Cancer Control Strategy Unveiled

One of the things that we heard during the needs assessment was peoples' concern about chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.  People want to know that Eastern Health and the province are actively working to address high rates of chronic disease in this area.  Yesterday, the provincial government unveiled a provincial cancer control strategy entitled Gaining Ground: A Provincial Cancer Control Policy Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador.  The goal of the strategy is to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer and to improve the quality of life of those living with cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador.  You can read all about the strategy here.

November - A Look at Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  And November 14 is World Diabetes Day.

Did you know that our province of Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate of diabetes in Canada? 

According to the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey, 8.1% of the population over the age of 12 reported being diagnosed by a health professional as having diabetes.  Within our province, that figure is 8.8% while nationally, 5.9% of respondents reported receiving that diagnosis.

During the needs assessment process, many people expressed concern about chronic diseases, particularly diabetes.  They worry about the high rates and indicated a desire to ensure education sessions are available to people in their communities around topics like healthy eating.

Eastern Health Releases Annual Performance Report

Eastern Health recently released its Annual Performance Report. Read all about the things that are happening in our organization.  Needs assessments are just one component!

Impact of Hurricane Igor

Little did we realize that Hurricane Igor would have effected us so severely.  It had a major impact on the communities within the Discovery Zone, the area covered by our needs assessment.  While it is likely that the ramifications of Hurricane Igor will be felt for a long time, it is impossible to speculate on what that impact will be.  All primary research and findings related to this needs assessment were completed prior to Hurricane Igor.  As always, the people of this area, responded to Hurricane Igor with resilience and grace!

Igor: You're a Barrier!

While speaking with people in the Discovery Zone about the barriers that stop them from accessing health and community services, transportation is most often cited.  Whether it's no access to public transportation, lack of private transportation operators (such as taxis) or lack of access to a car, transportation can be a big impediment for people who must travel for services.  Today, we are getting an example of another barrier - weather!  Hurricane Igor is making himself known in this area and some people with appointments in the health and community services sector, will probably not be able to make those appointments.  

Looking at Gender as a Determinant of Health

One of the determinants of health is gender.  Gender can impact our health due to various attitudes, behaviours, values and relative power that society gives to the two genders. Many health issues are a function of gender-based social status or roles. 

Women and men have different health issues and can be impacted by the same issues in different ways. Heart disease, for example, affects men and women differently.

Some issues are gender specific. For example, cervical screening for women is an important tool to help detect cancer. For the Bonavista Peninsula (defined as from Chance Cove to Bonavista) the screening rate for 2009 was 30%. The map of the Bonavista Peninsula shows that cervical screening rates in this area are low.

One person who is trying to address this issue is Dr. Roxanne Cooper who has converted a mobile trailer into a travelling Mobile Pap clinic.  Check our her story in NEXUS, the NL Medical Association's newsletter and join her Facebook group where you can also see photos of the trailer (one photo pictured here).

Speaking with Staff

To end the primary research component of information gathering for the needs assessment, we have been speaking with Eastern Health staff.  Small discussion groups have been held today and will continue tomorrow with the final one on Monday.  Much of the discussion is similar to the comments that we've heard from people in the community.  A draft report will be provided to the needs assessment Steering Committee for their input at the end of September. 

Speaking with Specialists

As one of the last focus groups with the needs assessment, we met with the specialist physicians at the Dr. G.B. Cross Memorial Hospital.  We asked them about what's working well in the region, what are the challenges and what makes a community healthy.  We also took the opportunity to talk about some of the things we've been hearing throughout the needs assessment process.  One of the comments we hear throughout the process was concern about the recruitment and retention of specialists.  People want to be reassured that there is significant effort being made into recruitment and retention.  They also acknowledge that there are a number of partners involved in ensuring that once new physicians come to a new area, they feel welcomed and valued. 

