Thursday 23 January 2014

Winter Walk Day - February 5, 2014

Every winter thousands of Albertans celebrate Winter and walking by participating in Winter Walk Day in February.

Winter Walk Day Walking is great for our health, the environment, reducing traffic and building community. On Winter Walk Day record and report the total minutes your group walked by logging into the SHAPE website.

Safe
Healthy
Active
People
Everywhere

Everyone is welcome to join in including schools, seniors’ centres, commuters, individuals and families. Dress warmly, get outside, and enjoy the fresh, crisp Alberta air!

For more information and to register, please visit the SHAPE website.

There are many events being hosted in communities around the province. Leduc will hosting Winter Walk Day on February 5th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Leduc Civic Centre (1 Alexandra Park). The City of Leduc will be hosting activities such as a scavenger hunt and walk around Alexandra Park. Healthy snacks will be available. Please see the City of Leduc website for more information.

The Town of Devon is also participating in Winter Walk Day by offering hot chocolate at the Highwood and Centennial Parks between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Please dress for weather conditions.

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Weedless Wednesday

Weedless Wednesday has been a focal point of National Non-Smoking Week almost from the start, focusing media and public attention on the benefits of cessation and the community resources available to help smokers quit. The idea behind Weedless Wednesday is to promote a "one day at a time" approach to quitting smoking, a concept appealing to many smokers who may be discouraged at the thought of an entire week -- or lifetime -- without cigarettes, but who may be able to cope with one smoke-free day.

Benefits of Quitting:

• within 8 hours carbon monoxide level drops in your body and the oxygen level in your blood increases to normal.
• within 48 hours your sense of smell and taste improves and your chances of having a heart attack start to go down.
• within 72 hours your lung capacity increases and bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier.
• within 2 weeks the nicotine is removed from your body.
• within 3 months circulation improves and lung functioning increases up to 30%.
• within 6 months coughing, sinus congestion, tiredness and shortness of breath improve.
• within 1 year risk of smoking-related heart attack is cut in half, and your risk for cavities is lower.
• within 10 years risk of dying from lung cancer is cut in half.
• within 15 years risk of dying from a heart attack is equal to a person who never smoked

Community Resources:

• AlbertaQuits Helpline – 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) is a free, confidential counselling telephone service, whereby callers can access help developing an individual quit plan, receive information, or be referred to services available in their community.
• AlbertaQuits Online – albertaquits.ca offers expert support, medication information, cessation resources, and community support is available through this free service.
• AlbertaQuits Groups – offers free, group quit smoking support across Alberta for adults 18 and over and teaches quitting support techniques such as self-hypnosis, behaviour modification, relaxation and strategies to help with physical and mental recovery. For more information on QuitCore programs offered in your area, or to become a QuitCore facilitator, visit albertaquits.ca.
• Primary Care Networks – a number of PCNs across the province offer tobacco cessation support for their clients.
• Family physicians – some family physicians have received training in tobacco cessation support and are prepared to provide counselling and prescribe pharmacotherapy.
• Community pharmacist – some pharmacists have received training in tobacco cessation support and are prepared to pr

Try a smoke free day:

Use this day as an opportunity to trial an over the counter nicotine replacement products.  Which is the right one for you?

For more information, visit http://nnsw.ca/events/weedless-wednesday/

The Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network offers a comprehensive Smoking Cessation program for anyone interested through either physician or self referral. The program involves individual one-on-one appointment with the Pharmacist at the LBD PCN.  After an assessment, the pharmacist will d assists you to make a plan that can result in a successful quit.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call the LBD PCN Registered Pharmacist, Nandini Desai at 780-986-6624.



Sunday 19 January 2014

National Non-Smoking Week

National Non-Smoking Week is January 19th - 25th, 2014.

National Non-Smoking Week (NNSW) has been observed for more than 30 years. It is one of the longest running and most important events in Canada’s ongoing public health education efforts. Established in 1977 by the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control (CCTC), its goals are:

• to educate Canadians about the dangers of smoking;
• to prevent people who do not smoke from beginning to smoke and becoming addicted to tobacco;
• to help people quit smoking;
• to promote the right of individuals to breathe air unpolluted by tobacco smoke;
• to denormalize the tobacco industry, tobacco industry marketing practices, tobacco products, and tobacco use; and
• to assist in the attainment of a smoke-free society in Canada.

