-
Body Temperature
On average, the normal body temperature is typically around 37°C (98.6°F). However, this can slightly differ from person to person. The average body temperature can also vary depending on age. For example, the average body temperature in babies and children typically ranges from 36.6°C to 37.2°C. As you get older, the body’s ability to regulate temperature will change and you may have difficulty conserving heat, therefore your body temperature is likely to be lower. If you are over the age of 65, the average body temperature is usually below 36.2°C.
Body temperature works through the widening or narrowing of blood vessels. When you’re too cold, your blood vessels narrow and reduce blood flow to the skin in order to conserve body heat. You will then start to shiver, and this is what helps to create more heat for the body. On the other hand, when you’re too hot, your blood vessels will widen and carry excess heat to the skin’s surface. You will then start to sweat, and this is what helps your body to cool down.
There are four different ways in which your body temperature can be measured:
• Axillary method (under the armpit)
• Oral method (in the mouth)
• Tympanic method (in the ear)
• Rectal method (in the rectum)Aside from age, there are also other contributing factors that can influence body temperature:
• Time of day: Body temperature will usually be lower in the mornings and higher in the afternoons and evenings.
• Physical activity: If you go for a walk or run, or workout at the gym, your body temperature will rise. The less physically active you are, the lower your body temperature will be.
• Weight: Your body temperature can also differ depending on how much you weigh. If you are overweight or obese, this means you have a higher percentage of body fat, so you are likely to have a higher body temperature than someone who weighs a normal or average weight.
• Diet: If the foods you eat are all extremely low in fat, this can also cause you to have a cooler body temperature. While low-fat diets are certainly healthy, it’s recommended that you try and include some healthy fats in your diet (such as fatty fish, nuts, avocado and olive oil.)
• Environment: The climate you live in can also have an impact on your body temperature. For example, if you live in dry, hotter regions that has more warm months than it does cool, you’re more likely to have a higher body temperature; whereas if you live in cooler regions where the weather is always cold, rainy, or snowy, your body temperature is likely to be lower. To prevent yourself from overheating or getting too cold, it’s important that you dress appropriate for the weather, as well as avoid spending too much time outdoors in adverse weather.
• Illness: Perhaps the most common reason one develops a high body temperature is due to illness. For example, if you have the flu or a common cold, it’s not uncommon to develop a fever. You can also develop a fever/high body temperature as a result of having a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia.
If you have a dangerously high body temperature, the first thing you should do is see your family physician or go to the nearest walk-in clinic as soon as possible. If your high body temperature is accompanied by something like the flu, or if you have a bad cough, the culprit could very well be the result of an infection, as mentioned. If an infection such as pneumonia happens to be the cause, you will need to treat that infection with a course of antibiotics. Because fever often comes along with these types of illnesses, you can also reduce your body temperature with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When you have a higher body temperature, you’re also more likely to become dehydrated, so you can also cool the body down by drinking water. I recommend drinking at least 8 to 9 glasses a day. Along with getting your body temp back down to where it needs to be, drinking water can also provide you with many other health benefits. Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables such as melons, oranges, grapes, cucumber and lemon can also help to balance both internal and external body heat.
-
Common Colds and Antibiotics
When you get sick, you might automatically think that you need medication, such as antibiotics. However, it’s important to note that not all bugs need drugs. While antibiotics are prescribed to help treat bacterial infections, they don’t work on viral infections like the common cold. A cold is, unfortunately, just one of those things where you have to let nature take its course – as horrible as you might feel. It’s also possible to develop bacterial infections on top of your cold. Common types of bacterial infections that can occur alongside a cold include:
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Throat infections (strep throat)
• Lung infections (pneumonia)If you happen to develop any of these types of infections, then and only then will you need to take antibiotics. Other types of bacterial infections that are unrelated to colds that also require the use of antibiotics include things like UTIs (such as bladder or kidney infections), skin infections, etc.
