Mithomahcihowin Newsletter - November 2024 - NCN Family and Community Wellness Centre

Read the November 2024 issue of Mithomahcihowin – NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre’s bi-monthly health and wellness news update.

Featured Story

Building Immunity: How Vaccines Keep Our Community Strong

As the seasons change and colder weather sets in, the risk of illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, and whooping cough rises. At the NCN Family and Community Wellness Centre, we understand that keeping our community healthy is a shared responsibility. Vaccines play a vital role in protecting individuals, especially the most vulnerable members of our community—children, elders, and those with underlying health conditions.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also those around you, creating what is known as “herd immunity.” This means that when enough people are vaccinated, it becomes much harder for diseases to spread, helping to safeguard those who are unable to get vaccinated due to medical reasons.

In remote communities like ours, where access to healthcare can be limited, preventing outbreaks is especially important. A vaccine-preventable illness could put a strain on our local health resources and result in serious complications for those who may already face challenges accessing care.

The Unique Risks in First Nation Communities

Living in a remote First Nation community brings additional risks when it comes to infectious diseases. Limited access to healthcare services means that illnesses can spread quickly before they are managed. Crowded living conditions, which are common in many First Nations communities, can increase the speed at which viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza spread.

Many of our elders and community members suffer from pre-existing conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, which make them more vulnerable to severe complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses. These health disparities are heightened in remote areas, where healthcare resources may be harder to access in an emergency. Vaccines provide an essential layer of protection in these situations, helping to reduce the severity of illnesses and protect our most vulnerable.

Read the November 2024 issue of Mithomahcihowin for the full story.