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:

• Your voice matters: Volunteer with the Patient Advisory Council 
• Around the clock blood pressure monitoring
• Not just a headache: Recognizing migraine awareness month

Your voice matters: Volunteer with the Patient Advisory Council

 Join our Patient Advisory Council  and make a difference for patients and families throughout our region. We are looking for volunteers to join the council for our PCN — the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network.

Our Patient Advisory Council involves members of our community in initiatives to ensure patients and families are true partners in primary care.

What is the purpose of the council?

• Represent the patient perspective by providing meaningful input on our current and future programs and services.
• Where appropriate, identify knowledge gaps in the delivery of current or future programs and services for patients with diverse backgrounds and care needs.
• Identify and advise on opportunities to include patient and family perspectives in initiatives seeking to better integrate care within our PCN’s geographic boundaries.

If you have ideas to help improve our PCN or know someone who might, please visit our recently revised website for details and share the information with people you know.

Around-the-clock blood pressure monitoring

High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease, according to Heart & Stroke Canada.

Almost eight million people in Canada have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. With this consideration, our PCN is proud to support 24-hour blood pressure monitoring with no cost to patients.

 Twenty-four-hour blood pressure monitoring  allows a device to measure your blood pressure at regular intervals as you move throughout a typical day, even while you sleep.

The data will help your healthcare provider get a more accurate picture of your blood pressure numbers.

Why 24-hour monitoring? Some people who have normal blood pressure at home may have elevated blood pressure in a healthcare setting. Known as “white coat syndrome” it can lead to an inaccurate hypertension diagnosis.

Additionally, 24-hour monitoring also tracks the effects of medications on blood pressure, allowing your provider to adjust dosage or the times that you take your medication depending on your blood pressure patterns.

Our PCN collaborated with multiple service providers to create a single, combined referral form for 24-hour blood pressure monitoring that the doctors in our membership can use to make a referral for an appointment at the most convenient location for the patient.

For information on our other programs and services, please visit our recently revised website.

Not just a headache: Recognizing Migraine Awareness Month

 A migraine is more than just a headache;  it's a complex neurological condition that can cause a variety of symptoms impacting one's quality of life.

June is Migraine Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge and recognize the impact of this condition on millions of people worldwide.

One-quarter of households in Canada are affected by migraines. Despite the prevalence, migraine is often misunderstood and stigmatized. This can potentially impact other areas of your overall health and wellness such as your mental health.

Migraine Awareness Month is aimed at helping Canadians and their healthcare providers to better manage migraine.

Your doctor's office is a safe space to discuss your symptoms and their impact on your day-to-day life. Family doctors can provide resources and support, ensuring that no one navigates this condition alone.

Our PCN works with both the family doctors who are members of our organization and their patients to improve primary care in Calgary. Your health needs will always be the driving force behind important healthcare decisions. 

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.

For more updates, follow us on social media!