
Resources
Health Management
ALBERTA’S HEALTH SYSTEM - AHS
- Health Link Alberta (Phone: 811) - Alberta-based and physician-approved information about more than 1,000 health topics ranging from diseases to healthy living and disease prevention
- Alberta Health Services - AHS provides health information about wellness and healthy living, nutrition, emergency health services, immunization, and much more
- Alberta Healthy Living Program - provides services to those with chronic conditions in communities throughout Alberta; services include information, education, techniques and support to help improve your health and quality of life with a chronic condition
- Alberta Health Services Health Resources
- Immunize Alberta
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING
- AHS Advance Care Planning - explains the process of Advance Care Planning and offers public education sessions
- Advance Care Planning Canada - provides resources and tools to assist people in making the appropriate decisions regarding their end of life care
- Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee - the OPGT provides services to people who are unable to make personal decisions and have no family member available to do so for them
ARTHRITIS/BONE AND JOINT HEALTH
- Arthritis Society - information on topics including treatment, education, support, and tips for living well with arthritis
- Arthritis Research Canada - Lifestyle Management Guide - free downloadable guide with more than 150 useful tips
- GLA:D Canada Program - an 8 week education and exercise program for individuals with knee and hip osteoarthritis
- Alberta Rheumatology - information for patients, including an "ask the rheumatologist" section
- Osteoporosis Canada - resources including information on what to do if you have experienced a bone fracture
- Bone & Joint Canada - offers programs for those who have experienced things like hip fracture, hip/knee replacement, or who suffer from lower back pain or osteoarthritis
CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT HEALTH
- Health Education & Learning (HEAL) program - accessible, reliable information about common minor illness and injuries in children
- Healthy Parents Healthy Children - information for expecting parents, and parents of newborns and children up to age 5
- Caring for Kids - information for parents from Canada’s pediatricians
DIABETES
- Canadian Diabetes Association - offers information, resources, and even summer camps for people with diabetes
- UnlockFood.ca - recipes, meal plans and more from the Dietitians of Canada
HEALTH SCREENING
- AHA Screening For Life - information on cancer screening tests
- Choosing Wisely - the mission of Choosing Wisely is to promote conversations between clinicians and patients by helping patients choose care that is supported by evidence, not duplicative of other tests or procedures already received, free from harm, and truly necessary
HEART HEALTH
- Healthy Hearts Canada - healthy living, recipes, and more information to maintain heart health
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada - useful information for people looking to prevent a heart attack or stroke or to make changes after one
- Hypertension Canada - learn to manage high blood pressure
- The Heart Hub - support for patients, caregivers, and their families
LUNG HEALTH
- Canadian Lung Association - information on quitting smoking and lung health
- Inhaler Use
- Asthma Canada - find out about asthma symptoms, treatment, triggers and more
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
MEN'S HEALTH
- Canadian Men’s Health Foundation - a national, registered charity providing information, tools, and motivation for men and their families to live healthier
- Just for You – Men - a collection of resources from Health Canada
- Movember - information on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health, and fundraising in November in beyond
PERSISTENT PAIN
- Pain Society of Alberta - pain management tools and other support
- Tame the Beast - helping people with persistent pain learn to understand their pain and change the way they respond to it
- Pain Revolution - resources from fact sheets to podcasts and more
- Live, Plan, Be - free online educational programs created with the input of people living with pain
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
- ParticipACTION - challenges, movement-tracking apps and other resources to encourage Canadians to move more
- Get Active – Heart & Stroke Foundation- help for healthy living, including recipes and tips for getting active
- Healthy Living – Government of Canada - information on the benefits of active living and the risks of substance use, smoking, and vaping
- Cookspiration – Dietitians of Canada - recipe ideas served up to suit your mood and schedule
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE RESOURCE CENTRE
About Primary Healthcare
Primary healthcare is a healthcare system that supports Albertans to be as healthy as they can be.
Primary health care draws on the expertise of many different providers working together to provide seamless care by sharing:
- perspectives
- expertise
- resources
- accountability
It is important for health professionals working in primary healthcare to have access to the latest, evidence-based resources, tools and education to assist with the delivery of quality care to patients.
SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
SMOKING, VAPING & CANNABIS
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Heart & Stroke Foundation
- Your Best Health: Adult Weight Management Online Learning Module
- Weight Management Tools - My Health Alberta
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Maternity
Prenatal Resources
- PregnancyInfo.ca - the facts on pregnancy and childbirth from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
- Your Prenatal Care Booklet - answers to the most common questions asked during pregnancy from our partners at the Edmonton Southside PCN
- My Health Alberta: Pregnancy
- Healthy Parents Healthy Children - resources for parents and expecting parents from Alberta Health Services
- Your Guide to Healthy Pregnancy - pregnancy information from the Canadian Ministry of Health
- Cord Blood Banking - information from the Government of Canada
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Pocket Guide - advice on medication and commonly used products
Prenatal Education
Parent and Child Nutrition
- Food Safety Resources for Pregnant Women - information from the Government of Canada
- UnlockFood.ca - Eating for a Healthy Pregnancy
- FirstDroplets.com - steps for establishing milk supply and breastfeeding
- Edmonton Breastfeeding Resource - directory of local resources for breastfeeding support
- kellymom.com - breastfeeding and parenting website
- La Leche League Canada - a registered charity that provides peer support for pregnant parents, new parents and beyond
- Healthy Parents Healthy Children: Breastfeeding Your Baby
- Healthy Parents Healthy Children: Feeding Your Baby Infant Formula
- Healthy Parents Healthy Children: Introducing Solid Foods
Exercise
- Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy - evidence-based guideline outlines the right amount of physical activity women should get throughout pregnancy to promote maternal, fetal, and neonatal health - provided by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
- Exercise During Pregnancy - a guide for health care providers from the Society of Obestetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
Vaccinations
- Vaccines for Pregnant Women - advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy
- Vaccines for Children - advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Genetic Screening
- Prenatal Screening and Testing - information on diagnostic and screening tests for genetic conditions from MyHealth Alberta
- HarmonyTM Prenatal Test - information on the diagnostic test for common fetal trisomies, including trisomy 21 (also known as Down syndrome)
Diabetes During Pregnancy
- Diabetes-Pregnancy.ca - information on gestational diabetes, as well as managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy
- Gestational Diabetes - information from the Canadian Diabetes Association
Post-Partum Support
- Healthy Parents Healthy Children - select from a variety of topics under I'm a Parent
- Post Partum Depression - information and resources from Alberta Health Services
- HEAL: Health Education and Learning - a resource aimed at providing families across Alberta easily accessible, reliable information about common minor illness and injuries in children
- St. Albert Family Resource Centre - strengthening families through meaningful and educational programming, in a safe and supportive environment
- Car Seat Guidelines- information for parents and caregivers in Alberta regarding the requirements and safe use of car seats
Mental Health
Abuse
- Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF) Society - working to promote healthy, safe, respectful relationships; serving residents in St. Albert, Sturgeon County and nearby rural areas
- Saffron Centre - based in Sherwood Park, the Saffron Centre is working to support the healing and empowerment of those who have been affected by sexual violence as well as providing proactive education to surrounding communities
- Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton - contact SACE for support if you or someone you know have been sexually assaulted recently or in the past
- Sage Seniors Association - resources on elder abuse, including a Seniors Safe House for people over 60 leaving abusive situations
- Children's Services - offers a range of supports for children, youth and families in 7 regions across the province; includes culturally specific supports through Métis, Indigenous and First Nation Children’s Services offices, as well as Delegated First Nation Agencies
- Catholic Social Services - offers a safe place for women leaving abusive relationships, helps homeless youth to rebuild their lives, and enables people with disabilities to live life to its fullest. Offers support for the settlement of immigrants and refugees as well as provide counselling that strengthens individuals and families, helps recovering addicts and supports women facing crisis pregnancies.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- SASPCN patient guide to ADHD
- Edmonton ADHD Support Group - a registered charity that offers information and support to those living with ADHD in the Greater Edmonton Area through awareness, education, and resources
Anger
- Anger Coping Strategies - a brief guide from the Centre for Clinical Interventions
- St. Albert Family Resource Centre - offers programs for parents and caregivers on topics including managing stress and the challenges of parenting
- The Family Centre - an Edmonton-based service offering counselling, group therapy, classes and courses on topics including anger management
- Catholic Social Services: Family Support Program - the program provides parent education, consultation, and support to improve parent-child interactions; strengthen parenting skills and knowledge, improve communication skills; and enhance problem-solving skills within the family
Anxiety
- Depression and Anxiety Self-Management for Teens - a workbook for teens from Alberta Health Services
- TeenHelp.com - a thorough explanation of anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - information from the Canadian Mental Health Association
- SASPCN patient guide to Anxiety - a brief guide to assist those suffering from anxiety to adjust negative thoughts and behaviours
