May 2017
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Changes at Neighbours
With spring comes new changes; and Neighbours is no different!
We are happy to welcome back Jessica Nesteruk who is returning following a year of
maternity leave. We realize it must have been hard leaving your little boy at home, but
we are anxious to restart some of the fun activities you were providing us before you
left! Computer Savvy Seniors comes to mind quickly!!! When Jessica left us – ARC was
just opening, so there have been many changes for Jessica to get used too! Within our
new Activity & Resource Centre Jessica will now be our ARC and Communications
Coordinator – so if you have ideas for activities or events – make sure to let her know!
On a sadder note – we are also saying good-bye to
two employees who have been working with us for
the last year! Sarah Crepeau who greeted each of
you with a warm smile each time you visited ARC
and Marlene Caprio who managed all the projects
Neighbours had on the go! Both of these women
added to the Neighbours team in their own special
ways and I am sure each member joins the Board of
Directors and the Staff in wishing both of them all
the successes possible in their future endeavours!
I feel fortunate to lead a team of outstanding
employees who bring passion and
professionalism to their jobs every day.
Sharleen Sullivan, ED
With all these changes, Neighbours Board of Directors have taken the opportunity to
adjust our staffing roles! Jessica has her new role as ARC Coordinator as well as
communications, Claudiane continues with the English Health Service Agent project,
Nathalie retains her title of Health Coordinator but will be focusing more on
networking and developing new partnerships and initiatives to sustain Neighbours Health
projects, and I remain your Executive Director, managing our funding, networking
(outside of the health fields), representing Neighbours as well as the ESC of
Abitibi-Témiscamingue on various boards/tables/consultations/etc., and participating in
Neighbours activities! As good as this team sounds—that leaves us a gap in office
coordination – we will looking for someone to help manage the office and ARC! So watch
for a new face on our team shortly!
We have also been granted funding for Summer Students! A Youth Outreach Agent, An
intergenerational Activity Planner / Researcher! So if you know a young person, 15-30
and a full time student; who is looking for a summer job – send them to Neighbours with
a recommendation!
We can’t control change, we can only ride the wave!!!
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BLUE METROPOLIS FOUNDATION
May 31st, 2017
Time to be determined
Neighbours ARC
Join us for an information workshop on how to discover our great
English-Speaking Quebec writers and how to create your own
virtual book club!
90 years of Rouyn-Noranda History in pictures!
Come see the official Exposition on loan to Neighbours
From May 7th to 24th, 2017
Sunday, May 7th, 2017 Open House (1 to 4 pm) to enjoy the
photos at your own pace
Tuesday, May 16th, 2017 at 6:30pm—Guest Speaker to “Walk
down History Lane” Mr. Gaby Trembley from the History Society
Coffee and sweets will be served!
Interactive discussion on Rouyn-Noranda History!
Memory Sharing!
Diabetes and the Eyes By Dr. Jason Woo
There are currently over 2.4 million Canadians living with diabetes, and this number is only expected to
increase with time. Individuals with diabetes are at risk for many chronic conditions such as high blood
pressure, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritis.
Not as widely known however, are the eye complications related to diabetes: diabetic retinopathy, cataracts,
and glaucoma. Although it is important for everyone to have their eyes examined regularly by an
optometrist, it is especially important for those living with diabetes. Left untreated, eye complications from
uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious vision loss or even blindness.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye.
It occurs when tiny blood vessels that provide nutrients to the retina become damaged from uncontrolled
blood sugar levels in the body. If damaged, these vessels will leak blood and other fluids into the fragile
structures of the retina, causing damage.
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, simply reducing the blood sugar levels may be enough to reduce
the damage at the back of the eye. In the later stages, treatment may require injections of medication into
the eye, or the application of laser to the retina.
How is Diabetes Related to Cataracts and Glaucoma?
A cataract is the clouding or fogging of the crystalline lens inside the eye. This lens is normally transparent
and allows us to see clearly by focusing light onto the retina. Although cataracts can occur in anyone with
time and age, people living with diabetes tend to develop cataracts at an earlier age compared to those living
without diabetes. To get rid of cataracts, one must undergo a surgery, which involves replacing the cloudy
crystalline lens with a clear artificial lens.
