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Simple changes for a healthier 2021

After a difficult year, making positive changes in 2021 may feel overwhelming. But if improving your health and wellness is on your mind, consider some smaller steps to start down the path to a healthier lifestyle this year. Increase your activity Many of us have often thought about adding ‘being more active’ to our New Year’s resolutions list. It may sound easy enough, but we can struggle to achieve it. Here are some tips that can make your resolution more sustainable. Start Sma…

Safely delivering during COVID-19

The safety of our patients is of utmost importance to Riley Park Maternity Clinic and all of Calgary Foothills PCN. Our maternity patients deliver at Foothills Medical Centre (hospital). Some patients have asked questions about delivering their babies at the hospital as they have heard there are units with COVID-19 outbreaks. Physicians and staff at Riley Park Maternity Clinic are taking every precaution to ensure your safety both at the clinic and the hospital. We have been very proactiv…
 

Help for anxiety

For many people, 2020 hasn’t been an easy year and for some, the result has been a rise in anxiety. The PCN is here to help. We have a variety of free resources including two new virtual workshops: Anxiety 101 Anxiety 101 is a free, two-hour workshop facilitated by a mental health professional that will help adults understand their experience of anxiety and teach participants some basic skills to help manage it. Topics include: What is anxiety? What does it feel like? What mak…

Virtual workshops here to support your health

Calgary Foothills PCN is offering virtual versions of its free workshops to support your health needs. Anxiety 101 is a two-hour virtual workshop that covers the basics of what anxiety is, tools to help and things to avoid. Anxiety to Calm is an eight-week workshop that takes an in-depth look at anxiety including what makes it better and what makes it worse. Ask a Dietitian -- Diabetes or pre-diabetes focuses on patients with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance…
 

COMPASS for the Caregiver workshop

The PCN's COMPASS for the Caregiver workshop will return in a virtual setting on Friday, October 9. The program, which teaches all variety of caregivers how to care for themselves, has been revised to a four-week course. Attendees will learn how to manage stress, balance relationships and navigate the journey of being a caregiver. All PCN virtual workshops give participants the opportunity to benefit from group learning and ask questions during the interactive sessions. Register online…

World Breastfeeding Week

While mothers around the world celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) some mothers who want to breastfeed struggle. There is help, including Calgary Foothills PCN’s Riley Park Maternity Clinic, which offers in-person advice as well as a virtual breastfeeding class. For those who can’t breastfeed milk banks provide an alternative option. New mother Emily Cherubini — who went to Riley Park Maternity Clinic to have her blood screened so she can donate breastmilk to NorthernStar…

Questions about COVID-19?

In need of reliable information about COVID-19? Alberta Health Services is the most reliable, up-to-date source for facts. What Should I Do If I Think I Have COVID-19? According to Alberta Health Services, if you have symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose, you MUST self-isolate for 10 days after the onset of symptoms and until your symptoms have resolved (whichever is longer). Under no circumstance should you leave your property …
 

Your family doctor is here for you

Whether it is in person, over the phone or via video your family doctor’s clinic is open and here to support you. Your family doctor knows you best and can help get you the care you need. Contact your family doctor to find out if an in-person or virtual appointment is right for you. If you have symptoms related to COVID-19 do the self-assessment at ahs.ca/covid. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.
 

Hearts for health care workers

What began as a loving gesture to post hearts on their door to show solidarity and support for her husband, an emergency room doctor in the Boston area, has become a viral movement worldwide. “I wanted to find a way to let health care workers know that we see them, we are here for them and they are supported and loved,” says Tanya Russell who began the Hearts for Healthcare Workers Facebook group. Within weeks the group has grown to over 50,000 members with people posting photos of the…

Refugee Care app

Caring for refugees can be a complex process. The language barriers, trauma and presentation of illnesses usually unseen in Canada are just some of the reasons why these patients require more in-depth knowledge and support. To help meet this need Dr. Guillaume Mongeau-Martin and the physician group at the Calgary Refugee Health Program developed the Refugee Care app. "People don't have time to read an 80-page document which is why I had the idea to create an app to make it easy not only f…
 

Have a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day usually brings to mind chocolates, champagne, flowers and romantic meals. It's also a good reminder to think about your heart health. Your heart works hard for you and looking after it is important to maintaining your overall health. Some simple ways to improve your heart health include: Staying active - even something as simple as going for a walk each day Quitting smoking Limiting your consumption of red meat, sugar and unhealthy fats Reducing stress "Qui…
 

Five tips to increase happiness

It’s a new year and many have vowed to make it a good one. A great place to start is with a positive attitude. Try these five things to increase your happiness: Go with the flow – Flow is about doing activities you enjoy, that challenge you, and you lose track of time when you do them. Some examples include carpentry, sewing, skiing or other hobbies you love. Physical activity – It’s simply about doing more! Park the car farther from the door at the mall. If you can walk for f…
 
Dr. Janet Reynolds on Global news

Supporting your New Year’s resolutions

Making New Year’s resolutions is the easy part — keeping those resolutions can be difficult. According to a 2016 Ipsos poll, 73 per cent Canadians who set a New Year’s resolution will break them. In fact, there’s even a day for it: Friday, January 17, is known as Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day. Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network can help people keep those resolutions with several free workshops: Ask a Dietitian group appointments — Professional advice from a registered d…

Access 365: Finding care when your family doctor’s office is closed

Our Access 365 Clinic operates 7-days-a-week. It provides after-hours care and same-day appointments (if appropriate) for patients who need urgent help. WHO CAN GET AN APPOINTMENT? Patients who: Have an urgent need to be seen by a doctor within 24 to 48 hours Can’t get an appointment within that time with their own family doctor Are patients of Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network doctors HOW TO GET AN APPOINTMENT If your family doctor’s clinic is closed, please call 811. Let …

Get your shot: Flu season immunization

As the leaves fall and the temperature continues to drop, flu season is almost upon us. Starting Monday, October 21, all Albertans aged six months and older will be able to do their part to protect themselves and their families from influenza. Ask your family doctor if your clinic is offering immunizations this winter. Alberta Health Services clinics and some pharmacies are also offering this service on a drop-in basis. Who should get the vaccine? Everyone aged six months and older shoul…