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Steps to Boost Your Mental Health
As a family physician, I don’t just advocate for patients to take care of their physical health – I also urge the importance of mental health, too. Even if you don’t realize it, so much of what we do and experience can impact us mentally, which is why, when talking about health, it’s important to not only focus on things like heart and/or bone health, but on whole health – that way you are benefiting both the mind and the body – and regardless of age or gender. Whether it’s a young child that is just developing, a teenager going through the many ups and downs that so often come…
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Improving Circulation
Do you suffer from cold hands or feet? Do you digest food slowly? Do you develop frequent headaches? What about general body aches and pains? All of this could be due to a lack of circulation. Circulation can affect many different aspects of our health, and it is important because it helps keep the blood flowing as well as supplies oxygen to the brain and other areas of our bodies, which is what allows us to be able to function. First, we’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons why we might have poor circulation. They include: • Lack of exercise • Obesity • Poor diet •…
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Balance Problems
Balance is something we learn early on as infants and children. First, we learn by sitting. Then, we learn by standing. Following that, we often learn with bicycles, roller-skates, and rollerblades. However, as we age, balance is something that can also decrease – especially in those who are elderly. When it comes to balance, it isn’t just a matter of learning how to stand on your own two feet. In order to be able to balance properly, many parts of our bodies also need to be functioning properly – including our bones, muscles, joints, eyes, nerves, heart, and even ears. If we’re not fully functioning, it’s not uncommon to start…
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Rosacea: Types, Symptoms and Treatment
Does your face always look flushed? Do you have pimple-like bumps? If so, you could have a chronic inflammatory skin condition known as rosacea. Currently, rosacea affects as many as 3 million Canadians and is one of the most common disorders seen by dermatologists. Anyone can be impacted by rosacea, although it typically affects more women than men, and generally develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. It can also affect individuals with any skin type, though those who are fair skinned (such as those who are of Northern or Eastern European descent) are much more at risk. The exact cause of rosacea is not known, but…
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Common Causes of Dry Mouth
Everyone experiences a dry mouth from time to time. You can develop a dry mouth due to a number of reasons – with two of the most common causes being stress and dehydration. Dry mouth happens when the salivary glands fail to make enough saliva. If you’re a smoker, abuse drugs and/or alcohol, or are undergoing cancer treatment (such as radiation and/or chemotherapy), it is not uncommon to develop dry mouth. Certain autoimmune disorders, like Sjogren’s syndrome, can also cause a dry mouth, as can certain medications. In fact, there are over 500 medications known to cause dry mouth, including but not limited to antihistamines, antidepressants, antiemetics, medications used to…
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Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions
Earlier this week, the B.C. Government announced that COVID-19 restrictions would be easing – beginning with the mask mandate, which has now been lifted. While you will still be required to wear a mask in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities (i.e., doctors’ offices), it is now up to British Columbians to decide, based on their own comfort level, whether they want to continue wearing a mask in other settings. For those who are not ready to stop wearing a face mask, or for individuals who are at high-risk of contracting COVID-19 (for example, if you are clinically extremely vulnerable/immunocompromised), the recommendation is that you continue to wear a mask…
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What Causes Acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting teenagers and young adults in Canada between the ages of 13 and 30. It occurs when the body produces an excess amount of an oily substance known as sebum, causing the hair follicles of the skin to become plugged. Once these follicles become plugged, bacteria then begins to thrive which results in inflammation and the formation of pimples – known as acne. Certain factors, as outlined below, can also contribute to acne. Hormones This is due to the increase in androgens that cause the sebaceous glands to become enlarged and produce too much sebum. Hormonal changes as a result of…
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What Your Heart Rate Tells You
Your heart is, essentially, what keeps you alive. Without a heartbeat, there is no you. As for your heart rate itself, there are many things that it can tell you about your health both at rest and during physical activity – including your aerobic capacity, as well as whether you are at risk of a heart attack. When it comes to what your “normal” heart rate should be, it varies from person to person and will often fluctuate (either by speeding up or slowing down) depending on your activities throughout the day. That being said, your heart rate should never be too high or too low. In order to determine…
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Disorders of the Digestive System
The digestive system is a collection of organs that work together in getting food in and out of your body. These organs include the mouth, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, liver, colon, rectum and anus. Symptoms associated with the digestive system include the occasional nausea, upset stomach and heartburn, to more severe, life-threatening disorders. Such disorders usually have unknown causes and are complex with subtle symptoms. While some may be generic, they may also develop due to a number of different factors including fatigue, stress, diet, smoking and alcohol abuse. Diagnostic testing, including laboratory tests, medical imaging and endoscopic procedures may be necessary to diagnose certain disorders.…
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Why Are You Always Feeling Cold?
Aside from winter weather having an impact on body temperature, there are a few different conditions that can cause you to feel chilled more often than usual, including: Iron Deficiency Iron deficiency is something that is common in many individuals, especially women with their periods. In order for our red blood cells to be able to function properly and carry oxygen around the body, iron is required. However, being iron deficient can have a significant impact on this process, which can cause symptoms such as chills, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin. Iron deficiency is usually diagnosed via a blood test. If it’s confirmed that you are…