Vaccines protect an entire population by preventing the spread of disease from one person to another…the more people immunized, the less chance there is for disease to spread. Preventing infection by immunization is a lifelong process that does not stop when you become an adult! Childhood immunization programs have significantly reduced vaccine-preventable diseases among children, but Canada's population has an increasing number of adults who remain vulnerable to these diseases. All adults should be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. As well, adults 65 years of age and older and those with conditions that increase their chances of complications (COPD or Diabetes for example) should receive one dose of pneumococcal vaccine in addition to a yearly Influenza vaccine. What is Seasonal Influenza? It’s a common and highly contagious respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs. In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April. Most people will recover from influenza within a week or ten days, but some - including those over 65 and adults and children with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer - are at greater risk of more severe complications, such as pneumonia. Approximately 3,500 Canadians can die from influenza and its complications annually, depending on the season. Thinking of travelling? Be sure you are protected against illnesses such as hepatitis, typhoid, meningitis, yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis depending on where you are going. If you’re not sure what you might need and have access to a computer, you can go to http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/index-eng.php to learn about any travel advisories that may be applicable. As you grow older, you don’t outgrow your need for immunization. Whether you are a parent, a young adult or a senior, talk to your health care provider about being up-to-date on your immunizations. Preventative Health Care – the Easiest Way to Protect Your Future!
Spirometry is a common and effective diagnostic test that can easily be done in your health care provider’s office. Spirometry is the most reliable way to test your lungs for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma. The earlier it’s done, the earlier lung disease can be detected and treated. Who should have spirometry testing? People with asthma: Spirometry is an important diagnosis and management tool for people with asthma. If you have asthma and have never had a spirometry test, please talk to our respiratory therapist about spirometry. Smokers and former smokers: If you are over 40 and smoke or used to smoke, you may have COPD. Take this quick test:
If you answered "Yes" to one or more of these questions, you may have symptoms of COPD. See our respiratory therapist to find out what is causing your symptoms Why should I see a respiratory therapist? Can't it wait? If you get early treatment for COPD you can slow down the damage to your lungs. Referrals to our respiratory therapist are generated through the Temagami FHT’s physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse or through self-referral by calling (705) 569-3244 to request an appointment. Early detection and intervention contribute
to the best possible health outcomes! Blood work is done as part of your annual health exam or to assist in monitoring certain medications or illnesses. The average healthy person needs their blood work done every 1-3 years. As a person ages, as health problems develop or prescriptions change, blood work may need to be done more often. This is especially true in cases of diabetes or with the use of Coumadin, a medication that helps make the blood less “sticky”. In these situations, the patient is usually asked to come in more often. In most other situations, such as increased bad cholesterol or triglycerides, the blood work really only needs to be checked once every year. The following is information that might be helpful before you come in for blood work:
Blood work is an important part of monitoring you health. It usually does not need to be done frequently but it does need to be done. If you haven’t had either your blood work or an annual health exam done within the last few years, contact the Temagami Family Health Team to schedule an appointment. Preventative Health Care – the Easiest Way to Protect Your Future!
Heath care is a team effort. You, as the patient, are a primary team member and as such, you are expected to be an active participant in your health care. Your responsibilities include:
Be an active member of your health care team! Expired and unused prescription medications are often left lying in medicine cabinets and cupboards. Adults and seniors may accidentally take expired or unused prescription medications that are no longer effective. This can have dangerous interactions with other medications. In a recent study, 15.2% of teens said they had taken a prescription drug to get high and almost 70% of them got it from home. Safe disposal of unused and expired drugs ensures they do not end up in the wrong hands. Why is Safe Disposal Important?
The Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team…
committed to keeping you as healthy as possible! |
AuthorEllen Ibey Archives
August 2022
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