Volunteering: a Simple Gesture With a Huge Impact

At the end of April, National Volunteer Week 2025 (April 27 to May 4), sponsored by Volunteer Canada, takes place under the theme “Volunteers make waves”. This will be an opportunity to highlight the value of volunteers and their positive contribution to our society.
It’s essential to thank volunteers for all they do, and to express our gratitude for their commitment. Their work is often invisible, but it has a huge impact. At the CSCE, some 50 volunteers are involved in a wide range of activities, including the Board of Directors, the Green Box program, running exercise groups, organizing sports and leisure activities, and organizing flu vaccination clinics.

The benefits of volunteering:

Volunteering is a very important activity in our society. It’s an activity where you give your time and energy to help others, without expecting any money in return. Volunteering is good for others and good for yourself. It creates bonds of mutual support and breaks down isolation. Many community organizations, such as soup kitchens, clothing counters, leisure clubs, etc., increase their capacity to meet the diverse needs of their community members with the help of volunteers.

Volunteering is good for you, because helping others bring a great sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction. You feel good when you feel useful. By focusing on the needs of others, we often forget our own worries. It also enables us to develop skills such as communication, project management and teamwork. By helping us better understand others and their needs, we develop compassion and empathy. What’s more, volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make friends.

What better way to encourage people to get involved than with testimonials from CSCE volunteers?

“Having been very well served by the Centre de Santé when I needed it, I’m proud to now give back to our Centre by volunteering for the seniors’ fitness program. I have completed instructor training for this age group and feel that my efforts contribute to the well-being of people who might otherwise become sedentary. We have fun and keep fit. Volunteering at the Centre is a real pleasure, because you become part of a great group of friends and get to meet lots of people with whom you share the same interests. I invite you to do the same, because the needs are great and varied.” Yvon L.

“As physical activity is very important in my life and I’ve been teaching for 37 years, I decided to combine these two interests to make a difference and positive change for the betterment of the Alexandria community and surrounding area by teaching fitness classes twice a week for sixty minutes per class. I love the feeling of giving back to society in an area that is close to our hearts.

It’s a great challenge that gives us a lot of pleasure, boosts our self-esteem and allows us to socialize and stay in shape both physically and mentally. The feeling of belonging to this group also enables us to expand our social network!

Doing good feels good!” – Denise

CSCE is always looking for volunteers!
The Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) is always looking for dedicated volunteers who want to get involved in their community. Whether it’s lending a hand during events, supporting our services, or sharing your skills, your contribution can make a real difference. We invite you to fill out our online volunteer form.

Here are some of our volunteers in action!

Spring is just around the corner, and with it a wonderful opportunity to highlight two essential pillars of our collective well-being: health and volunteering. So, with the change of season comes a breath of fresh air, the perfect time to take care of yourself, but also to get involved with others. In this newsletter, we bring you inspiring testimonials and resources that demonstrate just how beneficial mutual aid, and solidarity can be for body, heart and mind.

Demystifying health

The word “health” can have many definitions, and this can change from person to person. For some, health is fixed on physical well-being, such as having good lifestyle habits. For others, health is more about mental, emotional or social well-being. Each person focuses on the aspects of health that matter most to them, according to their values, experiences and priorities.

Health at the CSCE

For the CSCE, the definition of “health” is tailored to reflect our commitment to the specific needs of our community, with a focus on reducing the causes of illness and injury. Our goal is to increase access to care by offering high-quality services, supported by a dedicated interdisciplinary team. This team works collaboratively to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to health, fostering a healthier and more informed community.

Here are a few simple things you can do on a daily basis to improve your well-being:

 🥗Eat a balanced diet  :

Eat a variety of nutritious foods every day. A varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and proteins, helps your body function properly. Consult Canada’s Food Guide and book an appointment with our team of dietitians for more advice.

Discover Canada’s Food Guide

💧Drink enough water :

Hydration is essential for your body to function properly. Try to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day. Bear in mind that your need for hydration may vary according to the temperature and/or if you are engaged in physical activity.

🚴‍♀️Get moving every day :

There are many advantages to incorporating physical activity into your routine. Regular physical activity improves your physical and mental health, giving you more energy and a better level of sleep.

😴Get enough sleep  :

Restful sleep is essential to allow your body and mind to rest and recharge.

