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KMHC Public Service Announcement – COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization

Public Service Announcement

Tsothohrhkó:wa/January 7, 2020

COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) is extremely happy to kick-off the vaccination campaign for our community.  We wish to inform all that currently, vaccinations are being distributed according to the Quebec Vaccination Priority List which can be accessed through this link.  At the present time, we are in the process of completing Priorities 1 and 2.  As vaccines become available, we will move down the priority list.  

Here is an estimate of what you might expect regarding when you will be vaccinated (percentages and completion rates are based on those people who have consented to receive the vaccine):   

Priority 1: Residents of long-term care facilities, Intermediate Resources, and Family Type resources 

  • KMHC inpatient: COMPLETE  
  • Turtle Bay Elder’s Lodge: COMPLETE  
  • ILC: week of January 11th  
  • With extra vaccine doses provided in error yesterday, 11 paramedics were also vaccinated on January 6th. 

Priority 2: Employees of the Health and Social Service network  

  • KMHC inpatient, Turtle Bay Elder’s Lodge and Independent Living Center employees: 90% complete  
  • Other front-line employees of KMHC and KSCS: in progress and expected completion week of February 1st (based on present knowledge of the availability of vaccine)  

Priority 3: private long-term residences: not applicable to Kahnawake  

Priority 4: remote First Nation communities  

  • At this time, it is unclear if Quebec will recognize ALL First Nation communities as a priority status, although a recent agreement between Indigenous Services Canada and the Ministry of Health and Social Services appears to move in that direction.  Our goal is to have vaccinated our whole community by the end of March. 

     

Both KMHC and the COVID-19 Task Force are aware of the many vulnerable members of our community who should be prioritized.  In fact, we believe that the WHOLE COMMUNITY deserves to have quick, easy access to the COVID-19 vaccine.  We continue to fight to make this happen but until it does, we are subject to the Quebec vaccination schedule.  

We will continue to provide you with up-to-date information. 

To stay up-to-date with the latest information, please visit www.covid-19.kmhc.ca   

Read the COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs here  

KMHC thanks the community for its patience and understanding. 

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KMHC Communiqué – Christmas Gift Tree 2020

Simple vector christmas tree made from paper stripe - original new year card

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) wishes to inform the community that this year’s Christmas Gift Tree for the Residents will be done by phone. Due to the pandemic, there will be no physical tree for community members to take a tag.

Here is the process to follow if you are interested in participating in this year’s Christmas Gift Tree:

  •  Call KMHC at 450-638-3930 to speak with the Switchboard Operator
  • The operator will enter the caller’s name and contact information on a list
  • The operator will provide the caller with a number, anonymously representing one of our residents
  • The operator will provide the caller with important shopping details such as clothing sizes and other preferences. Food (Prepackaged or Homemade) is not accepted 
  • Once all numbers are distributed, the event will close
  • Gifts must be dropped off the Sunday Drop-Off from 10:00-1:00, on December 13th

Please label all gifts with the assigned number for easy identification.

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KMHC Communiqué – KMHC Board of Directors Respond to Bullying

Shé:kon Kahnawa’keró:non

As members of the Board of Directors for the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC), we understand that the COVID-19 Pandemic is a stressful and trying time for everyone.  The health and wellbeing of our friends and family is foremost in everyone’s thoughts and actions. The entire staff at KMHC have been working diligently to ensure the health and safety of all our clients, as well as collaborating on the community level with the COVID-19 Task Force.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all our staff and management team. Also, to remember the importance of being kind to one another during these difficult times.

 Should any community member have any comments or complaints, please contact the KMHC Users Committee at 450-638-3930 extension 2205 to voice their concerns.

Senhniseriiósten,

Board of Directors
Kateri Memorial Hospital Center

Rhonda Kirby
Bronson Cross
Stephanie Horne
Joseph Styres
Lois Montour
Kathy Jacobs
Arnold Lazare

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Daily Bulletin Featured Bulletin

KMHC Communiqué – Community Health Check Begins Again

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) wishes to inform the community that a new Health Check is now underway.  The goal of the health check is to identify those with COVID-related symptoms and ensure testing if required. The health check will also allow the Task Force to better evaluate the health of the community and make important decisions moving forward.

Phone calls are already underway to everyone in the Kahnawá:ke Directory, as well as those who have submitted their phone number to healthcheck@kmhc.ca.​  If you do not have a landline and would like to submit your number, please submit to this email address in order to receive a phone call.

The online version Self-Health Check remains available for those not listed in the Directory, may have missed their call, or want to conduct a Self-Health Check. Every person who completes the online version will receive a follow-up call from KMHC; please remember to enter your full name and phone number to assist KMHC.

Community members are always encouraged to call 450-638-3930 ext. 2225, 2275, 2276, or 2296, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday to be given a Health Check over the phone to see if they require testing.

