UNews - physician

Dr. Esther Tailfeather to receive Friends of Health Sciences Award

caroline.zentner — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 17:53:25 +0000

In the summer of 2014, Dr. Esther Tailfeathers drove into the parking lot of a store in south Lethbridge. As she pulled into a parking spot, she noticed something amiss in the next car. One of the doors swung open and a young man fell out onto the pavement.

Tailfeathers, a physician, rushed to help. The young man wasn’t breathing so she began administering CPR and, by the time the ambulance arrived, the young man had a pulse and was breathing again. Children inside the young man’s vehicle were crying and when Tailfeathers asked them what had happened, they said the young man had taken some kind of medication.

That was Tailfeathers’ first case of fentanyl overdose and, although she didn’t know it at the time, she’d encounter many more in her work in Standoff and Cardston.

In the intervening months, Tailfeathers played an integral role in mobilizing a community response. For her efforts, the Faculty of Health Sciences has chosen her as a recipient of the Friends of Health Sciences Award. The annual award recognizes those who exemplify outstanding support of the mission and goals of the faculty.

“That was quite a surprise and a huge honour,” says Tailfeathers, quickly adding that many other people were involved. “It’s not just me who made an effort. There were a lot of people who worked hard at making a difference on the reserve.”

Tailfeathers was born and raised on the Blood Reserve. In addition to working in a clinic in Stand Off, she is an associate at a medical clinic in Cardston, sharing on-call and emergency duties with her colleagues. She also provides physician services in Fort Chipewyan one week a month.

As a physician, Tailfeathers had treated overdoses, typically for prescription narcotics or street drugs like crack cocaine. When the number of people overdosing started to climb, she and her colleagues screened for drugs and found fentanyl, a drug 100 times more toxic than morphine, heroin or oxycodone, was responsible. They now knew what they were dealing with but the number of overdoses continued to rise.

“One of my colleagues saw two in a day and then we started seeing three to four overdoses a day that were quickly resolved with the antidote, Narcan,” says Tailfeathers. “Then we started seeing deaths in the community, mostly young people in their twenties.

“By October of last year we had all become very alarmed as physicians. I had contacted the police several times about the drugs that were coming through and had the police watch out for dealers in the community. My patients were telling me what was happening. Many mothers and sisters or children of these patients were telling me my patients were taking Oxy 80s. Actually, it was fentanyl and they were snorting it.”

By November, the crisis reached a height. Tailfeathers notified chief and council and a group came together to develop a community response. They began educating community members about the dangers of fentanyl and several rallies were organized.

Tailfeathers worked with Health Canada to bring Narcan kits to the community and into the hands of family members who were afraid their loved one was in danger of overdosing. In partnership with Lethbridge HIV Connection, the community group began educating people in how to use the kits.

“We had no idea so many people were using fentanyl and it’s so highly addictive that after the first or second use they were hooked,” she says. “We began to see people selling everything they had to get it.”

The community began to see an increase in crime, especially break-ins and theft. At first, thieves stole mainly televisions and other electronic devices but when those were gone, thieves took to stealing food. Violence also escalated when police started to crack down on the dealers.

“As a result, we’re seeing the family breakdowns, increased crime and increased poverty and hunger because people are using their money to buy the drugs and the children are not getting the food that they need,” says Tailfeathers. “It drains the resources from people who are already poverty stricken.”

In addition to providing Narcan kits, counsellors working in the addictions field are learning skills to deal with fentanyl addiction and more spaces for detox and treatment were made available throughout the province. In-hospital detox was started but unfortunately, many people leave treatment too early.

“The problem is that the drug is so addictive. It really needs special attention,” she says.

Treatment with suboxone is being offered through the medical clinic in Levern, a community on the Blood Reserve. Suboxone treatment is similar to methadone treatment for heroin addiction. Planning for an addictions treatment clinic is also underway.

Tailfeathers says the community is tackling a huge problem. People have experienced trauma as a result of almost 20 deaths due to fentanyl overdoses. Resources that were thin to begin with have been stretched even further. To get at the root of the problem, work must also tackle the health determinants, such as poverty, lack of housing and lack of employment.

