South Calgary Primary Care Network
1800 194 Avenue SE T2X 0R3 Calgary, AB, Canada

With #COVID19 restrictions beginning to be eased, it’s important to remember to stay vigilant. - Stay two metres apart from others - Wear a mask in public spaces, indoor workplaces and places of worship - Practice good hygiene: wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes - If you’re sick stay home and book a COVID-19 test... Together we can #stopthespread Learn more at ahs.ca/covid19

February is #HeartMonth, and an important reminder that nine in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease. These can include: - Stress - Excessive use of alcohol and drugs... - Smoking - An unhealthy diet If you’re concerned about your heart health talk to your doctor. There may be PCN programs and services to help you. www.scpcn.ca

The holiday season can bring difficult emotions for many people for many different reasons. Here are some ways to deal with stress and manage your mental health and well-being over the holidays: 1. Maintain regular routines around exercise, sleep and personal interests.... 2. Communicate with loved ones. If you’re self-isolating, maintain regular contact through phone and video calls. 3. Know you are not alone and that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, grief or the winter blues during the holidays. 4. Most importantly, ask for support if you need it. Your family doctor and health team are always here for you. www.scpcn.ca

This weekend it may be tempting to get together with friends and family to watch the Superbowl but there’s nothing #COVIDLoves more than a party. Instead of meeting in person you can share the Superbowl experience by: - Watching the game over Zoom together - Ordering food from the same restaurant... - Set-up some virtual games to celebrate when your team scores For the latest information on gathering restrictions visit: https://bit.ly/3ouAGS1

Don't put your health on hold. Appointments may look a little different these days, but COVID-19 has not stopped the care your health team provides. Call your PCN or family doctor and find out how you can be seen safely - on the phone, online or in-person. If you don’t have a doctor, you can search for one at https://albertafindadoctor.ca/ #StillHereForYou #StayHealthyAB #COVID19

COVID-19 has put a lot of things on hold. Cancer isn’t one of them. If you’re experiencing any cancer symptoms don’t delay, have it checked out. The health care system is prepared and ready to respond to any issues you experience with your health. Book an appointment with your family doctor. For more information, visit ahs.ca/BodyTalk... #worldcancerday #bodytalk

Don’t ignore health symptoms. Family doctors are available during the holidays. Listen to your clinic’s answering machine message closely for instructions. You can also call 811, they may be able to refer you to one of the PCN’s access clinics who will keep connected with your family doctor about your care.... #HealthyHolidays #primarycare

Eating Disorder Awareness Week is a time to raise awareness about eating disorder treatment and recovery. It is estimated one million Canadians have an eating disorder, although that number is likely underreported due to the stigma of mental illness and seeking help. No one should face an eating disorder alone. Many support options are available, including friends, loved ones, helplines, therapists, dietitians, family doctors and PCN teams. ... Learn more: https://nied.ca/immediate-support/ #edaw2021 #mentalhealthawareness #eatingdisorderscannotaffordtowait

Talking about your mental health with your family and friends is important, especially this year with the COVID-19 pandemic. Not being able to see our loved ones in the traditional ways can leave people feeling disconnected. But there are lots of ways to stay connected and maintain good mental health and well-being. Try starting a virtual book club with friends, have a video call dinner date, or workout online with a virtual class. Your family doctor is available to help dis...cuss any problems you may be facing with your mental health. They can connect you with resources and help you on your mental health journey. Visit www.scpcn.ca to learn more. #BellLetsTalk

COVID loves the holidays. Don’t give him the chance to meet your friends and family this holiday season. Follow the Alberta guidelines to help keep your loved ones safe: - No social gatherings... - Avoid travel - Wear a mask - Practice physical distancing - Isolate when sick - Wash and sanitize your hands https://bit.ly/2IUs60g

It’s Antibiotic Awareness Week. Did you know antibiotics do not treat the flu, bronchitis or other viral infections? Antibiotics can save lives, but we must handle them with care. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can increase the possibility of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a pressing health care issue. If you’re sick, talk to your family doctor and follow their instructions carefully. ... #AntibioticAwarenessWeek #AntibioticResistance

The holidays can be an isolating and difficult time for people with mental health challenges. Be sure to check on your friends and loved ones and be ready to offer your compassion and care. If you’re struggling with mental health, know that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your family doctor and health team are always here to provide support. ... #HealthyHolidays #primarycare

It’s Digital Health Week in Canada a time to celebrate how virtual care can remove access barriers and transform our healthcare system. The rapid shift toward virtual care is an essential part of Alberta’s COVID-19 response. Virtual appointments over the phone or through secure video conferencing can help protect patients, doctors and clinic staff by providing a safe and secure alternative to office visits. Talk to your family doctor or health professional about schedul...ing a virtual appointment for your healthcare needs. #ThinkDigitalHealth #DigitalHealthWeek

