Weekly Health Update # 3 With AFN Community Health Nurse

Published: April 21 2020 10:05

Weekly health update with AFN Community Health Nurse

Hi Everyone,

This weekend was a tragic weekend for Nova Scotia and for Canada. Families, friends and communities are hurting and I want to send my deepest condolences to anyone affected by this tragedy. These past 5 weeks have been difficult as it is, so trying to process this can be very difficult. As Premier Stephen McNeil said, “it’s okay to feel sad, or angry, or hopeless, but what’s not okay is to bear all those feelings alone.” Check in with friends and family. As well, please reach out to any of these numbers listed below for help. You are not alone.

Our Mental Health services provided by NSHA are still being offered via telephone.

Eskasoni FN has offer the services of the Eskasoni Crisis and referral line services. These services can be offered in Mikmaw and English.
Eskasoni CRISIS AND REFERRAL SERVICES
TOLL FREE 1-855-379-2099

CMM Mental Wellness Team:

Mental wellness manager:
Katie MacEachern
(cell) 902-899-5345
(email)

Mental wellness advisor:
Katelynn Luymes
(cell) 902-890-2391
(email)

Behavioural support advisor:
Tiffany Brennan
(cell) 902-890-1651
(email)

National Lines:

Canada Drug Rehab Addictions Services Directory: 1-877-746-1963
Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
First Nation and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
National Eating Disorder Information Centre: 1-866-633-4220
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

NS Website: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/mental-health/?fbclid=IwAR1BYqLhtjbLIHnTz9lS-mq_TEoWHhF-dfZgwPTLI1a1P-8I9gDqYweswng
(Click the link and scroll down to find Therapy Assistance Online, and MindWell-U a free 30-day mindfulness challenge starting every Tuesday)

Best links to get information:

Please see our Facebook page: AFN Community Health and answer the joining questions for access. Frequent updates, resources, and links will be posted there.

Nova Scotia Government: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

Nova Scotia Health Authority: http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus

Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

WHO advising on pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-pregnancy-childbirth-and-breastfeeding

Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line: call 24/7 1-888-429-8167

Kids Help Phone: call 24/7 1-800-668-6868
text CONNECT to 686868
or chat online on their website

If there is anything else that you are looking for more information about or ideas on nutrition, physical activity during isolation, coping strategies, child and youth health, etc., please let me know and I can look into helping you, as well as, the community.

Stay safe and take care of yourself

Chelsea Sawyer
Community Health Nurse
O: 902-627-1245
C: 902-277-2297

COVID-19 Update # 11 from the AFN Health Director | April 15, 2020

Published: April 15 2020 14:05

April 15, 2020

Health Director Update #11

NS COVID-19 Projections

Government released COVID-19 projections on April 14, that show how COVID-19 could progress through the province through to June 30 if people continue to follow public health orders to stay home, social distance, limit essential gatherings to no more than five people and practise good hygiene.

Today, Nova Scotia reported 517 positive cases of COVID-19. According to the projections, if Nova Scotia had not put strong public health measures in place, the province could have instead had 943 cases as of today. They also show that if Nova Scotians continue to follow public health orders, there could be 1,453 cases by June 30, but with poor compliance, cases could grow to 6,269 over that time period. It is important to note the numbers are only modelling estimates.

The projections show a flattened peak in total cases in May that continues into June if public health measures continue.

Testing has proven to be effective. The QEII Health Sciences Centre's microbiology lab is operating 24-hours. Nova Scotia is second in Canada in the number of people tested per million.

Other highlights of the projections include:
-- without public health measures, the model projects hospitalizations of COVID-19 cases would peak at about 85 in May then slowly begin to decline. With strongly sticking to public health orders there would be a peak of about 35 in May and then decline throughout June
-- currently, the most cases in the province are in the Dartmouth/southeastern community health network, almost double of nearby Halifax

The pandemic modelling was developed by staff from the Department of Health and Wellness, Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre. Details can be found here: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/modelling

The full news release is available at: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200414003 and in French at: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200414004.

A recording of the news conference is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL8mPczIC00 and a short audio recap from Dr. Strang will be available shortly at https://anchor.fm/nsgov.

