• Managing Springtime Allergies

    Spring is a season that many people look forward to, with its warmer temperatures, longer days, and blooming flowers. However, for millions of people around the world, springtime can be a nightmare due to seasonal allergies. Spring allergies are caused by the release of pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, triggering an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Spring allergies typically start in late February or early March and last until late May or early June, depending on where you live. The peak allergy season can vary from year to year and depends on several factors, including weather conditions, the type of pollen in the air, and the location. In general,…

  • The Power of Diet and Exercise on Brain Health

    The human brain is one of the most important organs in our body. It controls all of our bodily functions, including our ability to think, feel, move, and breathe. Keeping our brain healthy is crucial for our overall well-being. In this article, we will discuss how diet and exercise can help to maintain a healthy brain. Diet: The food we eat has a significant impact on our brain health. A well-balanced diet can help to prevent cognitive decline, improve memory, and enhance overall brain function. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy brain through diet: Eat a variety of foods: Eating a variety of foods ensures that your brain…

  • Brain Health Awareness

    Brain health awareness is an essential aspect of overall health and wellness. The brain is the control centre of the body, responsible for controlling all bodily functions, including movement, sensation, thought, and emotion. It is critical to maintain the health of the brain to ensure optimal physical and mental well-being. There are several diseases and illnesses that can impact the brain, including Alzheimer’s and brain cancer, which require awareness and education to help prevent and manage their effects. Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of all…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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 –…

  • 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…