Three years ago, if you searched online for “youth harm reduction” you wouldn’t have found much at all. This is no longer the case. Interior Health’s (IH) Youth Harm Reduction team has been around for just under three years. But in that time, their work has become highly regarded across B.C. and Canada.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, March 8, we interviewed three regional IH leaders in their fields to learn how they found passion in their roles, and how they are creating positive change for others.

Name: Carnation Nonhlanhla Zhuwaki (she/her/hers)Job Title: Knowledge FacilitatorYears of Service: 4Worksite: Vernon Health UnitCommunity: VernonAncestral Territory: syilx/OkanaganFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: My favourite quote is from my mother, "Approach life with a humble and teachable spirit, because life is a wheel: sometimes you're at the top, sometimes you’re at the bottom." Carnation Zhuwaki works for Interior Health (IH) as a knowledge coordinator based at the Vernon Health Unit. She started working at IH four years ago as an Emergency Department registered nurse and transitioned to her current role in 2021. Carnation believes everyone has a gift and a purpose—something they are good at. “Some people are aware of it, and some need a little encouragement to own their gift,” she says. “I enjoy identifying and encouraging others to explore their gifts.” She envisions a world where every person can show up as their authentic self, be seen and feel accepted.

If you're the parent of a preteen or teen, you might be wondering why the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is so important for your child's health.    HPV is a common virus that can be spread through skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Some types of HPV cause changes in the cervix, anus, throat and other areas that can lead to cancer. Many people who have an HPV infection don’t show symptoms, which means they might unknowingly pass it on to others.    Getting the HPV vaccine is one of the best ways to protect your child from certain cancers in the future; more than 70 per cent of people who haven't been vaccinated will get an HPV infection.  “Dad, I have cancer”: A father’s plea to protect youth from HPV (Island Health) Continue reading for more information about the HPV vaccine and why you should you make sure your child gets vaccinated.  

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 Bryna Idler, executive director of Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation (KLHF).

Name: Amelie Darblade (she/her/hers)Job Title: Project Manager, Digital HealthYears of Service: 2.5Worksite: RemoteCommunity: KimberleyAncestral Territory: Ktunaxa Amelie Darblade immigrated to Canada from France in 2015. With a one-year visa in hand, she had plans to explore a new country but didn’t know what would come next. She fell in love with B.C, the great outdoors and its ancestral lands. She discovered backcountry skiing and mountain biking, met amazing people, made great friends, and in 2022, had a daughter. She has built a family and fulfilling career.

As a caregiver, one of the most important responsibilities is ensuring the safety of the children in your care. While many of the toys and devices children love are designed with their safety in mind, there’s one hidden danger that is often overlooked: button batteries.  These small, coin-sized batteries are found in everyday items such as remote controls, hearing aids, toys, watches and even greeting cards. Unfortunately, button batteries can pose a significant risk if ingested, especially for young children who might mistake them for candy or small toys. In the article below, get expert insights and answers to common button battery safety questions from Dr. Aron Zuidhof, physician and medical director for the Emergency Services Network for Interior Health. “Accidental ingestion of a button battery is thankfully a rare event, but can cause significant damage to a child’s esophagus,” says Dr. Zuidhof. With his guidance, we’ll walk through the risks, prevention tips, and what to do if the worst happens.   

Name: Shawna Glassel (any)Job Title: Nurse Practitioner Lead - Primary Care South & VirtualYears of Service: 1.5Worksite: RemoteCommunity: ClearwaterAncestral Territory: Simpcw territory of the Secwépemc NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: “We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.” – Charles Schaefer Shawna Glassel has lived in the Simpcw territory of the Secwépemc Nation for five months, where she truly appreciates the picturesque beauty of the land. As a grateful uninvited guest here, reconciliation is important to Shawna. “To me, reconciliation means learning and listening with humility to the experiences of First Nations Peoples who live on the ancestral territories across what is currently known as Canada,” she says. “It is hearing individuals’ and communities’ stories of experiences throughout their history. It is acknowledging injustices that have been and still are present within a colonial system. I commit my personal efforts to collaborating and taking steps toward the goals of healing and growth.”

Leaking or dribbling pee, not being able to pee (or poo), discomfort and pain in your lower abdomen (tummy), or symptoms that interfere with sexual enjoyment: these and other health conditions “below your waist” can be difficult or embarrassing to talk about. Pelvic health is foundational to your quality of life. Good bladder, bowel, reproductive and sexual health are key to living well. It’s important to share your concerns with your family physician—bud did you know there are there are other health-care providers you can turn to, and non-surgical treatment options?