Fetal Alcohol Awareness Day

Today, September 9, is Fetal Alcohol Awareness Day.  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term that describes a range of disabilities that may affect people whose mothers drank alcohol while they were pregnant.  The Public Health Agency of Canada has a lot of information about this spectrum disorder. 

Today is an opportunity to increase public awareness about the dangers and implications of drinking alcohol while pregnant.  It's also an opportunity to make people aware of the challenges that people with FASD face.  FASD is not something we heard about during the needs assessment process.  For many people, however, it is a reality of their daily life.

A Look at Literacy

Well, August has been a nice long break.  But work continues on the needs assessment with an end in sight!  Today, September 7 is International Literacy Day.  While in North America in general, literacy rates are very high, there are pockets where there is not the case.  Literacy has come up in the needs assessment in a couple of ways.  The whole concept of "health literacy" understanding what a health care professional is saying to you and understanding what and why you are taking medications has been raised as an issue.  This is particularly the case for seniors.  Also related to seniors and literacy is the concept of elder abuse with some examples given of seniors who aren't literate being asked to sign something which takes away their ownership of something.  Can you think of ways that literacy impacts on your health?

Northeast Avalon Needs Assessment Released

Yesterday, Eastern Health released the Northeast Avalon Community Health Needs Assessment.  This assessment began last year.  The report is quite different from the one that's developing on the Discovery Zone.  The population of the Northeast Avalon is much larger and is was necessary to focus on the top three themes that came out of the telephone survey.  You can read about the Northeast Avalon report here.

Pictured we have the President and CEO Vickie Kaminski, Chair of Eastern Health's Board of Trustees, Michael O'Keefe and Planning Specialist Gillian Janes who was project manager.  Speaking is Sondria Browne who served on the Community Advisory Committee.

Conversations with Health Care Providers

More conversations are ongoing with health care providers.  In addition to having insight from the people they serve in the health and community services system, they are also residents of the area.  Our conversations have been enlightening and a great learning opportunity. 

Speaking with Health Care Providers

Over the past couple of days, I've been speaking with some health care providers about the needs assessment.  We discuss the questions that I have been asking all focus groups and we also discuss some of the themes that have been coming out of the primary research to date.  We have a couple more of these sessions to hold and organize and then our primary research will be completed.

Mental Health Association Looking for Board Members

Mental health is something we've heard a lot about during the needs assessment.  The Canadian Mental Health Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is currently seeking board members to fill some vacancies.  Information about duties and how to apply can be found here.

An Update

It's summer but we're still working away on the needs assessment.  Upcoming we have a meeting with the family physicians in the area and we will be speaking with staff and the Clarenville offices and specialists at the Dr. G.B. Cross Memorial Hospital.  Towards the end of July, we have meetings set up with our Advisory Committee and our Steering Committee.  Themes are pretty consistent now and the challenge of coming up with recommendations is underway.

The Weather Blues

Today is the first day in a while that we've seen the sun.  It really seems to be impacting on people.  There's lots of talk about people feeling tired and not quite having a spring in their step.  Weather, like a lot of things, has a big impact on our health.  From our mental health and well-being to vitamin D levels it all has an impact.  Of course, too much sun is also not healthy.  Like everything, we need to achieve a balance. 

The Relationship with the School System

One of the themes arising from the needs assessment is the emphasis that must be placed on youth and their health and well-being.  In particular, people who participated in the needs assessment process spoke about the need for strong collaborative relationships between the school system and the health system.  Arising from this theme, we will be meeting with the Eastern School District-Eastern Health Liaison Committee to discuss some of the findings and talk about possible solutions.

Visiting Hillview

We had a wonderful focus group in Hillview this week with people from nearby communities attending.  Some of the discussion centred around the infrastructure of local communities.  For example, water quality issues were referenced and the impact that has on health.  They also spoke about the lack of sidewalks and the lack of street lights as stopping people from walking, particularly at night.  Associated with that is concern with cars speeding through communities.  Some of these same concerns have been voiced in other communities as well.

