Surgeon General Holiday Message
December 11, 2023 - Defence Stories
As 2023 comes to an end, I’d like to start by acknowledging how hard our Canadian Forces Health Services Defence Team members have worked this calendar to year to support the health and wellness of our members, at home and abroad. We are coming out of an incredibly busy summer and fall, with many natural disaster support requests and unexpected and scheduled international engagements that kept members away from their families.
I want to thank all Canadian Armed Forces members for your service and wish you a relaxing holiday season with your loved ones.
Although the holiday season is typically portrayed as a happy and exciting time of year, it can present a variety of challenges and stressors. It is important to remember that not everyone experiences the holidays in the same way. For some, this is a very lonely time of year; for others, deployments and other work obligations keep them away from their families.
It's important to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally, especially in a season where respiratory infections are rampant, and can severely impact our more vulnerable populations. Through the holidays, be sure to continue following public health measures such as washing your hands, coughing into the crook of your elbow rather than into the air, and staying home and away from vulnerable people when ill.
Taking care of ourselves also means eating well in between holiday treats, getting fresh air when the weather permits you to do so safely, having a regular sleep schedule, and making sure to socialize with people who bring positivity to your life. These will help guide you into a healthier new year.
Our meaningful work within Canadian Forces Health Services to improve our ability to provide safe and effective health care for the CAF population will continue in the new year. We are investing in a culture of Person Partnered Care where you and your families are viewed as equal partners in your care alongside your health care providers and military chain of command, allowing us to gain valuable insight from you and using this feedback to help tailor our programs and services to your diverse needs.
I encourage you and your family to take ownership of your health in 2024, prioritizing becoming the best version of yourself, mentally and physically. This shared responsibility with your health care team with the support from your chain of command will result in better health outcomes, improving overall CAF readiness.
I wish you all a safe, healthy, and relaxing holiday season.
Major-General Marc Bilodeau
Surgeon General, Canadian Armed Forces