Website helps families manage childhood injuries, ailments

CALGARY – As families get back to regular routines following the holidays, germs, influenza and other viruses are still circulating, which can cause illness in school-aged children.

An online tool can help parents manage common childhood illnesses and injuries that don’t require treatment in an emergency department.

The HEAL (Health Education and Learning) website aims to provide families across Alberta with easily accessible, accurate information about influenza, croup, coughs, common colds, ear pain, nosebleeds, head injuries, vomiting and diarrhea, fever, febrile seizures and rashes. The website includes a detailed description of the illness or injury, symptoms, treatment, and advice on when to seek immediate medical attention.

The HEAL website also contains videos about the care staff in the emergency department, as well as what to expect when coming to the hospital.

The information is available in a mobile-friendly format so parents and families can access it from any device.

Visit HEAL at ahs.ca/heal.

HEAL is also connected with the Know Your Options campaign, an Alberta Health Services initiative that informs Albertans about the various healthcare options in their communities and provides accurate information on how to get the right care in the right place.

For more information, or to discuss health concerns, parents in Alberta can also call 811 to speak to a registered nurse for health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca for resources and information on many health topics.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.