Health Minister Don McMorris has announced the appointment of board members for Saskatchewan's 12 regional health authorities (RHAs).

"I congratulate all new and returning board members and thank them for accepting the challenge of serving the province through our health governing bodies," McMorris said. "Saskatchewan is about to turn a corner in health care as a result of our Patient First Review, and these capable individuals will guide our efforts to revitalize the system and improve patient care."

Of the 136 people appointed, 75 are men and 61 are women. Twenty-five appointees self-declared their First Nations or Métis background. Approximately 70 per cent of the board members appointed are new to their positions.

Board members are responsible for organizing, managing and delivering health services for all residents in their health regions. The boards work with the Ministry of Health to ensure coordinated, province-wide services, and support strategic goals identified by the Minister of Health.

Pursuing Excellence—Moose Jaw Union Hospital Laboratory submitted by C. Beesley, Executive Director, Strategy/Communications

"My sincere gratitude goes out to former board members for their dedicated service to patients and to the health system," McMorris added.

All of the appointments are for three-year terms. Members of the Five Hills Regional Health Authority: Velma Geddes (Chair) Moose Jaw Donald Shanner (Vice Chair) Moose Jaw Grant Berger Central Butte Betty Collicott Moose Jaw Clark Coulson Moose Jaw Ken Hawkes Moose Jaw Alvin Klassen Central Butte Tracey Kuffner Glentworth Cecilia Mulhern Meyronne Christine Racic Moose Jaw George Reaves Gravelbourg Jeffrey Reihl Moose Jaw

February 2009 Volume 16, Issue 2 Five Hills Health Region The Pulse

Regional Health Authority Boards Named

Nursing Scholarship Awarded submitted by Kelly McElree, Moose Jaw Health Foundation

Jamie Heisler full-time second year SIAST Nursing Education program student becomes the second recipient of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation Tom Joseph Memorial Award scholarship established by friends and family who knew Tom Joseph, who was a nurse in the Five Hills Health Region. Jamie plans to live and work in Moose Jaw upon graduation.

Presenting the scholarship to Jamie are Moose Jaw Health Foundation Executive Director Kelly McElree (left) and Moose Jaw Health Foundation Board Member Gerry Westgard (right).

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On January 30, 31 and February 1, 2009 First Responders from all over the province came to the Heritage Inn in Moose Jaw to attend this fun yet educational event. Delegates had the opportunity to refresh their existing skills as well learn some new ones. They also participated in a simulated Mass Casualty scenario consisting of 25 injured school aged children involved in a bus crash. First Responders are volunteers who reside in rural Saskatchewan. They are trained to a (BLS) Basic Life Support level. This training is done by a qualified instructor and once successfully completed they are licensed by Saskatchewan Health. They must recertify their skills every two years in order to maintain their license. First Responders are dispatched simultaneously with EMS. They provide assessment and stabilization to the patient in these emergencies until the ambulance arrives. The Five Hills Health Regions supports 150 First Responders. They have responded to various emergencies including a cardiac arrest pt that they defibrillated back to life, delivered a baby in a vehicle, as well as many others from illness to car crashes. The conference was hosted by the South Saskatchewan First Responder Coordinators Committee (SSFRCC). This consists of four members from various health regions. The committee seeks corporate sponsorship to support the conference. This enables a trade show that permits the delegates to see the newest technologies in pre-hospital care equipment.

First Responder Conference submitted by Ray Francis, Paramedic, Director, Community Relations and Training

There were 26 EMTs and Paramedics as well that came from all over the province and volunteered their time to share their expertise with these First Responders. The conference has grown from its first year in which we enjoyed 100 delegates to the present 180 delegates. It is the only conference of its kind in Saskatchewan. Guest appearances by survivors were interesting as well. These persons told their remarkable stories of how the responders came to their rescue and as a result directly impacted the patient’s survival and recovery. Dennis Higgin spoke to the group of his ordeal. He developed chest pain and called 911. Central Butte EMS was dispatched as well as the Elbow First Responders. Shortly after the First Responders arrived Dennis went into cardiac arrest. Using their AED the First Responders defibrillated Dennis. His heart began to beat again. In an emotional state Dennis thanked the First Responders for saving his life. It was a very powerful presentation. Over all the conference was a great success. We are already planning for next year which will be the 10th anniversary. We want to do something extra special come January 29, 30, & 31, 2010 we will be ready. Thank you First Responders for all you do. If you require more information about the conference please contact Chairperson Ray Francis at Moose Jaw and District EMS at rfrancis@moosejawems.ca or 694-2151, or visit our web site at www.ssfrcc.org.

