YELLOWKNIFE (April 4, 2013) – A new report from the Department of Health and Social Services shows that a significant number of hospitalizations in the Northwest Territories between 2008/09 and 2010/11 were preventable. The NWT Hospitalization Report released today identifies why NWT residents were hospitalized and looks at the top five causes by age, focusing on hospitalizations associated with mental illness and chronic disease.
Yellowknife (March 14, 2013) – Following positive discussions between the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority (YHSSA) and their partner, the John Howard Society, and by agreement between these two agencies:
Yellowknife (March 13, 2013) – Hay River will be getting a doctor next month when Dr. Coralie Boudreau begins a three-year contract on April 2, 2013.
Mr. Speaker, few social issues are more visible in a community than those that stem from addictions.
Not one community in the entire Northwest Territories can claim to be free from the health and social problems caused by addictive behaviours.
That is why prevention and enhancing established treatment facilities in the NWT are priorities of the 17th Assembly.
Homelessness, poverty, violence and chronic disease all become part of the cycle of addictions that destroy lives and communities.
Our government spends over nine million dollars annually on counselling and treatment. The Department continues to enhance existing programs to provide treatment and solutions to addictions. Unfortunately, many residents still suffer and are unable to break free from alcohol and drugs. Mr. Speaker, it is time for a different approach. We need to encourage more personal responsibility and provide more support to those who make the choice to remain clean and sober.
Mr. Speaker, March is National Nutrition Month. Nutrition Month has been celebrated worldwide since 1980 and it focuses on the importance of healthy eating and the positive impact it has on our health and well-being.
Healthy eating is important at every stage of our lives. Proper nutrition contributes to the development of healthy babies. It supports physical growth and brain development in early childhood. Kids who eat healthy foods do better at school. Young athletes need to eat well to fuel their performance. As we all grow older, healthy eating helps to avoid chronic disease.
Mr. Speaker, in Canada the increasing rates of unhealthy weights among children are becoming an epidemic. According to the Curbing Childhood Obesity report from the Public Health Agency of Canada, more than one in four children in Canada is overweight or obese.
This can lead to serious health issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. If we do not address this now, our children will grow up to be less healthy and have shorter lives. This is why it is important that we focus on improving the health of our children by preparing healthy family meals, which means getting the healthiest ingredients and taking the time to cook healthy foods.
Mr. Speaker, it is a priority of this government that children get the best possible start in life so they can reach their full potential. It is important that we continue investment in Early Childhood Development as this is an investment in the future of our children.
In January of this year, in partnership with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, we hosted a roundtable to identify priorities for a renewed Early Childhood Development framework. I am pleased to report that the roundtable was a success.
I know the Members of this House that attended the roundtable would agree that the experts provided us with great insights about integrating new research findings into current practices.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that we are on the right track. The experts and the local presenters confirmed that we are funding the right programs. We must continue with existing programs like the Healthy Families Program, which we plan to expand to more communities. This Program provides community level support for families.
Yellowknife (January 25, 2013) – The Departments of Health and Social Services and the Sahtu Health and Social Services Authority have responded to an increased rate of skin infections in Colville Lake
“I am pleased with the coordinated response from health care officials including home support, nurse practitioners and physicians and local authority staff. It is encouraging to see a team effort mobilize and respond,” said Minister of Health and Social Services, Tom Beaulieu.
YELLOWKNIFE, (January 23, 2013) – The Departments of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) and Health and Social Services (HSS) continue to gather information from experts, Aboriginal and community leaders, Elders and Northwest Territories residents as part of their work towards a renewed Early Childhood Development Framework.
Last week, the departments welcomed Elders from across the NWT to a sharing circle to discuss their opinions, thoughts and experiences raising their children.
