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  • Safety Bulletin January 2023

    Habits to Boost Your Psychological Wellbeing

    The concept of happiness has been explored for centuries from Socrates to the present day. Its exploration has come to mean many things to many different people. But we now know that positive emotions, such as happiness, contribute largely to the concept of well-being. On the flip side, feelings of stress and overwhelm can sabotage our best efforts to stay positive and happy. There are several strategies we can use to boost our level of happiness the antidote to stress, such as:

    Identify your unique “flow states.” In his book Flow, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
    describes flow as the “sweet spot” between challenge and skill. To identify when you are in flow, ask yourself: What am I doing when I…

    • am at my most creative?
    • lose all sense of time?
    • feel most alive?

    By using our flow states, we can renew and recharge, positioning ourselves for greater happiness, life satisfaction, and optimal performance.

    Practice “gratitude spotting” and journaling. Being mindful of and reflecting on the things we are grateful for by finding a quiet time and place during the day to write down at least three things we’re grateful for can enhance our feelings of happiness.

    Savouring life’s pleasures. According to Martin E.P. Seligman, savouring is an awareness of pleasure and deliberate, conscious attention to the experience. Focus on the following steps:

    • Be in the moment and tell others how much it means to you.
    • Take a mental or physical souvenir to build a memory, like a shell from the beach where you took your last vacation.
    • Sharpen your perception by zeroing in on the “good stuff,” like closing your eyes while you enjoy a piece of music.
    • Afterward, absorb and marvel in how you lost yourself in the
    moment.

    Make laughter a happy habit. Laughter releases endorphins, also known as the “feel good” hormones, the natural substances released by the brain that improves mood. Whether you watch comedy TV shows or a funny movie, sing karaoke with friends, or view some funny animal antics on YouTube, make it a habit to add a regular dose of laughter to your life.

    Research shows that there is a positive, cumulative effect when we increase our happiness, decrease our stress levels and boost our resiliency in the long term.

    Lesley MacKinnon MHFA

    Manager, Safety

    Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.comFor more information, please contact:

    Lesley MacKinnon
    Manager, Safety
    Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

    Or

    Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeLifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

    Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

    • LifeWorks Blog
    • Webinars and Events
    • 24/7 Specialist Counselling

    Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
    username: bcs
    Password: eap
    Phone: 1-877-207-8833
    Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

  • Christmas Lunch at Riverview 2022

    With their favourite Christmas sweaters on, Bethany Riverview employees enjoyed a safe potluck lunch while having their faces painted and taking pictures with Santa.

  • Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony 2022

    Bethany Didsbury held their first annual memorial tree lighting ceremony in honour of those who have passed since 2020. Families and employees gathered to share fond memories and stories. Thank you to Aramark for providing the beverages and snacks and the String Trio for generously sharing their music with guests.

  • Bethany Chef’s Cup 2022/23

    Congratulations to Chef Anoop for placing first in the first round of the 2022/23 Bethany Chef’s Cup. Chef Anoop from Bethany Riverview and Chef Jeremy from Bethany CollegeSide started off the Cup at Bethany Calgary, preparing a lunch consisting of three courses for lucky residents. Residents voted for their favourite menu based on presentation, taste and creativity.

    The next rounds will be on March 15th, 2023, at Bethany Red Deer with Chef Anoop and Chef Ryan from Bethany Calgary, and the final round will be on June 14th, 2023, at Bethany Riverview with Chef Ryan and Chef Jeremy.

  • December Poetry Corner

    Thank you to Michael Quiano for this month’s poetry submission. All Bethany employees, in collaboration with Aramark employees, are welcome to submit their poetry to marketing.communication@bethanyseniors.com for next month’s feature.

    Christmas Moments

    I
    Sing to me a Christmas carol,
    melodies that I can recall,
    tunes that I can sing along,
    with you, a Christmas song

    Not long ago I wore my toque and mittens,
    hopping around on snow that glistens,
    Santa Claus and Frosty the snowman,
    a glimpse of Christmas; and it all began
    II
    Ring to me a Christmas bell,
    a chime to remember my First Noel,
    a harmony of Christmas Spirit,
    when friends and family unite and visit.

    Not long ago, I put up a Christmas Tree,
    Shining stars for the Holy Family,
    Gifts in Christmas Eve!
    A time to share, a fun to receive.
    III
    Read to me a Christmas story,
    The Miracle of Nativity.
    Where Angels and Shepherds gather
    Around Jesus born for us forever.

    Not long ago, I opened Christmas cards,
    Merry greetings and exchanging regards,
    I can’t help but laugh and smile
    Wishing Christmas will stay awhile.
    IV
    Christmas lights beaming bright,
    Color bulbs flickering the night,
    A season to be jolly
    A season to be cheery

    Not long ago, memories I reflect,
    Christmas pictures I recollect.
    And forevermore it will stay with us,
    A moment with you; and only you
    Oh! Christmas.

    Merry Christmas to you!

    -Michael Angelo B. Quiano

     

  • Service Excellence Awards Ceremony 2022

    This year’s Service Excellence honourees were recognized at a special awards evening at Lions Village on November 17, 2022. As Jennifer McCue noted, “Service excellence is the one thing all of us can do every day to make the world a better place for someone. It can show up in ways big and small.” Congratulations to each of this year’s finalists and honourees for turning Bethany’s mission, vision and values into action through their extraordinary commitment to service.

