UNews - Health Centre

Whiffen looks to standardize first aid program

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 20:21:31 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is, in effect, its own bustling city. As such, it has all the infrastructure of what's expected in a small metropolis. The ability to not only deal with but also manage first aid situations is an essential service that has been entrusted to First Aid Co-ordinator Jacquie Whiffen RN (BA '10).

The nursing program alumnus has been in her role for just over a year now and during that time has been working to understand the current first aid landscape with the goal of establishing a program that will standardize and further publicize a co-ordinated program. People have been dealing with first aid situations in their own areas for years but overall co-ordination of all aspects has not been emphasized.

"Departments on campus each have their own way of recording incidents and it makes tracking of first aid issues less cohesive," says Whiffen. "Streamlining the process will aid in communication of key problems and aid in ensuring our overall safety."

Jacquie Whiffen sorts through a campus first aid kit, auditing its contents so that it will be stocked and ready for a possible first aid situation.

Much of her work in the first year has been in terms of an audit, including the creation of a grid that details how many employees are on campus at any given time, day or night. She's also been trying to determine just who on campus has been trained in first aid and whether they need to be recertified. Much of her summer work will consist of finding and charting where all the first aid kits exist on campus, then going through them to see if they are properly stocked.

"One of the main things we'd like to try and do in the fall is to present a first aid awareness campaign to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community so everyone is aware of how to respond to and report first aid situations or issues," says Whiffen. "The idea isn't to come in and change everything. If it's working, why fix it? Occupational Health and Safety Code has strict requirements for first aid in any workplace and we strive to both meet and exceed requirements to ensure everyone's well-being."

Whiffen is originally from Tumbler Ridge, B.C. and worked in a variety of administrative support roles, always telling the people around her that one day she would become a nurse. After giving birth to her first daughter, she decided it was time to finally make that dream a reality and she enrolled at Lethbridge College, putting her on the path to completing her nursing degree at the
U of L.

When she saw the opportunity to return to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ after working for two years as a nurse in a variety of roles, she jumped at the chance.

"I loved being here as a student, and for a nurse building a first-aid program presents a great challenge," she says. "I like to be challenged and this as an opportunity to grow professionally. It is great to be part of a place that people look out for each other and provide support when an individual faces a health concern."

As for first aid crises she faces at the U of L, Whiffen, who is based out of the Health Centre, says she sees everything.

"Nurses at the Health Centre see everything from cuts and bee stings to chronic disease related issues such as seizures or low blood sugar, as well as sports related injuries and slips and falls," she says. "In this position, I am looking forward to working with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community to ensure people's first aid needs are met."

GET THE FACTS

• Whiffen is expecting her second child and will go on maternity leave in the fall

• Her parents moved from Tumbler Ridge to Elkford, B.C. some years ago, leading her to look at southern Alberta as a possible location to eventually go to school

• Whiffen appreciated the learning model in the nursing program. "I felt a lot of autonomy being here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, there was a lot of freedom to shape my own education. You're given direction but you are also treated and respected as an adult and as an equal. I really think students appreciate that."

• For all questions related to first aid training or policies, contact Whiffen at jacquie.whiffen@uleth.ca

Whiffen looks to standardize first aid program

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 21:51:14 +0000

Jacquie Whiffen sorts through a campus first aid kit, auditing its contents so that it will be stocked and ready for a possible first aid situation.

When she saw the opportunity to return to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ after working for two years as a nurse in a variety of roles, she jumped at the chance.

As for first aid crises she faces at the U of L, Whiffen, who is based out of the Health Centre, says she sees everything.

GET THE FACTS

· Whiffen is expecting her second child and will go on maternity leave in the fall

· Her parents moved from Tumbler Ridge to Elkford, B.C. some years ago, leading her to look at southern Alberta as a possible location to eventually go to school

· Whiffen appreciated the learning model in the nursing program. "I felt a lot of autonomy being here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, there was a lot of freedom to shape my own education. You're given direction but you are also treated and respected as an adult and as an equal. I really think students
appreciate that."

