Camrose Primary Care Network
Room 1110, 4512 - 53 Street T4V 4E3 Camrose, AB, Canada

Take care of your brain! March 15 marks the start of Brain Awareness Week. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. Although there may be cuts or bruises on the head or face, there may be no other visible signs of a brain injury.... Post-concussion syndrome occurs after a concussion. Common symptoms are changes in the ability to concentrate, think, remember, or solve problems. Symptoms, which may include headaches, personality changes, and dizziness, may be related to stress from the events that caused the injury. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or Health Link at 811 you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Rest is the best treatment for post-concussion syndrome. Do not drive if you have taken a prescription pain medicine. Rest in a quiet, dark room until your headache is gone. Close your eyes and try to relax or go to sleep. Do not watch TV or read. Put a cold, moist cloth or cold pack on the painful area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the cold pack and your skin. Have someone gently massage your neck and shoulders. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes. Try to reduce stress Some ways to do this include: Taking slow, deep breaths. Soaking in a warm bath. Listening to soothing music. Having a massage or back rub. Drinking a warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. A balanced diet includes whole grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and protein. Eat a variety of foods from each of those groups so you get all the nutrients you need. Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. Try relaxation exercises, such as breathing and muscle relaxation exercises. Talk to your doctor about counselling. It may help you deal with stress from your injury. Article provided by Alberta Health Services.

The Camrose Primary Care Network is looking for a Behavioural Health Consultant to join our team! To learn more and see other employment opportunities visit www.camrosepcn.com

The Camrose Primary Care Network is looking for a Nurse Practitioner to join our team! To learn more and see other employment opportunities visit www.camrosepcn.com

The Camrose and Wetaskiwin Primary Care Networks are recruiting an Executive Assistant. To learn more about this opportunity visit www.camrosepcn.com!

Learn the symptoms for glaucoma World Glaucoma Week takes place Mar. 7 to 13. Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. This nerve carries information from the eye to the brain. When the nerve is damaged, you can lose your vision. Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of legal blindness in the world. At first, people with glaucoma lose side (peripheral) vision. But if the disease isn't treated, vision loss may get worse. This can lead t...o total blindness over time. What causes glaucoma? The exact cause isn't known. Experts think that increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure) may cause the nerve damage in many cases. But some people who have glaucoma have normal eye pressure. Some people get glaucoma after an eye injury or after eye surgery. Some medicines such as corticosteroids that are used to treat other diseases may also cause glaucoma. What are the symptoms? Symptoms vary depending on the kind of glaucoma you have. If you have Open-Angle Glaucoma, the only symptom you are likely to notice is loss of vision. Side vision is often lost before central vision. Symptoms of Closed-Angle Glaucoma can be mild, with symptoms such as blurred vision that only lasts a short time. Severe signs include longer-lasting episodes of blurred vision or pain in or around the eye. You may also see coloured halos around lights, have red eyes, or feel sick to your stomach and vomit. Signs of Congenital Glaucoma may include watery eyes and sensitivity to light. Your baby may rub their eyes, squint, or keep the eyes closed much of the time. How is glaucoma diagnosed? Glaucoma can be diagnosed: During routine examinations with your eye doctor. An optometrist can screen you for glaucoma but will have to consult an ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis. When you go to your family doctor because of an eye problem. How is it treated? Glaucoma can't be cured. To help keep your vision from getting worse, you'll probably need to use medicine (most likely eye drops) every day. You may also need laser treatment or surgery. You'll also need regular checkups with your eye doctor. How do you cope with glaucoma? Vision aids, such as large-print items and special video systems, may help you cope with reduced eyesight. Support groups and counselling may also help. Article provided by Alberta Health Services.