Here are the steps to complete your VSS:

1. Apply: Go to your local police station (in person or online) and apply for the VSS.
   • For Toronto residents only: Our organization code is 202310TPSONDFEEA. Write this down as you will need it to complete your application with the Toronto Police Service if you live in Toronto.
2. Pay: You pay for the VSS upfront and send your receipt to klucki@circleofcare.com for reimbursement.
3. Receive Results: You will get your VSS results in about 10 business days. Please send the results to klucki@circleofcare.com within 30 days.
4. Reimbursement: After you send your results, HR will refund you within 30 days. The refund will show up in your next pay.

Don’t put yourself at risk!

To ensure the safety of both our clients and Circle of Care representatives, staff, volunteers, and students are not permitted to lift clients or anything over 5 kg.

Prevent injuries at work with good body mechanics!

When Standing:

• Keep your feet flat on the floor and about 12 inches apart
• Do not lock your knees
• Be aware of your posture – keep your shoulders down, chest out, and back straight
• Change position as often as you can to relieve stress on your spine, increase circulation, decrease muscle fatigue
• Stretch when you can you can to help ease muscle tightness
• Wear shoes that give you a firm foundation and keep you from slipping

When Lifting:

• Do not lift clients of anything over 5 kg (10 pounds)
• Your feet should be flat on the floor, apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other
• Before lifting, move sloe to and directly in front of the objects
• Hold the object close to your body
• Keep your back straight
• Bend from your hips and knees – do not bed at your waist
• Avoid bending and twisting at the same time
• Lift the object using your arms and leg muscles
• Hold the object close to your body at your waist level
• Use the same process if you need to push or pull something heavy

The good news is that most people who get the flu will experience only mild illness and will recover within 7 to 10 days.

While you are experiencing symptoms, you should:

• stay away from others as much as possible
• wear a mask if you need to leave home
• wash your hands often

You can alleviate your symptoms by:

• getting plenty of rest
• drinking lots of fluids
• using a hot water bottle or heating pad to treat muscle pain
• taking a warm bath
• avoiding alcohol, caffeine and tobacco

The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the aid of fever-reducing medicine like Tylenol.

You should call your doctor or nurse practitioner if:

• your symptoms are severe
• you don’t start feeling better after a few days
• your symptoms get worse
• you are in a high-risk group (e.g. elderly, immunocompromised, or pregnant)

Your health care provider will assess your condition and recommend a course of treatment. For example, they might provide you with antiviral drugs, which can make you feel better faster and may also prevent serious complications from the virus.

With temperatures starting to drop, now is the time to prepare for winter weather!

Make sure that you have emergency supplies in your home in case of storms and power outages, including non-perishable foods, water, and safe ways to stay warm. The Ontario government has prepared this helpful guide: https://www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency

If you drive, you should also create an emergency kit to keep in your car.

Items to keep in your car’s Emergency Kit:

• Road maps
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Blanket
• Properly fitting tire chains
• Bag of sand, salt, or kitty litter
• Tow rope
• Traction mats
• Booster cables
• Warning devices such as flares or emergency lights
• Fuel line de-icer
• Extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures
• Roll of paper towels
• Matches and emergency candles
• Road maps
• ‘Call police’ or other help signs or brightly covered banners

Whether at home or on the road, make sure you are prepared for winter storms and other emergencies!

We’re excited to offer a relaxing massage sessions with three registered massage therapists on Tuesday, December 3, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm in Boardroom A.

Each session is 15 minutes, and spaces are limited, so please only register if you’re sure you’ll be able to come into the office for your massage. We want to make sure everyone who signs up gets the chance to enjoy this! Register here: wellbloc.ca/circleofcare

Please join us in welcoming our newest PSWs and Homemakers!

• Patience Gambrah
• Mariam Razak
• Amanadeep Man
• Eniola Akinyemi
• Ma. Bernadette Palogan
• Myleen Aspiras
• Aastha Christian
• Ravinder Kaur
• Emelyn Dabu
• Faustina Tetteh
• Svitlana Peterchuk
• Jeneva Phillips
• Henia Directo
• Iryna Bachuryna