Click here to conduct a COVID-19 SELF HEALTH CHECK

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KMHC Communiqué – Dr. Fuller Continues Work for Public Health

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) wishes to inform the community that Dr. Fuller has had to cancel her clinics until further notice. With the second wave of the pandemic, her work and time commitment as a Public Health doctor with Public Health of the Cree Health Board has increased drastically and she has had to postpone her progressive return to a usual clinic schedule.  

Please be aware that this is temporary – Dr. Fuller is planning to return to KMHC as a family doctor, and she hopes to begin scheduling clinic time to be able to see her clients at KMHC as soon as possible. Dr. Fuller has asked KMHC to share this message: 

” I’m very sorry that I cannot be available to you directly for clinic appointments during this challenging time. I know from my own experience how it is often challenging to access appointment visits with one’s family doctor and how frustrating that can be when you are trying to get help when you need it. It has always been important to me as a doctor to try my best to ensure my patients can get an appointment within a reasonable amount of time. I am grateful to my wonderful colleagues at KMHC for continuing to find ways to help you get the medical care you need during my temporary absence. Thank you for understanding that I am currently needed elsewhere, and for doing your part, whatever that is, in keeping people around you safe during this pandemic. I hope to see you all again as soon as possible.” 

Dr. Colleen Fuller, MD MSc, CCFP, FRCPC
Public Health & Preventive Medicine Physician, Onkwata‘karitáhtshera, Kahnawà:ke and Public Health Department of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay Family Physician, Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre, Kahnawà:ke Faculty Lecturer, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University 

Despite Dr. Fuller’s absence, KMHC would like to assure the community that Dr. Fuller’s patients can continue to access care at the hospital when needed. 

For anyone who is Dr. Fuller’s patient, if you have any semi-urgent issues, please contact us to speak first with a nurse. For any urgent issues please go to the nearest emergency room. Our Saturday clinics remain available for all our patients in the community. 

Patients with long-standing prescriptions from Dr. Fuller will be able to renew any long-term prescription medication with the pharmacist at KMHC. The pharmacy will be able to match the original duration of the prescription of a minimum of three (3) months; for the pharmacy to renew, the prescription must have been for a minimum of a three (3) month period. Patients who go to another pharmacy should ask their pharmacist if the same arrangement can be made. 

KMHC greatly appreciates our community for all the continued support, patience, and understanding during these trying times. 

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Daily Bulletin Featured Bulletin

KMHC – Communiqué – COVID-19 Test Results Delays

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) wishes to inform the community of the delays currently being experienced with receiving test results for the COVID-19 Testing Site. This delay is due to the increased volume of tests being conducted province-wide.


Currently, results are expected to be returned 5 to 6 days after being sent out. Those who are awaiting results are advised to continue to self-isolate until their results are received and public health lifts their isolation.

KMHC would like to thank the community for its continued patience and understanding throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

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COVID-19 Pandemic Alert Levels in Kahnawà:ke – Chart

This updated COVID-19 Pandemic Alert Levels in Kahnawake chart was announced Kahnawake911 Briefing on Thursday, September 24th.

Click here for a high quality version

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Featured Bulletin News

Gaming Establishments approved for gradual reopening

The Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force wishes to advise the community that it has deemed that Gaming Establishments under the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission are approved for a gradual re-opening starting on Friday, September 4, 2020.

Playground Poker and Magic Palace have submitted health & safety plans, which have been approved. It is intended that there will be a gradual weekly increase in the number of patrons allowed, with conditions. Details are as follows:

  • Maximum of fifty (50) clients on September 4th, with weekly assessments and incremental increases on a weekly basis to a maximum of 200 clients by the end of the month
  • Reservations required
  • All machines must be separated by two meters (six feet) or by impermeable barriers
  • Masks are mandatory
  • Health checks for all clients and employees are mandatory
  • Regular sanitization of machines is mandatory
  • NO alcohol or food services in the Gaming areas
  • NO smoking
  • NO valet or coat check
  • Hours of Operation: 9:00am to 4:00am
  • Implementation of Health & Safety Plans

The openings are subject to health & safety inspections from Task Force inspectors. The proposed weekly capacity increase is subject to change based on the level of compliance to these directives.

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Daily Bulletin Featured Bulletin

HEALTHY EATING DURING TIMES OF CRISIS

By Joëlle Emond, KMHC Registered Dietitian. Published 2020-08-07.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought major changes in the lives of many: isolation, disturbed routine, increased stress, reduced hours of work, and income. As you may come to realize, these can be the makings of a perfect storm for malnutrition. If like many others the pandemic has taken a toll on your eating habits, here’s help to preserve your health and the health of loved ones!