While some people may think that there’s no harm in taking an antibiotic even as a precautionary measure to prevent the aforementioned bacterial infections from occurring/when there is no evidence of a bacterial infection being present, this can actually do more harm than you might realize – as when you take an antibiotic when it’s not necessary, that medication can become less effective over time – and when you really, truly need an antibiotic to fight a bacterial infection, the antibiotic in which you are prescribed may not work and the infection may be more difficult to treat. This is because bacteria tends to be sneaky, and when it repeatedly comes into contact with antibiotics the bacteria attempts to change and rearrange itself in order to survive and thrive in the body. When this occurs, a new strain of bacterial, known as a “superbug”, develops, and that bacteria then becomes resistant to certain antibiotics. When this happens, it may not even be harder to treat your illness, but the resistant bacteria can also spread to those around you. In addition, it may take several different antibiotics being prescribed to you until one is found that works, which can also prolong your illness.
It’s also important to note that there are many different, unpleasant side effects that come along with the use of antibiotics, including nausea and vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and even yeast infections – and your doctor may even need to recommend or prescribe you medication on top of the antibiotics you’re taking to help ease these side effects – so it’s unnecessary to put yourself in this kind of predicament when antibiotics are not required.
Something else that you should not do is take any old antibiotics you have left over from a previous prescription. Even if a bacterial infection is present and an antibiotic is required, taking antibiotics that were previously prescribed is bad for a few reasons: First and foremost, you likely won’t have enough of the medication – and secondly, the medication may be expired. Medications that have past their expiration date not only lose some of their potency, but some expired medications can also be toxic – which can make you sick. Therefore if you don’t finish a medication or have older medications lying around at home, it’s important that you don’t take them and instead return them to your pharmacy so that they can be disposed of properly. If you happen to have any over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil, these typically last for longer periods of time (a year or two), but always double check the packaging just to make sure it hasn’t expired, and don’t leave medication out in the open exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold. These types of OTC medications are best stored at room temperature.
-
Relieving a Persistent Cough
A sore throat and cough are usually the first sign of a common cold. While a sore throat will usually taper off after a few days (it usually precedes other symptoms, such as a runny nose or nasal congestion, headache, fever and/or chills, and fatigue), the cough itself can persist.
There are two types of coughs that are most common when you have a cold: A wet cough or a dry cough. When you have a wet cough, you often produce mucus. When the mucus is clear in colour, it’s not normally something to be alarmed about. However, if the mucus you’re bringing up as a result of coughing is yellow or green in colour, or tinged with blood, you could have a respiratory tract infection that is bacterial in nature and may require antibiotics. Aside from the common cold and infections, a wet cough can also be caused from other respiratory conditions such as asthma. When you have a dry cough, you will rarely or almost never produce any mucus. However, that’s not to say that you don’t have an infection or won’t require antibiotics, as dry coughs can also be the result of pneumonia or bronchitis. Other causes of a dry cough include things such as asthma, as well as exposure to certain irritants, such as cigarette smoke.
One of the most important things you can do if you come down with a common cold or influenza and have a cough is to make sure you’re getting plenty of rest. The more rest you get, the quicker you will get better – and the less you get, the longer your recovery period will be. You’re also more likely to develop recurring illness when you don’t get enough sleep. I also recommend staying as hydrated as possible. When you have a cold, you can develop something known as postnasal drip and those secretions can trickle down the back of your throat, causing irritation and resulting in a cough. Drinking fluid, however, can help to thin out mucus and reduce the irritation caused by postnasal drip. Aside from water, hot liquids (such as tea and honey) can also be soothing to the throat and therefore relieve a cough. Lozenges can also be helpful, especially those that are menthol, as they can numb the back of the throat which decreases the cough reflex. If you live in a drier climate, using a humidifier can help put moisture in your home which can also help relieve the cough. However, if you’re going to be using a humidifier then make sure you’re also cleaning it regularly, as an uncleaned humidifier can be a breeding ground for mold, fungus and bacteria, which you will ultimately breathe in, and risk the potential of becoming ill all over again – maybe even worse than before. To prevent this risk, a good alternative at getting some extra moisture is to take a hot shower.
