Calgary West Central Primary Care Network

02/12/2026

When many of us think about heart health and heart disease, we think of big, critical moments like heart attacks, ambulance rides, and hospital stays.

In reality, heart disease usually starts quietly. Small changes build over time, and many don’t cause symptoms right away. That’s where primary care plays such an important role.

Early detection can catch things like:

❤️High blood pressure
❤️Rising cholesterol levels
❤️Blood sugar changes
❤️Lifestyle factors that increase risk over time

Physical exams with your primary care physician (which can include bloodwork) make it possible to spot patterns, not just one-time results. A lab result that is “a little higher than last year” can matter when it continues to trend upwards.

When heart risks are identified early, you have more time and options.

Early detection allows time for:

❤️Lifestyle changes, such as exercise, nutrition, and stress management
❤️Preventative care and monitoring
❤️Starting treatment sooner, when it can be most effective
❤️Avoiding future complications

See the &Stroke website for some healthy living tips.

02/03/2026

In Canada, an estimated 2.9 million people are living with an eating disorder.

During Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we are helping raise awareness about the importance of early support and reducing stigma.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions. They can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and often go unnoticed without the right support.

Primary care plays an important role. Family doctors and PCN care teams can help identify concerns early and connect patients to mental health, nutrition, and community-based supports.

There are also trusted community resources available. Organizations like NEDIC - National Eating Disorder Information Centre, National Initiative for Eating Disorders - NIED, and Calgary Silver Linings Foundation provide education, helplines, and support for individuals and families navigating eating disorders.

If food, eating, or body image is affecting your well-being, help is available.

Start by talking to your family doctor about support options through your PCN.



Data source: National Initiative for Eating Disorders. (2025) Eating Disorders in Canada | NIED

01/28/2026

Start the new year with simple, nourishing meals.

One of our PCN’s dietitians, Mikaela Gulliver, has gathered a few recipe ideas to help you ease into the new year with warm, balanced, and satisfying dishes. See the recipes here: https://hubs.ly/Q040ylzT0

🍗Lean and easy dinners:

Choose simple, feel-good meals as you return to routine
Try baked lemon pepper salmon for a protein-rich, Omega-3 boost https://hubs.ly/Q040ynm70
Warm up with turkey chili, a hearty option for busy weeknights https://hubs.ly/Q040ypXb0

🥗Plant-powered comfort:

Start small when adding plant-based meals
Try a colourful vegan buddha bowl for an easy lunch or dinner. https://hubs.ly/Q040yjZp0
Enjoy a cozy garlicky black bean soup during colder days. https://hubs.ly/Q040ypWh0
Consider a meatless Monday to explore more plant proteins

🍵Warm winter drinks:

Sip on hot spiced apple cider for a naturally sweet, seasonal choice. https://hubs.ly/Q040yj3Z0
Make a high-protein hot chocolate for a nourishing, cozy treat. https://hubs.ly/Q040yj_-0

Why it helps:

Supports steady energy during the winter months
Helps rebuild routine after the holidays
Encourages small, sustainable habits instead of drastic changes

Which recipe or idea will you try first?

If you would like nutrition support this year, talk to your family doctor about a referral to our PCN dietitian or other resources.

01/22/2026

What a year. At our PCN, our teams worked hard to support healthier communities, expand access to care, and make primary care easier for patients and families.

Here are a few highlights from 2025:

✔️Expanded physiotherapy program: Member doctors can now refer patients with chronic low back pain to our program for assistance.
✔️Provided appointment options: The 2025 Patient Experience Survey showed that evening and weekend Mental Health Program appointments were well received, demonstrating the value of offering care at times that better fit patients’ schedules.
✔️Strengthened partnerships to connect patients with community supports.
✔️Earned national recognition for safety and organizational excellence.
✔️Shared health tips, resources, and stories through our Community Health Connect e-newsletter.

Thank you to our patients, doctors, partners, and team members for a meaningful year. We look forward to continuing this work in 2026.

01/21/2026

Congratulations to Alberta Find a Doctor on reaching 5 million visits. A great milestone for improving access to primary care across Alberta.

5 million visits and counting! Alberta Find a Doctor has been helping connect Albertans to primary care since 2019:

✅ 5.5 million visits
✅ 3.7 million users
✅ 4,000+ family doctors listed
✅ 151 nurse practitioners
✅ 773 providers currently accepting new patients

Whether you’re new to the province, moving communities or searching for a new provider, Alberta Find a Doctor makes it simple to search for clinics and providers near you.

👉 Start your search today: albertafindadoctor.ca

Thank you to Alberta’s Primary Care Networks, Primary Care Alberta, family doctors, nurse practitioners and clinic teams for helping improve access to care across the province.

01/20/2026

Kickstand is Alberta’s youth mental health hub, built to make getting support easier and less stressful, when you need it and in a way that works for you.

