We Are IH is a new recognition campaign to spotlight our people in a real way – through pictures and stories that allow their authenticity to shine through! Each month, four Interior Health employees or medical staff will be featured through our News@IH website and our weekly In the Loop Roundup email newsletter.  When Carly is around you can feel her positive energy, bubbly personality, her caring heart, and her friendly demeanor. As a Senior Administrative Assistant for Home Support at TPM in Kamloops Secwep emc (She-whep -m) / Shuswap - Interior Salish she continues to bring joy and positivity to those around her. Over the past 2.5 years of her career at Interior Health she is continuously inspired by feeling like a valuable piece in such a big wheel of Home Community Care. One of Carly’s proudest moments at IH was when her co-worker, Barbara Olechow wanted to give back some positive light to Carly with a RAAR. She said, “Carly your exemplary work approach is unsurpassable. We all appreciate your time, infectious energy, cheery disposition, and all of your hard work to keep this department running smoothly!” This recognition and appreciation made Carly feel valued and that is exactly why we created the RAAR (Random Acts of Appreciation and Recognition) at Interior Health. When Carly isn’t working, she is spending time with her family and binge-watching her favourite TV show, Friends. Born and raised in Kitimat, British Columbia, Carly is expanding her own family with her second baby on the way this fall! Carly loves helping others and turning their day into a positive one and that shines through in her work. Let’s give some love back to Carly, comment on the social media post, and say hi! Congratulations Carly on all of your professional success and your second baby coming soon! Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Carly's nomination of Tayla Mullen keeps the We Are IH loop going: "Tayla is a Casual LPN in our department. She is the hardest working casual I have ever met and is constantly involved and is always working hard to further her training and education to be the best LPN she can be. She is also devoted to working to make our department the best it can be. She is recently engaged and deserves all the good things in life!"

We Are IH is a new recognition campaign to spotlight our people in a real way – through pictures and stories that allow their authenticity to shine through! Each month, four Interior Health employees or medical staff will be featured through our News@IH website and our weekly In the Loop Roundup email newsletter.  Currently a Program Coordinator for Staff Recognition at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, Anna has been with IH for eight years. Born and raised in Williams Lake, British Columbia, in the ancestral area of Tsilhqot'in (Chil-co-teen)/ Chilcotin, young Anna was a happy, outgoing and kind-hearted girl who loved to show appreciation to loved ones. As the Program Coordinator for Staff Recognition at Interior Health located at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, the growth of her new role over the past year is a reflection of her genuine personality and her love of giving and showing appreciation for others' contributions. As a goal-oriented person herself, Anna understands the importance of recognition and showing appreciation to staff at Interior Health. Currently leading the new staff recognition initiative, We Are IH, Anna’s generosity shines through as she works hard to help create a workplace where everyone feels appreciated. "Always do one per cent better every day and always be kind," is Anna's favourite quote. Inspired daily by the tremendous efforts and dedication of staff at IH, Anna continues to pave the way to growing staff recognition. In light of the current pandemic, she has been resourceful and innovative in staff recognition. One of her proudest moments at IH is organizing the Long Term Service Awards and this year Anna has pivoted to a virtual platform and continues to ensure that Interior Health employees are feeling appreciated for their hard work and dedication. With a love of traveling, this year has looked a bit different for Anna and her loved ones, so when she hasn’t been working she has been out camping in the beautiful outdoors of British Columbia. Those who work alongside Anna sincerely appreciate her valuable contribution to the organization and her helpful and kind demeanour. We appreciate you so much Anna and are thankful to have you a part of Interior Health! Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.