“I don’t think our community was targeted. It was just a very naïve community to fentanyl. People had no idea about the destructive power of that drug,” says Tailfeathers. “The silver lining in the cloud is seeing people come forward and being really alive and energetic about helping the community. I think that was the key to slowing this crisis down.”

The measures introduced in response to the crisis have made a big difference and the number of deaths due to fentanyl overdose has declined to around one a month.

“It’s built some confidence back in us that we can do this, we don’t have to wait for somebody in the outside community to come in and save us. We’re doing it ourselves and that’s so important, regaining the confidence within our community to be able to deal with a crisis,” says Tailfeathers.

Pomahac made indelible impression

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:35:23 +0000

On Monday, October 1, 2012, Dr. Anthony "Tony" Pomahac passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital.

A memorial was held at Martin Bros Funeral home on Oct. 9 with his wife Hazel and family and friends in attendance.

Pomahac was the father of Andrea Glover in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library and also had another close connection to the U of L, as he was one of the founding physicians at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre.

"I have very fond memories of Dr. Pomahac," says Lori Weber, manager of the Health Centre. "He loved being a physician and worked here from 1969 until his retirement a few years ago. Like many of the physicians at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre who take time from their other clinics to see students and assist with their medical concerns, Dr. Pomahac believed in the education and medical care of young adults as they become our future workforce."

Pomahac was part of the growth of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre from a small facility that saw just a few clients a day to its current state, where thousands of students can be seen in a month for not only physician clinics, but also psychiatric care, massage therapy, chiropractor, health education, first aid and communicable disease issues.

Chris Moroz, clinic administrator, says that Pomahac left a lasting impression on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

"Anyone who ever met Dr. Pomahac never forgot him, he was a larger than life character."

Indeed, those who knew Pomahac will miss his big booming voice, his sense of humour and his skilled medical care to several generations of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ students. For a full obituary and to send condolences, please contact Martin Bros Funeral Chapel.

Winter getaway must include health plan

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:44:17 +0000

By LORI WEBER

An inherent part of being Canadian seems to be dreaming of getting away from our cold winter weather to find a nice warm spot down south. Just remember, that in addition to sunscreen, cruise wear and a new pair of flip-flops, you have to think about maintaining your health while on vacation. And if you are considering travelling at Christmas or during spring break, your travel planning must start now!

A good place to start preparing for your trip begins at www.voyage.gc.ca, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website that gives you a lovely checklist (Before You Leave Canada) of reminders about the variety of concerns you need to address before leaving the country.

In terms of your health needs, plan to take extra copies of your prescriptions and medical certificates, and to bring extra medical supplies and even eyeglasses.

Travel immunizations are important and definitely need attention. Because health concerns are rapidly changing in some areas of the world, the best way to get travel health and immunization information is to book an appointment with the Travel Health Nurse at the Public Health office. While there is a cost for this consultation, this person has the most current information on the immunizations needed in your specific travel area.

At your immunization appointment, the nurse will ask where you are going and, using the latest information available from Center for Disease Control or World Health Organization, may direct you to a variety of injections, vaccinations or medication. Some of these medications will be available through Public Health and the nurse may direct other medications or vaccinations to be administered by your family doctor. The sooner you book your appointment the better as some vaccinations take several months to complete.

Do not show up at a physician's appointment expecting that a family physician will know what you need for a trip to an exotic locale.

As for cost, it is expected that you build the cost of public health travel advice, some medications/immunizations, doctor's visits and other charges into your vacation budget. You will be required to pay for all visits related to travel health (even your physician must charge YOU, not Alberta Health Care for your travel medication/immunization/health advice).

Example of costs you may encounter:

Public Health Travel Advice ($35.00)

Medications/Immunizations from Public Health (medication and costs depend on country and current outbreaks)

Physician visit, if needed for medication that Public Health cannot provide ($50-$150)

But remember, if you are travelling and getting away from minus temperatures for days of sun and sand – it will all be worth it!

Lori Weber is the manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre

This story first appeared in the December 2011 issue of the Legend. If you'd like to see the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Health Centre now open for clinics

trevor.kenney — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:18:14 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre is offering a pair of clinics in advance of opening for full-time services beginning Sept. 7.