Heading Towards Recommendations

Focus groups over the past couple of days have occurred in Clarenville, Arnold's Cove, Musgravetown and Hillview.  AT the end of this week, the only focus groups remaining will be the ones with staff, family physicians and medical staff at the Dr. G.B. Cross Memorial Hospital.

Once we have the themes fleshed out, it's time to start focusing on recommendations.  Throughout the process, we've been asking people for possible solutions so we have a starting point.

Focus Groups Continuing in Clarenville Area

Focus groups are continuing in the Clarenville area.  Some sessions have good turn outs and others have small turn outs but regardless of numbers, people definitely have things to say!  It's really nice to hear conversations flowing and people discussing things amongst themselves.  It makes for great listening!

World Elder Abuse Day

June 15 was World Elder Abuse Day in Canada.  The topic of elder abuse is one that has come more and more into peoples' awareness.  In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Seniors Resource Centre developed a Five-Year Strategic Plan to Address Elder Abuse in Newfoundland and Labrador.   The five-year period is from 2005-2010. 

During the needs assessment process, we have heard from people that it is a concern. People are concerned that it's happening and they are concerned that people don't know what to do about it or where to go for help.

Meeting with Health Care Providers

We had a great meeting with family practitioners and nurse practitioners in Bonavista last night.  Participants were very thoughtful in their comments.  They have a wealth of knowledge about their communities and some of the strengths and weaknesses in the communities. Bonavista area is fortunate to have dedicated health care providers!

Busy Week

This is a busy week for the needs assessment.  It started with a focus group last night and we will do another five over the next four days.  In addition to these focus groups, we will be meeting with our Steering Committee and the Advisory Committee.  We are getting close to collecting all of the information and then the hard part of putting it all together begins!

Focus Groups: A Rose by Another Name?

Sunday is the start of a number of focus group sessions that will occur over the next couple of weeks.  In addition to inviting representatives from community groups to participate, we are also having focus group sessions with family practitioners.  So what is a focus group?  Is the terminology a little intimidating?  Essentially, a focus group is a chat with a small group of people.  Most often it's with a group of 6-10 people.  The facilitator of the discussion has a number of questions and then listens as the people in attendance chat amongst themselves.   There are no right or wrong answers.  Generally, the purpose of a focus group is to get peoples' opinions.  So if you get an invite, come on along!  Or if you haven't received an invitation but would like to attend a focus group (and you are a resident of the Discovery Zone), e-mail needsassessment@easternhealth.ca.

Talking About the Weather

Our Spring has been a little lacking, hasn't it?  Lots of RDF (rain, drizzle and fog).  Does the weather impact your mood?  Many people say they feel much happier when the sun is shining. 

Weather can certainly impact our lives.  Today, for example, we have quite heavy rain and there are reports of a very bad accident on the Trans-Canada Highway.  Similiarly, snow has an impact and more and more people are aware of the dangers of the sun.  Weather is part of our environment that can have an impact on our health.

Celebrate Canadian Environment Week

Did you know this is Canadian Environment Week?  The environment around us certainly has an impact on our health and well-being. For example, during the needs assessment process, one of the concerns referenced in certain parts of the area is water quality.  Some communities have been on boil orders for years.  Yet that same water is used for brushing teeth, washing clothes and dishes and for cooking.  People are expressing concern about this.

Others have expressed concerns about industrial sites in the region and the health implications.

What role does the environment have in your life?  

Happy Seniors Month!

June is Seniors Month!  It's a time to recognize the contributions that seniors make to our society and to celebrate their achievements.

During the needs assessment research, we certainly hear a lot about seniors.  The topic is very broad and includes everything from expressing gratitude to the role that seniors play in their communities to concerns about elder abuse to people feeling the need to advocate for more services for seniors. 

Throughout the region, there are numerous seniors groups, such as 50+ clubs, who are making great contributions to their communities.  Let's all celebrate the role that seniors play in our area!

Happy World No Tobacco Day!

