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:

1. Do you cough regularly?
2. Do you cough up phlegm regularly?
3. Do even simple chores make you short of breath?
4. Do you wheeze when you exert yourself (exercise, go up stairs)?
5. Do you get many colds, and do your colds usually last longer than your friends’ colds?

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.

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: 

• If you are thirsty, you can and should drink small amounts of water while you are fasting for blood work.
• Fasting means no food or drink (except water) or smoking for 12 – 14 hours prior to having your blood drawn. This also means no gum.
• Most medication can and should be taken prior to having fasting blood work done. The exception would be diabetic medication or medication that must be taken with food. 
• If you are diabetic, you do not necessarily have to have fasting blood work done every time you have your blood drawn. If you are unsure, ask your provider.
• Wear loose clothing especially around the arms. Short sleeves are best.
• Let the provider know if you have ever felt “light headed” or have fainted when having your blood drawn.
• If you cannot get an appointment in the desired time in Temagami, you can take your requisition to another laboratory. This is sometimes helpful if you have plans to be out of town during the timeframe that you want your blood work done.
• Relax – drawing blood is easier when you are relaxed. Sometimes it looks like a large amount of blood is being drawn, but remember each vial contains no more than 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons

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.

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:

• Ensuring your health care provider has accurate and complete information about current symptoms and complaints; current medications and treatments; allergies and past medical history including illness, injury and treatments;

• Keeping all appointments and NOTIFYING THE OFFICE IN ADVANCE if this is not possible;

• Returning to the clinic if you are still unwell after treatment;

• Notifying your primary care provider of any significant change in condition or reaction to treatment or diagnostics;

• Actively participating in all decisions about treatments and asking questions if there is any confusion—please continue to ask questions if you still don’t understand;

• Complying with prescribed treatments and lifestyle changes or discussing options or alternatives with the provider(s), and asking for help if you don’t understand how;

• Scheduling your own diagnostic imaging appointments, e.g. ultrasound.  A requisition will be provided to you by our office, but it is your responsibility to call and schedule your appointment.  No one knows your schedule better than you do!

• Booking an appointment to follow up when your provider orders diagnostic testing, i.e. lab work, x-rays, ultrasound, etc. especially if you are unwell;

• Calling the pharmacy to have your prescriptions refilled (if you have refills) or calling to make an appointment BEFORE you run out if you have no refills. We would like to see you once a year to renew all of your medications (narcotics not included); please keep your medications in their original containers.

• Calling the office to enquire about test results or specialist appointments if a reasonable amount of time has elapsed without hearing from us.

• Informing reception of any changes to your address, phone number, health card number or change in pharmacy. It’s important to keep this information up-to-date!

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?

• Having multiple prescriptions and other medications increases the risk of negative drug interactions and side effects including increasing the risk of falling
• The misuse of prescription medications by teens for non-medical use is a serious growing problem
• Medication is hazardous waste – flushing it down the toilet or throwing it in the garbage pollutes the environment.
  
  

Steps to Follow for Safe Disposal:

• Check medication regularly for expiry dates
• Place unused, old or “just in case” prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements in a bag
• Drop the bag off at your local pharmacy for free and safe disposal
• Keeping remaining medications locked up and out of the reach of children