Glaucoma is a disease which causes progressive damage to the nerves inside our eyes. These nerves are
responsible for carrying the signals for vision from our eyes to our brain. People with diabetes are at risk of
developing a rare type of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma. In this unusual form of glaucoma, new
blood vessels grow onto the iris of the eye, eventually blocking the normal outflow of fluid from the eyes.
This results in an increase in eye pressure which consequently can damage the eye’s internal fragile nerve
connections. This form of glaucoma is very difficult to treat.
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You are cordially invited to
How Can I Prevent Diabetes Related Eye Diseases?
Diabetic eye diseases are the result of uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body. Therefore, it is
important to maintain optimal blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Ask your team of
healthcare professionals to help you determine your optimal blood sugar level, and the strategies
required in order for you to stay on target. It is important to visit your optometrist at least once a year for
a comprehensive examination of the health of your eyes.
Signs of complications from diabetes in the eyes could indicate that elsewhere in your body, there are
damaged blood vessels. Other commonly affected areas are the kidneys, fingertips, and toes. It is
important to remember that the early stages of diabetic eye diseases often do not produce any
symptoms. Therefore, it is critical to have your eyes examined regularly in order to catch any early signs of
damage to the eyes.
(Continued…)
A comprehensive eye exam can do more than test your vision-–
It could help save your life!
Regular eye exams by a doctor of optometry play an essential role in maintaining your overall health, and
could help detect potentially life threatening conditions, like brain tumours, high blood pressure and
diabetes. Make an appointment today!
Source: https://opto.ca
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Neighbours would like to hold an
information session based on the
program 21 day fix.
We would like to share our ideas but most importantly we
want to hear from YOU!!!!
This program can help you:
Determine your calorie target
(depending on your lifestyle)
Portion Control
Show different exercises suitable for you (optional)
Join us for an information session
May 17th, 2017
6:30pm
Neighbours ARC
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Since the 1950s, bright yellow daffodils have arrived in communities across Canada to mark the beginning of Daffodil Month. To this day, the daffodil continues to symbolize strength and courage in the fight against cancer.
As per tradition, Neighbours has partnered with the Canadian cancer society for daffodil week. This year, we beat our record and helped raise a grand total of $18,710.00!!
We would like to thank all of our members who participated in cleaning flowers, selling, making calls, arranging bouquets, deliveries, and of course to those who bought! We couldn’t have done it without your support.
A new record once again - $18 710.00
Daffodil Week– A New Record!
May 12th, 2017
7:00PM
Neighbours ARC
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Recently, Neighbours members attended a wonderful videoconference on Sugar & Salt organized
by CHEP (Community Health Education Program) given by Dorothy Moffat.
Here is what we learned;
Top THREE tips for choosing low sodium products:
Here are some tips to help you reduce your sugar intake:
Instead of adding sugar to sweeten oatmeal or cereal, top your bowl with your favorite fruit. Opt
for low-calorie or sugar-free drinks instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Better yet, drink water
(plain or sparkling).
Enjoy fruit for dessert instead of cookies or pastries.
Cut the amount of sugar you use in recipes for cakes and cookies, or switch out sugar completely
by using unsweetened applesauce.
Be mindful of condiments such as ketchup and barbecue sauce, which can be high in sugar, and
opt for lower sugar options such as salsa, mustard or hot sauce.
Read food labels and research restaurant menus online. Avoid the high-sugar options.
Tip #1
Remember that
unprocessed, fresh
foods such as fruits
and vegetables are
good for you and are
naturally low in
sodium.
Tip #2
Try to avoid high sodium
products with more than 400
milligrams (mg) sodium per
serving. Cut back on those with
a sodium content of 200 – 400
mg per serving. Look for those
products with less than 200 mg
per serving.
Tip #3
Be aware of the serving size –
how big a portion and how
many servings do you intend
to eat? For example, breads
and cereals are a significant
source of sodium in our diets
because we consume many
servings in a day.
