Health
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Speech & Hearing Month
Every year, Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) dedicates the entire month of May to raising public awareness about the critical importance of communication health, and this initiative has become a cornerstone in the efforts to educate the public on the various facets of communication and the integral role it plays in our daily lives. The emphasis on communication health during this period is not merely a symbolic gesture but a comprehensive campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention of communication disorders, which can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals of all ages. Through a series of targeted activities, educational programs, and collaborative efforts with…
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Living with MS in Canada
Canada is recognized as having one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) globally, with an estimated 90,000 Canadians currently living with this debilitating disease. The gravity of the situation becomes apparent when considering that, on average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed with MS every single day. This chronic illness predominantly affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 49, marking the beginning of a lifelong struggle against its unpredictable and often progressive nature. Multiple sclerosis is a complex neurological disorder that targets the central nervous system, encompassing the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Classified as an episodic disability, MS is characterized by its varying severity and duration of…
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Navigating Complex Health Conditions
While most individuals typically see their family physician once a year for their annual check-up, there are also a large number of Canadians that will need to make recurring visits to their doctor’s office as a result of having complex and multifactorial health conditions. While many health conditions, such as the common cold or flu are easily treatable, there are others that don’t have a single genetic cause, therefore oftentimes making them difficult to diagnose and treat, leaving the patient feeling vulnerable and frustrated – and, as a result, the patient can sometimes develop mood and mental health related changes, and even social isolation – something that hasn’t been uncommon…
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Understanding and Nurturing Mental Health
Mental health, an integral component of our overall well-being, deserves as much attention and care as physical health. Its significance stems not only from the role it plays in our daily functioning but also in our ability to lead fulfilling lives. The Primary Types of Mental Health Focus Mental health encompasses several key areas, each contributing uniquely to our overall psychological well-being. Understanding these can help individuals and healthcare providers alike to foster a holistic approach to mental health care: Emotional Health: This pertains to managing and expressing feelings in a constructive manner. Emotional well-being involves coping with challenges, controlling stress, and remaining resilient in the face of adversity. Psychological…
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Skin Self-Examinations
Regular skin checks stand out as a critical practice, particularly when considering the rapid pace at which melanoma, a formidable type of skin cancer, can develop. This form of cancer might manifest either as a new spot on the skin—reminiscent of a mole or freckle—or as changes in an existing mole. Given its potential to evolve over varied timeframes—from a matter of weeks to several years—it’s imperative to understand and engage in regular self-examinations to mitigate the risks associated with skin cancer. The significance of conducting self skin cancer examinations cannot be overstated, especially when early detection plays such a pivotal role in reducing the risks associated with melanoma. By…
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Finding Natural Remedies for Nausea
Nausea can happen to anyone and it can occur at any time. It can sometimes happen without any prior warning signs, or it can be the result of things such as food poisoning, taking certain types of medications, travel (such as in a car, boat or plane), pregnancy, and, of course, having the flu. Feeling nauseated is not a pleasant experience, and while there are different medications (both prescription and non-prescription) that can provide you with relief, there are also some natural remedies you can try depending on the cause. For first-time travellers, motion sickness can be a terrible way to ruin a vacation. You may develop sea sickness, or…
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Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a complex and chronic inflammatory condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. As a physician, it’s essential for me to break down this condition into digestible pieces so that you, as a patient, can understand what you’re dealing with and how to manage it effectively. At its core, SpA refers to a cluster of chronic inflammatory diseases that share common features, both clinically and genetically. These conditions typically manifest with pain and stiffness primarily affecting the back but can also involve other areas of the body, such as the knees, hips, eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Central to understanding SpA is recognizing its immune-mediated nature.…
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Skin Cancer: Types and Prevention
In Canada, each year sees the diagnosis of approximately 80,000 cases of skin cancer, a staggering figure that underscores the necessity of public awareness, particularly as we approach the summer months. The heightened exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays during this season significantly increases the risks associated with skin damage and subsequent cancerous conditions. It is crucial, therefore, to understand the different types of skin cancers that one might encounter, which include: Actinic Keratosis Basal Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma Malignant Melanoma Each type of skin cancer comes with its own set of causes, affected areas, and warning signs. Actinic Keratosis, primarily caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation, frequently…
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Brain Tumour Awareness Month
In Canada, the month of May is recognized as Brain Tumour Awareness Month, a significant period dedicated to enhancing public understanding of brain tumours, advancing research, and providing support to those affected by this challenging condition. There is a concerted effort, encapsulated in the campaign #TurnMayGrey, aimed at raising awareness for brain tumours. This initiative seeks to unite Canadians, encouraging them to collectively raise their voices and foster positive changes that could lead to more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure. For those diagnosed with a brain tumour, the experience can be profoundly different from one person to the next. The symptoms that may present can vary greatly and influence…
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Food’s Impact on the Brain
In order to stay as healthy as we can, we need to ensure that we’re always making healthy choices and be conscious of how we treat our bodies from both a mental and physical standpoint. This can mean doing things like getting regular exercise, getting adequate amounts of sleep each night, avoiding bad habits (such as smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol in excess), as well as having a diet that is rich in essential nutrients – including vitamins and minerals, proteins, healthy carbohydrates and fats, and water. Eating well is fundamental for our overall health and wellbeing, as the healthier foods we eat, the less likely we are to develop…
