Bobby Robinson, CHR from Gitga’at, discusses health checks with an Elder at the 2016 All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert. He’ll be back in the Raven Room starting February 13th.
The warm voice on the end of the phone at the Hartley Bay Nursing Station belongs to Bobby Robinson. A member of the Eagle Clan, Bobby is from Gitga’at but will be travelling to the All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert February 13-17. He’ll be one of two Community Health Representatives testing blood pressure, hemoglobin, triglycerides, and blood sugars at the FNHA and Northern Health sponsored Raven Room.
Initially Bobby trained with Christa Keating who shared her knowledge and some personal tips on best practices. Since then, Bobby has been part of the Raven Room’s wellness team for 3 or 4 years.
"Fanny is great," says Bobby, referring to Semiguul (Fanny Nelson), the Metlakatla Elder who is the room’s official host. Elders and others drop in for tea, coffee, baking and a quiet spot to chat. Bobby then asks if they’d like testing. Depending on the results, people are referred to a nursing educator, their doctor or home nurse for follow up. "If it’s quiet, I’ll go and scoop people in," laughs Bobby, who believes the health checks provide valuable health information.
Some people are very surprised by the results, especially athletic ones. Even though a person may train daily or be very active, their test numbers can still be high. "Unless you get tested, you just don’t know." Cholesterol, blood sugars and proteins, and blood pressure are all intertwined and testing is a start in addressing any issues.
This year Bobby is looking forward to seeing return clients and hear what they did about their health. Beginning the 13th, he’ll be back at the Raven Room in the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre visiting with friends and family, and working with other wonderful staff to promote wellness. Drop by and say hello. Bobby will be happy you did.