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.
Pinworm Infection
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 pinworms? Pinworms are small, white worms that live in the intestines. Pinworm infections are common in young children and are easily treated. SYMPTOMS How will I know my child…
Plagiocephaly
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 plagiocephaly? Plagiocephaly is a condition where your baby’s head has a flat spot or is misshapen. There are various levels of severity and can occur during pregnancy or after birth….
Plantar Fasciitis
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 the plantar fascia? The plantar fascia is a band of tissue, much like a tendon, that starts at your heel and goes along the bottom of your foot. It…
Pleurisy (Pleuritis)
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 pleurisy? Pleurisy is a medical condition. It affects the lining of your lungs and chest. The lining can become inflamed or irritated. This happens when excessive fluid collects in the…
Pneumococcal Vaccines for Seniors
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 pneumococcal vaccine? A pneumococcal vaccine is an injection that can prevent pneumococcal disease. A pneumococcal disease is any illness that is caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including pneumonia. In fact,…
Pneumonia
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 pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It causes the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs to get inflamed (irritated and swollen). They may fill up with fluid…
Poison Ivy
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 poison ivy? Poison ivy can be found in every province except Newfoundland and Labrador. It has 2 forms. One form grows low to the ground. It is usually found…
Poisoning
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 poison? A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body. There…
Polycystic Kidney 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 polycystic kidney disease? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disease that affects the kidneys. Sacs of fluid (called cysts) grow in the kidneys. If too many cysts grow…
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
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 polycystic ovary syndrome? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs when an imbalance of hormone levels in a woman’s body causes cysts (say: “sists”) to form in…
Polycythemia Vera
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 polycythemia vera? Polycythemia (say: “polly-sigh-thee-me-ah”) vera (PV) is a rare disease in which your body makes too many red blood cells. Your blood may become too thick. This causes…
Polyps
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 polyps? Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue. They are small and can be shaped like a raised bump or a stalk with a stem. Polyps latch onto the walls,…
Post-Traumatic Stress 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 post-traumatic stress disorder? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety…
Postpartum Depression
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 Are mood changes common after childbirth? Yes. After having a baby, many women have…
Postpartum Preeclampsia
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 postpartum preeclampsia? Postpartum preeclampsia is high blood pressure in a woman who has recently had a baby. It can happen as early as a few days afterwards, or up to…