Winter and the holiday season

With flu season and the holidays ramping up, it is important to talk about our health and ways we can mentally and physically take care of ourselves and watch out for one another.

The holidays bring a range of emotions such as joy and excitement and often provide us with the opportunity to catch up on sleep. But it can also be a time when people experience difficulties. In Manitoba, the number of people struggling with depression and isolation has risen, in part due to pandemic-related stressors. The cost of living has also dramatically increased, which has also had a negative effect on people’s wellbeing.

According to a CTV article on May 4, 2022, titled “Manitoba seeing higher proportion of youth mental health hospitalizations: report”, 6,540 youth and children were hospitalized for disorders in 2020, 1,162 of which were for mental health disorders. And 40 per cent of youth hospitalized for mental health disorders came from our lowest-income neighbourhoods. We need to invest in and talk openly about mental health and share with others that it’s OK to not be OK. If you are struggling, or know someone who may be struggling with their mental health, it’s important to be aware of and to use the resources we have here in Manitoba.

Unfortunately, one of the most effective resources for mental health is not always affordable. That is why I have been asking the provincial government to regulate therapy in Manitoba. Regulation would better ensure that everyone can access and afford it, and that those practising are properly trained to do so. There has been some movement on this, and I am hopeful the government will act soon to ensure the accessibility of much these needed services.

Having recently finished my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, I am very aware that it is critical we remind ourselves and others to practise self-care, set personal boundaries and never underestimate our basic needs. For example, we need to be purposeful about getting enough sleep, fresh air, exercise and water and we should all be eating healthy food.

I also want to acknowledge the importance of flu and COVID vaccines. Those who have been vaccinated are much less likely to become severely ill or hospitalized than those who are not vaccinated. We all know our hospitals are extremely busy and that health-care staff continue to be overworked.

Additionally, this provincial government needs to better support Manitobans by enabling Manitoba to be part of the national pharmacare program. This would ensure all Manitobans are able to get access to the prescriptions they need that could save lives and make life more affordable.

If you or anyone you know is seeking mental or physical health services in Tyndall Park, you can contact:

• Norwest Community Health – 204-938-5900

• Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy on Keewatin Street – 204-694-8209

• RKM Medical Clinic – 204-697-0334

• Keewatin Medical Centre – 204-615-0012

• Waterford medical & Walk-in Clinic – 204–219-3565

Finally, I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season!

If you live in Tyndall Park, I want to encourage you to drop by our open office at 80 Mandalay Dr. on Dec. 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. for some holiday goodies from local businesses. I hope to see you there.

Cindy Lamoureux
Tyndall Park constituency report

Cindy Lamoureux is the Liberal MLA for Tyndall Park.

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