As mentioned, cigarette smoke can also cause a cough – and when you’re sick, smoking can make your cough even worse than anticipating. The best thing you could do to relieve your cough (and for your overall health, in general) is to quit smoking. Other irritants that can contribute to coughs, such as perfumes, other scented sprays, air freshers, and cleaning chemicals, should also be avoided when you have a persisting cough.
Depending on the cause of your cough and any additional symptoms you might be exhibiting, you may require antibiotics. In other cases, getting rid of a cough is simply a matter of letting nature take its course. There are, however, some other medications that may be helpful when you have a cough and cold. Decongestants, for example. These are available in both oral and nasal spray form, and help to shrink down inflamed nasal tissue as well as reduce the production of mucus, and help to open up the airway passages which can then help decrease your cough. If you are taking decongestants orally, they are considered safer than the alternative (nasal sprays); though they come with their own set of side effects, such as increased heart rate. If you use nasal spray decongestants for too long, you may develop something known as rebound congestion – which is essentially like having a bad cold with severe congestion. Always be sure to follow instructions on the labels and do not use for longer than the recommended timeframe. If you have any questions about these medications, always check with your pharmacist or doctor. You can also find relief from a cough by taking a cough suppressant or expectorant. A cough suppressant can be helpful at night, especially if you’re coughing to the point where your ribs hurt and you can’t get a good sleep. While an expectorant is better to take in the daytime. It can help thin out mucus, making it easier to cough up.
-
Healthy Holiday Food Habits: Moderation and Variety Matter
The holiday season is a time when many of us indulge in foods that we wouldn’t normally eat on a regular basis (especially sweet treats!), which is why weight loss is usually among the top of the list for people’s New Year’s resolutions. While it’s okay to treat yourself to certain foods every now and then, it’s also important to remember that the foods you eat can have a domino effect on your health in more ways than one. Therefore, we need to ensure that we’re eating in moderation – and this is something that we should be doing regardless of the time of year or occasion that’s being celebrated.
For example, if you’re craving something sweet, you can swap the sugar-based treats for foods that are naturally sweet – such as fresh fruit, which can be mixed into Greek yogurt or incorporated into other healthy meals, such as salads, to give it a sweet twist. However, eating in moderation isn’t just about the types of foods that you eat. It’s also about portion control.
While eating in moderation is defined as avoiding excessive amounts of calories as well as avoiding particular foods, this can also be subjective. For example, the average adult and youth aged 13 or older need approximately 2,000 calories per day (or approximately 600 calories per meal), while children between the ages of 4 and 12 need around 1,500 calories per day (or 500 calories per meal). That being said, this may vary from person to person as calorie needs are also dependent on ones’ individual nutrition and health needs, and it’s not always a one size fits all approach. Certain factors such as your age, gender, height, and activity level also all play a role in calorie intake. Of course, counting calories isn’t something people always think to pay attention to, which is why portion control is also so important. If you’re dining out, for example, then you have little to no control over the portion of food on your plate (and these portions tend to be larger) – whereas when you’re at home, you have complete control over the foods you cook and how much of what you consume.
The foods you eat also need to have variety to them, and this is equally as important for nutrition as there isn’t just one food group that contains every single nutrient that our bodies need. While eating healthy all the time might sound boring, the more variety there is to the foods you eat…the healthier you will be. For example, make sure the foods on your plate are colourful – i.e., plenty of fruits and vegetables – as well as also being sure to include protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, fish and seafood, eggs, and dairy products, in addition to whole grains. By eating foods from each of these groups, you will be giving your body the essential nutrients that it needs in order to thrive and keep you healthy.