14 Best Quit-Smoking Tips for 2014

1. Know why you want to quit:
So, you want to quit, but do you know why?  Ask yourself what do you have to benefit by quitting – is it to be a good role model, are you afraid of lung cancer, do you want to look and feel better – Is your reason to quit stronger than your reason to light up?
2. Don’t go cold turkey:
Many smokers are tempted to quit cold turkey – after all it’s all about will power, right?  No – it is not only about will power – Nicotine is addictive and so the brain has become used to having nicotine and starts craving it.  Depriving the brain from nicotine leads to cravings and withdrawal symptoms.  Ninety five percent of people who try to stop smoking without therapy or medication end up relapsing.
3. Try nicotine-replacement therapy:
Many options are now available over the counter to reduce the cravings and make quitting more comfortable.  Studies show that using these products can double your chances of quitting successfully.  Make sure you talk to a professional to select the right therapy.
4. Consider prescription pills
These pills reduce your cravings by affecting the chemicals in your brain and leave you less satisfied after you smoke.  Discuss with your doctor if this is of interest to you to assist you in quitting.
5. Don’t do it alone: 
Tell your friends, family and co-workers that you’re trying to quit.  Their encouragement may make all the difference to see you through tough times.TTT medication to boost your odds of success
6. Manage stress:
One reason people smoke is that the nicotine helps them relax.  You need to find other ways to relax without smoking.  Think of ways that may help you – listening to music, painting,  going for a walk, yoga, massage are some ideas.
7. Avoid alcohol:
Many smokers tend to smoke more while consuming alcoholic beverages.  If this is the case, consider reducing the amount of alcohol while you are trying to quit.
8. Avoid other triggers:
Identify your triggers – is it social, is it coffee.  Once you know what your triggers are, you can take steps to avoid or minimize them.
9. Make a plan: 
Set a quit date. Avoid special events and chose a day with a regular schedule. Start preparing for this date in advance - Make a list of all the things that may get in your way and write down a plan how you will deal with these,  make sure you have your medication in your possession and clean out your house – throw out your ashtrays, lighters, matches – anything that may tempt you to smoke.
10. Don’t give up:
Many people relapse and start smoking again.  If this happens, don’t be hard on yourself.  Relapse is very common – in fact only about half the people stay smoke free after their first try and it may take 3 to 4 attempts (or more) before successfully quitting.  (Remember –  “Quitting smoking is easy, I’ve done it hundreds of times” – quoted by Mark Twain)
11. Step up – move:
Physical activity can help reduce cravings, help relax and ease some of the withdrawal symptoms.  Something as simple as going for a short walk may not only distract you from smoking, but make you feel good and burn off some calories.
12. Eat fruits and vegetables:
Individuals who stop smoking have a tendency to gain weight usually because of increased consumption.  By watching what you eat – for example focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products and keeping a journal of what you are eating and drinking may minimize the weight gain.
13. What’s In It for you?
In addition to the tremendous health benefits, one of the perks of giving up cigarettes is all the money you will save.  Reward yourself by spending part of it on something fun for you.
14. Can’t quit – consider reducing:
If you are having a hard time quitting all together consider reducing.  Again, make a plan to reduce gradually at your comfort level.   Every cigarette less smoked equates to less chemicals entering your body.

For more information, please visit the National Non-Smoking Week website.

The Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network offers a comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program for anyone interested through either physician or self referral. The program involves individual one-on-one appointment with the Pharmacist at the LBD PCN.  After an assessment, the pharmacist will d assists you to make a plan that can result in a successful quit.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call the LBD PCN Registered Pharmacist, Nandini Desai at 780-986-6624.



Tuesday 7 January 2014

Immunization Clinics - Leduc, Beaumont, Devon, Thorsby

~UPDATE January 17, 2014~


Vaccine Supply Updates

Vaccine is no longer available: Calgary Zone, Central Zone, Edmonton Zone, North Zone, South Zone

Second Dosage for Children Under the Age of Nine:

Some doses of vaccine have been reserved for children who received first dose of influenza vaccine this season, and still require second dose of the vaccine. Children under the age of nine who received seasonal influenza vaccine for the first time this season require two doses this season to be fully protected.

Please call Health Link Alberta 1-866-408-5465, or your local Public Health Office, if you require a second dose for your child.

~UPDATE January 7, 2014~

Most pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of influenza immunizations this week. Please call ahead to see if your pharmacy is able to administer the influenza immunization. 

When you make influenza immunization (also referred to as a flu shot or FluMist) an annual event, you protect yourself, your family, and our communities from infection & illness.

Influenza immunization is free of charge to all Albertans six months of age and older, through dedicated Influenza Immunization Clinics across the province. Please note, pharmacies are not able to administer vaccinations to children under 9 years of age.

Please see this updated list of immunization clinics held at your local Health Centre. As the influenza immunization is in very short supply, many of the Health Centres are accepting patients by appointment only. Many Health Centres are booking weeks in advance so please call early. Alternatively, you can call your family doctor and ask if they are providing influenza immunizations.