Eastern Health today joined with health care authorities and community organizations around the world to mark World No Tobacco Day.

Smoking is not permitted in buildings in buildings, parking lots, in vehicles or anywhere on Eastern Health grounds. This includes the use of other tobacco products such as chew or snuff tobacco. The goal of the smoke free policy is to create a tobacco and smoke free environment for employees, patients, clients, residents, visitors and volunteers in keeping with Eastern Health’s vision of Healthy People, Healthy Communities.

Eastern Health’s other programs such as Born Smoke Free and The Story of Smoke Free target women and children’s groups in particular.

Between 20 and 30 per cent of women use tobacco during pregnancy, and of those who quit, approximately 70 per cent resume smoking after the birth of their babies. The goal of the Born Smoke Free initiative is to promote a smoke free environment for newborns and their families. In partnership with the provincial Department of Health and Community Services and Community Health Nurses, Eastern Health provides resource materials to help parents protect newborns, and their family as a whole, from the dangers of second hand smoke.

In addition, the program provides information and support to assist parents who want to quit smoking. This assistance can be provided to families during both pre and post-natal visits.

The Story of Smoke Free was introduced in Kindergarten and Grade One classes throughout the Eastern Health region in 2006. To celebrate World No Tobacco Day, Kindergarten and Grade 1 classroom teachers were invited to register for The Story of Smoke Free program. Teachers receive a storybook, a CD-ROM, tattoos and stickers to promote the smoke free message. A record 61 schools in the eastern region have registered to participate in this program.

Getting There

We've just set up a number of focus group sessions.  From June 13 to June 22, we'll be holding 8 focus groups.  Some of these will be with family physicians only.  For others, we have invited community stakeholders/partners, health providers in the community and municipal leaders to attend.  Hopefully, we will get good turnout.  The more feedback we have, the better we will be able to respond to concerns. 

After this round of focus groups, we'll spend some time talking to physicians in our acute care and long-term care facilities and staff in this region. 

Which month is it?

The simple answer is May.  But there's more to this month than meets the eye!  It is:

- Cystic Fibrosis Month

- National Physiotherapy Month

- Speech and Hearing Awareness Month

- National Nursing Week - May10-16

- World No Tobacco Day - May 31

In fact, most months are also health-related months.  These help to promote a particular cause or organization.  Often, there are special events related to the month being celebrated.  So, the next time you think of the month, check out the health-related information that's being promoted - you will probably learn something very valuable.

Submissions Requested

Eastern Health is conducting a community health needs assessment in the Discovery Zone region, which includes the area from Bonavista to Port Blandford to Swift Current to Chapel Arm.

The purpose of a needs assessment is to gather information about the health needs and resources of a community to determine the issues that are most important and to develop a plan to address those priorities. A health needs assessment looks at the factors that determine the health of a community, from income and education to physical and social environments.

Written submissions (either hard copy or electronic) about the health needs of the Discovery Zone are invited from individuals, community partners and service organizations.

Submissions should be received by June 11, 2010 to:

Lisa Browne
Planning Specialist
Eastern Health
50A Manitoba Drive
Clarenville, NL
A1A 1K5
Phone (709) 466-5863
Fax: (709) 466-6343
email: lisa.browne@easternhealth.ca

Celebrating Municipal Awareness Day

May 19 is Municipal Awareness Day.  Throughout our discussions with people in the region, we have heard about the importance of municipal infrastructure.  For example, some communities in this area have been on boil water advisories for quite some time.  This is not only annoying to people but they are also concerned about using the water for cooking and cleaning purposes.  In other communities, water quality is quite high.  Recreation is another aspect that comes out when discussing community health and well-being.  Some communities have infrastructure such as parks and trails that can help to keep people healthy while other communities do not.  On this Municipal Awareness Day, think about the services offered by your community.  What's working well and what needs to be improved?