Including variation in your overall, everyday diet and eating in moderation will ultimately help you avoid overconsumption of unhealthy foods and can assist with things like weight loss and/or weight maintenance, along with other healthy lifestyle habits such as getting regular exercise. Combined, eating healthy and living an active lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of things like heart disease, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and more. If you’re having trouble finding the right foods to eat, you could also speak to a dietitian who can help you come up with some personalized meal plans and solutions to get you started in the right direction.
-
Celebrating the Season While Sustaining Your Health
With the arrival of December, it’s a pivotal time to prioritize our health. With the holiday season fast approaching, striking a balance between festive indulgences and maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes crucial. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed 5-point checklist to help you navigate the winter months with vitality and joy.
Staying Flu-Free: A Proactive Approach
The winter season coincides with a rise in flu cases, making it imperative to adopt preventive measures. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against influenza. The flu shot, widely available across Canada, is tailored annually to combat the most prevalent strains. Besides vaccination, simple yet effective hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the flu:
- Frequent Handwashing: Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoiding Touching the Face: Especially the eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent virus transmission.
- Staying Home When Sick: To recover and prevent spreading the virus to others.
Mental Wellness During the Holidays
The holiday season, while joyful, can also be a source of stress and emotional strain. This period can amplify feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Implementing strategies to manage mental health is as vital as physical health:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can alleviate stress.
- Seeking Support: Whether from friends, family, or mental health professionals, reaching out for help is crucial.
- Setting Realistic Expectations: Avoiding the pressure to create a ‘perfect’ holiday can ease mental strain.
Navigating Holiday Eating
Holiday feasts and treats are integral to December’s celebrations, but they can also lead to overindulgence. Balancing these indulgences with healthy choices is key:
- Portion Control: Enjoy festive foods in moderation, savoring smaller portions to avoid overeating.
- Incorporating Nutritious Foods: Ensuring meals include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water, and limiting sugary or alcoholic beverages.
Physical Activity in the Cold Months
Physical activity often takes a backseat during the colder months. However, maintaining an exercise routine is essential for both physical and mental health:
- Indoor Exercise Options: Consider home workouts, joining a gym, or attending fitness classes.
- Embracing Winter Sports: Activities like ice skating, skiing, or snowshoeing can be fun ways to stay active.
- Daily Movement: Simple actions like taking the stairs or short walks can contribute significantly to overall fitness.
Winter Skin Care Essentials
The harsh Canadian winter can be detrimental to skin health. Protecting the skin from the cold and dry air is essential:
- Moisturizing Regularly: Using a good quality moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- Sunscreen Application: UV rays can be harmful year-round, making sunscreen important even in winter.
- Gentle Skin Care Products: Opting for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.
Adopting these practices can significantly enhance your well-being during the holiday season. While it’s a time for celebration and indulgence, keeping these health aspects in mind ensures you enjoy the festivities without compromising your health. Remember, a little preparation and mindfulness can lead to a healthier, happier holiday season.
-
Holiday Health Hazards
While this is the time of year for cheer and celebration, there are also certain things about the holidays that can pose serious risks to your health.
As mentioned in a previous article, during the holidays we tend to overindulge – whether it’s on sweet treats or going for second or third servings of that ham or turkey dinner, the holiday season usually tends to be the most common time of year when people might pack on a few extra pounds. Hence, it’s also the most common time of year for people to make weight loss one of their New Year’s resolutions. While it’s okay to have the odd chocolate or treat during the holidays, you’ll want to make sure it’s done in moderation and that you’re not putting your health at risk – for example, if you’re diabetic.
