Name: Jacqueline Lee (JQ) Elsasser (she/her/hers)Job Title: Health Unit Aide / Admin Support / Qualitative FIT TesterYears of Service: 1+Worksite: Kirschner PlazaCommunity:  Kelowna Ancestral Territory: syilx/Okanagan NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: "All's well that ends well" - no matter what circumstance has happened in your life, if it turned out well or gave you a positive experience in the end, it was worth it. "All's well that ends well." For JQ, this simple phrase is more than advice—it’s a way of life. No matter what challenges come her way, she believes every experience is worthwhile if it leads to something positive in the end. Born in Edmonton, JQ moved to Kelowna when she was just two years old and has called it home ever since. Her vibrant personality is evident both at work and in her personal life; she’s happy, energetic, funny, loud, positive, spunky, passionate, and loving—a true force of positivity in her community.

While winter is full of festive days, and indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy, winter and the holidays can also bring stress and the blues. From holiday planning and family gatherings to financial worries, from the gloomy weather and shorter days, this time of year can affect our mental health, physical health and overall well-being.  Our Mental Health and Substance Use team has 10 healthy habits for you to consider exploring this season. Try one or try a few of these habits to support your mental and physical health throughout winter and beyond.

The festive season is kicking into high gear. You may already be pulling out the ugly Christmas sweaters and are preparing for holiday parties, or have already gone to a few celebrations. Whether you go to a house party, a local restaurant or bar, the office or a bonfire, take a minute to make sure you're prepared to party safely with these holiday season tips from our Harm Reduction team.

Foundations in the Interior region raise funds that support medical equipment, care needs and innovative local initiatives in their communities. Each organization includes respected community leaders, volunteers and staff who are passionate about meeting the needs of patients and families in Interior Health. Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, we all have a stronger health system.  In this next story of our series on the incredible health-care and hospital foundations throughout our region, we interviewed Sue Raymer, president the of the Castlegar & District Hospital Foundation.

Name: Stephenie McLeod (she/her/hers) Job Title: Administrative AssistantYears of Service: 6Worksite: Vernon Health UnitCommunity:  VernonAncestral Territory: syilx NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney Stephenie was born in Vancouver and moved to Ontario as an infant. Her extended family still lives in Thunder Bay, Ont.  She returned to B.C. when she was 20 years old. After a few years in retail and optometry, where she gained knowledge with ophthalmic terms, Stephenie completed training as a medical transcriptionist and gained work experience in transcribing community psychiatry reports through her administrative role at Vernon Mental Health. 

Slips, trips, and falls can happen at any time of the year, but they are more common when conditions are snowy and icy. People are more than twice as likely to experience a slip, trip, or fall incident during the winter months than any other period of the year. Slips, trips, and falls continue to be the third-highest cause of muscle injury we see. Slipping and tripping hazards can result in injuries ranging from sprains, bruises, and cuts to fractures and head injuries.

With the holiday season here, many of us will be gathering to celebrate with family and friends. Celebrations often include food and sometimes alcohol. While enjoying wine, beer and spirits can be a pleasurable part of holiday celebrations, drinking too much can have harmful consequences, both short and long-term.

If you or a loved one is ready to get help for alcohol or opioid use disorder, help is now as close as a few keyboard clicks away. Interior Health’s Virtual Addictions Medicine (VAM) Clinic provides rapid access to doctors and nurses with special training in addiction medicine over the phone, from anywhere in the Interior Health region. Since opening three years ago, more than 2,000 people have accessed the clinic’s services. Clients receive effective, proven treatments for substance use to help them improve their health and wellness and live life on their terms.

This week marks the fourth anniversary of the "In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care" (In Plain Sight/IPS) report. In response to the In Plain Sight report, Interior Health (IH) has worked to address the recommendations with the support of dedicated staff members and community partners.