Welcome to the June 2024 edition of Ostomy Canada Connects eNews! We are thrilled to bring you the latest updates and valuable information tailored for our ostomy community. Whether you’re seeking advice, support, or ways to get involved, our eNews is here to keep you informed and connected. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community!
Executive Director’s Message
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Dana Ypma, Executive Director of Ostomy Canada Society, announces her departure at the end of June. She expresses gratitude for the community’s support and highlights achievements in ostomy awareness and support. Dana assures that the Society will continue its mission with a committed team and promises a smooth transition to new leadership. Read more…
Ostomy Care Tips
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Electrolytes, Minerals, Vitamins – Common Deficiencies & How To Fix Them
An ileostomy or colostomy can impact hydration and the absorption of essential minerals, electrolytes, and vitamins. Discover the common nutrient deficiencies faced by individuals with an ostomy and how to effectively address them.
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Dating & Intimacy After Ostomy Surgery
Unlock essential tips for dating and intimacy after ostomy surgery! Boost your confidence, ace that first date, get bedroom advice, and explore key considerations. Find the support you need for a fulfilling romantic life post-surgery.
Ask An Ostomy Lifestyle Expert
The Medical Lifestyle Advisory Committee comprises a team of dedicated, professional, and knowledgeable experts in ostomy care and management. These specialists are devoted to offering top-tier advice and support to those navigating life with an ostomy. Their extensive experience and understanding enable them to address both routine and complex issues effectively.
Explore our blog for the latest answers to your questions, insightful articles, and updates on advancements in ostomy care. Here are some of our recent posts:
- Managing Colostomy Challenges: Expert Tips For Better Adherence
- Ostomy Care Blog: Managing Skin Irritation Around Your Ileostomy
World Premiere of “STUCK” at Dances With Films Festival in Hollywood!
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We are excited to announce that the short film STUCK will have its world premiere at the renowned Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, during the Dances With Films festival on June 23, 2024.Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.
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Following the premiere, STUCK will be submitted to film festivals across Canada and internationally. Our goal is to share this poignant story to comfort those suffering in silence and to raise positive awareness.
Let’s celebrate this extraordinary film that sheds light on the life of a character with an ostomy, highlighting a vital initiative by Ostomy Canada. Image may be NSFW.
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Tickets: https://danceswithfilms.com/STUCK/
Trailer: https://youtu.be/7C8aQGHaw3U?si=tjwQmveJFpBEM2SE
Learn more about STUCK:
Volunteer Newsletter Editor Needed!
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Join Ostomy Canada Society as a volunteer Newsletter Editor! It’s a fun, creative role where you’ll curate content for our monthly Ostomy Canada Connects E-News. You can work from home, choose your hours, and gain valuable content creation experience. If you have strong communication skills and are interested in our mission, we’d love to meet you! Just be ready to commit 3-6 hours per month for a year.
Local Ostomy Event Listings June 2024
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Find local support. Learn ostomy tips. Join the Ostomy Canada community!
Explore these incredible ostomy events! We’ve thoroughly revamped our website to highlight Upcoming Events for Ostomy Canada Chapters and Peer Support Groups. Each listing includes links to virtual meetings where applicable. Our event listings now feature a Google map and an “Add to Calendar” button for your convenience. We hope this enhances the ease of sharing information about the support available across Canada.
- June 13 at 7:00 pm – Ostomy Medicine Hat Virtual Meeting – Travel Tips
Medicine Hat, AB | Join via Zoom - June 13 at 7:00 pm – Cape Breton Ostomy Support Group
South Bar Fire Hall, 2148 NS-28, South Bar, NS - June 13 at 10:00 am – ASGP Assemblée générale annuelle
Hôtel Universel, 311 boul de l’Hôtel-de-Ville , Rivière-du-Loup, QC - June 15 at 10:00 am – Edmonton Ostomy Peer Support Group
Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 11223 51 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB - June 17 at 1:00 pm – Victoria Ostomy Support Group
Quality Foods, 27 Helmcken Rd #110, Victoria, BC - June 18 at 6:00 pm – Ostomy Ottawa Potluck Picnic
Andrew Hayden Park, 3127 Carling Ave, Nepean, ON - June 18 at 7:00 pm – Ostomy Fredericton Hybrid Meeting ft. Coloplast
Woodbridge Medical Centre, 180 Woodbridge St., Fredericton, NB | Join via MS Teams - June 18 at 7:30 pm – Ostomy Hamilton Monthly Meeting
Bennetto Community Centre, 450 Hughson St. N, Hamilton, ON - June 19 at 7:00 pm – Niagara Ostomy Annual General Meeting
Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St, St. Catharines, ON - June 19 at 7:00 pm – Oshawa Ostomy Meeting
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 32 Wilson Rd N, Oshawa, ON - June 19 at 8:00 am – APSMCQ Déjeuner
Restaurant Normandin Cap-de-la-Madeleine, 580 Bd Thibeau, Trois-Rivières, QC - June 24 at 1:30 pm- Comox Valley Ostomy Support Group
Driftwood Mall – Quality Foods – 2751 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC - June 25 at 5:00 pm – Ostomy Saint John Summer Break Celebration
Pizza Delight, 95 Lansdowne Ave, Saint John, NB - June 25 at 7:00 pm – Calgary Ostomy & J-Pouch Virtual Support Group
Calgary, AB | Join via Zoom - June 25 at 7:30 pm – Ostomy Oakville/Halton-Peel BBQ
Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House, 2545 Sixth Line, Oakville, ON - June 26 at 7:00 pm – Ostomy Charlottetown Meeting
Murphys Community Center, Room 207 – 200 Richmond Street, Charlottetown, PE
Note: Some groups have not yet submitted their calendars for the latter part of June. Please contact your local group directly to inquire about upcoming events.