Sugar and Salt Video Conference
Next Video Conference
Ticks & Lyme
May 10th, 2017 at 10:00am
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/6-ways-to-reduce-your-sugar-intake/art-20267400
www.sodium101.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/brochure-fullpage-en.pdf
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La Maison de la Famille is offering additional respite periods for
members and its free. A respite period allows parents to take
time to relax, attend appointments and much more. For children,
it’s a great opportunity to socialize, make new friends or learn to
separate comfortably from parents. For children ages 0-5,
registration must be done ½ day in advance.
This service is the result of the collaboration between La Maison
de la famille and the SIPPE Table (youth) and since Neighbours is a member of the SIPPE Table,
Neighbours members are welcome to take advantage of this wonderful program.
Please take note that it’s a French organization therefore activities
are in French but some social workers do speak English
Call to reserve your place
819-764-5243
The English Community is invited to an Open house on May 8th to 10th, 2017
Free hearing screenings
Free hearing aids trials
Free complimentary snacks
Go in and see the smallest rechargeable hearing aids in the world
33A, GAMBLE WEST
819-762-0894
May 1-7 is Mental Health Week!
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We all want to be healthy and happy. No one can be truly healthy without positive mental health. It involves how we feel, think, act and interact with the world around us. Mental health is about coping with the normal stresses of life and making a contribution to our community.
Your Path to Mental Well-Being
Positive mental health isn’t about avoiding problems or trying to achieve a “perfect” life. It’s about living well and having the tools to cope with difficult situations even during life’s challenges. Each person’s path to mental well-being is unique. We all have our own goals, our own challenges, our own talents and our own support systems, but positive mental health is within everyone’s reach.
Staying mentally healthy is like staying physically fit— it requires effort. But the rewards are worth it! Everyone has to face stresses and demands, but we all need and deserve breaks. Daily physical exercise, for instance, not only makes you stronger and more fit, but it also improves your mood and your sense of well-being.
Taking charge of your mental well -being: Seek the Help of a Professional
If you have a mental health concern, speak with your doctor
If you need direction in your work life, speak to a career counsellor or human resources expert and make a career plan
To repair relationships with loved ones and friends, talk to an expert and work through any issues For financial challenges, contact a financial planner or debt advisor
Positive Mental Heath Tips
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing problems with your mental health
Contact your local CMHA branch at cmha.ca
Check with your employer: many Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs) and benefit plans will provide access to counselling services
Reach out to people you trust: personal connections are some of the most powerful healing tools for combatting depression Live well: a healthy lifestyle can boost your mood
Resources
While family and friends are important supports, here are other sources of information and inspiration that can help:
Websites of reputable mental health organizations such as CMHA (cmha.ca), the Mental Health Commission of Canada (mentalhealthcommission.ca) and the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (camimh.ca)
Books about specific mental health problems
Audio and video resources
Courses and workshops offered through community centres, schools and universities
Seek out people you admire for their ability to find balance
Source: http://www.cmha.ca/
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 6:30 pm
“Walk down History
Lane” with Gaby
Tremblay—Historian
17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
Campfire Club 4:00pm to 5:00pm AquaForm 1:00pm to 2:00pm
VC Ticks &
Lime 10:00am
History
Exposition
1:00pm to
4:00pm
Blue Metro
Session
21 Day Fix
Info Session
6:30pm
Mother’s
Day
Game Night
7:00pm
Guitar Club 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Knitting Club 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Phone: 819-762-0882
Email: [email protected]
Join us on facebook: www.facebook.com/neighbours.rouynnoranda
This project has been carried out thanks to
funding from Health Canada
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Videoconference
‘Ticks & Lyme’
May 10th, 2017 at 10 a.m.
See Calendar for more!
Health Committee Members
Mrs. Elsie Sullivan, Health Committee Chairperson
Mrs. Janice Beaudin-Nolet
Mrs. Cairine Osborne
Mrs. Marilyn Brethour
Mrs. Nathalie Chevrier Neighbours Staff
Office Location: 139 Murdoch
Mailing Address: PO Box 2277
Rouyn-Noranda, QC, J9X 5A9