Health
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Reducing Stress for a Stronger Heart
As many as 75% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 report that they are living with some level of stress in their lives, therefore making it one of the biggest threats to our health and wellbeing. Stress can not only lead to further problems with mental health, such as depression and anxiety, but it can also have an impact on personal relationships as well as productivity at work or in school. Research has also shown that excessive or chronic stress can be just as bad for your heart health as having an unhealthy diet and being physically inactive. For example, this research showed that there was an…
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Breast Cancer Awareness
In Canada, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is estimated that as many as 28,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Fortunately, due to advancements in research that have helped to improve things like early detection and diagnosis, the current 5-year survival rate of breast cancer is 87% — and the death rate has dropped by 44% since the 1980s. However, because breast cancer continues to be one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death among Canadian women, there’s still a lot more that can be done when it comes to raising awareness. It’s…
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Children’s Vision
Children’s vision develops and functions quite differently from that of adults, and understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring their long-term eye health. Unlike adults, whose visual systems have fully matured, children’s eyes are in a constant state of growth and development. This ongoing development of vision in childhood makes regular eye exams incredibly important, as any issues that arise during these formative years can have a lasting impact on their ability to see clearly and function effectively in both educational and social settings. Vision is a critical component of learning, and any undiagnosed or untreated vision problems can lead to difficulties in school, delayed developmental milestones, and even potential…
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Arthritis: Types, Symptoms, and Management
Arthritis is a medical term that represents a broad category of joint disorders. It involves inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain and limited mobility. However, there is much more to arthritis than its common perception. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of arthritis, who can be affected, its symptoms, treatment options, and some important tips for managing this condition. What is Arthritis? Arthritis is a term that encompasses over 100 distinct types of joint disorders, each of which can affect individuals differently. The primary feature of arthritis is inflammation in the joints, which can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility. While it is…
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The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
In today’s fast-paced world, the pressures of daily life can often feel overwhelming. With the constant demands of work, relationships, and personal responsibilities, many people experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. While modern medicine offers various treatments for these mental health issues, there has been a growing recognition of the value of alternative and complementary therapies, such as meditation. More than just a trendy wellness practice, meditation has deep roots in many ancient cultures, and its benefits for mental health, particularly in alleviating anxiety, are increasingly supported by scientific research. The practice of meditation offers a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos of life, allowing individuals to reconnect with…
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Vitamin D Deficiency and Fall
Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. From maintaining strong bones and teeth to supporting immune function and muscle health, this essential nutrient is a cornerstone of overall well-being. However, as the days grow shorter and the sun’s rays become less intense, many Canadians find themselves at risk of not getting enough of this vital vitamin. The relationship between the fall season and vitamin D deficiency in Canada is complex and multifaceted. It involves an interplay of geographical, environmental, and lifestyle factors that are unique to the Canadian context. To fully understand this relationship, we must first delve into the…
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Meningitis Risks, Signs, and Prevention
Meningitis is a serious and often life-altering infection that has the potential to strike anyone, anywhere, and at any time, regardless of age or location. This illness, which affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can lead to an array of severe symptoms and complications that highlight its devastating nature. Affecting over 2.5 million people worldwide each year, meningitis leaves a powerful impact on individuals and families alike, with fatal outcomes in approximately one out of every ten cases. The impact is especially heartbreaking in children under five, who account for nearly half of all meningitis-related deaths worldwide. Surviving meningitis often comes with its own challenges, as roughly…
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Boosting Bone Health with Key Nutrients
Nutrients play an important role in our overall health. They provide us with energy (via carbs, fats, and proteins), help regulate body functions (i.e. temperature, sweating, thyroid function, blood pressure, and metabolism), and are also essential for body structures – including the maintenance of tissues, organs, teeth, and bones. Many of the nutrients that we need come from the foods we eat, including calcium, which is critical for bone health. As the body does not make calcium on its own, the only way we can get it is from our diets or by taking a calcium supplement. However, in order for our bodies to be able to absorb calcium, we…
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Preparing for Cold & Flu Season
Flu season typically runs from November through April; however, outbreaks can happen as early as October and last as late as May, and results in the hospitalization of as many as 12,000 Canadians every year. While most individuals will recover from the flu without needing to seek any kind of urgent medical attention, there are certain individuals who are at increased risk of developing serious flu-related complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even sinus and ear infections. High-risk individuals include seniors over the age of 65, those under the age of 65 with a previously diagnosed chronic condition, those with weakened immune systems, children under the age of 5, pregnant…
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Inherited Retinal Diseases
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of eye disorders that lead to progressive vision loss, often resulting in severe impairment or blindness. Characterised by photoreceptor degeneration or dysfunction, these conditions affect the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye essential for vision. IRDs are both clinically and genetically heterogeneous, meaning they vary widely in symptoms, severity, and genetic causes. Disease onset can range from birth (congenital) to late adulthood, impacting individuals across all age groups. What Are Inherited Retinal Diseases? IRDs encompass a spectrum of disorders caused by genetic mutations that affect the retina’s function. The retina contains photoreceptor cells—rods and cones—that convert light into electrical signals…
