-
Benefits of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is considered a fat-soluble vitamin. It acts as an antioxidant and protects cells from damage that is caused by free radicals, which are compounds that form when our bodies convert what we eat into energy. One of the most common uses for Vitamin E is to prevent or treat certain diseases and illnesses, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer (including lung cancer, oral cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer), as well as fight inflammation, balance hormones, and reduce PMS symptoms (such as cramping, cravings, and even anxiety.) Some people also use Vitamin E for diseases of the brain and…
-
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia is a term that means loss of memory and other cognitive functions, which interfere with activities of daily living. Living with any form of dementia can take a toll on the patient and caregivers. It can come as a shock, and it will be a moment of crisis where strong support is needed. Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases in Canada and generally affects more seniors than any other age group. Alzheimer’s occurs when the brain cells and connections die, affecting the ability to think coherently and remember things both in the long and short-term. Currently, there is no cure…
-
COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccines
Since the start of the global pandemic, a lot of headway has been made – including what we know about the COVID-19 virus, how it transmits, how it affects people, and the types of treatment methods that are available – specifically with the use of vaccines. While vaccines are not 100% foolproof, they remain the best course of action when it comes to protecting yourself as well as others around you, and can prevent serious illness or death from occurring should you happen to contract COVID-19. Because vaccine immunity can wane over time, booster vaccines are an important part of staying protected against COVID-19 – especially as we begin to…
-
Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions
Earlier this week, the B.C. Government announced that COVID-19 restrictions would be easing – beginning with the mask mandate, which has now been lifted. While you will still be required to wear a mask in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities (i.e., doctors’ offices), it is now up to British Columbians to decide, based on their own comfort level, whether they want to continue wearing a mask in other settings. For those who are not ready to stop wearing a face mask, or for individuals who are at high-risk of contracting COVID-19 (for example, if you are clinically extremely vulnerable/immunocompromised), the recommendation is that you continue to wear a mask…
-
New Restrictions to Help Curb Omicron Spread
With the Omicron variant now accounting for the recent rise in COVID-19 numbers (with British Columbia seeing its highest case count ever at 1,528 new cases announced Wednesday – those numbers expected to go even higher in the days to come), the Provincial government, on Tuesday, announced several new restrictions that went into effect at midnight which will be in place until at least January 18th in effort to help curb the spread of the virus. These latest measures announced include the cancellation of all indoor events regardless of size – as well as the closure of gyms, dance studios, night clubs, and capacity reduction in places like restaurants and…
-
Omicron Variant
As we’ve seen with COVID-19, there have been several variants of the virus that have emerged since the start of the pandemic. It is not uncommon for viruses (such as influenza, for example), to change over time – while some viruses will remain the same. When viruses like COVID-19 do change and mutate, they are closely monitored by public health officials. Among the most talked about variants of COVID-19 are the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants – with the Delta variant currently accounting for the majority of COVID-19 cases in British Columbia and around the world. A variant of COVID-19 is deemed a VOC (Variant…
-
COVID-19 Booster Vaccines
Along with other layers of protection such as physical distancing, good hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and mask-wearing, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the best measures in fighting this pandemic. If you’ve received two doses of an mRNA vaccine, it is highly recommended that you get a booster vaccine. Getting a COVID-19 booster vaccine can help maintain and lengthen your protection against the virus. “Why do I need a booster vaccine?” While vaccines are highly protective against the development of serious illness (or even death) as a result of COVID-19, studies have shown some waning of vaccine effectiveness over time – with an increase in susceptibility in…
-
British Columbia’s Vaccine Card
For almost two years, British Columbians have had to take certain measures to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from COVID-19 – including testing, physical distancing, limiting or avoiding non-essential services and travel, mask-wearing, and most recently, vaccines. Now, another layer of protection will soon be coming into effect. Starting September 13th, and by order of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbians aged 12 and older will be required to show proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination (two doses by October 24th) if they want to access certain services, businesses, and events. “Where will I be required to show proof of vaccination?” You…
-
COVID-19: Assessing Your Personal Risk, Setting Boundaries
When it comes to COVID-19, it is a virus that can affect individuals of all walks of life – regardless of age, gender, or where they live in the world. However, what we’ve also learned since living with this virus for the past 18 months is that there are certain individuals who may be at increased susceptibility for COVID-19 than others. While age is something that certainly plays a role (with those over the age of 60 being the most impacted by this virus with severe illness, hospitalization and death), we also know that individuals with certain pre-existing medical conditions are also more likely to contract COVID-19 and develop severe…
-
COVID-19: Delta Variant – Your Questions Answered
With COVID-19 numbers trending upwards again in British Columbia, and a high percentage of those cases (as much as 95%, according to a new report from the BC CDC) now being the highly contagious and more transmissible Delta variant – particularly among those who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated – below are some answers to British Columbians most pressing questions. “Is the Delta variant more contagious than previous variants of COVID-19?” Yes, the Delta variant is nearly twice as contagious as previous variants of COVID-19. Furthermore, studies conducted in Canada and Scotland found that patients who were infected with the Delta variant were much more likely to be hospitalized…