Search Health Information Topics Online
Reliable health information available on this website will help you understand health issues that matter to you, your family and your community. Type the topic or title that you'd like to lookup and then click Search.
Alcohol Abuse
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 alcohol abuse? Alcohol abuse, also called problematic alcohol use, is a serious…
Alcohol Abuse – Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
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. What is alcohol withdrawal syndrome? Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms that people…
Allergic Conjunctivitis
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 allergic conjunctivitis? Allergic conjunctivitis is a common cause of “pink eye.” It occurs when the clear, thin, membrane (conjunctiva) that covers your eyeball becomes swollen and irritated. Symptoms of…
Allergic Rhinitis – Nasal Sprays – How to Use Them Correctly
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Nasal sprays are liquid medicines you spray into your nose. They are used to help relieve congestion (stuffiness) in your nose. Congestion is often a symptom of a cold or allergies. Path…
Allergic Rhinitis (Allergies)
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 allergic rhinitis? Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for hay fever or allergies. You have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that don’t cause problems for most…
Allergy Shots – Could They Help Your Allergies?
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW Another name for allergy shots is allergen immunotherapy. It is a type of treatment that relieves symptoms for people who have chronic allergies. Allergy shots contain small amounts of the thing…
Alzheimer’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 Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer Dementia is a type of dementia. Dementia is a condition that describes a wide range of symptoms. The symptoms are associated with physical and functional changes…
Amenorrhea
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 amenorrhea? Amenorrhea is the medical term for when a woman doesn’t have menstrual periods. There are two types of amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is when you are late to start…
Anal Fissure
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 anal fissures? An anal fissure is a small crack or tear in the thin, moist lining of the lower rectum. It is a common condition. Sometimes people confuse anal fissures…
Anaphylaxis
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 anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. It occurs when you are exposed to something you are severely allergic to. Immediate medical attention is required. SYMPTOMS Symptoms of anaphylaxis…
Anemia
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 anemia? Anemia is one of the most common blood disorder in Canada. It affects your red blood cells and hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood cells that…
Angina
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 angina? Angina is a heart condition that causes chest pain or pressure. However, not all chest pain and pressure is heart-related. There are three types of angina: Stable angina….
Ankle Sprains
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 ankle sprain? Your ankle is the joint that connects your leg to your foot. This joint is made up of many bones. The bones are connected to the joint…
Antacids and Acid Reducers – OTC Relief for Heartburn and Acid Reflux
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a healthcare provider’s prescription. There are 3 types of OTC medicines that treat heartburn: Antacids reduce the effects of acid in your stomach….
Antibiotic Resistance
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 antibiotics? Antibiotics are medicines that fight (or prevent) infections caused by bacteria, certain parasites and some types of fungus. Antibiotics cannot fight infections caused by viruses (which include most colds…