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Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
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 hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is known as overactive thyroid. It occurs when your thyroid gland makes and releases too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly. It…
Hydration – Why It’s So Important
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste,…
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
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 human papillomavirus? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Canada. There are over 200 types of HPV. Some types don’t cause any…
How to Read an OTC Drug Facts Table
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 an OTC medicine? Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a prescription from your healthcare provider. Examples of OTC medicines include non-prescription pain relievers, allergy medicines, and cough…
How to Get the Most From Your Medicine
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Medicines can help you feel better. But if medicines are taken incorrectly, they can actually make you feel worse. To use prescription medicines and medicines you can buy over‑the‑counter (without a prescription)…
How to Care for Your Baby’s Teeth
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Healthy teeth are important to your baby’s overall health. They help your baby eat and form sounds and words. They also affect the way your baby’s jaw grows. Good oral care helps…
Hirsutism
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 hirsutism? Hirsutism is a condition where women have excess hair on their face or body. SYMPTOMS The main symptom of hirsutism is unwanted hair growth on the face, chest,…
Hip Fractures
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 hip fracture? A hip fracture is a break in your thigh bone (femur) where it connects to your pelvic bone In younger people, it typically happens with car…
High Cholesterol: Cholesterol-lowering Medicines
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Lowering your bad cholesterol can reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Bad cholesterol is also called LDL, or low-density lipoprotein. A number of lifestyle changes (for example, diet…
High Cholesterol
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 cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes to protect nerves and to make cell tissue and certain hormones. Your body also gets cholesterol from the food you…