     

    New Employee Mentor Award

    Runner-Up: Heather Franson, Health Care Aide, Bethany Aspen Ridge Lodge in Didsbury

    Honouree: Jill Thompson, Health Care Aide, Bethany Airdrie

     

    Rising Star Award

    Runner-Up: Mara Hendry, Care Services Manager, Bethany Calgary

    Honouree: Rose Reindl, Licensed Practical Nurse, Bethany Cochrane

     

    Board of Trustees Mission Award

    Runner-Up: Corina Stevenson, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Bethany Sylvan Lake

    Honouree: Hanisel Guzman, Health Care Aide, Bethany Airdrie

     

    Family & Community Engagement Award

    Runner-Up: MaryAnne Harder, Licensed Practical Nurse, Bethany Didsbury

    Honouree: Samantha Cameron, Manager Housing, Bethany Lion’s Village

     

    Excellence in Health & Safety Award

    Runner-Up: Curtis Ganske, Maintenance Worker, Bethany Calgary

    Honouree: Yasmin Rawji, Registered Nurse, Bethany Calgary

     

    Innovation Excellence Award

    Honouree: The Social Worker Team at Bethany Riverview

     

    Relationship & Respect Award

    Runner-Up: Caitlyn DeMars, Registered Nurse, Bethany Cochrane

    Honouree: Jibin George, Registered Nurse, Bethany Sylvan Lake

     

    Leadership Award

    Runner-Up: Zenylin Gomez-Kong, Care Services Manager, Bethany CollegeSide

    Honouree: Monica Johnson, Site Administrator, Bethany Cochrane

     

  • Apply now! Founders’ Bursary Awards and Bethany Care Society Scholarships & Awards

    Founders’ Bursary Awards

    Post-secondary bursaries for children of Bethany employees

    Have you been a Bethany employee for at least one year and have a child under 25 who is a post-secondary or University student studying full-time? The Founders’ Bursary Awards, funded by donors to The Bethany Care Foundation, recognize scholastic excellence, clear career goals, outstanding leadership and community service. Two $1500 bursary awards are available each year. Applications will open on September 1, 2022.

    This program is made possible by the generous contributions of donors to the Bethany Care Foundation.

    All applications are reviewed by a selection committee of Board representatives, senior Bethany leaders, and others as appropriate. Applicants will be advised of the committee’s decision in January 2023. The scholarships and awards are presented at an event to recognize students’ outstanding achievements.

    For more details and to apply click here.

    Bethany Care Society Scholarships & Awards

    Bethany Care Society Scholarships and Awards are now open for individuals who are enrolled in health care aide, nursing or allied health post-secondary studies through one of the listed academic programs between September 2022 and August 2023.

    • ABES
    • ABM College
    • Bow Valley College
    • CDI College
    • Columbia College
    • Medicine Hat College
    • MTG Healthcare Academy
    • Norquest College
    • Red Deer Polytechnic
    • Wilfrid Laurier University
    • University of Alberta
    • University of Calgary

    Founders’ Bursary Awards for children of Bethany employees are also open for applications.

    Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2022.

    For more details and to apply click here.

    All scholarships and awards are generously supported by donors to The Bethany Care Foundation.

     

  • Remembrance Day 2022

    As we commemorate Remembrance Day, we honour our veterans and those who sacrificed for our freedom and our country. As a community, we reflect on our value of respect. Let us not forget our veterans’ courage and selflessness.

  • Bethany’s Board Enjoys Aramark’s Winter Tasting Menu

    Bethany’s Board of Trustees sampled Aramark’s winter tasting menu at their Board meeting dinner this week, and raved about it! Our thanks to Chef Anoop and his team at Bethany Riverview for helping our Board understand the positive (and tasty!) dining experience that Aramark provides every day to meet the varied needs of our resident population.

  • November Poetry Corner

    Thank you to Michael Quiano for this month’s poetry submission and visual. All Bethany employees, and in collaboration with Aramark employees, are welcome to submit their poetry to marketing.communication@bethanyseniors.com for next month’s feature.

     

    In Remembrance

    I
    Drums, trumpet and bugle sound,
    stride onwards to the battleground.
    A combat destined to uncertainty,
    an oath to fight ‘til eternity,
    II
    Fearless soldiers who served our country,
    suffered and sacrificed their wounded body.
    Hail to you! who battled for Victory,
    Hail to you! who secured our Liberty,
    III
    And In memory, I will remember thee
    a Fallen who fought for me and
    deep in my heart I will adore, a
    Soldier who stood for valor.
    IV
    The innocents cried a thousand tears,
    saddened in pain, dispirit in fears,
    they succumbed without a fight
    but died like a knight.
    V
    And in silent darkness they hid and cover,
    knelt and hope the war will be over, and
    in agony they perished defenseless
    forgotten and buried in grave of nameless.
    VI
    The Holy Warriors, they prayed in might
    not in the battlefield we see them fight
    but in heaven they seek for God’s command
    to end the war with their praying hand.
    VII
    The Flag of the Red Cross wave
    where healing hands cured the brave
    where care never sleeps
    where relentless heart never weeps,

    21 Gun Salute We Honor and Remember
    every 11th day of November

    A Tribute to our Heroes at Bethany Care

    By: Michael Angelo B. Quiano