If you’ve been feeling down lately, there may be more to it then the fact winter break has come to an end.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people starting in the fall and throughout winter. This is because as the days get shorter and the weather colder, we spend less time outdoors soaking up sunlight and our much-needed Vitamin D.

On average, SAD affects 2-3 per cent of Canadians. Living in cold climates like ours (yay for Manitoba!), we’re especially susceptible to developing SAD. Some of the symptoms include irritability, moodiness, fatigue, a lack of motivation and increased appetite.

“The two things people notice most is that they want to sleep longer and eat more often”, says Tessa Blaikie, youth mental health promotions worker at the Canadian Mental Health Association Winnipeg. “This is because our bodies are lacking the energy we typically get from the sun and is looking to get it from somewhere else. It’s one reason people experience weight gain during the winter.”

Think you might be experiencing SAD? There are a couple surprisingly simple ways to feel better fast.

Since the best way to absorb sunlight in the winter is through your eyes, one of the ways to do this is by spending at least 10 minutes outdoors (I know, I know — it’s freezing!) without sunglasses on. Another possibility is to take a Vitamin D supplement each day.

For people who may be experiencing more severe symptoms, there are lamps that recreate the same light waves the sun does called SAD lamps. The lamps are easy to use (you wear them on your head) and the light is always in your peripheral so you can read, walk around, make lunch — whatever you need to do. They start at about $70 each and are widely available at health stores.

Looking for more information on SAD? Read this article from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

I recently went to the Red River Mutual Trail at the Forks to go skating.  This was my first time skating in many years and the experience was fun!   I do not have skates and went to Iceland Skate Rentals, located in The Forks Market, and rented skates for $5.00 ($3.00 for kids).  They also offer skate sharpening.  Conveniently, there is a designated area with mats to change your skates in the atrium of The Forks Market.

There are a few different options at The Forks for skating.  There is the Rink under the Canopy, the hockey rink near Scotia Bank stage, the skating trails on land, and the Red River Mutual Trail.  When you are ready to head out, there are mats all the way to the river. 

The skating area is lined with trees, and separates an area where you can play hockey.  I slowly skated my way down the river from the Forks to Osborne and back.  The warming huts were not on the River the day I went, but there are a few huts on the river now. 

According to www.besthealthmag.ca ice-skating is a great way to embrace winter and get some exercise.  They say it is easy on the joints because it’s low impact, and it improves your balance and coordination.  They also say that a 155-lb woman skating slowly (less than 14 kilometres per hour) burns about 387 calories per hour.  Fast, full-out skating burns 633 calories per hour. 

They offer a few tips:

• Find skates that fit comfortably.  Skates are usually a size smaller than your normal shoe size.
• Wear thin wool or fitness socks rather than doubling up with two pairs of
  regular socks.
• Lace the skates firmly and stand up. Your heel should be right at the back of the boot, and your toe should not touch the front end. Your heel and ankle should feel snugly gripped, as if you’re wearing running shoes, but not tight or painful.
• Get the store or your local rink to sharpen the skates before you hit the ice. If you’re skating leisurely once a week indoors, sharpening once a winter is fine. Outdoor ice contains grit and mineralized water and is harder on your blades, so sharpen every outing or two.

So, if you’re looking for an activity next weekend, head to the Forks and go skating!

Rebecca puts together a package of food for a student at the RRC Campus Food Bank. Photo credit: Jessica Botelho-Urbanski.

Rebecca Trudeau is a second-year student in the Community Development/Community Economic Development program. She is Red River College’s food bank coordinator, an active volunteer in the community and was the recipient of the 2014 Premiere of Manitoba Volunteer Service Award.

Food insecurity

There is a direct link between mental health and ‘food insecurity’ (not having regular access to food). This is because many people with mental illnesses continue to be stigmatized when applying for jobs or in the workforce, making it difficult for them to gain employment or hold down a steady job. In 2013, approximately 90 per cent of Canadians with a diagnosed mental illness were unemployed leaving many of these people to rely on a food bank.

Any registered dietician will tell you that mental health is impacted by diet. When people who are unemployed are not eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet, their mental health is also affected in a negative way, perpetuating a negative situation, especially for people vulnerable to mental illness. Being food insecure also generates feelings of depression, guilt, shame, anxiety, stress, anger, and decreased energy — all without a doubt having a negative impact on overall mental health.