Optimism in Norman's Cove-Long Cove/Chapel Arm Area

Our discussion with community partners in the Norman's Cove-Long Cove/Chapel Arm area oozed with optimism!  The community is very proud of all of the services available in the area and in particular, with the strong levels of volunteerism in their communities.  One participant indicated that entire families volunteer to make things happen in the community.  They also spoke about the positive impacts of the Vale Inco work that is ongoing in the Long Harbour area.  They feel that retail outlets are benefiting and many homeowners are renting or boarding workers so there's an economic impact for them as well.

An Advisory Committee Member's Perspective

I recently asked members of the Needs Assessment Advisory Committee about their experience sitting on the committee so far.  Here's Barbara Humby's response:

I decided to apply to sit on the Advisory Committee because I know with the employment conditions surrounding our area and being a single parent, what a impact that can have on your health.  My experience so far as a member of Advisory Committee has been very interesting and rewarding. I didn't really know what to expect but I'm glad that I did join. I can see things more clearly and now I have a better understanding on several different issues.

Barb has been a great contributor to the Advisory Committee!

How Are You Celebrating?

Today is Canada Health Day.  It's celebrated every year on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale.


What are you doing to celebrate?  Consider:

• going for a walk
• take a hike in the woods
• hop on your bike
• play a game of tag with your children
• try a new fruit or vegetable you've never had before

Talking with Janet

To oversee the needs assessment, we have established a Steering Committee made up of Eastern Health employees.  One of the people who sits on the committee is Janet Fisher who work in Primary Health Care in Bonavista.  Janet is also a member of the Advisory Committee, made up of community residents.  We recently asked her thoughts on being a part of the Advisory Committee.

As a member of the Steering Committee, I volunteered to be part of the Advisory Committee because I work closely with community groups in my area.  I'm looking forward to learning more about the process and meeting people in the region who I may work with in the future.  I believe in community development and community capacity building and I hope that once a final report is written we can work together with community partners to enhance health and wellness in our communities.  So far I'm enjoying my experience as a member of the Advisory Committee especially hearing people's stories.  Our discussions thus far certainly highlight the diversity within our region.

During one focus group recently, there was a discussion about the positive things that are happening in our communities.  During that conversation, one person remarked that it's impressive how many positive things are going on but we don't often stop to think of them.  This is so true.  It's important to stop and think about the good things in your life.  It helps to promote a positive attitude and good mental health.  What's going right in your community?

A Visit to Norman's Cove-Long Cove

At a focus group at Norman's Cove-Long Cove last night, community members talked about aging communities and the impact that it has on people and a community as a whole.  They also spoke about a vibrant voluntary sector and the importance that volunteers bring to a community.  People are proud of the services they have available in their town:  from Moving 4 Health to square dancing to cadets to walking trails. We had a good discussion about health concerns in the area.  Last night was a beautiful evening and it was wonderful for these people to come out to talk about the health of their community.

Talking with Municipal Leaders in the Isthmus Area

Last night's discussion with municipal leaders in the Isthmus area went very well.  Much of the discussion was focused on family doctors.  Currently, the Isthmus area has two family doctors and communities are concerned with recruitment of new physicians when and if the two current physicians retire.  The municipal leaders in the room felt that this will have a major impact on their communities and the quality of life available to citizens.

Headed to the Isthmus

More focus groups today and then again on Thursday evening.  We are now focused on the Isthmus area of the Discovery Zone.  Today, we are having sessions with community partners and tonight with municipal leaders.  On Thursday, it's another session with community partners.   We try to provide different times, locations and dates to get as many people as possible.  The most we've had in a focus group was 16 and the smallest was 1 so there is quite a range!  We'll see what today brings!

A Great Afternoon with the Women's Institute

Over the weekend, we were invited to attend a Women's Institute meeting consisting of clubs on the Bonavista Peninsula to Harcourt to speak about the needs assessment process.  It was an excellent opportunity to learn about the Women's Institute and to enjoy an outstanding potluck lunch!

