PREMIER ISSUE
T h e M e d i c a l P r o f e s s i o n a l ’ s G a t e w a y t o H e a l t h & We l l n e s s 2015 Issue 1
WINNERS of the First Annual Navigate Awards
Avon Breast Cancer Crusade:
$1 MILLION DONATION I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE! Dealing with Stress
lululemon athletica
GIVEAWAY!
OV VC NEWPIANavigate 8,5x11.qxp_Layout 1 2015-04-01 11:50 AM Page 1
We see the lives behind our laws. With over 40 years of litigation experience, Oatley Vigmond knows personal injury law. We’ve argued hundreds of cases, secured record settlements and have helped shape Canadian law. Yet for all our success in the courtroom, we have never lost sight of the fact that people come first. We are dedicated to serving clients across Ontario. Contact us at 1.844.487.9036 or oatleyvigmond.com.
CONTENTS 2 3 4
Probiotics (and Their Friendly 9 Sidekick, Prebiotics) 10 What Are the 12 Chances? From Hospital to Home, with 15
“I Can’t Take Anymore!” The Navigate Awards 10 in a Million Health on the Run
Care
17 Put Your Mask on First
4
I Need a Snack!
17 Skin Care
6
Montessori Methods for Dementia
18 From Summit to Summit
7
Critical Illness Insurance
7
Up, Up and Away
8
The Reality of Acquired Brain Injury
19 3-Minute Exercises 20 About Nurses
9
Improving the Life of the Emergency Room Healthcare
Stress in health-care professionals can be extreme. In addition to all the regular stressors, they also deal with shift work, critically ill and dying patients and a caseload that can be impossible to manage.
Letter from the Editor We are so proud to bring you the first issue of Navigate, a magazine for health-care professionals. In this issue we’ve included stories on many aspects of your life, from coping with stress and eating healthy to home care and dealing with patients with dementia. We are also thrilled to give out the first Navigate Awards, which have been given to three lawyers who have conducted education sessions for nurses across the province. Gary Mazin and Gordon Harris are the recipients this year, and they exemplify what it takes to be at the top of their profession while still giving back to their communities. In future issues, we’ll be covering topics like best practices for hospitals, updating you on new regulations and guidelines and, most importantly, bringing you stories that will help you on and off the job in the demanding field of health care. We would love to hear from you. Let us know what you like about this issue and what you want to see in future ones. We also have a contest to celebrate our inaugural issue: tell us about a health-care professional who goes above and beyond in his or her job, and we will send that person a $100 gift card of their choice. Karen Sheviak editor@breezemags.com
S TA F F
Publisher • Audra Leslie
Editorial and Design
Editor-in-Chief • Karen Sheviak Lead Creative Director • Candace Morgan Publishing Coordinator • Dawn Riddoch Social Media • Julie Ford Proofreading • Rob Caldwell and Taylor Giffin
Advertising Account Managers Vanessa Blue and Victoria Danks
Graymatter
CONTRIBUTORS
www.navigatemag.com
Alvin Brown Kathleen Crandles Tammy Day Nini Drake Trainer Jane LMS Prolink Dr. Patrick Smith Grace So Cindy Stead Ruth Wilcock
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Spring 2015
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Probiotics
(and Their Friendly Sidekick, Prebiotics) By Nini Drake
important in fatty acid production. The bacteria also synthesize vitamin K during this process. Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone formation and repair. There are so many other useful functions these beneficial bacteria have: they help prevent the overgrowth of yeast and other pathogens, help train the immune system to identify the good These little gems are small, but guys from the bad guys, reduce gut powerful. An average adult can have inflammation, help prevent allergies, from five to eight pounds of bacteria in his gut. We have about 500 different reduce the production of gas, and species of these friendly bacteria living stimulate and improve our metabolic function, among other things. These in our colon. The bacterial DNA in bacteria have also been shown to help our bodies actually outnumbers our prevent and treat travellers’ diarrhea human DNA by a factor of 100. So and improve constipation. getting to know your gut flora is very But what happens when these important. hardworking and important gut What Probiotics Do workers are outnumbered by the bad Although these bacteria are not bacteria? Unfortunately in our day found until the very end of our and age, we often don’t take care digestive tract (the colon), they have of our gut. Our lifestyle and eating an important part in the complex habits create chaos and imbalance digestion process. Your colon, or large in our colon. Alcohol, caffeine and intestine, is where the remainder of sugar are widely used, and they are your undigested food enters. This is largely to blame for the lack of good when your gut flora start their work bacteria in our colon. Also, the use by fermenting carbohydrates that your of antibiotics and other drugs can body is unable to process. When this put your gut in turmoil. We are so happens, they are producing biotin, dependent on these beneficial bacteria which aids in cell growth and is also We all get nervous when we hear the word bacteria. It seems as though every day the news warns us of some new type of bacteria and the damage it can do to our health. But I want to introduce you to a group of friendly and highly beneficial bacteria that can be your best friends. These bacteria are called probiotics.
that if we didn’t have them, we would quickly get sick. When they are outnumbered by bad bacteria, many types of digestive illnesses can occur, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease and acid reflux.
The Best Foods for Your Gut To rebalance this sensitive system, it is crucial that you incorporate foods to help heal and optimize your gut. The most probiotic-rich foods are fermented ones like cultured dairy products (buttermilk, cottage cheese, yogurt and kefir) but also cultured non-dairy products (soy, almond or coconut yogurt and kefirs). Fermented vegetables, grains and beverages are also beneficial, as are products like kimchi, miso, natto and tempeh. There are also herbs and spices that help in the digestive process and promote and support your gut flora, such as cardamom, celery seeds, fennel, gingerroot, papaya, pineapple and lemon. You can also take probiotics as supplements. Most of the probiotic supplements are dairy based, so if you are sensitive to dairy, find one that is dairy free. If you are vegetarian or vegan, there are products that are made specifically for your needs.
“Nurses may not be angels but they are the next best thing.” – Anonymous 2
There are many types of strains, but no single strain is necessarily more effective than others; it is usually the combination of many strains that can give better results. The quantity of active colony-forming units is also important. The most common healing strains are: L. Acidophilus (produces its own natural antibiotics), B. Bifidum (assists the liver and helps get rid of unhealthy yeast and bacteria) and L. Rhamnosus (can help in the defence against food allergies). Always talk to a trained health-care provider before you start taking supplements.
