Bow Valley PCN’s Trek to North Pole reduces chronic disease risks
Almost forty participants in the Bow Valley Primary Care Network’s Active Living Programs housed at Canmore General Hospital ‘trekked to the North Pole’ (North Pole, Alaska, not the North Pole). They are registered in the eight- or twelve-week programs, which run continuously and are coordinated by the local Primary Care Network (PCN). PCN staff member Todd Wolansky, a Physical Therapist, partners with PCN Registered Nurses, Active Living staff and local physicians to deliver the programs aimed at reducing the risks of chronic disease.**
“The objective of the trek was to create a fun challenge that also promoted increased physical activity.” explains Todd Wolansky. “Participants also learned how to exercise safely, so they can be more comfortable continuing to be active after the end of the formal programs.”
To log progress on the excursion of around 3,250 Km, three minutes of any type of exercise equalled one kilometre on the route. At journey’s end on December 15 – one day ahead of schedule – participants celebrated the achievement of their target and recognized positive changes in their overall health, strength, endurance and weight loss.
“The North Pole ‘expedition’ was fun,” says participant Jean Olynyk, “and the [ongoing] program is important for building confidence and helping us learn what we can do and aim for.” Also counting kilometers was David Pizzey, who comments, “I appreciate the camaraderie and scheduling that encourages you to keep coming back.”
** Registration in these eight or twelve-week programs requires a referral from your family doctor. For more information, ask at your local clinic or call us at 403 675 3000.
Some of the participants in Bow Valley Primary Care Network’s Active Living Program celebrate their arrival at the North Pole with Santa. Pictured l. to r. Mike Mahoney, RN Suzanne Wingfield, David Pizzey, and Art Bleakney at Canmore General Hospital.
Shifts in Clinical Practice Produce Positive Service Standards in Primary Care
Continuity of care (consistently being able to see your own doctor ) and improved access (shorter wait times) for both primary care physicians and specialists, are two of the principal goals of the ongoing Alberta-wide Access Improvement Measures (AIM) project. Ambitious “aims” , yet clinics in the Bow Valley currently participating in the program are already showing positive results for both patients, physicians and other members of the care team. Here are some comments from people working in Bow Valley family medicine clinics about some improvements they’re seeing:
“[We’re doing] more nurse-managed consultations and this improves access - patients don’t always have to see a physician.” Beth O’Toole, Primary Care and Chronic Disease Management Registered Nurse, Ridgeview Medical Clinic (Canmore)
“I must admit I was skeptical going into the AIM sessions at first. However after the first session, I changed [increased] my appointments to 15 minutes each, with the immediate effect of reducing my stress.” Dr. Lynne Marriott, Bear Street Family Physicians (Banff)
“It’s made me as an admin person look at more details and to be more attentive to finding the fastest way for a patient to be seen.” Roxanne Desharnais, Administrator, Bow Valley Mental Health.
“AIM is changing the culture, norms and values surrounding the way we do business.” Christopher Wood, Manager Primary Care, AHS Calgary Zone
Bear Street AIM Team (Physicians, Clinic Manager and Clinical staff) discuss strategies to increase patient access.
Family Doctor Week – an opportunity to recognize commitment to care in the Bow Valley
Family physicians are the cornerstone to addressing health issues and a key resource for patients. At Bow Valley Primary Care Network we are delighted that Family Doctor Week gives us the chance to recognize how, week-in, week-out, local physicians demonstrate their dedication and care: diagnosing and treating mental and physical illnesses and encouraging healthier living.
“Family doctors are central to providing the best health services to Bow Valley residents”, Yvette Penman, Executive Director of Bow Valley Primary Care Network, explains. “The PCN’s multi- disciplinary team of health professionals values the opportunity to complement the important work our physicians do, offering families and individuals care through all stages of life.”
Physicians and clinic staff at Ridgeview Medical Centre, Canmore, work with Bow Valley PCN's Inter-Professional Team to address local health issues.
New Three Sisters Obstetrics and Family Medicine Clinic Opens in September
A newly-opened family practice with a focus on low-risk obstetrics (maternity care and delivery) is located at Suite 105-106-75 Dyrgas Gate, Canmore. New patients, who can contact the clinic direct, or through a referral from their family doctor, are welcome at this new clinic. As well as offering comprehensive family medicine services, the clinic is able to perform minor procedures such as circumcisions, vasectomies and IUD fittings, in their in-office surgical suite.
Physician Dr. Alina Constantin says, “The ultimate goal is to be a center of excellence for obstetrics in the Bow Valley where we can offer multi-disciplinary care for maternity patients.” The clinic will also provide shared care for patients who are higher risk but who want to be followed in Canmore prior to delivery in the city.
The opening of this new clinic is well timed: numbers from Alberta Health Services have indicated an upsurge in births in the Province this year – estimating an annual total as high as 50,000. Southern Alberta is no exception to this trend - it is believed a record could be set in 2011 with around 18,000 births in Calgary. Partnering with Dr. Constantin are Drs. Gert Du Plessis and Peter Sullivan, who will be working with Practice Manager Jodi Whyman, Bow Valley Primary Care Network Registered Nurse Leslee Nickerson and Head Receptionist Glynis Funk.
For more information call 403 609-9095 or ask at your family doctor’s clinic for a referral.
At the new Three Sisters Clinic - l. to r. Practice Manager Jodi Whyman, Drs. Gert Du Plessis and Peter Sullivan, Head Receptionist Glynis Funk, Bow Valley PCN RN Leslee Nickerson. Not pictured Dr. Alina Constantin.
Expanding Team Delivers Enhanced Healthcare
At Bow Valley Primary Care Network, we are expanding our team of health professionals, led by family doctors. The newest members are an active living consultant, a registered dietitian, an exercise specialist, four registered nurses, three licensed practical nurses and an evaluation consultant. They join our team of primary care and chronic disease management nurses, a pharmacist and a lactation consultant.
Medical Director of the Bow Valley PCN, Dr. Nancy Blaney, explains, “Expanding our Team means we can co-ordinate our efforts to help Bow Valley residents receive enhanced healthcare more easily and navigate resources more efficiently.”
Some of the newer members of Bow Valley PCN’s Inter-Professional Team: standing – Registered Nurses Leslee Nickerson and Beulah Schneider, seated – Active Living Consultant Randi Lynn Rinaldi
Middle School Students Pledge Not To Smoke
Bow Valley Primary Care Network sponsored the Time Capsule Project at Canmore’s Lawrence Grassi Middle School, to motivate youngsters to stay tobacco free. Grade 5 students recorded messages to their future grade 8 selves, pledging not to take up smoking, and built a time capsule to house the CD recordings. Previously students had learned about the adverse health and social effects of tobacco from Amanda Waters, project lead and Addiction/Tobacco Reduction Counsellor from Alberta Health Services.
The time capsule is on display in the communal area of the School, acting as an ongoing reminder of the pledges. Students received certificates and carabiner-style key chains with the slogan “Tobacco Free is the LIFE for Me!” on May 5, from Amanda Waters and Beulah Schneider, Primary Care and Chronic Disease Management Nurse with the Bow Valley Primary Care Network.