To date, Nova Scotia has 16,755 negative test results, 517 positive COVID-19 test results and three deaths. Confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. Ten individuals are currently in hospital, four of those in ICU. One-hundred and twenty-four individuals have now recovered and their cases of COVID-19 are considered resolved. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. A map and graphic presentation of the case data is available at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data

Marla Robinson-Pyne
Health Director Acadia First Nation
Phone: (902)742-0257

COVID-19 Resources from Indigenious Services Canada (ISC)

Published: April 15 2020 11:28

The below resources have been made available from Indigenious Services Canada:

Covid Resources - NS.pdf

Covid Resources - NB.pdf

Covid Resources - PEI.pdf

Covid Resources - NL.pdf

Covid Resources Information Document - Federal Supports for Individuals.pdf

Covid Resources Information Document - Federal Support for Businesses.pdf

Weekly Health Update # 2 With AFN Community Health Nurse

Published: April 14 2020 08:36

Weekly health update with AFN Community Health Nurse

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all were able to enjoy your Easter weekend, even with restrictions in place. Maybe you tried something new, or you were able to virtually “visit” with friends and family. We have just started week 5 of work from home, and physical distancing protocols, and I want to thank everyone who has adhered to these guidelines. If you haven’t watched today’s (Monday, Apr 13^th) provincial update from Premiere McNeil and Dr. Strang, I really recommend it. It was a very optimistic address. As always, if you are struggling, or need some help, please reach out to us in the Health Department, or your local council member.

Last week I posted some information in the Facebook group (AFN Community Health) about financial health, and planning. If you aren’t in the group please join! If not, you can also reach out to me anytime and I can send you some information. This is a difficult time for everyone and working out a plan can help relieve financial stress and keep you on top of payments.

This week I will be adding some more nutrition information. I’m not sure about you, but I am struggling to keep up with meal ideas. Being home 24/7 with kids, 3 meals a day and snacks is A LOT! So, I have been in touch with Angela MacDonald, who many of you will remember is the dietician with UNSM. She has created some excellent videos, and more are to follow. Nutrition can be a tricky subject in a time of stress, and unknown. So, I want to assure you, that whatever you are doing now, is ok. If you are looking for information and ideas, it is available.

Best links to get information

Please see our Facebook page: AFN Community Health and answer the joining questions for access. Frequent updates, resources, and links will be posted there

Nova Scotia Government: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

Nova Scotia Health Authority: http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus

Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

WHO advising on pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-pregnancy-childbirth-and-breastfeeding

Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line: call 24/7 1-888-429-8167

Kids Help Phone: call 24/7 1-800-668-6868
text CONNECT to 686868
or chat online on their website

If there is anything you are looking for more information on or ideas on: nutrition, physical activity during isolation, coping strategies, child and youth health, etc. Please let me know and I can look into helping you as well as the community!

Stay safe and wash your hands

Chelsea Sawyer
Community Health Nurse
O: 902-627-1245
C: 902-277-2297

COVID-19 Update # 10 from the AFN Health Director | April 7, 2020

Published: April 07 2020 13:19

April 07, 2020

Health Director Update #10

COVID-19 testing data

Nova Scotia is testing for COVID-19. Updated 7 April 2020.

* Positive cases are those found to have a positive confirmation by either the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Microbiology Lab or the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.

** Negative cases are those found to have a negative confirmation by either the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Microbiology Lab or the National Microbiology Lab.

Premier Stephen McNeil and chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang announced more options for testing of COVID-19 to help identify spread within Nova Scotia communities. The province will work with the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and Emergency Health Services (EHS) on the following options: temporary primary assessment centres, EHS assessment units, a mobile assessment centre, and expanded lab testing.

The full news release is available at: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200405003 and in French at: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200405004.

A recording of the news conference is available here: https://www.youtube.com/user/nsgov and a short audio recap from Dr. Strang will be available shortly at https://anchor.fm/nsgov.

Updated information for employers to help their staff and clients stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19 is now available online, including what to do if you have safety concerns, and what happens if someone at your workplace tests positive for COVID-19. You can find that information here: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/working-during-covid-19/

A map and graphic presentation of the case data is now available at

https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data.

Wearing masks

Medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure face masks and respirators (like N95 masks), must be kept for healthcare workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients.

Wearing a non-medical mask (for example a homemade cloth mask) in the community has not been proven to protect the person wearing it. Strict hygiene and public health measures, including frequent hand washing and physical (social) distancing, will reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus.

Wearing a non-medical mask is an additional measure you can take to protect others around you.

Wearing a non-medical mask is another way to cover your mouth and nose to prevent your respiratory droplets from contaminating others or landing on surfaces. Just like our recommendation not to cough into your hands (instead, cover your cough with tissues or your sleeve) a mask can reduce the chance that others are coming into contact with your respiratory droplets.

