Blog
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Movember in Canada
Movember is a global movement that aims to address and improve men’s health, focusing on key issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Every November, millions of people around the world grow moustaches or participate in Movember events to raise funds and awareness for these causes. This month-long campaign encourages men to take pride in their health, break stigmas around male vulnerability, and push for more robust health policies and support systems. The concept of Movember began in 2003 when a group of friends in Australia, known as the “Mo Bros,” decided to bring the moustache back into fashion and, in doing so, support men’s health.…
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Fad Diets: A Risky Shortcut
When it comes to losing weight, the most effective and sustainable approach is changing your overall eating habits, not just looking for a quick fix. However, many people fall into the trap of fad diets, often because these diets promise fast and dramatic results. While it may be tempting to try a diet that promises rapid weight loss, the reality is that fad diets can be incredibly harmful to your health and rarely lead to long-term success. What Are Fad Diets? Fad diets are eating plans that typically become popular through media, social media influencers, or celebrity endorsements. They often claim to deliver rapid weight loss with minimal effort, sometimes…
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Finding Relief from Indigestion
Indigestion – also known as dyspepsia – is very common and can happen to anyone. It is described as persistent discomfort and burning in the upper abdomen and is most commonly caused as a result of certain eating habits (from the types of foods you eat to how quickly you consume your food, as well as if you lay down too quickly after eating.) It can also be triggered by chronic digestive problems. Below you’ll find information some of the most common symptoms that are associated with indigestion, the risk of developing other health issues as a result of indigestion (or the different types of health issues that can occur…
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Tailoring Products to Your Skin Type
When it comes to finding the right skincare products, it’s important to know that everyone’s skin is different and not all products are made to be used universally. For example, you might have more sensitive skin and therefore need to use products that have less ingredients and are free from fragrance, while someone else’s main concern with their skin might not be sensitivity, but instead be fine lines and wrinkles. The type of product you should be using depends on your skin type, which there are 4 of: • Normal skin • Dry skin • Oily skin • Combination skin If you have normal skin, this means that your skin…
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Comprehensive Guide on Injury Prevention
Injuries affect millions of people worldwide each year. They can occur in various settings – at home, work, during recreational activities, or on the road. While some injuries are unavoidable, many can be prevented through awareness, proper precautions, and lifestyle modifications. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to reduce your risk of injury and maintain optimal health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the most common types of injuries, discuss general principles of injury prevention, and delve into specific strategies for avoiding particular injuries. We’ll also examine how injury prevention needs vary across different age groups and consider environmental and lifestyle…
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Fighting Unhealthy Food Cravings
Fact: When we feel hungry, we eat. Also fact: We eat when we aren’t necessarily hungry but have certain cravings for foods, like salty potato chips or sugary sweets such as chocolate, cakes, and candy; and sometimes these temptations can be hard to resist. However, these food cravings are often an indicator that our bodies are missing something. Below are some of the most common reasons as to why we might experience food cravings, and what you can do to crush them and ultimately replace certain unhealthy foods with ones that are better for you. LACK OF WATER: Also known as dehydration, this can often manifest itself as hunger. Common reasons…
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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 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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Primary Immunodeficiencies
Primary immunodeficiencies, commonly abbreviated as PIs and also known as inborn errors of immunity (IEI), represent a complex array of over 450 recognized chronic conditions that impair the immune system’s ability to function effectively. These disorders are characterized by the absence or malfunctioning of components within the immune system, leading to a heightened susceptibility to infections that are recurrent, persistent, unusual, severe, and often familial in nature. Unlike more common immune system problems that might affect individuals sporadically and with mild symptoms, primary immunodeficiencies present a continuous challenge to those affected, demanding vigilant management and often complex medical treatment. The immune system, a network designed to be the body’s defence…
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Healthier Alternatives for Late-Night Snacking
As the clock ticks past midnight and the quiet of the evening settles in, many find themselves rummaging through the kitchen, seeking something to satiate their nocturnal cravings. This moment of weakness often leads to choices laden with excessive calories, unhealthy fats, and sugars that, while providing momentary satisfaction, can disrupt sleep patterns and negatively impact overall health. However, with a bit of planning and creativity, it is possible to transform these late-night forays into opportunities for nourishment and well-being. This article explores why these snacks can lean towards the unhealthy side and offers a variety of healthier alternatives that not only cater to those late-night hunger pangs, but also…