All About Prebiotics But probiotics are not alone in helping out the digestive track. Just like Batman has his trusted sidekick Robin, probiotics depend on their sidekick prebiotics. Prebiotics are, simply put, fibre. Fibre is essential for the good bacteria to survive. Some fibres come from the walls of plants. This part of the plant wall is indigestible to humans, but it is digestible to our gut bacteria, and they use it for energy. Fibre can help improve our digestion and the absorption of dietary minerals, and prevent constipation. It also helps lower blood cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar levels. The more fibre you incorporate in your diet, the more healthy bacteria you get in your gut. There are many prebiotic foods that can help feed the good bacteria in our bowels. Some examples are almonds, leeks, garlic, bananas, asparagus, different greens, whole wheat, kiwifruits and oats. When increasing fibre, make sure to do so gradually and always make sure you drink a sufficient amount of water. Remember, your colon is like a sewer system in your body. We all know that if the sewer systems starts having problems and backs up, it’s not a pretty sight (or smell, for that matter). So take care of your gut, and your gut will take care of you.
What Are the Chances?
A
re you a “one per center”? We’re not talking about your income. We’re talking about your chances of being sued or caught up in a disciplinary complaint. The chances may be low at one per cent; however, the costs to defend yourself are much higher than one per cent of your income. In a fast-paced, stressful health-care environment, it is very easy to make a mistake. If a patient feels he was harmed by your actions, then it is highly likely he will include you in a future lawsuit.
Your Own Liability Coverage Nurses often tell us that the hospital or health-care facility where they are contracted to work will provide their malpractice liability coverage. You should never assume that you are covered by another entity’s professional liability policy. Always ask the organization paying for your services (e.g., hospital, health-care facility, clinic etc.) to provide you with written confirmation that they are covering you under their professional liability policy. The coverage could be through your services contract or by adding you to their policy as an additional insured. If you don’t have it in writing, then you should purchase your own professional liability policy. Maintaining your own coverage means that you receive your own legal defence. Don’t depend on someone else to protect you.
Patient Complaints It takes time and money for a patient to launch a lawsuit against his healthcare providers. However, it only takes
a few minutes for an angry patient or his family member to issue a formal complaint to your regulatory body. Most regulatory bodies that license registered nurses will enable the public to issue complaints through their websites. And your employer or the organization contracting your services will not defend you in a disciplinary investigation launched by your regulatory body.
How Professional Liability Insurance Protects You Professional liability insurance is highly specialized insurance coverage that defends you against any frivolous allegations of negligence or wrongdoing, thereby protecting your assets and reputation. If the courts find you negligent, then your insurer pays the damages awarded to the injured patient on your behalf. Your insurer will cover your legal defence costs and damages paid to a third party up to the limit of insurance that you purchase (e.g., $2 million). Most professional liability policies will extend coverage to defend you against investigations launched by your regulatory body as a result of a complaint issued regarding your services. ￭ Professional liability insurance for registered nurses as independent practitioners is unique. LMS Prolink is a leading national insurance brokerage focused on protecting regulated health-care practitioners. To learn how to take control and protect yourself, visit www.lmsprolink.ca or call 1-800-663-6828 to request the HealthLink program specialist.
Spring 2015
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From Hospital to Home, with Care: What to Expect By Cindy Stead
J
ane is in an important meeting and is interrupted with the news that her mom has just had a fall and is on her way to the hospital. The realization kicks in that if Mom is in the hospital, who is going to look after Dad?
range? Is the home-care provider available 24-7 for emergencies?
Jane apologizes to her meeting attendees and rushes to the hospital. The emergency room nurse informs her that her mom has broken her hip. In the following hours, Jane realizes that she is practically required to be in two places at once. Her dad is at home and her mom, who is Dad’s caregiver, is here in a hospital bed. “This story is an all-too-familiar one with sons, daughters and other family caregivers” says Cindy Stead, director of operations at Premier Homecare Services, and it illustrates the growing need for home-care services.
Home Care: An Ideal Solution Home is where people tend to feel most comfortable, and many of our best memories with friends and family are in the home. Time and time again, we hear that home is where seniors wish to remain. If your loved one is not yet ready to move into a retirement community or long-term care facility, home-care assistance is a helpful and serious option to consider.
Communicating with HomeCare Agencies You will have to make many decisions while helping your loved one figure out what home-care options are best for everyone involved. Here are some suggestions to make it easier to find the right provider.
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Bring a diary or notebook. Write down a list of questions to ask each agency so that you can do a direct comparison. Ask yourself: What are your priorities for home care? What are your preferences for care? What is a realistic price
Meet in person for an interview or assessment; this gives you an opportunity to ask questions in more detail, and allows the provider to clarify their services. A good company should also ensure they are personalizing the services to each situation, which Premier Homecare Services calls a care plan. You can invite other family members or powers of attorney to be present. Involve your parent in the decision making, if possible.
“Although stressful, it is a happy time since your loved one is healthy enough to return to a familiar home environment, where she can feel more comfortable and less like a patient,” says Stead.
There will likely be many changes in terms of her ability around the home, and the level of support she may need Be specific about your situation, for the short or long term. your concerns and your priorities Talk to the professionals about what to for care. Typically, the more expect. Use this as a starting point for details you can communicate, your plan. The health professionals at the easier it is for the home-care her current facility may recommend provider to understand how best that you purchase or rent and install to assist you. home equipment. You also may have If you must get information over to modify your home to ensure a safe environment. Prepare for all of this the phone, record the name of before she returns home, and know the person you were speaking how to use the equipment. with and note your impressions. Did she answer your questions The right home-care company will appropriately? Was she helpful match the right caregiver to your unique situation. As the health and ability and friendly? Did she offer to send of your loved one improve, Premier you additional information or Homecare Services will adjust your resources about their services, or individualized care plan and services. did she direct you to their website? You can change the level of care from 24Is the provider accredited with hour and live-in care to part-time care or assistance with mealtimes or bathing. Accreditation Canada?
Coming home from the hospital brings many challenges and changes, and discharge often happens with little to no warning, so it’s best to be ready for it at any time. “You need to have a plan in place before your loved one returns home to ease the transition” says Stead. That means staying involved in the decisions being made by hospital staff, and deciding where your loved one will be going and what care she’ll need when she gets there.