My experience

I have quite a bit of experience working with people dealing with mental health issues and food insecurity. This past summer I worked at Food Matters Manitoba. I also run Red River College’s Campus Food Bank and am a long-time volunteer turned employee with Winnipeg Harvest.

Growing up, I also experienced firsthand the impact mental health and unemployment has on food insecurity. Many of my family members have been diagnosed with mental health issues including my mother who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and has substance abuse issues. I grew up on social assistance, which had a significant impact on my family’s ability to access nutritious food on a regular basis. In fact, there were times where we didn’t have any food at all.

Typically, a single mother on social assistance receives about $12,300 per year, which is supposed to cover rent, utilities, transportation, personal care items such as clothes and food. However, there is often little money left over for food after paying bills. This means many Manitobans have to turn to Winnipeg Harvest — the main distribution centre for more than 380 agencies in Manitoba. These agencies supply food to approximately 64,000 clients every month — 47 per cent of them children. Other clients include seniors, individuals with physical disabilities, newcomers, single mothers, and highest of all, people with mental health issues.

Changing our perceptions

Even though one in five Canadians will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives, there is still a stigma attached to having a mental health issue, especially for people who are unemployed. We need to change these negative attitudes and perceptions because with understanding and the right help, people with mental health issues can build skills, confidence and contribute greatly to our society.

Red River College helps about 70 families every two weeks at its food banks located at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. The people accessing this food could be your classmates, friends or the student sitting next to you in the library.

So before you make assumptions about someone with a mental health issue or who visits a food bank, I ask you to consider about how complex their situation is. I ask you to please be considerate and show kindness because most of the time, they are just doing the best they can.

More information:

Please visit RRC’s website to find out more about the Campus Food Bank.

Out-of-Country Emergency Travel Health Coverage

Red River College employees and their eligible dependents have 100% Emergency Travel Health coverage.

What is an out-of- country medical emergency?

The definition of an out-of-country medical emergency is “an unforeseen injury or illness that begins while the insured person is traveling outside his or her home province”.  You will not be covered if you are travelling against medical advice.

What to do during a medical emergency out-of-province/country?

When traveling abroad, it is important to carry your Great-West Life ID Card. Your card includes the toll-free numbers required to obtain assistance during a medical emergency.  In the event of an emergency call Global Medical Assistance (GMA) as soon as possible.  The call can be made during or immediately following a medical situation, such as:

• You are hospitalized or about to be hospitalized.
• You need assistance in locating proper medical care.
• Physician and/or Hospital requires insurance verification (confirmed through GMA directly).
• You are involved in an accident requiring medical treatment.
• You have a medical problem and require translation service.
• Emergency evacuation is deemed medically necessary (arrangements will be made through GMA).
• Any serious medical problem arises. 

Be prepared to give the name of the person covered, the group and contract number and a description of the problem.

For more information or to print your ID card, log in to the Great-West Life Member Portal with your Great-West Life user name and password.

Great-West Life Online Services

Access to the online site for your group Health and Dental benefits information has never been easier with Great‐West Life’s GroupNet™ for Plan Members.

Available 24/7, this user friendly site provides the following:

• Online claim submission
• Sign up for direct deposit claim payments
• View and print your claim status and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for the past 24 months. The EOB can be used to coordinate benefits with other insurance carriers.
• Create and print a summary of your claim history by patient and/or benefit.
• Complete and print personalized claim forms.
• Access to Great-West Life’s Health & Wellness Site

Sign up now at www.greatwestlife.com

GroupNet™ Mobile

Information when you’re on the go from your Benefits Solutions People. Great-West Life’s GroupNet™ Mobile app lets you take GroupNet™ for Plan Members with you. You can download GroupNet™ Mobile to Android™, BlackBerry®, and iPhone.

Great-West’s GroupNet™ Mobile lets you:

• Submit claims online through Member eClaims
• Access personalized coverage information about benefits, claims and more – quickly and easily, any time
• View card information including: member ID, Drug and Global Medical Assistance
• Locate the nearest approved provider who has access to Provider eClaims, through a built-in GPS mapping tool

Did You Know?

Through STRATA Select, you could purchase individual insurance? Depending on your needs – whether you are looking for coverage for your parents or additional Travel Health for your next hot vacation – individual insurance is available. Check it out!

Over the past few weeks the staff on NDC’s 5th floor have been sporting an Amaryllis growing competition.

This all started back in October when I sent a little email around to see who might be up for some friendly competition and raising a beautiful plant (a great distraction over the cold winter months). Not long after that 14 staff chipped in $10 dollars and 14 Amaryllis’s were bought and planted.

