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Progestin-Only Contraceptives
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What is a progestin-only contraceptive? A progestin-only contraceptive is one kind of birth control pill. It is often called the “mini-pill.” Regular birth control pills have 2 female hormones: estrogen and progestin…
Preventive Services for Healthy Living
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. How can my healthcare provider help me stay healthy? In addition to treating you when you are sick, your healthcare provider can follow a program designed to help you stay healthy. This…
Preventing the Flu
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What is influenza? Influenza (also called “the flu”) is a viral infection in the nose, throat and lungs. It is estimated that influenza causes approximately 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada…
Preventing Malnutrition in Older Adults
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What is malnutrition? Malnutrition is when your body doesn’t get enough nutrients from the foods you eat to work properly. Nutrients include fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. These substances give your…
Peritonsillar Abscess
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 a peritonsillar abscess? A peritonsillar abscess (say: pair-ee-TON-sill-er AB-sess) occurs when a sore filled with pus (a thick, whitish-yellow fluid) forms near one of your tonsils. The tonsils are…
Pelvic Inflammatory 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 pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)? Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs (the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries). Normally, the cervix (opening to the womb)…
Paronychia
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 paronychia? Paronychia (say: “pare-oh-nick-ee-uh”) is an infection in the skin around the fingernails or toenails. It usually affects the skin at the base (cuticle) or up the sides of…
Pap Smear (Cervical Smear)
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. A Pap smear is a medical exam used to determine if a woman has cervical cancer. A Pap smear is also called a Pap test. It’s performed by a healthcare provider, usually…
Panic Disorder
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Get emergency care if you or a loved one has serious thoughts of suicide or harming others. OVERVIEW What is panic disorder? Panic disorder is a condition in which a person has…
Pancreatitis
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 pancreatitis? Pancreatitis (say: “pan-kree-ah-tie-tiss”) is inflammation (swelling) of your pancreas. The pancreas is a gland near your stomach and liver that helps you absorb and digest food. Pancreatitis can…