Food allergies don’t have to dampen the spirit of the holidays. Here are tips for celebrating with allergy-free foods, so everyone has a place at the table: Modify traditional recipes with allergen-free ingredients. Always read food labels and ingredient lists (even if you think a product is allergen-free).... Prevent cross-contamination during cooking by cleaning surfaces and washing your hands frequently. Designate separate areas for foods with the allergen to prevent cross-contamination. Have epinephrine or other prescribed allergy medication with you in case you or an allergic individual accidentally ingests an allergen. Learn more about food allergies: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca//if-nfs-ng-food-aller www.scpcn.ca

Managing conditions like diabetes can be overwhelming at first. Your family doctor has a team of health care providers who work with you to: - Set achievable goals - Learn more about your health issues - Prevent illness... This can be done through one-on-one and virtual group education appointments, depending on your needs. Visit www.scpcn.ca for more information. #WorldDiabetesDay

As we enter the winter season, it’s important to get your #flushot to protect yourself and others. If you aren’t sure what the difference is between #COVID19, cold and flu symptoms, check out the chart from Alberta Health Services. To find out where to get your flu shot, visit www.ahs.ca/influenza, or call Health Link at 811. ... #StopTheSpread See more

There are many benefits to registering for a MyHealth Records account. This free service provides you with a secure place to see your health information, including: - Immunizations that you have had in Alberta - Medications administered from community pharmacists - Lab test results, including #COVID19 test results... For more information visit: https://bit.ly/2TPJjtv

With the rise in #COVID19 cases, it is important to remember isolation is not the same thing as social distancing. During isolation, you must stay home and avoid contact with those in your household. You cannot leave your home for any reason, other than a medical emergency. Follow the instructions you receive from Alberta Health Services or healthcare providers ... You can go outside on a private porch, yard or balcony that is not accessible by others Call your family doctor if you have health questions Don’t go to work Don’t leave your house or yard Don’t accept visitors into your home Don’t use elevators or public stairwells in your apartment Avoid contact with people in your home For more information about isolation rules, please visit: www.alberta.ca/isolation.aspx #StayHome #SelfIsolation

Did you know one in three Canadians will develop a mental illness in their lifetime? Mental illness does not discriminate it can affect anyone. Sometimes it’s not easy to talk about your emotions. If you struggle with mental health, know you are not alone. Start a conversation with your family doctor or a loved one about your mental health. And remember, the PCN is here to help. ... Our mental health services: www.scpcn.ca Mental Health Help Line: 1.877.303.2642 #MentalHealth #EndtheStigma

Today is #WorldAlzheimersDay. Almost 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some form of memory loss. Its important to know the signs of dementia. Your doctor and primary care team are here for you. Talk to your family doctor if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one. Learn more about Alzheimers and dementia: https://bit.ly/3cdrPji

Are masks going to be the new items that like to disappear in the dryer? As we get back into the rhythm of school and work during the #COVID19 pandemic, its important to remember that cloth masks should only be worn once. Make sure to wash your masks in hot water after each wearing. Learn more: https://bit.ly/32goX1I... #StopTheSpread #StayHealthy

September is #ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect Canadian men, with 1 in 9 diagnosed in their lifetime. Talk to your family doctor about the signs, symptoms and if testing is right for you.

Going to your doctors office isnt your only option for an appointment. Family doctors are now offering a variety of virtual care options, including video, phone and email. South Calgary PCN is also offering virtual care options with a variety of health care providers, including virtual workshops starting October 1! Learn more: www.scpcn.ca. Call your doctor to discuss the best fit for you.

Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, a day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and taking action to prevent loss of life to suicide. Suicide can affect anyone, no matter their age or background. In Canada alone, an average of 11 people die by suicide each day. Mental health shouldnt be invisible or silent. If you ever need help, please reach out for it immediately. Call Health Link at 811 or the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642, available 24 ho...urs a day, seven days a week. Your doctor and primary care team are also here for you. Learn more about suicide prevention and the warning signs to watch for: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx #WSPD #MentalHealthMatters

With the school year underway during the COVID-19 pandemic and flu season looming, many people have questions and concerns about the coming months. Your family doctor is your partner in health. Dont hesitate to contact them for a virtual or in-person appointment. Together, you can work to address your concerns. Here are some guidelines to help. #COVID19 #fluseason #backtoschool