Leduc
Leduc Health Centre
4219 50 Street, Leduc


January 14, 2014                  12:30 pm – 8:00 pm  drop in
January 21, 2014                  12:30 pm – 8:00 pm  drop in
January 28, 2014                  12:30 pm – 8:00 pm  drop in

Beaumont
Beaumont Health Centre
4918 50 Avenue, Beaumont

January 4, 2014                    8:45 am – 12:00 pm  drop in
January 10, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't
January 17, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't
January 24, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't
January 31, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't

Devon
Devon Public Health Centre
101 Erie Street S., Devon

January 8, 2014                    8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't
January 15, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't
January 22, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't
January 29, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't

Thorsby
Thorsby Health Centre
4825 Hankin Street, Thorsby


January 9, 2014                    8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't
January 16, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't
January 23, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't
January 30, 2014                  8:45 am - 12:00 pm  phone for app't

For more information on immunization clinics, please see the Alberta Health Services website at www.albertahealthservices.ca

Monday 6 January 2014

Leduc and Beaumont After Hours Clinic

Are you looking for medical care after hours? Both Leduc and Beaumont offer After-Hours Clinics.

The Leduc After-Hours Clinic is for basic medical services only. 

We are unable to perform the following:

Suturing, wart removal /treatments, physicals, driver's medicals, pre-op medicals, insurance forms.
Please note that there is a $10 charge for sick notes signed by the AHC physician as well as a $40 charge for those without valid health care. There is now a $40 charge for travel advise including prescriptions and injections as these services are not covered by Alberta Health.  CASH ONLY - change not available.
We do not prescribe narcotics or triplicate medications. 

Same-day, online appointment bookings for the Leduc After-Hours Clinic NOW AVAILABLE!

Appointments will now be made available starting at 5:00pm each day that the after-hours clinic is open. To book an appointment, click the button on the homepage that says "Leduc After-Hours Clinic - Book an Appointment" or click the link below. Clicking that button/link takes you to our online scheduler where you can book same-day appointments for the after-hours clinic. Select an available time slot on the scheduler for that evening's clinic. 

You MUST click the "CONFIRM" button or the appointment will not be booked. 
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment and remember to bring your Alberta Health Care card with you. When you arrive at the clinic, proceed to the counter to check in with our receptionist.

~~~PLEASE NOTE~~~ A select number of appointment spaces will still be available for walk-in appointments. We do our best to accommodate all walk-in patients, unfortunately there are times when the clinic reaches capacity and we have to turn people away. We apologize for this inconvenience. The online booking availability has been changed from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.


Leduc After-Hours Clinic:
4710 – 50th Street
3rd Floor
JHF Professional Centre
Located north of Leduc Cinema, entrance on the north side of the building.
After Hour Clinic hours are:
Monday – Thursday
6:00pm – 9:30pm
For more information about the Leduc After-Hours Clinic, please call the PCN at 780-986-6624.


The Beaumont After-Hours Clinic is for basic medical services only. 

We are unable to perform the following:

Physicals, driver's medicals, pre-op medicals, insurance forms.
Please note that there is a $15 charge for sick notes signed by the AHC physician as well as a $40 charge for those without valid health care. DEBIT and CASH ONLY - change not available.
We do not prescribe narcotics or triplicate medications. 

For more information about the Beaumont After-Hours Clinic, please call Beaumont Medical Clinic at 780-929-6050.

Same-day, online appointment bookings for the Beaumont After-Hours Clinic NOW AVAILABLE!

Appointments will be made available starting at 2:00pm each day that the after-hours clinic is open. To book an appointment, click the button on the homepage that says "Beaumont After-Hours Clinic - Book an Appointment " or click the link on this page. Clicking that button/link takes you to our online scheduler where you can book same-day appointments for the after-hours clinic. Select an available time slot on the scheduler for that evening's clinic. 

You MUST click the "CONFIRM" button or the appointment will not be booked. 

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment and remember to bring your Alberta Health Care card with you. When you arrive at the clinic, proceed to the counter to check in with our receptionist.
A select number of appointment spaces will still be available for walk-in appointments. We do our best to accommodate all walk-in patients, unfortunately there are times when the clinic reaches capacity and we have to turn people away. We apologize for this inconvenience.


Beaumont After-Hours Clinic
Beaumont Medical Clinic
(Stewart & Associates)
5001A-50 Street
Beaumont After-Hours Clinic:
Monday - Thursday
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Both clinics are staffed by family physicians from the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network.

Thursday 2 January 2014

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month


Alzheimer's disease is a fatal, progressive and degenerative disease that destroys brain cells. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 64 per cent of all dementias in Canada.
Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. Symptoms include having difficulty remembering things, making decisions and performing everyday activities. These changes can affect the way a person feels and acts. There is currently no way to stop the disease, but research is improving the way we provide care and will continue to search for a cure. 

For more information, please visit the Alzheimer Society Canada website.

Leduc Eldercare Consultation Team

The Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network provides a specialized geriatric assessment service for seniors who have chronic, complex health issues.  Our goal is to ensure seniors living in Leduc, Beaumont and Devon enjoy optimal health and quality of life while remaining in the community for as long as possible.

We accept referrals for the following conditions:

• cognitive/behavioural concerns
• functional decline (falls, mobility issues)
• review of medications
• capacity assessment


For referral to the Leduc Eldercare Consultation Team, please talk to your LBD PCN family physician.