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Professionals to Know in WESTMAN
brandonsun.com
Q&A: What the new contraception policy means for patients
BY ABIOLA ODUTOLA
tions. A pharmacist may choose to refer a patient in the following situ- ations: when the patient requests or treatment indicates an intrauterine device (IUD), when a health con- dition or concern requires further exploration or consideration before prescribing hormonal contracep- tion. AO — Do you expect this policy to improve access to contraception in Brandon and rural Westman, partic- ularly for people who may have dif- ficulty getting a timely appointment with a physician or other provider? JL — With approximately 1,200 pharmacists practising in over 480 community pharmacies, pharma- cists have long been considered one of the most accessible health-care professions. This expansion of scope will allow pharmacists to see those patients who may not have access to a primary care physician or nurse practitioner. *Data taken from 2025 CPhM Annual Report. AO — What should residents do before coming to a pharmacy if they want to use this new service — do they need to call ahead, and how can they find out which local pharma- cies have trained pharmacists offer- ing it, given a pharmacist will want to ensure they have adequate time as well as staff in place to ensure a proper assessment? JL — It is recommended that pa- tients wishing to access hormonal contraception call ahead and sched- ule a time to visit. As pharmacists are still completing training in this field, please check with your local pharmacy before attending. The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba’s (CPhM) website provides details on pharmacists and pharmacy registra- tion. This may be used in addition to reaching out to your local pharmacy location. » aodutola@brandonsun.com » X: @AbiolaOdutola
Manitobans can now access hor- monal contraception directly from trained pharmacists, expanding the range of health-care services avail- able at community pharmacies. The policy change is expected to improve access to contraception, par- ticularly for people who do not have a primary care provider or face long waits for appointments with a physi- cian or nurse practitioner. In this interview, Abiola Odutola spoke with Super Thrifty Drugs Can- ada Ltd. president Jennifer Ludwig. She spoke about what the change means for patients in Brandon and Westman, how contraceptive as- sessments will work, which options pharmacists can prescribe and what patients should know before booking an appointment. Excerpts: Abiola Odutola — What does this new policy mean for patients in Brandon and Westman, and how does it change what they can now receive directly from a pharmacist? Jennifer Ludwig — This change will increase access for those pa- tients who wish to use hormonal contraception. Prior to this policy change, patients could only receive a prescription by seeing a physician or nurse practitioner. Unfortunately, many Manitobans still do not have access to a primary care provider. This expansion of a pharmacist’s scope of practice helps fill a genu- ine need within our community and province for access to health-care services. AO — Has your pharmacy started offering contraceptive assessments and prescribing under the new pol- icy? If not, when do you expect to begin? JL — In order for a pharmacist to prescribe hormonal contraceptives, they must undertake specialized training and then be approved by
Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. president Jennifer Ludwig. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)
current health-care provider (if ap- plicable) It is important to note, that not all assessments may result in a prescription for hormonal contra- ception. There may be times where it is not suitable for a pharmacist to prescribe and they may choose to re- fer a patient to another health-care provider for further assessment or care. AO — Which contraceptive op- tions can pharmacists at your phar- macy prescribe, and when would you still refer a patient to a doctor or other health-care provider? JL — Pharmacists may prescribe the following hormonal contracep- tive options: oral contraceptive pills, hormonal patches, vaginal rings, intramuscular contraceptive injec-
assess the patient, the pharmacist will ask about medical/health his- tory, current medications, allergies, risk factors and contraceptive pref- erences. They will also make them- selves available to answer any ques- tions the patient may have about hormonal contraception. The length of time of an assessment will depend on many factors, however a patient should expect to be with a pharma- cist for at least 20-25 minutes. Given all of this, we recommend calling ahead to schedule an appointment. Patients should be prepared with Manitoba Health Card, list of Current Medications (including non-prescription medications and supplements or vitamins), list of al- lergies or health conditions, name of
the College of Pharmacists of Mani- toba (CPhM). Many of our pharma- cists have begun the training and are working to complete the course work and be approved by the college as soon as possible. Some have com- pleted and are actively providing contraceptive prescribing services to their patients. AO — What does the assessment process look like for a patient who walks into the pharmacy seeking birth control, how long does it typ- ically take, and what information should they bring? JL — When a patient comes to the pharmacy for an assessment, they should expect to speak with the pharmacist in a quiet, private coun- selling area. In order to adequately
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Q: What inspired you to get into your chosen profession? A: We were in related businesses requiring professional appraisal services and found a need for expanded services in the region, which was a natural fit for assisting our existing and a wide range of new clients. Q: What is your speciality? What makes your services unique? A: We are an independent, professional appraisal practice with our Associates certified and accredited in the valuation profession with a long history of serving the western Manitoba region.