🚭Limit alcohol and tobacco :

These substances can have long-term negative effects on your health. Reducing their consumption can improve your general well-being. Ask a member of our team to refer you to our smoking cessation program.

Find out more about our recommendations for alcohol consumption

🧘‍♂️Manage your stress  :

Meditation, deep breathing or even a walk in the open air can help reduce anxiety.

📖 Take some time for yourself  :

This is essential for maintaining balance, well-being and personal development. Reading, listening to music or taking up a hobby are examples.

🤝 Maintaining a social life  :

Whether it’s your partner, family, friends, co-workers or community, maintaining a social life is beneficial because it reduces stress and improves self-esteem. Social relationships reinforce emotional support, a sense of belonging and involvement in activities. They also promote an active lifestyle and can even increase life expectancy by reducing isolation and its negative effects on health.

🛁 Practicing good hygiene  :

Good hygiene helps you stay healthy and avoid illness. Regularly washing and caring for your skin and teeth also helps you feel good about your body and boosts your self-esteem.

Discover a practical guide to healthy living  

⚡Discover the workshops, courses and programs offered by the CSCE that could help you with your health and well-being.

This message is addressed to the members of the Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE).

We inform you that it is now time to renew your membership with the CSCE. You have until May 9, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to complete this renewal.

It is your responsibility to submit your renewal request to the CSCE secretary, Mr. Marc Bisson.

*No membership fees are required to become or remain a member of the CSCE.

To renew your membership status, please complete and submit the following form:

CSCE Membership Form

Please note: to have the right to vote at the annual general meeting (AGM), you must have been a member for at least thirty (30) days on the date of the AGM.

Not yet a member of the CSCE?

You can become a member of the CSCE at any time, and it is completely free. Simply fill out the membership form to join our community.

CSCE Membership Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why become a member of the CSCE?

A: By becoming a member of the CSCE, you can express your concerns about health services; identify needs that the CSCE could address; be part of a group concerned about the well-being of its community.

Each member duly registered thirty days before the annual general meeting (held in June each year) will have full voting rights at the said meeting. No membership fees are required to be a member of the CSCE.

Q: How can I know if I am a member of the CSCE?

A: The secretary of the CSCE corporation has an up-to-date list of members. If you have participated in the last annual general meetings of the CSCE and had voting rights, you are probably on the CSCE member list. By sending your renewal request, the secretary can confirm with you whether you are on this list or not.

Q: I am a client of the CSCE, why should I renew my membership?

A: Being a client (patient) of the CSCE, that is, receiving care and services at one of the CSCE sites, does not mean being a member of the CSCE. It is not necessary to be a member to be a client and receive care and services at the CSCE. The status of a member confers the right to sit on the board of directors and vote at the annual general meetings of the CSCE.

For more information or any questions :

You can contact Marc Bisson, Executive Director of the CSCE:

📧 m.bisson@cscestrie.on.ca

📞 613 937-2683, ext. 3231.

Thank you for your collaboration and commitment to the Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie

Nutrition Month is the perfect opportunity to reflect on our eating habits and adopt healthier choices on a daily basis. This year’s theme is “Nourish to Flourish.” A balanced diet not only nourishes our bodies, but also our minds, emotions and overall well-being.

 Why is a healthy diet essential?

Good nutrition helps to:

✅ Improve energy and concentration;

✅ Promote optimal mental well-being;

✅ Reduce the risk of chronic diseases;

✅ Improve digestion and general well-being;

✅ Strengthen ties with family, friends and the community; and

✅ Discover new cultures and enrich our culinary identity. 

A few tips for a balanced diet:

🥗 Vary your diet: include more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains in your meals.

💧 Stay hydrated: water is essential for the body to function properly.

⏳ Listen to your hunger: take the time to enjoy your meals and respect your satiety signals.

🏃‍♀️ Take a holistic approach: healthy eating goes hand in hand with exercise and good stress management.

What is a dietitian ?

Dietitians use the science of nutrition to help people understand the link between food and health. Your dietitian will consider your medical history, culture, lifestyle, personal preferences and goals to offer you personalized advice. Dietitians can support people at different stages of life, such as pregnant women and seniors. Counselling sessions with a dietitian can also help you prevent and treat health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

Discover the programs and workshops offered by the CSCE nutrition team.