CONGRATULATIONS Patient Education staff would like to congratulate Haley Oshowy who has passed her Registered Dieti-tian exam and is now able to use the RD designation after her name. We are very proud of her and know she will be an asset to the Five Hills Health Region.

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#6: Open All Email Attachments Email attachments are a temptation, like getting an unexpected package in the mail. You just have to peek inside to see what's in it. Unfortunately, that file attached to your email message could contain malicious code (malware) that will delete your files, mess up your system folder, or send malware to everyone in your address book. But aren't some attachments "safe to open?" Glad you asked. Welcome to the OUCH! Special Holiday Edition Attachment Quiz.

"True" or "False." - Test Yourself a. You should never open any attachment

that ends in "exe" or "cmd" or "dll." Answer: True. These types of files, among others, contain "executable code" - programs that can run by themselves and may contain a malicious program that will wreak havoc with your computer b. Attachments ending in "doc" or "xls" or

"ppt" don't contain any executable code (see #1 above), so they are safe to open.

Answer: False. Malicious code can be embedded in these types of files (Word, Excel and PowerPoint, respectively) as macros. While macros can't run by themselves, if you have Word, Excel or PowerPoint installed on your system - and who doesn't? - they'll automatically use that program to run. So, if you open the attachment, the damage will be done. c. Attachments ending with "txt," "gif,"

"jpg," or "bmp" are safe to open. Answer: False. It used to be that you could assume plain text or graphics attachments were safe, but not anymore. File names and extensions, like email addresses, can be spoofed. Attackers take advantage of the default setting in Windows that doesn't display common file extensions (like txt) to disguise the type of file in the attachment. For example, a file with the full

The 10 Things People Do to Mess Up Their Computers—Part 2 submitted by Rod Cochrane, Team Leader, Information Technology

name "obama.jpg.exe" would contain executable code (See #1 above.). But that name appears in Windows as "obama.jpg." Think it's just a harmless picture of the President-Elect? Could be, but it could also be a malicious program in disguise. d. You should open attachments only when

they're from someone you know. Answer: False. A favorite tactic of spammers and other Bad Guys is to "spoof" return email addresses, making it look as if the mail came from someone else. A clever Bad Guy may even figure out how to get the name and email address of someone you know and use them. e. You should open an attachment only

when it's from someone you know and you are expecting it.

Answer: False. Let's say that the attachment was sent to you by a good friend or trusted co-worker who has no intention of doing harm to your computer. You asked for an electronic copy of the document or their wedding pictures, and here comes the reply with the attached file, as expected. Why not open it? Because the sender's computer could be infected or otherwise compromised and so could the attachment. f. You can't open any attachment without

taking some risk. Answer: True. But you can do something about the risk. Choice 1: Avoid it by not opening any attachments. If that won't or can't work for you, read on. Choice 2: Minimize the risk to your computer, and verify the source of the attachment before you open it. Install a suite of security software on your computer. Make sure it is working, and keep it updated. If you receive an attachment unexpectedly, contact the sender by phone (or some means other than return email), and verify who actually sent it and what's in it before you open it.

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#7: Click on Everything

Some computer users simply cannot resist clicking on hyper l inks . Spammers , scammers and hackers prey on them by embedding links in email messages that lead to rigged websites. Once there,

more links, as well as drop-downs and pop-ups, lure them into running scripts or downloading malicious software. One fatal mis-click can wipe out the contents of your hard drive or infect your computer with a program that a Bad Guy can use to take control of it. It can also take you to websites that feature pornography, pirated music, videos and software, or other inappropriate content that can get you in trouble. Think before you click. Links in phishing emails messages and websites may appear to be taking you one place, but will actually take you to another . The l ink might say "www.safesite.com," but will take you to "www.nastystuff.com." Try touching the link with your cursor without clicking on it. Often a text bubble will appear near your cursor that shows you the website's actual address. #8: Believe that Macs Don't Get Viruses