Q: When should clients use your service? A: Our firm and associates provide professional residential, farm, commercial, recreational and special use real estate appraisals to assist clients with their financial, family, future and business planning. Q: What about your company makes or has made you the most proud? A: Our history and involvement in assisting Manitobans with many of life’s most important decisions regarding real estate.
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www.rolandweir.ca
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A sk AP rofessionAl HOLLYSCINOCCA
Director of Sales | J&G Homes
Youalreadyhavethelot-nowwhat? Holly Scinocca answers your questions about building a new home on your own lot.
Q:AlotofpeopleknowJ&GHomes foritsowndevelopments.Canyou buildaJ&Ghomeifyoualreadyown alot? A: Absolutely!Youdon'thaveto purchasealotinaJ&Gdevelopment tobuildwithus.Ifyoualreadyown a residential lot - or you've found apropertyyou'reconsidering purchasing-cometalktous.Wecan helpyouunderstandwhatmaybe possibleonthatpropertyandwhat thenextstepscouldlooklike. Buildingahomecanfeel overwhelming when you're starting withanemptypieceofland,butyou don't have to figure everything out onyourown. Q:Doessomeoneneedtochooseone of J&G’s existing home plans? A: No. Existing plans can be a great starting point, but every homeowner and every property is different. Sometimes a client sees one of our homesandsays,“Ilovethis,butI wouldchangethisroom,movethis walloraddsomethinghere.”Other clientscometouswithanidea they’vebeenthinkingaboutforyears. Ourjob istolistentowhatyou needandhelpturnthoseideasinto ahomethatmakessenseforthe property,thebudgetandtheway youactuallylive.
Q:Whereshouldsomeonestartif theyalreadyhavealotandwantto build? A: Start with a conversation. Bring us the information you have about your lotandtelluswhatyou’rehoping tobuild.We’lltalkaboutthehome you envision, your priorities, your budgetandhowyouwantthespace to function for your family. From there,ourteamcanbeginlookingat thelotitself,thehomedesignand the different considerations that can affect a build. Theimportantthingisthatyoudon’t needtohaveeveryanswerbefore youcomethroughthedoor.That’s whatourteamisherefor. Q:Whatshouldpeoplethinkabout before purchasing a lot they hope to buildon? A: Thisiswheretalkingtoabuilder earlycanbeextremelyhelpful. Thelotitselfisonlyonepieceof theoverallproject.Therecanbe considerations such as the size and shape,aswellasproperty,servicing, setbacks, grading, the type and size ofhomeyouwanttobuildandother site-specific requirements. Ifyou’reseriouslyconsideringa propertybecauseyouwanttobuild onit,talktousbeforeassuminga particular house will work there. Wewouldmuchratherhavethat conversation with you early.
Q:Forsomeonewhohasneverbuilt before, is there a good way to see whatanewJ&GHomeactually looksandfeelslike? A: Yes-andthisfallisaperfect opportunity.J&GHomeswillonce againbepartoftheParadeofHomes, peoplewhoareeventhinkingabout buildingtocomethrough.Photosand floor plans are helpful, but walking through a finished home is completely different. You can experience the layout, see the details and finishes in person, and start figuring out what youlove-andevenwhatyouwould runningSeptember19through October11.Ialwaysencourage do differently in your own home. And please ask us questions while you’rethere.Youdon’thavetobe readytobuildtomorrowtostart learningabouttheprocess. Q: What is the biggest misconcep - tion you hear about building a new home? A: Probablythatyouhavetoknow exactlywhatyouwantbeforeyou meetwithus. Youreallydon’t.Somepeoplewalk inknowingtheexactstyleofhome, number of bedrooms and finishes theywant.Otherssimplyknow theyneedmorespace,wanttostop renovating an older home, have a lottheyloveorarereadytobuild something that is finally theirs. Both areperfectlygoodplacestostart. Buildingahomeisaprocess,andour teamistheretowalkyouthroughit.
Q: Anything else happening with J&G Homes this fall? A: We have a pretty exciting fall ahead!
AlongwithParadeofHomes,J&GHomesispartneringwiththeBrandonWheat Kings for Shoot to Win this season. Fans attending participating Wheat Kings home gameswillhaveachancetoenterfortheiropportunitytotakeashotfor$1,000,000 towardsanewhomebuiltbyJ&GHomes. Sowhetheryou’rewalkingthroughoneofourhomesduringParadeofHomes, cheeringontheWheatKingsorstandingonalotwondering,“Couldwebuildhere?” - come talk to us. Sometimes your new home starts with a floor plan. Sometimes it starts with a piece of land. And sometimes it simply starts with a question.
