Health
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Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) remains a crucial issue affecting millions of people worldwide each year. With an annual incidence rate of approximately 500 out of every 100,000 individuals, this translates into an estimated 165,000 new TBI cases in Canada alone each year. While the scale of the problem is staggering, the impacts and the available treatments for TBI are also areas that warrant extensive exploration. TBI is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. It often results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object penetrating the skull, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, can also cause TBI.…
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Health Risks Hiding in Plain Sight
In our day-to-day lives, many of us are aware of the overt threats to our health, such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and tobacco use. However, there are also many less obvious threats that lurk beneath the surface. In this article, we’ll discuss several surprising things that you might not realize are harmful to your health. These seemingly harmless aspects of daily life may, over time, pose significant risks to your wellbeing. Prolonged Sitting: Many Canadians spend a large portion of their day sitting, whether at work, during commutes, or while enjoying leisure activities. Research has shown that extended periods of sitting can contribute to a variety of health problems,…
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Understanding and Managing Anxiety
Anxiety, an intricate and multifaceted phenomenon, is an intrinsic part of the human experience. Manifesting in forms as varied as fleeting moments of worry to intense, debilitating panic attacks, anxiety affects millions globally, including a significant number of Canadians. Gaining a deeper understanding of how anxiety appears and the methods available to manage it is critical, not just for those grappling with it personally, but also for those who aim to provide support. Anxiety often originates from a trigger — an element in one’s surroundings that induces feelings of fear or concern. This trigger could be a particular scenario, such as delivering a public speech, or it could be a…
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The Multifaceted Role of Parks and Recreation in Canada
Canada, the second-largest country in the world by land area, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and extensive wilderness. But, nestled within its bustling cities and quaint towns, there is a vital resource that sometimes gets overlooked – its parks and recreation facilities. From national parks to local community playgrounds, these spaces play an indispensable role in enhancing the quality of life for all Canadians, providing not only environmental benefits but also promoting health, fostering community, and fuelling local economies. Health and Wellness The health benefits of parks and recreation facilities cannot be overstated. They provide easily accessible spaces for physical activities such as walking, running, biking, and playing sports.…
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Anxiety: The Fight or Flight Response
The human body is a marvel of biological engineering, equipped with systems and responses intricately designed to keep us alive and well in the face of danger. One such vital survival mechanism is the “fight or flight” response. This complex physiological reaction to perceived threats enables us to act quickly and decisively when our wellbeing is at stake. However, in the context of anxiety, this fundamental response can often lead to adverse physical and psychological outcomes. This article delves into the fight or flight response in detail, exploring its relevance to anxiety. The Origins of Fight or Flight The term “fight or flight” was first coined by American physiologist Walter…
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Top 5 Misconceptions About Men’s Health
Men’s health is a subject filled with myths and misconceptions. Stereotypes, misinformation, and outdated ideas can greatly impede the understanding of men’s health, leading to poor choices and negative health outcomes. Let’s shed light on some of the most common misconceptions about men’s health, aiming to help individuals make more informed decisions about their wellbeing. Misconception 1: Men Don’t Need Regular Checkups Many men tend to avoid regular health check-ups unless they are experiencing acute symptoms. This can be attributed to a societal stereotype that men are supposed to be tough and resilient, avoiding medical help unless absolutely necessary. This approach, however, is fundamentally flawed. Regular check-ups are critical for…
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June is Migraine Awareness Month
June is Migraine Awareness Month, a critical period of focus on a medical condition that impacts an enormous number of individuals and households. This is especially true in Canada, where migraines are a prevalent issue. According to recent studies, migraines affect 25% of Canadian households. While this number may seem high, the reality of migraines is even more daunting. Within this 25%, between 1% and 2% of these individuals suffer from chronic migraines, a condition that involves having a headache for 15 or more days per month for at least three months. Chronic migraine is a severe neurological disorder that can disrupt lives, strain relationships, and affect a person’s ability…
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What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a debilitating, chronic inflammatory illness, has long been a source of discomfort and distress for those who experience it. Often misunderstood, HS is a complex condition characterized by recurrent, painful abscesses that can develop anywhere hair follicles are found, apart from the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the red part of the lips. It is a condition that extends its impact well beyond physical pain, deeply affecting the mental and emotional wellbeing of those diagnosed. To date, no cure for HS exists, and treatment options remain limited. However, numerous off-label treatments and a growing number of HS clinical trials are being conducted, providing…
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Cataracts
The human eye, a highly intricate and delicate organ, plays a crucial role in our everyday experiences. It enables us to connect with our surroundings and perceive the world in the most vivid and colourful way possible. However, like any other part of the human body, it is susceptible to various ailments. One of these is cataracts, a prevalent eye condition that affects millions worldwide. A cataract is an ocular condition that clouds the lens of the eye, which can lead to a decrease in vision. This happens because the proteins in the eye’s lens start to clump together, distorting the light that hits the retina and leads to impaired…
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Navigating Prostate Cancer Conversations
Prostate cancer is a significant health issue affecting men worldwide. In Canada, it represents one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in men. However, despite its prevalence, discussing prostate cancer can prove to be a difficult subject for many men due to a combination of cultural, societal, and psychological factors. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately one in eight men is expected to develop prostate cancer during his lifetime. By the end of 2023, an estimated 24,700 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 4,700 will die from it. This makes it the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Canadian men and the third-leading cause of…