Two clinics, Tuesday, Aug. 24 and Tuesday, Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, kick off the fall semester. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 7, the Health Centre will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Located in the Students' Union Building (SU020, 403-329-2484), the Health Centre offers a variety of services to students, staff or faculty of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Following is a brief summary of the many services offered.

Physician clinics – we can do annual physicals for both men and women, STI testing, birth control options and prescription renewal.

Dietitian services – If you have any specific dietary concerns or needs, Diane Britton RD is here in the Health Centre to assist you.

Psychiatrist services – Those having difficulty coping in this new environment or who have issues that are already being treated; counselling services or one of the staff doctors can assist with these needs and refer to our on-campus psychiatrist if necessary.

Chiropractor services – Dr. Douwer is available every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Please call 403-329-2484 to book an appointment. Charges do apply.

Massage Therapy – Jarvis Larson is available Thursday mornings. Once again, charges do apply.

Nurse Services – If you have health concerns, are in need of information or just want to speak with a nurse, call 403-329-2484 and book an appointment to see either Lori Weber or Dianne Carter.

New service better addresses health issues

trevor.kenney — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:11:31 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has recently signed up with Occupational Injury Service (OIS), a new service for staff and faculty who experience a work related injury or illness.

The OIS program aligns with medical clinics that provide timely and appropriate medical care and disability management services specifically for
occupational injuries, with an emphasis on immediate (i.e., same day) communication with the employer to facilitate a safe return to work.

This service is specifically for non-emergent injuries/illnesses and provides the following benefits to staff/faculty:

• Same-day access to a physician with a background in occupational medicine and WCB-Alberta training (within 15 to 30 minutes of arrival)

• Same-day completion and submission of reports

• Identification and co-ordination of required medical services

• Earlier access to required medical and diagnostic tests, specifically MRI, CT and bone scans

• Earlier access to specialists and surgical procedures

• Completion of disability management reports that detail physical work capabilities and limitations to help determine return to work dates and tasks

• Worker and employer injury management education

• Development of a safe return-to-work plan

• Ongoing communication with the employee's family physician (OIS is a voluntary program). Staff/faculty will be given the option of attending an OIS clinic or other medical care if needed

If you experience a work related injury or illness, follow the incident/accident reporting process as usual. Report any work related injuries or illnesses to your direct supervisor, and complete the online campus incident/accident report form: http://www.uleth.ca/hum/archives/riskandsafetyservices/Services/report_form.html

If you require first aid, contact Security Services at 2345 or other appropriate responder in your area. If you require medical treatment, contact the wellness co-ordinator at 403-332-5217 and the OIS clinic of your choice will be contacted for an appointment (same day in most cases).

The OIS clinics are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If your injury occurs outside of these hours, you would need to access medical services through a walk-in clinic or emergency services at the hospital.
There are currently two service providers for OIS in Lethbridge:

• CBI Health – Dr. Gibb, Bigelow Fowler West; Dr. Ukrainitz, Bigelow Fowler South; Dr. Mellor

• LifeMark Health – Dr. Allen, Piedmont Clinic west; and/or Dynamic Physiotherapy

For those who work on the Calgary or Edmonton campuses, there are service providers for the program in both cities.

Calgary
• CBI Health – Midpark, Deerpark or Sunridge
• Wellpoint Health Corp
• Life Mark

Edmonton
• Medicentres Canada Inc – Westgrove, Ellerslie, Capilano, Castledowns or Millard Health

A few employees have had the opportunity to use this service already and the feedback has been very positive. Statistics show that the sooner someone is treated for an injury or illness, the sooner they are able to get back to work and participate in the other activities that make life enjoyable!

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Suzanne McIntosh, wellness co-ordinator at 403-332-5217.

One food group, many benefits

trevor.kenney — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:05:48 +0000

Getting your daily dose of milk and alternatives does more than just keep your bones healthy. Here are the many ways this one food group can benefit your health:

Healthy bones and teeth

Even as an adult, you recycle calcium in and out of your bones daily so that every 10 years your body rebuilds a whole new skeleton!

Weight loss

Research shows that calcium helps people lose weight. It causes fat cells to burn off stored fat and decreases your body's ability to store fat.

