Phone:

(403) 823-3345

Address:

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

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

Cold Weather Safety

Getting outside in the winter is a great way to be active, however stay indoors if the temperature or wind chill falls below -25°C, at this temperature, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.

  • Frostnip affects the skin on the face, ears or fingertips, it may cause numbness or blue-white skin for a short time. Normal feeling and color return quickly when you get warm, and no permanent damage occurs.
  • Frostbite is freezing of the skin and the tissues. Skin is pale or blue, it feels cold, numb or stiff to the touch. Frostbite can also occur by touching cold items.
  • Cold injuries may cause pale and blistered skin after the skin has warmed. Occurs from spending too much time in temperatures that are cold but not freezing.
  • Eye pain – Can occur when trying to force your eyes open in high winds or cold weather. Snow blindness can occur in snowy conditions and sunlight reflecting off the snow can cause corneal injury or burn. Eyelids may become red, swollen and they may feel dry and irritated.
  • Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can make heat. This is an emergency condition. It can quickly lead to unconsciousness and death if the heat loss isn’t stopped.

 

Treatment

  • Stay calm.
  • Find shelter – Get out of the cold
  • Get dry – Remove cold, wet clothes. Put on dry clothing. Cover your head. Wrap up in blankets.
  • Move around – Activity heats up the body and improves blood flow. Avoid sweating, it cools the body.
  • Drink warm fluids – Try to avoid fluids that contain alcohol or caffeine.
  • Rewarm small areas of your body that are cold – blowing warm air on them, tucking them inside your clothing, or putting them in warm water.
  • Lotions – Apply to windburned skin, reapply often.
  • Artificial tears – Warmed to body temp. they can moisturize and soothe eyes.

Frostbitten skin may be more sensitive after a cold injury. Protect injured skin with sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent further skin damage.

See a health professional if any of the following occur:

  • New or worse blisters or worse signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever.

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=colde

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

COMBAT THE COMMON COLD

There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold and viruses do not respond to antibiotics.
Here are some tips to ease your cold symptoms and stay healthy throughout the year.
1. Drink plenty of fluids – This will help prevent dehydration and keep the membranes moist in your mouth and throat, which may help calm your cough. Drink water, diluted juice and non-sweetened fruit juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey.
2. Add moisture to the air – A cool mist humidifier can add moisture to the air in your home, which might help loosen congestion in your nose and ease your cough. Be sure to clean the machine and change the water daily to prevent bacteria and mold growth.
3. Soothe your sore throat – Saltwater gargles, ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy can be used to temporarily relieve your sore or scratchy throat. Do not use these remedies on young children due to the risk of choking.
4. Try over the counter (OTC) medications – You may need additional help to manage your cold symptoms, especially if the tips above don’t help. The following OTC cough and cold products may provide some relief:
o Analgesics – reduce pain and fever (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
o Decongestants – relieve a stuffy, clogged nose
o Saline nasal drops and sprays – relieve stuffiness
o Nasal strips – open nasal passages so you can breathe better
o Cough suppressants – help quiet a cough
o Expectorants – thin out and loosen mucus so you can cough it up
o Antihistamines – stop a runny nose and prevent sneezing
o Combination products – contain two or more drugs, such as a decongestant and a pain reliever
Read the product labels carefully and always ask your pharmacist to help you choose the safest option for you and your family.
Remember cough and cold products should not be used in children younger than six years old.
Also, do not use more than one cough and cold product at a time without talking to your pharmacist first because many contain the same ingredients.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

What is Influenza?

Influenza (flu) is a virus that can be easily passed from one person to another by sneezing, coughing or touching a contaminated surface. People with influenza are contagious the day before symptoms appear and up to 5 days after becoming sick with influenza.
Symptoms of influenza typically include:
• fever
• cough
• muscle aches and pain
• extreme tiredness/fatigue
• loss of appetite
• headache
Influenza typically lasts 7-10 days, or longer if you become sick with complications.
How is influenza treated?
Influenza is a virus. Antibiotics will not treat influenza. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. The treatment for influenza includes:
• rest (no school or work)
• drink plenty of fluids
• take medication to treat symptoms, i.e. cough
• time
Influenza can cause other health problems to become worse. The most common complications from influenza are pneumonia, dehydration and ear infections.
The best ways to prevent influenza are:
• Get Immunized.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Eat well, exercise, and get a good amount of sleep.
• Cover your cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

