Central Interior Native Health
365 George St V2L1R4 Prince George, BC, Canada

Have you applied for the BC Recovery Benefit yet? Individuals could be eligible for up to $500, and families could be eligible for up to $1000! You can get all the details and the online application here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca//content/economic-/recovery-benefit

Happy Holidays! We will be closed at 12:00 on Thursday, December 24, and we'll be closed all day Friday, December 25, and Monday, December 28.

Did you know that being grateful can make you happier? It's true! There is a lot of evidence that regularly counting our blessing is good for our health! Check out this article on how you can incorporate gratitude into your day: https://www.health.harvard.edu//giving-thanks-can-make-you.

It's a hectic time of year! Here's a recipe for a quick, easy, and nutritious veggie stir fry - though you could easily add some chicken or beef if it suits you. This recipe serves 2, but you could easily double it! https://www.buzzfeed.com/christine/vegetable-stirfry-recipe

The holidays can be a tough time for lots of people, and this year that might be even more so. If you're having a hard time, please know that there are many resources available to you. You can call our clinic at 250-564-4422. You can also call the KUU-US crisis line. They provide culturally safe help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their number is 1-800-588-8717. Check out this poster for more info: https://www.fnha.ca//WellnessDocume/FNHA-KUU-Us-Poster.pdf

Thinking about quitting smoking, maybe as a New Year's Resolution? The First Nations Health Authority has some great info here: https://www.fnha.ca//w/wellness-streams/respecting-tobacco

There has been a lot in the news the last few days about the new COVID vaccine. This article is a good summary of what we can expect: https://www.thestar.com//heres-how-health-canada-explains-

Call for participants!

Today Dr. Henry extended the ban on social gatherings until January 8th. That means we all need to stay home and keep to our own immediate families throughout the holiday season. Here are all the details: https://globalnews.ca//75063/bc-covid-restrictions-update/

Upcoming Virtual Event! This year CAAN is hosting our Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week virtually Dec 1 - 7! There will be opening ceremonies, presentations, games..., workshops, and short videos from our programs and research teams! Stay tuned for more info on the upcoming events from our programs and research teams! Évènement virtuel à venir! Cette année, le RCAS présente virtuellement sa Semaine de sensibilisation au sida chez les Autochtones, du 1er au 7 décembre! Au programme : cérémonies d’ouverture, présentations, jeux, ateliers, et courtes vidéos présentées par les équipes responsables de nos programmes et notre recherche! Surveillez les détails concernant ces évènements. Register here: https://seatoskymeeting.eventsair.com//regis/Site/Register

Today is World AIDS day - we are borrowing the words of our sister organization, Positive Living North, today:

Have a great weekend, and stay safe everyone!

Christmas Hamper applications are now available! Salvation Army hamper application is here: https://www.sapg.ca/100 Prince George Native Friendship Centre application is here:... http://www.pgnfc.com/attachm/2020%20Xmas%20Hamper%20App.pdf Remember, you can only request one hamper, not both!

The government will be testing the Alert Ready system tomorrow - see all the details here, and remember, it's just a test! https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/alert-ready-wireles/

When you come to the clinic, you will see these signs posted on our doors. Please help keep our staff and other patients safe by following the guidelines for entry. Thank you!

A summary of Dr. Henry's message today: masks are now mandatory in all indoor, public spaces. All social activities, regardless of size, are suspended for two weeks. Read all about it here, and remember to stay calm, stay safe, and stay kind!... https://www.cbc.ca//b-c-brings-in-sweeping-new-measures-to

Have you gotten your flu shot yet? It's more important that ever this year - please call us at 250-564-4422 to book yours today!

We are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases here in the north. Check out this infosheet from the First Nations Health Authority on protecting yourself from COVID-19.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Check out this infographic on healthy eating for diabetes:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the clinic is closed today. We are sorry for the inconvenience. If you are having an emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. We will re-open on Monday, November 16.

We have a new protocol at CINHS! The BC Ministry of Health has released new guidelines, so everyone visiting our clinic will be required to wear a medical mask. Masks will be provided at the door. We will no longer allow non-medical or fabric masks in the clinic. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Today is World Pneumonia Day. Did you know that there is a vaccine that can prevent some types of pneumonia? If you have certain risk factors, you might qualify for the vaccine. Give us a call at 250-564-4422 for more info.

