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Innovation in Rural Wellness

An innovative mindset can help solve real-world challenges.  Health and wellness is often a high priority for many rural people.  While some challenges are the same in all communities across the country, there are some unique challenges in rural settings.  In many rural communities, innovation in wellness and preventative care is becoming front and centre.  Topics such as preventative care, continuity of care, expanded (or adapted) healthcare provider roles, preventative care, emergency transportation, mental health, and the impact of telehealth and online health options can be opportunities to innovate for the betterment of the health of a community.  For this session, we want to explore the impact that innovation can have on a rural community's health and wellness needs.

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Innovation in Rural Wellness

As we learned in previous sessions, an innovative mindset can help solve real-world challenges.  Health and wellness are often a high priority for many rural people.  While some challenges are common to all communities across the country, there are also unique challenges in rural settings.  In many rural communities, wellness and preventative care innovation is becoming front and centre.  Topics such as preventative care, continuity of care, expanded (or adapted) healthcare provider roles, preventative care, emergency transportation, mental health, and the impact of telehealth and online health options can be opportunities to innovate for the betterment of the health of a community.  For this session (held October 16, 2024), we wanted to explore innovation's impact on a rural community's health and wellness needs and the strengths inherent in rural health and wellness. In our upcoming Thought Exchange,  we hoped to learn from innovators in the field and answer some of the following questions:

  1. What types of roles do health and wellness professionals play that are outside of what would be considered “normal” for their job descriptions?  Is this because of the system, or does the fact that they’re rurally based matter?

  2. Do the expanded roles make health professionals better?  Is this an advantage in developing skills despite a disadvantage in workload/knowledge load or less specialization?  Have professionals found balance in this area?

  3. How are telehealth and online health care received in rural areas?  Are there adaptations for rural patients different from those in an urban centre?

  4. What does continuity of care look like in rural communities?  Is there a rural advantage?

  5. How can communities become prepared to support health services and innovative preventive approaches?

Our Discussion Leader

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Shirley Damberger

Shirley Damberger, Founder and Owner of HOM of Well Being Wellness Centre in Daysland, AB, She is a Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Thai Massage Practitioner, Fascial Stretch Therapist, Oncology Massage Specialist and Educator, and chair of the Daysland Health & Wellness hub.

She has shared her extensive knowledge and experience with thousands of massage and physiotherapists as an enthusiastic, award-winning instructor in various courses like Osteology, Myology, Arthrology, Gross Anatomy, Cupping, and Oncology Massage. She has worked with esteemed organizations such as the University of Alberta - Department of Medicine, Foothills Hospital, MaKami College, and Seminars for Health.

With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, Shirley approaches each individual with compassion and empathy. Her holistic approach goes beyond symptom management to address the underlying factors contributing to her client's well-being.

Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle adjustments, Shirley provides personalized care and support, creating a safe and nurturing environment for clients to explore their wellness journey. By encouraging self-reflection, growth, and resilience, she empowers individuals to take charge of their health and make positive changes that resonate on a profound level.

Shirley is an enthusiastic leader in her community as the chair of the Daysland Health and Wellness Hub.  This initiative positions Daysland Alberta as a destination for health and wellness.  Alongside the many assets in the community, Daysland has been a welcoming community for health professionals to work and add to the culture of health in the community.  Through the coordination of the hub, the engaged community members of Daysland are building a health innovation ecosystem.

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