Health
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Staying Safe During Snowfall
The Lower Mainland is bracing for significant snowfall that is expected to bring up to 30 cm of snow this weekend. While snow can be a beautiful sight, it can also pose health risks to individuals who are not adequately prepared for the cold and damp weather conditions that come along with it. In this article, we will explore how the expected snowfall can impact people’s health and what precautions they can take to protect themselves. Snow and its impact on health Snow can have several impacts on an individual’s health, particularly if they are not prepared for the weather conditions. The following are some of the potential health risks…
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Pink Shirt Day: Bullying’s Impact on Health
Bullying is a pervasive problem that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It is defined as repeated aggressive behavior aimed at an individual who has difficulty defending themselves. This can take many forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse, and cyberbullying. The impacts of bullying are far-reaching and can have significant consequences on an individual’s health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the different impacts bullying can have on someone’s health and mental health and how Pink Shirt Day is recognized in British Columbia. One of the most significant impacts of bullying is its effect on mental health. Bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Victims…
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Mental Illness & Substance Use Top Disability Causes in Canada
Mental illness and substance use disorders are significant public health issues in Canada, and they are leading causes of disability. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, as many as 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in any given year. Similarly, substance use disorders also affect millions of Canadians each year. Mental illness is a term that encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s thinking, mood, behavior, and overall functioning. These conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders, among others. Mental illness can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, and it is a leading…
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Postoperative Pain Control
Pain control after surgery is a critical aspect of postoperative care. It plays a vital role in helping patients recover quickly, promoting early mobilization, reducing the risk of complications, and enhancing overall patient satisfaction. Effective pain control after surgery oftentimes requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Pharmacological Interventions Pharmacological interventions are the most commonly used pain control methods after surgery. These interventions include the use of opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local anesthetics. Opioids Opioids are the most potent pain relievers and are often used to manage moderate to severe pain after surgery. They work by binding to specific receptors in the…
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Norovirus on the Rise in Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a wave of restrictions and guidelines, including physical distancing, wearing masks, and limiting social gatherings. As a result, many infectious diseases that typically spread through close contact or public gatherings declined in frequency in 2020, 2021, and 2022. For example, cases of the flu decreased dramatically due to increased awareness of hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing. However, now that many of these measures have been lifted, these infections are beginning to re-emerge – including something known as Norovirus. Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, is a virus that causes gastroenteritis or stomach flu, and is currently on the rise in North America. Norovirus…
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Childhood Cancer in Canada
Each year in Canada, an estimated 1,000 children between the ages of 0 to 14 years will be diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is also the leading cause of death in children between that same age group. An estimated 1 out of every 250 adults between the ages of 20 and 39 are survivors of childhood cancer. Leukemia, lymphomas and cancers of the brain and/or the CNS (Central Nervous System) account for the majority of malignant childhood cancers. Unlike certain types of cancers that are found in adults, the cause of childhood cancer is relatively unknown. A definitive link to any specific factors – such as environmental or lifestyle factors –…
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Family Planning with IVF
Family planning is an important aspect of life for many couples, as it allows them to make informed decisions about their future, including the size of their family, timing of children, and overall reproductive health. Contraception, or birth control, plays a crucial role in family planning by enabling couples to prevent unintended pregnancy and regulate the spacing of their children. However, for some couples, achieving a pregnancy can be a challenge, and they may need to consider alternative methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). According to data from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, approximately 1 in 6 Canadian couples struggle with infertility. This means that around…
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Sexual and Reproductive Health
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) refers to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals in relation to their sexual lives and reproductive processes. It encompasses a wide range of aspects that influence one’s ability to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling sexual life, including physical health, sexual orientation and identity, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. In this article, we will explore the key concepts of SRH. Sexual Health Sexual health refers to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals in relation to their sexual lives. It encompasses various aspects, including sexual function and satisfaction, sexual orientation and identity, and the ability to enjoy a fulfilling sexual life without fear…
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The Rise of Telemedicine
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way people access medical care. With the virus still being in our communities, many medical clinics have turned to telemedicine as an alternative to in-person visits. Telemedicine is the delivery of health services and information through electronic communications technology. It allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, either through video conferencing or over the phone. While telemedicine has been around for decades, its popularity skyrocketed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing patients with a safer and more convenient option for accessing medical care, and below are some of the reasons why telemedicine has become such an important solution. Reduced exposure to infection…
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The Health Impacts of Rainy Weather
Rainy weather can have both positive and negative effects on our health, depending on a variety of factors such as temperature, duration, and our personal habits and circumstances. Here, we’ll explore some of the ways that rainy weather can impact our health, both positively and negatively. Positive Effects of Rainy Weather: Boosts Mood: The sound of raindrops, the refreshing coolness of the air, and the change in scenery can sometimes have a positive impact on our mood and mental health. In fact, research has shown that exposure to natural environments, including rainy weather, can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Cleans the Air: Rain can help wash away pollutants and…