Monday, 26 May 2014

June 2014 Newsletter online

Our June 2014 Patient Newsletter is now available. In this edition, read about:


  • Patient Satisfaction Survey and your chance to WIN an Apple iPod Air 64GB;
  • Get Out Get Active - participant numbers and wrap-up party;
  • Patient Self-Care Resources page added to our website;
  • Health in a Minute. Your Health, Your Team - health blog (you are reading it now!);
  • Health Advocates office now open - what they can do for you.
If you would like to receive future editions of this newsletter via email, please email Candra Tinis, LBD PCN Communications Coordinator at candra.tinis@lbdpcn.com.



Thursday, 22 May 2014

Patient Satisfaction Survey

The Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network would like your input!

Help us shape PCN programs and services to meet the needs of our community.

Please fill out our ONLINE SURVEY. Each person to complete the survey will be entered in a draw to win an Apple iPad Air 64GB!


(one entry per person)

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

May is Medic Alert Month

What is Medic Alert?

A medical ID provides information that could save your life in an emergency. With medical conditions, drug and food allergies, prescribed medicines and emergency contacts engraved onto its surface, a medical ID bracelet or necklace guides paramedics and doctors in giving you appropriate, timely treatment when you cannot speak for yourself.

Who should wear a medical ID?

If you have ongoing medical conditions, drug or food allergies, or are taking multiple medicines, you should wear a medical ID alert – There are medical bracelets for women and medical bracelets for men alike. An engraved medical ID bracelet or necklace presenting a concise overview of your conditions, allergies and medicines will alert a doctor or medic before starting treatment. Informing medical personnel about your unique medical conditions and needs will greatly aid pre-hospital care.

Who should wear medical alert ID?

Here is a partial list of ailments or persons who should wear a medical ID:

Diabetes
Heart disease (angina, atrial fibrillation, pacemakers)
Blood thinners/anticoagulants (Coumadin/Warfarin)
Drug allergies (such as Penicillin)
Food allergies (such as peanut)
Insect allergies (such as bee stings)
Alzheimer`s/Dementia/Memory impairment
Anemia
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Arrhythmias
Asthma
Autism
ADD/ADHD
Bariatric surgery patients
Blood disorders
Breathing disorders
Cerebral Palsy
Clinical trial patients
COPD
Cystic Fibrosis
Emphysema
Epilepsy, seizures
Hearing, sight or mentally impaired
Hypertension
Kidney failure
Mental health patients
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson`s Disease
People taking multiple medications
Rare diseases
Special needs children
Stroke risk
Surgery, transplant or cancer patients
Tourette Syndrome

Why are medical IDs important?

Perhaps your doctor, nurse or pharmacist advised you to obtain and always wear a medical ID, but why?

  • In an emergency, when you might not be able to speak for yourself, a medical ID bracelet or necklace speaks for you.
  • Symptoms of common ailments can easily be misdiagnosed. Prompt diagnosis is critical to effective treatment. A brief description of vital medical facts engraved on your medical ID ensures appropriate and timely medical care.
  • According to a published study, half of all medical errors occur because of mistakes made upon admission or discharge from the hospital. Wearing a medical ID protects against potentially harmful medical errors.
  • More than 95 percent of emergency responders look for a medical ID; more than 75 percent check for a medical ID immediately upon assessing the patient. If you`re wearing a medical ID, it won`t be missed.
  • Medical IDs can eliminate trips to the hospital, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and prevent minor emergencies from becoming major ones. Medical IDs save lives! One day, a medical ID may save you.


Nandini Desai is a Registered Pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator at the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network. 

Sunday, 11 May 2014

Celebrate our Nurses!

May 12 is International Nurses Day and Canada Health Day
May 12-18 is National Nursing Week


International Nurses Day and Canada Health Day are both celebrated on May 12, the day of Florence Nightingale's birth.

The theme for this year's International Nurses Day campaign is:
Nurses: A Force for Change - A vital resource for health



While the American's celebrated National Nursing Week last week, in Canada it is this week and offers a similar theme of:
Nursing: A Leading Force for Change



Let's celebrate our amazing nurses this week! Chris, Carla and Cherie, happy National Nursing Week and thank you for all you do for our LBD PCN patients.