The objective of this competition was to see who’s plant would be the tallest and who would be voted best dressed by Dec 16th. There was intermittent measuring and smack talk was encouraged.

Within a week all of our departments (Staff Learning & Development, Sustainability, Nursing, Environmental Safety and Health, Developmental Learning, Research and Planning, the Recycling Team and Recognition of Prior Learning) were mingling, popping in to see the plants and of course sizing up the competition.

By Dec 16 plants that started at 4 cm were now 50-60 cm with beautiful red blooms. When it came time to pick our winners, our celebrity judges, Nancy Alexander and Lori Grandmont, had a very difficult time selecting only two.  They chose the “McHansen” from Nursing as the tallest plant and “Jorge” from Staff Learning and Development for best dressed.

At the end of the day we all walked away with a beautiful plant, a few more friends that we got know on our floor, and the experience of sharing in some great RRC team spirit.

Parents may be used to having their homes toddler proofed, however, with the festive season many go out visiting and we could use a short refresher on keeping our little visitors safe. Here are a few tips from Parachute who have great injury prevention tips and reminders.

• At the start of get-togethers, agree on who is going to watch the kids and for how long. Otherwise, family and friends may believe someone is watching the young ones, when no one is doing so.
• Toddlers are curious and active so it’s natural for them to want to explore a decorated tree and its ornaments. It’s safest to have your tree out of reach (e.g., a tabletop tree) or in a room with a safety gate so the child can see but not touch it. Even for preschool children, it’s best to have soft, unbreakable decorations, such as those made of felt.
• Candles are one of the most common causes of household fires. If you must use candles, place them in sturdy holders that won’t tip, away from flammable materials and well out of the reach of children. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room.
• Keep purses and bags away from toddlers reach as they may hold dangerous items, such as medicines or a lighter.
• Gas fireplaces can burn little hands when the glass barrier is touched. Safety gates can keep your child at a safe distance. Consider not using the fireplace when young children are around.

From Health Services

Voluntary Benefits

Through Red River College’s affiliation with HUB International STRATA Benefits Consulting, employees have access to a suite of voluntary products and services offered at discounted or preferred group rates.

Why does Red River College offer a voluntary benefit program?

We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits program and are committed to enhancing and aligning this program to meet the needs of our employees.

What is Group Home Insurance?

The Co-operators Group Home Insurance program, depending on the type and amount of coverage chosen, shelters you from financial loss due to theft, unforeseen events such as fire or vandalism or personal liability that may occur if someone is injured while visiting your home. The group insurance is tailored to you!

What do the Co-operators offer?

The Co-operators group insurance program offers Red River College employees group home insurance that is tailored to meet your needs. By being a part of the Co-operators group home insurance program, you have the opportunity for the following value-added benefits:

• OneStep™ – 24/7 claims service that never sleeps and handles most claims in as little as one call.
• Flexible payment options – choose the day, method and frequency for your payment deductions.
• Claims guarantee – claims counseling and no increase of premiums if you decide to pay a claim out of pocket.
• Service Review Panel – regional panels of client volunteers that offer impartial review for claimants who may be unsatisfied.
• Automatic Coverage – for most new insurable items until the next renewal date without changing the premium.
• Blanket Limit Coverage – complete coverage of up to $2 million for building, contents and outbuildings, and additional living expenses.

For more details on the Co-operators group home insurance program, or to get a free, no-obligation quote, call 1-800-387-1963 or visit www.cooperatorsgroupinsurance.ca.

Tips to Submitting Online Claims

To use Member eClaims, you must be registered for GroupNet™ for Plan Members and signed up for Direct Deposit of claims payments.

How Member eClaims Works:

You will see a ‘Submit a claim’ link under the Claims section once signed in to GroupNet™ for Plan Members. Claims can be submitted following these steps:

1. Select Type of Claim Submission Method
– If coordinating regular benefits and the HCSA, select Health, Drugs, Vision & Dental Plan Type.
– If only submitting a claim to the HCSA, select the HCSA/Medi-Dent Account Plan Type.

 2. Select Type of Claim
– If you answer ‘yes’ to the question to reimburse any unpaid portion from your spending account, the claim will automatically be considered under the HCSA.
– If the claim is submitted only to the HCSA, you must select the check box that acknowledges you understand the claim will not be applied to any Health, Drugs, Vision or Dental plan.

