Phone:

(403) 823-3345

Address:

140 Riverside Dr E, Drumheller, AB, T0J 0Y4

Blog, Health, Home, Image, Medical, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Rapid movement causes brain tissue to change shape, which can stretch and damage brain cells. This damage also causes chemical and metabolic changes within the brain cells, making it more difficult for cells to function and communicate. Since the brain is the body’s control center, the effects of a concussion can be far-reaching.
Concussions are usually not life-threatening, but the effects of a concussion can change a life and the injury should be treated seriously.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion
The signs and symptoms of a concussion are incredibly important because a concussion doesn’t show up on imaging like an X-ray, CT, or MRI scan and there is no objective test, like drawing blood or saliva, that can determine if a patient has a concussion. A doctor makes a concussion diagnosis based on the results of a comprehensive examination, which includes observing signs of concussion and patients reporting symptoms of concussion appearing after an impact to the head or body. Concussion signs and symptoms are the brain’s way of showing it is injured and not functioning normally.
Concussion signs are what someone could observe about you to determine if you have a concussion. Signs of a concussion range from obvious to much more nuanced, but even one sign of a concussion after a hit to the head should be reported to a medical professional.
Concussion symptoms are what someone who is concussed will tell you they are experiencing. When responding to a possible concussion in a child, remember that a concussed child may not be able to clearly communicate the symptoms they are experiencing because of their age and limited vocabulary, and the fact that they have just experienced a brain injury.
Blog, Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Staff Immersive Dementia Experience

Our Big Country PCN nurses Amanda and Kim gave the staff the opportunity to try an immersive dementia experience. Staff watched an engaging video following a patient with dementia trying to navigate their day.
Staff were then given items to wear that would reduce their dexterity and vision and had to try and complete regular daily tasks while in a loud environment:
– Buttoning a shirt
– Sorting medication
– Finding ID
– Completing a form
This experience was incredibly valuable in order for our staff to provide support for patients living with dementia.
10 Warning Signs of Dementia
– Memory changes that affect day-to-day abilities
– Difficulty doing familiar tasks
– Changes in language and communication
– Disorientation in time and place
– Impaired judgment
– Problems with abstract thinking
– Misplacing things
– Changes in mood, personality and behavior
– Loss of initiative
– Challenges understanding visual and spatial information
Information regarding dementia support can be found here: https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-living-dementia
Dementia Advice is available Alberta Wide through 811 Health Link, this telephone service, provides free specialized dementia advice, is available through Health Link by dialing 811 and selecting the option to speak with a dementia specialist.
Blog, Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

It’s Men’s Health Week!

Men’s Health Week ❤ is a great reminder to schedule a potentially life-saving screening. Regular health screenings play an important role in your health care — it records your current health and helps detect any problems early, which is important for timely treatment.
Did you know there are routine, suggested screening tests which change over the course of your life? Your family physician can advise which screens you may be eligible for during a comprehensive health exam.
We also encourage you to empower the men in your life to take proactive steps toward a healthier life. Prioritize your health and schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor today.
Men’s Health Tips: https://dontchangemuch.ca/blog/
Blog, Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

#ActionAnxietyDay

Join @anxiety_canada in their mission to promote #anxietyawareness and help break the stigma around anxiety! ⁠
1 in 5 Canadians are impacted by anxiety every year, influencing how we think, feel and act.
Anxiety can affect anyone at any age and is the most common mental health problem so it’s important to talk to your family doctor about your mental health concerns. Your doctor can help as well as connect you with the right resources including PCN programs.
Learn more at Anxiety Canada: https://bit.ly/3C21Dpm
or
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): https://www.camh.ca/…/the…/mental-health-statistics
Blog Jamie Gerlinger

Halloween, Jersey Day, Movember, oh my!

This week was very busy at Drumheller Associated Physicians.
On Halloween October 31,2018 staff dressed up to celebrate and candy was distributed to patients.

A truly Drumheller procedure took place with great results!

All staff participated even those who were not there.

The following day on November 1,2018 Sports Jerseys were worn in loving memory of a former staff member. A donation was made to Jumpstart Charity to keep Kids in Sports! Clean shaven faces were sported to kick off Movember.

check out our moteam

For anyone wanting to contribute to our Movember team, donations can be made online or in clinic. Receipts for donations over $20 can be given by the staff in the office. Thank you for helping to change the face of men’s health! check out what movember is about

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