If you have any questions or concerns about your diet, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a dietitian. To be sure, you are working with a qualified nutrition professional look for the initials RD or PDt (DtP in French) after the person’s name. You can also ask – are you a dietitian?

Resources to help you with your menus:

In an effort to modernize our nurse practitioner and family physician appointments, the CSCE is launching a pilot project to integrate digital transcription software, also known as an AI scribe. This initiative is based on the use of AutoScribe, a platform developed by the Canadian company MutuoHealth.

To learn more about AutoScribe, check out our FAQ.

 

Voluntary and Regulated Use

Our clients can choose whether or not they want to use AutoScribe. Before your first appointment, please sign our consent form. This document explains how the software functions and how data is managed. Subsequently, we will ask for verbal confirmation of consent on an ongoing basis to ensure ongoing control and respect for preferences.

 

Why is CSCE using transcription software?

This new technological tool is increasingly used by physicians and nurse practitioners. It uses artificial intelligence tools to improve care. According to recent studies, it helps us improve the relationship with your primary care provider. It also significantly reduces time spent on administrative tasks.

 

What transcription software do you use?

We use AutoScribe, a software developed by the Canadian company MutuoHealth. This software was used by OntarioMD during the government’s pilot projects in the spring of 2024. Additionally, it has been recognized by Telus Health, the company that provides our electronic medical record service.

 

How does the transcription software work?

AutoScribe prepares a clinical note by recording the appointment, transcribing it, and organizing it in a logical and useful manner using artificial intelligence to present information in a useful way. At the end of the appointment, AutoScribe generates a clinical note that the physician or nurse practitioner reviews and modifies as necessary. Personal and confidential data are then either deleted or anonymized.

 

Does AutoScribe have access to all the information in my medical record?

No. AutoScribe is separate and independent from your electronic medical record. It has temporary access only to the information provided, such as your health card number and the details of your appointment. This information is not shared. MutuoHealth undergoes periodic independent audits to verify its security standards meet the high levels required in the healthcare sector.

 

What information is retained by AutoScribe?

Information is retained only for the purpose of preparing the clinical note. Data is not shared or sold. In general, data is deleted 48 hours after the appointment.

For detailed information regarding periodic audits and the evaluation of security measures and personal data management by MutuoHealth, please visit the following link.

 

I have questions. I am worried. I am unsure…

It is normal to feel unsure about new technologies. It is normal to have questions. You can discuss this with your physician or nurse practitioner. You can always refuse the use of AutoScribe during your appointment.

 

To contact MutuoHealth:

  • Website — www.mutuohealth.com
  • Email — info@mutuohealth.com

 

 

This February let us focus on heart health! It is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of taking care of this vital organ through healthy lifestyle choices. Whether it is adopting a balanced diet, staying active, or managing stress, every little gesture counts to keep your heart in tip-top shape. Join us to discover tips, practical advice, and resources to help you make heart health a priority.

Why is heart health so important?

Heart health is essential for maintaining overall well-being over the long term. Taking care of your heart’s health does not mean completely changing your habits. Assess your risk factors, make one or two changes at a time, and see how you manage these changes before trying others!

For example, make conscious decisions about the foods you put into your body so that you consume the most nutritious foods for heart health while continuing to enjoy what you eat.

Here are some heart-healthy tips:

Here are a few resources:

Hypertension education program

Several cardiovascular diseases can adversely affect heart health, but hypertension remains one of the main causes. High blood pressure damages the blood vessels and leads to health problems if left untreated.

The CSCE offers a 4-session course on hypertension education.

Contact us to participate in the next program session.

The CSCE is here to help!

If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your primary care provider. At CSCE, you have access to nutrition services (dietitian), smoking cessation, and other programs, such as Heart Healthy Eating, the Hypertension Education Program, and several programs to get you moving more.

Is your heart health important to you? Contact us for help!

 

 

The Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) is modifying its hours of operation during the 2024 holiday season.

Please note that in-person services will only be offered at our Cornwall and Embrun centres. Appointments with a doctor or nurse practitioner will be available for urgent care and only for clients currently receiving care from a CSCE doctor or nurse practitioner. Please call the same day to book an appointment. Our team will continue to offer virtual appointments during this period.

