Clinical Services

CLINICAL SERVICES       WEEKLY HEALTH CLINICS  

Weekly health clinics include:

• Blood Pressure (BP) Screening Clinic
  This program is facilitated by a registered nurse (RN), who takes blood pressure and pulse readings. The RN will then focus his/her counselling session on the results obtained. The discussion will include teaching about what blood pressure is, how it is measured, its significance with respect to overall health, risk factors for hypertension, and controlling this condition. You will be provided with literature from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada as well as a card where your BP is noted.

• Total Cholesterol Screening Clinic
  This program is facilitated by a RN who completes a total cholesterol reading from a random capillary blood sample. The counselling session that follows the test focuses on increasing awareness regarding cholesterol and its relationship to cardiovascular disease. Topics discussed include what cholesterol is, risk factors for elevated cholesterol levels, long-term effects, and the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels. You will receive literature from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

• Random Glucose Screening and Diabetes Information Session
  This program is facilitated by a RN. You will complete a non-fasting random capillary blood glucose test. The RN then counsels you depending on your result and dietary history. The discussion can include an explanation of risk factors and signs/symptoms to screen for undiagnosed diabetes. The session can also focus on a discussion about the monitoring and management of diabetes, the use of glucometers and the importance of monitoring, as well as meal planning and portion control. You will receive literature from the Canadian Diabetes Association.

• Osteoporosis Screening Day Clinic
  The Osteoporosis Screening Day utilizes the innovative technique of bone sonometry. This assessment consists of an ultrasound of the heel bone; an area that has been clinically determined to be the best measure of fracture risk. Clinical studies have determined that the ultrasound result of the heel bone can successfully predict the overall risk of osteoporotic fracture. You will receive a personalized bone measurement report that shows you your ultrasound reading as well as a comparison of their result to the norm within their age group and gender. In addition, you are made aware of how much your bones have weakened in comparison to an individual at peak bone mass (20 years of age). Personalized counselling sessions focus on lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

• Skin Health / Sun Safety Awareness Day Clinic
  The Skin Health / Sun Safety Awareness Day, facilitated by a specially trained RN, aims to educate clients about the importance of maintaining healthy skin, especially during the summer months, when most people are at risk of maximum damaging sun exposure. To begin the consultation, a “UV-detect” photograph is taken to identify sun-damaged areas on the face. Each consultation is scheduled for 15 minutes and consists of a personalized presentation. This consultation focuses on how individuals can enjoy outdoor activities while understanding how to avoid elements that are damaging to the skin. In addition, the RN discusses the importance of regular skin self-examinations. Sun health literature and sunscreen samples are provided to you to promote and reinforce healthy habits in the sun.

• Weight Management Education
  This program is facilitated by a specially trained RN. Each consultation begins with a measurement of Body Mass Index and determination of the Body Fat Percentage. These results are then used to educate you about attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight through lifestyle changes. The RN also educates you about the relationship between increased body weight and certain disease states. You are also provided with copies of the Canada Food Guide to help you to practice the ideas that have discussed during the counselling session.