Recommended resources (available from various booksellers):
- The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne
- When Panic Attacks by David D. Burns
Assertiveness
- Toastmasters International - join one of the St. Albert area clubs to become a more confident speaker, communicator, and leader
- The Family Centre - an Edmonton-based service offering counselling, group therapy, classes and courses
- Catholic Social Services: Family Support Program - the program provides parent education, consultation, and support to improve parent-child interactions; strengthen parenting skills and knowledge, improve communication skills; and enhance problem-solving skills within the family
Recommended resources (available from various booksellers):
- Assertiveness Workbook by Randy J. Paterson
Bullying
- Bullying Supports - helplines for Albertans
- Kids Help Phone - crisis support for kids as well as opportunities to connect with other youth and obtain non-urgent counselling
- NeedHelpNow.ca - urgent support for cyberbullying, help to remove a sexual image from the internet, and advice for friends and families of a youth in crisis
Caregiver stress
- Caregivers Alberta - Caregivers Alberta strives to empower caregivers and promote their well-being by providing resources, mental health support, and education for people caring for family members or friend
- Alberta Health Services tool for Identifying Caregiver Stress
- CMHA: Helping Others - guides for adults helping youth, preventing and responding to opioid overdoses, supporting colleagues, and supporting other loved ones
Crisis services
- 24-hour Addiction and Mental Health Crisis Response Line: 780-342-7777
- Children's Mental Health Crisis Line: 780-427-4491
- Alberta Health Services Crisis Supports
Depression
- SASPCN patient guide to Depression
- depressionhurts.ca- a resource from the Mood Disorders Society of Canada providing a forum to learn more about depression, determine if you or a loved one has it, and find out about managing it
- mindyourmind - a service from the Ontario Ministry of Health aimed at helping young people aged 14 to 29 to build capacity and resilience
- Antidepressant Skills Workbook - a downloadable self-care manual for adults; provides an overview of depression, explains how it can be effectively managed, and gives a step-by-step guide to changing patterns that trigger depression
- Dealing With Depression: Antidepressant Skills for Teens - a downloadable workbook for teens that explains depression and teaches three main antidepressant skills you can use to help overcome or prevent it
Recommended resources (available from various booksellers):
- Mind Over Mood by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky
Grief (bereavement)
- Pilgrim’s Hospice - Pilgrims Hospice adult grief programs are open to the general public for any adult who is grieving the death of a loved one or anticipating the death of a loved one; provides both peer support group programming as well as education-focused group counselling
- St Albert Bereavement Fellowship - a non-denominational, non-profit, volunteer society that aims to provide support through compassion, understanding, education and friendship to those who have lost a loved-one through death
- Rainbows Grief Support for Children - Rainbows partners with communities to offer a peer support programs for children, teens and adults who have experienced a separation, divorce, death or other painful transition within their family
Parenting
- St Albert Family Resource Centre
- Because I Love You (B.I.L.Y.) Parent and Youth Support Group - B.I.L.Y. provides peer support and tools for families to help them work through unavoidable crises, build lasting relationships, create a harmonious home, and prepare children for life
- Catholic Social Services - Family Support Programs - provides a wide variety of counselling and support programs for families dealing with challenges
- Kids Kottage - Kids Kottage is a crisis prevention and early intervention service that keeps infants and children safe, and families strong
- The Family Centre - the Edmonton-based Family Centre offers classes, family counselling, and other supports
Postpartum Depression
Relationships
- SASPCN patient guide to Common Relationship Problems
- The Family Centre - the Edmonton-based Family Centre offers classes, counselling, and other supports
- Catholic Social Services - Family Support Programs - provides a wide variety of counselling and support programs for families dealing with challenges
Stress
Substance abuse
Nutrition
Babies & Early Nutrition
Celiac
- Canadian Celiac Association - the national voice for people who are adversely affected by gluten, dedicated to improving diagnosis and quality of life.
Children & Families
- Health Education & Learning (HEAL) program - accessible, reliable information about common minor illness and injuries in children
- Healthy Parents Healthy Children - information for expecting parents, and parents of newborns and children up to age 5
- Caring for Kids - information for parents from Canada’s pediatricians
Cooking
Diabetes
- Canadian Diabetes Association - offers information, resources, and even summer camps for people with diabetes
- UnlockFood.ca - recipes, meal plans and more from the Dietitians of Canada
General Nutrition
- Canada’s Food Guide
- Unlockfood.ca
- AHS Nutrition Education Resources – includes resources on nutrition for life stages and health conditions
Heart Health
- Healthy Hearts Canada - healthy living, recipes, and more information to maintain heart health
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada - useful information for people looking to prevent a heart attack or stroke or to make changes after one
- Hypertension Canada - learn to manage high blood pressure
- The Heart Hub - support for patients, caregivers, and their families
Older Adults
Physical Activity
- Prescription to Get Active - Several Edmonton, Calgary and Central Zone Primary Care Networks (PCNs) have partnered with local recreation facilities to offer an actual prescription for physical activity.
- Move YEG
Shiftwork
Weight Management
Seniors Health
Activity
Advanced Health Care Planning
Caregiver Support
Dementia/Alzheimers
Driving
Falls Prevention
AHS Continuing Care
Seniors' Centre Without Walls 2019 Programming Guide