Blood pressure

The DASH diet (eating 8-10 servings of vegetables and fruit along with three servings from the milk and alternatives daily) helps lower blood pressure. This diet should be monitored closely by your physician and can be set up for you by a dietitian.

PMS

Research shows that 1200 mg of calcium daily helps ease symptoms of PMS including cramps, water retention, food cravings and mood changes. Got yogurt?

Cancer prevention

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is a natural fat found in dairy products that lowers the risk of some types of cancer

Kidney stones

Research shows that a diet high in calcium reduces the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones, if the source of calcium is dairy products. Calcium supplements can actually increase kidney stone risk.

Probiotics

These 'friendly bacteria' found in yogurt may help boost your immune system and prevent some types of cancer.

Menopause

Many women are switching to soy products for the added benefits of phytoestrogens to help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause.

For individual nutrition appointments call the Health Centre (SU 020) at 403-329-2484. All sessions are $20 for students and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ employees.

Diane Britton is the on-campus registered dietitian

Rethinking stress

trevor.kenney — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:07:42 +0000

Stress. There's a good chance you are experiencing it in your life right now or know someone who is. It's a buzzword that's become so pervasive in our culture that we hardly give it a second thought.

However, U of L management professor Dr. Bob Boudreau's research is raising a new awareness of the topic by showing how stress can lead to severe burnout – a serious epidemic sweeping across the nation.

Through a recent survey, Boudreau found that an alarmingly high rate of four in 10 Canadians suffer from burnout, a long-term debilitating condition marked by emotional exhaustion, lack of accomplishment and depersonalization. In taking his research further, Boudreau discovered an even more startling find.

"We found that one out of two doctors experiences burnout," says Boudreau. "In all other occupations there is no evidence of differences in burnout rates – it doesn't matter whether you are a policeman, nurse, fireman, lawyer or farmer – the rates are more or less the same. But relative to other professions, physicians are by far the highest at risk."

We tend to think of doctors as healers, those we turn to in times of sickness. So it's a troubling realization to find that they may be the one group needing urgent care the most.

Boudreau attributes the high rate of physician burnout to many factors, not the least of which is the pressure that comes from being responsible for the well-being of hundreds of patients. Tie that to an overtaxed health-care system rife with shortages, plus the day-to-day pressures of running a busy practice, and it's the perfect prescription for professional exhaustion.

With plans to continue and expand his work on professional burnout, Boudreau hopes to better the working environments of not only physicians, but professionals across the board.

"Once we understand burnout, we will be in a better position to manage many of its related workplace issues such as increased job conflict, poor performance, absenteeism, lateness and poor health," says Boudreau.

"The strategy is to find cracks in each occupation we study and develop the tools people need to cope with their own professional situations. Hopefully, as we progress, we will create more positive work and life spaces."

Wellness Program looks to reduce vascular disease

trevor.kenney — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:32:56 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Wellness Program, the Health Centre and the Faculty of Health Sciences are once again collaborating to provide a vascular screening program to staff and faculty at the U of L. The goal – reducing the risk of vascular disease.

Health Canada recognizes that access to health is essential to a healthy, productive population. In 2008, a special project was developed to perform Vascular Risk Assessments (VRA) on a selected group of employees at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and it was very well received. Now, a follow-up program has been developed to re-visit people seen during the initial project and to allow for assessments of other employees.

The goal of the program is to support, educate and motivate U of L staff and faculty to choose to make important lifestyle changes that have the potential to improve their quality of life, both at home and at work.

The screening process involves the collection of data such as blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference and fasting lipid and glucose profile using a Cholestech machine. It is then compiled to help establish an individual's risks. After that, it's up to the employee.

Individuals will have the option to participate in one-on-one coaching and to attend information sessions to address their health concerns. The data information may also be given to the individual's physician if requested.

It is a fairly simple procedure (the total time commitment could equal approximately four hours, with the initial screening just a 30-minute exercise) with a potentially huge benefit.

The screening period will begin in October and take place Thursday mornings (individuals are required to fast for the screening portion). All data gathered from the screening will be treated with extreme confidentiality.