Depression is also very common during the holidays – and it is often referred to as the ‘holiday blues’. For some people, depression can set in as a result of having too much to do – i.e. having to plan dinner for a large number of guests, having to shop for gifts and brave the busy crowds at the malls, and feeling generally anxious and overwhelmed – to the complete opposite end of the spectrum, such as not having any plans/no one to spend the holidays with. These things can be triggering to some. In many cases, the depression will subside once the holiday season is over. However, for some the depression may persist, which can lead to things like panic attacks as well as thoughts of suicide. If you are suffering from severe depression or suspect that someone you know might be, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, as your mental health should be given the same amount of attention as you would give to all other aspects of your health. In order to treat depression, a patient may be prescribed anti-anxiety medications and/or anti-depressants in addition to referring patients to local mental health services for further evaluation by a professional trained in the mental health field, such as a psychiatrist.
Christmas trees also pose a threat to your health. While many Canadians opt for artificial trees, which can be found at local craft stores or shopping centres, others like the idea of going out and picking their own real tree, which means real pine; but whether you have an artificial tree or a real one, you could still be putting your health at risk, as Christmas trees are one of the leading causes of fires in Canadian households between late November through to the end of December. When it comes to picking out an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled at being fire resistant. You’ll also want to keep your tree, real or fake, away from heat sources (a portable heater, for example). If you suffer from allergies, real trees can also trigger or worsen symptoms – such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. The only way to avoid this is to get an artificial tree.
Last but not least, snow. Everyone dreams of a white Christmas, and while it’s certainly beautiful to look at, it can also be quite hazardous. Not only does it make for bad driving conditions, but it can also be a risk around your own home. Keeping walkways clear of snow and ice reduces your risk of a fall and any bone sprains or breaks.
-
Managing Holiday Stress and Depression
The first step to coping with holiday stress, anxiety, or depression is to acknowledge your feelings. It’s perfectly okay not to feel okay. Bottling up emotions can often intensify feelings of stress or sadness. If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays, remember that it’s a natural response. Grief is personal, and you’re not alone—many others are navigating similar feelings. Recognizing and validating your emotions is a critical part of the healing process.
Holidays often bring families together, which can sometimes lead to tension or conflict. If family dynamics are adding to your stress, try to minimize negative interactions. Save sensitive conversations for another time, and focus on fostering a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere. Keep in mind that family traditions often evolve as families grow and change. Children may become adults, start their own families, or live farther away, leading to new holiday routines. If you’re spending the holidays apart from loved ones, consider creating new traditions and staying connected through phone calls, texts, or emails.
Financial stress is another common challenge during the holiday season, especially with the tendency to overspend. While it’s natural to want to give meaningful gifts, it’s important to stick to a budget and avoid financial strain. Consider thoughtful alternatives like homemade gifts, many of which you can find inspiration for on platforms like Pinterest. Another idea is to make a charitable donation in someone’s name if you’re unsure of what to gift them.
Amidst the holiday hustle, don’t forget to take time for yourself. It’s okay to say “no” to certain demands or commitments. Carving out even 30 minutes a day to focus on yourself can significantly reduce stress. Whether it’s watching your favorite TV show, reading, listening to music, taking a walk, or enjoying a massage, small acts of self-care can go a long way in helping you feel centered and relaxed.
Despite these strategies, it’s important to acknowledge that depression often spikes during the holiday season. If you or someone you know is feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek professional help immediately. There are also numerous mental health resources available to support you—don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
The holidays can be a time of joy, but they can also be overwhelming for some. By prioritizing your mental health and well-being, you can navigate this season with greater ease and focus on what truly matters.
-
Preventing Weight Gain Over the Holiday Season
The holiday season is notorious for indulging in sweet tweets and other foods we should typically stay away from – or, at the very least, only have in moderation. Eating too much of the foods that are considered bad for us (i.e. cookies, fruit cake and other baked goods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates) can cause us to gain a few extra pounds, but there are still ways that you can enjoy the holiday season without worrying about it impacting your waistline or your general health.