The aim of the Women's Institute, as noted on their website, is: 

The present day Newfoundland and Labrador Women’s Institutes is an informal, educational organization for women to work together to expand their skills, broaden their interests, plan meetings, workshops and conferences, and strengthen the quality of life for themselves, their families and their communities.

The meeting certainly seemed to reflect this aim.  Participants brought along many of the crafts that they had been working on and seemed to thoroughly enjoy each other's friendship.  For Eastern Health, it was an opportunity to let people know how to participate in the needs assessment process.

Municipal Leaders Focus Group in Musgravetown

Only the Deputy Mayor of Musgravetown came out to the Municipal Leaders Focus Group held last night in Musgravetown.  We had a good chat about the positives in the community as well as the challenges. 

The positives in the area are pretty easy to see.  Driving through Bloomfield and Musgravetown you can certainly see lots of sign of activity.  Last night was a beautiful evening and lots of people were out walking.  There are several new houses that have just recently been built or are still in process.  Holloway's Grocery Store was busy. 

One of the challenges referenced by the Deputy Mayor is the fact that the community no longer has a physician who practices in the community.  In particular, he indicated this had been a hardship on seniors in the area.

We had a good chat about other challenges.  It's always great to speak with someone passionate about his community.

A Visit to King's Cove

The beautiful community of King's Cove was the site of a great focus group this afternoon.  Fifteen people gathered at the Knights of Columbus hall for discussion about the strengths and challenges in their community and positives and concerns about the health and community services system.

People at the session had lots to say and we were very happy to listen.  Many of the same themes that we heard at focus group sessions were referenced. 

The group wanted to know what would happen with the report once it was completed.  This is a very important question.  In the past, the Board of Trustees has asked for progress reports on the status of the recommendations every 6 months and committed to coming back to the community two years after the release of the report to provide an update on the recommendations.  This built in accountability is very important.

Advisory Committee Meeting

Yesterday's meeting with the Advisory Committee included some excellent discussion.  The group talked about healthy child development as a determinant of health.  They were asked the question:  What helps support healthy child development?  At each Advisory Committee meeting, we will have a discussion about a determinant of health.  We thought we could discuss them all over two meetings but given the level of discussion, it will be spread over more meetings. 

Yesterday, was also an opportunity to provide a summary of some of the discussion heard from key informants and results of the telephone survey.  Committee members found the results to be "surprising" and "complex."  At our next meeting in June, most of the primary research will be done so we should have a comprehensive discussion about what people are saying in the area about the well being of their communities.

Meeting Today with Advisory Committee

The Discovery Zone Advisory Committee meets today in Port Union.  This will be our third time meeting.  On today's agenda is a continuation of a discussion about the determinants of health and their impact in this region.  We will also have the opportunity to share some results of the telephone survey.

Our meeting is at the historic The Factory in Port Union.  Shown here is the section of The Factory with the Fishermens' Protective Union Retail Store.  A fascinating place to visit!

A Visit to a Family Resource Centre

Family Resource Centres have received a lot of mention during the needs assessment process.  Throughout the region, people see them as one of our greatest strengths.  The Discovery Zone has two Family Resource Centres:  The Vista Family Resource Centre and The Neighbourhood of Friends.

We have invited representatives from both organizations to speak with us about the health needs of the area.  Last week, we met with the Neighbourhood of Friends.  During our session, they spoke a lot about the challenges throughout the region, particularly in terms of the increasingly wide gulf between the rich and the poor.  They talked about how difficult it is for families to eat healthy foods on fixed incomes and they spoke about the challenges trying to access certain services due to a number of reasons, from wait lists to knowing what services are available to literacy challenges.

