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.
This pamphlet gives step-by-step instructions on how to collect a 5-HIAA urine (pee) specimen (sample). Location information for drop-offs (24-hour access) is included.
This guide explains the info that you were given during your hospital stay. It will help to answer any questions you may have after discharge. Topics include anticoagulation (blood thinners), pain control, dressings and wound care, possible complications, followup, and activity.
The Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Group is a skills training group. This group is for people who have a hard time controlling and expressing their emotions effectively. Topics include: how to join the group, when and where the group is held, expectations, and topics covered during sessions.
This pamphlet explains how to use an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for 24 hours (1 day). It also gives information on where to return the monitor when you are done. 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, "24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (Arabic)", is also available.
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.
You are going to have a 24-hour pH monitoring test. This test checks if your symptoms are related to refluxing (coming up from your stomach) or regurgitating (bringing up) acid from your stomach (belly) into your esophagus (the tube in your throat connecting your mouth and stomach to swallow food). This pamphlet explains why and how the test is done, and how the test will feel. Information about medications, eating, drinking, and activity during the 24-hour pH monitoring test is given. A diary …
This pamphlet gives step-by-step instructions on how to collect a 24-hour urine (pee) specimen (sample). Location information for drop-offs (24-hour access) is included.
This pamphlet gives step-by-step instructions to collect a 24-hour urine sample. Drop-off site locations are included.
Step-by-step instructions are provided to collect a 24 hour split urine sample. Locations for drop offs (24 hour access) are included.
Your primary health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) has ordered a test to check your stool (poop) for fat. You should eat 100 to 150 grams of fat each day for this test. Follow this plan for 6 days: 3 days before you collect your stool and 3 days during collection. Choose foods listed in this pamphlet. The pamphlet lists the number of grams of fat in a variety of foods and includes a sample menu. Drop-off site locations for samples are included.
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.
The abdomen is the area from the bottom of your rib cage to your pelvic (hip) bones. Abdominal pain can be caused by many things, including: indigestion, constipation (not being able to poop), gas, infection (either bacterial or viral), food poisoning, ulcers, appendicitis, gallbladder or liver disease, kidney stones, bladder infections, menstrual pain, and muscle spasms (muscle movements you cannot control). Most abdominal pain goes away without treatment. This pamphlet gives instructions for …
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 …
Acamprosate is a medication used to help manage alcohol dependence. It works best for people who would like to stop drinking alcohol fully, not just drink less. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, whether acamprosate interacts with other medications, what will happen if you drink alcohol while taking acamprosate, how long you will need to take acamprosate, possible side effects, and how much acamprosate costs.
Many people use technology (phones, computers, TVs, lights, and more) every day. An injury or a change in your health may affect your ability to use your technology. The Access to Technology team will work with you to find a new or easier way to use your technology. Topics include: what to expect, what to bring to appointments, and what will happen at your first appointment and follow-up appointments. Contact information for the Service is listed.
If you are a resident of Nova Scotia, are receiving outpatient treatment at the QEII Cancer Care Program and live more than 50 kms one way from the hospital, accommodations will be provided for you and a support person. This pamphlet lists locations that are part of the Accommodations Program. Due to the temporary closure of Holy Redeemer Centre, the Cape Breton Cancer Centre has made arrangements with the Holiday Inn to provide accommodations for patients travelling significant distances to re…
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions (like heart attacks, heart failure), and kidney disease. This pamphlet explains how to take and store these medications. Possible side effects are listed.