Kickstand Connect is the online clinic in the Kickstand Network. If you’re between 11 and 25, you can book free health and wellness support online, from anywhere in Alberta.

No travel. No referrals. No waiting rooms.

With Kickstand Connect, you can get help with:

- Mental health
- Substance use
- Physical and sexual health
- Peer support
- Social services

You choose how and when you want support. Appointments are easy to book, private and designed to feel youth-friendly and comfortable.

If you’d rather go in person, Kickstand also has centres across Alberta. You can use the virtual clinic, visit a centre, or do both. It’s your choice.

Learn more or book an appointment at https://hubs.ly/Q03-SPVR0

Follow Kickstand for info and updates

01/19/2026

Blue Monday is often referenced on the third Monday in January, when shorter days, cold weather, and post-holiday stress can make things feel heavier for some people. While it’s not a medical term, it can be a helpful reminder to check in on our mental well-being.

Comment below with the emoji listed for the one thing you can do today to support yourself:

Get outside for fresh air 🌤
Enjoy a warm drink ☕
Play a favourite song 🎧
Call someone you care about 📱
Take a short walk 🚶
Practice one minute of deep breathing 😌

Community resources are available for further support:
Community Connect YYC connecting individuals with affordable counselling and social support.
Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region offering free mental health programs, services, and education for individuals and families.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, stay with them and call the Distress Centre Calgary at 403-266-HELP (4357) or 9-8-8 if you are thinking about su***de.

Let's use today as a reminder to spread kindness, compassion, and support.

01/15/2026

By 2030, researchers project that nearly one million people in Canada will be living with dementia

Let’s take time to learn, support, and start conversations that make a difference for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Here’s how you can take part:

Learn the signs of early memory changes, confusion, or difficulty with daily tasks
Check in on loved ones; small moments of connection matter
Share resources to help reduce stigma and raise awareness
Ask questions if you’re unsure where to start

How our PCN can support you. Our teams:

Complete comprehensive assessments including cognitive, functional, environmental, medication, fall, and nutrition screening
Advocate for patients and caregivers
Recognize and support individuals who are isolated or at risk
Help patients navigate health care and community support systems

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about dementia or caregiving?

Share in the comments to help others feel less alone.

If you have concerns about memory changes in yourself or someone you care about, talk to your family doctor about an assessment or a referral to our Senior Services team.



Data source: Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2025) Dementia numbers in Canada | Alzheimer Society of Canada

01/08/2026

A healthier start to the year doesn’t need big changes, just small, steady habits.

Here are a few gentle tips from our PCN dietitian team:

🧠Rebuild your routine: Include three meals a day and add snacks as needed
🥗Build a balanced plate: Half veggies or fruit, a quarter protein, and a quarter whole grains
💧Drink water: Include a glass with each meal to support energy and hydration
🍎Add, don’t restrict: Include one extra fruit, veggie, or fibre-rich food daily
🍗Keep meal prep simple: Cook extra protein or prep grab-and-go snacks

A healthy year starts with habits that support your energy and enjoyment of food.

12/30/2025

You don’t have to face mental health challenges alone.

If you or someone you know needs support, here are a few trusted Calgary and Canadian resources:

9-8-8: Su***de Crisis Helpline Ligne d'aide en cas de crise de su***de via call or text to 988 for mental health crisis or su***de prevention support.
Community Connect YYC to connect with affordable counselling and social services.
Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region for free mental health programs, education, and supports for individuals and families.
Calgary Counselling Centre for individual and group counselling.
211 Alberta a referral line for local mental health and community resources.
Distress Centre Calgary by calling 403-266-HELP (4357) for immediate help.

12/24/2025

Holiday gatherings are the perfect time to share memories, cookies, and if we’re not careful, some surprise germs that nobody put on the wish list. 🤒 Taking a few simple steps can help you feel your best all season long.

🎄Wash your hands often
🎄Stay home if you’re feeling unwell
🎄Make room for rest between events

Small habits like these help keep you and your loved ones healthy throughout the holiday season!

We can provide support like seasonal illness prevention tools, additional resources and nutrition guidance to help you stay healthy over the holidays. Learn more https://hubs.ly/Q03YLl0t0

12/23/2025

Winter is officially here. ❄️

As temperatures drop and sidewalks get icy, a few small precautions can help you stay safe and healthy all season long:

• Dress warmly: wear layers, insulated footwear, and weather-appropriate outerwear.
• Prevent slips and falls: take your time on icy sidewalks and keep walkways clear.
• Stay active indoors: even short walks or stretches can help with energy and mood.
• Eat well and stay hydrated: warm meals and water are just as important in winter.
• Check in on others: a quick call or visit can make a big difference for someone alone.

Let’s take care of ourselves and one another as we head into the colder months.