Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network

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.

Concerned about your hearing? Talk to your primary care provider for more information about what else you can do to protect your ears!

08/05/2025

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.

Remember to:
✔️ 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 primary care provider if you have sensitive skin or are taking medications that increase sun sensitivity.

Protect your skin now and thank yourself later. ☀️

07/07/2025

July 7 is Parachute Canada National Injury Prevention Day.
Alberta’s Primary Care Networks want to help you make the most of summer, safely!

Whether you’re hiking, biking, swimming, or just soaking up the sun, a few small steps can go a long way in preventing injury:

✅ Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen
✅ Use helmets and life jackets for outdoor adventures
✅ Watch your step on uneven trails or wet pool decks
✅ Wear supportive footwear (leave the flip-flops for the beach!)
✅ Stretch before and after activity to prevent strains

Talk to your primary care provider about more ways to move, play, and enjoy the season.

07/02/2025

While summer brings sunshine and longer days, it can also come with stress, social pressure, or changes in routine that affect your mental health. Alberta PCNs offer free programs and services to help you manage anxiety and feel more in control, including virtual and in-person workshops on stress, sleep, mindfulness, and more!

Learn more: https://albertafindadoctor.ca/workshops/home

06/27/2025

We're looking for a full-time administrative assistant to join our team!

We owe our success to people and processes, and our administrative assistants are the supportive force behind both. This position falls under the supervision of the central office administrative lead, and responsibilities may include front-desk reception, referral management, and other clinical administrative support.

Learn more and apply online: https://www.edmontonsouthsidepcn.ca/career-opportunities/

Apply by July 7, 2025.

06/26/2025

We're looking for a full-time central office administrative lead to join our team!

This position is responsible for the day-to-day administrative support operations at the Central ESPCN clinic, including developing and leading a high-performing clinical administrative team. For more information and to apply for this position, visit: https://www.edmontonsouthsidepcn.ca/career-opportunities/

Apply by July 7, 2025.

06/16/2025

🏳️‍🌈 Everyone deserves access to safe, inclusive and affirming health care.
This Pride Month, Alberta’s Primary Care Networks recognize the unique barriers 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals may face when seeking care. Stigma, discrimination and a lack of inclusive services can make accessing health support feel more difficult than it should be.

Our teams are here to help bridge that gap and help connect you with the right resources and supports in your community.

✨ You deserve to feel safe, supported, and seen—during Pride, and every day.
Learn more👉https://albertapcns.ca/news/navigating-primary-health-care-lgbtq-patients

06/13/2025

June is Men's Health Month, and the Canadian Men's Health Foundation reminds us that men are .

Their latest research report shows that 1 in 2 men are at risk of social isolation and dealing with higher levels of stress and depression.

So, let's talk about the tough stuff, get the tools to build better mental health, and create a national movement bringing men together.

Support starts with a conversation; your family doctor is a great place to begin.
Learn more at menshealthfoundation.ca

06/10/2025

June is National Indigenous History Month. A time to listen, learn and honour the culture and history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. All month long, communities across Alberta are hosting events, workshops, and celebrations, including powwows, round dances, film screenings, art shows and more. These are powerful opportunities to connect, celebrate, and reflect together.

🪶 Find out what events are happening in your area: https://bit.ly/3ZL52VO

Can’t make it to an event? There are still many ways to be part of reflection and action:

🧡 Explore Indigenous literature, films, and documentaries to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and experiences
🧡 Familiarize yourself with the traditional territories and treaties of the land you occupy
🧡 Support Indigenous-owned businesses and artists

Alberta PCNs recognize that reconciliation is also part of health care. We are committed to learning from Indigenous voices, creating culturally safe spaces, and working toward a system where every patient feels respected and heard.

06/06/2025

It's a simple question that can transform your care.

Today, Friday, June 6, is What Matters to You Day. This day is a reminder for patients, families and health care providers are encouraged to have open and meaningful conversations with each other.

At your next health appointment, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your goals, values, lifestyle and concerns are important. Sharing them can help your care team make decisions that truly reflect your needs and address your concerns.

Here are a few ways to start the conversation:

🗣️ “Can I share what’s most important to me right now?”
🗣️ “I’ve been thinking about what matters to me. Can we talk about it?”
🗣️ “What are my options, and which best fit with my life?”
🗣️ “How can we build a plan that supports my goals?”

06/05/2025

Measles spreads fast, and it's more serious than you might think. The best protection for you and your family? Getting immunized.

Getting your measles immunization is easy, free and effective.

📞 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://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Immunization/pages/measles.aspx?tab=3

If you have any questions about measles or immunizations, please contact your PCN health care provider.

06/04/2025

Seniors' Week is a special time to celebrate seniors and their valuable contributions to our communities! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, stories, and wisdom with us and our friends at Alberta Seniors' Centre Without Walls

This week we celebrate YOU!

Your wisdom, your stories, your laughter, and the strength you bring to our community every day. Whether you're sharing a memory, joining a game, or just listening to a conversation, you are what makes our community special.