For whatever reason, we always tend to eat more food over the holidays. A friend or family member might bring over a tin of cookies, for example, and it’s hard to eat just one. It’s also not uncommon to go for second or third helpings of that Christmas dinner. (Not to mention the leftovers that many of us will have sitting in our fridge.) In fact, research has shown that on Christmas day alone, we consume as much as 3,000 calories in one sitting, which is more than the recommended intake (between 2,000 and 2,800 calories depending on age) for an adult male. Consuming a large holiday feast can also lead to increased fatigue, which also makes you less likely to burn any of it off. Because we tend to sit around more during the holiday season than any other time of year, this combined with a high intake of calories can be a rather unhealthy combination. So, instead of overfilling your plate and eating past the point of being full, I suggest making sure your plate doesn’t have more on it than what a normal meal would. After your first serving, I also suggest taking a short break before going for seconds to see whether or not you’re actually hungry, as it can take the brain some time to register whether or not you’re full. You should also be selective about the foods you eat. For example, do you really need to drench your ham, turkey or other items with gravy? If you don’t need it, don’t have it. The same goes for those box of chocolates and other holiday baked goods.
Alcohol is also common during the holiday season. While 1 or 2 glasses of wine (or other alcoholic beverage) is acceptable, you should never indulge in more than that – especially if weight is something you’re worried about. One 5-ounce glass of wine can have upwards of 160 calories, while things like beer and rum also contain around 100 calories. Some alcoholic beverages are also flavoured, or we mix things like soda and fruit juice with our alcohol, therefore also making them high in sugar. Sugar, as you may know, is considered a carbohydrate, which eventually turns to fat. Staying on the subject of alcohol, it’s also important to remind you that if you are going to be consuming any type of alcoholic beverage and happen to be doing so at a friend’s house, bar, or holiday party, always make sure you have a designated driver. There is often an increase in injuries due to falls, as well as motor vehicle accidents (either causing injury or death) during this time of year with alcohol being a direct cause.
If you think you’ve indulged in a bit too much of the bad stuff during the holidays, don’t worry, as there are things you can do to work it off! With friends and family coming together, getting everyone together to go for a walk after a Christmas meal can not only be a great start to helping you rid your body of those excess calories you’ve consumed, but can give you incentive to continue working out moving forward. As a matter of fact, weight loss is one of the top new year’s resolutions that people set. At the same time, it’s also one of the most common new year’s resolutions that people break. So, if you’re going to set a resolution that involves losing weight, it’s important to also come up with a plan at the same time rather than just writing it down on a list. For example, you should include how much weight you want to lose, when you want to lose it by, and how you intend on reaching those goals. By having a plan, you’ll be able to hold yourself accountable.
-
Men’s Mental Health
There have been many discussions surrounding mental health, mental illness, and the need for increased awareness. However, as many as 40% of men will avoid discussions about their mental health. In Canada alone, 75% of all suicides are men. Globally, a man will die from suicide every minute.
As for why men won’t talk about mental health, the reasons vary. Some want to try to deal with it on their own, they don’t want to be a burden on anyone else, while others say they’re simply too embarrassed and afraid to admit they need the help. In addition, there’s also the negative stigma that still surrounds mental illness to this day despite a great deal of progress being made in effort to end the stigmatization, which also causes people to shy away from having open and honest discussions with their friends, family members, and healthcare providers. Still, that shouldn’t stop you from reaching out for support if you need it, as it’s not a sign of personal weakness. Just as you would take care of every other aspect of your health, such as a broken bone or an infection, your mental health matters just as much and needs to get the same level of attention and care.