3. Enter Provider information.
4. Select a Patient.
5. Enter in the Expense Details.
– If you answer ‘yes’ if the claim has been submitted to or paid in part by another group plan, you must enter the amount paid by the other insurance carrier in the box “Other Insurance Paid”.
6. Read and Agree to the ‘Terms and Conditions’ and the ‘Claim Summary and Consent’ sections.
7. View or Print the Confirmation and Summary of your online claim.

Once your claim has been adjudicated, you will receive confirmation via an email notification or text message to your mobile phone.

If your Great-West Life ID card is lost or misplaced, replacement cards can be requested online through the GroupNet™ for Plan Members site.

Tips to Completing Paper Claim Forms

 For many employees, submitting claims for reimbursement can be confusing; from deciding which form to use, to where to find the required information. Submission of incomplete forms can cause delays in processing and payment.

The following are some tips to assist you when completing and submitting Great-West Life claim forms:

• All Health claims, including Vision claims, are to be submitted on a Healthcare Expense Statement.
• All Dental claims not submitted electronically by your Dentist are to be submitted on a Dentalcare Expenses Statement. Some Dentists may also use a Canadian Dental Association claim form, which is also acceptable.
• Claim forms can be found on Great-West Life’s website.
• Indicate at the top of the form if you would like this claim applied to the Healthcare/Dentalcare plan only, Health Care Spending Account only, or both.
• Your Plan Member ID Number is your RRC Employee number and can be found on your Great-West Life ID card.
• Attach all original receipts to the claim form. If you are coordinating with a spouse’s plan, attach the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) received from their insurance company.
• In the event a receipt is not available when purchasing glasses or contact lenses, Part 9 of the Healthcare Claim form can be completed by your Optometrist, Optician, or Ophthalmologist to be eligible for reimbursement.
• The claim form must be signed by the Employee, not the person(s) for whom the claims are being submitted.
• Make a photocopy of the claim form, receipts and any other attachments in the event the claim is lost in the mail. Originals will not be returned.

Direct Deposit for Claims Payments

You can have your benefit cheques automatically deposited to your account by Great-West Life using Direct Deposit.

With Direct Deposit, there are no payment delays due to mail disruptions, no chance of cheques being lost or stolen, and no need to deposit your cheques in person.

Great-West Life will deposit cheques directly into your account with any credit union, trust company or bank in Canada. There is no charge for this service.

If you sign up for Direct Deposit, you will receive an e-mail notification when your claim has been paid. You will also have access to an online Explanation of Benefits.

Remember for faster claims submission, you can submit your own claims online through GroupNet.

Its that time of year! The leaves have fallen, we’ve quickly changed into our parkas and mittens, and most importantly the thoughts of a winter vacation at a warm destination are filling our dreams….. Here are a few resources to make that dream a reality:

• First things first, if you are an adventure traveller you are usually thinking about destinations that are not usually for the faint of heart!These are also likely destinations where the Canadian Government has issued travel warnings – best to check first at travel.gc.ca. Even if you aren’t thinking about trekking through North Africa, there could be a regional advisory for the country you are planning on visiting. Some Caribbean countries have regional advisories you might not be aware of, but usually they are along borders and away from the popular destinations.
• You have the destination! Now what kind of traveller are you? If you’ve visited any of the popular tropical destinations, accessible via Winnipeg, you’ve likely stayed in an all-inclusive resort. Why not try a vacation rental this time around and live like a local? Sites like AirBnB and Trip Advisor Vacation Rentals manage listings of private homes around the world. Need a little more adventure? Try a tour with options ranging from 5 star lodges to camping out under the stars. Taking an organized tour with a reputable company is a sure way to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are visiting. Browse through hundreds of opportunities with Adventure Centre, a Canadian tour broker that promotes only reputable tour companies. Many tour companies cater to families too!

Read More →

As the weather gets colder, and the days get shorter, it gets easier to go home and curl up in blanket with a bowl of your favourite comfort food. With that thought in mind, this past weekend I cracked open my recipe books and a few websites to make a few tried and true foodie favourites to have on hand for a quick supper or munchies for TV night.

First on the list was a vegetarian lasagna, full of veggies and feta cheese. I also love kettle corn, so I made a pail of it – yes I said a pail of it. Other items on my culinary to do list are breaded chicken fingers, butter chicken and many – many cookies like chocolate chip, oatmeal, ginger snaps and Oreos. It’s great to have snacks on hand to avoid the fast food trap, and for impromptu entertaining. Feel free to check out a few of my recipe favourites and make your own cornucopia of comfort food this winter.