Despite how confident you are that you’ll be able to manage your loved one’s increased care needs as well as your own life and busy schedule, professional support is often a necessity. A quality home-care service will ensure that she gets compassionate, professional care that increases her independence. That will give peace of mind to everyone in your family. ￭ For more information about home-care services, visit www.premierhomecareservices.com
“I Need a Snack!” By Karen Sheviak
Kat’s Corner Kat, a nursing student, gets her top questions answered by experienced nurses.
When you work in the health-care field, it can be next to impossible to have a healthy meal on your shift. Whether it’s lack of time to pack a home-cooked meal, or an emergency that requires you to skip your break, there always seems to be a reason to head to the fast-food outlet instead.
As a nursing student, I’m aware of the Kathleen Crandles stressors nurses are exposed to each and every day. As an emergency nurse, what actions can I take to calm down my mind and body after a high-stress shift?
But if you incorporate a few healthy snacks into your shift, you’ll have the energy you need to get through until your next meal. And even if that meal is less-than ideal, your snacks can fill that gap if you choose ones that are full of important nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein.
Knowing how you handle situations is the best approach. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of what to watch for when you are not coping well is probably your best self-help guide.
Here are some quick and easy snack ideas – no matter what you’re craving.
Something Sweet?
Fresh fruit has fibre and vitamins so you meet your nutrient needs and feel satisfied until your next meal. Pick your favourite especially if it’s in season and local and switch it up as often as you like. Eat a few squares of dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Crunchy and Satisfying!
Homemade granola: make it savory with lightly salted almonds, or sweet with dark chocolate chips or dried fruit. Nuts or roasted chickpeas: grab a handful and go and you’ll have a satisfying, protein-filled snack. Popcorn: eat it plain or lightly salted with a little real Parmesan cheese.
Need Sustenance? Try a Protein Boost
Hard-boiled eggs: boil a few at a time for a quick snack that will last for days in the refrigerator. Snack size tuna cans with whole grain crackers: zero prep – you can’t beat that! Small peanut butter sandwich: add jam and you’ll feel like a kid again! Greek yogurt: creamy and full of calcium. Hummus and crudites: a delicious way to get your veggies and protein.
Just for Fun - Snacks on a Stick Thread on mini skewers, wrap and go!
Cherry tomatoes, bocconcini and mozzarella: a classic Italian salad that’s easy to eat. Mixed fresh fruit: bring yogurt for a healthy dipping sauce. Cubed chicken or ham with cheese: a protein-filled snack without the bread. Cucumber and feta cheese: great when you want a salty and flavourful snack. ￭
In your personal life, you have your supports in times of crisis and stress, and it is equally important to set up your support system at work. In one unit I worked on, the nurses would go out for breakfast after difficult night shifts. They tried to engage everyone, but some just needed to go home to handle it in their own way. Coping methods vary with the nurse and the situation. As an emergency department nurse, you truly are a “jack or jill of all trades,” and along with this can come many stressors. There are two things that have helped me navigate through emergency nursing. The first is the ability to learn through every experience, whether positive or negative. Build these experiences into your personal repertoire of ED skills. The second is to never take anything that happens on the unit personally. Many of the stressful things that occur in the department are situation related. How do nurse-client relationships, and routines compare between the emergency room and other wards of a hospital? Every area in a hospital is different, depending on the type of care that is provided. The things that are similar include basic nursing care, patient safety, best practice standards, infection control, nursing procedures, equipment, respect for patients and a professional approach. In the ED, your knowledge needs to be all encompassing. It is important to educate yourself about the things that you are not familiar with and ask for assistance with things that you have not done before. ED nursing is rarely routine. The uniqueness about the ED is that we “cross train” in various types of nursing care. You will find a mix of more than a dozen departments within the hospital. Your routine will change daily, or even minute-to-minute, depending on the type of patients you are assigned to care for. A solid foundation of nursing skills to provide care for all while meeting the specialty care needs for each patient will serve you well. If you are able to multitask amid constant change and are able to keep focused on the priorities in an ever-changing environment, then the ED is for you! ￭
Spring 2015
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MONTESSORI METHODS FOR DEMENTIA By Tammy Day
L
MMD techniques remind seniors to turn off lights or lock osing a loved one years before they actually pass away is a long and can bring quality back doors, tasks that they tend to forget. difficult journey. Seniors who But MMD goes far beyond teaching to the lives of seniors are diagnosed with dementia or everyday tasks, and so do the benewith dementia and, more fits. Take my client Gladys (not her real Alzheimer’s disease can often remember every minute detail of their childhood name). Her behaviour included countimportantly, bring back but may ask the same question 15 times ing by rote in the dining room, which a little bit of who they made other residents angry, and they in 15 minutes as if it’s a new question. This is frustrating for caregivers and loved ones, really are. yelled at Gladys a lot. I gave her playdough who may not be able to relate to the person to squeeze and manipulate. I had some balls they are now dealing with. Boredom can I asked her to match by touch. I kept stimulatcause outbursts or behaviours that agitate others, ing her hands, all the while chatting about munbut these behaviours can be minimized, and often dane things. Then I struck gold. She began to tell me what eliminated, if the senior is stimulated in a meaningful way. she was shaping with her playdough, and then had what is Enter Montessori Methods for Dementia (MMD), a method of improving the quality of life in seniors and adults suffering from dementia or other brain injuries or trauma. The premise is to offer meaningful activities to people living with dementia to allow them to maintain independence and to enable them to continue living on their own longer.
called a cascade of memories. She began to talk all about her husband, who would take her and her friends dancing, she in her red shoes and party dress. She then thanked me for my time and told me how I made her feel smart again.
The use of therapy dolls is also effective. Often a baby will calm an agitated senior, and many nursing homes have created a nursery for their residents so that they can rock their babies and/or change them or put them to bed as part of their evening routine. Another helpful tool is giving a senior a job. For instance, Mary could be asked to take attendance every day. Mary will then stop bullying Violet, who cries often for her husband. It can be that simple and yet that effective.
It is based on Montessori Education, developed by Maria Montessori. She worked with “deficient” children, simplifying each task and ensuring they practised regularly, and found that the so-called deficient children excelled and surpassed their “regular” classmates. For dementia patients, keeping things simple makes even the more complex tasks manageable. MMD techniques can bring quality back to the lives of seniors MMD involves creating signs or aids to help them remember with dementia and, more importantly, bring back a little bit of how to do certain tasks. For those who cannot dress them- who they really are. ￭ selves without help, a poster depicting the process step-by- Tammy Day is certified to develop and implement Montessori step might be all that is needed. Cupboards can be labelled Care Plans. For more information, call 289-251-1162 or email so the senior can easily find food. Notes taped to walls can dayconsultingservice@gmail.com.