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Already have the lot? Let's talk about the home. 204-570-2389|holly@jandghomes.ca|jandg.ca
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Using your cruise control correctly
Avoid activating it on snowy, icy or wet sur- faces. If your wheels spin on an icy patch or your car starts hy- droplaning, cruise control may try to compensate for the loss of speed by ac- celerating. This can increase your risk of losing control and may cause an acci- dent. Make sure you use cruise control only in the right circum- stances, including when traffic is light. Talk to your mechan- ic at your next service appointment to learn more about cruise control. » Newspaper Toolbox
Cruise control does more than give your foot a rest during long road trips. It also helps prevent heavy-footed drivers from speeding. Are you using your cruise control the right way? Time to find out! WHEN SHOULD YOU USE CRUISE CONTROL? Cruise control is beneficial when you’re driving on highways and straight roads. It helps you maintain a constant speed, which can save fuel and make for a more relaxed driving ex- perience. However, it’s best to avoid us-
ing cruise control on slopes. When your car is going uphill, the engine may struggle to maintain speed, leading to increased fuel consumption. Additionally, steer clear of using cruise control on sharp bends. You must re- duce your speed to maintain better con- trol of your vehicle. WHAT ROAD CONDITIONS SHOULD YOU BE MINDFUL OF? Cruise control doesn’t automatically turn off in bad weath- er, so it’s important to keep it switched off when you’re driv- ing on slippery roads.
A man fits a manual steering wheel lock in a car. (Newspaper Toolbox)
Expert advice on protecting your vehicle Car theft is becoming a real problem, leaving vehicle owners with little choice but to take pro- active steps to deter criminals. Here are some possible solutions. INSTALL AN OBD PROTECTOR Criminals who break into vehi- cles often try to connect a device to the OBD — or on-board diag- nostic — socket to access your key code and the on-board computer. You can thwart these attempts by installing a protective metal cap designed to block this port. Ask your car dealer about purchasing one. PROTECT YOUR ELECTRONIC KEYS Over time, thieves have refined their tactics. They can now walk down the street with a scanner to intercept the radio signal from your electronic key and quick- ly create a clone. Keep your keys safe by placing them in a secure container. A Faraday box blocks electromagnetic fields, so they re- main undetectable. LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL No security device can fully outsmart a determined criminal, but you can make theft attempts more challenging by installing a steel bar on your steering wheel. For less than $100, you can force would-be thieves to take an extra step, which may discourage them from attempting to steal your ve- hicle. Similar locks are also avail- able for brake pedals. Consult your local car dealer- ship or mechanic for personal- ized advice. » Newspaper Toolbox
There are limits to cruise control. Are you using it right? (Newspaper Toolbox)
BRANDONWOMEN’S CAMPUSMANAGER
Whatledyoutoyourworkwith womenseekingfreedomfrom addiction? Mypassionforworkingwithwomen seeking freedom from addiction comes frommyownexperience.Istruggled with addiction myself, and through Adult & Teen Challenge and, most importantly, through God, I found freedomandanewlife.Becauseof what I experienced, I want to help makethatsameopportunitypossible forotherwomenwhoarestruggling and need hope, support, and a path toward lasting freedom.
WhatdoesyourroleasWomen’sCampus Manager involve, and what do you find most meaningful about it? As Women’s Campus Manager, my role involves supporting the women in our program emotionally and spiritually, encouraging them in their recovery, and helping them begin to seehopeandsetgoalsfortheirfuture.Oneof themostmeaningfulpartsofmyroleisseeing women discover their potential and begin to believe that a different future is possible. I also love pouring into our staff, helping them grow in their own gifts and abilities, and raising up the next generation of leaders who are passionate about serving others and making a difference.
Amy Marasco, Brandon Women’s Campus Manager.
Whatdoyouwishmorepeople understoodaboutwomen experiencing addiction and the journey of recovery? Iwishmorepeopleunderstoodthat everyone experiencing addiction has a story. No matter what someone’s circumstanceslooklikeorwherethey are in life, they deserve to be loved, cared for, and encouraged toward anewwayoflivingandanother chance at life. Addiction does not discriminate. It affects people from everybackgroundandeverywalkof life.Ibelieveweneedtolookbeyond the addiction and see the person, their potential, and the hope that their life can be different.