EATING WELL TO SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

The fact that more people than usual cannot eat enough or well enough during the pandemic is a huge concern. Although no single food, supplement or natural health product will prevent you from catching COVID-19[i], eating a variety of healthy foods every day is just as important for a strong immune system as are other healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, being smoke free, sleeping enough and managing stress. In addition of helping to prevent or manage a health condition you might already be living with like diabetes, heart disease and cancers, choosing to eat mostly vitamin-packed vegetables and fruit, fiber-rich whole grains and lean proteins can help defend your body against invaders, such as viruses and bacteria.

[i] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/covid-19.html

BALANCING YOUR PLATE ON A TIGHT BUDGET

Almost 1 in 7 Canadians reported going hungry because there was not enough money for foods during the pandemic.[i] In addition, people living with little ones and the ones who has lost their job were more likely to be worried about food running out before there was money to buy more and having difficulty affording to eat balanced meals.

If you are trying to balance good nutrition with affordability, the price of food can be an important barrier. When the family budget is limited, the first items dropped are usually high-quality foods like vegetables and fruit, nuts, yogurt, fish and chicken. Food choices tend to shift toward those with more refined sugar and saturated or trans fat like white bread, white rice and pasta, processed meats, sodas and cakes or pastries.[ii] While many healthy foods are quite expensive, there are plenty of affordable ones too. Cooking from scratch with simple ingredients is a fantastic way to save money on groceries while eating healthier!

[i] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2020001/article/00039-eng.htm

[ii] https://www.ifpri.org/blog/covid-19-nutrition-crisis-what-expect-and-how-protect

EXTRA TIPS to eat healthy for less
  • Cook your own meals. Although it may seem cheaper to hit the drive-through, your dollar will take you much further if spent at the grocery store! If you do order out, consider splitting the meal in 2 to help both your health and your budget!
  • Go with plant-based proteins. In addition to being very nutritious, beans, lentils and peas are way less expensive than their animal counterpart meat, poultry and fish. Try vegetarian chili, add cans of rinsed kidney or navy beans to vegetable soups or use brown lentils to stretch your spaghetti sauce.
  • Take the time to plan your menu. Choosing ahead what you will eat and sticking to your grocery list can help you avoid buying too much and wasting food.
  • Transform leftovers. Use leftover chicken and meat to make sandwiches or stir fry and bones to start a soup. Save vegetable trimmings in the freezer to make flavorful stocks.
  • Make extras. Make double of a recipe when the ingredients are in season or go on sale. Put extras in the freezer to enjoy a prepared meal another time!
  • Plant a garden. Consider vegetables like green beans, beets, onions, broccoli, peppers, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, peas, berries and fresh herbs.
THE BASIC healthy grocery shopping list

Vegetables & Fruit

  • Carrots
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Potatoes / Sweet potatoes
  • Turnip / Rutabaga
  • Green Cabbage
  • Canned pumpkin, plain
  • Canned tomatoes, no added salt
  • Tomato paste, no added salt
  • Frozen or canned vegetables, no added salt
  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Lemon
  • Frozen or canned fruits, no added sugar
  • Applesauce, unsweetened

Whole Grains

  • Brown bread
  • Brown rice
  • Brown pasta
  • Hulled barley
  • Old fashioned oats

Protein Foods

  • Dried or canned beans, peas and lentils (ex. kidney beans, black beans, split peas, chickpeas, etc.)
  • Canned light tuna in water
  • Eggs
  • 0-2% M.F. Milk / Skim milk powder
  • Natural peanut butter

Others

  • Pepper
  • Dry mustard
  • Oil
  • Vinegar
  • Chicken broth, no added salt
  • Dried herbs
  • Spices
  • Cornstarch
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Cocoa powder
  • Raisins
  • Whole corn kernels
  • Sparkling water
  • Green tea / Herbal tea / Black tea / Coffee
A VEGETARIAN FAVORITE

Lentil Bolognese

Recipe and image from Canadian Living[i]

[i] https://www.canadianliving.com/food/lunch-and-dinner/recipe/our-best-lentil-bolognese

Total time

Portion Size

25 minutes

4 servings
INGREDIENTS
  • 4 tablespoons oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon hot pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup tomato paste, no added salt
  • 2 ½ cups vegetable broth, no added salt
  • 540 ml can lentils, drained and rinsed
  • 250 g (about 2 ¼ cups) any short pasta
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
METHOD
  • In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms, carrot, onion, salt and hot pepper flakes; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Push vegetables to edge of pan. Add tomato paste to centre; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Mix into vegetables; cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in broth; cook until carrot is soft, about 5 minutes. Add lentils; cook for 2 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid, drain.
  • Stir pasta and enough reserved cooking liquid to loosen sauce into lentil mixture. Stir in Parmesan.
  • Divide among plates; sprinkle with more Parmesan, if desired.
article image 05
CELEBRATE REAL FOOD!