If wearing a non-medical mask makes you feel safer and stops you from touching your nose and mouth, that is also good. But remember not to touch or rub your eyes.

It is important to understand that non-medical masks have limitations and need to be used safely.

If you choose to use a non-medical face mask:

• you must wash your hands immediately before putting it on and immediately after taking it off (in addition to practicing good hand hygiene while wearing it)
• it should fit well (non-gaping)
• you should not share it with others

Face masks can become contaminated on the outside, or when touched by your hands. When wearing a mask, take the following precautions to protect yourself:

• avoid touching your face mask while using it
• change a cloth mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled
  • put it directly into the washing machine or a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine and then disposed of
  • cloth masks can be laundered with other items using a hot cycle, and then dried thoroughly.
• non-medical masks that cannot be washed should be discarded and replaced as soon as they get damp, soiled or crumpled
  • dispose of masks properly in a lined garbage bin
  • don't leave discarded masks in shopping carts, on the ground, etc.

Non-medical masks alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must consistently and strictly adhere to good hygiene and public health measures, including frequent hand washing and physical (social) distancing.

 Our Mental Health services provided by NSHA are still being offered via telephone.

Crisis and referral line services. These services can be offered in Mikmaw and English.
Eskasoni CRISIS AND REFERRAL SERVICES
TOLL FREE 1-855-379-2099

Kids Help Phone is available 24/7, by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)

Marla Robinson-Pyne
Health Director Acadia First Nation
Phone: (902)742-0257

Weekly Health Update With AFN Community Health Nurse

Published: April 07 2020 08:57

Hi Everyone,

I know these are difficult times for everyone, so I want to start by assuring you, that whatever your feelings around this situation are, they are valid, and I hope you are finding ways to cope (whether its chocolate or a run, whatever is working for you). If you are in need of help, please reach out to us in the Health Department, or you council member.

If you or your children are feeling anxious, “Anxiety Canada” has a great website, and a free app called MindShift you can download as a resource to help work through some of the difficult feelings you may have. Other resources and more information can be found in the Facebook group AFN Community Health.

I know many people may also be having some financial stress with many not being able to work, or reduced hours. I understand that financial stress can lead to physical health symptoms, mental health symptoms, and household stress. Please look to the government of Canada website to see if you qualify for any of their financial relief programs. As well, I am working on getting some basic budgeting information and worksheets together to help create financial plans.

As of approximately 8am on April 6^th 2020 there were 31 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours bringing the total to 293 confirmed cases. Of those cases, 10 have been hospitalized, and 9 currently remain in hospital today. 64 cases have been deemed resolved, meaning they are no longer experiencing acute symptoms.

In yesterday's update, Dr. Strang had a few new announcements

1. Testing parameters have changed; travel will no longer be a part of the testing criteria. Anyone with a fever, and/or new or worsening cough is urged to check the modified self-assessment tool on https://811.novascotia.ca/ and proceed as directed.
   
   
2. Public use of Non-Medical Grade Masks; with more information coming from around the globe, both federal public health (Dr. Tam) and provincial (Dr. Strang) are now stating that using non-medical masks can be a good additional safety measure when physical distancing is difficult. These situations may include: when using public transit, essential grocery shopping or trips to the pharmacy.
   
   It is important with this new recommendation to note, that the mask is not a primarily a prevention measure for you, but to prevent you from spreading the virus as an early symptomatic infected person, or an asymptomatic infected person. Masks can help remind you to not touch your mouth and nose, but you must remember to refrain from touching your eyes as well.
   
   It is also very important to not get a false sense of security while wearing a mask. You MUST still adhere to excellent hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow), and ensuring physical distancing (6ft/2m) whenever possible.
   
   In the coming days, Public Health Officials will be releasing tutorials and information on making your own masks at home. Medical grade masks NEED to be reserved for front line workers who are most at risk, who continue providing us with the essential services we need. Let’s work together to keep them healthy, so they can keep working to take care of us.

Best links to get information

Please see our Facebook page: AFN Community Health and answer the joining questions for access frequent updates and links will be posted there

Nova Scotia Government: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

Nova Scotia Health Authority: http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus

Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

WHO advising on pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-pregnancy-childbirth-and-breastfeeding

If there is anything you are looking for more information on or ideas on: nutrition, physical activity during isolation, coping strategies, child and youth health, etc. Please let me know and I can look into helping you as well as the community!

Stay safe everyone

Chelsea Sawyer
Community Health Nurse
O: 902-627-1245
C: 902-277-2297