Nova Scotia Health Authority. Halifax Infirmary. Minor Procedures. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0422

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This test is sometimes called a spinal tap. There is a space around your spinal cord that is filled with fluid. In a lumbar puncture, a small amount of fluid is taken from this space. The cells in the fluid are studied under a microscope in a lab to check for any problems. This pamphlet explains what a lumbar puncture is, how long it takes, how the test is done, and what will happen after the test. A list of symptoms that require medical attention is included.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QE II. Division of Neurosurgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0059

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A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is taken from your body for testing. A stereotactic biopsy helps to diagnose and/or treat brain conditions (like movement disorders, pain syndromes, and tumours). This pamphlet explains how the biopsy is taken and what will happen during your surgery.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Orthopedic Clinic. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0203

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This medicine is used to treat discomfort, pain, and/or swelling. Local anesthetic will be injected with the corticosteroid. Tips for handling discomfort at the injection site are given. Some safety points about the use of ice and heat are also provided.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0282

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Your doctor has recommended Botox® injections for your blepharospasm (rapid eye blinking) or facial muscle spasms. Botox® blocks the chemicals that cause the spasms in your muscles. Botox® is not a cure. It helps relieve your symptoms for about 3 months. This pamphlet explains what Botox® is and how it works, how to get ready for your appointment, what will happen during and after the treatment, and side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 1783, "Injection de Botox®", is also availabl…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Heart Health Portfolio. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0016

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This pamphlet answers questions you may have after having a heart attack. Lowering your risk factors for heart disease, heart healthy eating, coping with stress, activity, exercises, checking your heart rate, warning signs you are doing too much, medications and how to use nitro spray are covered. Directions for managing chest pain or discomfort at home are given.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0176

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This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely after surgery. This surgery is called a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). It is needed when the tear duct is blocked and tears cannot drain. During the surgery, your surgeon will make a new tear path so that your tears can drain into your nose. The pamphlet explains what will happen before, during, and after your surgery. Topics include pain, how to use a cold compress, your dressing, after care, and follow-up. Symptoms that need medi…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0136

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This surgery removes all or part of a damaged cornea (the clear, front part of your eye) and replaces it with healthy donor tissue. A corneal transplant can be done to improve vision, relieve pain, or treat a severe (very bad) infection. This pamphlet explains the 3 main types of corneal transplants, what to expect after surgery, things to remember, and how to use eye drops. A list of symptoms that need medical attention right away is included. The French version of this pamphlet 1718, "Greffe …

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Library Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0228

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Many people look for health information online. Using Google may give you lots of information, but it may not be the best information. The quality of information online varies. This pamphlet includes questions to ask about health-related websites, things to think about, and good starting points for online health information. The internet can be helpful, but it should never replace talking to your health care providers. They are the experts.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII, Nova Scotia Health Authority. Dartmouth General Hospital. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0672

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This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely before and after day surgery. The French version of this pamphlet 1537, "Avant et après une chirurgie d'un jour", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0257

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Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians is committed to providing services to meet the needs of Deaf, hard of hearing, and late-deafened people with dignity, integrity, and respect. American Sign Language-English interpreters can be hired through Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians to facilitate communication between deaf and hearing people in a wide range of settings. This pamphlet explains how to request interpreting services.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Inherited Heart Disease Clinic. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0631

Available Online

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy thickens the heart muscle. It usually affects the wall between the 2 bottom chambers (called the septum). When the muscle thickens, it gets stiff. This makes it hard for the bottom chambers to relax and fill with blood before each heartbeat. Thick heart muscle can cause scar tissue. Scar tissue can put you at a higher risk of dangerous, fast heart rhythms. The pamphlet gives the cause of HCM, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Further resources are also given.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Inherited Heart Disease Clinic. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0630

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In arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), some of your heart muscle is replaced by fat and scar tissue. ARVC usually affects the right side of the heart. The fat and scar tissue dilate (stretch) the right side of your heart. This weakens the heart muscle. This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood out to your body. If your ARVC is very bad, it may cause fluid to build up in your lungs (causing shortness of breath), ankles, or belly (causing swelling). ARVC can also chang…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Inherited Heart Disease Clinic. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0629

Available Online

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In dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the heart muscle becomes weak. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood out to the body. This causes the bottom chambers to dilate (stretch). A weak heart can also cause fluid to build up in your lungs (causing shortness of breath), ankles, or belly (causing swelling). DCM may also change your heart's electrical activity. This can cause fast heart rhythms. The pamphlet gives the causes of DCM, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Further resources also gi…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Inherited Heart Disease Clinic. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

1021

Available Online

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LQTS is a rare disease that can change your heart's electrical activity. With LQTS, the channels in your heart cells do not open and close the way they should. This can cause abnormal heart rhythms. These abnormal heart rhythms are dangerous. You heart may beat so fast that it cannot pump blood out to your body. These abnormal heart rhythms can make you collapse (faint). If the rhythm does not stop, they can cause sudden death. The pamphlet provides the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, a…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Nephrology/Dialysis Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0739

Available Online

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Parathyroidectomy is a surgery that removes your parathyroid glands. Your parathyroid glands are in your neck (usually on the back of the thyroid gland). They help to control your blood calcium and phosporous levels. Hyperparathyroidism is when one or more of the parathyroid glands makes too much parathyroid hormone in your blood. If this happens, you will need a parathyroidectomy. This pamphlet explains what a parathyroidectomy is, the possible complications with this surgery, care after surge…

Nova Scotia Health. Diagnostic Imaging, IWK Health. Diagnostic Imaging. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0456

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MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI machine uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer. It does not use radiation or X-rays. The MRI machine takes detailed images that show tissues in your body. These images will help your primary health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) or specialist diagnose your condition. An MRI does not hurt. This pamphlet explains how long an MRI takes, how to get ready for your MRI, what to bring to your appointment, and what will…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Nutrition and Food Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0107

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Making healthy eating choices after your transplant can help control your weight, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure. Eating healthy can also help control your blood glucose (blood sugar) if you have diabetes. This pamphlet gives tips for healthy eating and explains how to make healthy food choices. Information about reading food labels, making your recipes healthy, safe food handling, and eating out is included. The French translation of this pamphlet 1106, "Manger sainement après une trans…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0582

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Your health care provider has talked with you about why your eye or the contents of your eye must be removed. This pamphlet will help you learn how to safely care for yourself after your procedure. The medical term for eye removal is enucleation. The medical term for removing the contents of the eye and leaving the outer coat (sclera) behind is evisceration. Both procedures mean permanent loss of the eye. This pamphlet explains what will happen before and after your surgery, including wearing a…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0576

Available Online

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This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely after surgery. It explains why you may need eyelid surgery, medications to tell your surgeon's office you are taking before surgery, and what will happen during and after your surgery. Information on your dressing, how to use a cold compress, pain, and your follow-up appointment is included. A list of symptoms that need medical attention right away is also given. The French version of this pamphlet 2101, "Opération de la paupière…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Nephrology Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

1151

Available Online

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Hemodialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to filter your blood and remove waste and extra water from your blood. Topics include: what your kidneys do, what acute kidney failure is, what peritoneal dialysis is, what hemodialysis is, and how to live with kidney disease. A resource list is also given.