November is Fall Prevention Month. Check out this great resource on how you can prevent falls: https://www.canada.ca//injury-blessure/prevent-eviter/prev

Happy Friday! With COVID ramping back up, it's a good time to remember our self care. Mind Your Mind has some good tips here, practice one or two this weekend: https://mindyourmind.ca/wellness/self-care-during-covid-19

It's Media Literacy Week! With all the information out there, sometimes it can be hard to know what's true and what's fake. Check out this video for some tips on telling the true from the false: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3P73NqR7s0

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. If you are interested in quitting smoking, please talk to your doctor or check out these resources: https://www2.gov.bc.ca//drug-/bc-smoking-cessation-program https://www.fnha.ca//w/wellness-streams/respecting-tobacco

Happy Friday! Hope you have a great, safe Halloween weekend. Don't forget to set your clocks back 1 hour on Sunday morning!

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. According to the United Nations, "Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it." You can read more here: https://www.un.org/en/events/endviolenceday/

Last Wednesday was our Team Planning Day. Every few months our team at CINHS gets together as a group. This time, we spent the morning at Cottonwood Island Park, breaking into small teams to complete a scavenger hunt. In the afternoon, we went to the Makerie and made winter-themed dioramas!

Happy weekend! The weekend can be a great time to catch up on our wellness activities - check out this post from the First Nations Health Authority on Wellness for First Nations: https://www.fnha.ca/wellness/wellness-for-first-nations

Looking for some healthy recipes to try out this weekend? Check out Canada's Food Guide for some tasty options! https://www.canada.ca//meal-planning-cooking-/recipes.html

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you have a safe and restful long weekend!

It's Mental Illness Awareness Week - let's talk about it. On average, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. Wit...h the pressures of COVID-19 forcing more isolation and minimizing access to resources, our collective mental health is extremely vulnerable and this statistic could be even greater. Check in on your friends, loved ones, co-workers, acquaintances, and normalize the conversation on mental health. We also ask you to think about the individuals in your community who have the added stress of not having secure housing or food supply. It is okay to not be okay, and it is always okay to ask for support. See more

October 4-10 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Check out this "Faces of Mental Illness" video put together by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

Orange Shirt Day is Wednesday, September 30th. Orange Shirt Day honours the experiences of residential school survivors and the ongoing, intergenerational impac...t the legacy of those institutions has on Indigenous families and communities still to this day. It is also a time to acknowledge the devastating loss of those children who never made it home. In 2013, at a St. Joseph's Mission residential school commemoration event in Williams Lake, BC, survivor Phyllis Webstad told the story of how her brand new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day of attending school at the Mission. Phyllis's story inspired the inception of Orange Shirt Day - Every Child Matters which has grown into a nationally recognized initiative observed annually. Orange Shirt Day occurs in early Fall because this is the time of year when children were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools. The residential school era began in the early 1870’s, with the last school closing in 1996. More than 150,000 Indigenous, Métis and Inuit children attended these schools. In addition to the damaging forced family separation, loss of cultural identity and loss of language, many survivors have reported suffering unimaginable physical, mental and sexual traumas as well. There are an estimated 80,000 survivors living today. On September 30, join us in showing support and a commitment to the ongoing process of reconciliation by wearing orange. To learn more about Orange Shirt Day visit https://www.orangeshirtday.org/ Hear Phyllis Webstad’s story in her own words: https://www.youtube.com/watch Visit GoodMinds.com to order books and learn together with your family and the children you work with. May we recommend: Stolen Words by Melanie Florence - https://www.goodminds.com/stolen-words-hardcover-ed When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson - https://www.goodminds.com/when-we-were-alone-hardcover-ed-2 #orangeshirtday2020 #everychildmatters

Our Junior Elder, Caroline, graciously provided our HASP Coordinator, Jen, with a whole lot of salmon! Jen and her family spent the weekend smoking it - in a variety of flavours. We can't decide which one we like best!

September is World Alzheimer's Month. Check out these tips from the Alzheimer Society of Canada on how to keep your brain healthy: https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/Brain-health

Check out these self-care tips for dealing with COVID-19 related stress. Now is the time that we all need to take extra good care of ourselves! https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org//self-care-tips-dur

COVID-19 is going to be with us for some time, AND we're headed into flu season. Help keep those around you safe by covering your cough!

Did you know that heart disease is the #2 cause of death in Canada? You can reduce your risk by eating healthy foods, getting some exercise, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress. Talk to your doctor if you need help in these areas!

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month - check out this video of Community Elder Gerry Martin explaining the importance of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. https://www.prostatecancer.ca//Prostate-Cancer-in-the-Abor

We are participating in this year's HIV/AIDS walk! Please join us tomorrow at City Hall, the walk starts at 10:30.