· For all questions related to first aid training or policies, contact Whiffen at jacquie.whiffen@uleth.ca

Flu still a valid campus concern

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:46:59 +0000

By LORI WEBER

After all the media hype and worry about H1N1 two years ago, most people seem to be relaxing when it comes to protecting themselves against influenza or 'flu'. But in the academic world, flu can still be a major problem.

In a 13-week semester for example, taking 5-10 days off can be problematic whether you are a student or employee at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. So, what can you do individually and what can we do as a community to prevent the spread of respiratory-based illnesses?

On an individual level, handwashing remains as the number one strategy in diminishing your chances of getting ill. If you haven't had soap and water on your hands at least three times during a typical day at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, you haven't washed your hands enough.

When should you wash? You should break out the soap and water after sneezing or coughing, even if you have used a tissue, after toileting and definitely before touching food.

If you haven't cleaned your desk surface within the last few days, or if you are frequently touching your mouth and eyes, you are increasing your risk of illness.

If you do become ill, stay home for the time you are sick. Do not come to the Health Centre when you are ill with a cough/cold/flu. Instead, call us at 403-329-2484 and ask to speak with a nurse who will assess you and assist you with getting appropriate self-care resources or guide you to get medical treatment. Also, consider getting a flu shot in order to avoid illness and missing a chunk of school or work.

On a community level, please think about the people around you. If you have roommates, let them know if you are ill. Everyone in the house should greatly increase cleaning around the bathroom and kitchen areas specifically. As well, clean with a good disinfectant to protect the people around you.

Think about the professors who you are facing. Sneezing spreads droplets toward them at 200 miles per hour – covering your cough with an available Kleenex or even your shirt would be appreciated.

Again, staying home if you are ill protects everyone from your illness!

If you are diagnosed with an illness that can be spread easily, call the Health Centre at 403-329-2484 and ask to speak with a nurse. We will assess the situation and decide upon ways to protect the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ from illnesses such as mumps, chicken pox, stomach flus, etc.

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

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.

Wellness Week at the U of L

trevor.kenney — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:36:16 +0000

Wellness Week begins Monday at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, with a number of events designed to bring health and wellness issues to the forefront of everyone's mind.

Following is a list of Wellness Week activities, beginning with Monday's mini health fair at Andy's Place (AH100).

Monday, Apr. 26 – mini health fair – Andy's Place – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – exhibits will include non-fasting cholesterol and glucose testing (Health Centre); how to set up your workspace (Ergonomic Connections); Smoking Cessation (AB Health Services), Healthy Recipes and Eating for Weight Loss (Diane Britton, Registered Dietitian); Straighten Up AB Stretching Program (Mcleod Family Chiropractic); find out what's involved in a personal fitness consultation (U of L Fitness Centre); Back care and stretching (Jon Doan, Kinesiology).
Light refreshments will be available. Pick up a wellness passport to enter draw prizes and make sure and register for the Bee Heart Smart challenge as well.

Monday, Apr. 26 – 10 minute chair massages (by appointment only!) offered by certified Massage Therapist Lena Winter, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Health Centre. Contact Suzanne at 5217 to register.

Tuesday, Apr. 27 – PE255 – 11 a.m. to noon - Try a free intro Yoga session – Sophie Verzosa. Please note this intro session will be accessible to all fitness conditions - limited spaces so pre-registration required. Click here to register.

Tuesday, Apr. 27 – Andy's Place - noon to 1 p.m. - Dr. Robbin Gibb will be back to repeat her presentation on Healthy Brains

Tuesday, Apr. 27 - noon to 12:45 p.m. - Join Michelle Cederberg (who was our keynote speaker for Wellness Week 2009) for her first Mid Week Motivation session entitled "Get to the Good Things Even with a Busy Schedule" Register for this free webinar at: http://www.gottoit.ca/resources/webinar.asp

Wednesday, Apr. 28 - Coulee Clean-Up - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Meet at North Entrance Level 6 U-Hall for your bag and gloves. In conjunction with City of Lethbridge and Helen Schuler Coulee Centre. Click here to register. Participating has its benefits! You will be entered in a draw to win the use of an Tent Trailer for a year (courtesy of El Dorado RV). Click here to view the poster.