You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” – George Burns 6
Critical Illness Insurance: Help Protect What Matters Most
M
ost of us can think of someone who has been struck by a critical illness. The good news is that today, more people are surviving heart attacks, strokes and cancer than ever before.
Unfortunately, simply surviving doesn’t ensure your financial and emotional well-being. But purchasing critical illness insurance can help do that. It provides a lump-sum payment to you to help cover expenses associated with your illness, and is designed to complement life and disability insurance. Critical illness insurance benefits will allow you to focus on your recovery instead of worrying about finances. A lump-sum benefit will help you: • make payments for a couple of years toward, or pay off, your mortgage; • seek alternative or out-of-country medical treatment; • ensure your children’s education plans are not interrupted; or • leave your savings intact to help protect retirement plans. Critical illness survivors have said they have used their benefit to: • enable a spouse to take time off work to provide care and support; • modify or renovate their home to meet their needs; • pay for additional child-care needs to maintain their children’s lifestyle and activities;
• help pay for a hotel near a treatment centre; • relax on a trip with their family after recovery; or • help their business continue in their absence. Emotional Support Some critical illness insurance carriers also provide access to professional counselling and support services (some conditions may apply). These counselors help policyholders and their families resolve the personal problems that can interfere with their lives and work during a critical illness. It’s a service usually provided at no charge and can help families manage a stressful situation. Critical illness insurance is an often overlooked benefit that is an important part of your financial security plan. ￭ Daniel Zanzonico is a financial security advisor at Freedom 55 Financial, a division of London Life Insurance Company. For more information, email daniel.zanzonico@f55f.com.
Up, Up and Away By Karen Sheviak
It’s not easy to keep your hair up and neatly out of your face – but it’s a necessity when you work in health care. If you are looking for an elegant but simple hairstyle that takes just seconds, the flipped ponytail is for you. Here’s how to achieve this look: • Tie your hair up in a regular ponytail with an elastic band, making sure that you don’t do it too tight. • Just above the elastic band, divide your hair into two parts. • Hold the end of your ponytail and insert it in between the two parts. Pull the end down through the opening until it looks like a “flipped” ponytail. If necessary, tighten it by dividing the ponytail in two and pulling firmly. • Tip: You can pull up your ponytail and turn into a bun for a lovely up-do! ￭ Spring 2015
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The Reality of Acquired Brain Injury By Ruth Wilcock, Executive Director, Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA)
Supporting families and survivors of brain injury has been at the heart of the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) since its inception. There is no better way to illustrate the profound effects of a brain injury than to hear someone’s story firsthand. Here, Tom, one of our clients, describes the day that his life changed in an instant. “That day in November began like any other. On this particular morning, the sun was shining and winds were brisk. I said goodbye to my wife and four kids, got into my car and began my short drive to the school where I taught Grade 7. Just a short distance from work, as I proceeded into an intersection on a green light, I heard squealing tires and braced myself for the collision that was impossible to avoid. My life changed in that instant - the instant that I acquired my brain injury. “Since that time, my brain injury made it next to impossible to teach in a classroom setting so I had to relinquish my position. My personal connections were a struggle for me and because of that, I have had to rebuild my relationships with my wife and children. I have often thought that if I had a bandage on my head, people would understand why I tire so easily, why I can’t remember simple tasks or why a phone number leaves my head the minute it enters. There is no bandage, no obvious physical evidence, but my injury has altered my life and that of my family forever. “My family knew that we could turn to the Ontario Brain Injury Association when we needed help. I am so grateful for the support that OBIA provided to me and my family.” The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) was there for Tom and for his family when they needed our help. If you have a patient or client who has sustained a brain injury, connect them to OBIA’s Support Services. We are here to assist them, from hospital to home to community.
OBIA Support Services provides: • Emotional support • Explanations of the terms and language relating to the brain injury that families and survivors of brain injury hear from doctors, lawyers and insurance adjusters • Advocacy for navigating the complex healthcare needs of people with an acquired brain injury • Assistance with income support programs • Connections to community resources and local brain injury associations • Help with return to work issues • Province-wide Peer Support Program for both family members and survivors of brain injury
OBIA also is there for the health-support team and provides: • Support to all members of the health-support team when working with families with complex care issues ￭
For support, visit: support@obia.on.ca, call the 1-800-263-5404 Support Line or go to www.obia.ca.
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“I Can’t Take It Anymore!” By Karen Sheviak
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any people feel like they are under constant stress in our fast-paced world, with too much to do in too little time. But for health-care professionals, the stress can be even more acute. In addition to all the regular stressors, they also deal with shift work, critically ill and dying patients and a caseload that can be impossible to manage. And this stress takes a huge toll in the field. According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, health-care workers are at higher risk for substance abuse and suicide, and have higher rates of depression and anxiety linked to job stress. But by making a few small changes, health-care professionals can better deal with stress on the job. And that can improve all areas of their lives.
Make the Best of Your Workplace While it’s usually not possible to reduce your amount of work or take regular breaks during a busy shift, you can take a few deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed. It’s also important to communicate openly with co-workers and supervisors. Ask for help when you need it, and offer help when you sense stress in a co-worker. If possible, petition the organization you work for to create a healthier work environment, whether it’s hiring enough staff, allowing staff input in decisions that affect their jobs or providing opportunities for staff to socialize.
Put Yourself First at Home If you have been run off your feet all day, the last thing you need is the same thing at home. Take time to decompress when you come home. Even a quick shower or five-minute walk can give you a new perspective and make you feel better. Remember: you can’t look after your family unless you look after yourself first! They will learn to respect the few minutes that you take for yourself, and you, in turn, will be a better spouse and parent.
Practise Yoga and Mindfulness This may seem like just one more thing for your to-do list, but the Mayo Clinic says that, “a number of studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety and enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being.” And practising meditation for just a few minutes a day can have similar benefits. According to “Cultivating Mindfulness in Health Care Professionals” published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, “research suggests that mindfulness training can serve as a viable tool for the promotion of self-care and well-being.” If your workplace doesn’t offer education sessions on mindfulness, find a guided meditation that you like on the Internet – there are tons of free options.