If you receive provincial income assistance or disability assistance, you may have noticed you're receiving additional money - you can see all the details here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca//income-assista/on-assistance/covid

Questions about CERB money? You are eligible for CERB benefits if you are a worker: Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old; Who have stopped working because of reasons related to COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits or have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular or fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020;... Who had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and, Who have not quit their job voluntarily. https://mydefence.ca/canada-emergency-response-benefit-ce/

It's World Mosquito Day. FACT: COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites

On Wednesday we held our annual Letting Go ceremony. It is a time for we at Central Interior Native Health to honour those patients that we have lost over the past year. Some of the staff painted rocks. Our elder, Lucy, shared this poem: "Today, I remember my peers from Lejac Indian Residential School The suffering endured Loss of childhood experiences and innocence... Loss of your identity, language, culture and land Loss of your family and sibling Many years of disconnectedness has taken a toll on your mind body soul and spirit You tried in your own way to heal the pain and losses You created a family with the people who had similar life experiences Underneath that smile and soft laughter I saw the gift of resiliency and the strength of determination. Through your bead workand Indigenous art Your creativity brought a moment of solaceand fulfillment Creator has brought you home and many others Memories of you will continue to lingerwithin the hearts of your loved ones May you allrest in peace in the presence of the Creator" See more

We had the privilege of hosting Keri, a Licensed Practical Nursing student, for the last 8 days. She now has some time off before she begins her second year of training at CNC. We wish Keri all the best for the future!

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has a guide to COVID-19 - check it out here: https://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-A-Guide-To-COVID-19.pdf

Our High Acuity Support Program (HASP) has a new mascot today! Lizzie was feeling a little under the weather, so she came to work with her human, Carli, who is the HASP Administrative Assistant.

You might have heard that BC is in "Phase 2" of our COVID-19 response. Wondering what "Phase 2" means, and when "Phase 3" will start? Read all about it here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca//covid-19-provincial-support/phase-2

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we will be closed tomorrow, Friday, June 20. Have a wonderful weekend!

Did you know the First Nations Health Authority has a mobile app you can download? Get all the info here: https://www.fnha.ca//news-an/news/fnha-launches-mobile-app

Did you know that CINHS offers EMDR therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a technique that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and many other mental health problems. To date, EMDR therapy has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress. See the video link, below, for a good overview of EMDR. ... At CINHS, we have a licensed clinical therapist who is able to assess if this psychotherapy is a good fit for you. Give us a call at 250-564-4422 for more info! https://youtu.be/Pkfln-ZtWeY

Our Junior Elder, Caroline, helped Carli make bannock for our clients today! It was delicious with beef stew in our High Acuity Support Program (HASP).

We are currently in Phase 2 of our COVID response in BC. What does that mean? Check out this article from the First Nations Health Authority: https://www.fnha.ca//phase-two-does-not-mean-back-to-norma

Did you know the fenced dog parks are now open? With the weather steadily improving, this is a great time to get out and about with Fido! Get more info here: https://news.princegeorge.ca//playgrounds-park-washrooms-f

Are you looking for resources to help you and your family eat healthier? Check out this guide from the First Nations Health Authority. It's a bit long but full of great info! https://www.fnha.ca//Healthy_Food_Guidelines_for_First_Nat

Our Junior Elder, Caroline, is making traditional medicine from spruce tips, Devil’s Club, nettle, licorice root, and yarrow. They will steep in olive oil for 30 days. Stay tuned for the result!

Do you have questions about COVID-19? This link to the BC Centres for Disease Control answers all the questions you might have: http://www.bccdc.ca//diseases-co/covid-19/common-questions

Our Junior Elder, Caroline, is hard at work making traditional medicines with Devil’s Club and Spruce tips. Stay tuned for the results!

Are you at risk for Diabetes? Take this test to find out: https://canrisk.diabetes.ca/index.php?page=start

Happy Weekend! When out and about this weekend, remember to keep 2 metres (6 feet) away from others whenever possible, and/or wear a mask that covers your nose and chin. Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Stay safe everyone!

Wonderful staff lunch today at the Tano food truck! We were saying goodbye to our long-serving bookkeeper, Dolly.

Wondering about wearing gloves when you go out and about? Washing your hands is much more effective! Just follow these steps every time: 1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. 2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.... 3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the Happy Birthday song from beginning to end twice. 4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. 5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. https://www.ctvnews.ca//regular-hand-washing-does-more-to-

This is an uncertain time, and many of us are struggling with anxiety about the future. Our elder here at the clinic has shared this with us, some tools to ease pandemic panic: https://beyondword.com//b/practices-to-ease-pandemic-panic