Community Health

Education and immunization program strategies, with the aim being high vaccine coverage for all Siksika Nation members, are implemented to reduce and/or eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases. Routine childhood immunizations are a major component of the Community Health Nursing program. Immunizations are also offered in specific situations, for example, annual influenza vaccine.

Immunization activities include:

• Well Baby Clinics;
• Preschool Screening Clinics;
• School Immunization Programs;
• Seasonal Influenza Clinics;
• COVID-19 vaccine immunization clinics;
• Safe immunization of our Elders, and those at high risk and/or with chronic conditions.

Siksika Community Health’s pre- and post-natal programs create a supportive environment for all expectant parents and families to enhance their knowledge, strengthen their support systems, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Activities include:

• Nutritional counselling in group settings, or on an individual basis;
• Monthly nutrition voucher program;
• Seven week pre/post-natal courses
• Infant nutrition program;
• Ages & Stages screening program;
• CPR certification course;
• Immunization program;
• Breastfeeding support.

Koo-koosinooniiks – Prenatal Nutrition Program

Similar to the former CPNP program, the goal is to support the health of women throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Women part of this program have access to prenatal & postnatal education, classes, food hampers, resources and nutrition support. The maternal child program is also available for young families needing additional support in the early childhood years.

1 on 1 Nursing Support

Once a month each client has direct access to the prenatal nurse for 1 on 1 support. During the visit the nurse provides teaching on the client’s current stage of pregnancy including:

• Changes for mom and baby during the prenatal period.
• Upcoming prenatal tests and community events
• Common discomforts and at home remedies
• Any questions the client has related to her pregnancy, her baby, or what to expect in the future

During these visits clients will receive a nutrition voucher to support healthy eating for the family.

Siksika Community Health’s maternal/child health programs aim to improve birth outcomes and maximize child development by enhancing access to services for children. The program offers support systems and activities that:

• Strengthen the unity of the community and preserve and promote understanding of cultural values by implementing culturally relevant content on family health;
• Build a strong support system for families through partnerships with other agencies and programs;
• Ensure program services meet the needs of families and empower families to participate in achieving desired outcomes;
• Provide education to other agencies and programs to increase cultural awareness through traditional parenting programs and cultural resources within the Siksika Community.

Health promotion, issues reporting, and follow-up on environmental concerns are critical in promoting good health amongst Siksika Nation members. Environmental health activities include carrying out environmental inspections, and implementing control measures in various settings and community events.

Areas covered include:

• Health promotion about communicable diseases;
• Water Quality Monitoring Program;
• Housing and public facilities inspections;
• Environmental contaminants/sewage monitoring;
• Food quality/safety monitoring.

Home health concerns are addressed through a joint process between Siksika Nation Community Health and Siksika Nation Housing. An agreement was developed between the two departments to establish a joint inspection process for all home inspections completed in Siksika. Any issues are forwarded to the Environmental Health Program. In any case of reported environmental health issues, client health needs are assessed, education is provided, and appropriate referrals (Environmental Health Officer, physicians, etc.) are made. 

• Most ticks are harmless, but they can carry a bacterium that causes Lyme Disease, so it is important to keep an eye out for them.
• Ticks live in grassy and wooded areas; camping, hunting, hiking, and other summer outdoor activities in these areas could bring you in contact with a tick.
• After spending time in these areas, it is important to check yourself, your family members, and your pets for ticks.
• Ticks prefer to attach and feed in areas where they are less likely to be seen, in your hair, folds in skin, joints, and groin, so check these areas when looking for ticks.
• If you find a tick, the best way to remove it is to use a pair of fine tipped tweezers, grab the tick as close to its head as possible and slowly pull straight up until its mouth is released from your skin. Wash the area with soap and water after the tick is removed.
  • Avoid squeezing the tick’s bloated abdomen as that may push harmful bacteria from the tick’s stomach into your body.
  • Trying to suffocate a tick or burning a tick to get it to release also increases the risk of infection.
• Watch the site of the bite for signs of infection. Lyme disease often causes a slowly expanding “bull’s eye”-like rash at the site.
• If you develop flu like symptoms within a month following a tick bite, go see a doctor as a rash may not occur in 20% of cases.

Siksika Health’s Diabetes Initiative aims to reduce and prevent diabetes and its complications through education and awareness, to enhance the health and wellbeing of Siksika Nation members. Programming and services include diabetes follow-up, Retinopathy screening, kidney health promotion, and access to a Dietitian.

The Diabetes Program is run by Certified Diabetes Educators who offer educational Classes and weekly support groups regarding diabetes awareness and education. Topics include diabetes basics; diabetes and food choices; diabetic neuropathy; diabetes and exercise; diabetic nephropathy; glycemic index; goal setting; heart health; diabetes and nutrition; and grocery store tour.

Ask your family doctor about Siksika Health’s Diabetes Program. Appointments with a Registered Dietician are available with a referral from a medical doctor or nursepractitioner. Call 403-734-5630.