Christina Vesty, Chronic Disease Management Coordinator, S.M.I.L.E. Healthcare Program



Carla Moore, Primary Care Nurse, Geriatrics, Leduc Eldercare Consultation Team


Cherie deBoer, Registered Nurse, S.M.I.L.E. Healthcare Program

Friday, 9 May 2014

Mental Health Week

National Mental Health Week - May 5-11, 2014

Mental Health Week is designed to encourage people across Canada to consider the role that mental health plays in our daily lives.  This week is a time to raise awareness about mental health and all the ways it impacts us, our loved ones, our friends, co-workers and society. 

For 2014 National Mental Health Week, Alberta Health Services has devised a series of simple steps that you can use to take care of your mental health and overall wellness.  This is a Mental Health Week Challenge that we at the Leduc Beaumont Primary Care Network would like to extend to as well.  
Friday’s challenge:
Day 5: Give Gratitude
Saturday's challenge:
Day 6: Get Your Groove On
Sunday's challenge
Day 7: Do Something Good

It is estimated that 1 in 5 adult Canadians will suffer from a mental disorder at some point in their lives.  Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common.  It is also reported that mental health problems place an estimated $14.4 billion total economic cost on Canadians.

Additional Mental Health Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Fact Sheet
Canadian Mental Health Association Woman’s Mental Health Fact Sheet


Sheila Gothjelpsen is a Registered Psychologist with the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network.

Thursday, 8 May 2014

Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week - May 5-11, 2014

Mental Health Week continues with Today’s challenge: Day 4: Laugh

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, it lightens our burdens and connects us to others. Laughter can help us overcome problems, enhance relationships and support good physical and emotional health. Learn why laughter is the medicine for the mind, here.



For 2014 National Mental Health Week, Alberta Health Services has devised a series of simple steps that you can use to take care of your mental health and overall wellness.  This is a Mental Health Week Challenge that we at the Leduc Beaumont Primary Care Network would like to extend to as well.  

Sheila Gothjelpsen is a Registered Psychologist with the Leduc Beaumont Dev

Wednesday, 7 May 2014

Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week - May 5-11, 2014

It is estimated that 1 in 5 adult Canadians will suffer from a mental disorder at some point in their lives.  Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common.  It is also reported that mental health problems place an estimated $14.4 billion total economic cost on Canadians.

How you feel about your self can play a big part in your mental well-being. Accept Day 3's challenge to Be Yourself.

Check back tomorrow for a new challenge!



Mental Health Week is designed to encourage people across Canada to consider the role that mental health plays in our daily lives.  This week is a time to raise awareness about mental health and all the ways it impacts us, our loved ones, our friends, co-workers and society. 

Tuesday, 6 May 2014

National Mental Health Week

National Mental Health Week - May 5-11, 2014

Mental Health Week is designed to encourage people across Canada to consider the role that mental health plays in our daily lives.  This week is a time to raise awareness about mental health and all the ways it impacts us, our loved ones, our friends, co-workers and society. 

It is estimated that 1 in 5 adult Canadians will suffer from a mental disorder at some point in their lives.  Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common.  It is also reported that mental health problems place an estimated $14.4 billion total economic cost on Canadians.

We continue the weekly challenge today with Day 2: Get Moving

Check back tomorrow for a new challenge!

Additional Mental Health Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Fact Sheet
Canadian Mental Health Association Woman’s Mental Health Fact Sheet


Sheila Gothjelpsen is a Registered Psychologist with the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network.

Monday, 5 May 2014

Mental Health Week

National Mental Health Week - May 5-11, 2014

Mental Health Week is designed to encourage people across Canada to consider the role that mental health plays in our daily lives.  This week is a time to raise awareness about mental health and all the ways it impacts us, our loved ones, our friends, co-workers and society. 

It is estimated that 1 in 5 adult Canadians will suffer from a mental disorder at some point in their lives.  Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common.  It is also reported that mental health problems place an estimated $14.4 billion total economic cost on Canadians.

So how do we maintain Mental HEALTH?

For 2014 National Mental Health Week, Alberta Health Services has devised a series of simple steps that you can use to take care of your mental health and overall wellness.  This is a Mental Health Week Challenge that we at the Leduc Beaumont Primary Care Network would like to extend to as well.  
 
Today’s challenge:

Each day during Mental Health Week a new challenge will be presented, so be sure to check back on the blog each day this week for the next challenge.

Additional Mental Health Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Fact Sheet
Canadian Mental Health Association Woman’s Mental Health Fact Sheet


Sheila Gothjelpsen is a Registered Psychologist with the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network.