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Athletes – The Importance of Good Hydration
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Why is it so important to stay hydrated? Whether you’re a serious athlete or a recreational exerciser, it’s important to make sure you get the right amount of water before, during, and…
Atrial Fibrillation
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 atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (pronounced: ay-tree-all fib-rill-ay-shun) is an irregular heartbeat that is typically very fast. Your heart has 4 compartments called chambers. The top 2 chambers are called the…
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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 ADHD? Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name of a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People who have ADHD have trouble paying attention in school,…
Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
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 autism? Autism is a brain disorder that affects the development of normal social and communication skills. People who have autism have trouble communicating and interacting with other people, starting…
Backpack Safety
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Kids carry a lot in their backpacks: homework, books, lunch, jackets, sports equipment … The list goes on and on. And while your child’s backpack may be big enough to tote all…
Bacterial Vaginosis
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 bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection in the vagina caused by a type of bacteria (germ). The vagina normally contains a lot of “good” bacteria, called lactobacilli…
Balancing Work and Caregiving
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. According to the Vanier Institute of the Family, 6.1 million Canadians were caregivers to a family member and also worked outside the home. If you’re currently caring for a loved one, chances…
Barrett’s Esophagus
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 Barrett’s esophagus? Your esophagus is a tube that goes from your throat to your stomach. When you swallow, food travels down this tube and into your stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux…
Bartholin’s Gland Cyst
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 Bartholin’s gland? The Bartholin’s gland is a tiny organ on each of the labia (vaginal lips), near the opening of the vagina. If the vagina were the face…
Becoming Parents – What It Means for Couples
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Having a baby changes many things at home, including your relationship with your partner. The following are some tips to help you keep your relationship strong. Spend time together as a couple….
Bedbugs
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 bedbugs? Bedbugs are oval-shaped, wingless parasites that have 6 legs and are about 1/5 of an inch (1 cm) long. They range in color from white to brown, although…
Being a Single Parent
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Before having children, most people may picture a family with two parents. However, for many people, the reality is that they are the only parent. Although raising a child as a single…
Bell’s Palsy
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 Bell’s palsy? Bell’s palsy is a condition that partly or completely paralyzes the side of your face. In rare cases, both sides of your face may be affected. Bell’s…
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
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 benign paroxysmal positional vertigo? Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a problem with the nerves and structure of the inner ear that causes you to suddenly feel dizzy. SYMPTOMS…
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
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 benign prostatic hyperplasia? Benign prostatic hyperplasia (also called BPH) is a condition that affects the prostate gland in men. The prostate is a gland found between the bladder (where…