Health
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Managing Migraines During Pregnancy
Migraines, characterized by intense and debilitating headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, can pose a significant challenge for pregnant women. During pregnancy, the body undergoes a myriad of hormonal and physiological changes which can trigger migraines or exacerbate their frequency and severity. However, the management of migraines during this period is complicated by the paramount need to ensure both maternal and fetal safety, limiting the use of many conventional migraine medications. Hormonal Fluctuations and Their Implications on Migraines The primary drivers behind migraines during pregnancy are hormonal changes. The surge in hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, which are critical for maintaining pregnancy, can affect…
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Preventing and Treating Sensitive Teeth
If you’ve ever had a sudden, sharp pang of pain while enjoying a hot beverage or indulging in an ice cream, you are certainly not in the minority. Indeed, approximately one in every eight Canadians are plagued by sensitive teeth. This common dental condition is primarily precipitated by exposure to foods and beverages at extreme temperatures—both hot and cold—as well as those that are notably sweet or sour in flavour. While tooth sensitivity can affect individuals of any age, it is observed with greater frequency among adults. Tooth sensitivity generally indicates that there has been a breakdown in the protective barriers of the teeth; meaning either the enamel has worn…
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Functional Neurological Disorder
Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) necessitates a journey into the complexities of how our bodies and brains communicate. This condition, intricate in its nature, affects the nervous system’s functionality, specifically in how the brain and body send and receive signals. In essence, something goes awry in this communication network, leading to a plethora of symptoms that defy easy categorization under known diseases. FND is multifactorial, meaning it can be sparked by a variety of risk factors, both physical and psychological. These contributing elements can intertwine in a manner that makes it challenging to pinpoint a single cause. The resulting symptoms are undeniably real and can significantly impact an individual’s quality…
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Yearly Exams and Age-Appropriate Screenings
In the landscape of preventative medicine, yearly exams are often considered a cornerstone of a proactive health strategy, and serve multiple purposes—from the identification of health issues to the reinforcement of a therapeutic alliance between physician and patient. In Canada, the approach to these examinations and the recommended screenings is tailored to each patient, taking into account a myriad of factors including age, gender, and medical history, thereby ensuring a personalized health care trajectory. The Anatomy of a Yearly Exam: Beyond the Basics At its core, the yearly exam, often dubbed the annual physical, is a comprehensive review of an individual’s overall health status. However, its scope extends far beyond…
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Total Solar Eclipse: What You Should Know
On Monday, April 8th, an astronomical event of significant proportions is set to grace the skies above parts of Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes, and the United States, plunging these regions into the path of totality for a total solar eclipse. While this celestial phenomenon will cast its shadow, creating a stunning display, Metro Vancouver and its residents will witness a different spectacle—a partial solar eclipse. Despite the variance in the eclipse’s visual presentation, the importance of safeguarding one’s health remains paramount, transcending geographical boundaries. This extends beyond the commonly advised caution against the direct observation of the sun, encapsulating a broader scope of preparedness and myth-busting to ensure both physical…
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Managing Spring Asthma
As the first buds of spring begin to appear, many Canadians find themselves looking forward to spending more time outdoors, enjoying the warmer weather. However, for individuals with asthma, the changing seasons can bring about a set of challenges that can affect their ability to enjoy this time of year fully. Spring asthma, as it is commonly referred to, is a condition where asthma symptoms become more pronounced or worsen due to a variety of seasonal triggers. These triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers, which are abundant in the spring months, as well as changes in temperature and air quality that can accompany the shift from winter to…
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Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
When a baby’s brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, it can lead to a serious condition known as Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). This can happen for a few reasons, such as if there’s not enough oxygen in the baby’s blood, or if the blood isn’t flowing properly to the brain. HIE falls under the larger category of neonatal encephalopathy, which is a fancy term for various conditions that affect newborn babies’ brains. There are other causes too, such as genetic issues, metabolic problems, strokes in newborns, or infections in the mother or baby around the time of birth. These issues can arise before the baby is born, during birth, right after…
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National Oral Health Month
April marks a significant time in the calendar for health awareness—National Oral Health Month. This serves as a potent reminder of the pivotal role oral hygiene plays, not merely in safeguarding the mouth’s health but as an integral component of overall wellness. The connection between oral health and general health is deeply intertwined, underscoring the necessity of regular dental exams. Moreover, the practices of flossing and brushing, alongside care for sensitive teeth, are fundamental to maintaining this crucial aspect of our health. The cornerstone of understanding the significance of National Oral Health Month lies in recognizing the profound implications that oral health has on our general wellbeing. Regular dental exams…
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Understanding Autism’s Diversity
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by a spectrum of conditions that manifest in varied challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech, and nonverbal communication, autism’s prevalence is notably significant, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimating its impact on approximately 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States. This statistical representation underscores the pervasive nature of ASD, highlighting its indiscriminate presence across demographic boundaries of sex, age, race, or ethnicity. Yet, beneath these numbers lies a profound diversity in the lived experiences of autistic individuals, each presenting a unique constellation of strengths and challenges. This diversity is not only a hallmark of autism…
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Rosacea Awareness Month
Rosacea, a chronic and often misinterpreted skin condition, has a notable presence within the Canadian demographic, affecting over 3 million individuals across the country. This condition, characterized by its hallmark symptoms of persistent redness, burning, and tingling sensations, primarily manifests across the facial region. Such symptoms are not just superficial but, can delve even deeper, impacting affected individuals on not just physical level, but psychological level too. This only further underscores the necessity for a multifaceted approach towards the management and treatment of rosacea. The symptoms of rosacea can be intricate and varied. The facial redness that most associate with the condition is just the tip of the iceberg. Many…
