With the holidays upon us, many of us look forward to spending time with family and friends. Holidays are special, and can mean more visits and gatherings, as well as activities and outings. But for someone with dementia or cognitive impairment, large groups, noises and flashing lights, and unfamiliar places and people, can cause increased anxiety and feelings of overwhelm. We spoke with two experts in seniors and dementia care about navigating the holidays and making this time of year pleasant and enjoyable for everyone. Whether your loved one is at home with you, or you’re visiting them in long-term care, here are some tips and things to consider.

Name:  Loreen Jacobson (she/her/hers)Job Title: Registered NurseYears of Service:  45Worksite: Home Health, Royal Inland Hospital Community:  MerrittAncestral Territory: Nlaka'pamux NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: Always follow your intuition! Loreen Jacobsen was born and raised in New Westminster, B.C., and moved to Merritt in 1990. Graduating from the Registered Nursing program in the late 1970s at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Loreen continued her training throughout her entire career. She went on to do a critical care course, and later a primary nurse course in 2021. All of her education supported her throughout her professional journey at Royal Columbian Hospital, Burnaby General Hospital and now Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre.  

With New Year’s around the corner, many of us turn our thoughts to resolutions. January 1 can be a springboard for a fresh start, new habits and big goals. The original Dry January started in the UK sometime around 2013, and since then has become a global movement. Since 2016, the Go Dry challenge for the Canadian Cancer Society has also inspired hundreds of thousands of people across the country to give up alcohol and go dry for 31 days starting January 1. But going dry may not be the right goal for everyone, says Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi, a medical health officer with Interior Health. “While many people might feel ready and able to not drink for a month, an ‘all or nothing’ approach can be unrealistic for some,” says Dr. Delli Pizzi. “People who choose to not go dry can still try to lower their alcohol consumption to reduce the adverse health effects of alcohol. Choosing small steps over big ones can give you a higher chance of success of meeting your goals and give you something to celebrate.”  

From building upon important work, to strengthening relationships with Indigenous partners, to making strides to provide the healthiest start possible for our tiniest patients, there is a lot to celebrate from 2024.

Name: Jacqueline Lee (JQ) Elsasser (she/her/hers)Job Title: Health Unit Aide / Admin Support / Qualitative FIT TesterYears of Service: 1+Worksite: Kirschner PlazaCommunity:  Kelowna Ancestral Territory: syilx/Okanagan NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: "All's well that ends well" - no matter what circumstance has happened in your life, if it turned out well or gave you a positive experience in the end, it was worth it. "All's well that ends well." For JQ, this simple phrase is more than advice—it’s a way of life. No matter what challenges come her way, she believes every experience is worthwhile if it leads to something positive in the end. Born in Edmonton, JQ moved to Kelowna when she was just two years old and has called it home ever since. Her vibrant personality is evident both at work and in her personal life; she’s happy, energetic, funny, loud, positive, spunky, passionate, and loving—a true force of positivity in her community.

While winter is full of festive days, and indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy, winter and the holidays can also bring stress and the blues. From holiday planning and family gatherings to financial worries, from the gloomy weather and shorter days, this time of year can affect our mental health, physical health and overall well-being.  Our Mental Health and Substance Use team has 10 healthy habits for you to consider exploring this season. Try one or try a few of these habits to support your mental and physical health throughout winter and beyond.

The festive season is kicking into high gear. You may already be pulling out the ugly Christmas sweaters and are preparing for holiday parties, or have already gone to a few celebrations. Whether you go to a house party, a local restaurant or bar, the office or a bonfire, take a minute to make sure you're prepared to party safely with these holiday season tips from our Harm Reduction team.

Foundations in the Interior region raise funds that support medical equipment, care needs and innovative local initiatives in their communities. Each organization includes respected community leaders, volunteers and staff who are passionate about meeting the needs of patients and families in Interior Health. Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, we all have a stronger health system.  In this next story of our series on the incredible health-care and hospital foundations throughout our region, we interviewed Sue Raymer, president the of the Castlegar & District Hospital Foundation.

Name: Stephenie McLeod (she/her/hers) Job Title: Administrative AssistantYears of Service: 6Worksite: Vernon Health UnitCommunity:  VernonAncestral Territory: syilx NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney Stephenie was born in Vancouver and moved to Ontario as an infant. Her extended family still lives in Thunder Bay, Ont.  She returned to B.C. when she was 20 years old. After a few years in retail and optometry, where she gained knowledge with ophthalmic terms, Stephenie completed training as a medical transcriptionist and gained work experience in transcribing community psychiatry reports through her administrative role at Vernon Mental Health.