By Mark Weber 

New programs at the Red Deer based Primary Care Network are geared specifically to bolster the well-being of youth and women.

“We have our regular collection of workshops that we continue to offer,” explained Julia Vallance, one of the PCN’s Program Managers.  “But the two new programs that we are bringing this month are a Menopause Series for Women and a Youth Anxiety to Calm program which is for youth ages 12 to 17,” she explained. The youth program goes for six weeks.

And while it might be too late to join this month, both programs will continue to be offered, she said.  In regard to the youth program, the inaugural session is being offered virtually.

Vallance said the PCN team is also working with Red Deer Public Schools, which will offer this program to students. The program is similar to the PCN’s Anxiety to Calm program which has been offered for several years. But this program will focus on youth-related themes, including the impacts of social media.

“This program isn’t only being offered in Red Deer. It’s also being offered through other PCNs across the province.

“So if people are interested, I would suggest that they contact their local PCN or they can go to the Alberta Find a Doctor website where we try to keep up-to-date details on what’s happening (with programs) across the province,” she said.

The PCN’s website describes Youth Anxiety to Calm as a means to, “Practice exercises to help manage anxiety, understand your thoughts, behaviours and emotions more deeply, and learn healthy lifestyle choices that will benefit you for years to come.”

“We are super excited to be bringing this program in. We haven’t worked with youth before so this will be a great new opportunity for us to learn what their needs are, and to try and tailor programs for them.”

Meanwhile, the Menopause Series for Women begins this month as well.

“This will be a four-week series, and it will be an in-person series,” said Vallance.  Down the road, both in-person and virtual opportunities will be available. “It will vary throughout the years.”

Vallance said women don’t necessarily have to be going through menopause to register for the series.

“For those going through perimenopause, (when the body is making the natural transition to menopause), it’s a great time for them to learn about their bodies and what they may experience as they go through menopause.

“We will also be talking about perimenopause and what to expect with that as well,” she said.

“We will also be looking at a variety of things that can go on throughout that menopause journey including some health conditions that can affect women after menopause as well.” Vallance noted there will also be discussions about various pharmacological treatments and other ways to manage symptoms.

“I think it’s been something that people don’t really want to talk about but it’s so important. So we are really looking forward to having that opportunity to discuss this and give them more information.

“Sometimes there is misinformation about menopause, or people are seeking support and don’t know where to go. We want to make sure that they are also reaching out to their healthcare professionals and knowing when to reach out.”

Primary Care Networks are made up of groups of family physicians working with other healthcare professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, exercise specialists, social workers, and mental health professionals.

Red Deer PCN supports the communities of Red Deer, Blackfalds, and Penhold.

For more information about these programs, call the local PCN office at 403-343-9100 or check out www.reddeerpcn.com.