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Understanding and Nurturing Mental Health
Mental health, an integral component of our overall well-being, deserves as much attention and care as physical health. Its significance stems not only from the role it plays in our daily functioning but also in our ability to lead fulfilling lives. The Primary Types of Mental Health Focus Mental health encompasses several key areas, each contributing uniquely to our overall psychological well-being. Understanding these can help individuals and healthcare providers alike to foster a holistic approach to mental health care: Emotional Health: This pertains to managing and expressing feelings in a constructive manner. Emotional well-being involves coping with challenges, controlling stress, and remaining resilient in the face of adversity. Psychological…
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Skin Self-Examinations
Regular skin checks stand out as a critical practice, particularly when considering the rapid pace at which melanoma, a formidable type of skin cancer, can develop. This form of cancer might manifest either as a new spot on the skin—reminiscent of a mole or freckle—or as changes in an existing mole. Given its potential to evolve over varied timeframes—from a matter of weeks to several years—it’s imperative to understand and engage in regular self-examinations to mitigate the risks associated with skin cancer. The significance of conducting self skin cancer examinations cannot be overstated, especially when early detection plays such a pivotal role in reducing the risks associated with melanoma. By…
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How to Eat Healthy
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or not, healthy eating is something that we all need to do. To ensure your diet is as healthy as it can be, it should consist of the following: Protein (found in things like meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, beans and nuts), fat (also found in animals and dairy products, nuts, as well as oils), and complex carbohydrates (found in whole grains, seeds, fruits and vegetables.) You also need vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, as well as calcium, iron and potassium. Water is also something you should drink more of, as it keeps you hydrated and…
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Finding Natural Remedies for Nausea
Nausea can happen to anyone and it can occur at any time. It can sometimes happen without any prior warning signs, or it can be the result of things such as food poisoning, taking certain types of medications, travel (such as in a car, boat or plane), pregnancy, and, of course, having the flu. Feeling nauseated is not a pleasant experience, and while there are different medications (both prescription and non-prescription) that can provide you with relief, there are also some natural remedies you can try depending on the cause. For first-time travellers, motion sickness can be a terrible way to ruin a vacation. You may develop sea sickness, or…
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Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a complex and chronic inflammatory condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. As a physician, it’s essential for me to break down this condition into digestible pieces so that you, as a patient, can understand what you’re dealing with and how to manage it effectively. At its core, SpA refers to a cluster of chronic inflammatory diseases that share common features, both clinically and genetically. These conditions typically manifest with pain and stiffness primarily affecting the back but can also involve other areas of the body, such as the knees, hips, eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Central to understanding SpA is recognizing its immune-mediated nature.…
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Skin Cancer: Types and Prevention
In Canada, each year sees the diagnosis of approximately 80,000 cases of skin cancer, a staggering figure that underscores the necessity of public awareness, particularly as we approach the summer months. The heightened exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays during this season significantly increases the risks associated with skin damage and subsequent cancerous conditions. It is crucial, therefore, to understand the different types of skin cancers that one might encounter, which include: Actinic Keratosis Basal Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma Malignant Melanoma Each type of skin cancer comes with its own set of causes, affected areas, and warning signs. Actinic Keratosis, primarily caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation, frequently…
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Brain Tumour Awareness Month
In Canada, the month of May is recognized as Brain Tumour Awareness Month, a significant period dedicated to enhancing public understanding of brain tumours, advancing research, and providing support to those affected by this challenging condition. There is a concerted effort, encapsulated in the campaign #TurnMayGrey, aimed at raising awareness for brain tumours. This initiative seeks to unite Canadians, encouraging them to collectively raise their voices and foster positive changes that could lead to more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure. For those diagnosed with a brain tumour, the experience can be profoundly different from one person to the next. The symptoms that may present can vary greatly and influence…
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Food’s Impact on the Brain
In order to stay as healthy as we can, we need to ensure that we’re always making healthy choices and be conscious of how we treat our bodies from both a mental and physical standpoint. This can mean doing things like getting regular exercise, getting adequate amounts of sleep each night, avoiding bad habits (such as smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol in excess), as well as having a diet that is rich in essential nutrients – including vitamins and minerals, proteins, healthy carbohydrates and fats, and water. Eating well is fundamental for our overall health and wellbeing, as the healthier foods we eat, the less likely we are to develop…
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Vitamin C: A Key Player in Immunity and Beyond
Vitamin C is often the go-to vitamin for people suffering from a common cold or flu. But does it actually stop illness all together? The short answer is no. While Vitamin C can’t stop a cold in its tracks, it can shorten the symptoms of a common cold, the duration, as well as decrease the frequency in which you get colds – but only if you consume Vitamin C on a regular basis. Think of it as an immune booster rather than a cure. Common colds aren’t all Vitamin C is good for, however. It’s also beneficial for the growth and repair of skin, bones, teeth and other tissue, can…
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Developing Sustainable Healthy Eating Habits
Depending on the foods you eat, your health can be impacted in both negative and positive ways. The unhealthier the foods are that you eat, the unhealthier you will feel. Whereas the healthier foods you eat, the healthier you will feel. Eating healthy doesn’t just mean making changes in the foods you buy at the grocery store. In some instances, it also means that you may need to make some changes to your environment. For example, many offices, schools and other public places have vending machines or cafeterias. While this might seem like an easier alternative to making and packing your own lunch, snacks or other meals, the foods that…
