Prenatal Care Information
Read on for up-to-date information regarding prenatal care
Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, provided us with some tips for staying safe this Halloween. We can all do our part by staying home and not handing out candy if you are sick, even with mild symptoms.
You can stay safe by
- Wearing a non-medical mask
- Trick-or-treat with your household
- Maintain social distancing
- Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands often.
- Use tongs to hand out candy
- Build a candy slide, be creative!
As a reminder that the current public health restrictions on outdoor gatherings must be limited to 20 people and indoor gathering for those who are vaccinated is limited to 10 people from two households. Indoor gatherings are not permitted for those who are unvaccinated.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, “Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer among Canadian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) and the second leading cause of death from cancer among Canadian women.” (1)
There are several risk factors associated with the development of breast cancer. Some we cannot modify, such as family history, genetics, age, and breast density. Making lifestyle changes, however, including limiting your alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, reducing your weight if you are overweight or obese and being physically active for at least 150 mins/week, can help lower your risk for developing breast cancer (1,2).
Breast awareness plays an important role in breast cancer screening. Women should be aware of changes in their breasts and see a healthcare professional if they notice any nipple discharge, rashes on nipples, inversion, dimpling or any new masses in the breasts or armpits (3).
The key component to screening is a test called a mammogram, which is a low-dose x-ray of the breast and the most reliable way to find breast cancer early in women. A mammogram is performed to help find breast cancer before any symptoms develop, as early detection and treatment increase the chances of successful outcomes (1). All women between the ages of 50-74 years of age should have screening mammograms every 2 years (1).
If you are between the ages of 40-49 or above 75 years old, you should discuss your breast cancer risk with your doctor including the benefits and limitations of mammograms (1).
To find out more about breast cancer, risks and screening, book an appointment with your Health Home team or visit:
www.screeningforLife.ca/breastcancer
www.cancer.ca
www.phac.aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/mammography-mammographie-eng.php
Sources
- cancer.ca, 2020.
- cancer.org , 2021.
- topalbertadocs.org
PCN Careers
Current Palliser PCN career postings – employment with Palliser PCN.
Clinic Careers
Current clinic job postings – employment within clinics.
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls
A free phone-based seniors program for adults 55+.
Staying well during Covid
Current opportunities for patient health and wellness.
Patient resources
Resources your PCN provider may have directed you to access before/after a visit.
Health Homes (Clinics)
A list of Palliser PCN health homes (clinics), contact information, and PCN physicians and teams in those locations.