my side, and gave me strength and support.  We did everything that was possible for me to get my baby back.  Seven days later, here we are together again, because of everyone’s hard work and effort they put in to reuniting my son and I.  Thank you all so much I don’t know what I would have done without you.

Thank-you,

Brandy Stanovich 

Hot Lunch Program

Are you Spring Cleaning?  Do you have any extra containers (margarine, ice-cream etc) or anything that you would like to donate to the program?

If you do the Hot Lunch Program could always use them. 

Just drop them off to Mary or Faye.

Also a special thank-you to the person who returned our large container we use for salads.  It’s great to have it back.

We are also looking for economical meal suggestions for the Hot Lunch Program.  Have an idea?  Let us know.

SORRY

Health Canada requested and funded some changes to the Reception Area and file storage at the Health Center.  Due to privacy and confidentiality this was a mandatory change. 

We realize that during this time it was messy at the Health Center and we wanted to apologize to any inconvenience that this may have caused.

The construction is now complete and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Youth Milk Tickets Available

If you are a parent of a child between the ages of 0-5 you are now eligible for milk coupons. 

Coupons may be picked up on the first week of the month. 

This months coupons may be picked up on November 28th-December 1st. 

Each child under the age of 6 is eligible for 2L of milk per week. 

This program is sponsored by the Woodstock First Nation Health Center. 

Call the Health Center to put your name on the list for this service.

Community Cookbook - Original Artwork Needed

The community is putting together a cookbook and we would like to include original artwork.  If you would like to contribute original drawings, sketches, photographs and/or border designs it would be appreciated.  If we choose your design you will receive a copy of the cookbook.  It is be a wonderful opportunity to have your work published and do something nice for the community.  People of all ages are welcome to submit their creations.  All you have to do is find something relevant to cooking ---fruits and vegetables, wild game, or cakes and cookies for example.  The deadline for submissions is November 30. Drop off your creations to Debbie MacKenzie at the Health Centre.  We hope you will find some time to come up with some great stuff.  Woliwon.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG WORKER CORNER

There is a serious side to my job and I don't take it lightly. I deal with people's lives. I like people young and old and I want them to be happy be it man or woman, boy or girl. even though there are people out there that need a helping hand to get them through the hard times with addictions I've been there and back.

When I first quit drinking I used to be afraid of people seeing me go into an AA meeting. Why?

An older member told me "You weren't ashamed of people seeing you go into the liquor store so why would you be ashamed of people seeing you go into an AA meeting?" I see now that he was right. He said, "At least people know you are trying to help yourself."

If you need my help or support please feel free to call me. My clients are confidential and no one needs to know. You can call me at the Health Center direct at 325-3592. Take care, and may God Bless

Arthur Sappier

Ten Golden Foot Care Rules

1. Never go barefoot, even indoors.

2. Wear supportive shoes that fit properly.

3. Don't wear tight socks or knee-highs.

4. Wash and dry your feet every day. Be sure to dry thoroughly between your toes.

5. Trim your toenails straight across and file sharp edges with an emery board.

6. Check your feet every day. You may need help doing this or you may need to use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet. Look for blisters, bruises, cuts, sores, cracks, infections, or anything that looks unusual.

7. Moisturize your feet and legs every day. But not between your toes. There are some excellent creams made especially for people with diabetes, but any good moisturizer will do.

8. If you notice redness, warmth or swelling in your legs or feet, see you doctor right away.

9. Never cut or treat your own corms, warts or calluses or treat an ingrown toenail or sliver. See your doctor.

10. Stop smoking

Taking good care of your feet is one of the most important element s of managing your diabetes. So be kind to your feet so you can continue to stay active and mobile!

Prescription Pick up Program

If you would like to have your prescriptions picked up and delivered to you. Call the Health Center and we can arrange this for you! 328-3580

Hot Lunch Program needs your help!!

If anyone has any extra containers (margarine, ice cream, etc.) and would like to donate them to the Hot Lunch Program, we could always put them to good use.

You can call Ethel at 325-3570 or Mary and Faye at 328-0589. 

Remember Hot Lunch is served Monday-Thursday at the kitchen by the gym in the Band Office.  Meals are only $2.00.  If you want to place a to go order you can call 328-0589 and place your order with Mary or Faye. 

Hot Lunch Program 

This drop-in lunch program is for those of you who may not always feel like cooking your own meal and who would also like to hove an opportunity to socialize. This is at the WFN Band Office.

In our attempt to promote healthy eating, the menu and serving portion sizes will be based on Canada's Food Guide and most recipes will be taken from a cookbook put out by the Aboriginal Diabetes Association.

Once every two weeks we will have a traditional meal.

Food donations would be welcome and appreciated. Just get in touch will Mary Duffield or Faye Paul.

The cost is $2.00 per meal per person. If there is any food left over it can be purchased in the same portion sizes as the meal and for the same price.

We want this to be a positive experience so we are looking for you to help us make it a success.

(Band Staff is welcome to take advantage of this program but if it is at all possible we encourage you to let us know in advance the days you think you might be coming for lunch.)

Menu:

• April 11 - Cabbage Rolls / Tossed Salad / Rolls / Jello

• April 12 - Hamburger Soup / Sandwiches / Cake

• April 18 - Spaghetti / Tossed Salad / Garlic Bread / Jello

• April 19 - Roast Beef with Gravy / Potatoes, Veggies / Roll / Square

• April 20 - Sub Sandwiches / Potato Chips / Cake

If you need a meal to go, please call the Band Hall at 328-0589 or 325-3570 by 11:30 am and we will let Mary know. Thank

Happy April Elders Birthdays

Rita Chevrette-April 4^th, 1930

Sylvia Jacobson-April 30^th, 1935

Eleanor McBride-April 10^th, 1936

Elizabeth McBride-April 9^th, 1955

Reginald Paul-April 26^th, 1931

Wayne Paul-April 6^th, 1946

Linda Paul-April 25^th, 1950

Ervine Polchies-April 5^th, 1934

Vaughn Polchies-April 6^th, 1942

We will have Birthday Cake to celebrate our Elders on April 12^th,2006 at the Hot Lunch Program. 

EVERYONE WELCOME

Attention Community Members

On Friday Dr, Perley will be having a clinic at this office for his Woodstock First Nation patients starting at one pm.

This is not a walk in clinic, you must call to make an appointment to see him. 328-8813

You must be a patient of Dr. Perley's to attend these clinics

To learn about Car Seats Safety and much more click here: here

Immunizations

If you have any concerns that your child's immunizations may not be up to date:

1. check the green record that you have been given.

2. check with your physician if you had your child immunized by your physician.

stop in and see me if I can help you or if our child is due for any of their needles.

Note: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) can not be given even one day before the ch8ild's first birthday.

14-16 Years: Td-P: done at school

To view Routine Immunization Schedule click here

Healing Our Nations

Healing our Nations is a not for profit organization that is here too support First nation people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. We are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Our office is at 45 Alderney Dirive, Suite 607 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. You can also visit our website at www.healingournations.ca or email us at hon@accesswave.ca.

 

Health Nurse Corner

 

Item 1:  Immunizations

If for any reason your children have gotten off schedule it is never too late to get them back on track.

There is an immunization schedule here

Children's Immunizations

You can have your baby immunized at the Public Health Office, please call to make an appointment by calling 325-4408.

If you need transportation (taxi) and or to borrow our infant seat, please call the Health Centre (325-3570) and we will make arrangements for you.

To find our more information, the website is:

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/476.html

Item 2: Canada’s Food Guide