Thursday, Apr. 29 – 10 minute chair massages (by appointment only) offered by certified Massage Therapist Jarvis Larson from 9 a.m. to noon in the Health Centre. Contact Suzanne at 5217 to register.

Friday, Apr. 30 – Andy's Place – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. - Presentation on Identity Theft by Sonya von Heyking and Darren Schell

Friday, Apr. 30 – Andy's Place- 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - "Straighten Up Alberta" stretching program demonstrated by McLeod Family Chiropractic

Wellness Week savings at the Bookstore "Run, don't walk to the Bookstore and spin for your savings"
Warning: it could be good for your health!"

So come on out and use the opportunity to explore health and wellness resources on campus and in the community. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Suzanne McIntosh, wellness co-ordinator at 403-332-5217.

Wellness Week at the U of L

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:37:31 +0000

April 26
• Mini Health Fair – Exhibits will include non-fasting cholesterol and glucose testing (Health Centre); how to set up your workspace (Ergonomic Connections); smoking cessation (Alberta Health Services). 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Andy's Place.

• 10-minute Chair Massages (By appointment only) – Offered by certified Massage Therapist Lena Winter. 9 a.m. to noon in the Health Centre. Contact Suzanne McIntosh at 5217 to register.

April 27
• Free Yoga Session – Yoga with Sophie Verzosa, 11 a.m. to noon, Andy's Place. Dr. Robbin Gibb presents, Healthy Brains, noon, Andy's Place.

April 29
• 10-minute Chair Massages (By appointment only) – Offered by certified Massage Therapist Jarvis Larson. 9 a.m. to noon in the Health Centre. Contact Suzanne McIntosh at 5217 to register.

April 30
• Identity Theft – Presentation by Sonya Von Heyking and Darren Schell. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Andy's Place.

• Straighten Up Alberta – A stretching program demonstrated by McLeod Family Chiropractic. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Andy's Place.

Heed the H1N1 warnings and stay healthy

trevor.kenney — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:40:32 +0000

Influenza A H1N1 is no joke and it's time to be vigilant about protecting yourself from this potentially deadly virus.

It has been several months since the world was alerted to the possible H1N1 pandemic and over time, many people have become desensitized to the seriousness of this illness. Constant media attention, coupled with the onset of summer and a natural decline in flu cases, has given people a false sense of security and many now shut off when they hear new warnings of what may become of this virus as fall approaches.

Now is not the time to let down your guard. Flu season is fast approaching and indications from the World Health Organization are that H1N1 will not only come back, but will reappear much stronger than it was previously.

It is important we here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge heed these warnings and do all we can to limit our exposure to the H1N1 virus and should we become ill, follow the proper procedures to treat the virus and limit its spread.

"It is easy to become complacent over the summer months," RN/Manager, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre, Lori Weber, says. "There has been a lot of media attention and multiple warnings about a possible H1N1 pandemic but because we haven't really seen evidence of it here in southern Alberta, people tend to shrug it off. We can't afford to have that attitude."

As the fall semester begins, so does the onset of flu season and H1N1 is poised to make a comeback.

"We are a very tight community here and at any time, we can have up to 10,000 people on campus," Weber says. "Those are perfect conditions for the spreading of germs so we have to do all we can to limit our risks."

If you feel you are getting sick, please check the website (www.uleth.ca/ross/health_centre/h1n1) for information or call the Health Centre at 403-329-2484. It is very important for us to speak with you before your arrival.

"If you feel as though you are getting sick, please call us before you come down to the Health Centre," Weber says. "It is very important we are prepared for your arrival so that we can limit your exposure to other people at the Health Centre."

GET THE FACTS

Following these basic steps can protect your health.

1) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If no tissue is available, try to sneeze into clothing or the crook of your elbow.

