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

5 SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT SMOKING YOU SHOULD KNOW

1. Smokers in the world – According to WHO (World Health Organization), there are about 1.3 billion smokers in the world today, with the number expected to increase to 1.6 billion by 2025.
2. Smoking reduces life expectancy – On average, smoking reduces your life expectancy by 13 years; by 16 years if you have H.I.V. and are a smoker.
3. Smoking-related deaths in the U.S. – Smoking accounts for one in every five deaths in the U.S.; over 480,000 Americans die from smoking every year!
4. Cigarettes on sale – Approximately 10 million cigarettes are bought each minute around the world; 15 billion are sold per day, and more than six trillion are produced and used per year.
5. Deaths by second-hand smoke – Out of the eight million smoking-related deaths reported globally every year, 1.2 million are due to second-hand smoke.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Weedless Wednesday January 22, 2025

Did you know that, on average, a smoker lives 10 years less than a non-smoker? This is why Weedless Wednesday encourages smokers of tobacco and recreational cannabis to quit the habit for 24 hours.
Quitting the use of nicotine and cannabis may be quite tough due to their addictive tendencies. Many smokers have admitted that quitting smoking was like giving up their “best friend”. However, it’s always the healthiest choice as inhaling smoke or vapor from these substances may pose long-term health risks and have negative health impacts. Smoking reduces good cholesterol in the body, thereby increasing the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Smoking also causes a spike in blood pressure and increases the risk of stroke.
Health professionals assert that quitting smoking for as short as an hour offers great health benefits. Ceasing the consumption of tobacco and cannabis products results in a decline in carbon monoxide and an increase in oxygen levels within the first 12 hours. Smokers who also quit for a full day may also reduce the risk of having a heart attack within that time.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

National Non-Smoking Week Runs January 19 – 25

More than a million Canadians have made at least one quit attempt in the past year. Many have tried to quit “cold turkey” without help. There’s a better way, by teaming up with the Lung Health Foundation, you can learn the facts about smoking and vaping from a trusted source and get the help you need to leave the pack behind.
Let us help you quit
Our specialized programs and supports are non-judgmental, flexible, and work with you to support you on your journey towards your smoke-free or vape-free life.
We know that quitting can be tough, so we’re here to help with programs at https://lunghealth.ca/quit/ like:
Journey to Quit – A workbook and self-help guide you can print at home
Lung Health Line – Private help from a Certified Respiratory Educator
Quash – An app that helps your make (and stick to) a quit plan
Nicotine is the addicting part that keeps you coming back for more. We’ll help you stop the cycle, and we’ll do it judgement-free. It’s never “too late” to quit, no matter what else life has thrown at you.
If you’re living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), quitting has been proven to slow disease progression. If you’re living with lung cancer, quitting can boost your treatments and help you feel better. Regardless of your smoking history, you deserve support!
The benefits of quitting
No matter which tool or quit methods you use, you have some full-body-benefits to look forward to!
• Within eight hours:
Your body’s carbon monoxide level will drop in your body. The oxygen level in your blood increases to normal.
• Within two days:
Within two days your sense of smell and taste will start to return.
• Within one year:
Your risk of suffering a smoking-related heart attack will be cut in half.
• Within ten years:
Your risk of dying from lung cancer will be cut in half.
• Within fifteen years:
Your risk of dying from a heart attack will be equal to a person who never smoked.
But that’s not all. Setting your smoke-free, vape-free goal will also save you money, help you look your best, and help you feel more in control.
Ready… or not?
If you’re ready to get started on your quit journey, pick the tool that’s right for you!
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Winter Driving

Along with colder temperatures, snow, and ice, winter also brings potentially dangerous driving conditions.  Slippery roads and decreased visibility can make driving in Canadian winters a challenge. Get prepared by following a few simple tips:

Slow down – Fog, black ice, slush or snow-covered roads can make driving dangerous. Drive slowly and leave plenty of distance between vehicles.

Get winter tires – Traction is the key to good movement, turning and stopping on wet, slushy or icy surfaces. Check tires and tire pressure at least once a month when tires are cold and remember that tire air pressure decreases in colder weather. Winter tires provide additional traction in colder weather.

Top-up windshield fluid – Fill up on winter washer fluid and replace wiper blades that streak. Make sure there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and that it is rated in the -40C temperature range. Carry an extra jug in the vehicle.

Keep the gas tank topped up – When driving in bad weather, think caution, plan ahead and make sure you have enough fuel. Keep the fuel tank at least half full.

See and be seen – clear all snow from the hood, roof, windows and lights. Clear all windows of fog or ice. If visibility becomes poor, find a place to safely pull off the road as soon as possible.

Get an emergency car kit – Have the appropriate safety and emergency winter equipment always stored in your car. The basic emergency kit for cars should include the following items:

  • Food – that won’t spoil, such as energy bars
  • Water – in plastic bottles so they won’t break if frozen (change every six months)
  • Blanket
  • Extra clothing and shoes
  • First aid kit – with seatbelt cutter
  • Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
  • Candle in a deep can and matches
  • Crank flashlight
  • Whistle – in case you need to attract attention
  • Roadmaps
  • Copy of your emergency plan

Also keep these inside your trunk:

  • Sand, salt or cat litter (non clumping)
  • Antifreeze/windshield washer fluid
  • Tow rope
  • Jumper cables
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Warning light or road flares

 

https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201002-eng.aspx

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.
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