MONTHLY HEALTH FOCUS:

the Brain

Brain Central 
Think of your brain and nervous system as air traffic control for your whole body. Working together, they send signals and messages so you can do things like see, smell, taste, feel, and move. When there's a problem-like Parkinson's disease, vertigo, or multiple sclerosis-a communication breakdown happens and your body can't respond the way it should. Here's a resource to help you understand how your brain works, and if there's a problem, what your treatment options are. 

Feeling the earth spin?
If you're standing still but feel as if you are moving...it may be between your ears. It's called vertigo. And it can happen when your inner ear sends false signals that tell the brain that you're moving when you're not. Find out what causes vertigo and how you can prevent and treat it with special exercises.

Meds for MS
If you've just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), your doctor may suggest medicines as part of your treatment plan. Side effects, prices, and your own feelings may affect your choices. Here's an interactive tool that can help you understand your MS better, determine your feelings, and weigh your options so you can decide what's right for you.  Multiple Sclerosis: Should I Start Taking Medicines for MS?

Head for the smarter choice
When you're dealing with painful headaches, you and your doctor may want to find out the reasons why. Your doctor may suggest an imaging test, but did you know that in most cases an imaging test won't tell you the cause? Still, an imaging test may tell you other things you might like to know. Use this interactive tool to help you decide if an imaging test has the answers you need.  Headaches: Should I Have Imaging Tests to Find Out What's Causing My Headaches?

Forget about it
Forgot where you put your glasses again? When is forgetting something annoying that happens, and when is it a symptom of something more serious? It depends on when and why you forget. Use this Check Your Symptoms tool to decide if and when you should see your doctor. Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness.

Still have questions? Call HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002

HealthLine is a confidential, 24-hour health information and support telephone line, staffed by Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses and Social Workers. The professionals who work at HealthLine are experienced and specially trained to help you make decisions about your health care options. They can help you decide whether to treat your own symptoms, go to a clinic, see your primary health care provider, or access emergency medical care, if necessary.

HealthLine is available to anyone in the province, free of charge. Services are offered in English, with translation available in over 100 languages. TTY access for the hearing impaired is available (TTY) Call 1-888-425-4444

Questions regarding medications? Call 1-800-665-DRUG (3784)

The Saskatchewan Drug Information Line provides healthcare professionals and the general public with access to current, concise, unbiased information on drugs and drug therapy.

Good to know...

Access to HealthLine Online is provided as a public service for residents of Saskatchewan. The information on HealthLine Online has been medically reviewed and validated; however, this information should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional. See the full Terms and Conditions.