We Are IH is a new recognition campaign to spotlight our people in a real way – through pictures and stories that allow their authenticity to shine through! Each month, four Interior Health employees or medical staff will be featured through our News@IH website and our weekly In the Loop Roundup email newsletter.  Currently the Peri-operative Manager at East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, AJ has been with IH for 15 years. AJ continues to be inspired by the desire to empower others to succeed. Her colleagues, friends and family would describe AJ as very driven, and her career at IH is a reflection of her hard work serving others. Over the past 15 years, AJ has loved working with people and trying to improve the quality of service we provide. AJ is very active and loves exploring the beautiful outdoors of her home in Cranbrook, where she was raised after being born in Trail, B.C. She headed to the big city, Vancouver, for 13 years before moving back to Cranbrook in 2005. A lot has changed since then, but her favourite band is still Motley Crue! "Learn From Your Mistakes." A.J.'s favourite quote. You could say that health care runs through AJ's family line, with her mom's career as a Unit Clerk for IH and her sister working alongside them at IH as a Nurse Practitioner. This past January their roles suddenly changed as they were by their father's side during his cardiac arrest. AJ says he received incredible care in both Creston and Kelowna. The family is thankful he is healthy and that they were able to support him. When AJ isn't working, you can find her out hiking with her bulldog, Ella, her two kids, ages 20 and 19, and her husband, or training for Ironman Triathlons and Ultra Marathons. An adventurer at heart, AJ is anxiously awaiting to be able to travel again and continue her global explorations with her family. Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. A.J.'s nomination of Crystal White keeps the We Are IH loop going: "Crystal is strong, independent, smart and decisive. She leads the Critical Care Network; she was my ‘person’ while I worked in the Emergency Network."

Brian is a familiar figure in his community. He is an avid reader who enjoys hiking and is sometimes seen walking with his pet Bearded Dragon draped over his shoulder. “I love her. She keeps me out of trouble,” he says affectionately. “She was quite small when she was born - she was a runt. I wasn’t sure if she was a boy or a girl, so I named her Sasha.” He is involved in multiple volunteer projects, such as community clean-ups and anti-stigma work, and provides harm reduction support at the local outreach centre. “I volunteer doing outreach, giving out harm reduction supplies. I teach people how to use Naloxone. I work at the Cammy Lafluer clinic. I like to help out, steer someone away from using drugs if I can, but if not, I’ll teach them how to do it right, to be safer.” Brian’s story began in a Vancouver hospital where he was born with serious health complications due to his biological mother’s heroin and alcohol use. After spending the first year of his life in hospital, Brian was adopted. He grew up in Cranbrook, doing “normal kid stuff” like playing soccer, riding motorbikes, and fishing. But it was never easy. “I was always awkward. I felt like I was in the way, like I didn’t fit in,” he recalls. That feeling changed the first time he experienced an opioid. As a young teen he was given morphine in hospital following an injury. For the first time in his life, he says, Brian felt normal…like he belonged. It is a sentiment supported by substantial research. "Literature shows a connection between trauma and opioid use. We know that early childhood trauma - like being in a hospital for a year - changes the brain and makes it vulnerable to the effects of opioids," says Interior Health Substance Use Director Corinne Dolman. It was the beginning of a longstanding dependency on opioids, which Brian has managed with prescription methadone for more than 30 years. “I’ve definitely been impacted by stigma. I see it every day.” “Just accept people as they are. Just treat people the way you want to be treated.” “It’s that simple.” Watch the video and share Brian’s story. Check out more resources about stigma and substance use. Help #EndStigma. Brian's story is part three in a four part series of stories and videos about the stigma faced by those impacted by substance use.

We Are IH is a new recognition campaign to spotlight our people in a real way – through pictures and stories that allow their authenticity to shine through! Each month, four Interior Health employees or medical staff will be featured through our News@IH website and our weekly In the Loop Roundup email newsletter.  Vanessa Mitchell is an Aboriginal lead and program manager of the Journey to Aboriginal Cultural Safety program. She has worked at the Vernon Health Centre for five years. Vanessa's life has been inspired by her ancestors and warriors, past and present, and their vision and fortitude to stand strong to ensure Indigenous peoples could hold positions of influence, such as her integral role here at Interior Health. Her philosophy of "hard work and heart work" is the driving force behind all the energy she gives to both her community and career. Vanessa truly loves her family, community and Nation for their humour, resilience and heart that brings laughter and love into her daily life. "The work of Cultural Safety and Humility is hard work and heart work." Vanessa's favourite inspirational quote. In the book We Get Our Living Like Milk From The Land, Sqilxᵂ (pronounced skay-lugh) is defined as the original people who learned to live together on the land in peace. As a Sqilxᵂ, this connection is held close to Vanessa's heart, as it always reminds her of who she is and where she came from. Born and raised in the Okanagan/Syilx community and Nation, Vanessa has continued to give back to her community in her adult life as she has created a home for her family where she was raised. As an Okanagan/Syilx woman, mother, and daughter, Vanessa understands first hand how much hard work and heart work goes into her career and community. Being acutely and intricately knowledgeable of Indigenous people, families, communities, and Nations with personal living experiences of cultural unsafety and racism, she balances both the hard work and heart work. Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Vanessa's nomination of Rose Melnyk keeps the loop going: "Rose is a strong Secwépemc woman grounded in who she is and where she come from, with clinical front-line experience as an RN within IH whose heart is with the people and specifically with the Elders."

