Health
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Choosing the Right Footwear
With summer just a couple of weeks away, Vancouver residents are starting to spend more and more time outdoors – especially when it pertains to their physical activity. Regardless of what it is you’re doing to stay fit (whether it’s running, jogging, walking, or partaking in outdoor sports), it’s important to ensure that you have good footwear…because what’s on your feet plays a much bigger role in your health than you might realize. Aside from the obvious (sore feet and blisters), lack of good footwear can also lead to problems with posture and your back. When it comes to choosing the right shoes (especially running shoes), there are some common…
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Eye Exams Key to Early Cataract Detection
Cataracts, a condition characterized by the clouding of the lens in the eye, affects more than 2.5 million Canadians. This number is projected to rise to an estimated 5 million by the year 2031. Cataracts are currently the second leading cause of blindness in Canada, surpassed only by age-related macular degeneration. Cataract development is generally a slow and progressive process, often leading to a gradual and painless decrease in vision. This slow progression can make it difficult for individuals to notice changes in their vision immediately, which underscores the necessity of regular eye check-ups to detect and treat cataracts at an early stage. One of the most common initial symptoms…
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Brain Injuries in Canada
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the most significant public health concerns in Canada. By 2031, TBI is expected to be among the most prevalent neurological conditions affecting Canadians, alongside Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and epilepsy. The impact of TBI on individuals and society is profound, given its role as a leading cause of disability both globally and domestically. In Canada, approximately 2% of the population lives with a TBI, leading to about 18,000 hospitalizations annually. One-third of these individuals are women, with a notable prevalence of TBI during the early reproductive years (15-24 years), primarily due to intimate partner violence and accidents. Women with TBI are also more…
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Nutritional Strategies for Stress Reduction
Stress can impact us in a number of ways and for a number of different reasons. There are also many different ways to deal with stress, including everything from trying different relaxation techniques to speaking with a counsellor. Stress can also be a common contributor to both anxiety and panic attacks, which sometimes need to be managed with medication. What you might not be aware of, however, is the role your diet can also play when it comes to stress management. When you’re stressed out, your body produces hormones that can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure. If your high blood pressure is, in fact, related to stress,…
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The Connection Between Body and Mind
Exercise has long been recognized as an essential component of physical health. From improving cardiovascular endurance to increasing muscle strength, the benefits of regular physical activity are well-established. However, the impact of exercise on mental wellbeing is a topic that deserves equal attention. This article delves into the multifaceted relationship between exercise and mental wellbeing, shedding light on how physical activity can enhance emotional resilience and cognitive function while preventing mental health disorders. The Science Behind Exercise and Mental Wellbeing To better understand the connection between exercise and mental wellbeing, it’s crucial to recognize the physiological processes that underlie this relationship. When we engage in physical activity, our body responds…
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Why Sleep is Essential for Optimal Health
Sleep is an essential component of human health, deeply intertwined with nearly every aspect of physical and mental well-being. While the importance of sleep is often underestimated in our fast-paced, modern society, scientific evidence consistently underscores its vital role in maintaining optimal health. Whether recovering from a mild cold or flu, preparing for and recovering from surgical procedures, or simply maintaining overall well-being, sleep is a cornerstone of good health. This article explores the multifaceted relationship between sleep and health, highlighting its importance across various medical contexts and elucidating why prioritizing sleep is crucial for achieving the best possible health outcomes. Sleep and Immune Function One of the most fundamental…
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Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia Awareness
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition marked by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. One of the key phases in the onset of schizophrenia is the early psychosis stage, a critical period during which initial symptoms of the condition start to appear. Understanding both early psychosis and schizophrenia can shed light on the complex nature of these disorders and highlight the importance of early intervention. What is Early Psychosis? Early psychosis, also known as the prodromal phase, refers to the initial phase of illness before the disease fully manifests. This phase usually occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, a developmental period when individuals are…
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Ways to Reduce High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that poses significant health risks if not managed effectively. While the causes of hypertension can be multifactorial, encompassing genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors, there are numerous strategies individuals can employ to reduce their blood pressure and improve their overall cardiovascular health. This guide will explore various methods, from dietary adjustments and physical activity to stress management and medication, providing a comprehensive approach to tackling hypertension. Dietary Adjustments: The Foundation of Hypertension Management One of the most effective ways to reduce high blood pressure is through dietary modifications. Diet plays a crucial role in managing blood pressure, and adopting heart-healthy…
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada
Canada has one of the highest case rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world. A staggering 1 in 140 Canadians are living with some form of IBD, whether it be Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. This translates to approximately 300,000 Canadians currently managing the daily challenges posed by these chronic conditions. Alarmingly, the number of Canadians with IBD is expected to rise to 400,000, roughly 1% of the population, by 2030. Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While both…
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Hypertension and its Impact on Health
Today, May 17th, is World Hypertension Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about hypertension and its impact on health. Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, affects as many as 6 million Canadian adults, representing 19% of the adult population. Alarmingly, of those 19%, approximately 17% are unaware of their condition, which underscores the importance of recognizing and managing this health issue. Hypertension is frequently dubbed the “silent killer” because it often presents no symptoms until significant damage has occurred, making it crucial to stay vigilant and informed about this condition. So what is hypertension, exactly? Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood pumped from the heart…
