Health
-
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when excess lymphatic fluid accumulates in the tissues, causing swelling and discomfort. This swelling can occur in any part of the body but is most commonly found in the arms or legs. Lymphedema can be a result of cancer treatment or a primary condition, and it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and management of lymphedema. Causes of Lymphedema Lymphedema can be primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphedema, on the other hand, is caused by damage…
-
How Music Harmonizes with Our Health
Music has been an integral part of human society for centuries, serving as a form of expression, entertainment, and communication. It has been used to evoke emotions, create a sense of community, and promote healing. One of the most effective ways to utilize music for therapeutic purposes is through music therapy – a clinical approach that utilizes music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It involves a trained music therapist who uses music interventions to help individuals achieve therapeutic goals, and can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and mental health facilities. How Music Therapy Works Music therapy is based on the…
-
Going Green for Brain Power
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are not just great for your physical health, but they also have an abundance of brain-healthy nutrients that can help slow cognitive decline. Research suggests that including these plant-based foods in your diet can help improve brain function, memory, and overall cognitive health. Vitamin K, Lutein, Folate, and Beta Carotene are some of the essential brain-healthy nutrients found in leafy greens like spinach and kale. Let’s take a closer look at each nutrient and how they benefit brain health. Vitamin K Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone health. However, research shows that…
-
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,…
-
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…