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How to Stop Steroid Medicines Safely
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What are steroid medicines? Steroids are a type of medicine with strong anti-inflammatory effects. They can reduce inflammation (redness, swelling and soreness). They come in pill form, as inhalers or nasal sprays,…
How to Give Your Child Medicine
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What do I need to know about my child’s medicines? Your child’s healthcare provider and your pharmacist can answer questions about prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. (OTC medicines are medicines that you…
Hirschsprung’s Disease
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is Hirschsprung’s disease? Hirschsprung’s disease is a birth defect that affects the large intestine (bowel). This condition occurs while a baby is in the womb. It is caused by missing…
Hip Problems in Infants (Hip Dysplasia)
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What are hip problems in infants? A hip problem in infants is known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). It is when the ball of the hip joint isn’t formed…
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is hemochromatosis? Hemochromatosis is a disease in which your body has high levels of iron. That means you have too much iron. It’s often called “iron overload.” Iron overload can…
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)? Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a rare disease that causes the blood vessels in the skin to become irritated and swollen. This inflammation is called vasculitis. When the…
HELLP Syndrome
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is HELLP syndrome? HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious illness in pregnancy. It is a version of preeclampsia, another pregnancy condition that causes high blood pressure. It causes blood…
Heat Rash
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is heat rash? Heat rash is a skin irritation that stings and makes your skin red. It is also called miliaria or prickly heat. If you have this condition, your…
Healthy Ways to Gain Weight If You’re Underweight
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Weight loss is a serious issue in Canada. Consumers constantly see advertisements and news reports on trendy diets, flashy products and magic pills promising to help them lose weight. Given that the…
Healthy Living – How Common Behaviors Affect Your Health
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What comes to mind when you think of taking risks with your health—driving recklessly, or maybe abusing alcohol or illegal drugs? Those behaviors are certainly risky. However, many people have less dramatic…