Having a family doctor is important, especially during a pandemic. Did you know research shows patients who have a family doctor and visit them regularly are healthier as they age, live longer, make fewer visits to emergency and are hospitalized less often. Find the right family doctor at albertafindadoctor.ca. You can search for a physician based on location, gender and languages spoken. 70% of patients reported being able to see a new doctor in just five days!... #familydoctors #primarycare

Students throughout the province are heading back to school this week. Here is an example of what to do if your child comes into close contact with COVID-19 but doesn't have symptoms. Call 811 to inquire about a COVID-19 test. For more information on the safety measures being taken for students across the province visit: https://bit.ly/3jpVlEM

Its International Overdose Awareness Day. Last year, Canada lost almost 4,000 people to opioid overdoses. As the pandemic continues, COVID-19 can take a toll on mental health. Now more than ever, its important to raise awareness about opioid overdoses. Calgary Zone PCNs have helped to develop tools and resources to help family physicians and their teams support those struggling with opioid use disorder in an equitable, evidence-based and compassionate way. Many different to...ols of support are available to patients, including opioid agonist therapy (OAT). If you are struggling with addiction and need assistance, talk to your family doctor about your treatment options. Learn how to spot an overdose: https://bit.ly/32CUR7d #IOD2020 #EndOverdose #OverdoseAware

International Overdose Awareness Day is on August 31 and it aims to raise awareness about overdose treatment, prevention and reduce the stigma of drug-related death. Last year, Canada lost almost 4,000 people to opioid overdoses. Since the inception of Albertas Primary Health Care Opioid Response Initiative in 2017, weve increased access to compassionate, consistent, and high-quality support with opioid addiction and management. ... If youre struggling with opioid addiction and need assistance, talk to your family doctor today. #IOD2020 #EndOverdose #OverdoseAware

This years school shopping list is going to look a little different. Students heading back to school should have at least one reusable mask and hand sanitizer. Parents are also encouraged to talk to their kids about hand washing, physical distancing and the importance of not sharing food or school supplies. Check out the Alberta government website for more information: https://bit.ly/3hlwe5f #backtoschool #COVID19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change the way we work and live, many people are experiencing increased stress levels and unforeseen obstacles that impact their mental health, mood or resilience. If you are experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety and depression due to the COVID-19 crisis, we can help. Talk to your family doctor about a referral or about our Single-Session Telephone Counselling/Social Work support. The free, one-hour sessions are offered weekly by our t...eam of psychologists and social workers. #COVID19 #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters

Language shouldn't be a barrier to accessing health care. At www.albertafindadoctor.ca, you can search for a family doctor by languages spoken, location and gender. Here are the top five languages searched for in the last year.

Your family doctors clinics are open and ready to see you. They are taking all the precautions necessary to keep you and other patients safe. Dr. Talib Muhammed and his team like many family doctors, are providing in-person and virtual appointments. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3cwfgie #doctorsatwork

The emergency department isn't your only option when you need after-hours care. Call 811 to discuss your symptoms and whether a referral to a PCN after-hours clinic is the right choice for you.

Our hearts are with the family, friends, colleagues and patients of Dr. Walter Reynolds. To honour the life and work of Dr. Walter Reynolds, the Red Deer Primary Care Network is organizing a candlelight vigil: Friday, August 14, 7 p.m., at the garden in front of Red Deer City Hall (4914 - 48th Avenue, Red Deer). You can also watch a livestream: https://vimeo.com/event/226457

Keep the youngest members of your family healthy by keeping their immunizations up to date during the COVID-19 pandemic. Talk to your family doctor. #HealthyTogether

Privacy is crucial for everyone especially teens. On #InternationalYouthDay its important to remember what is discussed between youth and their doctor stays between them. A doctors office is a safe space to discuss anything from mental to sexual health. If you are in need of a family doctor, you can find one at albertafindadoc.ca.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek helped to highlight the different options available to new parents who are struggling with breastfeeding. Your doctor is here to help you and can provide information on lactation specialists, support groups and milk banks. After struggling with breastfeeding, Emily Cherubini is ready to donate her breastmilk in an effort to support new parents. The South Calgary PCN offers breastfeeding support through the Breastfeeding Clinic located in Circle Medical @ Copperfield.

