Ice Fishing on Lake Winnipeg. Photo Credit: Glen Martin

Wishes for Health & Happiness - January 2024

Information - Resources - Wellness Classes - Career Opportunities

New Year’s Resolutions

 Contributor: Caroline McIntosh, Wellness Facilitator with the Interlake-Eastern RHA

Forbes Media suggests top categories for resolutions in 2024 will center on health and wellbeing. However, they also found that the average resolution lasts just 3.74 months!

Have you set a New Year’s Resolution only to watch it fizzle out? If this has been true for you in the past, treat yourself kindly, and be patient with yourself. This issue very common! The majority of resolutions aren’t followed because, face it, life gets in the way. It is possible, though, to stick to your goals when you have support. This is where the community wellness program can help. We offer programs that address some common New Year’s resolutions, such as quitting or reducing tobacco use, or changing your relationship with food. Most of our classes will also help you set a SMART goal, which will also help you increase your chance of success! Click here to learn more.

Community Wellness Programs

Explore FREE Classes for Healthy Living

Feeding Littles - How to raise competent eaters

• Thursday February 29 on MS Teams

Feeding Your Baby - Introduction to solids

• Thursday January 25 on MS Teams

Commit To Quit - Reduce or stop nicotine use

• January 10 to February 7 on MS Teams
• January 11 to February 8 on MS Teams (evenings)

Craving Change - Change thinking habits to change eating habits

• February 1, 8, 22, 29, March 7, 14 (no class Feb 15) on MS Teams

No Gym Required - 3 part physical activity series

• February 14, 21 & 28 on MS Teams



To Register for Wellness Classes:

Call Toll Free 1-877-979-9355 or email [email protected]

For information on using Microsoft Teams for our virtual classes, click here.

Your Budget Friendly Recipe for January: Creamy Rice Pudding

Contributor: Marilyn Sitar, Wellness Facilitator with the Interlake-Eastern RHA

Rice is nice!

There are so many uses for leftover rice! One thing I like to do to save time and money during busy weeks is to make extra rice - yes, on purpose! Leftover rice can be added to wraps or stir frys, or even used to make rice pudding! Here’s a little recipe from Spend With Pennies; Creamy Rice Pudding is perfect when served warm on a cold winter day.

Are you hungry for more? Click here for the recipe and other ideas to help make your money

S-T-R-E-T-C-H!

Photo credit: Catkin, Pixabay

Food Date Labelling

Source: Second Harvest

Try a self-paced online class that provides information on food date labelling. There are strategies and tips to maximize your food, save money, and reduce the environmental impact of food waste. 

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

• How to tell the difference between the various date label terms 
• How to know when food is good or not good to eat 
• How to reduce food waste at home 
• How date labels contribute to unnecessary food waste in Canada  

Click here to explore 'A Guide to Food Date Labelling'.

Photo credit: Squirrel Photos, Pixabay

Winter and Ice Safety

Source: Lifesaving Society Manitoba

There are so many amazing ways to be winter-active in our region that include our beautiful lakes. From skating, to snowmobiling, walking and ice fishing there are many ways to enjoy the mild weather this season. Be sure to review the tips below and then take in all that winter has to offer!

Ice Safety Tips

• Check the weather and avoid going on the ice on warm or stormy days
• Have trained people test ice thickness.
• Avoid vehicle travel on ice whenever possible.
• Keep away from unfamiliar paths or unknown ice.
• Never go onto the ice alone.
• Before you leave shore, inform someone of your destination and expected time of return.
• Wear a buoyant suit or lifejacket whenever you are on the ice. It could save your life.
• Carry ice picks, ice poles, and rope.
• Avoid going on ice at night.

Click here for more information to stay safe this winter.

Be Ice Smart This Winter.

Travel Health Information

Source: wrha.mb.ca

Are you and your family planning to travel abroad?

At the travel health clinic, clients are advised of the risks associated with their travel destination. Upon completion of an assessment, the travel health nurse will make immunization recommendations, but it’s up to the client to decide which vaccines they’d like to receive.

In assessing risk, the following points are considered:

• Duration of travel
• Purpose of trip
• Style of travel (backpack or five-star hotel)
• Age
• Time of year (some infections may be seasonal)
• Urban vs. rural
• Medical conditions or medications
• Destination

For more information on Travel Health & Tropical Medical Services: click here.

Photo credit: Marc Tutorials, Pexels

Winterize Yourself

Source: Blue Cross

Just as we service our cars for winter conditions, we can also winterize ourselves to stay safe and healthy this season.

We get that it’s easier to hibernate than participate when the days get shorter and colder. However, getting outdoors, staying active and socially engaged, eating healthy and sleeping well are even more essential to our physical and mental wellbeing in wintertime.

Explore Winter Wellness Tips.

3 reasons reasons why physical activity is key to fighting the winter blues: click here.



Photo credit: Adem, Albayra, Pexels

The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority in conjunction with Healthy Together Now offers a bursary program to train Lifeguards and Swim Instructors for the Interlake-Eastern Region. The goal of this bursary program is to train more swim instructors and lifeguards to work and build swimming skills and increase safety in pools and lakes for Interlake-Eastern residents. Bursary funds are designated to the extent that resources are available for the fiscal year / project.

Applicants understand that there is a commitment to offer programs as a leader in the Interlake-Eastern Region for a minimum of 1 year. 

Prerequisites for Training:

• Age 15+ for Lifeguard Training
• Age 16+ for Swim Instructor Training
• Bronze Cross
• Standard First Aid & CPR C/AED from a recognized public health posted organization.

Eligible training costs include*:

• Training course registration fees & course manuals
• Additional certification requirements: Exam

Application Deadline: January 8, 2024

Click here for application forms and more information.

Learn Why Support Changes Everything for Manitobans Impacted by Dementia

Source: Alzheimer Society Manitoba

This January, during National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba hopes to help Manitobans understand dementia and the resources available to those navigating the disease by sharing stories from individuals who experience dementia daily.

After Ken Krulicki’s wife Brenda was diagnosed with young onset dementia, he felt lost and alone. He turned to the Alzheimer Society for guidance and information. The First Link® Client Support staff connected Ken with resources including a care partner support group where he met and received support from others going through similar situations. 

Learn more about Manitobans living with dementia: click here.

A career with the IERHA can lead you anywhere!

Join us in Lac du Bonnet for paid three week Micro-Credential Health Care Aide Training. Contact Ian at [email protected] to learn more.

For more information on Interlake-Eastern RHA training opportunities, visit our website.

Have you tested positive for COVID-19?

If your rapid antigen test is positive for #COVID19, or you don't take a test but have symptoms, you should isolate for 5 days after your symptoms start and until you don't have a fever & your other symptoms have been improving for 24 hours. Click here to learn more.

Vaccine Resources

Source: Province of Manitoba | Vaccination and Eligibility (gov.mb.ca)

The recommended interval is 6 months, but you may receive a dose of XBB.1.5 formulation if it has been at least 3 months from any previous COVID-19 vaccine formulation or known infection.

All people in Manitoba aged 6 months and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

The vaccine is also available from medical clinics, pharmacies and other locations. Use the Vaccine Finder to find a convenient location. You can make your vaccine appointment at some sites online or by calling 1-844-626-8222.

Our next issue will be in circulation in February 2024.

Community Wellness Team | Toll Free 1-877-979-9355

[email protected] | ierha.ca