WhatmakesAdult&Teen Challenge’sapproachtorecovery unique? WhatmakesAdult&TeenChallenge uniqueisthatourprogram focusesonmorethanovercoming addiction. It is about learning how to live life differently. We believe God is the key to true and lasting transformation. Our program points peopletowardHimwhilehelping themdevelopanewwayofliving that honours God, themselves, and thelifetheyhavebeengiven.Itis not just about leaving addiction behind, but building a foundation for acompletelynewwayoflife.
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What does lasting transformation look like for the women you serve? What gives you hope in the work you do? Lasting transformation is seeing how different the women are when they successfully complete the ATC program compared to when they first arrived. They hold their heads higher, and you can see hope, joy, and confidence in them again. They leave with a stronger understanding of who they are, a support system around them, and practical tools for their future, including employment and vocational training. It is about seeing them leave believing that they have value, purpose, and a future.
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MEET THE FACES OF STRIDE CREDIT UNION CARBERRY We’re Now Open in Carberry! Stride Credit Union is excited to now call Carberry home! Our new branch is officially open at 10 Main Street, bringing local financial advice, everyday banking and a team ready to help right to the heart of the community. Meet the team behind our new Carberry branch and get to know some of the faces you’ll see when you stop by! Ryan Youles Samantha Smith
Financial Experience Officer ryan.youles@stridecu.ca
Manager, Business Processes
“Born and raised on a farm just outside of Neepawa, I have seen firsthand the benefits a local credit union can bring to the community. What I value most about working at Stride, is the ability to help neighbours build and grow - because when our members thrive, our entire community does.” samantha.smith@stridecu.ca
“There’s something special about a place where people know their neighbours, take pride in their community, and value the history that shaped it. The strong sense of connection here is something you don’t find everywhere, and it’s exactly why I’m excited to be part of it.”
Kristin Desrochers kristin.desrochers@stridecu.ca Member Experience Associate
BJ Birch Account Manager
“I grew up in Neepawa, where the rink and ball diamond weren’t just places I played— they shaped who I am. Having spent over 50 years in the Westman region, I’ve built deep roots and meaningful connections throughout the area and look forward to continuing this in Carberry.” bj.birch@stridecu.ca
“Growing up in Carberry, I’ve spent my life surrounded by a community that values connection, growth, and shared history. Carberry isn’t just where I’m from—it’s what inspires how I show up every day: ready to help, connect, and make a difference.”
Jasmine Giesbrecht Member Experience Associate jasmine.giesbrecht@stridecu.ca
michelle.vanOeveren@stridecu.ca Michelle van Oeveren Member Experience Supervisor
“At Stride, every day brings something new. I enjoy getting to know our members on a personal level, understanding their needs, and continuing to learn so I can better support them. I love the everyday interactions: seeing a smile, sharing a conversation, and knowing I’ve helped make someone’s day a little easier.”
“Growing up in a small town, I learned early on what community really means. After 15 years in Winnipeg, I chose Carberry so my children could experience that same small- town upbringing. Carberry has been a welcoming, friendly new home, and I look forward to meeting many more members of the community.”
Patrick Callin Manager, Branch Experience patrick.callin@stridecu.ca
Financial Experience Officer jenny.dyck@stridecu.ca Jenny Dyck
“One of the best parts of my job is working with our members. Stride has worked hard to curate an environment that still allows for grassroot conversations and relationships. Here at Stride, we truly get to know our members; we invest in their lives, in their families, and in their goals. Members aren’t just members, they’re our friends.”
“I've always loved being part of a small community where neighbours support one another and local businesses are at the heart of everyday life. I already enjoy visiting Carberry's local shops and community events, and I'm excited to become an even bigger part of the community by helping members reach their financial goals.”
Tyler Harland tyler.harland@stridecu.ca Account Manager
Jo-Elle Early Account Manager
jo-elle.early@stridecu.ca
“Growing up in Portage and working alongside Ag and Business members has allowed me to build strong relationships across the region. I look forward to continuing those connections in Carberry, taking a relationship-first approach and helping local businesses and farms achieve their goals."
“Living and working in rural Manitoba allows me to meet extraordinary people. Small communities know how to support one another and give back to those in need. The sense of community in our local Agriculture and Businesses is like nowhere else, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Carla Ward carla.ward@stridecu.ca Deposit Account Manager
I've spent most of my career helping people, and there's nothing better than seeing the smile on a member's face when I've been able to help. I enjoy working with members and organizations throughout the Carberry area and look forward to building even more connections in the community."
