16 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY August 16 - 31 , 2017
In between the picturesque coastal town of Gibson and the lovely District of Sechelt in the Sunshine Coast is the beautiful community of Roberts Creek with a population of less than 3,000 give or take . What is fascinating about this small community blessed with so much natural beauty all around and whose population is even less than that of Wesbrook Village in UBC is that it is home to very few establishments . I guess locals won ’ t have a hard time finding their family members when they are not at home . Actually when you ’ re driving on Highway 101 from the Langdale Ferry Terminal which is only 40 minutes away from Horseshoe Bay you know you ’ re there when the commercial establishments become non-existent on the road . However tourists and locals frequent or go out of their way just to visit the Sharkey ’ s Fish Locker ( considered to be the best Fish & Chips in the Sunshine Coast ) and the Gumboot Restaurant strategically located at the heart of the town centre
SURREY – Fraser Health is issuing a warning to people who use illicit drugs following preliminary data which showed a notable increase in the number of suspected overdose deaths throughout the region in the past week . The majority of deaths have occurred in private residences , followed by hotels and motels .
“ There is a hidden epidemic , with nearly 70 per cent of overdose deaths in Fraser Health occurring at home ,” said Fraser Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr . Victoria Lee . “ Our targeted response is an important step in supporting people who are at a higher risk of dying .”
According to preliminary data provided by the BC Coroners Service , the Fraser Health region has and also one of the best places for dining in the island .
What is surprising to discover is that Roberts Creek has a tranquil and blissful yoga studio called Yoga By The Sea that has been operating for more than a decade now . Its founder Marney “ Hasu “ Coulter ( spiritual name “ Hasu “ means the Joyous One ) used to co-own the Up The Creek Backpackers B & B which is an institution on Roberts Creek Road near Highway 101 . She used to teach yoga on the scenic patio of the popular hostel but the hustle and bustle of visitors coming in and out inspired her to take over a vacant commercial space in the town centre to give her students a deeper yoga experience . The opening of Yoga By The Sea 11 years ago brought some ray of sunshine for wellness seekers in the sunshine coast - its students mostly live within a 10 kilometer radius of the studio and are mostly 85 % women aged from 30 to 70 . The different style of classes in her studio combined with a
seen a total of 17 suspected illicit drug overdose deaths over the past week in communities ranging from Surrey to Hope .
Some of the actions Fraser Health has been taking to respond to the hidden epidemic of overdoses in residences include :
• Since eight out of 10 people who died at home presented to our emergency departments at least once in the 12 months prior to their deaths , we are implementing a process in our emergency departments to identify people who may be at risk , and offer supports such as firstline treatment ( Suboxone ) for opioid use disorder .
• We are contacting all patients that overdosed at home within 48 hours of discharge from emergency
Yoga By The Sea : Sunshine Coast ’ s Hidden Jewel of Wellness
By Edgar Sevilla
WWW . PHILIPPINEASIANNEWSTODAY . COM
Marney Founder of Yoga By The Sea
departments to assist them in accessing our services .
• As many of these individuals have histories of injuries and pain management concerns , we are implementing opioid stewardship to ensure more appropriate prescribing practices . We have begun working with other health professionals such as physiotherapists and chiropractors to enhance the options for pain management available to people suffering from chronic pain .
• Since the majority of patients list family physicians in their health records , we are providing family physicians with a notification when their patients overdose and we are working with family physicians to reduce barriers to accessing naloxone .
• As this hidden epidemic is disproportionately affecting men between the ages of 19 and 59 in trade industries , we are engaging with groups outside the health care sector , such as employers , technical schools , and sports associations , which may be able to assist in identifying and supporting individuals who are struggling with substance use . This September , we will host a workshop to identify interventions for this population .
• Since many of these individuals live with a loved one whom they identify as a support , we are seeking opportunities to engage with these family members to help prevent overdoses from occurring .
We have unfortunately seen spikes in deaths periodically during this crisis , class size of about 5 to 10 students brings a deeper exploration to the inner self which inspired her to open the said studio . However , with Roberts Creek being a destination , the number of drop-ins on the weekends are in the 20 ’ s or more ( you ’ ll think Soul Cycle opened a place in Roberts Creek ) which means more weekend classes in the horizon . Most of the classes are scheduled during the day as per the studio ’ s demographic . She has a great team of teachers which is not surprising as yoga to Roberts Creek is like pizza to Naples . The newer teachers were graduates of their Teacher Training Program which typically is made up from 8 to 12 students and lasts for about 7 weekends . The studio also hosts different programs from Amrit Meditation like Yoga Therapy and Yoga Nidra . What is great about the inspiring story of Marney and Yoga By The Sea is the strength of community . Marney attributes her success to her willingness to listen , showing up for her students , and gratitude to the community .
Public Warning – Spike in Overdoses in Fraser Health
particularly in people who are using on their own . Our message to people who use drugs is that we recognize that stigma and shame can prevent you from reaching out to others about your drug use and this can be lethal . We encourage you to reach out and talk with a family member , a friend , or a trusted health professional – we want you to stay alive .
For more information about Fraser Health ’ s overdose prevention and response strategy , including tips for preventing an overdose , responding to an overdose , and information for schools and parents , please visit fraserhealth . ca / overdose .