Gradient compression stockings help return blood to your heart by compressing (squeezing) your leg muscles. This gently squeezes your veins and helps to push your blood in the right direction. This pamphlet explains why you need a prescription to get gradient compression stockings, when to put on your compression stocking(s) each day, how to take care of your stocking(s), and when to replace them. Other things you can do to help your condition are listed.
This double-sided sheet allows you to write down the ostomy supplies that have been ordered for you after you have received ostomy care. Details about follow-up appointments and when to call the NSWOC (Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence) Clinic are listed. Contact information for nurses specialized in wound, ostomy, and continence in the Atlantic region is included.
This double-sided instruction sheet outlines needed equipment and gives step-by-step procedures to help you change a two-piece colostomy/ileostomy pouch. Contact information for the NSWOC (Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence) Clinic is included.
This double-sided instruction sheet outlines needed equipment and gives step-by-step procedures to help you change a one-piece colostomy/ileostomy pouch. Contact information for the NSWOC (Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence) Clinic is included.
Registered Dietitians provide nutrition services outside of hospitals and health centres at locations across western Nova Scotia. Topics include: services provided, nutrition education topics, and how you can get an appointment with a dietitian. If you want to refer yourself or a family member, call the dietitian nearest you to set up an appointment. A list of phone numbers is given.
The exercises in this guide will help you improve the range of motion (ROM) and strength in your neck and shoulder muscles after your neck surgery. Illustrations showing how to do each exercise are included.
Total laryngectomy is the removal of your larynx (voice box). Your larynx is being removed because it has a disease (like cancer). Your usual way of talking will change after your surgery. This pamphlet explains what to expect before, the morning of, and right after your surgery. Other topics include what to expect at home, protecting yourself from the flu, stoma and laryngectomy tube care, supplies, humidity, speech rehabilitation, nutrition, follow-up, and symptoms that require medical attent…
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…
Your doctor has talked to you about stereotactic radiation therapy. This therapy allows high dose radiation beams to be focused on a small area. This pamphlet explains how to get ready for your treatment, what will happen during your treatment, how many treatments you will need, and what will happen after your treatments are finished. The phone number for the Patient Line at the QEII Cancer Centre is given.
Angioplasty of the leg (also called a balloon procedure) is a procedure done to open narrowed arteries in your leg. It may be done to slow or stop you from having bypass surgery (surgery to help blood get past a blockage). This pamphlet explains: why you need this procedure, steps of the procedure, what a stent is, risks, how to prepare for surgery, and what recovery will be like after surgery. The French version of this pamphlet 1791, "Angioplastie des artères de jambe (intervention par ballon…
This sheet provides general skin care instructions for after a vulvar biopsy or vulvar excision.
Esophagitis is inflammation or irritation of the esophagus (the tube through which food passes when we swallow). It is a side effect that you may experience if your radiation therapy treatments are given to the throat, chest, or breast. You may experience heartburn or a “lump” in your esophagus, the feeling that food is stuck in your esophagus, pain, or difficulty swallowing certain foods. This pamphlet gives tips that may help your esophagitis, information about the Esophageal Soft Diet, and h…
An STI is an infection that is spread through sexual contact. Most STIs can be treated very easily. However, if left untreated, many can cause problems later. This pamphlet explains common symptoms of STIs, how we test for and treat STIs, what has changed with the STI Clinic, how to make an appointment, what to do if you just want to be screened for STIs, and what to expect at the Clinic. The STI Clinic's location and hours are also provided.
This pamphlet is a breast reconstruction guidebook. Your health care team will fill out the pamphlet with your appointments and breast cancer summary. They will also write summaries of the initial, secondary, and nipple/areola breast reconstructions. The pamphlet explains how to care for the drainage tube, how to empty the drain, and when the drains will be removed. Post-mastectomy and post-breast reconstruction draining schedule charts are included. The pamphlet describes signs of infection or…
As part of your care, you may be provided supports and services offered by Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care and/or contracted service providers. It is important that you have the information you need to make informed decisions while receiving Continuing Care services. This pamphlet explains what you can expect in terms of quality care, dignity and respect, your plan of care, service decisions, your privacy, safety, and fees for service. Contact information for the Nova Scotia Health Patient/F…
In Nova Scotia, more than 100 people have a major amputation (limb loss) each year. This guide will help you get ready for your surgery by letting you know what to expect. This guide explains levels of lower limb amputation, who is on your health care team, what will happen before surgery, and what to expect after surgery. Information about coping with amputation, how to position yourself, care of your amputated leg and other leg and foot, getting around, and living at home is included. A list …
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV. This means that once you have HIV, you will have it for life. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) happens when HIV destroys your immune system, leading to serious and life-threatening infections and cancers. An HIV test only checks for HIV. It does not test for AIDS. This pamphlet explains how HIV is spread, the pros and cons of being tested for HIV, how an HIV test is done, and w…
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids. This pamphlet provides a list of signs and symptoms. Topics include how blepharitis is treated, cleaning your eyelids, and relieving symptoms.
This pamphlet provides space for you to record important health information related to your diabetes. You should bring this record with you each time you visit your primary health care provider or the Diabetes Management Centre. Things you can do to best manage your diabetes are listed. Contact information is also provided.
The Opioid Recovery Program (ORP) is for people who are addicted to opioids. We provide: opioid maintenance therapy (methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone), programs in physical health (like the Chronic Pain Clinic, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy) and mental health (like the Recovery Support Program, addictions counselling). This pamphlet explains how to access the ORP, what will happen after you talk to the MHA Intake Service, how to get ready for your first appointment and what to brin…