Phone:

(403) 823-3345

Address:

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

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

Getting Your Gut On Track

Gut microbiome is the community of microbes (bacteria) that live in your colon that influences your health.
There are many foods that support a healthy gut microbiome which is linked to better overall mental and physical health.
– Whole plant foods should make up the majority of what you eat: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes and nuts that have undergone limited processing. A variety of whole plant foods has been shown to help improve feeling of fullness and can help your body to be more sensitive to the insulin.
– Protein foods to support gut health are plant-based protein foods and fatty fish. Examples of plant-based protein foods are kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils, nuts like walnuts or almonds and fatty fish like Arctic char, mackerel, herring, salmon, sardines and trout. Beans and nuts contain fibre, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals) which can help to increase the helpful gut microbes. Fatty fish has omega-3 fatty acids which help lower inflammation.
– Fermented dairy foods that have live bacteria (like kefir and yogurt) can increase the good bacteria in the gut microbiome.
– Low fat milk, yogurt, and kefir with little or no added sugar and lower milk fat, lower fat dairy (2% M.F. or less) is recommended over higher fat dairy foods like cheese because they are lower in saturated fat. Saturated fat is linked to inflammation
– Limit red meat: Small amounts of lean red meat can be included in a healthy eating pattern, as red meat has many nutrients including protein. It is recommended to be included in smaller amounts because it can contribute to inflammation.
– Avoid processed meat: Avoid or minimize them because the curing agents in processed meats contribute to cancer forming compounds when they are digested by gut microbes.
– Try a Mediterranean style of eating – it has been shown to help support a healthy gut microbiome. It includes lots of vegetables, fruits, beans, peas, lentils, fish, nuts, and olive oil. If you are looking for practical ways to eat in a way to support a healthy gut microbiome, visit ahs.ca/nutritionhandouts and search for Mediterranean Style of Eating.
AHS Wellness Article
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Alberta Virtual Chronic Pain Program

The Alberta Virtual Chronic Pain Program is a virtual group education treatment program for adult Albertans experiencing persistent pain longer than 3 months.
This interactive program led by licensed health providers incorporates peer support and an opportunity to connect with others living with pain while learning more about your chronic pain and strategies to better manage it.
Call 1-877-719-7707 to learn more about the program. Self-referral is accepted.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

New Parent and Newborn Line

Call the New Parent and Newborn Line 1-833-805-BABY (2229)
The New Parent and Newborn Line provides expert postpartum information to parents of babies under two months old. The service is available free of charge to all parents in North, South and Central Zone. Nurses are available 24/7 to offer support, information, and referrals to new parents and caregivers for the first two months after their baby’s birth. Health experts can answer questions including caring for baby, breastfeeding, mother’s health, and baby’s health.
New parents can seek advice by calling 1-833-805-2229
Similar lines are available:
Calgary: Early Start Parent Information Line 403-244-8351
Edmonton: Healthy Beginnings Line 780-413-7990
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Measles

Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air by coughing, sneezing, yelling, singing, and breathing.
Symptoms of Measles include:
• Fever of 38.3° C or higher
• Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes
• A red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.
Who is most at risk?
• You are at risk of being in contact with measles if you travel outside of Canada or to areas within Canada where measles is spreading.
• Measles tends to be more severe in babies and adults.
• If you have measles, you can spread the disease before you show any symptoms.
Measles can spread starting 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after the rash appears.
If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
If you were born before 1970, there is a good chance you are immune to measles, as you were likely exposed to measles when it circulated widely before 1970.
Measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. People born in or since 1970 who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine are susceptible to infection. Those who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine AND are pregnant, under one year of age, are adults and/or have a weakened immune system are at most risk of complications from measles.
In Alberta, the measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose at 18 months of age.
However, anyone who is not up to date for their recommended vaccines can receive them by booking an appointment with your local public health office.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Pharmacy Appreciation Month

Say thanks!
A thank you is pretty simple…but can be pretty powerful too! Whether you’re a patient who wants to thank the pharmacy team you depend on or a pharmacy professional who wants to acknowledge your colleagues, don’t be shy about showing your appreciation this March!
Pharmacy Appreciation Month is the annual national campaign that shines a spotlight on the pharmacy profession in Canada. Celebrated each March, PAM is a time to highlight the growing role pharmacy professionals play in our health-care system and thank them for their extraordinary efforts.
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