Brown Paper Bag Popcorn

Recipe and image from Bless this Mess[i]

[i] https://www.blessthismessplease.com/how-to-pop-popcorn-in-a-brown-paper-bag-the-microwave/

Total time

Portion Size

5 minutes

1 serving

 

INGREDIENTS
  • ⅓ cup popcorn kernels
  • 1 medium brown paper bag
  • Seasonings to taste (optional)
METHOD
  • Add the popcorn to the paper bag and fold the top over a time or two.
  • Microwave on high until the popping has a one second gap in it, about 1:30-2:30 minutes and seconds. The goal is to pop as many kernels as you can without burning the popcorn. The time that will take will vary depending on the age of your popcorn and your microwave.
  • Stop the microwave, dump the popped popcorn into a large bowl and season as desired.
  • Repeat as needed to get the desired amount of popcorn.
SOLUTIONS TO EATING FOR COMFORT

The changes that COVID-19 has brought into our lives might have triggered an array of emotions: stress, fear, anger, boredom and even loneliness. It is possible at some point you have found yourself reaching out for comfort food or having a drink to relieve some of them. If so, you are not alone as 25% of Canadians (aged 35-54) reported drinking more due to COVID-19 pandemic.[i]

Many studies show that emotional or physical distress increases the amount of food we eat, particularly those higher in fat, sugar or both. Furthermore, a change in your routine such as not having to commute to work and the ability to wake up later can also throw off your mealtimes and otherwise established healthy habits.

If emotional eating or drinking is a strategy you have used before, you probably know the relief it brings is only temporary. Soon after the start, a feeling of guilt may arise which keeps the emotional consumption going instead of putting an end to it. Using this strategy often may lead to weight gain and loss of good health. 

[i] https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2020-04/CCSA-NANOS-Alcohol-Consumption-During-COVID-19-Report-2020-en.pdf

Emotional Hunger
Physical Hunger

Comes …

Suddenly

Gradually

Needs to be satisfied …

Right away

Now or Later

Presents with …

No physical cues of hunger

Stomach growling, loss of focus, irritability

Brings a desire for …

Specific foods

A range of different foods

The sensation of fullness …

Might not stop the eating

Stops the eating

May cause …

Guilt, shame or powerlessness

No negative feeling about eating

Mindful eating is an approach that can help make eating an intentional act again instead of an automatic one. It involves minimising distractions while eating and retraining the mind and body to experience foods with all your senses. Studies show mindful eating techniques may effectively treat common, unhealthy eating behaviors like emotional eating. [i] If you think this can be useful to you, consider getting help from a dietitian and/or psychologist that specializes in this approach. In the meantime, finding other replacement strategies to deal with emotions such as deep breathing, meditating or journaling can also help you retrieve the pleasure of eating in response to physical cues of hunger!

[i] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24854804/

GET STARTED with mindful eating
  • Plan to eat regular meals and snacks throughout day. Adopting a daily routine can help prevent overeating later in the day.
  • Ditch distractions. Eat at the table rather than on the go. Turn off all screens and focus on your food – how it tastes, smells and looks. Enjoy every bite and pay attention to fullness cues.
  • Slow down. Put down your fork between bites to take time to savour your food. Focus on how it feels in your mouth. Changing longstanding habits will take time…
  • Start a food and mood journal. Keep track of what kind of foods you eat and how you are feeling when eating it. Look for reoccurring patterns.
  • Break the habit. The next time you feel like eating in response to an emotion, look for an alternative strategy that will directly address the emotion (ex.: going for a walk to taking a bath when feeling stressed or videoconference with family and friends when feeling lonesome).
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Daily Bulletin Featured Bulletin

KMHC Communiqué – Homemade and Restaurant Food Now Accepted on Drop-off Sundays

The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) wishes to inform the community that homemade and restaurant food will now be accepted for residents beginning this Sunday, August 2, 2020, and will continue every Drop-Off Sunday following. 

Following the Infection Prevention and Control protocols in place for COVID-19, KMHC kindly asks that these food deliveries be done by family members. If it is from a restaurant, a family member must pick up the food and deliver it themself to the drop-off site. KMHC will not accept restaurant deliveries; restaurant delivery drivers will be turned away for safety reasons. Food containers will be wiped down and disinfected. 

KMHC asks that family members that drop off food clearly label the food container(s) with the following: 

  • Name of the resident 
  • Any reheating/refrigeration instructions 

Please keep in mind that there is limited refrigeration space, so storage may or may not be available for all food items depending on the volume. 

Please inform KMHC if a meal is to be dropped off by calling 450-638-3930 ext. 2238 or contact the resident directly so that arrangements can be made with the KMHC kitchen staff.