Dealing with Acute Stress If you experience a stressful event during your shift, as soon as you can, get to a quiet place to contemplate what happened. “Freeze the circumstance for a moment, and look at the situation more closely,” says Grace So, a life and wellness coach at Oasis Resource Center in Toronto. “Get in touch with how you really feel in your heart, and be honest about what results you want to manifest.” “If your mind feeds you answers that are harmful to you or others, or are negative in any way, then look deeper,” says So. “Go past all the negativity to the core of your heart. Real answers come in the form of love, forgiveness and kindness, and contribute to your life and others.” ￭
Keep dreaming, but start planning Your goals and dreams are unique. Your plans to get there should be just as unique. Find out more about how I can work with you to create a financial security plan to help achieve your goals at all stages of life. Please call today. Daniel Zanzonico Financial Security Advisor Cell: 416-903-2558 416-291-0451, ext. 290 Daniel.Zanzonico@f55f.com
Spring 2015
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THE NAVIGATE AWARDS
By Karen Sheviak
The Navigate Awards were inspired by the education sessions run by Graymatter Education. These programs are for nurses, discharge planners, social workers, lawyers and insurance professionals and are designed to educate them on new advancements in their field and build up their expertise.
Gary Mazin Gary Mazin began his law career almost by accident. He had an undergraduate business degree and wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, so he decided to become a lawyer, doing the joint Law and MBA program at the Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto. When he finished law school, he articled at a personal injury law firm. “After that, I opened up my own firm, practising in all areas of law, but soon realized that all I wanted to practise was personal injury law,” says Mazin. “I felt there was a huge imbalance between the power of the insurance company versus an injured individual.” His firm, Mazin & Associates, has been open for more than a decade and has represented thousands of clients in personal injury cases. “I want to take on the most serious cases and pour tons of energy and resources into them to ensure such severely injured people are taken care of for the rest of their lives.” There is one case that stands out to him, that truly represents why he practises personal injury law. The lady in this case was seriously injured and was dropped by her previous lawyer because she couldn’t attend appointments. Then the
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insurance company took advantage of does these sessions because he believes that it’s important to give back to the that and had her case dismissed. hospitals, to show them best practices, “We took over her case after it was how to behave in court and what to dismissed,” says Mazin. “We sent expect from the legal system. “I hope her to a doctor who said she was the education sessions give the nurses psychologically catastrophically a feeling of confidence about how they injured from the motor vehicle accident. are supposed to keep records, as well as We then had that doctor convince an a reduction in their anxiety if they ever insurer’s doctor, and then the insurance have to go to court,” he says. company, of the same thing. We used that designation to explain why she That his firm is committed to helping was unable to properly deal with her people, both on and off the job, is old lawyer and got her psychological important to him. He says, “We don’t treatment so she could interact with just talk the talk; we walk the walk. We us. Finally, we explained to the court help out in the brain injury and spinal that her dismissal should be set aside cord community on a regular basis as she was too sick from the accident to and outside work hours. We live and breathe helping the injured.” previously co-operate.” “The most rewarding part of the job for us is seeing someone who had a Mazin extends that passion to a different terrible injury find a new perspective area of his life: delivering educational and rebuild his or her life. It makes sessions to nurses about a variety of everything worthwhile.” ￭ topics relevant to their careers. He “It was a complete success.”
In feedback from course attendees, a select group of lawyers who delivered the seminars stood out consistently. The Navigate team chose the top two for the inaugural Navigate Awards. The recipients were chosen because they excel in the legal field, are committed to educating nurses and other professionals all over the province on a variety of topics and are dedicated to their communities. For complete contest rules, visit www.navigatemag.com.
Gordon Harris When Gordon Harris was in law school at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, he worked for the poverty law clinic, a studentrun legal aid clinic. He assisted people with criminal matters, small claims court, family law, and various administrative tribunal proceedings, in which those he assisted could neither have afforded a lawyer nor qualified for legal aid. “I really enjoyed helping those that had nowhere else to turn and making a difference in their lives,” says Harris. That experience of helping people who needed it led him toward personal injury law. Harris relocated to the Kitchener-Waterloo area and hasn’t looked back. His firm Harris Law helps hundreds of Kitchener-Waterloo residents regain control of their life after serious accident. Harris enjoys the litigation process, helping people with their claims against insurance companies or other corporations. His clients include people who have been injured or denied benefits from an insurance company. He stresses the importance of paying attention to the details in his clients’ cases, saying, “The most important thing is to make sure that you have a grasp of the client’s
problems – a reliable diagnosis and prognosis – and apply that properly in light of the other facts that present themselves in their case.” For Harris, the most rewarding part of being a personal injury lawyer is making a difference in a person’s life. “Even small settlements represent huge sums of money to persons that are on ODSP or social assistance,” he says. And protecting people from being taken advantage of is a priority for him as well. In one case, “a woman suffered an aneurysm, which caused brain damage, and while she was unconscious, she suffered second and third degree burns to her arms and back,” he says. “She was in the hospital for weeks, and the insurance company tried to force her back to work, even though it was clear that she could not. Within weeks of my involvement, they admitted they made a mistake. The reality was that they thought they could take advantage of a
brain injured woman when no one was looking out for her. They were caught with their hands in the cookie jar. I enjoy keeping large insurers in check, and honest.” And he also enjoys the opportunity to give back in the community, such as with the education sessions he conducts. “I see them as an opportunity to allow nurses to learn something that will help them in their profession, in a relaxed, casual and fun atmosphere. It’s very social. I really enjoy seeing nurses stick around long after the session is done, having fun, socializing and clearly enjoying a well-earned chance to unwind.” How does he feel about winning a Navigate Award? “Fantastic! I had no idea I was being considered. It is nice to be recognized for helping out our friends in the health-care profession.” ￭
Spring 2015
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By Karen Sheviak
“You have breast cancer.” Those are four of the worst words a woman could hear. That diagnosis brings fear, anger and, often, a long road of challenging treatments. But many organizations in Canada are working hard to ensure that fewer women hear those words, and if they do, that their treatments and chances of full recovery are better. Avon is one of those organizations. The company was one of the first to sell pink ribbon products in the early 1990s, and has since raised more than $800 million for breast cancer programs around the world. In 2014 Avon launched a Centennial Grants program to commemorate its 100th anniversary, and the Avon Foundation for Women selected 10 charities to receive a total of $1 million – a grant of $100,000 each – to improve the lives of women affected by breast cancer. Navigate magazine would like to honour and celebrate the recipients of these grants. They are helping women across Canada overcome breast cancer, and by doing so are improving the lives of everyone who knows someone with this disease. The Canadian Cancer Society is a national charitable organization whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of quality of life for those living with cancer. The grant will allow them to continue printing and distributing hundreds of thousands of breast cancer information booklets and printed materials.