We Are IH is a new recognition campaign to spotlight our people in a real way – through pictures and stories that allow their authenticity to shine through! Each month, four Interior Health employees or medical staff will be featured through our News@IH website and our weekly In the Loop Roundup email newsletter.  RN Shelley Ockenden is an Occupation Nursing Support Services Coordinator and recent long-term service award recipient after working at the Kamloops health unit for 33 years. A country girl at heart, Shelley was born and raised on a cattle ranch in Ashcroft, B.C. before spreading her wings and settling in Kamloops where she has lived for the past 32 years. Shelley followed her passion and love of working with children and their families as she developed her career, supporting children with special health needs and children in palliative care. Although Shelley would fix something for someone if she could, she learned that the best way to "fix" things for people is to imprint a memory of caring, alongside their hurt and their grief.  Shelley created positive change in the lives of the people she surrounded herself with including those within Interior Health. The initiatives she led including the resources she created, Supporting Families through Perinatal Loss Quick Guide and Leaning into Your Discomfort - How to Support Someone Who is Grieving, are a legacy that will continue to help people beyond her time at Interior Health. (Note: links accessible only within IH network.) Fun is one of the many positive words people use to describe Shelley and we know that with her attitude, each and every day of her retirement will be full of fun! Shelley wants to thank Interior Health and everyone who has worked alongside her as it's been a very memorable journey. We will sincerely miss you, Shelley! Thank you for all that you've done! Cheers to an amazing 33 years together, you've touched the lives of so many people and we are so grateful for your service. Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Shelley's nomination of Cathryn Goodman keeps the We Are IH loop going: "Because although she is newer into her role as manager Cathryn has made it a priority (in the time of COVID-19) to really try to get to know and support her team members."

We Are IH is a new recognition campaign to spotlight our people in a real way – through pictures and stories that allow their authenticity to shine through! Each month, four Interior Health employees or medical staff will be featured through our News@IH website and our weekly In the Loop Roundup email newsletter.  Allen has worked as a Medical Laboratory Technologist at the KGH laboratory for eight years. You may spot Allen's warm smile and his health-care hero heart pin while he is working hard with his team at Kelowna General Hospital. He genuinely loves the team members he works with and knows that they will support each other, no matter what. Born in the Philippines islands, Allen moved to Toronto in 1999 with his family and 'bestest' friend, his twin sister. With the goal of moving to the beautiful Okanagan Valley on his horizon after graduation, he moved cross-country in 2012 to his now home-sweet-home - luckily for us at Interior Health. A true optimist, Allen sees the glass half full and not half empty. Point in case: When catching up with colleagues after they have traveled abroad, he seeks some of their international cash to keep in his wallet as a reminder to travel to that destination. Maybe if they're lucky he will bring them back a little token of his appreciation! "Be kind, calm and safe."  - Dr. Bonnie Henry Allen's favourite inspirational quote Truly inspired by the power of the microscope enabling him to see what he couldn't with his bare eyes, at work he glimpses another world of red and white blood cells, tissue cells, bacteria, viruses and much more. Young Allen was fascinated by seeing these tiny little things interact and communicate. From his first look at an amoeba under the microscope, he was mesmerized and thrilled seeing it swimming in the water. From the entire team at Interior Health, we thank you for all that you do, Allen, and we are so thankful that you chose Kelowna and Interior Health to make your home-sweet-home. Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Allen's nomination of John Bors keeps the We are IH loop going": "John is a joy to work with and creates a positive work environment. He’s a kind, dedicated hard worker who remains calm under pressure and is very knowledgeable. We are incredibly grateful to have someone like him working in the laboratory. He’s very good at trouble shooting the instruments and liaising between the lab and our vendors. He’s very patient and gets the job done."  