Let's start by distinguishing between Mac users and Mac computers. Mac users can fall prey to email scams and phishing attacks, just as Windows users can, and they are equally likely to visit a rigged

website, download an infected file, or receive emails or email attachments rigged with malware. Every Mac computer on the market today is built with the same kinds of hardware as PC's. They are connected to the Internet just like PC's, and can become infected just like PC's. The Mac operating system, OS X, is not safer than Windows. There are just a lot fewer people using it, so it's a smaller target. It comes down to numbers and market share. Since there are more computers using the

(Continued from page 6) Windows operating system, more malware targets PC's. Big-time Bad Guys -- that means: organized Internet crime rings -- go for the numbers, discovering and exploiting the vulnerabilities in Windows and Windows programs. The market share for OS X, compared to Windows, is small, but it is growing, and the bigger it gets, the bigger a target Macs make. #9: Use Easy, Quick passwords The trouble with easy, quick passwords is that they are easy and quick to guess. That's bad enough, but people who use an easy, quick one also tend to use it for everything. That is a recipe for disaster. If any one of the computers or online systems using that password is compromised, all of your other information protected by that password is in danger as well. Passwords should be created strong and protected carefully. Strong passwords contain at least 8 characters -- the longer, the better -- and include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Passphrases are even better. Use words and phrases that are easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess. Misspelling at least one of the words in your passphrase makes it still more difficult to crack. Here's an example: My 2 old *katz* were both grey. Too much to type every morning? Let's turn that passphrase into an acronym: M2o*k*wbg. Here's what not to do with your passwords and passphrases. Do not use any personally identifiable information, like your Social Security Number, home or office address, license plate number, telephone number, date of birth, maiden name, or the names of your parents, partners, or pets. Do not share them with anyone. Don't leave records of your passwords anywhere that you would not leave the information they protect. Don't use the same ones year after year; make up variations. Never provide them over email or in response to an email request. Do not enter them on

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computers that you do not control, such as those in Internet cafes, libraries, computer labs, shared systems, kiosk systems, conference centers, and airport lounges. #10: Don't Bother with Backups

Backing up your files is like flossing your teeth. We all know we should do it on a regular basis, but something else always comes up that needs to be done first. Your

email and your files are the most important things on your computer, and your backup plan should focus on preserving them. After a disaster, the operating system, software programs, security suite, and all of the other software can be restored from CD's or DVD's, or re-downloaded from the Web. None of that is unique, but some of the information in your email and files surely is unique. It doesn't exist anywhere else.

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Here is a simple, basic backup plan. Plug a good-sized, formatted, blank thumb drive (or "USB stick") into your computer. This is your backup drive. Double click on it and open a directory. As you work on your latest project and it comes time to take a break, save your work, close those crucial files, and drag copy them into the directory of the thumb drive. Do not keep the original or the only copy of any file on your backup drive. Backup drives are for storing duplicates. Do not work on the copies stored on your thumb drive. The more important your project is and the closer you get to the deadline, the more often you should pause to make a copy of your crucial files. The more often you backup, the less you stand you lose. After you've made a backup by whatever means, check to make sure that the copies are complete and that they work. Compare the list of backed up files against the original list. Try opening some files and scanning their contents to make sure everything is there.

Confused by all of the conflicting information on how to eat for a healthy heart? Celebrate Heart Health Month with the following update from nutrition experts.

The types of fats in your diet can affect your heart health by changing the fats in your blood. Blood cholesterol is a wax-like substance produced in the liver. Our bodies need cholesterol to function properly, but too much can clog our arteries. LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol sticks to artery walls. HDL (high density lipoprotein) helps the body get rid of cholesterol. High HDL levels help to lower your risk of coronary artery disease. TG (triglycerides) is a storage form of fat in our bodies. High levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

1. Trans fats are commonly found in processed foods that contain hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils.

Trans fats increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol.

Read labels and avoid foods with hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils.

There are some naturally occurring Trans fats in milk and milk products. These can be limited by choosing low fat milk products more often.

2. Saturated fats are found in meat, milk products, butter, lard, and tropical oils such as palm and coconut.

They can trigger inflammation of blood vessels and increase LDL cholesterol.

Choose lean meats, chicken, fish and low fat (0-1%) milk and milk products (except for children under 2 who require whole milk for optimal growth).

Replace butter and lard with soft margarines.