Fondation Jean-Marc Paquette provides financial assistance to women undergoing breast cancer treatment. The foundation also funds a mobile breast clinic that does mammograms in remote areas throughout Quebec. The grant will be used to purchase a new vehicle to expand The impact of the $100,000 in funding the services and reach of the mobile breast will be extraordinary. A heartfelt thank clinic. They will also use the money to you on behalf of our cancer patients increase their financial aid program. and their families.
affected by cancer. The funds will go to the Patient and Family Support Fund to provide short-term financial assistance, such as travel, meals, accommodations, wigs, prosthetics and medical supplies and equipment.
Fondation Virage is a team of medical experts and volunteers who offer support throughout cancer treatment, addressing both the physical and psychological effects of breast cancer.
One hundred thousand times, thank you, thank you, thank you! This will make a lot of women very happy, and happiness is one of the best cures that someone can receive!
We are honoured to be selected as one of the charities to receive a grant. It will allow us to continue our critical work to reach women in all communities.
The grant will help Fondation Virage hire a nutritionist for a culinary program and cooking workshops. The funds will also be used to match up former patients with newly diagnosed patients.
Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation in Newfoundland provides equipment, funding, continuing education and financial support to patients and their families
A very big thank you to the Avon Foundation for Women! Your important contribution will give a larger number of patients greater access to our programs.
Jewish General Hospital Foundation provides assistance to the hospital to enhance patient care, further scientific discoveries and acquire innovative medical equipment. Avon’s funds will be used to establish a new radiotherapy technique, Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy (IORT) for the treatment of early stage breast cancers. The hospital will be the first to offer the treatment in Canada.
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Thanks to Avon, research is still expanded Cancer Centre. Staffed by possible in these difficult financial an interdisciplinary team of cancer times. care experts, this clinic is dedicated to educating and empowering patients and London Health Sciences Foundation is their families. The clinic will operate linked to one of Canada’s largest acute two half-days per week. The early and care teaching hospitals. The funds from ongoing symptom management and Avon will go to support the Masselpsychosocial support provided by this Cruickshank breast cancer patient dedicated clinic is intended to complete assistance fund, which supports women the circle of care by bridging the gap affected by breast cancer by covering between cancer treatment visits, reduce things like transportation, drugs, child care, wigs, head coverings, prostheses hospital admissions and ER visits, and enhance the quality of life for the patient. and mastectomy bras and swimsuits. Through this wonderful grant, you are providing more than just funds to people – you are helping caregivers at LRCP offer some semblance of control when people have had the rug (and everything they took for granted) pulled out from under them. Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation exists to enable the growth of Markham Stouffville Hospital by raising sustainable funds and awareness for its priority and ongoing needs. This grant will allow the hospital to open a much-needed Symptom Management & Survivorship Clinic in its newly
same-day diagnosis of high-risk patients. We are so happy to have been chosen as a grant recipient. This donation will help us provide the exceptional care each patient deserves.
Rethink Breast Cancer has a mission to empower young people worldwide who are concerned about and affected by breast cancer. They will use the funds to produce LiveLaughLearn support videos, which feature honest commentary and tips for young women with breast cancer, shared by those who Thank you to the Avon Foundation have been through it. for recognizing Markham Stouffville Hospital and, more importantly, for Thank you. We cannot continue to supporting every woman who relies on service the unique needs of young our hospital for excellent breast health women with breast cancer without the and cancer care. generous contributions of organizations like Avon who put women first. The Ottawa Hospital Foundation is Women’s College Hospital the second largest cancer care service The provider in Ontario, with a Breast Health Foundation supports care, research, Centre that provides care to almost 30,000 education and treatment for women. women every year. The donation from The funds will be used to help purchase Avon will help fund the expansion of the three key pieces of equipment for the Breast Health Centre to five times the size breast cancer centre: an MRI scan/breast of the current one, with triple the number biopsy unit, MRI guided software and/ of exam rooms and a dedicated MRI for or a breast biopsy vacuum unit.
The board of directors at Avon was so impressed by the submissions that the foundation decided to award an additional four grants of $10,000 each. Here are the recipients. Action-Revivre Ltée. is a team of breast cancer survivors who provide support services to reduce isolation, accompany patients to treatments and help with rehabilitation. The funds will be used to expand existing support services and help patients obtain financial aid, access to treatment and prosthetics. Thanks to Avon, we will be able to offer conferences on breast cancer and information sessions about healthy practices, so women have a better chance of staying healthy and preventing a recurrence of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Action Nova Scotia offers support, education, networking and advocacy for Nova Scotians affected by breast cancer. The grant will expand the Live Pink Teen Breast Health Program, which teaches breast cancer prevention and healthy living to teens. The funds will also cover other presentations to promote breast health, as well as expand the Comfort Pillow Project, which supplies pillows for mastectomy and lumpectomy patients. The money from Avon will allow us to bring our message to a wider audience across Nova Scotia.
The Angel Fund in Newfoundland is a group of volunteers who raise funds to assist breast cancer patients with out-ofpocket expenses related to their breast cancer diagnosis, such as transportation, medication, child care and prosthetics. Avon’s funds will allow them to help more women and men with breast cancer.
The Wings of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation provides financial assistance to low-income breast cancer patients receiving or recovering from treatment at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. The funds from Avon will be used to help more patients and their families.
Thank you is just not enough! Words cannot express the impact this funding will have. This grant is a tremendous contribution!
We would like to sincerely thank Avon for their generous donation. This funding will go a long way to supporting women who are living with breast cancer in Calgary. ￭
Spring 2015
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They helped me when I didn’t know what else to do. I don’t know what I would have done without them!
Injured? 519.725. 8000 Call
Kitchener-Waterloo’s Premier Personal Injury Law Firm. It’s the only law we practice. Specializing in all types of accidents and injuries: • Automobile • Slip and Fall • Insurance Claims • Dog Bites • Disfigurement • Motorcycle • Brain Injury • Fatal Accidents • Fractures • Spinal Injury
FREE Initial Consultation NO FEE if No Recovery Members of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
30 Duke Street West, Suite 701, Kitchener, Ontario N2H 3W5 T. 519.725.8000 F. 519.772.2355
HEALTH on the RUN
By Karen Sheviak
W
hen you work in the health-care industry, eating the right foods and exercising regularly can seem like a pipe dream. From long shifts to high-stress situations, your job can make it difficult to take steps to improve your health.
