Health
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Common Health Ailments in the Summer
Now is a good time to remind everyone that the summer season comes with its unique set of health concerns. In this article, we will delve into several common summer health ailments, exploring their causes, effects, and prevention measures. Heat-related illnesses stand at the forefront of summer health issues, with dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke being the most common. Dehydration is often the precursor to these other two conditions, as it arises when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. This may happen due to increased sweating from the heat, insufficient water intake, or engaging in strenuous physical activities. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, fatigue, and…
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Why Quitting Smoking Is Crucial For Your Health
Every year, millions of Canadians make resolutions to quit smoking, one of the most dangerous habits affecting our health. Smoking is responsible for a significant proportion of preventable diseases and premature deaths in the country. Despite the well-established risks associated with smoking, many people find it extremely challenging to quit. The Impact of Smoking on Health Smoking is a leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in Canada and globally. Smoking-related illnesses account for nearly one-third of all deaths in the country, and that’s not considering the impact on quality of life for those living with smoking-related diseases. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are harmful…
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The Interplay between Speech and Hearing
The relationship between speech and hearing is an essential foundation for human communication. Our ability to understand each other, convey emotions, share ideas, and collaborate on endeavors all depend on this complex interplay. Disruptions in either of these processes can lead to various communication disorders. Let’s dive deep into how speech and hearing are connected and explore some common types of communication disorders. The Art of Communication The process of communication involves at least two parties: the speaker and the listener. As the speaker forms and expresses ideas, the listener perceives and interprets the speaker’s messages. Speech production is an intricate process involving the precise coordination of different parts of…
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IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The two primary types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While both conditions involve chronic inflammation and share some common symptoms, they differ in the areas of the digestive system they affect and the nature of the inflammation. Understanding the fundamentals of IBD, its symptoms, who it affects, and how to manage it can help provide support for those living with this often debilitating condition. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly involves the small intestine and…
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Living with MS
Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is a complex and chronic neurological disease that has an impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide. Characterised by a wide range of symptoms and varying degrees of severity, MS affects not only the individuals diagnosed with the condition but also their families and friends. Understanding the nature of the disease, the groups it affects, and how to manage it effectively can be an essential part of supporting those who live with MS daily. At its core, MS is an autoimmune disease that targets the central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord. The immune system mistakenly attacks the protective layer…
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Understanding and Managing Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue instead of foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. This immune response can cause inflammation, swelling, pain, and damage to various organs and tissues in the body. Although the exact cause of lupus is not yet fully understood, researchers believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors may contribute to the development of the disease. There are four main types of lupus: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This is the most common form of lupus, affecting multiple organs and systems in the body. Approximately 70% of all lupus cases are SLE. Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE):…
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Maternal Mental Health
One of the most profound transitions a woman undergoes in her life is becoming a mother. This journey, while enriching and fulfilling, can be accompanied by a significant amount of stress and emotional turmoil. Unfortunately, a large number of new mothers experience mental health complications, some of which go undiagnosed and untreated. Current research indicates that approximately 1 in 5 new mothers will suffer from some form of maternal mental health complication, highlighting the scale and significance of this issue. Understanding Maternal Mental Health Complications Maternal mental health complications refer to a spectrum of emotional and psychological disturbances that can occur during pregnancy and postpartum. The most commonly recognized condition…
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Brain Tumour Awareness
The human brain, with its intricate networks and innumerable connections, is an organ of staggering complexity. It is the command centre of our bodies, responsible for our thoughts, emotions, memory, and the essential functioning of all other organs. But like all parts of the body, it can also be affected by disease – including brain tumours. Recognizing May as Brain Tumour Awareness Month, this article seeks to raise awareness about this serious health issue, its types, symptoms, treatments, and the importance of research and support for those living with brain tumours. What is a Brain Tumour? A brain tumour is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain.…
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Reducing High Blood Pressure
Reducing high blood pressure is a crucial step in maintaining one’s overall health and minimizing the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. A comprehensive approach to lowering blood pressure involves adopting a variety of lifestyle modifications that can have a significant and lasting impact on overall cardiovascular health. One of the most critical factors to consider when addressing high blood pressure is the role that diet plays in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Consuming a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help to lower blood pressure and promote heart health. A diet focused on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy…
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Understanding High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a prevalent health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s a silent yet dangerous condition that often goes unnoticed until it has caused significant damage to the body. The blood circulating through our veins and arteries is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to various organs and tissues in the body. Blood pressure is the force exerted by this blood on the walls of the arteries as it travels through the circulatory system. When this force becomes consistently too high, it leads to high blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels and lead to a variety of health complications. Many factors…