All Resources

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) : 2010 Alberta Health and Wellness report

Description

This report provides an overview of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cases and rates in Alberta from 2006-2010. MRSA is the term for Staphylococcus aureus (S.A.) bacteria that... More ≫

Description

This report provides an overview of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cases and rates in Alberta from 2006-2010. MRSA is the term for Staphylococcus aureus (S.A.) bacteria that have become resistant to semi-synthetic penicillins such as cloxacillin and methicillin. MRSA infections can be more difficult to treat and drugs commonly used for treatment of other strains of S.A. are not always effective. In rare cases, MRSA can cause severe invasive infections such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections such as septicemia.

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Prescription drug misuse in Alberta : everyone’s problem

Description

The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is harming too many Albertans. Ease of access and affordability of medications such as opioid pain relievers, stimulants, tranquillizers and sedatives,... More ≫

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The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is harming too many Albertans. Ease of access and affordability of medications such as opioid pain relievers, stimulants, tranquillizers and sedatives, can quickly and easily lead to addiction. Compounding this ease of accessibility and affordability is the false perception that if a health care practitioner prescribes these medications, they are safe. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health provides statistics on the prevalence of prescription drug use and misuse, outlines the main issues that need to be addressed, and provides four recommended actions to address the problem.

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Public health notifiable disease management guidelines : varicella zoster (shingles)

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Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the management and reporting of Varicella Zoster, or shingles, as a notifiable disease. Topics... More ≫

Description

Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the management and reporting of Varicella Zoster, or shingles, as a notifiable disease. Topics covered include: a case definition of the disease; information on reporting requirements; disease etiology; clinical presentation; diagnosis; epidemiology; key investigation; case management and treatment; and preventive measures. The guidelines were developed by Alberta Health with input and advice from Medical Officers of Health, public health nurses, public health inspectors and medical infectious disease specialists.

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Public health notifiable disease management guidelines : meningitis, viral

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Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the reporting of viral meningitis as a notifiable disease. Includes a case definition and reporting... More ≫

Description

Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the reporting of viral meningitis as a notifiable disease. Includes a case definition and reporting requirements for the disease. The guidelines were developed by Alberta Health with input and advice from Medical Officers of Health, public health nurses, public health inspectors and medical infectious disease specialists.

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Public health notifiable disease management guidelines : Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

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Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the management and reporting of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) as a notifiable disease.... More ≫

Description

Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the management and reporting of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) as a notifiable disease. Topics covered include: a case definition of the disease; information on reporting requirements; disease etiology; clinical presentation; diagnosis; epidemiology; key investigation; case management and treatment; and preventive measures. The guidelines were developed by Alberta Health with input and advice from Medical Officers of Health, public health nurses, public health inspectors and medical infectious disease specialists.

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Public health notifiable disease management guidelines : parvovirus, B19

Description

Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the reporting of Parvovirus B19 as a notifiable disease. Includes a case definition and reporting... More ≫

Description

Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the reporting of Parvovirus B19 as a notifiable disease. Includes a case definition and reporting requirements for the disease. The guidelines were developed by Alberta Health with input and advice from Medical Officers of Health, public health nurses, public health inspectors and medical infectious disease specialists.

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Public health notifiable disease management guidelines : toxic shock syndrome (staphylococcus aureus)

Description

Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the reporting of Staphylococcus Aureus , or Toxic Shock Syndrome, as a notifiable disease. Includes a... More ≫

Description

Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the reporting of Staphylococcus Aureus , or Toxic Shock Syndrome, as a notifiable disease. Includes a case definition and reporting requirements for the disease. The guidelines were developed by Alberta Health with input and advice from Medical Officers of Health, public health nurses, public health inspectors and medical infectious disease specialists.

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Guidance on human health risk assessment for environmental impact assessment in Alberta. [Version 1]

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Environmental assessment is a key element of Alberta's process for the review and approval of new major industrial projects. The process requires the preparation of an environmental impact... More ≫

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Environmental assessment is a key element of Alberta's process for the review and approval of new major industrial projects. The process requires the preparation of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, which includes information on the potential human health impacts of the proposed project. The primary objective of this document is to provide general guidance for the completion of a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) as part of an EIA, with the overall goal of ensuring quality, consistency and completeness of risk assessments conducted in Alberta.

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“You are what you eat” : preventing the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children

Description

Marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages that targets children and families is having a harmful effect on the health of these populations. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical... More ≫

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Marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages that targets children and families is having a harmful effect on the health of these populations. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health outlines why this should be of concern to Albertans, why action should be taken now, and possible steps that could be taken to address the problem.

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Guidelines for the investigation of clusters of non-communicable health events

Description

A cluster is defined as a greater than expected number of health events in a group of people, geographic area and time period. Suspected clusters of non-communicable or chronic disease health... More ≫

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A cluster is defined as a greater than expected number of health events in a group of people, geographic area and time period. Suspected clusters of non-communicable or chronic disease health events such as birth defects, multiple sclerosis, or cancer are often reported by community members or representatives and typically result from a perceived environmental or occupational association. Following the report of a suspected cluster, public health officials evaluate the situation and initiate a response. Previous non-communicable disease cluster investigations in Alberta have been performed on a case-by-case basis. The absence of a standardized Alberta-specific document has occasionally created confusion making stakeholder communication and education very difficult. The Guidelines outlined in this resource were developed to apply recognized investigative processes for the investigation of a non-communicable disease cluster within an Alberta-specific context. The guidelines account...

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