Speaking with the Youth Protocol Committee

The Discovery Zone has a Youth Protocol Committee.  Membership comes from the Community Youth Networks, Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Service Canada, Eastern Health, Eastern School District, Discovery Regional Development Board, Ability Employment Corporation, Eastern Regional Committee Against Violence and the Random North Development Corporation among others. The committee's mandate is to: 

Work collaboratively as federal, provincial and local stakeholders to develop a process for addressing employment challenges faced by youth in Newfoundland and Labrador.  We strive to: • Create opportunities for youth to define and develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to participate in the labour market; • Increase work opportunities for youth; • Help youth respond to the changing nature of work; • Address cultural and social barriers in order to facilitate youth employment.

During the focus group session, one of the comments made was the importance of integrating youth in things around the community.  We need to get to the point where their involvement is asked for and encouraged.  What you have a community event, do you make a special effort to include youth in the process and the event? 

Happy Volunteer Week!

The week of April 18 is Volunteer Week in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  Volunteers are everywhere in our communities.  Our needs assessment relies on our Advisory Committee members who serve as volunteers.  The people who participate in focus group sessions, key informant interviews and telephone surveys volunteer their time and opinions.

As we talk with people about the needs assessment, the word volunteer comes up a lot.  On the positive side, people acknowledge and are very grateful for the support of volunteers who play such an important role in our communities.  On the negative side, people express concern that the same people seem to volunteer for the same things.  As they age, they wonder who will take their place.

The next time you go to a community event, take the time to acknowledge a volunteer - they deserve your thanks!

Speaking with the Bonavista Area Primary Health Care Advisory Committee

Several years ago, a primary health care initiative was established in the Bonavista area.  As part of that initiative, an advisory committee was established.  The committee us made up of people who live on the Bonavista Peninsula from the Barbour Bridge to Bonavista.  Because of their involvement in health issues in the area, we held a focus group session with this group.

This group is very in tune with the determinants of health and have organized a number of events that bring people of different generations together to focus on creating a healthy community.

Talking with Staff

Throughout the needs assessment process, we also invite staff to participate in the process.  In Bonavista last week, we invited staff to take part in a focus group to get their opinions about the health of their communities.  Staff are not only active participants in their communities, they also see the health needs from their clients/patients/residents' perspective.  They are invaluable sources of information!

In the Bonavista Area

Yesterday's focus groups in Bonavista and Port Union went well.  We had sessions with health providers, the Bonavista Area Primary Health Care Advisory Committee and community partners. 

During the community partners session, in particular, I was struck by how much people appreciated the opportunity to have a say into the health needs of their communities and how much they value the importance of working together to improve the health of communities.  It was a very snowy night and it was great to see that people made the effort to have their say and to participate in the process.

On the Road...To Bonavista

Off to Bonavista for three focus group sessions today. 

Bonavista has a tremendous history and it's one that they have managed to protect and it's also one that seems to be paying major dividends.  Bonavista is probably one of the most visited towns in the province.  Starting with its discovery by John Cabot in 1497, Bonavista's close access to the rich fishing and sealing grounds to the north of the peninsula made it the home to the Spanish, Portuguese, French and English during the 1500s. In the most recent past, with the challenges in the fishery, the town has suffered from declining population and high unemployment rates.  Many people see the tourism sector as a way to help address this situation.

Today, we'll learn what some people think of the health of their communities.

Why Focus Groups?

Tomorrow, we have a number of focus group sessions set up to discuss our needs assessment.  So what is a focus group and why use them during a needs assessment process?  A focus group is one way to get qualitative research.  Unlike a telephone survey, for example, which provides quantitative information (where we will be able to say x% of people have a family doctor), focus groups consist of a small number of people who are asked about their opinions and attitudes about a particular topic.  For the focus group sessions for this needs assessment, we have nine questions that we will be asking each session that we hold.   If we hear themes arising from all of these sessions, we can probably focus on that issue as being an important one. 

One of the greatest benefits of focus groups is having the group interaction.  Listening to others talk can spark thoughts in others and result in great discussion.  One of the challenges of focus group is keeping people on topic.  It's very easy to get distracted and start talking about another topic.  Tomorrow will be a busy day!

