Address:

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

Recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day

On June 21, for National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.
For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21 or around that time of year because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

Heart Disease – Lifestyle Risk Factors

Making changes is always challenging. Start with something that is relatively easy and build on your successes.

Unhealthy diet – The foods you eat affect your health. Small healthy changes in your daily routine can decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Not enough exercise – Being active helps your heart, brain, muscles, bones and mood. Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. No matter what your state of health, there is something you can do to stay active.

Unhealthy weight – If you are struggling with your weight, you are not alone. Over 60% of Canadian adults are either overweight or obese. Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and sleep apnea.

Smoking (tobacco misuse) – Smoking triples the risk of dying from heart disease and stroke in middle-aged men and women. Quitting is one of the best things you can do to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Too much alcohol – Heavy drinking and binge drinking are risk factors for high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Alcohol may also cause problems by interacting with your medications.

Birth control and HRT – Medications that contain estrogen – the female hormone – increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and mini-stroke (TIA). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (usually prescribed for the symptoms of menopause) and many birth control pills contain estrogen.  If you take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, discuss the benefits and risk with your healthcare professional

Recreational drug use – Drugs such as amphetamines, cannabis (marijuana), cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, opioids, LSD and PCP can increase your risk of having a stroke and developing heart disease. When a stroke occurs, it often happens within hours of drug use.

Stress – Stress is a part of life for just about everyone.  Sometimes it is not easy to recognize stress because we are caught up in the flow of life.  Although stress happens first in the mind, it has strong effects on the body. People who have high levels of stress or prolonged stress have higher cholesterol or blood pressure. They may be more prone to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), a stroke risk factor.

 

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/risk-and-prevention/lifestyle-risk-factors

June is Stroke Awareness Month

A stroke happens when blood stops flowing to any part of your brain, damaging brain cells. The effects of a stroke depend on the part of the brain that was damaged and the amount of damage done.
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you experience any of these signs, call 9-1-1. Do not drive to the hospital. An ambulance will get you to the best hospital for stroke care.

June is recognized as Men’s Health Month in Canada

Start prioritizing your health with this simple, medically-reviewed checklist. Find out how often and at what age you need to check the following:
o Blood tests
o Cancer screenings
o Physical exams
o Self exams
o Vaccinations
o Urine and stool tests
o Ultrasounds & scans
o STI tests
Mental Health Checklist
Assess how chronic stress and anxiety may be impacting your health with this simple checklist reviewed by a registered psychologist. Below are some of the common warning signs of chronic stress and anxiety included in the Men’s Health Checklist.
o Excessive worrying
o Doubting yourself
o Irritability
o Binge drinking
o Avoidance
o Sleep disruption
o Digestive changes
o Fatigue

2024 St. Anthony’s School Scholarship Recipients

The Drumheller Associated Physicians would like to congratulate all of the 2024 High School Graduates for St. Anthony’s School

The clinic sponsors two scholarships annually: a Biology 30 scholarship and the Marie ‘Amy’ Kuschke Memorial Art 30 scholarship.

The 2024 Biology 30 scholarship recipient is Samuel Day – Presented by Michelle Fournier

The 2024 Marie ‘Amy’ Kuschke Memorial Art 30 scholarship recipient is Sophia Kolafa – Presented by Jay Mulgrew

Family Caregiver E-Courses

#DYK Brain Injury Canada offers free, self-guided online Family Caregiver E-courses, to assist in supporting you, while you support a loved one with a brain injury:
– Introduction to Brain Injury
– Your Health & Wellbeing
– Planning for the Future
Future information on registering for these courses can be found here: https://braininjurycanada.ca/en/caregiver/resources/courses/

World No Tobacco Day 2024

Youth step in and speak out #TobaccoExposed
World No Tobacco Day 2024 will give a platform to young people across the world, who are urging governments to shield them from predatory tobacco marketing tactics. The industry targets youth for a lifetime of profits, creating a new wave of addiction. Children are using e-cigarettes at rates higher than adults in all regions and globally an estimated 37 million youth aged 13–15 years use tobacco.