Community Health Connect  is the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network's newsletter dedicated to providing members of our community with the latest healthcare information.

In this issue:

• Healthy winter eating: Dietitian approved recipes
• Navigating the season: Local mental health supports
• Finding health care over the holidays 

Healthy winter eating: Dietitian approved recipes

As December brings cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to slow down and savour the available seasonal offerings. Winter offers a unique opportunity to enjoy hearty and nourishing foods that not only warm you up but provide essential nutrients.

 Our PCN’s dietitians  have put together tips and links to recipes to help you make the most of winter’s offerings. Depending on your dietary requirements and health conditions, speaking to a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider can help you choose recipes that are a fit for your lifestyle.

Warm and nourishing soups: On a cold winter day there is nothing quite like a warm pot of homemade soup. Using seasonal vegetables, lean proteins, and plant proteins not only makes your soup delicious but also ensures it’s a balanced and nutritious meal. Our dietitians suggest trying a butternut squash soup with apple grilled cheese sandwiches recipe or vegetarian chili recipe for a healthy and comforting option. 

Cozy comfort dishes: This time of year, comfort dishes are always a staple at the dinner table. Casseroles and family favourite recipes are the perfect opportunity for incorporating seasonal vegetables to create a satisfying meal. Some options include a sweet potato shepherd’s pie recipe, stuffed spaghetti squash recipe, and a honey sage roasted root vegetable recipe.

Mindful indulgences: Cozy treats are in abundance this time of year. While these delights are tempting, it’s important to enjoy in moderation. Some of our dietitians’ favourite recipes include an apple crumble recipe, gingerbread smoothie recipe, Christmas sugar cookie recipe, or this vegan chocolate mint mousse recipe.

Winter is a wonderful time to embrace the flavours of the season and enjoy meals that are delicious as well as nutritious. By incorporating these dietitian-approved tips into your winter eating habits, you can stay warm, healthy, and satisfied.

Enjoy the flavours of the season and make the most of the cozy winter months!

Navigating the season: Local mental health
supports

The holiday season is often a time of joy, but for many, it can also bring feelings of loneliness, stress, and sadness. If you're struggling with mental health during the holidays, it's important to remember you're not alone and there is help available.

 Calgary offers a range of mental health resources  for individuals and families in need. Keep this list handy for yourself or someone you know who might need support during this challenging time: 

• Community Connect YYC connects individuals to affordable counselling and social support services.
• CMHA Calgary provides free mental health programs, services, education, and support for individuals and families.
• Calgary Counselling Centre provides individual counselling and group services and programs.
• Access Mental Health provides non-urgent information, consultation, and referrals for those dealing with addiction and/or mental health concerns.
• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is a helpline you can call or text for immediate support, including suicide prevention and crisis intervention. Trained crisis responders can help you navigate overwhelming emotions and find ways to ensure your safety.

 In case of immediate danger,  stay with the person and reach out for immediate help by calling the Distress Centre Calgary at 403.266.HELP (4357) or dial 988 for suicide prevention services.

Remember, there is no shame in seeking help. Taking the first step can make a world of difference. 

Finding health care over the holidays

The holiday season can make accessing healthcare services stressful, with many businesses and medical offices operating on reduced hours or even closing for the holidays. But don’t worry — there are still options available to help you get the care you need during this time.

Our PCN’s clinic, the Primary Care Centre, offers an Access Appointment Service seven days a week for patients whose doctors are members of our PCN. If your regular doctor’s office is closed, you can call Health Link at 811 for guidance and a referral if appropriate.

Our Primary Care Centre operates 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. This year, these holiday hours will fall on Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25), Boxing Day (Thursday, Dec. 26), and New Year’s Day (Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025).

 A big thank you to all the dedicated healthcare workers,  including the team at the Primary Care Centre, who continue to provide essential care during the holiday season. We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season! 

If you have feedback on any health topics you would like to learn or read more about, please contact us directly at hello@cwcpcn.com.

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