Iron helps your blood carry oxygen through your body. When your iron levels are too low, you can develop a condition called iron deficiency anemia. This can lead to serious health issues. A person who is pregnant needs more iron to support the growth of their baby. During pregnancy, you need about one third (1/3) more iron. This pamphlet explains how much iron you need each day, how you can make sure you get enough iron, and how you will know if you are getting enough iron. Space is included fo…
Your eyes are filled with a fluid made by the ciliary body. This fluid flows through the pupil, in front of the lens, and then out through a drain called the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma is a disease where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. It usually happens when the trabecular meshwork (drain) does not work and fluid cannot drain from the eye. Fluid buildup in the front part of the eye increases pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. This damage may at first caus…
Une saine alimentation peut aider à réduire votre risque de maladie du cœur en améliorant vos taux de cholestérol et en vous aidant à abaisser votre tension artérielle, à gérer votre poids corporel et à contrôler le taux de glucose (sucre) dans votre sang. Nous vous offrons des suggestions pour une saine alimentation, comme des conseils visant à réduire votre consommation de sel, à augmenter votre consommation de fibres, à manger plus de légumes et de fruits et moins de sucre et de gras. Nous …
A spinal anesthetic is a type of anesthesia (freezing medication). It is used for surgeries on the lower part of your body (stomach and below). This pamphlet explains what a spinal anesthetic is, if it will hurt, if you will hear what is happening during your surgery, how a spinal anesthetic is different from a general anesthetic, the benefits and risks, if you can have a spinal anesthetic if you have a back problem, and if you can take pain medications with a spinal anesthetic. Information abo…
Heart healthy eating means having a balance of nutritious whole foods in your meals. Healthy eating can help lower your risk of heart disease by improving your cholesterol levels, lowering your blood pressure, managing your body weight, and controlling your blood glucose (sugar). This pamphlet explains what you can do to eat heart healthy, including tips to help limit sodium (salt), sugar, and fat, and eat more fibre, fruits, and vegetables. Information on how to read a food label is given. A l…
The liver is an organ in your body that helps to break down and digest the food you eat, cleans your blood, and fights infection. Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. “Hepatitis” means swelling of the liver. Hepatitis B can cause serious liver problems, including liver damage, liver failure, and liver cancer. People with kidney disease who may need dialysis or a kidney transplant in the future, have a higher chance of getting Hepatitis B. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is to get …
Your heart pumps blood around your body through blood vessels called arteries. Blood pressure is the force of blood on the walls of your arteries as it moves. This pamphlet explains what high blood pressure is, how it is is measured, and treatment.
Phosphorus is a mineral found in your body. When your kidneys are working well, they keep your phosphorus at a healthy level. Sometimes after a kidney transplant your phosphorus level can be low. A good way to increase your phosphorus level is by eating foods high in phosphorus. This pamphlet lists foods that are high in phosphorus.
Phosphorus and calcium are minerals found in your body. When your kidneys are working well, they stay in good balance. This is good for your bones. When your kidneys do not work well, phosphorus levels in your blood go up. This pamphlet explains what causes high phosphorus, the symptoms of high phosphorus, and how to control phosphorus. Examples of high phosphorus foods and drinks to limit and avoid are listed.
The prostate is a gland that makes seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is a disease where cancer cells start to grow in the prostate gland. These cancer cells grow into a tumor and can spread to other parts of the body such as the bones and lymph nodes. This pamphlet explains what causes prostate cancer, what hormones are, what testosterone does, how hormone therapy works for prostate cancer, how long you will be on hormone therapy, and side effects. A list of resources for further information is pr…
This pamphlet is a teaching tool for COVID-19 patients and their caregivers. When you have COVID-19, lying on your belly and in different positions will help your body to get air into all areas of your lungs. The pamphlet outlines different ways to position yourself to help you breathe easier. The French version of this pamphlet, 2255, "Comment s’allonger sur le ventre : instructions pour les patients atteints de COVID-19 et leurs aidants," is also available. The Arabic translation of this pamp…
This is an Arabic translation of pamphlet 2251. This pamphlet is a teaching tool for COVID-19 patients and their caregivers. When you have COVID-19, lying on your belly and in different positions will help your body to get air into all areas of your lungs. The pamphlet outlines different ways to position yourself to help you breathe easier. The French version of this pamphlet, 2255, "Comment s’allonger sur le ventre : instructions pour les patients atteints de COVID-19 et leurs aidants," is als…
IRM est l’abréviation d’imagerie par résonance magnétique. L’appareil d’IRM utilise un puissant aimant, des ondes radioélectriques et un ordinateur. Il n’utilise pas de radiation ou de rayons X. L’appareil d’IRM prend des images détaillées qui permettent de voir les tissus de votre corps qui sont en santé et ceux qui ne le sont pas. Ces images aident votre médecin à diagnostiquer différents problèmes de santé. L’IRM n’est pas douloureuse. La présente ressource explique la durée de l’IRM, la faç…
Cervidil® is a thin, flat insert, like a tampon. It contains medication called dinoprostone. Dinoprostone is like a natural substance made by your body. It softens your cervix to get it ready for labour. This pamphlet explains what to expect when you get Cervidil®, possible complications of Cervidil®, and when you should call or return to the hospital. The French version of this pamphlet 1815, "Déclenchement artificiel du travail et maturation cervicale au moyen d’une insertion vaginale de dino…
Certain blood cancers and blood disorders are treated with a stem cell transplant. Total Marrow Irradiation (TMI), like chemotherapy, is given to get your body ready for the stem cells. This pamphlet describes why TMI has been recommended, what will happen during treatment, possible side effects, supports available, and suggested questions to ask your health care team.
Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), or who are on dialysis, have anemia because their red blood cells are low. The body needs iron to help make new red blood cells. This pamphlet explains how to take and store this medication, and lists possible side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 2161, "Fer injectable et insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC)," is also available.
Intermittent catheterization is a way to drain urine (pee) from your bladder at different times. A catheter (thin, hollow tube) is passed through the urethra (short tube where urine from your bladder is moved outside of your body) into the bladder to drain the urine. This pamphlet explains why a catheter may be needed, how to put the catheter in, how to wash your catheter, and things to remember. A list of symptoms that require medical attention is provided.
IVIG is a collection of antibodies. Antibodies help your body fight infection. IVIG comes from the plasma (part of the blood) of thousands of different donors. IVIG is available under many brand names (like Gamunex®, IGIVnex®, Gammagard Liquid®, and others). This pamphlet explains how IVIG is given, benefits, and possible side effects.
Iron is a mineral that the body needs to make red blood cells. This pamphlet outlines the symptoms, treatment, and information about intravenous (I.V.) iron infusions.
Iron is a mineral that the body needs to make hemoglobin in red blood cells. Sometimes iron must be given by IV before or after surgery. This pamphlet reviews how iron is given, a list of iron-rich foods, possible side effects, what to do after receiving iron therapy, and who to call should you have any problems.