2) Throw tissues carefully in the trash. Avoid public spitting of mucous and respiratory secretions.

3) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If your hands are not obviously soiled, hand sanitizer is a good second choice to clean hands.

4) Try to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Your hands may have touched something recently and germs spread quickly in the moist tissues of the face.

5) Perform extra cleaning of common surfaces at home or at school. Having cleansing wipes or hand sanitizer on hand is a good idea.

6) Prepare to stay home for a week or so should you become ill.

7) If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay at home for at least 48 hours after your fever has subsided (except if you are in need of medical care). Try to protect the people you live with by staying separate from them, wearing a mask or extra cleaning.

8) For more information, see the following websites: www.albertahealthservices.ca; www.cdc.gov; www.fightflu.ca; www.publichealth.gc.ca

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ urges 'Be Fluless, Not Clueless'

trevor.kenney — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:03:43 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is urging students, staff and faculty to 'Be Fluless, Not Clueless' this fall as it deals with the spectre of Influenza A H1N1.

The campaign is designed to inform members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community on how to first avoid getting the flu and then, should they become ill, what to do and where to go to seek treatment. The Influenza A H1N1 concern is real and the U of L is taking the situation very seriously as it looks to head off the virus. The latest information and advice, compiled in consultation with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre and Alberta Health Services, offers the best protection.

Sept. 2, 2009 UPDATE

Classes and activities at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge are operating as normal. We continue to monitor the H1N1 influenza situation and the directives set forth by Alberta Health Services. As this is a potentially serious situation and we value highly the health of our students, staff and faculty, representatives from throughout the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community will continue to meet regularly to assess any ongoing developments. Associate Vice-President (Human Resources and Administration) Don MacDonald leads our campus team and can be contacted by calling 403-329-2276 or through e-mail at don.macdonald2@uleth.ca.

Take these Everyday Steps to Protect Your Health

1) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If no tissue is available, try to sneeze into clothing or the crook of your elbow.

2) Throw tissues carefully in the trash. Avoid public spitting of mucous and respiratory secretions.

3) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If your hands are not obviously soiled, hand sanitizer is a good second choice to clean hands.

4) Try to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Your hands may have touched something recently and germs spread quickly in the moist tissues of the face.

5) Perform extra cleaning of common surfaces at home or at school. Having cleansing wipes or hand sanitizer on hand is a good idea.

6) Prepare to stay home for a week or so should you become ill.

7) If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay at home for at least 48 hours after your fever has subsided (except if you are in need of medical care). Try to protect the people you live with by staying separate from them, wearing a mask or extra cleaning.

8) For more information, see the following websites: www.albertahealthservices.ca; www.cdc.gov; www.fightflu.ca; www.publichealth.gc.ca

Seeking Medical Care - What should I do if I get sick?

Call the Health Centre at 403-329-2484 BEFORE coming in with influenza symptoms.

Centre for Disease Control recommends:

If you become ill with influenza-type symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, nausea or vomiting, you should stay home (except to seek medical care) and avoid contact with other people.
CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided - typically this is 6 to 7 days after your initial symptoms. If you have taken an over-the counter medication to reduce your fever, you should wait 24 to 48 hours AFTER your fever is naturally gone with OTC meds.

If you have mild influenza-type symptoms, the typical course of the illness is 3 days of aches and pains, leading up to sore throat, cough and fever. On approximately the 4th day, the immune system begins to recognize the virus and begins the process of eliminating it. At this point, you should start feeling a little better. For mild cases, you would report your illness to your supervisor/professor/school and then return 24 to 48 hours after your fever has subsided. If you need to see a doctor, call the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre at 403-329-2484 to discuss your situation. Health Centre staff will ask you to use hand sanitizer and wear a mask before entering the Health Centre.

SEVERE SYMPTOMS

If you become ill and experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital.
These symptoms include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worsening cough (worsening of symptoms).

For a look at a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit the FAQ section of the Alberta Health Services website.

UNews - Health Centre

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