Community Health Connect  is the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network's newsletter dedicated to providing members of our community with the latest healthcare information.

In this issue:

• Navigating the seasonal shift: Is it allergies or a cold?
• Community partner spotlight: Screening for Life
• Breaking barriers: Translation services to bridge the gap

Navigating the seasonal shift: Is it allergies or a cold?

Spring’s arrival was met with snow and colder conditions than most of us would like. Calgarians know true spring is around the corner, the grass will start to grow, and flowers will eventually bloom.

Did you know nearly 40 per cent of Canadians report being allergic to pollens or grasses?

As we transition from winter to spring, many of us experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, or sore throat.

How do we know if these are signs of a cold or the start of seasonal allergies?

With the seasonal change, we may conclude allergies are triggering these symptoms. However, cold viruses are always circulating. Both conditions have common symptoms but are treated differently.

 For more information  about the common causes, symptoms, and treatments for colds and allergies, plus tips on how to stay healthy during the seasonal shift, check out our article on the Alberta Find a Doctor website.

Community partner spotlight: Screening for Life

April is Cancer Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the importance of regular health screenings.

Early identification of cancer is essential so that we can seek early intervention and treatment that improves the success of treatment.

 Screening for Life  is your go-to resource for information on recommended screenings. Their video series provides information and resources about cancer screening so that Albertans can make informed decisions on their health.

Alberta currently has screening programs for four types of cancer: Breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers.

Eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Breast: For women* between the ages of 45 and 74 who are at average risk, screening mammogram every two years or as decided by you and your healthcare provider.
• Cervical: For women* between the ages of 25 and 69 who are at average risk, regular Pap test every three years or as decided by you and your healthcare provider.
• Colorectal: For everyone between the ages of 50 and 74 who are at average risk, annual FIT home stool test.
• Lung: High-risk and current or past cigarette smokers between the ages of 50 and 74 may be eligible for screening.

*Please visit the 2SLGBTQI+ sections of the breast and cervical cancer screening sections for specific information related to gender.

You are automatically included in the breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening programs when you are within the screening eligibility range for each cancer type. This means you will receive personalized invitation, reminder, and result letters.

Share this with someone you care about so they, too, can benefit from early detection.

Breaking barriers: Translation services to bridge the gap

At our PCN, we provide diverse programs and services to the doctors in our membership and their patients to support ongoing, quality care. These services are to help break barriers and ensure patients have access to the care support they need.

Acknowledging the diversity of our city, and the importance of communication when receiving care and treatment, reaching a clear understanding between healthcare provider and patient is extremely important.

There are 165 different languages spoken in our city. We offer access to translation services in over 240 languages to our patient-facing teams and the doctors in our membership.

Translation services significantly impact patients by improving communication, enhancing care quality, reducing errors, and increasing access to healthcare services for all.

If your doctor is a member of our PCN they may be using this service. Speak with your family doctor to see if this service is available to you.  

If you have feedback on any health topics you would like to learn or read more about, please contact us directly at hello@cwcpcn.com.

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