October 7, 2025
Over a quarter century, Health Link 811 registered nurses and other health professionals have answered 27 million calls, providing Albertans across the province with trusted and accurate health information and advice. Supplied.
Story by Jennifer Colp & Janine Poersch
A sudden rash that’s spreading quickly. A racing heartbeat that won’t slow. A medication mix-up that needs a rapid answer. For the past 25 years, Albertans have turned to Health Link 811 for advice, day or night, weekday or weekend.
To mark this milestone, our clinicians would like to share 25 of their favourite tips to help you stay well.
1. Don't fear a fever. It’s your body’s way of fighting infection. We’ll guide you on what to watch for and when to seek care.
2. Keep button batteries out of reach of small children. If swallowed, get to the emergency department right away.
3. Reduce time spent sitting. Move more throughout your day to improve overall health.
4. E-scooter and e-bike accidents are on the rise. Wear a helmet.
5. Low iron can leave kids feeling tired and weak. Include iron-rich foods in their diet.
6. Vaccines take time to work. Plan ahead.
7. It’s common for newborns to get stuffy noses. Have saline spray or drops available to use before baby feeds or sleeps.
8. If you’re heading to the doctor, write down your questions before you go. It’s easy to forget them in the moment.
9. Flying with a baby? Breastfeed or bottle-feed to ease their ear pressure at takeoff and landing.
10. Heal a diaper rash with warm water after each change, and by using mild soap after a stool. Wipes alone can leave bacteria on the skin.
11. Talk to your doctor or dietitian before switching baby formulas. Call us for a referral to a dietitian.
12. Honey can help soothe coughs. Never give honey to children under one. For older children, use half to one teaspoon as needed; adults can use two teaspoons.
13. Sleep boosts mood and well-being. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
14. Short daily activities such as walking, sports or housework can add up to meaningful health benefits over time.
15. Talk to family and friends about your feelings. Connection benefits everyone.
16. A daily walk improves health, mood and reduces stress.
17. Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Avoid citrus fruits.
18. Naloxone kits are free and are available at over 2,000 sites across Alberta. Using Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.
19. One organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives. Become a donor today.
20. Before travelling abroad, always check the Government of Canada’s travel advisories for vaccines, entry requirements and safety updates.
21. Use MediMap to quickly find medical clinics, wait times, hours of operation, and virtual care options all in one place.
22. Looking for a family doctor? See who’s accepting new patients at AlbertaFindaDoctor.ca.
23. Do 10 squats every 45 minutes during your workday; it’s one way to improve blood sugar control.
24. Drink enough fluids to keep your urine a light yellow, and to keep your bladder healthy by peeing every three to four hours.
25. Take four to five deep breaths twice a day. Breathe in through your nose and breath out slowly through your mouth to support relaxation and stress relief.
Twenty-seven million calls later, we’re honoured to have been your first point of contact. Thank you for trusting us over the past 25 years — and here’s to another 25 together.
Health Link 811 is available 24/7 for health advice or information. For more information, dial 811 or visit ahs.ca/811. Learn more about our 25th anniversary.
