Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. General Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0168

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Your surgeon has arranged for you to have your appendix removed. This surgery is called an appendectomy. This pamphlet gives information about what will happen to you after surgery and how you can take part in your care. This pamphlet explains what your appendix is, what will happen after your surgery, where your incisions will be, when you can shower/bathe, and if you can eat and get up and move around after surgery. The pamphlet also explains when you can go home, drive, return to work, and h…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. GI Unit. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2024.

Pamphlet Number

0273

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This test is done to look at your swallowing muscles and the pressure in your esophagus (tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). The pamphlet describes where you go for your test, how to get ready, how the test is done, and what will happen after the test. The Chinese version of this pamphlet 2430, is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Cardiac Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0331

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This test uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of your heart. During this test, a flexible tube is passed through your mouth, down your throat, and into your esophagus (swallowing tube that connects your mouth and stomach). There is a special probe on the end of the tube. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, and care after the test.

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 a non- profit organization, serving the approximately 150,000 deaf, hard of hearing, and late-deafened people in the province of Nova Scotia. This pamphlet gives information on hiring American Sign Language-English interpreters.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Mental Health and Addictions Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0745

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Relapse means that the symptoms you had before being treated have come back or gotten worse. It can also mean you are not able to do as many of your everyday activities. Relapse is common for people who have a mental illness or a substance use disorder. It is even more common for people who have both. This pamphlet explains what you can do to prevent relapse. Information about common triggers and early warning signs of relapse is provided.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Mental Health and Addictions Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0758

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Taking your medication is an important part of your treatment. It means you are playing an active role in keeping up your health and well-being. This pamphlet explains why some people stop taking their medication. If these or other issues concern you, please talk to your primary health care provider. They can help you find solutions. Tips to help you take your medication are listed. The French version of this pamphlet 1916, "Prendre vos médicaments", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Mental Health and Addictions Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0761

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People with bipolar disorder have periods when their mood is very high or very low. These episodes may last for several days, weeks, or months. In between these episodes, the person’s mood may be normal. The period of very high mood and other symptoms is called mania. The period of very low mood and other symptoms is called depression. This pamphlet explains what causes bipolar disorder, what the symptoms of mania and depression are, how bipolar disorder is treated, and where you can get help.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Mental Health and Addictions Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0766

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Depression is a treatable brain illness that can cause feeling sad or low most of the day, having little energy, loss of interest in your usual activities, trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time, eating a lot more or a lot less, and poor concentration. This pamphlet explains what causes depression, how it is treated, and where you can get help.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Neurosurgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

1033

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The Neurosurgery Unit is for people with brain and/or spinal cord injury or disease. Our goal is to give the best possible care to you using a team approach. We have different levels of care to support your recovery. This pamphlet explains the 2 levels of care: the Neurosurgery Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) and the Neurosurgery floor. It also gives information about transitioning from the ICU, Home First and discharge planning, visiting, information for your loved ones, places for your loved on…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Infection Prevention and Control. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1036

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Hand hygiene is the best way to stop the spread of germs in health care settings, the community, and at home. The pamphlet describes the importance of hand washing, proper hand washing methods with soap and water, and the use of an alcohol-based hand rub along with a diagram of specific Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) instructions. The French version of this pamphlet 1781, "Hygiène des mains", is also available.

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

Pamphlet Number

0631

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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

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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. QE II. Halifax Infirmary. Department of Neurosurgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2024.

Pamphlet Number

0060

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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to help treat conditions like movement disorders and neurological (brain) disorders. This pamphlet explains whether DBS may be right for you, the 3 steps of DBS surgery, what to expect after your surgery, and symptoms that need medical attention right away.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Legacy of Life Organ Donation Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0470

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Organ and tissue donation can improve or save the lives of many people. A single organ donor can save up to 8 lives. Eye and tissue donors can improve the lives of up to 75 people. Topics include: who can donate, how to register, what happens if you do not register, and who can access your decision. Organs and tissues that can be donated are listed in the pamphlet. The Legacy of Life Organ Donation Program can provide more information. ; The French version of this pamphlet 2218, "Don d’organes …

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

Pamphlet Number

1021

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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

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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. QE II. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0405

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This pamphlet gives information about your care at home after minor oral surgery. Topics include discomfort, activity, mouth care, controlling bleeding and swelling, food, and stitches. Contact numbers for urgent and non-urgent questions are included. The French version of this pamphlet 1727, "Après une chirurgie buccale mineure - Site du VG", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

1083

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Cleft lip and palate surgery is done to correct differences in the lip, nose, jaws, and roof of the mouth. Bone from the hip may be needed to make certain changes (cleft alveoli). This pamphlet explains what will happen on the day of your surgery and after your surgery. A Discharge Checklist is included. The pamphlet also includes contact numbers for both urgent and non-urgent questions once you are home.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1085

Available Online

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A facial bone fracture (break) must be treated to prevent future problems. Problems could include developing facial deformities, dental malocclusions (“bad bite”), jaw infection, or changes in facial growth. You will likely be admitted to a hospital room from the Emergency Department or from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic. This pamphlet explains what to expect before and after surgery, and at home. A discharge checklist and contact numbers for urgent and non-urgent questions are incl…