Exercising
Many people spend time wondering when the best time of day is to exercise. The bottom line is: the best time is the time that you’ll actually do it every day. If you like mornings, get up an hour earlier to work out. If you can take a break at work and shower, a mid-day workout won’t interfere Try these strategies to incorporate with your time at home. Evenings can be healthy habits into your life. They can best for people who like to work off stress make you feel better, which can in turn after a long shift. improve your performance on the job and allow you to better enjoy your A couple of times per week, try to do some sort of weight lifting. If you don’t have spare time. weights, squats, triceps dips and push-ups are a good start.
Eating Right
Cook a couple of meals on Sunday, one to be eaten at the beginning of the week, and one to freeze until mid-week. Choose meals that can be repurposed, such as a vegetarian chili on its own for a quick lunch, over a baked potato for a more hearty dinner, and with stock added to turn it into a chili soup. Cook double the amount of chicken so you can make baked chicken the first night and a casserole later on in the week.
Stretching and yoga can be a great option for late nights. Bonus: they can help you relax before bedtime!
Stress Relief Get enough sleep – that means about seven hours per night. If you work shifts, try to avoid too many night shifts and stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible.
Learn to say no. If you are feeling Wash and/or cut fresh fruits and overwhelmed, decline that dinner invitation vegetables so they are ready to go so on the weekend so you have time to relax. you’ll reach for these healthy snacks Take up a hobby that you find enjoyable. rather than unhealthy ones that are Whether it’s photography or gardening, an activity you love can make you feel usually more convenient. fulfilled and give you something to When eating out, check the menu look forward to in your spare time. online ahead of time and choose one of the healthier options. Salt and fat Turn off your phone and television an counts in restaurant foods can be off- hour before bedtime. Try reading a book the-charts, and a couple of minutes on paper instead of electronically, or just of research can save you hundreds of relax with your spouse or children. calories. If you do opt for a less-than- Try to incorporate meditation into healthy restaurant meal, take half your day. Start with one minute first thing in the morning or right before home for lunch the next day. bedtime. Choose a spot where you won’t be disturbed. ￭
Promoting the Responsible Disposal of Medications and Sharps Did you know that in Ontario, the public can responsibly dispose of their unused or expired medications and used sharps free of charge at over 90 per cent of community pharmacies? The Ontario Medications Return Program and the Ontario Sharps Collection Program are 100 per cent industry funded and designed to give the public an accessible means to dispose of these materials. Free sharps containers are available at pharmacy counters. Sharps not placed into approved sharps containers are not considered safe for transport. Bleach bottles are not approved containers. Ontarians have access to the free 4.5 L sharps containers at over 3,500 locations province wide. Encourage patients to visit www.healthsteward.ca to find their nearest participating pharmacy for free sharps containers and disposal. And remember: medications should not be flushed or poured down the drain. Remind patients that they should bring their unused and expired medications back to the pharmacy. Pills should be placed into clear plastic bags with their outer plastic and cardboard packaging recycled. Liquids and prescription creams should be returned in their original bottles. ￭
Spring 2015
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The right
care from hospital to home
At Premier Homecare Services, we understand returning home after a hospital stay can be a challenge and day-to-day activities may seem overwhelming. That’s why we provide transition care with expert, compassionate caregivers matched to your clients’ needs, making their transition as smooth as possible.
Services include: • Post hospital care • Pre & post surgery care • Convalescent care • Hospital sitting
• Transportation • Medication reminders • Assistance with wound care • Grocery shopping
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905-943-2999
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• Personal care • Light housekeeping • General errands • And much more
SKIN CARE PUT YOUR MASK ON FIRST By Alvin Brown, B.Sc., D.O.M.P., R.M.T. I.P.P.C.
“Put your mask on first.” 2 Most people have heard this sentence on an airplane. It’s the part of the pre-flight speech in which the flight attendants remind you that if there is trouble during the flight and the need to execute an emergency landing, you should put your oxygen mask on first so you can then help someone who is unable to do it themselves. If you take that one phrase to heart, you get a message that applies to all areas of your 3 life: you must first take care of yourself in order to take care of others. What good can you ever accomplish when you are broken, tired and ineffective? And you know what it feels like when your energy is refreshed and renewed and you are filled with a sense of optimism. You are unstoppable!! So what can you do to make sure you bring your best game to the table each and every time? How can you stave off the feeling of being burnt out mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually? These four tips can help you rediscover your passion to make a difference in the lives of people you love, starting with yourself.
1
Take frequent “me time.”
When was the last time you had a massage, attended a yoga or Zumba class, or even just took the time to read your favourite trashy novel or an uplifting book? Always being “on” is not as productive as many people would like to think. Sometimes taking a step back or even stopping is the most productive thing you can ever do in order to move forward.
4
Engage
in regular physical exercise.
Taking time to take care of the temple is often a great way to renew and re-energize your spirit. To paraphrase the Bible, the mind may be willing, but if the body is weak, nothing gets done!
Develop
or reconnect with your favourite hobby.
What activity makes you come alive? When was the last time you picked up a paintbrush, did a 1,000-piece puzzle, or even crocheted a new scarf? Getting engrossed in a hobby can stimulate your creativity, allowing you to tap into a higher level of yourself that can be suppressed after years of giving and caring for others and neglecting your own needs.
Practise mindfulness. Practising the act of mindfulness allows you to be present and available, wherever you may be. There’s nothing more frustrating than not being present in your life. We all can relate to the feeling of being at work but our minds are at home, or vice versa. Practising mindfulness will enable you to leave work at work and become present for your family and the patients you take care of each day. ￭
Alvin Brown, B.Sc., D.O.M.P., R.M.T. I.P.P.C.
