Tag: Health

  • What You Should Know About Enterovirus EV-D68

    What You Should Know About Enterovirus EV-D68

    Enteroviruses are a common group of viruses that can cause various types of illness, including respiratory illness that effects the nose, throat and lungs. Much like many other respiratory illnesses, we often see an increase in cases of enterovirus in the fall and winter seasons. In recent weeks, as expected, Alberta has seen an increase…

  • Statement from the Minister of Health on Ebola

    Statement from the Minister of Health on Ebola

    Ottawa, ON – The Public Health Agency of Canada is meeting with provinces and territories on a weekly basis to support their readiness. In the event of an Ebola case in Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada is ready to respond with a team of public health experts and epidemiologists experienced in infectious disease…

  • Healthy Tips from Pharmasave: The Difference Between Influenza and the Common Cold

    Healthy Tips from Pharmasave: The Difference Between Influenza and the Common Cold

    Both influenza and the common cold are viral respiratory infections (they affect the nose, throat, and lungs). Viruses are spread from person to person through airborne droplets that are sneezed out or coughed up by an infected person. In some cases, the viruses can be spread when a person touches an infected surface (e.g., doorknobs,…

  • World’s Ugliest Animal Provides Cancer Clues

    World’s Ugliest Animal Provides Cancer Clues

    Toronto – A bucktoothed, long-living, cancer-proof rodent may hold the secret to a new strategy for cancer prevention. The naked mole rat’s exceptional resistance to cancer may be attributed to a large amount of a jelly-like substance called hyaluronan in its body. It’s the focus of a new study funded by the Canadian Cancer Society.…

  • Operation Eyesight: Teacher is “Mother of Cleanliness” to Her Students

    Operation Eyesight: Teacher is “Mother of Cleanliness” to Her Students

    Sarah Kiruri, a teacher at Kishermoruak Primary School in Kenya, is dedicated to preventing the spread of the painful eye disease trachoma by encouraging her students to wash their hands and faces. Because she received training on the importance of personal hygiene from Calgary-based Operation Eyesight, each morning she inspects every student in her school…

  • Government Acts to Relieve Pressure on Hospitals

    The Alberta government is moving to ease pressure on hospitals by addressing the needs of more than 700 senior or complex needs patients who are waiting in acute care for a continuing care space. In the first phase of the 2014 Continuing Care Capacity Plan, Alberta Health Services will, over the next 12 months, open…

  • AHS Weekly Wellness News: Get Immunized, Before Influenza Arrives

    AHS Weekly Wellness News: Get Immunized, Before Influenza Arrives

    It happens every year: influenza arrives in Alberta. The good news is, influenza vaccine gets here first. All Albertans are encouraged to take advantage and get immunized before influenza arrives. Caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory system, influenza can be a serious illness and is easily spread from person to person. Although some…

  • Veterans Affairs Canada Offers Mobile Apps for Your Smart Phone

    Veterans Affairs Canada Offers Mobile Apps for Your Smart Phone

    PTSD Coach Canada The PTSD Coach Canada app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that can occur after trauma. Features include:  Reliable information on PTSD and treatments that work  Tools for screening and tracking your symptoms  Convenient, easy-to-use tools to help you handle stress symptoms  Direct links to support and help  Always with…

  • Flu Vaccine Clinics Prepare to Open

    Flu Vaccine Clinics Prepare to Open

    What is influenza (flu)? Influenza (flu) is a viral infection. People often use the term “flu” to describe any kind of mild illness, such as a cold or a stomach virus, that has symptoms like the flu. But the real flu is different. Flu symptoms are usually worse than a cold and last longer. The…

  • AHS Screen Test Mobile Mammography Clinic to Visit Okotoks

    AHS Screen Test Mobile Mammography Clinic to Visit Okotoks

    As part of Alberta Health Services, Screen Test provides state of the art digital screening mammograms for women all across Alberta. Women 50 to 74 are recommended to have a mammogram every 2 years, and do not need a doctors referral. Women 40-49 require a written referral for their first mammogram. Call 1-800-667-0604 (toll free)…

  • Fire Prevention Week: Safety Tips for the Home

    Fire Prevention Week: Safety Tips for the Home

    KITCHEN: Avoid loose long sleeves when cooking. Check kettles and toasters for damaged electrical cords and thermostats. Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off. Keep a timer handy to remind you when the oven and burners should be switched off. If you take medication that causes drowsiness, do not use cooking appliances. Use a temperature-controlled…

  • Wildrose Announces 3 Point Plan to Address ER Crisis, Bed Shortage and Wait Times

    EDMONTON, AB  – A Wildrose government would introduce a three part plan to immediately address the crisis in emergency departments and reduce the wait time backlogs for surgeries.   According to recent media reports, emergency room physicians are warning of a “potential collapse” in Alberta’s acute care system and reporting people are dying while waiting for emergency…

  • John McCrae to be Inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

    John McCrae to be Inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

    By Robin Morden, Community Relations Coordinator, Guelph Museums GUELPH, ON – Guelph’s John McCrae is one of six “medical heroes” being inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 2015 for contributions to the field of medicine and health sciences. An event to honour the late McCrae and five other inductees will be held…

  • Fire Prevention Week: Babysitter’s Fire Safety Guide

    Fire Prevention Week: Babysitter’s Fire Safety Guide

    As the babysitter, you are responsible for the children in your care. Here are some important points you need to know if there’s a fire emergency in the home where you babysit. BEFORE THE PARENTS LEAVE: Write down the complete address and phone number of the place where you are babysitting and phone numbers for:…

  • Healthy Tips from Pharmasave: Flu and Cold – Tips on Prevention

    Healthy Tips from Pharmasave: Flu and Cold – Tips on Prevention

    The most effective way to decrease complications and reduce the impact of the flu is to get a preventative vaccine shot. The North American vaccine is developed each year to work against three strains of influenza virus, based on trends seen in the Southern Hemisphere. The best time for vaccination is early October to mid-November.…