The most common types of mental illness that affect men include anxiety, stress and depression. Causes include everything from pressure at work, financial difficulty, or other underlying health problems – while mental illness can also be caused by genetics. Substance use also often co-occurs in men with mental illness, and men are also much more like to engage in substance abuse than women. When you ignore the signs of depression, the condition will only worsen, as will things like substance abuse and other erratic, impulsive behaviours. Mental illness can also have a negative effect on your sleep. In fact, as many as 90% of men with mental health issues say they have trouble sleeping – and that lack of sleep can cause a wide range of problems, including such as lack of clarity, and increased irritability. If you’re having difficulty falling or staying asleep, it’s important to find something you can do to help you relax. A great way to lower your heart rate and calm both the mind and body, thus making it easier for you to sleep, is to practice deep breathing techniques. It’s also not uncommon for a mental illness, such as depression, to decrease your appetite. By eating less, you may actually be depleting your energy, so you should try to get something nutritious in your system, even if it’s something as simple as raw fruits or vegetables. Keep in mind that while some individuals won’t eat when they’re feeling anxious, stressed or depressed, other will turn to food to help them cope – and they’re often the wrong ones (i.e. sugary sweets, carbohydrates), so always make healthy choices. When a man is feeling depressed, they will also be less likely to want to engage in physical activity. Many studies have shown physical activity to improve the mood and relieve stress, not to mention its many other health benefits – and while it may be hard to get or stay motivated, you should try to include some type of physical activity into your daily routine.
Personal relationships can also suffer as a result of mental illness, as men also tend to withdraw from friends and family. However, this may actually make one feel more depressed. Being social when you’re depressed might seem nearly impossible, but it is your social connections that can actually help you fight off a mental illness like depression. It can also help boost your self-esteem, and have an overall positive impact on your mind.
For more information on how mental illness affects men, visit www.headsupguys.org.
-
Preterm Birth: What to Know
An estimated 390,000 babies are born each year across Canada. While the average gestation period that is required in order for a baby to fully grow and develop is 40 weeks, there are cases where babies are born at less than 37 weeks. This is referred to as premature or preterm birth, which accounts for approximately 7.8% of births in the country. On a global scale, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely, with over a million of them not surviving. While there have been many strides made over the years in terms of survival rates in babies born under 37 weeks and with doctors being able to do more to delay early births, North America (the United States, in particular) is still considered to have one of the highest rates of preterm birth compared to other parts of the world.
Whether you’ve experienced preterm birth firsthand or know someone who has, it can be a scary time. Babies that are born early are at a greater risk of developing many different health issues, including respiratory problems (such as not being able to breathe on their own and needing a ventilator), problems with feeding (sometimes requiring the use of a feeding tube), as well as brain bleeds, necrotizing enterocolitis (a condition that affects the bowels), as well as retinopathy of prematurity (an eye disease that can lead to blindness), and more.
In some cases, the reason why a woman may go into preterm labour is unknown. However, there can also be many different causes as to why, including whether or not you are a smoker, drink alcohol or use drugs during pregnancy, are either overweight or underweight, as well as if you have certain health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, preeclampsia, as well as recurring infections.
There are many symptoms that are associated with preterm labour, though they can often mimic normal symptoms of pregnancy. Still, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. Common signs and symptoms of preterm labour include lower backache (that does not ease upon trying things for comfort – it can, however, be constant or come and go), contractions that occur every 10 minutes or more often, lower abdominal cramping (similar to menstrual cramps), leakage of fluid from the vagina and increased vaginal discharge, feelings of increased pressure in the vagina or pelvic area, vaginal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea. As mentioned, contractions are a common sing that you could be going into labour. During a contraction, you will feel your uterus tightening and softening. The closer together your contractions are and the longer those contractions last, the more likely it is that you are in labour. It’s also important to make note of how frequent your contractions are by making note of them on a piece of paper.
Following a preterm birth, it’s not uncommon for parents and families to experience a wide range of emotions, including guilt and depression, as well as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) – and these are feelings that can last for a long period of time. Furthermore, these feelings can be exacerbated as a result of not knowing what to expect. For example, children that are born early may later develop things such as learning disabilities and behavioural issues that may not be easily detectible upon birth nor upon discharge from the hospital. If you are noticing any changes or abnormalities with your child’s ability to learn or with their behaviour, then you should bring this up with both your family physician as well as your child’s paediatrician, as they will be able to make certain recommendations and refer your child to a specialist if necessary.