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner Registered Massage Therapist Integrated Peak Performance Consultant Clinical Director (The Centre for Healing & Peak Performance)
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party.’ ” – Robin Williams
by Karen Sheviak
Avon Foot Works Beautiful Deep Moisturizing Cream My feet felt soft and rejuvenated after applying this cream. Formulated with cocoa butter, it penetrates deep into skin to provide long-lasting moisture. 75 mL, $7.99 Avon Anew Clinical Absolute Even Clarifying Hand Cream DSX My hands felt softer for hours after using this thick and luxurious cream, and they even looked younger after just a few days of use. Bonus: it has SPF 15 to protect hands from sun damage. 75 g, $14.99 Avon Anew Vitale Night Cream This night cream felt great when I applied it, and made my skin look revitalized and refreshed in the morning, even when I got less than the recommended eight hours of sleep. Over time it can even skin tone and make skin look more vibrant. 50 g, $30 Avon Speed Dry + Nail Enamel in ASAP Pink This nail enamel is formulated with volcanic rock to make nails feel rock hard. My first hand was dry by the time I finished applying polish to the other hand, and the delicate pink colour gives a subdued, elegant look that works with any skin tone. 12 mL, $6.99 ￭
Spring 2015
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From Summit to Summit: Recognizing Addiction and Recovery in Canada By Dr. Patrick Smith
On January 27/28, 2015, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) and Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Canada joined forces with thought leaders and organizations across Canada to host Canada’s first ever National Summit on Addiction Recovery. At the end of the two-day summit, there was a ceremonial signing of the resulting National Commitment to Recovery from the Disease of Addiction in Canada. Many talked about it as a significant milestone and breakthrough.
right treatment for both people with mild to moderate problematic substance use (group A) and people with addiction (group B).
The next wave of learning came from recognizing that not all people in group As a delegate, I couldn’t help but recognize B were ready and/or willing to embrace the gravity of the moment and feel hopeful abstinence. Harm Reduction became an for what this could mean for Canada. As a important movement in the addiction field. clinical psychologist who has specialized in All of these developments were in a the field of addictions, I also couldn’t help positive direction, but the lines have clearly but feel a bit discouraged and sad that this been muddied between the approaches was the case. developed for each group and their
If you had told me 30 years ago that in three distinct needs. Goal Choice Therapy has decades, a significant part of my job would been offered to people with addiction for include being a champion for: whom it is simply not appropriate. And it has been used interchangeably with Harm 1. recognizing addiction as a disease; Reduction, when it clearly does not serve 2. recognizing abstinence-based treatment as that constituency. a solid, evidence-based approach to this The word summit has at least three meanings: health issue; and 3. recognizing that even someone with the most 1. a meeting, usually involving high level leaders, that is called to shape a program severe addiction or substance use disorder of action; could embrace abstinence and recovery and truly reclaim their lives,
I wouldn’t have believed you. We knew that in 1985 when I began my training. So how did we as leaders in the addiction field get to the point where we needed to have such a Back to the Future experience? Thirty years ago, abstinence-based residential treatment was recognized as the gold standard for treating people with addiction. Today, that is described as the evidence-based treatment known as 12-Step Facilitation Therapy. We then recognized that there were also people who had substance use problemsbut didn’t meet diagnostic criteria for dependence or addiction and for whom abstinence-based residential treatment was not appropriate. Programs were developed to help that population, approaches that were widely recognized as Goal Choice Therapies. Now we had evidence-based services and supports for both groups. We could match the
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2. the highest point on a mountain, synonymous with peak or zenith; 3. the highest level or degree that can be attained.
Using the first definition, the National Summit has succeeded in endorsing a program that recognizes that people with the most severe addictions can embrace abstinence and recovery. Using the other two definitions of summit we have failed. This basic recognition of what we knew 30 years ago should be no cause for celebration, but cause for alarm. Somewhere along the path toward our peak, our summit, we lost our way. At present, with the support of the National Commitment to Recovery from the Disease of Addiction in Canada, our immediate priority is to recognize the need to get back on track and chart a course to a summit, a peak, a zenith worth shouting from the mountaintops about! ￭ Dr. Patrick Smith is the CEO of Renascent, Canada’s leading alcohol and drug treatment centre.
Spring 2015
19
L U L U L E M O N AT H L E T I C A
giveaway! Enter our Best Coworker Ever! Contest Tell us about a health-care professional who goes above and beyond in his or her job, and we will select a winner and send that person a $100 gift card from Lululemon. For complete contest rules, visit www.navigatemag.com.
ABOUT
NURSES
Somebody asked: “You’re a nurse?!? That’s cool – I wanted to do that when I was a kid. “How much do you make?” The nurse replied: How much do I make? I can make holding your hand seem like the most important thing in the world when you’re scared. I can make your child breathe when they stop. I can help your father survive a heart attack. I can make myself get up at 5 a.m. to make sure your mother has the medicine she needs to live. I work all day to save the lives of strangers. I make my family wait for dinner until I know your family member is taken care of. I make myself skip lunch so that I can make sure that everything I did for your wife today is charted. I make myself work weekends and holidays because people don’t just get sick Monday through Friday. Today, I might save your life. How much do I make? All I know is, I make a difference.
We would love to hear from you:
To send us your feedback, comments and suggestions, visit www.navigatemag.com or email info@navigatemag.com. 20
EDUCATE.
COLLABORATE.
GROW.
Graymatter EDUCATION
Graymatter education, we offer courses, seminars, webinars, or any other similar type of educational program designed to educate a professional and give him or her further skills or knowledge to be applied in his or her line of work. These programs are intended to educate persons on new advancements, or to build upon a person’s expertise in a given field. These may be optional for the nursing profession, legal profession, or the insurance profession. We have various topics and certificates of completion are awarded. Canadian Nurses receive credits for their ongoing education. Advocacy and Ethics
Discharge Follow Up
Medical Malpractices
Brain Injury in the ER
Funding the Medical System Through the Legal System
Mock Trial
Heart Attack in the ER
Record Keeping
Compassion Fatigue Consent Form Education Critical Incident Debriefing Cultural Sensitivity Cancer in the ER
Pediatric Emergency
Homecare: what happens Spinal Cord in the ER when a patient goes home Teamwork/Adult Bullying Insurance Ins and outs in the Workplace
To host a session or find out more about how your hospital or company can have a session please contact Audra Leslie at Graymatter 905 420 1810, or by email at audra@graymatterms.ca
You Will Never Be Alone
Mazin & Associates PC fights for the care you deserve. Our experienced and compassionate lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected. With us on your side, you will never be alone. TO LEARN MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: mazinlawyers.com OR CALL US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION ANYWHERE IN ONTARIO
1.800.432.HURT • 416.250.1234 5 PArk HOMe Avenue, Suite 120, tOrOntO, OntAriO M2n 6L4