Community News
Suicide Prevention – Where to Begin?

Navigating the struggle of suicide prevention involves seeking
support from friends, family, and professionals. Finding
helpful tools such as the Embracing Life App (Scan the
QR code in our Ad) or finding other immediate assistance
sources are key to prevention, along with therapy which
provides coping strategies, and staying connected to help
combat isolation. Educate yourself about warning signs,
whether it be for yourself, a loved one, a child in need, create
a safety plan, encourage professional help. Remember, you are
NOT alone— reach out. Prioritize safety, seek help, and work

Interment & Cremation

There are many options when choosing a final resting place for cremated remains. At a cemetery, you may choose an above ground niche or in ground burial. Some, express a wish to scatter cremated remains or take the urn home. Have you considered that these latter options, could affect your family in the years and generations ahead? What will happen to the urn at home in 20+ years? There is peace of mind in a final resting place that is permanent, secure and sacred, that allows you to honour a life and have a place that family & friends can come to gather, visit, and grieve- honouring family heritage for years to come.

Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Event

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people experiencing homelessness in your community. This fundraiser helps YWCA Prince Albert provide shelter, care, and holistic support to women and families experiencing homelessness to heal and find hope. CNOY 2024 takes place on February 24th, 2024 – drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 190 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them. Learn more + get involved at cnoy.org/princealbert

Recreational Therapy vs focusing on disability

Recreational therapy is a health profession using activity-based interventions to enhance individuals’ well-being. Therapists assess needs, plan personalized interventions, and employ activities like sports and arts to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. The focus is on fostering inclusion, socialization, and skill development to improve overall quality of life. Applied in diverse settings, recreational therapy benefits individuals with conditions such as physical disabilities and mental health disorders. Ongoing evaluation ensures adjustments for personalized progress, making it an integral part of holistic healthcare. A focus on Residents abilities and well-being vs. focusing on disability, promotes life with meaning.

Valentine’s Day Smoothie

Did you know that the pomegranate has been a symbol of love and fertility as far back as ancient Greece? and they aren’t the only fruit with a story to tell.
Other berry meanings include raspberries (kindness) and strawberries (modesty, perfection, and “sweetness in life and character”).

Ingredients
1 ½ cup almond milk or coconut milk;
1 ripe banana;
½ cup frozen pomegranate seeds;
1 cup frozen berries;
Preparation
Add the almond milk, frozen fruits, and banana to your blender.
Blend until the smoothie reaches your desired consistency.
If it’s too thin, add more fruit; if it’s too thick, add more almond or coconut milk.

Suicide Prevention – Where to Begin?

Navigating the struggle of suicide prevention involves seeking
support from friends, family, and professionals. Finding
helpful tools such as the Embracing Life App (Scan the QR
code in our Ad) or finding other immediate assistance sources
are key to prevention, along with therapy which provides
coping strategies, and staying connected to help combat
isolation. Educate yourself about warning signs, whether it be
for yourself, a loved one, a child in need, create a safety plan,
encourage professional help. Remember, you are NOT alone—
reach out. Prioritize safety, seek help, and work towards a
healthier, more hopeful tomorrow. Embrace life!
Prince Albert Grand Council, www.pagc.sk.ca

Roles of a Funeral Director

Funeral directors operate year-round, but the winter months present specific challenges. Severe weather, such as snow and ice, can hinder transportation and service coordination. Frozen ground complicates burials, requiring special equipment or waiting for thawing. Emotional support becomes more crucial during the winter as the season can amplify grief and isolation. Funeral homes may adapt services and decor to the season. Holiday disruptions and travel issues can affect planning and scheduling. Despite these obstacles, funeral directors are trained to provide compassionate services, offering support to grieving families throughout the winter months.

Breakfast: Vital Morning Fuel

A healthy breakfast offers numerous benefits, including improved energy levels, weight management support, enhanced concentration, and better mood. Consuming a balanced morning meal jumpstarts metabolism, aiding in efficient calorie burning. It also provides an opportunity to intake essential vitamins and minerals crucial for overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Regular breakfast consumption is associated with stabilized blood sugar levels and the promotion of feel-good neurotransmitters, positively impacting cognitive function. Additionally, it establishes healthy habits, setting a positive tone for the day and encouraging the maintenance of an overall healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically.

Holistic Wellness Program

Youth Engagement & Empowerment program is available for
youth and operates five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday)
and is free to register. Transportation and food are provided.
Participation is required, and our goal is to provide a safe space
where youth can develop self-esteem, leadership skills, and
healthy relationships. We offer evening, summer, and Saturday
day programs, including cultural activities and on-the-land
camps. We aim to reduce illegal behaviors and drug use among
indigenous youth and address their mental health concerns. Our
team includes Elders, youth workers, and various facilitators.
We care about urban Indigenous youth and are here to help
and support them and their families.
PAGC Holistic Wellness Centre, pagc.sk.

Death & Taxes

You know the saying: The only two things that are guaranteed in life are death and taxes. So why is it that we only plan for one of them? Do we really need to ‘deal with this’ now? It is not that we never think about what we would want, but it is also not the most comfortable or cheerful topic to bring up. Being prepared helps ease the burden at a difficult time. You also have the opportunity to know what the different options are, like guaranteeing your choices in advance, so you nor your estate will ever have to pay more. So, this year talk about taxes but also talk about pre-planning your funeral arrangements.