3. Monounsaturated fats are found in canola, olive oils, fish and seafood, avocados, nuts, and seeds.

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FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH

They prevent cholesterol oxidation (an early step in heart disease), decrease LDL cholesterol, and may increase HDL cholesterol.

4. Polyunsaturated fats are found in corn, soy bean, safflower and sunflower oils

They decrease LDL cholesterol.

5. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids (we need to eat them because our bodies can not make them).

Omega 3 fatty acids are present in fish as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and

EPA (eicosapaentanoic acid).

EPA and DHA lower blood fats and their byproducts are beneficial for heart health. Most people do not get enough Omega 3 fatty acids in their diet.

Omega 6 fatty acids are present in many foods such as meats, vegetables and grain products. Our need for these is easily met.

The ideal ratio of Omega 3’s to 6’s is 2:1 or less, but most North Americans eat 15-20 times more Omega 6’s than 3’s.

Increase Omega 3 fatty acids by eating fish, flax, and walnuts.

Eat two servings of fish a week (choose fatty fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel).

The fats we eat are not the only foods that can affect our heart health. Consume fruits, vegetables, and grain products like oatmeal. They contain soluble fibre that can lower blood cholesterol. Limit sugar and alcohol. Above all, remember to add regular exercise to the mix. Daily exercise will help to increase HDL cholesterol keeping your heart healthy.

For more information please contact your Public Health Nutritionist at 691-1536.

Written by the Public Health Nutritionists of

Saskatchewan with the support of Public Health Services, Five Hills Health Region

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Eating too much and consuming high calorie/high fat foods has contributed to the obesity epidemic but so has the decrease in our physical activity. Technology, from cars to computers reduces our caloric output which is why it’s important to add physical activities to our daily lives – to burn as many or more calories as we’re taking in. Exercise is a physical activity, but physical activity does not necessarily mean exercise. While it is very important to exercise – to improve the cardiovascular system, increase strength and enhance flexibility, it is also important to JUST MOVE. Drive-throughs, automatic doors, speed dial and cell phones are all examples of technology that decrease the number of calories we burn. Here are 25 ways to get more active this winter. (From In Motion’s 100 EASY WAYS TO GET ACTIVE) http://www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca/

1. Going shopping? Find a parking spot that is at least a brisk ten-minute walk to the store.

2. Dance to your favorite music 10 minutes each day.

3. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. 4. Walk to the store for milk. 5. Skip a rope. 6. Try curling in a local league or bonspiel. 7. Dance with your kids. 8. Hit the trail! Discover local trails or try trails in

new communities. Don’t forget your cross country skis or hiking boots.

9. Go for a swim or an aqua fitness class at your local pool.

Obesity Epidemic and Physical Inactivity submitted by Dot Hicks, ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist®

10. Grab a racquet and play squash, racquetball or badminton.

11. Join a fitness class. 12. Try a yoga or tai-chi class. 13. Strike out inactivity by bowling. 14. Play tag. 15. Make housework fun! Dust and vacuum to your

favorite tunes and throw in a dance step or two along the way!

16. Celebrate your cultural heritage by learning a traditional dance.

17. Add a stationary bike or exercise equipment to your home.

18. Flood ice in your yard or neighborhood park for skating or hockey.

19. Try a new type of dancing such as square, folk, round, jig, hip hop or ballroom dancing.

20. Dig out your hoola hoop and twist to some old favorites.

21. Suggest a break during work meetings and encourage your colleagues to stretch, walk the halls, or climb the stairs.

22. Roll your shoulders and stretch your neck when sitting in front of the computer.

23. Contract your back and stomach muscles while sitting on the bus or in your office.

24. Keep pathways in your neighborhood free of snow so the elderly and disabled can get their mail and walk to the bus stop or corner store with ease.

25. Rise one-half hour early in the morning and go for walk. Ask a family member or friend to join you.

WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE UPDATE Your FHHR Employee Lifestyles Committee is sponsoring a Weight Loss Challenge

We have 93 paid registrants , loosing pounds and inches in our challenge. Together we have lost a total of 210 lbs – that’s the equivalent of 210 lb of butter or 4-50lb bags of flour.

We might be giving the money we have collected to the 2 people who have lost the highest percentage of weight in the end.

But, we are all winners – so encourage your friends and co-workers to keep up the good work and don’t forget to weigh in for more support and maybe a few hints

We’ll Keep You Posted.