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:
Fall Prevention Month: Stay balanced and confident
Stay protected this season: Book your immunizations today
Power over chronic pain
Fall Prevention Month: Stay balanced and confident
As we age, maintaining our balance becomes even more crucial. Not only does it help prevent falls, but it also boosts our overall confidence and mobility.
In honour of Fall Prevention Month, our physiotherapists recommend completing three daily exercises to keep you active and independent.
Strength and balance exercises for older adults:
Single-leg stance: Stand in front of a counter or wall if you need help with balance. Lift one leg off the ground and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat three times per leg.
Weight shift: Stand with your legs apart and feet parallel. Transfer your weight from one leg to the other. Repeat five times per leg.
Sit to stand: Sit on a sturdy chair and fold your arms across your chest. With your feet slightly apart, lean forward so your shoulders are over your feet and stand up fully. Slowly return to sitting. Repeat 10 times. If needed, use your hands to push off the chair.
Albertans are now able to book their annual immunizations against fall respiratory viruses. This includes the annual flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine booster, and new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.
Alberta is experiencing a noticeable rise in these respiratory viruses, according to the data on the respiratory virus dashboard. This increase is especially worrisome as it aligns with the fall and winter seasons when these illnesses are more common.
Eligible Albertans can book their immunization appointments through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System, calling Health Link at 811 for pharmacy or AHS clinic appointments, or by directly contacting a nearby pharmacy.
Please note:
The COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be given on the same day.
RSV vaccine must be given either two weeks before or two weeks after COVID-19 and/or influenza immunization vaccines.
Keep yourself and your community safe by staying up to date with your immunizations.
Did you know that vaccines also have a major impact on Canada’s economy, currently saving over $2.5 billion/year in unnecessary healthcare costs and lost productivity. By increasing access to routine vaccines, we protect our population and enhance our economy. Check out the latest study on the wider economic benefits of vaccines from the Adult Vaccine Alliance. Together, we can reduce the spread of these respiratory viruses and protect our health.
Did you know one in five Canadians live with chronic pain (pain that lasts longer than three months)? Chronic pain can be an invisible struggle, affecting many individuals.
The Power Over Pain Portal is a free service for adults and youth offering access to a number of pain education resources. These resources include videos, podcasts, courses, and peer support, all designed to help you manage and understand your pain better.
Additional features included with the Power Over Pain Portal:
Track your progress over time by creating an account
Connect with others who understand your experiences through peer support
Get in touch with a counsellor for 24/7 support
If you are one of the many Canadians who live with pain, this portal is co-designed for you by people who live with pain — you are not alone.