Those interested in participating in the vascular screening program are asked to complete a questionnaire to assist with prioritizing appointment scheduling. The Wellness office will attempt to schedule everyone interested in the program and although space is limited for the fall, plans are to make this an ongoing program with more opportunities available in February 2010.

Contact Suzanne McIntosh (suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca) for more information. The Wellness office is also available for presentations to individual campus departments.

Free seasonal flu vaccine to become available

trevor.kenney — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:30:24 +0000

As the Fall 2009 semester approaches, concerns are once again being raised regarding the spread of influenza at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The U of L Health Centre (403-329-2484 or health.centre@uleth.ca) continues to be a leader in disseminating information that addresses these concerns, whether it be seasonal influenza or the H1N1 virus. The latest development in tackling the spread of influenza comes in the form of a decree from the Alberta government that free seasonal influenza vaccine will be made available in October.

This fall, the Alberta government will offer a free seasonal influenza vaccine to all Albertans six months and older.

Immunization can be obtained through public health clinics and some physician offices and pharmacists beginning in October.

"This is something Alberta has been working toward for a number of years," says Ron Liepert, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness.

"It is a valuable investment in strengthening the public health system in Alberta, and is the best way of protecting Albertans from seasonal influenza viruses that we see every year."

Separate from the seasonal influenza vaccine, the province is also working on its plan to immunize Albertans against the H1N1 influenza virus sometime this fall. Details on that immunization program will be announced when available.

"Immunization continues to be our best defense against influenza," says Dr. André Corriveau, Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"Whether you have underlying medical conditions that put you at higher risk of developing influenza-related complications or may be in contact with someone who does, it is important for all Albertans to get their flu shot to reduce transmission of the virus."

Additionally, individuals 65 years and over and those who are at high risk because of certain health problems are strongly advised to get the pneumococcal immunization as it may be beneficial in the prevention of both pneumonia and influenza-related diseases.

Clinic dates and locations are currently in the planning stage and Alberta Health Services will be announcing details in September.

For more information on Alberta's influenza immunization program, and other vaccines included in the province's routine immunization program, please visit http://www.health.alberta.ca and click on Health Information, then immunization.

Or, visit Health Link Alberta at http://www.healthlinkalberta.ca or call toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

Women encouraged to "Put Yourself First"

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:29:42 +0000

Women take note, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has entered into the Health Challenge – "Put Yourself First" to encourage woman to get their mammogram and Pap tests.

The Alberta Health Services – Breast and Cervical Health Program, and the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation has teamed up with Meyers, Norris, Penny to present this program. Every woman who has a mammogram or Pap test between May 27, 2009 and October 26, 2009 will have their name entered in a draw to win a $100 gift certificate at the Keg Restaurant. The business with the largest number of women having Pap tests and mammograms will win the challenge and receive a plaque.

Contact team captain Suzanne McIntosh at suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca or 403-332-5217 for more information.

What do I get for participating in the challenge?

You get the assurance that you are taking care of yourself by getting a Pap or mammogram or both. Both of these tests can save your life. Your name is also entered into a draw for a $100 gift certificate at the Keg Restaurant.

Sign up with Suzanne McIntosh, team captain for the U of L. She will give you a card to be signed by the health care professional that has done either the mammogram or Pap test. The card is then returned to Suzanne for entry into the draw at the end of the challenge.

How do I book a Pap or Mammogram?

For a Pap test:

• Call your Family Physician to book an appointment.

• If you do not have a family physician or would prefer to see a female physician for a Pap test, call the Breast and Cervical Health Programs (403-388-6324) to book an appointment to attend the weekly Pap clinic. You will need to provide your Alberta Health Care Number and an appointment will be booked for you.

For a Mammogram:

• Call your family physician and book an appointment. Women aged 50 to 69 can phone Radiology Associates and book a "screening" mammogram, provided they have not had any breast problems.

• The recommended guidelines for having a mammogram are as follows: Women aged 40 to 50 should discuss the need for a mammogram with their family physician based on their health history. Women aged 50 to 69 should have a mammogram every one to two years.

If I have a mammogram and Pap do I get two entries into the draw for the gift certificate?

Yes! Just ensure your team captain gives you two cards to fill out.

UNews - physician

Dr. Esther Tailfeather to receive Friends of Health Sciences Award

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