The goal of the 3 Wishes Project is to improve the end-of-life experience for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and their loved ones. This pamphlet lists what the team helps with and provides examples of some of the wishes made by patients and their loved ones. It also describes where the program started and which organizations support the program. Contact information is provided.
5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) is a medication often used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It helps to controll active ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s colitis and keep mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in remission (period of recovery). Topics include: what does 5-ASA do, which 5-ASA you should take, how to take 5-ASA, what other medications you can take, and how 5-ASA will help. The pamphlet also describes side effects and how long you will need to take 5-ASA.
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a small electronic device with a blood pressure cuff attached to it. This pamphlet explains how to use an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for 24 hours (1 day). It also provides info on where to return the monitor when you are done. Contact information is provided if you have questions. The French version of this pamphlet 2389, "Mesure ambulatoire de la tension artérielle pendant 24 heures," is also available. The Arabic version of this pamphlet 2401, "2…
This pamphlet is an Arabic translation of "24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring" pamphlet 2073. An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a small electronic device with a blood pressure cuff attached to it. This pamphlet explains how to use an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for 24 hours (1 day). It also provides info on where to return the monitor when you are done. Contact information is provided if you have questions.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner has decided that you need the care of a cardiologist (heart doctor). You need a test called a cardiac catheterization (dye test). This pamphlet explains what to expect when you are taken to the Halifax Infirmary (HI) to have this test done. It explains what to expect while you are waiting to be transferred, before your transfer, and when you arrive at the HI. What to expect after you are discharged is also reviewed.
An aneurysm happens when a blood vessel gets bigger than normal. When an aneurysm happens in the main artery of the abdomen, it is called an abdominal aneurysm. This pamphlet explains why an aneurysm happens, who is at risk, how it is diagnosed, why it is life-threatening, and how it is treated. The French version of this pamphlet 2079, "Anévrisme de l’aorte abdominale", is also available.
Nova Scotia Health promotes a smoke-free, tobacco-free, and vape-free environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Nova Scotia Health is committed to helping people smoke less, stop smoking, and stay smoke-free. This pamphlet provides information about smudging ceremonies, stopping smoking, referral to Tobacco Free Nova Scotia (TFNS), and what to do if you decide you are ready to try to quit tobacco. Contact information for TFNS and the Stop Smoking Program is provided. The French version of …
The Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) is an international program created to support parents, babies, and families by supporting families to make an informed decision about how they feed their baby, promoting practices that give parents and babies a healthy start, and protecting families from marketing pressures. All hospitals and public health units in Nova Scotia Health are working towards becoming designated as Baby-Friendly. The IWK became designated in 2019. This pamphlet explains what staff …
The Active Cycle Breathing Technique (ACBT) will help clear secretions like sputum. Sputum is mucus mixed with saliva (spit). This pamphlet outlines steps involved in breathing control, deep breathing exercises, and huffing. A technique summary is provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2200, "Technique de respiration en cycle actif (TRCA)," is also available.
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.
This guide will help you learn how to care for yourself safely before and after day surgery for an adenoidectomy. Topics include getting ready for surgery, what will happen on the day of surgery, what will happen right after surgery, and care at home. Things to avoid for 2 weeks after your surgery, activity, and bleeding are also covered. The French version of this pamphlet 2176, "Adénoïdectomie - Hôpital régional Valley," is also available.
Ce guide vous apprendra comment prendre soin de vous en toute sécurité avant et après une adénoïdectomie, qui est une chirurgie d’un jour. Il parle de la préparation à l’opération, du déroulement de la journée, de ce qui se passe tout de suite après l’opération et des soins nécessaires à la maison. Il renseigne aussi sur les choses à éviter au cours des 2 premières semaines, sur la reprise des activités et sur les saignements. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of the English pamphlet 2070…
Advance care planning, or personal care planning, is the process of reflecting on what is important to you, to help you plan for your future medical and personal care. This pamphlet gives information about advance care planning, personal directives (PDs), delegates, what will happen if you do not have a PD, where to keep your completed PD and who should have a copy of it, when you should update your PD, and some treatments you should consider when making a PD. Information about Medical Assistan…
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.
This pamphlet provides information about what to expect after having surgery to remove teeth. Pain and discomfort, controlling bleeding and swelling, what to expect with swallowing and opening your mouth wide, bruising, having a fever and feeling sick, hygiene, eating and drinking guidelines, signs of infection, stitches, sedation and anesthesia, activity, smoking, and what to do if you have a dry socket are discussed. Contact numbers for both urgent and non-urgent questions are also provided. …
What to expect after ear surgery, how to care for yourself at home, and an explanation of the different types of ear surgery are given. This pamphlet also shows a detailed image of the ear and middle ear. A list of symptoms that need Emergency Department attention are noted.
If the pressure inside your eye stays too high after using drops and/or laser treatments, you will need surgery to treat your glaucoma. You may have a trabeculectomy or a shunt procedure. This pamphlet explains what a trabeculectomy and a shunt procedure are, and what will happen after the surgery. Instructions for your care at home are provided, including discomfort, wearing an eye shield, using eye drops, and activity. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention is provided. T…
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.
This pamphlet provides information for patients transferring out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Different aspects of recovery from a critical illness are covered, including memory problems, sleep, depression and/or anxiety, breathing, weakness and pain, body image, and family. Ways to help with common problems while recovering from a critical illness are provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2185, "Après l’unité de soins intensifs (USI) - Service des soins intensifs, QEII (USI 3A et …
This pamphlet will help you with your care at home. Topics include: pain, activity, eating and drinking, mouth and throat care, and post-surgery directions for a direct laryngoscopy. There is also space to record your followup appointment and your doctor's contact information.