Save The Date!
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Join our webinar on July 17, 2024, with Lauren Wolfe from our Medical Lifestyle Advisory Committee, focusing on emotional well-being and life adjustments post-ostomy surgery. Topics include personal emotional journeys, support systems, and practical strategies for enhancing quality of life. Lauren Wolfe, an award-winning Wound Ostomy and Continence nurse, brings her extensive expertise to this invaluable session.
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Join us on October 5, 2024, as we Step Up For Ostomy awareness. This crucial fundraising campaign supports the Ostomy Canada Society. Numerous chapters and peer support groups have already pledged their participation, and we look forward to even greater involvement this year. Major updates will be announced next week. Keep an eye out for a separate email introducing our new website, resources, and more.
ADP Ontario Petition Update
A heartfelt thank you to you and your groups for supporting our ADP Petition. We now have an abundance of signatures (1400+), allowing us to move to the next step. The Health Critic for the official opposition at Queen’s Park has agreed to present our petition in the current session. With Parliament closing for summer break on June 13th, our timing is perfect. The Conservative Government has 24 working days to respond once the petition is read, so we may not receive a response until September. Copies have also been sent to the leaders of the other two parties, which may garner additional support.
While there are no guarantees, I am optimistic that this effort might lead to a positive adjustment for the ADP grant in Ontario.
Once again, thank you all for your unwavering support.
Fingers crossed,
Ian MacNeil, Advocacy & Government Relations, Ostomy Canada Society
Petition link: https://chng.it/Kpf2Kjzy4Q
The Alex MacInnis Squamish 50/50 Giveaway
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Is the allure of Squamish, BC calling your name? Why not plan a trip and take a ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola!
Donate to the Alex MacInnis Squamish 50/50 campaign between June 13 and 20 for a chance to win 2 tickets, valued at $150, for the Sea to Sky Gondola! The lucky winner will be announced in the Ostomy Canada Connects July E-News. Please note that a skill-testing question is required. Special thanks to Matt Blair of the North Shore News for donating the tickets!
Watch it here: https://youtu.be/eO1NJExiNzE?si=yIYHvsjjabufHCd1
NSWOC Canada Conference Recap
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In May, the Ostomy Canada Society, along with our affiliated chapter, the Calgary Ostomy Society, had the honour of exhibiting at the NSWOC Canada Conference in Calgary. The event, which attracted around 500 attendees, was a treasure trove of information. Among the participants were numerous Nurses Specializing in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOC) and ostomy manufacturers. We forged many valuable connections and heightened awareness about our organization. These dedicated nurses play a crucial role in the health and well-being of individuals living with an ostomy, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable contributions.
Several national and local volunteers relished the chance to meet in person. In the accompanying photo, from left to right: Deanna Desramaux, Kaylee Janse, Dana Ypma, Stephanie Grace, Troy Curtis, Pat Machan, Tiffany Shorson, Lisa Gausman, and Pat Cimmick. Leanne Whyte (not pictured) also attended.
2024 WOC-EP Awards
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Ostomy Canada proudly congratulates our two award recipients, Alyson Wood and Ashley Hogan. The NSWOC Canada Conference featured a banquet and awards ceremony, where Dana Ypma, Executive Director of Ostomy Canada, had the honour of presenting the prestigious WOC-EP Award in collaboration with NSWOC Canada. Although the recipients could not attend in person, Alyson Wood, a recent NSWOC graduate and volunteer with the Calgary Ostomy Society, received her award at their event last weekend.
Ostomycanada.ca Updates
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Our webmaster, Yaser Nadeem, has developed a convenient order form for Ostomy Canada documents! Now, chapters, peer support groups, and medical professionals can easily request the following materials from our head office:
- Disability Tax Credit Brochure (EN,FR)
- Here To Help Brochure (EN,FR)
- Ostomy Visitor Brochure (EN,FR)
- Ostomy Youth Camp Brochure
- Travel Cards
- Past Magazines
- And more!
Place your order online at www.ostomycanada.ca/resources/docs-request-form
Find Support, Get Connected!
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You are not alone! Did you know that Ostomy Canada has over 50 affiliated Chapters and Peer Support Groups?
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Speak to a Certified Ostomy Visitor for personal support for your ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, j-pouch or reversal.
Connect With Ostomy Canada!
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Source
The Ostomy Canada Connects June 2024 eNews is brought to you by the Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.
Disclaimer: The information contained within these web pages are presented expressly for informational purposes only. In no way are any of the materials presented here meant to be a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified medical practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. ALWAYS check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, or before starting a new program of treatment. The producers and administrators are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by these articles.
The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented are applicable to the people depicted. These testimonials are representative of their experiences, but the exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each person.
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