Temperatures within the Interior tend to soar mid-summer, when residents and visitors enjoy fun in the sun. However, too much heat can be harmful to your health. Overheating can lead to weakness, disorientation and exhaustion. In severe cases, it may lead to heat stroke (also known as sunstroke). And heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. “I know we’re all busy taking precautions to prevent COVID, but in addition we need to stay safe from the heat."Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton. Here are some tips to keep you safe and healthy this summer. 10 Steps to avoid heat related illness Plan your outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., to avoid the most intense sun.Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Water is the best choice.Avoid physical work or exercise outside in the heat of the day.If you must work or exercise outside, drink two to four glasses of water each hour, even before you feel thirsty.Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade.Apply sunscreen to prevent sun burn, but remember this doesn’t protect from the heat.Stay in the shade, or create your own shade with lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, a wide brimmed hat, and/or an umbrella.If you’re struggling to keep cool, move indoors to an air-conditioned building or take a cool bath or shower. At temperatures above 30° C (86°F), fans alone may not be able to prevent heat-related illness.Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52° C (125° F) within 20minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34° C (93° F). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.Regularly check older adults, infants and children, those doing a lot of physical activity or working outside, and people with chronic disease or mental illness for signs of heat-related illness. Make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people whose judgment may be impaired. https://youtu.be/4sVYjq86hXA The symptoms of heat-related illness can range from mild to severe. They include: pale, cool, moist skin (early stages); or red, hot, dry skin (in the late stages of heat stroke);heavy sweating;muscle cramps;rash;swelling, especially hands and feet;fatigue and weakness;dizziness and/or fainting;headache;nausea and/or vomiting;fever, particularly a core body temperature of 40° C (104° F) or more;confusion and decreased mental alertness;hallucinations;seizures; andunconsciousness/coma When recognized early, most mild heat-related illnesses can be treated at home. Home treatment for mild heat exhaustion may include: moving to a cooler environment;drinking plenty of cool, non-alcoholic fluids;resting;taking a cool shower or bath; andwearing lightweight clothing If your symptoms last longer than one hour, change, worsen or cause you concern, contact a health-care provider. Resources For more information on heat-related illness, visit the HealthLinkBC website or dial 811. For local governments: Heat Alert Response System

Volunteers offer non-medical follow-up help and advice In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, testing in the emergency department at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) was primarily reserved for those patients needing hospitalization to treat their disease. Patients diagnosed with mild-disease symptoms were instead directed to self-isolate at home for a minimum of 10 days without being tested. As COVID-19 treatments and testing protocols continued to evolve, discharged patients weren’t necessarily getting the most up-to-date information on how to effectively self-isolate. It was a knowledge gap that Dr. Tony Kwan, a KGH emergency physician and UBC clinical instructor, looked to fill with the support of Southern Medical Program (SMP) student volunteers from UBC Okanagan. “We needed to eliminate confusion and ensure our patients could effectively manage their symptoms and limit the further spread of COVID-19 in the community,” says Kwan. Kwan enlisted the help of UBC emergency medicine residents and a group of SMP students to operationalize a phone follow-up service for self-isolating patients. “Self-isolation is a new concept for most members of our community and we wanted to support patients in understanding the importance and guidelines,” says Dr. Kerry Spearing, a UBC emergency medicine resident. “We also wanted to identify common barriers preventing patients from self-isolating effectively, and develop solutions to assist patients in navigating those barriers.”   By far, the two biggest concerns for patients were how to obtain groceries and prescriptions without leaving the home. These common challenges led the team to compile a self-isolation handout including a detailed list of grocery stores and pharmacies willing to deliver within the community. Over the past two months, SMP student Kyla Freeman has been one of the volunteers checking on patients by phone. They review self-isolation protocols, share community resources, and field non-medically related questions. Patients are contacted within the first 48 hours of discharge and again five to seven days later. “Hearing patient stories about the virus impact and barriers to self-isolation has been an eye-opening experience,” says Freeman. “Patients can find it incredibly challenging to self-isolate, especially when trying to minimize transmission to their household contacts.” In addition to the KGH Emergency Department, the phone service has grown to include self-isolating patients seen at the Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Kelowna. Kwan and the team have also connected with colleagues in the Lower Mainland to share the model and best practices. “I’m definitely grateful to be able to support patients in some way to help make a difference,” says Freeman. “It’s a challenging time for everyone, and we’re hopefully able to make their lives a little bit easier.” This article was reprinted with permission from UBC Okanagan News.