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Stouffville Sun-Tribune | Thursday, December 22, 2016 | 28 COMMUNITY Hurt or sick on the holidays? Here's what to do KIM ZARZOUR kzarzour@yrmg.com t's Christmas Eve and your child is ill. Do you bundle him up and head to the nearest hospital emergency department? That depends. This coming holiday period is the busiest time of the year for local hospitals and health care providers want you to know that there are other options. Heading to Emerg can be a knee-jerk reaction and not always the best choice, says Dr. Andrew Arcand, chief of the department of emergency medicine at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Arcand suggests that your first response, if you are ill or hurt and it is not an acute crisis, should be to call your doctor's office. Some physicians and medical clinics will be open or offering extended hours over the holidays and most leave space in their bookings for same-day appointments, he says. Others may not be open but have an answering machine message suggesting an on-call doctor to talk to after office hours. A second option is the TeleHelp line - 1-866-7970000 - a free provincial phone number offering round-the-clock advice, 365 days a year. A nurse will answer and help you decide if you should head to hospital. A walk-in clinic is the third alternative; some will be offering holiday hours. You may be able to search your local hospital's website for the list of nearby Markham Stouffville Hospital. walk-ins and their hours. Pharmacies can also adroad and weather condiAnd finally, you would vise in a pinch. If it's 10 p.m. tions before driving, don't be wise to think ahead at night and you have a bad drink and drive, make sure about how to avoid health cold and no one to call, Aryou have snow tires and issues over the holidays, he cand suggests talking with wear your seatbelt. says. the local pharmacist for adIf you do have to go to Wash your hands to vice. the emergency departavoid sickness, consider Metroland ment, be prepared for a longer-than-usual wait time. "It's a challenging time for health care. When everyone's on holidays. we are working harder," Arcand says. "But if you have a real emergency or are acutely unwell, you should come to us. The point is, we're there for you, 24 hours a day, always ready to help you and we will do our best." Holiday gatherings are much better with great food! Make your reservations today. Vi Pei features a European bistro menu designed by executive chef and owner Siva Thambinathan. Join us for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. No time to cook tonight? Order online at ViPeiBistro.com or call us for pickup! MARTIAL ARTS TEACHES: Confidence, Self Control, Self Discipline, Respect & how to "Stick-To-It"! WINTER SPECIAL 5 weeks $ of classes 88 BISTRO 5812 Main St. Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON (905) 591-9000 STOUFFVILLE 2485 Queen St E. Toronto, ON (416) 686-5688 CALL NOW! 905-591- 4STK (4785) Plus FREE uniform! 30 Innovator Dr., Unit 10 · info@s-t-k.ca · www.s-t-k.ca BOXING WEEK SALE ON NOW! FOR THE BEST IN DESIGN. THOSE WHO SEEK OUT www.thetoothshoppe.ca Specializing In All Denture Services Including Implant Dentures And Permanent Teeth In A Day. Mon. Dec. 26th to Sat. Jan. 7th, 2017 NEW PATIENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! Creating Beautiful Smiles Since 1993 905-471-3381 and Associates Voted best Denturist in Markham 5 Years in a row Fernando Crupi, DD Visit one of our galleries or call for Shop-At-Home service! Exquisite fabrics. Distinctive details. Custom combinations. The Alustra® Collection infuses remarkable, intriguing elements of window fashion into every design. Visit this participating dealer for more information about the Alustra® Collection. Unexpected combinations and unparalleled style. yorkregion.com Markham/Unionville 4450 Highway 7, Unionville/Markham 905-475-2323 HWY 48 5990 16 AVENUE, UNIT 212, MARKHAM th In Plaza at Northwest Corner of 16th Ave. & Hwy. 48 (Beside Global Pet Foods) 88 Old Kingston Road, Pickering Village, Ajax 905-428-0937 Ajax 16TH AVE www.sunshade.ca · info@sunshade.ca