Drayton Valley Primary Care Network

08/14/2025

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. If you're exposed and unvaccinated, you may need to quarantine for up to 21 days, even if you feel fine.

What many don’t realize:
🔸 1 in 10 will get an ear infection that can lead to permanent hearing loss
🔸 1 in 20 children with measles develop pneumonia
🔸 1 in 1,000 can develop brain swelling (encephalitis), which may cause long-term disability

Getting your measles immunization is easy, free and effective. Two doses protect over 95% of people for life.

Call the Measles Hotline at 1-844-944-3434 to book your immunization appointment,
check your records or get more information.

Learn about measles, who is at risk, and how it spreads: https://bit.ly/3F93Ggq

If you live outside Calgary or Edmonton, contact your local public health or community
health centre for immunization information. Find yours here: https://bit.ly/4maM44J

08/13/2025

For International Youth Day, we’re celebrating young people in our communities and their creativity, passion, and fresh perspectives on a local and global scale. 🌍

Health care teams at primary care networks recognize both the challenges and milestones that come with growing up. Whether it’s support for mental health, nutrition, or any other part of your wellbeing, your primary care provider is here to help you through every step of your journey.

You’ve got this, and we’ve got you!

08/12/2025

Heat stroke is no joke! 🔥 When temperatures soar, your body can overheat fast leading to heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency.

Know the signs:

☀️Dizziness or confusion
☀️No sweating despite being in high temperatures
☀️Nausea or fainting

When out in the heat make sure to: Stay hydrated, wear breathable clothing and take breaks in the shade or AC.

If someone shows symptoms, cool them down ASAP and if their condition worsens, call emergency services.

Stay safe, stay cool, and don’t let the heat win. If you have questions or concerns about heat safety, your PCN or primary care provider can help.

08/08/2025

Protect your hearing this summer. Big sound, big fun 🔊 but also a big risk. Whether you’re headed to a concert, stadium or street festival, noise levels can spike above 100 decibels, which is enough to cause permanent hearing damage in just 15 minutes.
You can protect your ears by:
👂Bringing earplugs
👂Taking breaks away from the speakers
👂Choosing a spot that’s further from the stage or sound system
These small steps can help you enjoy the moment without putting your long-term hearing at risk. Once hearing is damaged, it doesn’t come back. Take care now so you can keep enjoying music, conversation and connection for years to come.

08/07/2025

08/07/2025

Tick bites can carry more than just a sting — they can carry illness too.

If you’ve been out hiking, biking or gardening, check your skin (and your pet’s) for ticks.
Find one? Remove it with clean tweezers and watch for a rash, fever or flu-like symptoms.

📍 Talk to your family doctor or call 811 for next steps.

💡 Prevention tip: wear light-coloured clothing, tuck your pants in, and use insect repellent with DEET.

08/06/2025

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is changing this fall.

Starting later this year, most Albertans will need to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine unless they’re considered high risk or are on government support programs.

💉 Vaccines will remain free for:
➡️Seniors in supportive living
➡️People with specific medical conditions
➡️Those at higher risk of severe illness

📍 Vaccines will be available through public health clinics (not pharmacies).
👉 Appointment booking opens August 11 at: https://bookvaccine.alberta.ca/

💬 Have questions? Talk to your primary care provider to learn more.

07/25/2025

Stay cool this summer and hydrate like a pro! 💧 Dehydration can sneak up fast in the heat, especially during outdoor activities. We’re here to here to help you stay well and prevent heat-related illness.

Quick hydration tips:

✅ Carry a reusable water bottle
✅ Eat water rich foods like watermelon and cucumber
✅ Set reminders to sip regularly
✅ Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks when it's hot

Your body will thank you!

Staying hydrated helps prevent headaches, fatigue, and more serious issues. If you have questions, talk to your doctor.

07/24/2025

Summer tip from our PCN pharmacists: Don’t skip the sunscreen! ☀️

Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days; it’s an important part of your daily routine, especially in the summer. Whether you're walking the dog, gardening, or running errands, UV rays can damage your skin.

👩‍⚕️ Pharmacist-approved tips:

✔️ Choose broad-spectrum: Look for SPF 30 or higher with protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
✔️ Apply generously: Adults need about 30 mL for full-body coverage (about the size of a golf ball).
✔️ Reapply every 2 hours: Or more often if you're sweating or swimming.
✔️ Don’t forget the details: Ears, neck, tops of feet and the backs of hands are often missed.

Talk to your PCN pharmacist if you have sensitive skin or are taking medications that increase sun sensitivity.

Protect your skin now and thank yourself later. ☀️

07/24/2025

Self-care doesn’t have to mean big changes all at once. Try choosing one small action at a time to your routine. When you’re ready, you can add another. Over time, those small steps can make a big difference in how you feel. 🌸🪜

For International Self-Care Day, we challenge you to choose one simple activity you can incorporate into your daily routine to support your mental, physical or spiritual wellbeing.

If you’re not sure where to start, try asking your primary care provider for a referral to a behavioral health consultant (BHC) BHCs can help you set meaningful goals and build an action plan that fits your life.

07/18/2025