Starting tomorrow, masks will be mandatory in Calgary so you may want to make your own reusable mask. There are many ways to do this and Health Canada provides instructions with sew and no-sew options: https://bit.ly/healthcanadamasktips Heres what you should keep in mind before making a mask: Choose a fabric that can withstand frequent cycles through washing and drying machines.... Use multiple layers of tight woven fabric four layers is optimal. When choosing fabrics, opt for tightly woven, high thread count cotton such as pillowcases, bed sheets, quilting fabrics, T-shirts or bandanas. Material that is not tightly woven will not be as effective. Use different fabrics or colours for each side of the mask. This helps you to know which side faces your mouth and which side faces out. If you want to buy a reusable mask, make sure it has multiple layers of fabric, fits securely against your face, allows for clear breathing and can be laundered. #StopTheSpread #StayHealthy #COVID19

How are everyone's hands doing from all the washing? #washyourhands #StayHealthyAB

Dr. Sakina Raj is taking a break to do some gardening while working from home. Family doctors are doing in-person and virtual appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. #doctorsatwork

Self-care looks different for everyone but basic self-care includes healthy eating, getting enough sleep, at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and taking the time to do something that makes you happy, like connecting with a friend or reading a book. If youre having trouble practicing self-care, talk to your family doctor. They can connect you to resources for your mental and physical health. #InternationalSelfCareDay

If you are an Albertan living with a significant disability, it can be difficult to make sense of the supports available and which programs you might qualify for. PCN social workers partner with your family physician to coordinate applications for a range of disability benefits. This can include financial supports like government tax credits, savings matching programs, and disability income as well as practical supports like accessible transportation and affordable mobil...ity aid equipment. Speak to your physician about a referral to a Social Worker. #SocialWorkers #HereForYou

While non-medical masks are not a replacement for physical distancing or hand washing, it can be an added measure to protect those around you. Check out these tips to ensure that your mask is used correctly: Before putting on a mask, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.... Make sure that your mask fits securely on your face and covers the area from your nose to below the chin. Avoid touching the mask or your face under the mask. If the mask becomes damp or soiled (for example, after a sneeze), clean your hands and replace the mask. Before removing a mask, always clean your hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water. Dispose of single-used masks or wash and dry reusable masks after each use. Clean your hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water. For more tips, visit https://bit.ly/albertafacemasks

Do you have ongoing prescription costs and no insurance coverage? There are government-sponsored plans available for Albertans of all incomes to help make medication more affordable. Speak to your doctor about a referral to one of our PCN social workers to find out more information about what resources are available. #SocialWorkers #HereForYou

More than 170,000 Albertans visited albertafindadoctor.ca since its launch to find a doctor who is the right fit for them. The site enables you to search by location, gender and language spoken. Check out https://bit.ly/2BKOKoh to learn more.

Due to popular demand, today the province will again start distributing free non-medical masks at A&W, McDonald's and Tim Hortons locations across Alberta. While non-medical masks are not a replacement for physical distancing or hand washing, it can be an added measure to protect those around you. Learn more: https://bit.ly/albertafacemasks ... #StopTheSpread #COVID19 #AlbertaCares

Did you know PCN social workers are here to help if you're struggling financially? They can help you with benefits policies and connect you with resources like financial assistance programs. Ask your doctor about a referral. #SocialWorkers #HereForYou

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed financial strain on many individuals and families. You dont need to navigate government financial support programs alone. PCN social workers can help you with benefits policies and connect you with resources like financial assistance programs. Think of them as friendly resource brokers. Ask your family doctor about a referral. #SocialWorkers #HereForYou

Thanks to the phased relaunch, Albertans are enjoying more and more public activities. It is important to be safe and the more Albertans who voluntarily download and use the ABTraceTogether app, the safer we'll be.

We are still here for you. Our PCN nurses, dietitians, and mental health providers are supporting your health and well-being through telephone and virtual appointments. Your family doctor is also continuing care for patients via telephone, virtually, and in-person where possible. Give your family doctor's office a call to find out how they are safely providing options for patient visits.

Dr. Ernst Greyvensteins at-home co-worker, Lola, sports a used mask to share the importance of wearing a face mask to protect others. Even during this pandemic, your family doctor is here to support you and your health concerns. There are virtual appointments or for in-person visits safety precautions and the use of PPE, such as face masks, will help keep you safe. Call your family doctors office to find out the options available to you. #doctorsatwork #StayHealthyAB

#WorldNoTobaccoDay is May 31 and we are challenging you to give up all tobacco products for one day. If you are interested in learning about services available to help you quit, talk to your family doctor.

With everyone doing what they can to flatten the #COVID-19 curve dont forget to take care of your own health needs. Here are the Top 10 reasons to call your family physician during COVID-19. Call your family doctor to talk about the best approach for your health at this time. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3cwfgie #AlbertaDoctors #StayHealthy

Dr. Nicola Chappell has been connecting with her patients through virtual appointments. Phone or video appointments are one of the new ways you can connect with your family doctor. Your health is important which is why you shouldn't ignore health issues. Your family doctor is here to help you call your doctors office today to talk about your health concerns. #doctorsatwork