New Year – New Lifestyle

35 Things To Do in January To Begin a New Lifestyle in 2025
By: Morgan Bailee Boggess
1. Write in a journal.
2. Create a new playlist.
3. Clear out your contacts.
4. Go through your closet.
5. Start your spring cleaning early.
6. Make mornings easier with a new routine.
7. Improve your sleep hygiene.
8. Buy a planner.
9. Pick out your first book for the year.
10. Clean out your fridge.
11. Reach out to old friends.
12. Try a new coffee or beverage order.
13. Make meal planning a part of your week.
14. Find the perfect cozy blanket.
15. Schedule breaks.
16. Be kind to yourself.
17. Organize your purse or work bag.
18. Clean out your car.
19. Declutter your desktop.
20. Throw out your nasty pots and pans.
21. Evaluate your habits.
22. Rearrange your room.
23. Start a recipe box (or Pinterest board).
24. Unsubscribe from emails.
25. Evaluate your finances.
26. Change your eating habits.
27. Listen to your body.
28. Schedule your annual physical.
29. Find a therapist in your area.
30. Set professional and personal goals.
31. Make a vision board.
32. Say affirmations.
33. Send handwritten cards.
34. Learn how you learn.
35. Focus on making personal growth a priority.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Each January, the Alzheimer Society supports and leads Canada’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
During this month, the Society encourage organizations across Canada, to learn more about dementia and its stark impact on Canadians.
By understanding what people living with dementia experience in their day-to-day-lives – their struggles, their successes and their hopes – together we can raise awareness of dementia throughout Canada.
Awareness is the first step to fighting stigma, reinforcing human rights and pushing for policy change, as well as other actions that can lift up Canadians living with dementia.
For this year’s theme, we are pleased to announce a nation-wide campaign reminding people that the Alzheimer Society is the First Link® to Support, Knowledge and Community.
What is First Link®?
When a person is diagnosed with dementia, the Alzheimer Society is the first place to turn – and First Link® is the connection to support, care, knowledge, expertise, and referrals.
First Link® is the Alzheimer Society program offering approved services and information to those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and caregivers. It encompasses the areas of Risk Reduction, Education, Living Well with the Disease, Community, Research, and Advocacy; an umbrella that brings together all aspects of the care and management of dementia in Canada.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

New Year’s Eve and Day Clinic Hours

Drumheller Associated Physicians would like to wish you and your family a happy New Year!
The clinic will be closing at 3:30pm on Tuesday December 31, 2024 and will be closed on January 1, 2025 for our staff to spend New Year’s Day with their families.
Regular clinic hours will resume Thursday January 2nd, 2025, 8:30am – 5:00pm.
All emergencies will be seen at the Hospital – 351 – 9th Street N.W.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Fireplace Safety Tips

Wood-Burning Fireplace Safety Tips
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on an annual basis.
• Keep the area around the fireplace free from combustible materials. Place a guard or screen in front of the area, to protect children and pets.
• Make sure your fireplace’s damper is open before starting a fire so it can vent properly.
• When starting a fire never use flammable liquids. Only use a match or firelighter.
• Test the function of your fireplace by lighting small pieces of wood to make sure the smoke is exiting vertically from your fireplace. If smoke enters the room, you need to investigate why.
• Only burn dry, seasoned firewood. Lumber, painted or treated wood releases chemicals into your home, compromising air quality. Wet wood can increase creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.
• Never leave an active fireplace unattended. Always fully extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• A fireplace is not a garbage bin and is designed to only burn firewood.
Gas Fireplace Safety Tips
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on an annual basis.
• Do not move or alter the arrangement of logs in your gas fireplace. You could cover vents which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• The glass front can reach dangerously high temperatures. Place a guard or screen in front of the area, to prevent burns.
• Do not place objects near the air-circulating passageways or fans. Do not put combustible materials near the hot surfaces.
• Unusual odors or flames can indicate it is not operating properly, and you should contact a certified technician to investigate it. Do not use the fireplace until you have it checked.
• If you notice the pilot light or flames go out while it is turned on, wait five minutes or longer before relighting it. This will provide time to clear the fireplace of gas.
• Do not clean the glass of the fireplace while in use and make sure it has completely cooled down to prevent breakage. Do not use the fireplace if the glass is cracked or broken.
Always be diligent when operating a fireplace, in the event of a fire, call 911.
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