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.
July 2026
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Hi , in this issue you can get information about:
Staying safe during summer heat
Ticks and mosquitoes: Fact or myth?
Community partner spotlight: Finding Balance
Staying safe during summer heat
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but hot weather can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
Taking a few simple precautions can help keep you and your family safe.
Know the signs:
Heat exhaustion can develop when your body loses too much water from sweating. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, and fatigue.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, hot red skin, and a very high body temperature. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
Stay hydrated
Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. During hot weather, drink water often and take breaks in cool or shaded areas.
Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dizziness, or unusual fatigue.
Be aware of your medications
Some medications can make it harder for your body to stay cool or hold onto water.
If you take medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, mental health, or another long-term health condition, speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Check in on others
Older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic health conditions may be more vulnerable during extreme heat events. Consider checking in on family members, friends, and neighbours during periods of hot weather.
Warmer weather means more time outdoors — and more chances to come across ticks and mosquitoes.
How much do you really knowabout protecting yourself? Let's separate fact from fiction.
Myth: Ticks only live in forests.
The truth: Ticks can be found in grassy areas, bushes, and trees, including parks, trails, campsites, and other outdoor spaces. To help prevent tick bites, wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent, and check yourself, your children, and your pets after spending time outdoors.
Fact: Most tick bites do not lead to Lyme disease.
Not all ticks carry Lyme disease, and most tick bites do not cause illness. However, it's important to remove ticks as soon as possible and watch for symptoms, such as a spreading rash, fever, feeling very tired, headache, or sore muscles and joints in the days or weeks following a bite.
Myth: Mosquito bites are only itchy and annoying.
The truth: While most mosquito bites are harmless, mosquitoes can sometimes spread disease. The best protection is prevention: Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and reduce standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.
Fact: Some symptoms after a bite should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Contact a healthcare provider if you develop flu-like symptoms, a spreading rash, signs of infection, weakness, or other unusual symptoms after a tick or insect bite. In rare cases, tick bites can cause serious symptoms that need immediate medical care.
Free resource
Found a tick? Use eTick, a free online tool that helps identify ticks and shares information about the health risks associated with tick bites. You can upload a photo of a tick for identification and access information about tick prevention, removal, and Lyme disease.
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults in Alberta?
Every year, about one in three older Albertans experiences a fall. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and stay active and independent.
This month, we're highlighting Finding Balance, a program that helps older adults prevent falls, developed by the Injury Prevention Centre at the University of Alberta in partnership with seniors' groups, healthcare organizations, and practitioners across Alberta. Since 2007, Finding Balance has been helping older adults learn practical ways to prevent falls and maintain their independence.
Finding Balance offers free, evidence-based resources for adults aged 55 and older, including falls prevention guides, home safety checklists, falls risk self-assessments, exercise programs, instructional videos, and tips for staying active. No referral is required, and all resources are available online.
Research shows that participating in at least two hours of balance-focused exercise each week can reduce the risk of falling. Finding Balance provides tools and resources to help older adults build strength, improve balance, and stay confident in their daily activities.
Please consider sharing this information with the older adults in your life or the people who care for them.
