Health
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Bug Off: Tackling Insect Bites & Stings
As the summer season unfolds, so does the time for outdoor fun and activities. But along with the warm weather, the season also brings an increase in the prevalence of pesky insects, which can lead to insect bites and stings. It’s essential to understand these common summer ailments to enjoy the season without unwelcome interruptions. Insect bites and stings are common during the summer months when insects like mosquitoes, ticks, bees, wasps, spiders, and ants are most active. The reactions to these bites and stings can vary greatly from person to person and range from mild discomfort to severe allergic reactions. Insect bites often result in redness, swelling, pain, and…
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Understanding ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a swiftly progressing, fatal neurodegenerative disease. ALS attacks the nerve cells that are responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. As the disease advances, the ability to eat, speak, walk, and eventually breathe becomes severely compromised. Currently, there is no known cure for ALS. In Canada, it is estimated that between 2,500 and 3,000 individuals are living with this debilitating disease. The life of an ALS patient is typically fraught with physical challenges, as well as a profound emotional and psychological impact on both the patients and their loved ones. It is important to highlight that eighty per cent of…
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Staying Hydrated in the Summer
With the arrival of the summer comes the rising temperatures, extended daylight hours, and increased outdoor activities. Among the many health concerns that can arise during the summer, dehydration tops the list. As the mercury soars, it becomes increasingly important to focus on hydration, as a well-hydrated body is crucial for maintaining optimal health and overall wellbeing. Understanding Dehydration Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. Water is essential for maintaining various body functions, including regulating body temperature, ensuring the proper circulation of blood, removing waste, and aiding in digestion. During the summer months, the body tends to lose more water due to increased sweating…
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Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease that predominantly affects people of African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or South Asian descent. It is one of the most prevalent inherited blood disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition takes its name from the unusual shape of the red blood cells in affected individuals, which resembles a farmer’s sickle, a curved tool used for cutting grain. In healthy individuals, red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body, are round and flexible. However, in individuals with sickle cell anemia, these cells are crescent or sickle-shaped and rigid, impairing their ability to transport oxygen effectively. This happens because of a…
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The Role of Self-Care in Health and Wellbeing
In our fast-paced world, we often prioritize productivity, juggling responsibilities and meeting societal demands over the fundamental need for self-care. The importance of self-care, however, cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and wellbeing and serves as the foundation for a balanced and fulfilled life. Self-care refers to activities and practices that we engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and maintain and enhance our short and long-term health and wellbeing. It’s a personal commitment, a conscious act of putting oneself first, and it’s often the first thing we compromise when life gets busy. Self-care encompasses various dimensions including physical, mental, and…
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Understanding the Types of Migraines
Migraines are far from a homogeneous affliction. The term “migraine” actually encompasses several different conditions, each with its own unique set of characteristics and symptomatology. The three primary types are migraine without aura, migraine with aura, and chronic migraine. Let’s delve into the intricacies of each. Migraine Without Aura Also known as a “common migraine,” migraine without aura is the most prevalent type of migraine. Despite its name, there’s nothing “common” about the intense pain and accompanying symptoms people experience. The pain is typically localized to one side of the head and can range from moderate to severe in intensity. It is often described as a throbbing or pulsating sensation.…
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Elder Abuse: A Silent Epidemic
As we all grapple with the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, one quiet yet rapidly growing crisis calls for our immediate attention: the alarming increase in elder abuse. Data shows a stark reality that around 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and older have experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year. Elder abuse, often a silent form of violence, is a sweeping issue that encompasses a broad spectrum of offences. It ranges from physical and sexual abuse to emotional abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Its manifestations are diverse, yet its consequences are universally detrimental, leading to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.…
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Canadian Men’s Exercise-Mind Link
In the past several years, discussions surrounding mental health have significantly intensified, paving the way for essential conversations around wellness strategies. A recent survey illuminates a fascinating fact: 81% of Canadian men believe that physical activity has a positive effect on their mental health. This new perspective not only challenges traditional views on mental health management but also serves as a testament to the evolving understanding of holistic wellness. The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health For many years, researchers have posited a link between physical activity and mental health. Physical activity, including exercise and other forms of movement, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It…
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Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) remains a crucial issue affecting millions of people worldwide each year. With an annual incidence rate of approximately 500 out of every 100,000 individuals, this translates into an estimated 165,000 new TBI cases in Canada alone each year. While the scale of the problem is staggering, the impacts and the available treatments for TBI are also areas that warrant extensive exploration. TBI is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. It often results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object penetrating the skull, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, can also cause TBI.…
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Health Risks Hiding in Plain Sight
In our day-to-day lives, many of us are aware of the overt threats to our health, such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and tobacco use. However, there are also many less obvious threats that lurk beneath the surface. In this article, we’ll discuss several surprising things that you might not realize are harmful to your health. These seemingly harmless aspects of daily life may, over time, pose significant risks to your wellbeing. Prolonged Sitting: Many Canadians spend a large portion of their day sitting, whether at work, during commutes, or while enjoying leisure activities. Research has shown that extended periods of sitting can contribute to a variety of health problems,…