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

What is a Common Cold?

It is an infection of the upper respiratory tract – the nose, nasal passages and the throat. The primary family of viruses that cause common colds in adults are the rhinoviruses.
Early signs of a cold are red eyes, a sore throat, sneezing, and a runny nose. Other symptoms that may occur include headache, stuffy nose, watering eyes, hacking cough, chills, muscle aches, and general malaise (ill-feeling) lasting from 2 to 7 days, some cases may last for two weeks.
The common cold may be accompanied by:
• Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx or “voice box”)
• Tracheitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the trachea or “wind pipe”)
• Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial membranes)
• Ear infection
• Worsening of asthma
These inflammations may make one more susceptible to more serious complications such as: sinusitis (inflammation of sinus membranes) and pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs).
Treating the symptoms with non-prescription medicines may help as does getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated.
Good health habits are important in preventing the spread of the common cold including:
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available
• Avoiding close contact with people that are sick
• Coughing and sneezing into your elbow or use a tissue (throw away the tissue immediately, and wash your hands)
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Using good hygiene practices, such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces likely to be contaminated and touched by others
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Purple Thursday

Purple Thursday is recognized as the 3rd Thursday in October, it is a day to raise awareness about the connection between brain injury and interpersonal violence (IPV) with a goal to eliminate it.
Brain injury associations and the Canadian Royal Purple initiated the Purple Thursday project to create and distribute educational materials, sessions, and webinars to raise awareness of this shadow pandemic at the connection of IPV and brain injury.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911
You can be involved locally through Drumheller Victim Services with volunteer opportunities or gift card donations, please reach out to Jenn at: kdrumhellervsu@RCMP-grc.gc.ca or 403-821-5803
For more information of on brain injury and interpersonal violence please visit:
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

Ready to Quit Vaping?

Did you know pharmacists can offer support to help you quit #vaping? 🚭
Vaping devices come in all sorts of shapes, colors and flavors, which draw people into the habit — but you shouldn’t ignore the risks.
We asked PCN pharmacist Jessica Tran to share the dangers of vaping and how our health team can help you quit, whether you turn to vaping devices for stress relief or other reasons. Here’s what we learned 🔗: bit.ly/3KFkxXQ
We’re ready to support your health journey when you are.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

It’s Flu Season Again

The influenza shot is your best defence against the flu, protect yourself by getting a flu shot today.
Albertans 5 years or older can get immunized at their local pharmacy, starting October 16, 2023.
Contact your local pharmacy for further information regarding flu shot availability.
Children 6 months to under 5 years and their families, require a booked appointment, at AHS Public Health.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

October 15, 2023

Sunday, October 15 is #GlobalHandWashingDay 🧼
Your hands carry germs you can’t see. Washing your hands not only prevents you from getting sick, but also reduces the risk of infecting others.
Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially:
• after coughing, sneezing or using tissues
• before and after eating
• before preparing food
• after handling raw meat
• after petting an animal
• after using the bathroom
For more hand hygiene tips, visit https://bit.ly/2NCEv6m
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms in healthy adults, but can be severe in infants, the elderly and immunocompromised. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, with most children experiencing it by the age of 2. Rates of RSV usually follow a pattern from fall to early spring and can infect all ages with possibility of reinfection.
Symptoms/Diagnosis
RSV is often diagnosed based on symptomology; a nose swab is used for more severe cases requiring medical attention. Symptoms can take up to a week to develop after exposure and resolve within 2 weeks. Common symptoms include:
• Cough
• Sneezing and/or wheezing
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Bronchiolitis- this inflammation of the bronchioles (tiny airways of the lungs) presents as shortness of breath and wheezing.
• Lack of Appetite
• Severe Lower Respiratory Infection like Pneumonia- seek medical attention if this symptom arises, especially in infants
Treatment and Prevention
Mild symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cough syrup, plenty of rest and fluids.
For higher risk of prevention, avoid close contact with infected individuals, especially if immunocompromised, and practice good hygiene habits; frequent handwashing, cover your mouth when coughing/sneezing, stay home when ill, wear a mask and frequently disinfect surfaces.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

#STI

Taking care of your health and getting checked regularly is crucial, especially with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on the rise in Alberta.
Chlamydia has surged 19% since 2021, while HIV cases have risen by 17%. Protect yourself and your partners by staying informed and seeking testing.
Your family doctor provides a safe space to discuss all your sexual health questions.
STI clinic services are for anyone who is 14 years old or older—all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. You don’t need a doctor to refer you to an STI Clinic. The services are free and confidential. Search STI Clinic to locate the nearest clinic.
Health, Home, Image, Medical, Mental Health, Posts with image, Research, standard, Text posts Jamie Gerlinger

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This year’s theme is ‘Thrive365’.
While we celebrate the remarkable progress that has been made against breast cancer, it is still true that 1 in 8 women and 1 in 934 men in Canada are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
October can feel different for each of us — some wear pink to celebrate, some quietly observe the month, some feel grief, and some feel unseen or misunderstood. We want to normalize it all.
Further information can be found here:
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