The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a specialised section of a hospital where critically ill patients receive intense and close monitoring. ICU staff, including nurses, physicians, and therapists, are specially trained to care for patients with severe or life-threatening conditions. Let’s delve into why patients are admitted to the ICU, the unit’s pivotal role during the pandemic, and its overarching importance in healthcare. Why are Patients Admitted to the ICU? Patients are placed in the ICU for various reasons, which typically revolve around the need for advanced medical care and constant monitoring. These can include: Respiratory Failure: Patients who can’t breathe on their own due to conditions like severe pneumonia…

In today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape, many Canadians may have come across the term “occupational therapy” without a clear understanding of what it entails. What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of health care that helps individuals of all ages regain, develop, or maintain the skills they need to lead fulfilling lives. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it doesn’t focus solely on employment-related tasks but encompasses a broader range of daily activities. Occupational therapists (OTs) are trained professionals who work with people to help them perform everyday activities, whether it’s tasks related to personal self-care, work, or leisure. Their goal is to help clients achieve independence,…

Thrombosis, in a broad medical sense, pertains to the formation of a blood clot, known as a thrombus, within a blood vessel. This aberrant clotting can obstruct the flow of blood through the circulatory system, presenting a myriad of health implications and sometimes cascading into life-threatening situations. Signs and Symptoms Detecting thrombosis early is pivotal to managing and mitigating potential risks. The signs and symptoms may vary, contingent upon the location of the thrombus: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT commonly occurs in the legs and might present symptoms like pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected area. Pulmonary Embolism: When a blood clot travels to the lungs, symptoms might…

Autumn, a season that is revered for its vibrant colors, crisp air, and cozy vibes, often brings a unique, picturesque blanket of fall leaves covering the landscapes. However, beneath the idyllic scenes of auburn and gold lies a potential hazard that is often overlooked – the slippery walkways. As leaves descend, they create a deceptive carpet, particularly during and following rain, as wet leaves drastically reduce traction underfoot, making surfaces treacherous. However, it’s not just the immediate slipperiness to be wary of. As leaves decompose, they can also create an organic slime, contributing further to the precariousness of walkways, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and even drivers. Each year, millions of…

In the hustle of the modern-day world, individuals find themselves enmeshed in an intricate web of stress, fatigue, and recurrent illnesses, often posing questions like “Why am I always tired?”, “Why am I stressed?”, and “Why am I always getting sick?”. While searching for solutions, one vital, yet often neglected element sits at the crux of wellness – sleep, or what might be poetically dubbed as ‘Vitamin Sleep’. This metaphorical ‘vitamin’ does not come bottled from a pharmacy, but is a crucial, irreplaceable nutrient that our bodies ardently require. The Symphonic Role of Sleep in Wellness Unlike literal vitamins, ‘Vitamin Sleep’ isn’t something we can ingest in isolated form; it’s…