Contact us: 877-228-2636 | stridecu.ca | contactus@stridecu.ca
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Break bad habits that harm your teeth
Do you want to keep your teeth strong and healthy for as long as possible? Make sure you haven’t picked up the following seven bad habits. If you have, try to break them right away. 1. Crunching ice cubes. It may seem harmless, but chewing on ice can severely damage your teeth, leading to cracks and breakage. Letting the ice melt in your mouth is better than risking injury. 2. Clenching or grinding your teeth. Often linked to stress, grinding and clenching your teeth can wear down your enamel. Try relaxation techniques like breath- ing exercises or meditation. If
though quite popular, tongue and lip piercings can damage your enamel and cause fractures. Con- sult your dentist before getting an oral piercing. 7. Chewing on objects. Absent- minded chewing on a hard object — even if only occasionally — can put excessive pressure on your teeth, causing damage. Rather than nibbling on that pen to ease your stress, consider chewing gum instead. Stop these bad habits to prevent many dental problems. Talk to your dentist or hygienist for per- sonalized advice. » Newspaper Toolbox
you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard. 3. Using your teeth as tools. Avoid using your teeth to open bottles, tear packaging or cut wires, as these activities can cause serious damage. Always use the appropriate tools. 4. Biting your nails. This habit can put a lot of pressure on your teeth, creating microtraumas that can lead to fractures over time. 5. Eating hard foods. Biting into nuts, crusty bread, unpopped popcorn kernels or hard candies can weaken and crack your teeth. 6. Having mouth piercings. Al-
What you need to know about oral cancer Regular dental checkups can help identify early signs of oral cancer. (News- paper Toolbox)
Oral cancer can appear as le- sions or sores in the mouth that don’t heal. Individuals with this condition may experience per- sistent pain and white or red patches on the gums, tongue or inner cheeks. Additionally, they may have difficulty chewing or swallowing. TREATMENTS Treatment options for oral can- cer include surgery to remove the affected tissue or tumour, as well as radiation therapy or chemo- therapy to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be admin- istered alone or in combination with other treatments, especially in the more advanced stages of the disease. RISK FACTORS Several risk factors are associ-
ated with oral cancer, including smoking, excessive alcohol con- sumption, a diet low in plant- based foods, poor oral hygiene and prolonged sun exposure to the lips. Failing to brush and floss daily can increase the risk of chronic infection and inflam- mation, which may promote the development of cancer cells. For your best chance of avoid- ing oral cancer, schedule a den- tal checkup and cleaning at least once a year. Most importantly, follow the advice of dental health experts and maintain a regular oral care routine. Regular dental checkups can help identify early signs of oral cancer. This allows for timely in- tervention and increases the like- lihood of a successful outcome. » Newspaper Toolbox
Biting your fingernails can damage your teeth. (Newspaper Toolbox)
Strategic financial solutions for Manitoba’s agricultural sector
Rachel Tripp Senior Agribusiness Account Manager
Jennifer McGregor Agribusiness Account Manager Small & Medium Enterprise
Meet Jennifer and Rachel , two trusted members from Assiniboine Credit Union’s Agribusiness Financial Centre.
How can ACU’s Agribusiness team support farmers in the Westman area?
Rachel - Our Agribusiness team is deeply dedicated to the agriculture industry and to the rural communities we are proud to serve. Each member of our team brings valuable experience, local insight, and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges producers face throughout the year. By working collaboratively, we are able to draw on different perspectives and areas of expertise to ensure our members receive well-rounded advice and support. Jennifer - My favourite part of working within the Agribusiness team is being surrounded by people who understand and care about the agriculture industry. We each bring different experiences and knowledge to the table, and that allows us to work together to support our members in meaningful ways. I enjoy learning from the team, sharing ideas and helping farm families and Ag businesses find solutions that support their success. What is your favourite part of working within the Agribusiness team?
What led you to work in agriculture? Jennifer - I grew up on a family farm just outside Birch River, Manitoba, where we grain farmed, raised cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys and geese, and milked cows. That hands-on experience gave me a deep appreciation for the dedication and resilience of farm families. It also sparked my passion for supporting agriculture and being there for our Ag members. What is your specialty? What makes you unique? Rachel - Growing up on a Manitoba grain farm gave me firsthand insight into the realities of farm life. The volatility of grain markets, unpredictable weather, economic pressures, and the countless other factors farmers navigate every day are challenges I discuss at home on a regular basis. That experience, combined with my role as an advisor, allows me to understand my members’ challenges from both a farmer’s and a financial perspective. By bringing those two viewpoints together, I can offer thoughtful advice, practical solutions, and support tailored to each member’s unique needs.
Grow your Agribusiness with ACU. 204.226.4009 ACU.ca
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