1000 Cities; 1000 Lives

Yesterday was World Health Day as proclaimed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with celebrations going on for the whole week.  This year's theme focuses on health and urbanization.  By 2030, six out of every 10 people will be city dwellers, rising to seven out of every 10 people by 2050.

As part of the theme, cities are invited to open a portion of their streets to people for a physical or mental health activity and close them to motor vehicles.  It could be an opportunity for  physical exercise, meeting family, friends and community, health checks, eating healthy local food or visiting local attractions.

The World Health Day has a goal of 1000 Cities: 1000 Lives:   get 1000 cities to sign up for the challenge and identify 1000 individuals who are champions of health in your community.   Who are the health champions in your community?  Could your community participate in an initiative like this?

Calls Complete

Part of the research that we have been conducting for our needs assessment is a telephone survey of people living in the region.  The calls ended last night.  We look forward to getting the results of the survey.  They will be part of the needs assessment report and, combined with key informant interviews and focus group sessions, will help to form the basis of the findings.

What Are You Eating?

Meetings seem to be a fact of life.  We have them at our workplaces as employees and in our communities as volunteers.  If you attend a meeting where a snack or meal is served, do you stop and take note of what you're eating?  If you're organizing the meeting, do you think about the snacks being ordered? 

One of the topics that's talked about a lot during our needs assessment is the importance of healthy eating.  Sometimes, we eat what's in front of us because it's convenient or it's a treat or it's just a habit.  Next time you organize a meeting, think about the food you provide and make healthy choices.  When we eat healthy, we have more energy and can be more productive.

Here are a few tips to consider:

• If you're providing vegetables and dip, ask for dips made with yogurt or low-fat sour cream.
• Always make sure water is available for drinking.
• Provide milk in addition to cream for coffee and tea.
• Ask for sandwiches on an assortment of whole grain breads, rolls, pitas, wraps, etc.
• Order green salads made with spinach, romaine lettuce or leaf lettuce rather than iceberg lettuce
• Offer fruit as a dessert alternative.

Becoming aware of our food choices can make us all healthier!

You Don't Need A Title to be a Leader

Mark Sanborn has written a book entitled You Don't Need A Title to Be a Leader.  Sanborn says leadership is shown through our everyday actions and the way we influence the lives of those around us.

Sanborn argues that leaders:

- act with purpose rather than getting bogged down by mindless activity
- Care about and listen to others

- Look for ways to encourage the contributions and development of others rather than focusing solely on personal achievements

- Create a legacy of accomplishment and contribution in everything they do

Sanborn states that influence and inspiration come from the person, not the position.  Are you a leader?  Who are the leaders in your community?

Talking with School Principals

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to meet with school principals in our region.  Education is a determinant of health and as we have been talking with people, education is something that is brought up again and again.  People recognize the importance of educating children about personal health practices.  They also see that linkages between Eastern Health and the Eastern School District need to be very strong.

People talk about the importance of the school system and, in particular, how nutrition and physical activity habits can be influenced within the school system.   A number of people also talk about the role that children have in teaching parents/guardians about positive health practices.

Chatting with the Rural Secretariat

Last week, we had a focus group session with Rural Secretariat (Bonavista-Clarenville) members.  There are nine Rural Secretariat Regional Councils in the province.  People were appointed to the councils from an open nomination process.  The mandate of the Rural Secretariat is to:

•  Promote the well-being of all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador through a comprehensive and coordinated approach to economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects of regional development.
• Act as the focal point for the provincial government to work with local and regional partners to build strong and dynamic regions and communities.
• Ensure that regional concerns are considered throughout the provincial government and promoted at the federal level.
• Carry out research and analysis of economic and social issues affecting all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Help communities and regions identify and take advantage of growth opportunities

 While not all members of the Rural Secretariat (Bonavista-Clarenville) were in attendance, we had a good session discussing the health, strengths and issues of our communities.  The people who sit around the table are very active in their communities and have good insight into the issues facing communities.