Contact Information:

  • Cornwall: 613-937-2683
  • Embrun: 613-443-3888

Holiday Hours

  • December 24, 2024: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • December 25, 2024: Closed
  • December 26, 2024: Closed
  • December 27, 2024: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • December 28, 2024: Closed
  • December 29, 2024: Closed
  • December 30, 2024: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • December 31, 2024: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • January 1, 2025: Closed
  • January 2, 2025: Closed
  • January 3, 2025: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For timely healthcare services, you can contact the Eastern Region Virtual Care Clinic. Virtual appointments are available. Whether you have a family physician or nurse practitioner or not, if you need medical attention for a non-life-threatening health concern, the Clinic is here to provide the care and support you need! To book an appointment:

Mental Health Support

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Crisis Line, available 24/7.

  •  1-866-996-0991

The East Region Virtual Care Clinic a convenient alternative to the emergency room!

The Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie is a proud partner of the Virtual Care Clinic. This practical and innovative solution allows individuals with or without a family doctor or nurse practitioner to receive timely healthcare by offering virtual appointments.

 

The Virtual Care Clinic can help if you have:

  • A skin problem?
  • A urinary tract infection?
  • A sore throat?
  • Another minor health problem?

The Clinic can assist with certain health problems online, but some health issues are better treated in person. Visit the Clinic’s website to learn more about which health concerns can be treated virtually.

Receive care today from the comfort of your home!

The East Region Virtual Care Clinic offers free services provided by Nurse Practitioners to residents of Eastern Ontario, with or without a Health Card. Consultations are available in English and French, 7 days a week from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., including public holidays.

How to obtain an appointment:

📞 Phone: Call 1-888-684-1999 starting at 9 a.m.
🌐 Online: Register on the website www.virtualcareontario.ca/?lang=en starting at 9 a.m.

It’s flu season!

Vaccination is the best defense against the spread of flu.

It’s more important than ever to get your flu shot. Get ahead of the game and plan to get your flu shot now. Call us to make an appointment with the nurse.

Flu is a serious infection that can result in severe complications. Nobody is safe from the flu. Your best means of defense against the flu is vaccination.

Vaccination is provided to our clients and is free of charge.

Getting vaccinated against the flu means protecting yourself!

For more details about the flu, please go to the MOHLTC Website and learn about the virus and recognize the symptoms.

 

Cornwall, April 18, 2024—From April 14 to April 20, 2024, in Canada, we celebrate National Volunteer Week. This year, we are highlighting the importance of each volunteer and each action and contribution they have made at a time when we need their support more than ever.

The Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) would like to acknowledge the work and immense contribution of our many volunteers. Thanks to their involvement in our communities, the CSCE is able to complete the offering of our services.

With the support of Health Promoters, some of our volunteers lead and support the exercise groups, walking clubs, and snowshoeing clubs. Another team of volunteers assists the Community Health Workers with the preparation and distribution of Green Food Box Program. The Primary Health Team in Cornwall also receives help from volunteers during our annual flu vaccination clinics.

Lucie and Francine, two volunteers responsible for the exercise groups, state: “We are happy to offer exercise classes for the elderly. Many participants arrive 30 minutes before class starts to socialize together. Each participant tells their story, one more interesting than the other. We are rewarded by the smiles and confidences of the people present. We are proud of the joy, comfort, and above all, the improvement in health that we bring to our group.”

For Emilie Duquette, Community Health Worker responsible for the Embrun and North Stormont Green Food Box program: “The invaluable commitment of volunteers ensures the smooth running and continuity of the Green Food Box. Every month, volunteers prepare and distribute more than 250 boxes to various Green Food Box sites managed by the CSCE. Thanks to their hard work and valuable contribution, the Green Food Box has been very successful over the last few years, and the precious involvement of volunteers is felt in every aspect of the program.”

 

Emilie Duquette, Community Health Worker at CSCE, as well as Eva, Toni, and Nicole, our Green Food Box volunteers in Embrun.

In the photo: Emilie Duquette, Community Health Worker at CSCE, as well as Eva, Toni, and Nicole, our Green Food Box volunteers in Embrun.

The CSCE is always looking for volunteers.

Would you like to get involved in your community? Here’s how to become a volunteer for the Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE). Check the following link.

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