Healthy Minds Matter Newsletter and Brochure (pdf)

Gastrointestinal(GI) HealthInformation and Screening DayThe City of Windsor Workplace Wellness Program Committee was busy this fallhosting a number of health screenings for City employees. To kick things off, theWorking Committee along with Green Shield Canada ran a Gastrointestinal (GI)Health Information and Screening Day on October 30, at the WFCU Centre.City employees, retirees, and family members who are on GI medication(s) orare having signs and symptoms related to GI problems, were invited to attend thehealth information and screening day. Participants had the choice to attend oneof two sessions on the Saturday morning to hear Dr. Earle P. Morgan,Gastroenterologist, speak on the issue. Dr. Morgan spoke about identifying,treating, and managing your GI health. He also took the time to speak to anyonewho had questions about their GI health problems.As part of the screening sessions, participants were invited to speak to localpharmacists to have their GI medications reviewed for them. Registered nurseswere also on hand to do a simple finger prick test to screen for the presence ofthe H. pylori antibody. A follow-up with a participant’s health care provider wasrecommended for anyone that tested positive for the antibody. The H. pyloribacteria (Helicobacter pylori) can live in the highly acidic areas of the stomachand small intestine (upper portion). It is known to be a direct cause in about70-90% of peptic ulcers and can affect anywhere between 5-15% of Canadians.Blood pressure was also being checked at the same time.Dr. Earl P. Morgan answers questions fromparticipants.City of Windsor Recreation and Culture FitnessInstructors take time out to pose for the camera.In addition, participants could have their Body Mass Index (BMI) and theirwaist circumference measured by a City of Windsor Recreation and Culturestaff fitness instructor. Registered dietitians from the Windsor Essex CountyHealth Unit (WECHU) were on hand to answer any questions about special GIdiet plans and provide suggestions on healthy food alternatives that could helpto reduce any GI discomfort. Free samples of different snacks were prepared forparticipants to try along with a copy of the recipe.8The day was a great success as over 50 participants attended the event. It wasalso the first event that the City of Windsor Workplace Wellness Program hostedthat included retirees and family members. Many of the participants commentedthat the event was very informative and enjoyed the one-on-one treatment theyreceived along with the free healthy and tasty refreshments!A big thank-you to our wellness partner Green Shield Canada, for helping withthe invitations and the organization of the event. As well, thank you to theWorkplace Wellness Program Steering and Working Committee members thatvolunteered, the Department of Recreation and Culture, VON Nursing services,Dr. Earle P. Morgan and the Windsor Essex County Health Unit.Great job everyone!Participants were all smiles when it came to thefree refreshments.WECHU Registered Dietitians showcasingfree samples of healthy snacks.