Health
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Common Causes of Fatigue
Close to 4 million Canadians suffer from insomnia – a common type of sleep disorder that can make it difficult for one to fall (or stay) asleep at night, in addition to contributing to other symptoms including difficulty focusing, agitation, and daytime fatigue. The good news is, when it is identified, insomnia is something that can usually be easily treated – and sometimes all it takes is making a few small changes to your sleep hygiene habits, such as: • Sticking to a regular sleep schedule each day • Establishing a relaxing routine (reading a book, taking a warm shower/bath) • Going to bed when you feel tired, not forcing…
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Nuts: Nutritional Powerhouses for Health
Nuts are considered to be nutritional powerhouses, as they are packed with heart-healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and proteins (i.e. omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and more.) They will also help you feel full and suppress the appetite, which will prevent you from overeating. However, some nuts are also high in calories, so while they’re certainly a better snack to indulge in than that chocolate bar or bag of potato chips, they should still be consumed in moderation. When it comes to nuts, some are healthier than others – with almonds, cashews and pistachios being some of the healthiest, especially if you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight. The lowest-calorie nut is…
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Pollution’s Impact on Health
Pollution is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to our environment. As humans, we’re actually responsible for most of the pollution that gets released into the environment. What we don’t realize, however, is that breathing in all that pollution can actually have a detrimental impact on our health. Air pollution can be classified into two types: Visible or invisible. Things like smoke, dust and haze are considered “visible” pollutants and can oftentimes be smelled, while other pollutants like carbon monoxide are considered “invisible” as they are without color and odour. Another common example of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels. For example, oil, coal, as well…
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Summer Hydration
With the arrival of the summer comes the rising temperatures, extended daylight hours, and increased outdoor activities. Among the many health concerns that can arise during the summer, dehydration tops the list. As the mercury soars, it becomes increasingly important to focus on hydration, as a well-hydrated body is crucial for maintaining optimal health and overall wellbeing. Understanding Dehydration Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. Water is essential for maintaining various body functions, including regulating body temperature, ensuring the proper circulation of blood, removing waste, and aiding in digestion. During the summer months, the body tends to lose more water due to increased sweating…
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Summer Water Safety
During the summer months, the allure of water-based activities becomes irresistibly captivating, drawing individuals and families alike to the myriad lakes, rivers, pools, and coastal areas. The significance of water safety cannot be overstated, especially given the inherent risks associated with swimming, boating, and other aquatic pursuits. Ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer necessitates a thorough understanding of water safety practices, vigilance in implementing precautionary measures, and a collective commitment to fostering a culture of safety and awareness within our communities. The Importance of Water Safety Education Water safety education serves as the foundational pillar upon which safe aquatic practices are built. By instilling a comprehensive understanding of potential hazards,…
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Healthy Summer Grilling Guide
Welcome to the much-anticipated summer BBQ season, a time of year that brings about a sense of excitement and joy as the days get longer, the weather becomes warmer, and the grills are fired up, creating an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie among friends and family. This season is synonymous with outdoor gatherings where the delicious aroma of grilled food fills the air, enticing everyone to indulge in a feast. However, it’s no secret that BBQs are often associated with heavy, calorie-laden dishes that can leave you feeling sluggish and guilty. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case. With some mindful choices, a bit of…
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Home Health and Safety
Your home can be a place of comfort, but it can also be a place of things such as stress, indoor air pollution, germs, and other health hazards. In this article, you’ll find information on how to give your house the healthiest makeover possible, and how making just a few simple changes can benefit you and your family’s overall health and wellness in the long-run. The Kitchen There are many different hazards in the kitchen that we don’t often think about. Everything from how to handle and cook our food, to cleaning the dishes. When it comes to cooking things such as meat and poultry, we need to be extra…
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Joint Health: Common Disorders and Prevention
The joints are what form the connections between your bones and provide your body with support as well as help you move. When your joints become damaged, that movement is interfered and can result in pain. As for what causes damage to the joints, there are a number of reasons – though the most common include disease or injury. Below we take a look at a few of the specific joint-related diseases and injuries in depth, and what you can do to prevent them or find relief. Osteoarthritis OA is one of the most common disorders of the joints that people are diagnosed with. It occurs when the cartilage between…
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Stress and its Impact on Our Skin
If you’ve noticed recent acne breakouts or other abnormalities with the skin on your face (such as increased redness, psoriasis or eczema) that you don’t normally experience, there is a strong possibility that those breakouts could actually be caused by stress. This is because when you are stressed, two specific hormones known as cortisol and adrenaline increase, causing inflammation as well as contributing to the aggravation of many of the aforementioned skin conditions – in addition to decreased elasticity of the skin and an increase in lines and wrinkles. In general, stress can wreak havoc on the body, but there are certain things you can do to find relief and…
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Anxiety Disorders in Canada
In 2022, data revealed that over 5 million Canadians aged 18 or older met the diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder, a staggering number that highlights the pressing mental health challenges facing the nation. This statistic underscores the pervasive nature of mental health disorders in Canada and the urgent need for comprehensive understanding, effective treatment, and robust support systems to address these issues. The prevalence of these disorders can be attributed to a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and societal factors, each contributing to the overall mental health landscape in Canada. It is essential to delve deeper into the most common forms of anxiety disorders, their…